Monday, November 18, 2013

It's a Family Thing

Oh my I have not posted in 10 days, yikes!

Last weekend I was at 1515 so we could celebrate my cousins birthdays.
Marty's birthday is 11-11 I try to focus on her birthday since is is also the day my Mother died.

I have been bad, and have been watching all the Christmas movies on Hallmark.
One movie said " a Christmas tree is meant to be decorated by a family"

Oh how those words are true.
I bought a artificial tree at 1515, trying to save time and money.
Sheryl explaining how you fluff the tree

Marty and Fred light it up

ornament sorting
all vintage shiny brites!
more family fluffing
the next morning Marty and Mary putting on the tinsel
I love this picture, makes me think of them by the tree in the same spot in the 
1940's



the finished product, with the exception of the star at the top.

We had a big dinner I fixed them, why not eat off the Christmas china?
Swiss steak, green bean casserole, and mashed potato's
we held hands around the table and prayed

Marty opened gifts
Then cousin Fred tried on Mary's present a weaved basket!
he was asking "please" for the chocolate cake!

It has been so hard financially to hold on to 1515.
Some days I think it is selfish to have a home I only go to once or twice a month.
It would be so much easier for Mr. and I not to have the burden.
When I bought it in 2009 we were in so much better off financially.

But then I get this

"You young cousins do so much for me making my life enjoyable. I can't imagine living life without you. I love you all very much"

Cousin Fred reminded me WHY we have this home, I cried and realized it is hard, but the joy this home brings to me in others can not be counted in dollars.

It can only be counted in
"I love you's"

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann! Oh, bless your heart. Do and your hubby are such wonderful souls to keep the house for your family members to come and celebrate. I can tell your family has such a good time there and you think of all the things to make it even more special. A belated happy birthday to your cousin. How come you're never in the pictures? ;)
Thanks for popping in to see me Tilda.
be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Pat said...

Ann,
You've decked the tree @ 1515 with vintage style, dear friend!!!
This post touched my heart and soul and brought a tear or two to my eye!!! Family ties are so~o~o very important. God bless you and Husband as you continue on with 1515 as long as financially possible!!!
You are such a blessing to your family. . .and to me!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Susie said...

Ann, You are the keeper of the house and family.....I know you do the family history. Wish you were my sister.:):) Blessings to all of you, xoxo,Susie
p.s. glad you are safe

Marissa said...

Ann~ What a beautiful tree you have decorated!
I love it when family comes together for tree decoration a beautiful tradition.

Lottie said...

Oh please,Ann, please give Cousin Fred another piece of chocolate cake!
What a lovely post about family, especially photos of your Christmas tree.

ann said...

1515 is such a wonderful gift to your family. Family houses get lost. I had a chance to visit my grandmother's house once when it was on the market. My aunt and toured it. I could remember every nook, cranny, and corner that I explored as a child. The house had been updated and there were some changes, but the memories were so strong, still are. You are so very lucky. Christmas 1946 I was 5 days old.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh Ann, I do love seeing pictures of 1515! I understand what you are saying. I must tell you that hubby and I could have bought our family home when we were first married. I was the last to get married and mom and dad were downsizing. I thought I would want a home of my own some day. What was I thinking? Biggest mistake I ever made. No regrets, but lots of fond memories. Still, wish we had bought it. Not to mention that the people who bought it sold it for double the price in 3 or 4 years. I agree, decorating the tree is much more fun when you have family. I think of when my kids were young. Oh how fun it was!
hugs,
Jann

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Such a sweet post Ann! I love that picture of the 40's tree, everyone had the same ugly duckling trees back then! Think it's super that you used the Christmas china and tablecloth too, just love that. Yummy, dinner looks great too.

Sorry to hear it has put a burden on you, but you are bringing so much happiness to the family. Maybe you could put a cute little "we accept donations" basket at the door? :) Pam

NanaDiana said...

You are a good soul to continue to hold that house and keep traditions. Family is what life is really about. Cheryl looks like a hoot and a half to me!;>) xo Diana

Donna said...

You and your family have so many wonderful traditions, Ann! And so many happy memories. It's so neat that you all enjoy each others company, and have so much fun! Not all families enjoy being together, you are blessed:)

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh I love the Christmas tree 46
how pretty
I just has a birthday born in 46 I was now you know i'm an old lady LOL

I love how your family does things together you are very lucky to have family close

Vanessa said...

Aw, the tree is beautiful. Kind of want to start one with my roomie/boyfriend now :)

Sally Annie Magundy said...

I love this post Ann, so very sweet and precious.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and all your dear ones!