Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Gratitude



I brought my husband home from the hospital last Monday,
one week after his heart attack.
He is doing a little better each day & I am so
very grateful to still have him with me.
Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.
It amazes me how even the smallest thing he is able to do now can make me
grateful for this gift of a little more time with him.
Like helping to empty the dishwasher or take out the garbage!
It can be a single moment of time together or a simple, random act of kindness,
like a hug & a whispered "thank you".
Gratitude is such a feeling of pure thankfulness, counting your blessings
& just noticing the simple pleasures.

Gratitude changes your focus from what you lack in life
to the abundance that is already present.



His humor has not left him.
Yesterday, while making his breakfast, I dropped something behind him & startled him.

Immediately, he quipped

"What are you trying to do....give me a heart attack?"

We put up our Christmas tree yesterday.
He was able to assist in draping the pearl garlands &
pointed out several bare spots that needed another ornament.
He's always been good at delegating. *wink*


I will take pictures as soon as the sun returns to Ohio.
It has been very dark & gloomy these past few days &
not conducive to photographs with my antique digital camera.



Prior to his heart attack, I had taken some photos,
hoping to participate in Marty's Cloche Party at A Stroll Thru Life.
He was in the hospital that week & I never got to share them, so here are a few now.

I am also finally getting to participate in Susan's
Deck the Halls Party at her beautiful blog, Thoughts From Over The Rainbow.


Remember I used this apothecary jar with the beaded apples for my sewing friend's luncheon centerpiece.
The attached heart shaped key is actually a bottle opener &
was a favor at hubby's grandson's wedding this past June in Chicago.





















I switched the apples for some white iridescent Christmas bulbs &
used my deckle edge scissors to cut up one of last year's Christmas cards to tie beneath the key.
A bow of white & gold ribbon ties it into the color scheme of my holiday decorations.









I placed a hemstitched linen hand towel that I embroidered
an angel on last year next to it....again, white & gold.




As I walked around the house looking for something that would resemble a cloche,
I thought about this little Christmas tree.
I'm pretty sure it was an Avon collectable item from years ago.
The 3 lights blink in random fashion when the battery switch is turned on &
it looks really pretty sitting on my Mikasa Christmas cake plate.




This could be considered a cloche, don't you think????






On the dining room table, I had another cake plate keeping some homemade kolachi fresh.
I'll try to remember to post the recipe for Foodie Friday.


I made the free standing lace ornament that is tied on top
with my embroidery machine last year &
used the same white & gold wired ribbon to tie it into the color scheme.






That works as a cloche, right?











The frosted glass block next to it was something many of us made when we lived in FL.

Our husbands drilled a small hole in the side....that was the hard part,
as they had to keep pouring water over the drill bit to keep it cool.

We spray painted them to look like they were frosted with snow.

We stuffed a strand of 50 mini lights inside, leaving just the tail of the plug out.
Wrapped them with more wired white & gold ribbon & added a holiday pick.
They look beautiful lit at night but you can't leave them on too long.
Heat builds up, even with just 50 lights & they will burn out quickly if left on too long.





As I continued to walk around, I spied the perfect little cloche that I've own for years!
It sits on an end table next to Miss C's photo.
It is
HER little candy dish....nobody else ever eats the M&M's in there.
I'm surprised her brothers don't devour them but they don't seem interested in it & never touch it.



I moved it over beside the glass block so you can
see just how little it really is.


I switch the colors according to the season & she is always surprised by what she finds.
Last month they were orange & brown.
In the spring, I will do pastels.

I hope to get some more decorations up to share before
hubby's son & wife arrive from Australia for the holidays.


It will truly be a
very special Christmas indeed this year
with a new appreciation for every single day together!






22 comments:

  1. Rett,
    I'm so thankful that your husband has come home. Thank you for reminding each one of us that it is the simple things in life that really matter! God bless... Dee Dee

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  2. Rett, I'm so happy to hear the good news. I know you are so thankful to be home together. I love what you said about gratitude changing ones focus from what one lacks to the abundance of what we have. So true!
    Your cloches are perfect. I think each one qualifies!
    Always a treat to see your beautiful home and to read your words of wisdom. You are a dear!
    All the best to you and your family, and my your husband gain new strength each day.
    Hugs ~ Sarah

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  3. I am so happy to hear your husband is home and on the mend. He sounds like a delightful man!!

    Your cloches all look wonderful. I love the little hand towel with the angel on it that you embroidered. Someone is very talented!!

    Happy holidays, Rett! :-)

    xoxo
    Jane

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  4. Most beautiful words from a most beautiful person! Thank you for the reminder of what really matters, especially at this time of year. My prayers continue for both of you!

    Hugs, Carol

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  5. I'm so glad your husband is doing well. Mine had a serious health issue 6 years ago and I remember how scared I was and how grateful it turned out well. I also remember how nice I was to him the first couple weeks he was home and how glad I was when he went back to work after 6 weeks!

    Sue

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  6. Rett, I'm so happy your husband is home and doing better! :-) I pray his health continues to improve daily.

    And what a cutie your granddaughter is. Love her precious dress with all of the fancy handwork. GORGEOUS.

    And I love your cloches, too. Good job!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  7. Thank you for your sweet compliments on my Christmas decor! I read about your husband and I'm so glad he's ok! My husband recently had a scare too so I know how you feel. Your little hand towel with the angel is so pretty! Love the white and gold, it's so elegant. Merry Christmas! Kristen

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  8. Rett, many prayers of gratitude with you as you celebrate the holiday with your husband this year. I know it will be even more meaningful for you both. HUGS

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  9. Oh Rett, I am so glad to hear the good news that your dear husband is back home with you; what a happy Christmas present that is!

    it surely does change our perspective, doesn't it? I wish him continued recovery! Thank goodness he's still got his sense of humor; that's so important.

    Your cloches are great! Too bad you missed Marty's party, but better late than never. I missed her party too -- I don't have a cloche!

    Blessing and best wishes,
    Cass

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  10. HI!!!
    Yes, we all have so much to be grateful for and when we think we don't, we should be grateful to be alive!!!! from dazed to amazed!!!!!
    Love your decorations, so glad you got to put them out together!!!!
    hugs to you both,
    jamie

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  11. Hi Rett,
    Glad your hubby is home and well !
    I loved seeing your pictures and understand if you need a break - this season goes by so quick and your hubby is more important !
    Hugs and Happy Holidays !
    Kammy

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  12. So good to read that your dh is doing well and has maintained his sense of humor- wise words in your post as usual. You have a very special talent for the right words and a gift for displaying the beautiful areas of your home. Enjoy your time with your family

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  13. Rett, I'm so sorry I haven't checked on you--I had no idea about youe husband's heart attack. I am so happy that he is at home with you and able to laugh! Christmas truly is about gratitude....all the rest is icing on the cake! Love and prayers to you both. ps--thank you so much for taking the time to link to Deck the Halls.

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  14. Rett, it is just so warm and nice to hear you savoring your "moments". Isn't that what life is all about? You certainly have gone all out to make this a special holiday for all around you, your family, and your blogging friends. Thank you so much for sharing your life. I have been thinking about you and Ern every day since the last post. May you both have a blessed and wonderful holiday.

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  15. I am so glad your husband is doing well and at home! Cherish each day with your loved ones. I miss my Amber so much this year :(
    All of your Christmas is lovely! I hope you have a blessed Christmas!
    God Bless,
    Donna

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  16. Dear Rett,
    I'm so pleased to hear that your husband's condition is improving. I've thought of you both so often since you wrote and told me what had happened. I'm glad to hear that his sense of humor is intact (best medicine, according to ancient Reader's Digest tradition!).

    I enjoyed seeing every single one of your beautiful photographs. You're a VERY talented lady.

    Merry Christmas, my friend!

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

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  17. Rett-Even my "delete comment" option had disappeared for a moment--I've gotten rid of it now. I am appalled at someone's thinking that is funny. I hope your husband is continuing to improve and that you have a wonderful visit with your son!

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  18. Rett,
    I am so happy that your sweet husband is home with you and that you can share this special time with him. Your words were just beautiful and struck a cord with me.

    I always love to see how your house is decorated! You have a marvelous touch!

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  19. Rett, Beautiful, everything! You have such great style.

    I am so sorry to hear about your husband, but I share in your gratitude that he has come home nd is improving. I put him on my prayer list and will pray for you both!
    Thank you for your personal and touching post- Some of the things you wrote really impacted me, especially about a not good day.

    God bless you and your husband this Christmas with all of God's great gifts.
    Yvonne

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  20. Everything is just beautiful. I'm so glad Ernie is doing good, and he could help you decorate. Every moment is precious with our loved ones. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  21. HI Rett!!!!!
    How are things going in Ohio with you and that great Hubby of yours?????So happy he is there with you and can enjoy life together forever!!!!!Did you get alot of snow last weekend????? I hope you have a beautiful white Christmas!!!!!Makes it so magical!!!! I can only dream of it!!!!
    I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Healthy Happy New Year!!!!
    hugs,
    jamie

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  22. with everything you have going on its nice to see you sharing so many pretty things! just wanted to wish you and your husband a wonderful christmas, i am sure this will be one of the most special and something you will always cherish, wishing good health and happiness to you family, merry christmas, jain.

    ps thanks for sharing at food with style too!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~