2012 ~ A Fond Farewell

It's been an incredibly busy and eventful year for my family and for the Hartley Rowe blog.  Thank you to all of my readers for staying in touch and reading my posts.  I started this blog just prior to the opening of my Etsy Shop in order to showcase my creations.  I also wanted  to write about memories I had of our family growing up and to share projects we attempt, and sometimes complete, around the house.   Each and every post has been a joy to compose and share with you.

I have to also thank my family for sticking with me.  My wonderful husband and my four amazing kiddos have been my ultimate cheerleaders and supporters.  Even this evening, on New Year's Eve, as I work in my workshop, my husband brews my tea and my son stops by to encourage my progress on a project I'm working on for our second oldest son, our newest college grad in the family.  I'll share the completed creation with you next year.....or should I say tomorrow:)  For now, I'm going to go and welcome in the new year with my husband and our youngest birdie who is yet to leave the nest.

So, once again, thank you....from the bottom of my heart for your continued support.  I hope you all have had a wonderful year and are looking forward to many exciting days ahead in the new year.

I wish you all a Blessed 2013!

~ Alison

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!

 This plaque hangs over the pantry door in our kitchen.  We have started decorating our home for the holidays, but this decoration  was not unpacked from one of our 13 boxes of Christmas decorations.  You see, it hangs in our  home year round.  Sure, we bought it for a holiday decoration almost ten years ago, but it has changed into much more than that.  My husband actually found it and had to have it.  I agreed!  I love everything it stands for.  The holidays are a time when friends and family are closer and there is excitement in the air.  However, in early January, when it is time to put away all the decorations, this one does not make it in the boxes.  I decided long ago we should have it displayed year round to help us remember that every day can be the  most wonderful day of the year.  All we need is a little reminder.  So, here we are, 10 Christmases and six houses later, and it is still a reminder that every day is special and any time can be the most wonderful time of the year!

Here are a few pictures taken Thanksgiving weekend as we started our Christmas decorating.

With each Navy  move, we are always faced with the dilemma of where we are going to put our Christmas Tree.  This year we found the perfect North Carolina Fraser Fir at a local tree lot here in San Diego.  Boy was this Carolina girl a happy one!  It was a smaller than usual tree for us, but it was perfect!  We have it in our family room and I smile and think of my childhood every time I walk in the room. 

Below is our sweet kitty cat, Smokey, standing guard (or sleeping on the job) and waiting for Santa Claus.  Our stocking are hung by the chimney with care and our family room is ready for "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year".....now I must finish the rest of the house!

     

I wish you all Happy Decorating, and may every day be the most wonderful time of the year!

~ Alison