Sunday's Rest

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;

I will not be afraid.
Old Testament Psalm chapter 56 verses 3 and 4 NIV



Have a beautiful, peaceful and trusting day.
Love, Rachel

Christmas Caroling

Do you like to go caroling? You know...where you ride around in the cold and dark, jump out at different homes and sing Christmas songs to the people who live there while you stand out in the front of their house. I have great memories of doing this as a child. It is always neat if the people open the door and stand and listen to you. It is also fun to give them a plate of cookies or treats when you are finished singing.

A few nights ago, while driving, my husband and I thought it would be fun to jump out and sing at several friends homes that we were driving past...the kiddos...not such a great idea in their opinion. So we didn't. sigh* sometimes impromptu adventure makes the best memories*

But who wouldn't enjoy a rousing rendition of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" all special just for you on your front lawn?

I think I better go bake some cookies and prepare myself for another caroling adventure.

I thought you might like to see a photo of the mantel...just using things that I already have. I guess that is the way I decorate usually, just using things in different ways.

Have a fun Saturday.

Love, Rachel

We've Been Busy!

This is the latest craft of choice by the kiddos in our household...duct (or is that duck?) tape anything!
And then of course there are the letters to Santa.

Earlier in the week we attended an awards banquet for our son who is in high school. He was being recognized along with other high school students for his grade point average. It was an interesting and fun evening. Everything was well planned and very organized.

When the students who are Seniors this year were given their certificate, they had a teacher standing with them. After receiving their certificate, each student stepped to the podium with a large plaque and then said that the teacher standing with them had been their most influential teacher in their school career. After saying why that teacher had been most influential, they presented the plaque to the teacher. It was all so very touching to this sentimental mom who feels her emotions and the emotions of others quite deeply.

The Seniors were so poised and explained themselves well. Of course, there were a few clowns who had the entire audience laughing.

I must tell you to the best of my ability what one young lady said about a teacher.

The student said she had never had this woman for a teacher. She had interacted with her through club and extra-curricular involvement. The teacher was so caring and truly dedicated to all she did. She had inspired this student to be a better person and do all she could to achieve to her highest potential. Again, I am paraphrasing. BUT...here's the heart breaker. The student said, "Mrs. "Jane Doe" has never received 'A Most Influential Teacher Award' and I am so pleased to be the first student to ever present her with one, because Mrs. 'Jane Doe' teaches Special Education."

Isn't that absolutely touching? Teachers give of themselves everyday to build up the lives of their students, not just in learning ways. I know several teachers well. I have siblings and in - laws who are teachers. But because of the way our educational system and grading system is structured, those students who struggle to achieve the grading standards set forth by the state, will not have the opportunity in a setting specifically like this, to say thank you to Jane or John Doe who pours into them day after day.

One of my cousins was a Special Education teacher. Oh how she loved her students. They were her whole life. A few years ago late in October she was diagnosed with cancer and by mid- November she was gone. Her students were devastated. They never had a chance to stand at a podium and with pride present her with a plaque, but I believe that teachers don't teach because they expect plaques and acknowledgement. They teach because they love seeing others learn and grow in ways that would be impossible otherwise.

My first grade teacher. Read about her here.

You know, I have those constant reminders that this moment is all we are truly blessed with to make a difference, to live life to the fullest. I don't want to waste it. I hope I haven't.

Love, Rachel

And The Winner Is..................

...Victoria Lynn

from Sweet Victoria Antiques.

View her beautiful porch photos and read what she says about each one. Drop by and wish her a Merry Christmas!

Victoria writes,
"I am a single mom of a 22 year-old daughter, named Rachel (smiles). I moved to Middle Tennessee on June 1. I am celebrating my first Christmas in the South! I have tried to stay in the Southern Spirit of decorating for my porch.





I decorated the wreath and garland myself.



The topiaries came from Home Depot. I enjoy antiques, sewing, gardening, floral design and of course, decorating! I have been blogging since March of 2008 and love all the friends I have found through my blog. I am a Christian and look forward to Christmas each year, not only as a time for having fun decorating, but to remember the true reason I celebrate, the birth of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. "



You will love Victoria's blog and home decor. If she's not already on your "favorites" list, I'm sure she will be soon.



Thank you to each one of you who submitted your beautiful photos for the contest.

Love, Rachel

A Cold and Snowy Day!

The weather outside is frightful.
It is 12 degrees and frosty and cold with snow.

When it snows, she (a wife of noble character) has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Old Testament Proverb chapter 31 verse 21 NIV

I hope your day is warm and cozy and restful.
Love, Rachel

P.S. Don't forget to join the contest mentioned in the previous posting...photos are coming in!

An Idea and A Contest

By now it is probably no surprise to you that I love glass ornaments. This year I thought it would be fun to add these to the top of one of our Christmas trees.

So I pulled out a few supplies and went to work. Using a wire berry spray and plain old tape, I slid one of the glass balls down onto one of the berry stems, then taped it in place.
I didn't want to lose the clip from the top of the ornament, because I probably won't do this next year, so I taped the clip onto the stem too. When I take the Christmas decor down, it will be there ready to clip back onto the ornament!

Then I just slid the "ornament sprays" down into the top of the tree. It made me smile and I was happy! I hope you are too! It's SO easy! Hurry, go make one for yourself!

And now for the contest. It is time to feature a December porch. So until Sunday evening at midnight, I will be accepting email photos of your porches all decorated for Christmas. On Monday, a team of five very qualified judges (as in my family huddled around the computer screen viewing email files) will select the winning porch and it will be posted on Tuesday. So come on y'all, start sending the photos. I've even given you the weekend to finish up the decorating. Yay! I'm so excited. This will be fun! AND it's all about fun and spreading cheer isn't it?

When you submit your photo, tell about yourself and your porch and your favorite part about decorating it for Christmas. You don't need to have a blog to participate. On my sidebar under Personal Links, if you click on "About A Romantic Porch" you will find my email.

If you'd like to know the story behind the vintage pixie elf and how he can come to live with you, just click here!

Have a wonderful day!
Love, Rachel

Spreading Cheer

Just a light shining brightly, brings such cheer!
A shiny reflection of soft color,

a thought,

of hope

that today will be filled with happiness!

Love, Rachel