House From Sticks~Christmas
December 11, 2015
Welcome to our French Country Home Christmas.
We haven't quite moved in, there are still many last minute touches, but all in all this new home of ours is taking shape.
This Christmas Tale began about 2 months ago when Stacey from
Poofing The Pillows extended her warm and caring Texas hand of friendship, and invited twenty plus Texas bloggers to come together to share their Christmas cheer.
I was thrilled when she issued the invite and in my mind's eye I have been preparing for this
Blog Hop for quite some time.
I recall envisioning myself in our new French Country Style Home sitting by a perfectly
dressed Christmas Tree, a roaring fire, boxwood wreaths on each window and maybe even a hot cocoa station nestled among greenery on the Butlers Pantry.
Well, that is not going to happen this week, so we have moved on to~
"Keep Calm and Go To Plan B."
So right this minute we are in a Hotel Room, with all of the things from our apartment in the
garage of our new home.
We do have some stockings hung with care though...and there are very Merry Elves
which are up to all types of mischief.
It seems fitting for this Texas Christmas post to include a patriotic Flag of our great state.
This flag will be replaced with other decor when our household goods are delivered on Friday, scratch that, Monday...oh not yet, but Tuesday.
We do not have our Christmas Tree yet, but what we do have, are many Cedar Trees in the
backyard and they are serving as Mother Nature's Christmas Tree.
While our kitchen appears to be complete we have cabinets without glass or knobs and yet we have fully operable microwave, and built in oven, but no stove or refrigerator.
The strangest things happen when building a new home.
Partial deliveries are made, a few windows are washed at a time, some doors are painted and some are not.
Sometimes this has all seemed like a dream.
We may be short on a home to live in, but we still have joy in our hearts.
Even a fully functional Master bathroom waits for us...whoo hoo!
Including a window with a view.
Even my paperwhites survived the move and are thriving.
Keeping mindful for the reason for the season, and wishing each one of you
a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for joining me today!
We haven't quite moved in, there are still many last minute touches, but all in all this new home of ours is taking shape.
Poofing The Pillows extended her warm and caring Texas hand of friendship, and invited twenty plus Texas bloggers to come together to share their Christmas cheer.
I was thrilled when she issued the invite and in my mind's eye I have been preparing for this
Blog Hop for quite some time.
I recall envisioning myself in our new French Country Style Home sitting by a perfectly
dressed Christmas Tree, a roaring fire, boxwood wreaths on each window and maybe even a hot cocoa station nestled among greenery on the Butlers Pantry.
Well, that is not going to happen this week, so we have moved on to~
"Keep Calm and Go To Plan B."
So right this minute we are in a Hotel Room, with all of the things from our apartment in the
garage of our new home.
We do have some stockings hung with care though...and there are very Merry Elves
which are up to all types of mischief.
It seems fitting for this Texas Christmas post to include a patriotic Flag of our great state.
This flag will be replaced with other decor when our household goods are delivered on Friday, scratch that, Monday...oh not yet, but Tuesday.
We do not have our Christmas Tree yet, but what we do have, are many Cedar Trees in the
backyard and they are serving as Mother Nature's Christmas Tree.
While our kitchen appears to be complete we have cabinets without glass or knobs and yet we have fully operable microwave, and built in oven, but no stove or refrigerator.
The strangest things happen when building a new home.
Partial deliveries are made, a few windows are washed at a time, some doors are painted and some are not.
Sometimes this has all seemed like a dream.
We may be short on a home to live in, but we still have joy in our hearts.
Even a fully functional Master bathroom waits for us...whoo hoo!
Including a window with a view.
Even my paperwhites survived the move and are thriving.
Keeping mindful for the reason for the season, and wishing each one of you
a very Merry Christmas!
Labels:
Homemaking|Christmas,
I know you had hoped to be in your house today Jemma. It must be frustrating, as I know you're anxious to decorate and celebrate Christmas in your new, beautiful home. You have the right attitude though. It WILL happen, and when it does these few extra days (or weeks!) of delay won't matter in the big picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you Doreen, in all honesty putting this post together helped me get it together. I sort of had a little melt down the other day!
DeleteFrom everything I see, your new home is gorgeous. What a journey it has been. It seems to me, the house went up fast, but I am a bystander. Love the look! Even with things missing, you are finally in your new home, just in time for a wonderful Christmas. In no time at all, everything will be perfect and complete. Merry Christmas sweet friend. xo
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI really do think that in retrospect-when I get there-Lol, it has been a very smooth process and gone along quickly and quite painlessly. I believe my frustration is in relation to Christmas and wanting everything "perfect."
Thank you for such sweet words, dear friend.
xo
Well your home is just lovely! And your kitchen is beautiful despite having no stove. Or maybe because you have no stove LOL Our last home we moved in right before Christmas...Oy! Next year you'll look back on this and laugh.;-)
ReplyDeletePS I see you're keeping the elves happy!
Lisa,
DeleteMy elves and me, and you are right, maybe not having to cook, are keeping this Texas gal smiling:)
GOOD MORNING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell Jemma, these photos are enough for me now, building up a very special Christmas suspense for me and your readers. That kitchen; my heart just sank. That is my dream kitchen, and though I've tried my best to make my little cottage kitchen FRENCH and have succeeded to a point, I can see that there are little tricks that I can apply to make it even more so....your design is terrific, and I can see you have the best of materials! THAT TILE! AHHHH! The chandelier is gorgeous, and your cabinetry is so perfect. This will be one Christmas that will extend out the entire year for you as soon as you get in! My fingers are crossed that your Christmas Eve and day are spent in this marvelous abode! BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Good Morning Dear Friend,
DeleteWell, in a "perfect," world I would have enjoyed having a Christmas Tree to decorate and share, but I suppose it was not meant to be. Thank you for your sweet friendship and for enjoying my new Kitchen, I wish you lived close by so I could prepare a meal for you in it!
We allowed ourselves some splurges on the house and the kitchen is one of them-I even got to have a Farmhouse sink...my heart skips a beat:)
Thank you for your well wishes for our Christmas celebrations!
Joyce, you sweet thing! I can't believe you pulled together a post when you are in the midst of all of this. You know, I realize we aren't supposed to covet and I have a beautiful kitchen...but that kitchen of yours is to die for!! Thank you so much for being an important part of this blog hop. ♥
ReplyDeleteStacey,
DeleteYou are too kind! Well, I suppose Texans just pull it together and do what they can do! I wish I could have had more goodness to share, but if we do this again, I promise I will next year! Thank you for assembling us together and creating such a warm and caring community.
Oh what bits and pieces you've shown of your home are fantastic! I remember having to change to a different tub/shower unit in one house we built because the right one was going to take weeks to come in and we couldn't wait. There are always unexpected delays aren't there. Love love love your kitchen! You're going to feel like a queen when you move in and start to live there!
ReplyDeleteLiz,
DeleteYou do know, the frustration that accompanies building a new home. There are many small aggravations and one wonders what is going on. All and all it has been quite smooth-I will just be so glad when I am in this home of mine!
Thank you for your kind comments about my new kitchen, I am so excited to bake my first batch of cookies!
Oh my goodness.
ReplyDeleteThat kitchen.
How much fun you are going to have!
One of the great rewards of this blog hop is making new friends.
I am so glad we all did that and in our great state no less!
I will be thinking of you as you wait on your deliveries.
Don't overdo!
Laura
Laura,
DeleteOh girl, I have purchased a whole new set of pots and pans and they are being delivered today!! Can't wait to fire up that range (when it finally arrives)
Thank you so much for your sweet visit!
Hi Jemma, WOW you presented us with a special post filled with beauty. Your new home is gorgeous and every detail stunning. I love your kitchen as it is beyond beautiful and the cabinets are perfection. What a blessing for Christmas as the completion continues and you walk into your new home to stay. You pulled off a fabulous post for our tours in Texas and left us with wanting more. God Bless you in your new home soon and thank you for the little peek. Blessings to you my Texas neighbor!! xo
ReplyDeleteSweet Texas Friend!
DeleteGood Morning and how lovely it is to see you.
We do what we can do with what we have, I nearly backed out of doing a post as my anxieties nearly got the best of me.
This tour has been a delightful journey and I loved the opportunity to bond with so many of these Texas gals.
Oh my. I can't wait to see more of this gorgeous home. What counter tops did you use in the kitchen?
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be amazing once you have moved it. Blessings to you.
Katie
Let's Add Sprinkles
Katie,
DeleteGood Morning! Aw...thank you, you are such a sweetie. It has been a fun and frustrating journey all in one.
We used river white granite on the Kitchen countertops, as you can see it has a lovely vein of gray running through it. I love it!
Good Morning Jemma. We have done just that...moved from Texas to Maine over Christmas...I think you have done a simply beautiful job with this post. It was simply magical with all the feelings of joy anticipating your beautiful new home. Best wishes on the final move in....and thank you ever so much for being part of this lovely bloghop! Merry, merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lovely home with us. Hasn't this been such an exciting and fun journey this week, so much talent. I am so thankful that Stacey put this together for us!
DeleteOh, you do know the trials and tribulations of moving and even a long distance, I cannot even imagine that undertaking...
Thank you so much for your well wishes too and Merry Christmas!
I can see you are truly going to have your dream home when this is done. I enjoyed the Christmas peek into it today and look forward to following your progress.
ReplyDeleteEilis@MyHeartLivesHere
We are having a good time, now it is time to move in and move forward!
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Thanks so much for sharing a peek into your beautiful new home. We just moved to Texas from NJ and are building too! We are in an apartment as we wait. Your photos are so lovely and your selections are gorgeous. I'm excited to follow you as you make your house a home! Merry Christmas.....Kathleen
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
DeleteWelcome, welcome to this bigger than life State. There is so much to do here and have you tried Tex-Mex yet?? Housing options are wonderful. I hope that you are finding everything that you need and if you need any tips from an experienced builder person let me know.
Thank you for your sweet comments!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh I remember living in a one room hotel with four people and two dogs for 6 weeks while I tried to make Storybook Cottage even livable. But good things do come to those who wait and I can see that your new home will truly be a dream home.
ReplyDeleteI come right before you on the tour and have happily linked to your blog.
Love and joy to you this holiday season.
It is quite amazing at what we go through to spruce up our homes and make them ours. However in the end, it is a wonderful experience to make a house truly a home, stamped with our own unique style. This has been such a delightful Texas Christmas event and I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet other bloggers from our State!
DeleteI love your new home and I especially love how you have brought Christmas and color into it -- the poinsettias look especially wonderful against the white and the bright green of the paperwhite stems is a perfect contrast. Elves and a tree -- you are ready for the holiday even if you are still in camping out mode! I am so very, very happy for you. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie,
DeleteIt is just about "show time!" Well, at least as soon as the range is in and I have my cookie sheets and roasting pans!
Thank you for your sweet comments!
Oh, my, goodness! Jemma! I am so happy for you! The meals and gatherings you are going to have in your beautiful kitchen and home! So beautiful! I have so enjoyed our Christmas in Texas tour! Feel free to share this at my Make it Pretty party if you have time. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-160.html Have a lovely weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteHi Kathryn,
DeleteThank you bunches! We hope we have created the welcoming space that you have described so that when all of our children and grandchildren come see us they will feel comfortable and at home.
Well I really admire you decorating the best you can while living in a hotel room! That is commitment! I can tell your home is going to be absolutly stunning!!! Your new kitchen is 2 die 4!!! I hope you get to move in soon! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
DeleteJust give me a task and I will do my very best to complete it!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful visit.
Merry Christmas!
Well, it is spectacular in its semifinished state. I can only imagine what it will look like when you move on in!! Merry Christmas and happy decorating!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, I'll be decorating away and hopefully very soon!
DeleteJemma! I love the pics so far and I DO feel your anxiety with regards to the house. This time last year I was a basket-case:\ We are still fine tuning as we put a hold on things (AKA ..ran of money) The kitchen looks so pretty and I see you have a pot filler! I love mine and use it so much;)
ReplyDeleteHave fun this weekend.
Leslie,
DeleteI remember your construction from last year and how beautiful your kitchen is! I just bet that these pot fillers are so handy, I am excited to give mine a try.
You are one brave girl for decorating before moving in and posting about it. Thank you for sharing on the Texas Blog Hop. I can't wait to see your beautiful home after you've moved in.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteIt all ended up being therapeutic for me, I would take a photo here and there and then write a bit!
Thanks again and I sure did enjoy your post on cocktails for the Holidays!
This is such an exciting time for you. Even though everything is not quite finished ~ you have already started to fill the house with love and good cheer and it is quickly becoming your home. I love the Christmas touches you have added and it is clear to see that this is the start of something really grand. I wish you and your family the Merriest Christmas and the creation of many happy memories to come. I will be following your progress and cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteBig Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Hi Susan,
DeleteThank you so much for your inspirational comment, it was perfectly timed after my days of fretting about every little detail and feeling as though nothing was coming together. This is my goal to create timeless memories for all.
Merry Christmas!
You just can't rush moving into this beautiful home of yours Jemma. You will settle in carefully I know, and you will find a perfect place for everything, which is your decorating magic. What a home you have made ... what wonderful memories will fill these rooms! Don't feel anxious about Christmas decorating. Do what you can, but just getting into the house at long last as going to be the best present of all. I think a batch of Christmas cookies wouldn't go amiss though. With the smell of fresh baked cookies it will life everyone's spirits even if the final details aren't quite in place. Enjoy and hugs to you on this special occasion :) Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDelete~Wendy x
Wendy,
DeleteYou have such an innate common sense approach to life and I love it! I have another good friend that tells me the same thing-savour it all, don't rush, embrace and just sit back and enjoy.
I just bet a little baking, (in the range/oven I don't yet have) will settle my mind down!
Merry Christmas to you too,
xx
Jemma
Your new home is so incredibly beautiful...I was just showing the photos to my hubby. :-) We love your kitchen and that big tub! I know you can't wait to move in.
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteI think it is going to a fun kitchen for cooking and a great tub for soaking in after a long day in the yard!
Your new home looks absolutely glorious, Jemma!! I truly can't wait to see it with all your warm and welcoming touches throughout! I'm sure you are more than anxious to move in at this point....the waiting is sooooooo hard!!! Big hugs your way, my friend - stay strong and stay calm. You're nearly there! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI just hope it becomes the place where love grows strong and I am able to bake, garden and enjoy the beauty of nature!
DeleteThank you for your sweet friendship:)
xoxox
Jemma
Your home is wonderful, Jemma. Your kitchen is light and airy, and I love the pops of red for Christmas. That looks like marble counter tops? I really like the plaid reindeer pillow, so cute. Oh, you are going to have a great time cooking and baking in your kitchen. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
I am so relieved that it is light and airy, I was worried that it wasn't go to be that way.
DeleteI hope to be baking in just a few days, sweet Sheri!
I am smiling at your making lemonade out of life's lemons!!! You are wonderful to be so upbeat!!
DeleteI have moved at Christmas before, so I totally understand the problems you are facing!!
Blessings dear girl,
J
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteA home of carefully thought out design with living, enjoying and soon filling its structure with love. I knew those paper whites would thrive for they too are awaiting Christmas 2015 in a beautiful home. You are adorning your home with Christmas cheer as anticipation grows to the countdown of loving, living and dwelling. Wishing you joy and happiness and I'd love to come cook along side of you in your stunning/gorgeous and amazing new kitchen. Love your Carrara marble subway tiles backsplash its in our bathroom shower.
xoxo,
Vera
Dear Vera,
DeleteThese paper whites really are waiting for Christmas, now this truly has significant meaning, doesn't it...You know my heart so well.
They just put the Carrara marble subway tile backsplash in a few days ago and I am thrilled with the overall look.
Just a few more days and will be in our room, decorating the Christmas Tree and waiting for our family to join us.
Wishing you a joyous Season of love and joy as well, my kind friend.
xoxo,
Jemma
So looking forward to seeing the rest of your beautiful new home! I'm so excited for you! It all looks so gorgeous!! Love the white in the kitchen!! Hope you have a fabulous weekend...Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteSweet Benita,
DeleteYou and I are both blessed to receive a new home for Christmas. One that we can fill with love, and gentle living.
What fun this journey has been and I so appreciate your following along with me.
Merry Christmas!
Born to blog! could be your motto. You truly pulled off a beautiful, amazing feat by blogging about Christmas in your new home while living in a hotel room. A true pro blogger.... (sort of sounds like a pro golfer). You must be bone tired, but in a good kind of way.
ReplyDeleteLove your fireplace with its brick and Texas stone work, your kitchen with its marble countertop and white cabinets, and your master tub with the windows.
Merry Christmas. Santa brought you an incredible present, a new house.
Judith
Judith,
DeleteYour kind words put a smile on my face and little lilt in my step!
Oh yes, I have spent several sleepless nights, walked through mud, dodged mesquite Trees and thought to myself what are you doing!
Merry Christmas to you!
Your new home is so pretty!! Wow, I want to bake in that kitchen! Love the ornaments on the outside trees!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Sweet Friend,
DeleteI would so enjoy having you bake with me, wish you lived closer and that is exactly what we would do:)
Jemma - Your new home looks wonderful! I know you will be so glad to get everything moved in. Just think how special next Christmas will be.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Judy,
DeleteThank you and I know that you have been busy with remodels and new home purchases. So all of this house business is very close to your own heart.
Merry Christmas!
Joyce, I left the house early this morning so I'm just now settling in to take today's tours. I have to say you get the award. For now being in your beautiful home yet, you certainly pulled off an excellent tour. First, your new home is gorgeous! Love the little decor touches you added for this post. I'm eager to see this home all styled once you are moved in.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. This tour has been the best! For me, blogging is all about the friendships made. I'm grateful for Stacey and her vision to put this blog hop together.
Merry Christmas!
Sarah,
DeleteIt is so nice to meet you too and hasn't this been such a delightful, positive and heart warming experience. I am so thankful to have met such lovely ladies and I look forward to our friendships growing.
Thank you for your kind words, they mean so very much.
Merry Christmas to you too!
What beautiful decor!
ReplyDeleteKari
www.sweetteasweetie.com
Hi Kari,
DeleteSo very nice to meet you and thank for your visit.
Oh wow! It looks amazing and I think we have the same taste in granite...Woo hoo! I'm so glad things are progressing, hope they finish up soon so you can start the fun stuff!!
ReplyDeleteChristine,
DeleteGood Morning! We are slowly but surely making progress:)
We will have a home by Christmas!
WOW, Jemma, it is gorgeous! You must be jumping out of your skin with excitement.....I know I am, but I can take a nap and that's probably not gonna happen for you! Good luck with all of the last minute details and final move-in.
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Carol,
DeleteI am jumping out of my skin! Nap Time will come in January:)
Thanks for your sweet visit too:)
Everything is lovely!
ReplyDeleteWill you be in Sacramento for the holidays with the new baby?
Our on going project for many years, hopefully it will keep us moving!
DeleteI will be going out in February to watch the youngsters while their parents go on a little vacation:) Can't wait!
And one day, one Christmas in the future, you will be telling stories about the Christmas you moved into your house. As long as Santa knows where to come...all will be fine. :-) sheila
ReplyDeleteSheila,
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to look at this project! I love your outlook:)
You are absolutely amazing!! Loved the tour and will be looking forward to following you as you move in! Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a delightful week and I have enjoyed it all, the tours, the communication and the friendships that we have made!
DeleteWow! your new home is absolutely gorgeous! You are going to have so much fun decorating it! Can't wait to see the rest of your beautiful home! Love those poinsettias in the burlap bags...so pretty they look~ hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteThese glimpses of your home are really beautiful, Jemma. The kitchen is stunning! I'm sure that the holidays will be very festive in these gorgeous spaces :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Home, love it!!!
ReplyDeleteYour new home is just beautiful and what an exciting time for a new home. Can't wait to see it when you are all finished. Great post for the tour!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Miz Helen
Sweet Christmas touches and your kitchen is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Jemma and thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Found your blog via a woman's room and am reading back posts. Your home is really lovely. Beautiful as only a Texas home can be.
ReplyDeleteNow that its only 100 days before Christmas, this Stick Christmas tour is indeed very timely. Something that we can all look forward too is spending fabulous time with our loved ones. I have created urgent writing articles in the past about Christmas and I must say, that its always the time of the year that everyone is waiting.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice blog, that good not only for the interesting Christmas but home set up as well. Various Urgent essays have been written in 2,3,4,5 hours to glorify Christmas and home set that you can go through online if you need more information.
ReplyDeletethis is very nice blog Shower Head Singapore
ReplyDelete