Thursday, December 3, 2009

~ALL IS CALM and ALL IS BRIGHT...Thank You Mr. AGPMan~

~My La Chaumière de Briarwood~
Christmas 2009

In 1992 my Mr. AGPMan and I bought the house you see above. I remember very well the day we qualified for the loan to purchase her. We had rented for years and years, seemingly caught in an endless struggle of paying off old school debt while crawling out from beneath the rubble of early (and very poor!) financial choices. Back then I was a Stay-At-Home Momma and finding a beautiful house at a price we could afford (and on only one income!) was a challenge. When we discovered the home we have now lived in for 17 plus years she needed a lot of work. For in spite of the fact she had great "bones", she had suffered from years of neglect. Not a baseboard or light fixture was in tact. She even seemed a bit sorrowful and sad to me in the beginning.

She needed love.

A lot of love.

And we were willing to give it to her.

~SHINING BRIGHTLY IN THE DARKNESS~

Within the framework of this pretty two story house my Mr. AGPMan and I raised both our children into adulthood. He works tirelessly each and every year to not only create a home we can be proud of, but also one that continues to stand firm on a foundation of trust, faith, hope and love.

~LET THERE BE LIGHT~
(the Plug-In Kind!)

Do you remember many years ago when lighted wire Angels (and everything else!) became popular? Well...I wanted an Angel so very, very much~but, the one I loved the most was out of our price range. For several years we passed on purchasing one, opting instead to buy our son and his little sister the things their little heart's desired...

~ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH~

About fifteen years ago I pulled into my driveway and this gorgeous Celestial creation was standing in my yard. Knowing how I adored the ones I had seen in the stores, my guy hand-fashioned this one for me by using a tiny glass ornament as a pattern. She continues to stand proud in the same corner of our yard today...

Where's there's a will there's a way.

I love to brag on the most talented man I know.

~MY SWEET & ROMANTIC BENCH~

Remember my post from earlier this summer about the demise of my favorite bench? Here again is the one I replaced her with. She's all decked out with ribbons and bows...

Is it any wonder why I love the home God has blessed us with? In every sense of the word she's been an answer to prayer.

Blessings to you as you continue to build your home on a firm foundation...Rebecca

57 comments:

karen said...

He is a wonderful man. Your angle is so pretty. You are one lucky wife. But I think you already know that. :)

GwendolynKay said...

Rebecca,
I think I bought my Scrooge movie at Walmart , it was a few years ago... or you can see if your local rental has it. I did check online at Amazon.com and they have it for sale also. Good luck , I hope you find it, it is a real treasure.
Hugs and Blessings!
Gwen

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
You have yourself a beautiful home and the love of a wonderful man! I love your angel too!

Blessings,
Sandi

Julie Marie said...

Hello Rebecca... your home is just breathtaking! All of your lights are so very beautiful, and how sweet of Mr AGP to surprise you with your special angel! He is a wonderful man! I too think of Jack's and my home as our "foundation"... love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie PS I want to come stay in your guest room so I can see all those lights!!!

Anonymous said...

Your home gives me inspiration to keep going while we fix our up. She is no great shakes but she is firmly grounded. A bit of blush & shadow and one day she'll be the belle of the ball. For now, I'll just look on your home with hope and prayer for mine.

He did a fine job stringing your lights for you! Well done Mr. AGPman!!!

Hugs
Tammy

Stacey said...

Rebecca, your thoughts are very sweet. Your home looks beautiful!

Ruth said...

Beautiful story about a beautiful house owned by a beautiful family!

Thanks for sharing.
God bless your family.

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Love your wonderful story...and you DO have quite a guy there...he's a keeper for sure.

I have one like that too, I thank God for him often.

Your house looks wonderful all lit up..and your angel is the BEST, made with such love.

Nice to have a house that we love and care about doesn't it ??...We sure LOVE ours.

Rose

BTW....** I would love to have you come over to my Blog and join my:-
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS POSTCARD PARTY !

Rose
http://delightfulclutter.blogspot.com/

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

How wonderful that he made that angel for you! Everything looks so festive!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Rebecca, this is just the sweetest! Your guy making you an angel... I think HE must be the angel! Your home is beautiful and the bench is so lovely all decked out in it's Christmas finery.
big hugs,
Debra

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What sweet comments about your husband. I love the lights on your home and the angel gift from him is such a heart-warming story.
Thanks for sharing.

Lori E said...

You are indeed a very lucky woman. I'll bet he feels the same way about you. I think those of us who have to save and work to do things really appreciate them more. Yay us.

Anonymous said...

Rebecca you home is lovely with all the lights at night!! I am hoping DH will be stringing lights this weekend- that is not his favorite thing to do!

I love you sweet bench and it gave me an idea for using mine which is stuck in my sunroom full of junk! Now if I can find it in the mess!

God has truly blessed each one of us and I know it makes Him happy when we acknowledge His gifts!

blessings
mary

blushing rose said...

Shine a little light on me, O' Lord! ...

Rebecca, Steve made an exquisite angel for you ... he is a sweetheart!

Your home is beautifully decorated, both inside & out ... radiating the love & beauty from within you both.

Have a beautiful eve. Hugs in love sweet friend, TTFN ~ Marydon

Just A Girl said...

Rebecca this was the sweetest post about your family and the gifts they've given you over the years. Your husband must be very talented with a welder.I think one of your love languages must be gifts ;-).
Can't wait to see more Christmas at La Chaumiere!
Have a lovely evening, beautiful lady.
xoxo Cori

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

Oh your cottage looks wonderful all lit up like that - and that angel! Just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. And I'm so sorry about the sad time of the anniversary of your Gramma's passing. I lost my mom a year ago on the 15th.... But what a glorious time in heaven they must be having! Hugs to you.

Mary said...

Oh, Rebecca, your home is not only beautiful, but I can see how much the Lord has blessed you, not only with a house, but with a family to love in it for all these years...and you have loved it back! The angel that your hubby made for you speaks volumes of the kind of man you married...how precious...and the lights on the roof...even my handy hubby can't/won't do that! Your bench is adorable, with the white basket, against the green shutters in the background...just precious. Its a soft, yet powerful expression of what "home" means!

God bless,
Mary

Unknown said...

Ruth said it best~ beautiful story of a beautiful family and a beautiful house!!!! I just wish I could see it in person lit up at night!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

chicroses said...

Oh Rebecca cant believe you answered so fast. I got a laptop just last week and well here I sit. I love to look at blogs.I really appreciate the info about the drapes. I am going to think about going that way. All the stores like target,well wal-mart only have the length 87" grrr. Yes I am a rose painter...but I look at yours and yours looks so soft and delicate. Well I guess I have a harsh hand. I have been selling my old vintage silver and cream xmas balls with roses painted on them at my space at antique store.I babysit that little bumble bee 3&4 days a week.So nothing gets done while she is here. But I have waited 20yrs for her. It is wonderful having a granddaughter as you know. I have lots of plans for her and I. Well Ive rambled on enough..just to say thankyou sweet Rebecca. If I could take the time to figure out how to put that little button thingy on my blog..well and also just post more on my blog. One of these days I will post some pics of my home. Hugs Sally

Unknown said...

Rebecca
what a beautiful story and your house looks just gorgeous!!
thanks for sharing!!
Sara

Terra said...

Your dh created a lovely angel of light for you, and your home shines with love.

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

you lucky girl to have very creative and talented hubby!! btw your home is beautiful and cozy.. and thanks for sharing.. have a good weekend!

joanne said...

you are blessed indeed, my friend.

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

You like myself are very blessed to have a man how is talented with his hands & will do ANTHING his partner requests. It has just gone 13 years since our family moved into our Little cottage & I do mean little, in order to make it into a 3 bedroom home we gave up our lounge, not a big deal really when my Darlin' tacked on a tiny room (enough for a lounge, 2 other yucky chairs, a table & TV! Before the crash 18 months ago we took a extension on our loan to build our extension out the back to complete our dream home. My dream kitchen is in storage but sadly as we invested this money waiting for the council to approve our extension the crash came & we lost the lot... such is life.... maybe a good thing in the end as after the 5 floods here this year it would have been ruined. Anyway Sweet one day I am hoping to decorate my home (which by the way I LOVE no matter how small, hot, no air con,etc) she too has good bones. You truely are blessed & I feel very blessed to know you....

Lyn xxxx

cottagepinkperfection said...

Rebecca, thank you once again for sharing your beautiful home and all of the Christmas decor. You and your husband both are blessed with talent! I went out tonight and spent a small fortune to try and mimic your beautiful tree. My daughter asked her fiance to come and pick out a tree for her and her children to decorate. He said, "your mother just brought a tree home." She said, "that is mom's tree, she wants her own." I think he may have second thoughts about marrying into this family. And he's jewish too! Tee hee hee :) Thanks again for sharing your decorating secrets! Can't wait to start on my tree.

Blessings my friend,
Marie

Tara said...

It looks so beautiful and I love the story of the angel. I think Mr. APG Man is a definite keeper, but I'm guessing you figured that out long long ago, LOL!

Martha's Favorites said...

Rebecca: You are so blessed. Your home is beautiful and your husband is one of a kind. I am so glad God gave you such a good man, you deserve the best. Lots of love, Martha

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story, you are truely Blessed.I adore the little bench it looks so cozy and comfy.

Thanks for sharing this lovely post this morning.~~Becky

Hazel said...

What a gorgeous post! I love your house, your angel and your bench!! xx

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Home.... I love the lighting.... Your Hubby is a gem!!
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Marilyn

Carol said...

Oh what fun..seeing your lovely home all lit up, with the Christmas Carols playing in the background
Your Mr. AGP man looks so detailed orientated.."a place for a light and everything neatly in a row"
I do believe Steve needs to go into the Angel fabricating business..that is just so Heavenly.

Blessings from Texas where we expect 3-5" of snow today--
Brrrrr....C-O-L-D
Carol "B"

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Your home is very beautiful. Your hubby is as sweet as the angel he crafted for you and your home.
xxoo, Sue

Barb said...

Looks just gorgeous, Rebecca. That is a lotta lights.....heheh.

We put up our lighted reindeer(s) and huge wreaths and hope to do the house lighting this weekend. Whew!

XOXO
Barb

June said...

Oh Rebecca...I'm speechless!!! What a work of art your sweet man creates every Christmas with his lights...and that angel...well, she is gorgeous! I think you are truly blessed and I loved reading about how much you love your home. I can tell by your words that you appreciate having a place of your own to call home. A what a beautiful one it is!
The bench is just perfect in all of it's holiday attire.
Love to you this day sweetie!
June

Unknown said...

What a guy!! The house looks beautiful and reflects all your love...
Lynn

Dolores said...

Oh Rebecca,
All the beauty and love are overwhelming......
Beautiful --- Beautiful!!!
Your hubby is wonderful....and so are you!!!
Hugs,
Dolores

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Rebecca...that is the sweetest story. I would ask if he needs another wife..but there are several factors. First, I hate rejections..and I would surely get one...AND..I am old enough to be his mother, AND I'm married and so is he which I THINK would make it against the law! :):) Otherwise..he is a marvelous work of manhood and so obviously in love! I am delighted for you..and him! It's so good to hear such things!
Love and hugs,
Mona

Tanza said...

hi my sweet ~r~,
WOWSERS !! What a beautiful dressed up yard you have !! I LoVe all the lights .. the angel .. the sweet bench .. Soo pretty !! Mr. Wonderful is AWESOME again !! Your home is gorgeous !! Now, I want to see the "other" tree !! soo much to see ... I LoVe visiting your sweet home .. Thanks soo much for my sweet girlie .. I LoVe it !! You always surprise mee !! PS .. I soo hope you are enjoying your last days of being 50 !!! Say it ain't possibly soooo ... hehehehe ..more soon
to the moon
~tea~xo

Mary H said...

~~Oh, Rebecca~~The light decorations are beautiful!!!!
The angel is divine...Steve did such a great job designing it and creating that work of art...Good job, Steve!!
Love it all..and you!...
XXOO~Mary H.

Ana said...

Hi Rebecca,
Your house looks so beautiful all lighted up. I love Christmas! And the angel your hubby made is absolutely wonderful. He is very talented...maybe not a good idea to advertise it...now everyone is going to want him to make them one (and by "everyone" I mean "Me" :-)) Have a very merry weekend my sweet friend.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

Elaine said...

What a wonderful story and your house is so grand looking. It is amaazing what a couple can do when they need to and hardships are always a part of life--I know. My husband I went through many to have what our home and now he is not here to enjoy it with me.. You are a lucky lady to have your Mr Wonderful.
God bless you and have a great weekend.


Hope you will visit when you're not busy

ladybugluv said...

Dear Rebecca and Mr. AGP Man,

You both are so very talented! Rebecca, you have such a sense for beauty, and are sooo creative with all of your unique ideas!!

My husband and I believe in the true meaning of Christmas - God's greatest gift to man (Jesus Christ) like you do.

Thank you for sharing your God given talents. Your website is like a glimpse into heaven that we will all experience some day!

We hope you, Mr. AGP man, and Miss K have a very Merry Christmas!

Ladybugluv

Anne Fannie said...

Wow, you are so blessed to have a husband that will put up all those lights! Lets just say its dark here at the Green Acres!
Hugs, Ann

Unknown said...

Hello Rebecca, your house is so so beautiful, you have a great hubby.
Hugs
Charo

Sandra said...

Oh Rebecca. What a beautiful post. You have a beautiful home full of love. And what a wonderful husband you have too. Coule he be related to my husband cause he is like that too. :) We are truly blessed. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
Sandra

Simple Home said...

What a beautiful blog, I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. Your home looks so pretty, and I love your white bench.
Blessings,
Marcia

Jocelyn said...

Thank you for sharing such a lovely post.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Just stopped by to check on you and so glad I did. I love your home and wow your decorations are wonderful. Especially the angel.
I only have lights around my white picket fence and thought I would never get them all up. lol
Maggie

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

look at all these comments! you're doing great. one year down. the first year is the hardest (blogging). the house looks terrific as always, beck!

Ruthie said...

Hi sweetie,well here goes,my very first blog comment,ever!I couldn't have done it without the help from a very special friend.How many times have I wanted to leave a comment to you.Your house is so pretty.I love when people love their homes, and when they have talent behind that love... WOW!and that would be you my friend!The story of your Christmas Angel touched my heart.What a sweet guy.I love your home and your blog.I am going to leave lots of comments now.Hugs to you sweetie,and thank you for everything!!! xoxxoxo Ruthie

Andrea said...

Rebecca, you truly do have so much to be thankful for!!!

What a wonderful husband, beautiful family, and lovely home the Lord has blessed you with!

When I see the image of your home with the gorgeous angel your husband made and the glowing lights all around, I believe it is a dream come true for you.

God cares about us so very much! He is so good!!!

Many blessings to you, my friend! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Love,

Andrea

Laura said...

Oh Rebecca- it is all so lovely. What a wonderful gift from your husband- the angel is breathtaking!

I would love to go on a tour of your home hearing about every detail.

Laura

Vicki said...

Rebecca, your home is so beautiful with its lovely Christmas lights!! Your husband did an absolutely beautiful job on your angel!! I just love it!! Have a blessed Sunday and a beautiful week, dear friend. Vicki

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

What a beautiful home you have and a very loving and thoughtful husband. That angel is just wonderful!

Hugs,
Marsha

Rita said...

What a lovely home and what a lovely post. Our home needed a lot of work, but it is so rewarding to see that work completed. I still have the kitchen/dining room to finish, but it has been so worth the hard work that has been put into it. Even at that, it is the love that goes into that home that really makes it home and I believe you have that too! Merry Christmas!

Monika said...

Beautiful!
That is akk that needs to be said.

Unknown said...

Rebecca, your home is just lovely all decked out for the holidays! I can only imagine how wonderful it must look in person!

Thanks so much for sharing your lovely home.

Blessings,
Teresa

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