Monday, February 5, 2018

Hearts, Roses and Sweet Little Cherubs


Hello, Dear Friends - now that February is here, 
I thought I would change the scenery a bit
and add some love <3

The dreariness of these gray February skies
 has me yearning for my roses once again. 


Since the garden is still taking its long winter nap, 
I've satisfied my cravings in other ways......
with Paper Roses in a milk-glass vase
 on a vintage tablecloth 
bordered in roses....... 


And hand-sewn pillows in rosy hues. 


Lavender heart sachets in an enamel bowl match the 
pillows I've sewn from vintage hankies, chenille, 
and doilies. 

I just found the pale pink throw
at my local department store. 
It's so soft.......


I might not have roses in the garden,
but I can still enjoy their beauty
in other ways.


I finished the pillows I was working on in my last post :) 




I like to change them for every season :)

I use feather pillow inserts from Pottery Barn.
Adding a zipper on the bottom seam
allows me to store the covers flat and re-use the inserts.  



A framed cherub doily, similar to the pillow. 

Cherubs, hearts and roses = love. 


I made this lace heart to hang in the window. 
xoxo

These are so popular on Pinterest now. 


I simply shaped a white coat hanger into 
a heart shape and cut some lace
from an old curtain a little larger. 
I pinned the edges around the hanger
 and then whip stitched it in place. 


I added a bit of white glue around the edges for 
extra hold and sprinkled it with silver glitter. 
I hung sheer ribbon and crystal pearls from the top. 

It looks especially pretty at night. 
So sparkly!




My hand-decorated candy box holds a little surprise. 


A tiny crocheted heart from a dear loved one. 


Of course I had to have roses on my dishes, too!


Those of you who have followed my blog 
for a while know that these were my 
dear Mother's. 


The pattern is Lady Carlyle from Royal Albert. 

A complete tea service for six. 


These are very precious to me. 

Oh, how I wish I could have one more cup of tea with her
and my dear Father. 

He bought her these pieces one by one in the last 
years of their lives. 


She kept them in a big Welsh cupboard in her 
cozy cottage kitchen. 




My Father also bought her sweet Limoges boxes. 
She loved cats and chickens. 


Some of the porcelain boxes have tiny surprises inside. 


I am So Very Thankful to have these 
sweet mementos of the things she loved. 

xoxo

I just found the tiny individual creamers. 
The crocheted doilies are a heart design 
and gifted to me from a dear friend. 


I made the button heart for last year's Valentine's Day. 



The biscuit jar and vase were Ramblin' Man's 
dear Mother's. 

They are also Royal Albert in the Country Roses pattern. 

When I have a tea, there will be empty chairs, 
but I know my loved ones will be there in spirit. 


Some captured tea-cups. 

The little vase is hand-painted. 
I have three of them, collected at different times
and places. 



This one is on my open kitchen shelving. 

The third has blue flowers and is upstairs in my sewing room.


Heart-strings <3


Salvaged from a tattered old quilt. 




The Tin Man's hearts. 
xoxo

Do you remember how the Tin Man 
in 'The Wizard of Oz' kept lamenting,
"If I only had a heart" ?



Have any of you been watching 'Victoria' on
Masterpiece Theater?

It's so romantic, and
so full of beauty and history.

The last episode was very relevant for me
as it was about Irish Catholic Immigrants
and the discrimination and lack of mercy
they encountered during the potato famine of the 1800's.

My and Ramblin' Man's family tree goes back to
Ireland (County Cork) and they emigrated during
this same time to the areas around Boston
where I grew up and where my relatives still live.




I crocheted this heart many years ago.

I saved the directions and made
a few more last year.

If you would like to make one of your
own, you can find the directions, Here.



This sign is a sweet reminder.


The crochet heart I made last year.


Pink calico and crochet lace jar covers :)


Keys to my heart.
(That would be my grandchildren and,
 Um, chocolate)


Preferably chocolate cake
baked in a heart-shaped pan :)


A favorite Ann Taintor card that I framed.

You can find more Ann Taintor fun Here.
Delicious sarcasm.


Valentine's Day is a perfect excuse to add some
lightness with hearts, roses and sweet cherubs
 while we wait for springtime!

xoxo

And speaking of sweet cherubs......

My two newest Valentine's have finally arrived!


Meet Liam and Declan.

My new grand-babies.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for these tiny gifts.....

xoxo



Thank you, Dear Friends, for your always sweet
and kind visits.

Image result for Quotes on Friendship

66 comments:

  1. Hi Karen, wow you decorated your house so pretty with the roses, lace, and crocheted hearts. I really love that lace heart you made and what a great idea to make it out of a hanger. Thanks for sharing this at our Cooking and CRafting with J&J. Hope you have a nice week and a very Happy Valentine's Day next week.
    Hugs Julie

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  2. Congratulations, aren't they so cute. Such a lovely photo. You've been so busy decorating, you're all set for Valentine's Day! x

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  3. Oh my goodness, Karen, congratulations on the birth of Liam and Declan!! What an adorable picture it is of them!!
    Your home looks so cozy and beautiful all decorated for Valentine's Day. Your mom's Lady Carlyle dishes are such a sweet reminder of both her and your dad. I also love your finished pillows and the hanging lace heart. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy those new babies!

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  4. I forgot to mention that I am watching Victoria, and I have relatives from County Cork, too.

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  5. Your place settings are beautiful and all the more special since they were your mother's. And, thank you so much for sharing your new grandbabies with us. They are precious.

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  6. I am being repetitive,but it is really a pleasure visiting you!Great treasures here,I fell in love with your post...Congratulations for your cute angels,God bless them.Your home is so beautiful,cozy and romantic,absolutely adorable...Everything is so sweet and perfect and full of love and tenderness...At last but not least,I loooove your gorgeous porcelain pieces,they are wonderful!Best wishes,dear Karen!

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  7. Lovely, lovely post, you've made your home so warm and inviting. Your Mother would be proud of you.

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  8. Karen, visiting your sweet home feels like I'm in a beautiful storybook. All your handiwork is inspiring and I want to sew something. ♥ Hooray for Liam and Declan! Welcome!

    PS I haven't seen Victoria yet but I plan to! xo

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  9. Hi Karen,oh my your home is gorgeous,i so love the way you decorate my friend and wow 2 of the sweetest little boys you have there,enjoy your cuddles xx

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  10. The babies are so precious, Karen. I'm so happy for you. You have many lovelies on here today, I don't know where to start. And roses all around your house, my favorite! I love that lace heart you made. That's pretty, and what a creative idea. I enjoy seeing your kitchen hutch changed around through the holidays. Your mother's dishes are treasures, indeed. The paper roses are a pretty color, and I don't know how you keep them in tact through the years, as they're paper thin. Your home is certainly looking special for Valentine's Day, Karen. Thanks for showing us all the goodies.

    ~Sheri

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    1. ps.....Welcome to the world, Liam and Declan. : )

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  11. Your house is so beautiful and welcoming.... Love every inch of your house...

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  12. Congratulations on the birth of those two cute little men! Your heart must be swelling with love! You've shown so many beautiful things in this post - my favourite (after the twins) is the Lady Carlyle china.

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  13. Dear KAren, my sweet friend,
    concratulations to your new grandchilds Liam and Declan! This hoto is so sweet! Congrats to he happy parents too :O)
    And thank cou for all the wodnerful pictures from your so sweet and filled with Love Home! I always enjoy to see , how you decorate it with so much Love and wonderful items!
    Wishing you a wonderful week, sending much Love and hugs and blessings, Claudia xo

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  14. First of all, congratulations on those beautiful little guys! You heart must be swelling. Aren't twins a miracle? And they show how tough mommy is! Bravo. Share more when you can!

    You have an abundance of Valentine decorations. I so enjoyed scrolling through, and especially reading about the pretty dishes that were left to you, and the memories. You are truly blessed to have so many passed down, treasured pieces. And the rest---fun and perfect for Valentine's Day!

    All the best,

    Jane

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  15. Aren’t they gorgeous. You must be so proud. Your house looks so cosy with all your lovely decorations and furnishings. B x

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  16. My goodness what a post, so full of beauty, a real treat and inspirational. Congratulations to you all you are certainly blessed with two beautiful additions to the family, they are adorable.

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  17. Dearest Karen,
    with this so romantic touch your beautiful home is even more charming and coozier, thank you for sharing such lovely details with us!
    And of course, congratulations on the birth of such a wonderful Gift, Liam and Declan, you're truly blessed!

    Wishing you a most beautiful remainder of your February,
    always thinking of you with love

    XOXO Dany

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  18. I love your Kitchen, would love to share a cup of coffee with you.
    Heading to Fla to see my Baby (61yrs) Wishing you a beautiful Valentines with warm Sun. I woke up this morning hearing planes flying over my house and was saying we are being attacked. Only a dream, must have been the snow plow.This presidency has made me sick. He throws feces everywhere. Lies too. Now the news says Coffee is bad, What's next? Sending a wArm hug and a happy face waiting to sunbathe. yvonne

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    1. Aw, Yvonne, I would love to have coffee with you! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your baby. They are always our 'babies', aren't they? Yes, we live in difficult times. I like to think of our wonderful neighbors across the pond, who when going through the blitz in WWII, would say, 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. Sending hugs xo Karen

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  19. Congratulations on your beautiful little grandbabies! Twins! What wonderful sweet blessings! Your home is so lovely dressed up for Valentine's Day...I am in love with all of the wonderful hearts you have created! I am inspired to start making some for next year!

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  20. Awe I knew your pillows would turn out pretty. Those little touches make all the difference in our homes and set the mood. Congratulations on your new babies. It's a double blessing. So precious! ♥♥
    xx Beca

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  21. I was going to say, what a pretty world, with hand made candyboxes and limoges... but then the little twins... heehhee!
    Do you have a really big place to store your pretties between seasons? Does your husband appreciate all this beauty? I do! What a nice place to live.

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  22. Oh, thank you for your sweet visit :) To answer your questions - I stash most of my dish sets in boxes under the stairs. There's a surprising amount of room there! I also have a dedicated closet. Yes, my husband does appreciate my decorating, and tolerates all the femininity. Haha! Sometimes I have to prompt him to notice things.....he's a typical guy. As long as I feed him, he's happy with anything I do. He built the house and then let me do the fine tuning. xx Karen

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  23. Love your place. Crazy over those pillows and the tablecloth!!!!

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  24. Be still my heart! What loveliness you have created there. I love it all.

    Your sweet little twins are a wonderful Valentine gift to all of you.

    Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  25. After reading your post, I feel that I have been transported to the most beautiful place on earth! The Lady Carlyle china you have is so, so lovely. How special that it now belongs to you and holds a special place in your heart and home. And, best of all are the two adorable little valentines that you now have in your family. Blessings to you dear friend, Pat

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  26. It's always a pleasure to visit your warm, comforting home! Congratulations on your new grandsons! They are adorable and a great photo

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  27. Oh Karen, Congrats on your precious new grandbabies, they are just too cute!
    All your beautiful Valentine decorations are just wonderful, love your pillows with the little hearts you made. Gorgeous crocheted items and so many wonderful reminders of those that have left you. I do love Victoria too, I haven't watched last weeks yet, I taped it and haven't gotten to it yet.

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  28. Oh my these little cutest angles grabbed my heart (happy tars:)))

    Congratulations that they landed in your lovely world safely and hope the proud sweet mom is also doing fine :)



    your house is beyound beautiful and graceful

    what a marvelous decorator you are dear Karen !

    you brought in to your world a perfect valentine theme !

    Loved your mom's treasure crockery and these charming hearts
    loved the paintings and your panorama look of the house is breath holding :)

    you put so much love and energy to beautify your world my friend and this reveals your deep love for life and family !!!
    may God always shower his blessings upon you and family ,amen.

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  29. My heart melted at the photo of your beautiful Liam and Declan. They are both adorable.....such a gorgeous photo. My oh my, one could never be dreary in your beautiful home, Karen. As the eye ricochets from one gorgeous pretty to the next, one oohs and aahs over them all. Love all your Valentine touches. LOVE that sweet cherub doily. Oh how I would love to sit on that exquisite sofa near the door, enjoy a cuppa and look out to the mountains beyond. Just beautiful, lovely lady.

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  30. Gorgeous...everywhere I look, simply gorgeous Karen!!

    Yes, I have been watching Victoria!! I love English history. I also want to buy these on a dvd set.

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  31. Be still my heart...everything, and I mean everything, has left me ooohing and ahhhing. Dearest Karen, you have filled your home with such beauty and loveliness. Thank you for sharing with us.

    Your pillows are incredibly sweet and feminine, and I love the different hearts you have scattered around your home.

    Love and hugs to you!

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  32. Dearest Karen,
    Well, at the end of my birthday I didn't have the energy for looking at your 50+ photos here and commenting... So today I'm back.
    You sure show some soft and romantic items and your late Mom's precious china!
    It also was nice to see how my ANTIQUE LACE CHERUBS in Acrylic Frame with Transparent Acrylic BOLTS & NUTS reside at your home! There is one more just like yours: http://ebay.to/2hKMJ0X

    But most importantly I've come here to congratulate you and your family on the arrival of the precious and healthy twins!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  33. A teatime post filled with beauty... I so enjoyed your Victorian decor and lovely Lady Carlyle Tea set..It is one of my favourite patterns. Congratulations on your new Grandbabies...Such A Blessing !!!!

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  34. Oh my gosh....those two little cuties at the end of your blog look like they were worth waiting for....adorable! I love all your heart and rose stuff. Great way to do your pillows also. Nice...thanks for sharing.

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  35. Karen, you brought tears to my eyes with the Lady Carlyle story. I knew they had been your mother's dishes, but I didn't know your father had bought them for her piece by piece in their later years. So sweet. I'm sure Liam and Declan will get to know their great grandparents through you.

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  36. Oh my, look at those sweet little cherubs you saved for last. What a blessing and those Irish names, love it. That was a very hard time in Ireland's history. Your changes for February are very lovely to look at. Glad you have those dishes with such sentimental history. I love Royal Albert...

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  37. I agree with Ellen...your home is just gorgeous - but you certainly saved the best and most beautiful for last...those darling babies - so precious! ♥♥♥

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  38. Well, I was all set to say how beautiful your home is and how much I loved all those pretty hearts and pinks and (oh, swoon!) dishes! Everything that sets my heart a fluttering.

    And then I saw your sweet Baby Grands and oh! You are one hundred percent right! They are your real valentines! Thanks for coming to Marmelade Gypsy and leaving such a nice comment! I'm your newest follower so I'll be back!

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  39. Congratulations on the new grandbabies! They are so adorable. Your home looks lovely too. Thanks for sharing!

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  40. Everything looks beautiful!!! I love your dish pattern!! Congratulations on the birth of your new grand babies! They are so very precious. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  41. Hi Karen. I want to thank you for your kind comments and visit to me. I love to see your collection of hearts. All so pretty and the tea set from your mother is exquisite. Love the soft colors together. What a wonderful memory. Those new grandbabies are precious, are they your first ones?. I only have one grandson, who is now 24 years old and about to graduate from college..They grow so quickly. I wish I could have another day with him when he was little. Such fun..Happy Weekend..Judy

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    1. Hi Judy, thank you for your sweet visit and kind comments! To answer your question - they are my 3rd and 4th grandbabies. Their parents (my daughter and husband) have a 15 mos. old and my son and wife have a 2 and 1/2 year old. When it rains, it pours....haha! I waited a long time to be a Grandma - my kids are turning 40 now! Thank you for stopping by, Judy! xx Karen

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  42. Roses and hearts galore. You're speaking my love language! ;) Everything looks so pretty. Homespun, cozy, treasures of the past, and so beautiful.

    But especially congratulations again "Grandma"! Beautiful blessings x 2. Does it get any better? Congrats to your daughter and family too. So awesome!

    Have a blessed weekend ahead. xoxo

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  43. I am SO happy for you! Precious grandbabies...I know your family is so thrilled and feel very blessed...times two! Love all of your pretty hearts too. Makes me want to sew some out of an old quilt I've kept. Enjoy your weekend my friend. Hugs!

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  44. Dear Karen,

    So lovely to come and visit you at your beautiful home and see all the pretty treasures. Roses, hearts and cherubs really do speak of love. The Lady Carlyle set is gorgeous - I have the Royal Albert Country Roses tea set.
    Huge congratulations on your sweet little grand babies, so darling and precious and your family must be so happy.
    Sending love and have a happy weekend.
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  45. Your home is always filled with the excellent harmony. Have a nice weekend.

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  46. Your home is so beautiful and the babies are just adorable. I know you can't wait to hold them!

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  47. Karen,
    There is so much eye candy here in this post, I do not know where to start!! Love the pillows and all your hearts!!! Thise dishes in your hutch are to die for!! Just beautiful! I love your kitchen! It is so charming!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  48. Dear Karen. What a feast for the eyes! I too lack roses in my garden despite my enduring affection for them. I may have to steal some of your ideas. That cherub doily? Perfection... Mimi xxx

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  49. Absolutely beautiful "Vintage Valentine" post, I loved everthing, the China, your words and those beautiful grandbabies, you are truly blessed. Thank you,

    Debby
    Debbgoesshabby.blogspot.com

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  50. Happy Valentines Day! And congratulations on those beautiful grandbabies! I love all of your hearts and pastel colors. Your house looks ready for spring! Which is where my heart is right now!

    Cindy

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  51. Oh my how I enjoyed your tour of your beautiful kitchen, and the delightful touches of Valentine's and hearts everywhere! And oh such gorgeous china inherited from your mother, what a precious heirloom to have! I just love the Hoosier cabinet you have them displayed in too, and I swoon over that gorgeous stove too! Oh your kitchen is just a truly delightful spot, and I enjoyed hearing so much about all little touches you have added to your home to prepare for Valentine's Day! Always such a joy to visit with you, but my goodness, the most exciting news of all, TWO new grandbabies! Oh they are handsome! I just LOVE the picture of little Liam yawning, sooo precious! Enjoy them sweet lady, I know your heart is full to overflowing! Hugs to you today dear friend :)

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  52. Oh goodness, Liam and Declan are simply gorgeous!
    A post filled with happiness and sweet memories. You are so ready for Valentine's Day. :) May it bring you flowers and lots of chocolate.
    xx

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  53. I'm so glad I stopped by Karen! Your grand babies are so precious! You must be over the moon ❤️.

    You really went all out and decorated so beautifully for the month of love, February. Considering your new family additions, it's very appropriate :).

    xxx

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  54. How sweet. They are precious. Congratulations. I love all you hearts and the sweet remembrance conveyed by your gorgeous heirlooms. Happy Valentine's Day. Thanks for linking to Keep In Touch.

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  56. Your home looks lovely in all her Valentine decor. Thanks for sharing the crochet heart pattern. Its funny you mentioned County Cork....my husbands maternal side was from there. Many a story told. Happy Valentines day!

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  57. P.S. congratulations on Liam and Declan. A.dor.a.ble!

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  58. OH MY GOSH where do I start?
    Love lace hearts you made with wire
    Love your Mother's dishes
    Lace covered heart box
    Limoges boxes !
    Yes I love watching Victoria !!!!!!!!!!
    dito about Ireland family ,Have you seen the show in the past named
    Who DO You Think You Are? and they look up family genealogy, they showed a series about the starving people during the potato crisis, so very SAD
    LOVR those BABIES !!!!!!!!!!OH My Gosh how cute
    Liam and Declan

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  59. Liebe Karen,
    ich verweile wieder einmal eine ganze Zeit hier auf diesem wunderschönen Blog und ich habe soooooo viele schöne und liebevolle Dinge gesehen. Es ist so gemütlich und anheimelnd bei Dir, einfach nur zum Wohlfühlen!!!
    Und diese beiden süßen Babys sind Deine Enkelkinder? Ich gratuliere von ganzem Herzen und wünsche für ihr Leben Gottes reichen Segen!

    Liebe Karen, ich möchte Dir auch einmal danken für alle Deine liebevollen Kommentare auf meinem Blog! Ich freue mich immer sehr darüber!!!
    Zu unserem kleinen Gartenhaus kann ich sagen, es war auch für uns spannend, denn nicht immer läuft alles so, wie zuerst geplant...Aber im rechten Moment gab es dann Hilfe...darüber erzähle ich demnächst mehr.
    Dir und all Deinen Lieben alles, alles Liebe und Gottes reichen Segen!
    Heidi
    Heidi

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  60. Here I am at the tail end, but congratulations on your new sweet babes. The photo is adorable!

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  61. As congrats on the birth of your twin grandsons! Interesting genealogy! Small world! Hugs!

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  62. Oh Karen, aren't your twin grandsons so cute and adorable! Congratulations! There must be so many big smiles on all your faces - how lovely when this happens in a family.

    I so enjoyed seeing all your pretties. You have a beautiful gift of decoration and homewarming, it's always a lovely treat to visit you - I've not dropped in for a little while, to my regret. However, I'm enjoying catching up.
    I too enjoyed watching Victoria and especially seeing all the gowns and accessories.
    Your Mother's tea set is magnificent and I can understand why you cherish it.
    Sue xx

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  63. My heart skipped a beat when I saw your gorgeous Royal Albert collcetion... And then I saw the twins, and it skipped at least two beats, they are beyond adorable!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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