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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Christmas Tour of Homes

BTW - the winner of the contest (Max Lucado books below) is #27 - Susan! Merry Christmas all!


I saw this tour of homes referenced on Jennifer's blog (Snapshot) and knew I would just have to participate.

This year has been very fun for our family in that we completed building our log home. (In so much as the words "building" and "fun" can be paired together, that is!) Decorating for Christmas was something I was so looking forward to doing! I LOVE the season of Christmas and making a big to-do out of the holiday. December truly is my favorite time of the year! So here's a little bloggy celebration I'm quite happy to participate in. Some pictures of our front room and tree, some refreshments and then a little present for one of you.

The first picture here was taken tonight after our first snow. At the very tip top of our driveway we have a lampost that sort of gives off a Narnia feel to it. Or perhaps we just thought so since that's what I've been reading lately.

If you drove up our driveway, at the top of the hill, this is the side of our home that you would see first.

Hop on out of your car and run up to our front steps. We'd ask you to take your shoes off once you came inside (there's a lot of rain where I live which results in a lot of unavoidable mud!) and then get cozy and plan on some fun fellowship.

We'd invite you to have a seat on one of our couches. (I recommend the bigger and more fluffy one for comfort's sake.) We'd have the tree lit, of course, and the lights would be dim.

You can see up in the loft area I hung some greenery and put more lights on the railing up near the top. (It's not very evident in this picture but if you stand in the middle of the great room, you are surrounded by Christmas lights on all sides.)

Here's a close-up of our tree:

And best of all - here are the inhabitants of the house who would be here to delight you with toddler renditions of Away in a Manger in which Jesus is sometimes asleep on the hay and sometimes not.

While you were here, we would of course offer you some refreshments. The following is one of our favorite desserts. Although it's not really a Christmas themed sweet, we like it year round (it's very simple, more on the healthy side and still delicious!).

PEACHES & CHERRIES (the title really isn't all that creative)

1 1/2 cups white Zinfandel, rose wine, or cranberry apple drink (*We used white Zinfandel.)
2 inch stick of cinnamon
3 medium white or yellow peaches, halved and pitted (or a bag of frozen)
1/2 cup sweet cherries, pitted
1/3 of a 6-ounce package of white chocolate (or 1/3 cup of white chocolate baking chips)

1. In a 10-inch skillet, bring wine and cinnamon to a boil. Add peaches and cherries; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or just until peaches are tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer peaches and cherries into shallow serving bowls.

2. Cook remaining wine mixture, uncovered, over medium heat about 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 a cup. Remove and discard cinnamon. Spoon liquid over peaches and cherries.

3. In a small microwave-safe bowl microwave white chocolate chips. (*I melted them on the stove and used a little butter and milk to thin the chocolate.)

4. Transfer cooled chocolate (I didn't cool it.) to a self-sealing plastic bag; seal bag. Squeezing gently, drizzle melted chocolate over peaches and cherries. (Or, in my case, grab a spoon and "drizzle" the chocolate.)

And I'm the kind of person who really loves to give gifts - big or small. Just "a little something" to let you know that I'm thinking about YOU specifically. So of course, I'd have a present for you!




I've reviewed Just the Way You Are and With You All the Way for 5 Minutes for Books. You can read the review of these Max Lucado books here.


I have one hardback copy of each of these titles to give away to one reader or visitor of this blog. All you need to do is leave a comment here with a valid e-mail address by Thursday, December 25th in order to win. I'll use random.org to select a winner. The winner will be notified no later than the end of the year and their books will be mailed off to them once the lines at the post office decrease. ;) (I'll gladly send you the books but I won't gladly stand in long lines this season! My holiday cheer only goes so far.) So leave a comment if you'd like to win (and even if you wouldn't - just say so in your comment). U.S. Residents only, please.

Hope you are enjoying the holiday tour of homes! Let me know if your home is open for viewing as I'd love to visit you also! (Click here to go on more Christmas tours.)

Merry Christmas!

78 comments:

Anonymous said...

beautiful home!

Debbie said...

Beautiful home, beautiful family.
Thanks for sharing.

Ashley said...

Such a beautiful home! I love the way a log cabin feels. Come visit me at my house (blog)!

Cyndi said...

I just love cabins! You have a beautiful home. Merry Christmas

Leslie Ruth Petree said...

That first picture is *very* Narnia! Makes me want to curl up with The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe right this very moment...

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home, I love it!
This is just so much fun :-)

Tiffany said...

Oh heavens...just beautiful. I love the feel of a cabin. Just simply wonderful! Thanks for being on the tour. Stop in for a visit sometime. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

How beautiful! That is really awesome.

Yes, I remember the no-shoes thing in Portland. It sort of irked me sometimes -- especially in the summer, when there wasn't necessarily rain, and I was wearing sandals which then left me barefoot.

I really hope to be able to visit sometime!

Dena said...

Your home is beautiful and I love that you have lights all around. Gives it a cozy feel.

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

Your home is gorgeous, I love the exposed rafters. It just seems like an easy place to make Christmasy! Happy Christmas to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

WOW, a log cabin - you don't see many of those anymore!

Anonymous said...

Your home is beautiful! Congrats on finishing it this year.

Erika said...

What a gorgeous cabin!!! I love those Max Lucado books!

Heather said...

O, your house is gorgeous!

life, in recipes said...

Hi Carrie - I love your home. It is so cozy. It looks like your little guy is abou the same age as mine. You asked about my ornament tree - my mother ordered it for me a couple of years ago, and I'll have to ask her where she got it (I know she found it online somewhere). It really comes in handy for all of my more delicate pieces.

Happy Holidays!

Heather said...

Beautiful home!! Looks great!! Merry Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

Agh! What an amazing home! (I so love log cabins. I want one when I become a full-time novelist... *mutter, mutter*)

Anyway, beautiful! Thanks for showing us around. And you have a beautiful family, too. :)

Kim said...

What a gorgeous home! I'm a huge fan of the log cabin. And you have done a wonderful job in decorating it. Yes, the lamp post does have that Narnia feel to it!

Lauren said...

What a beautiful home! I love all of your decor... So cozy! Thanks for letting us in!

Erin said...

Your home is fabulous, and I know you are happy to be finished building!

KarenW said...

I love log cabins. I have one on my wish list.

Dana and Daisy said...

YOur home is just fabulous! I want to come wake up Christmas morning in that big log cabin!

And your oeaches and cherries, delicioso!

Kate said...

Absolutely beautiful home and amazing views! Thanks for sharing!

Melodie Norman Haas said...

What an absolutely beautiful home! I have a picture of a lamppost I saw that had a Narnia look :) Like yours too! Thanks for sharing :)

Alyce said...

Your house is beautiful! It looks so cozy and perfect!

Sitesx6 said...

What a beautiful home. I love the big tall ceilings.

Thank you for sharing.
Kelly S.

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh, what a beautiful home. I feel like I'm at a ski lodge! Thank you for having me, and thanks for the giveaway also. Come visit me too, and have a wonderful Christmas!

becky said...

So Christmasy and picturesque!

Happy Holidays!

Leisha said...

When the stress rises and I consider running away as I do from time to tiem ;-) It is past the lamp post to your house I think !!! Lovely - thanks for letting us in to peek ;-)
Merry CHRISTmas,
Leisha

phillips phamily said...

So homey and warm! I loved that "Narnia" picture! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Love all your decorations and will certaily try your peaches and cherries. looks easy enough for me.

Please enter me in your draw.
thanks for the chance.
Judy
jgentles@cogeco.ca

Anonymous said...

Oh thank you for sharing your home!! I love the Narnia lamp post!! What a great picture - It makes me want one of those lamps!!

Blessings
mary

Unknown said...

Beautiful Home. Love the Lodgey rustic beauty. You have a very inviting atmosphere and the snow with lamppost picture was very beatiful. I would print, frame and hang that one! Great shot!

Do sign me up for your drawing - my email is in my profile.

Blessings.

Carrie said...

i am in LOVE with your home!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, those magnificent ceilings! Just beautiful! Thanks for the tour!

Manuela

Unknown said...

Oh wow! I just love your house - so jealous of those gorgeous ceilings! thanks for having us!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

What a beautiful home you have...thank you for sharing.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Thank you for stopping by...and for your kind words.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Rmomof3 said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love yourprecious log home!

Nise' said...

Thank you for your hospitality. The Peaches and Cherries are making my mouth water!

Anonymous said...

Carrie,
Your home is just fabulous! That really does look like Narnia at the top of your driveway. Looks like Washington to me. My kids say they woke up to snow Sunday morning! Enjoy your beautiful home and family and a very Merry Christmas to you...

LindaSue said...

You had me at the lamp post - I am also a Narnia fan - having read the whole collection more times than I should admit at my age! Your home is beautiful and quite festive. Merry Christmas

Anne said...

Your home is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for allowing me to stop and tour:). Merry Christmas!

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh - - - a log home AND Christmas too!?! This northwoods native feels like she's gone HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Merry Christmas!!!

Anonymous said...

Your home is simply fabulous! I love log homes! I love the decorations! Merry Christmas!

Carrie said...

I LOVE your house! Log homes are soooo wonderful... maybe some day we will have one. Great decorating and Merry Christmas!

Shellee said...

Everything is lovely...Merry Christmas!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Oh my goodness, your home is just so beautiful!!! So beautiful!!!!

I love that Max Lucado book it's wonderful!
-sandy toes

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

Oh Carrie, your home is gorgeous! The high ceiling, the loft, the Narnia lamppost (I completely agree it has that feel) -- I love it all! And you and your family are beautiful as well. Thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

Your home is just beautiful! And I love your site...I just started clicking around and the book reviews are great!

Stephanie Kay said...

As soon as I saw the lamp post I thought "Narnia!" How awesome! Do you have a wardrobe? Stuffed lion? = ) The house is amazing! Gorgeously decorated. Thank you for the tour.

Marni said...

I'm a newer subscriber but am really enjoying your reviews. Keep them coming!!

Andi said...

What a beautiful home! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

~cassie~ said...

Beautiful home!! I love your balcony...

Z-Kids said...

Beautiful house! And thanks for the chance to win books!
Z-Dad

jill said...

What a beautiful home - both for the holiday and everyday! Thanks for sharing it - and the recipe, too. Merry Christmas!

Sherry said...

You're a terrific hostess. I enjoyed my visit, thoroughly. And you even want send us off with a gift. Thanks for the Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

mcintoshfam at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful log home you have! Thanks for the tour!

Staci said...

Your house is amazing! Absolutely amazing!

His Doorkeeper said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful log home! I think you have done a wonderful job of making it warm and inviting!

Blessings to you and your sweet family!

lisa@littlesliceoflife said...

Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Your home is beautiful!! Merry Christmas to you!

Marianna said...

Your home is beautiful. I love the high ceilings...

Anonymous said...

Hi Carrie! Love the Christmas books you sent me -- can I enter another contest??? I really love the Max Lucado book we have (You are Special), so I'd like to check out the others. Count me in for the giveaway! Thanks!

(And what a beautiful home, too!)

-Lori
loriandtim (at) wowway (dot) com

BB'sBlog said...

Beautiful home!! Thanks for sharing - Brittany

*carrie* said...

Carrie,

Wow--your house is so beautiful and cozy. Thanks for posting photos! I'd love to be entered in the book giveaway.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Sarah M. said...

You have a beautiful home. Thanks for the cyber tour. :) Merry Christmas!

Carrie said...

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my Christmas Tour!

Your log home is stupendous! I grew up in Montana and one of my best friends had a home that looked an awful lot like yours! They had the living room with a loft and everything!

It's so beautiful! Thanks for taking me down memory lane!

Anonymous said...

Your home is lovely!! And not just the Christmas decorations - my husband has always wanted to live in a log home. Maybe someday. . . .

Merry Christmas!!

Mo said...

OMGoodness!! You live in a beautiful home!! (I'm sure you already know that)...absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Anonymous said...

Can we come and visit....you have a beautiful welcoming home.....Merry Christmas

Michie said...

What a beautiful house! Thank you for the tour!

Anonymous said...

I always dreamed of living in a log home-so nice to see one all decked out for Christmas-awesome!
Have a merry one!
Come on over.

sharon54220 said...

WOW!!! What a beautiful home. I can' believe the height of the Christmas tree either.
I also would love to be entered into the contest for the books. I haven't read any Max Lucado yet and I would love to start.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS.

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous home! Thank you for the lovely tour, Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing - your home is beautiful!
Paula from Idaho
http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/

SAHSHA said...

Hello!
Thank you for the tour of your lovely log cabin home.. HOW AWESOME!!
If you get a minute stop by our place while my puppy gives you a tour. I'd love to win the books... see... I'm no longer allowed to buy books in our house since I buy so many and they're EVERYWHERE. Getting them as gifts or winning them is the only way I can add to my library.. which is sprawled out in every corner of the house...

S'more of my Thoughts said...

What a BEAUTIFUL home! Thanks for the tour!

Visiting from Boomama's site.

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