Tragedy.....Giveaway winner & My birthday treasures

As I sat down to the computer this afternoon to write a post, I was bombarded with news of the terrible and senseless shootings in Connecticut.  I wanted to write a happy post, but this news certainly puts a damper on the things I have to share.  Nothing is more important than family, and these precious little children have been taken from the Earth.  The only comfort I can offer to those in such deep pain, is the assurance that these little ones, though their life was short, are now held in our Lord's arms, safe and sound.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."
(Those beautiful babies are in His care now)

No words can heal the deep wounds felt today in Connecticut.  We are all praying for healing and comfort for those affected by this tragedy.  Lord have mercy.  

As some of you know, yesterday was my birthday!  To celebrate, Mr. Whimzie took the day off from work and we went antiquing.  I had our route all mapped out, and although we left at 9:30 in the morning, we still didn't have enough time to hit all the places.  We went into an entirely new area this time...places we had never been before.  It was a bright and sunny day (usually it is miserable on my birthday) and I enjoyed riding through the countryside, seeing new sites and visiting new shops.

I was on the look out for one particular item and was lucky enough to find JUST what I wanted at the first shop we stopped at....yup...it's an antique highchair for our new grand-babies coming soon! 

Love the color, patina and shape of the tray

Santa is keepin' the seat warm until the grand-babies come

This was our main purchase, but I did pick up some adorable vintage choir boys, a long sought-after rolling pin with Yellow handles, and an incredible snowman that I just HAD to have...and the price was great too!

 

Oh...and I did get one more thing for myself for my birthday.....

A playmate for Smidgen - her name is Kismet!  It was next to impossible to get her to hold still so I could take a picture...she was busy exploring the house!

 After antiquing, the Mister and I found a nice little Irish grille and pub to eat dinner at...it was delicious.  We sat by the fireplace and I soaked up the warmth, while enjoying the huge Dickens village atop the mantel and the Christmas lights and decorations all around.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day!

On our way back home, we stopped to pick up my nephew Jake for a visit this weekend.

And...it was Jake who came up with the idea of letting one of our chickens pick the winner of my Birthday giveaway.  We tried and tried to get them to peck in the basket, even enticing them with a piece of bread, but they just wouldn't NOT cooperate, so in the end, it was Jake who choose the winner

 and that winner was

Lori of Applegrove Treasures!

Congrats to Lori - please email me with your name and address so I can get your package of goodies out to you.  Thanks to all who entered.

If I don't get too busy tomorrow, I'll be posting my

Home for the Holidays 

pictures of my decorating around the house, including my blog tree!

Have a lovely evening everyone.  Hugs your loved ones tight tonight and always.

God bless