Friday, December 21

Show and Tell Friday

Boy, Friday seems to be coming around faster each week. Next week at this time, we will be on our way to Florida. Please pray that the weather holds out for us to get into the southern US. Last time we went, we were three hours aways from home and hit a huge snowstorm. I75 was closed by the time we reached Monroe, Michigan. I would rather not drive in those conditions with the boys in the van, so prayers would be much appreciated.

Now, on with Show and Tell, which is hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home. If you would like to participate, please visit her blog for more information.

Earlier in the week I showed you some things my hubby bought me. Today I'd like to show and tell you about some Christmas decorations that are precious to me. They are all part of my Christmas village.

First is the Santa Claus that Brandon and Jordan gave me about seven years ago. I love him and he is so much more precious because the boys made him with a little help from Mom. Remember they would have been only 5 and 3 years old. They did a great job.


Next is the red barn that Mom gave to me three years ago. Being a farm girl, she thought it would add a unique twist to my village and so it does. I love it.

Beside the barn sits a windmill and just near it, drinking from the creek is a doe and a fawn, which was given to me by the boys.

Then there's the farm house. Mom made this when she was into ceramics and she did a great job. It will always be a part of Christmas for me.


A village just wouldn't be the same without a train. This is one that Dwight's mother gave to us the first year we were married. The boys both love trains and this is a special piece to all of us.



Then there is the Post Office and the Carriage Maker building that Dwight gave to me a few years ago. They are an integral part of an old fashioned village.

The snow couple beside the Post Office was another gift from the boys. Don't they look happy while strolling along in the snow?


Santa has been talking to the kids outside of the Carriage Maker's shop. He is bald. hehe. I guess he forgot his hat. I hope he doesn't catch cold. Who would deliver all of the presents on Christmas Eve if Santa got sick?


Above is the entire village lit up at night. That is a Santa in the window, but I have him facing onto the street. He lights up as well and I have no way of hiding the cord. Notice the stone bridge across the stream just to the right of the barn. The boys wanted a creek in the village three years ago, so I went to the dollar store and bought some turquoise tissue paper. I cut it and we lay it under the snow. It looks very authentic. You can see it in a couple of the photos above. Right behind the Post Office and in front of the train. How lovely that the train runs along the creek. Now all I need to do is find some skaters.

Believe it or not, Brandon and Jordan put this all together. Grandpa and I unpacked the village and the boys set it up. Then Grandpa plugged in all the buildings. This is a Christmas tradition at our house. The boys always set up the village after Grandma places the snow and the creek.

It was lots of fun watching the boys rediscover each new piece. There is a church that goes with the village, but so far we haven't come across it this year. I'm going to have to dig deeper into the closet where I keep all of the Christmas decorations. Brandon really wants the church to be a part of the village since we aren't having a Christmas tree this year.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the very special Christmas decorations that I've collected over the years. It just wouldn't be Christmas without them.

Thank you for stopping by. May the Light of Christmas shine in your homes and your hearts this holiday season. ~Blessings, Mary~

49 comments:

  1. Mary, this is a beautiful village! How fun for you & your family to collect pieces and set them up each year. I bet they will become such a part of your family's memories of Christmas. Thanks for sharing these today!

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  2. Becky,

    I got this posted just in time for you to drop in. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the village. Many of the pieces were gifts that are very special to me. It is a big part of our family's Christmas traditions and one day the boys will remember setting up the village with Grandma and Grandpa.

    Blessings for a very Merry Christmas.

    Mary

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  3. I love your village and the fact that you set it up with the boys. That's a great tradition.
    Praying your trip goes well and you have no storms to contend with. If you should find yourself in a strom near Grand Rapids Michigan - I'm not too far away! You can bunk down here!

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  4. Ohhhhhhh, Mary, this is just so wonderful! I love the barn so much. What a unique and fabulous idea. It's so fitting [I'm a farmer's granddaughter] ---I love it.

    Yes, I do hope you have a safe and wonderful trip to Florida. I just got off the phone with my sister who lives in Colorado. She's older than I am and she and her hubby are retired and travel a lot...this year for Christmas they're going to cross the Great Divide [they live in Western Colorado] and go way east. I had been to the bank earlier and on CNN they had how bad the I-70 is by Eisenhower Tunnel [at the Divide]...heavy, heavy snowfall and if you've ever been on the interstate coming from the West to the East near where I lived, Denver ---it's a very STEEP incline. Why even during the summer when the road is clear of ice/snow --it's dangerous. They have many emergency ramps for semi trucks because of the incline. Well, to make this short, I was hoping she was going to tell me that they decided to stay home, but no -----they leave tomorrow. I just hope that they'll be safe on the ice and the mountain passes.

    Sorry, I gabbed too much, but when you mentioned the snow storm in Michigan....

    Happy, happy evening to you. Will 'see you again later...


    Loved your show n tell.

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  5. Mari,

    I'm glad you enjoyed the village and the tradition behind it.

    What a generous offer. The last time we went, we did get snowbound in Michigan. I'm praying it doesn't happen this time.

    Love and blessing for a Merry Christmas.

    Mary

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  6. Anni,

    I have never been to Colorado, but am hoping to visit one day. I've heard the scenery is magnificient.

    I will keep your sister and her husband in my prayers and hope she has an enjoyable and safe trip. Don't worry about gabbing, I always enjoy our visits.

    Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Mary

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  7. Thanks for sharing this village with us mary, everything is so lovely. Your grandsons are so sweet to set it up for you. I am praying for you to have a very safe trip. I love you.

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  8. Denise,

    Thank you for your kind comments on the village and for our trip. I always enjoy visiting with you.

    I do hope you are feeling better. May the Light of Christmas shine brightly upon you and Eddie this Christmas season and throughout 2008.

    Love and hugs,
    Mary

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  9. HI Mary, I found you thorough another blog, so stopped to look. Such a lovely village you have & sounds like the family enjoys setting it up..
    Blessings to you & a safe trip....

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  10. MOST lovely dear Mary!!
    I just love the Christmas season
    and all the decorating that goes with it.

    love, deena

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  11. You have such a sweet Christmas village. It is a special tradition that the boys help set it up. Travel blessings.

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  12. Nancy,

    So nice to meet you. I will stop by shortly for a visit.

    Thanks for your kind comments on the village and also your blessings for a safe trip.

    Merry Christmas
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  13. Deena,

    I too love Christmas. The village looks so pretty at night all lit up and knowing how much effort the boys put into it makes it even more special.

    Hope you are feeling great. You are in my prayers, as always.

    Love and hugs,
    Mary

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  14. Kathy,

    Thank you for your kind comments and for the wish of travel blessings. I'm glad you enjoyed learning about our Christmas village tradition. It is more special because the boys set it up. Each year it is different as they let their imaginations run wild.

    Merry Christmas,
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  15. Hi Mary,
    I love your little village. So much fun. Have a wonderful Christmas with all your loved ones! Blessings...

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  16. I just adore Christmas villages. Your collection is very nice!

    I just thought I would drop in before I left on my Christmas trip and wish you and yours a
    Very~Merry~Christmas!!

    Love & Hugs,
    Tammy

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  17. Ellen,

    Thanks for dropping by and leaving the well wishes and blessings. It's much appreciated.

    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  18. Tammy,

    Thanks so much for your kind and loving comments. I wish you a safe trip and a wonderful Christmas.

    Love and hugs,
    Mary

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  19. What a darling villiage you have! How wonderful to have pieces handmade by your grandkids!

    Merry Christmas!

    :0) Sharon

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  20. Sharon,

    I have lots of things the boys have made me. When Brandon was in kindergarten, he made me a Christmas tree ornament out of a walnut. He glued green beads on it and a ribbon for a hanger. Since we aren't having a tree this year, it is safely packed away.

    Both boys made stars for my Christmas tree out of cardboard and tin foil. The hangers are yarn. They have a special spot on the tree every year also. I just love all of the things the boys make me.

    Merry Christmas, dear friend. May the Light of Christmas shine in your heart and home this holiday season.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  21. Mary,
    Lovely village....so attractively displayed.....

    I think the canine angel came either from T J Maxx or Rosses....I've had it two or three years....

    Thank you for visiting with me...Betty

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  22. Good Evening Mary,
    OH MY GOSH, what a beautiful village you have. I love, love, love, the red barn. I have never seen anything like that before. It is just beautiful. I love how you used the blue tissue for the pond. I would have never thought of that. I bet it is beautiful lit up at night. Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas Village with us. That is so neat that the boys set it up for you and making it a tradition. I still don't have my village up yet. I doubt it will get put up this year. Oh well. We have been shopping tonight for the girls. We got it all done. Nothing expensive except for their one Big Gift, but little things they can use. We didn't get them any clothes because my Parents and Sister has bought them quite a few already. I didn't want to buy them any because I didn't want to get the same thing and I sure didn't want to take it back after Christmas. I did do a post today, but I don't think I will have the time till after Christmas. I have so much to do and very little time to get it done. I have got to get the girls stuff wrapped before they get home tomorrow afternoon. I will surely keep praying that yall have a safe trip to Florida and then back home. I do hope you are planning on taking lots of pictures to share with us. Take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours. "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to you and yours from our Family.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  23. Great village and I can imagine the boys rediscovering each piece. I'm still to nervous to put out any of my pieces around my two, but soon enough they will be able to enjoy them with me.

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  24. Saturday morning....and I slept well, but too long I think, I feel more like a zombie.

    Just wanted to let you know, 'nope, nothing in the snail mail yet.'

    But I promise, I will let you know.

    Happy weekend. I'm staying home today --they're predicting a MOB all over the city. With that, I become a recluse. LOL

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  25. Betty,

    So nice to see you here. I've never seen anything like that canine angel.

    Thanks so much for your kind words about the village. The boys did a fine job this year. They are very creative and this year I didn't have to coach them at all.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours. May abundant blessings come your way.

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  26. Oh Mary I really love your entire village. You have so many stories to tell about the pieces which really makes it special. Thank you so much for sharing them all with us.

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  27. Karen,

    Thank you for the kind and loving comments on my village. Yes, it has turned into a tradition, which is very nice. The boys did a great job this year with no coaching from Grandma. They are getting older and have great imaginations. They have helped with the village their entire lives. I love doing this with them.

    Thanks so much for your wishes for a safe holiday. I certainly will be taking lots of photos to share with my readers when we get home.

    CHRISTmas blessings to you and your family. May the Light of Christmas shine in your hearts and your home.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  28. tj,

    I've had my village out since the time the boys were little, but had to watch them way back then, especially around that train. Brandon always wanted to carry it around when he was a toddler.

    Thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed your visit and wish you Christmas blessings.

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  29. Mary, again I compliment you on your beautiful village....I'm sorry to say that I haven't unpacked my Christmas village.....maybe next year.

    I so appreciate you coming to visit with me and all the nice things you've said...The Lord is so very gracious to me and my family...although we have adversity from time to time, our wonderful Lord sees us through....

    Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones.....Betty

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  30. Anni,

    Thanks for stopping by. I too slept way in this morning and that isn't good. It can make you feel groggy all day.

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  31. Jackie,

    I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos of the village and the story behind them. It is very special to me.

    Blessings and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
    Mary

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  32. Mary...I adore your Christmas village and the boys did a wonderful job. I collect "library" buildings from Christmas village sets and someday I just might have the energy to display and photograph them. Thanks for sharing your wonderful holiday traditions with us.

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  33. Betty,

    We all face adversity. Right now I'm facing some as well, but God is such a wonderful Father and provides our every need.

    I wish that 2008 is an outstanding year for you.

    Thanks again for the wonderful compliments on the village. I certainly enjoyed seeing your beautiful cottage.

    Love and blessings,
    Mary

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  34. Joan,

    I didn't see a library this year, but that is one piece I don't have. How nice that you collect them. That would make a great display and I hope that one day you will share them.

    Merry Christmas, my friend. May the Light of Christmas shine in your heart and your home.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  35. What a pretty village. I have a Dickens one and it's such fun to discover every year, after being packed away.

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  36. Just take it slow and try not to rush. I am sure you will have a great trip. However, I will pray for the Lord's protection. When we travel knowing that folks are praying for our safety always puts my heart at ease. We travel a lot!

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  38. Morning Glory,

    The Dickens village pieces are so pretty and it is fun rediscovering them each Christmas. The boys love setting it up and I enjoy watching them do it.

    Christmas blessings to you and yours.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  39. Edge of Design,

    Hubby always wants to rush, but I've told him that this time we are not. He has agreed. The boys will need time to get out and stretch their legs and burn off some of the excess energy. We are planning on taking our time going and Brandon wants to stop at Washington DC on the way back. We are planning to do that. If the boys visit historical places, they won't be marked absent from school for the two or three days they will miss. So we are going to do Disney World and Washington.

    Merry Christmas, my friend.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  40. Just beautiful! May all your days be merry and bright.
    love and hugs, bj

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  41. I love your village. How beautiful.

    Blessings,
    ~Jane

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  42. BJ and Jane,

    Thank you for your comments on the village. May you both have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  43. Mary - Your village is beautiful and so full of memories.

    Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

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  44. Merry Christmas dearest Mary! Such a beautiful village filled with so many memories behind each piece. It truly is magical and I love the fact that the boys are the ones who set it up every year, a tradition they will always remember:-) xoxo

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  45. What a great Show and Tell, Mary! I Love your Christmas village! I have one, too.

    I wanted to let you know I finally finished and posted my 12 Christmas Things About Me Huppla meme you tagged me for. Enjoy :-)

    Christmas Smiles,
    Michele

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  46. I love all your pictures!
    I have always wanted a village and I love how all your pieces have memories attached to them.

    I pray you have a safe uneventful drive. We will be in the 50's for Christmas day. Maybe we will radiate the warmth upward.;)

    Merry Christmas girl!
    Sweet times with family.

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  47. Lynn,

    Thank you so much. The village will always be special to me because the boys set it up.

    Pea,

    It is magical and the lights are a little brighter in the village because of the fact that the boys have always set it up. They did a great job this year.

    Michele,

    I loved your Christmas hoopla and thanks so much for your kind comments on the village.

    Sharon,

    I do hope that one day you get to have a Christmas village. I have been collecting these pieces for many years. I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos.

    How wonderful that all of my beautiful friends have stopped by to see me. That is the best Christmas gift of all. May each of you find happiness, joy and laughter around your Christmas tree and may the Light of Christmas shine brightly in your hearts and homes.

    Love and hugs,
    Mary

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  48. Really nice! Hope you made it before the storms came.
    Susan

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  49. I love the village and your tradition of setting it up. That was an ingenious way to do the creek! And gifts from kids always have a special place in the heart.

    Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts

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