WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE SEND ME A NEW BACK FOR CHRISTMAS??!??!?!
I have been battling this continuing degenerative disc problem and am now back on a walker with nerve damage. I’ve had an MRI and am scheduled for both an EMG and a myelogram on Monday, then scheduled to follow up with the neurosurgeon on Tuesday. I hope to have surgery either before Christmas or right after so that I can (I hope!) finally get some relief and throw this walker out a window. Ramon has been an absolute angel through these recent days of debilitating pain, and he not only helped with the decorating process (all done before Thanksgiving Day!!!), but the photography. We waited around for a sunny day to make an appearance, but it never did so some of the photos are “iffy.” Three weeks without any real sunshine!!! 😦 Anyway, I hope you enjoy, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
(Click on any photo, then click again to enhance/enlarge it.)
Welcome to the Nichols’ household! The bright KC Chiefs – cum – Christmas red door and simple oversized grapevine wreath with a burlap bow, greenery and jingle bells set the tone for a rustic woodland look (mixed with a little glam!) throughout.
First stop…the library with lots of twinkling white lights. The 4-ft. tree is filled with baby owls, frosted pine cones, jute ribbon, clusters of red berries, and miniature logs from Michael’s that remind us what the season is about. It’s all topped off with a homemade burlap bow and burlap ribbon that meanders throughout the tree. (More on that new & improved photo gallery wall coming up in January!)
The top of the secretary has a frosted pine cone-smattered wreath and a generous garland of red berries. Notice the owl inside the wreath. The owls are one of the ongoing themes throughout the house this year.
On the other side of the room, urns on both sides of the vitrine are dressed up with lighted wreaths and a grapevine sphere. The vitrine bar is dressed in lighted greenery with pine cones and red berry clusters. As we leave the library, there are clear glass cylinders filled with acorns and pine cones sharing space with cigars and brandy on the vintage side table.
What does the fox say? This time of year, a heartfelt “I love you!” This bench sits on the side of the front door closest to the library.
Look up the steps to find an easy arrangement of bark-wrapped cylinders filled with red ornaments and jingle bells.
On the other side of the front door is a vintage double-decker telephone stand with a large lantern topped with snow-flecked greenery, another homemade burlap bow and gold jingle bells tumbling down the side with jute. The lower tier holds a tiny duck on a slab of wood with a little icy greenery. Let’s move on into the dining room!
The 7-ft. skinny tree in the dining room window (purchased at a local grocery store in the floral department at after-Christmas clearance for under $25!!!) is filled with woodland creatures from Pier 1, gold ornaments, “Naughty” and “Nice” wood slabs from Home Goods, multi-colored berry clusters, mini grapevine wreaths, frosted pine cones, lots of burlap, and a diminutive pheasant feather topper. The tree is finished off with a tangle of natural grapevine to add to the whole 3-D look. With the exception of the bow on top, the garland is one continuous piece. By next year I hope to be in better health so I can create a video tutorial on just how to do that.
The centerpiece on the dining table is made with lots of greenery, and a metal French-styled champagne bucket from Home Goods filled with pine cones. It is flanked by 12-point resin bucks from Tuesday Morning.
Additional dining room decor includes a weathered sign with watchwords for the season from Michael’s, my personal valet Geoffrey begrudgingly decked out in a Charming Charlie woolen scarf and Dollar Tree reindeer ears, the bar cart with bark-wrapped cylinders topped with reindeer moss and oversized faux acorns cut from an old garland, and a lighted wreath I made a few years ago to put in our master bedroom. This year the wreath was treated to additional ornaments wired in (for life!) and another owl. In front is a wooden Hobby Lobby “Merry and Bright” sign that speaks to the season.
Let’s head back out into the hallway.
I’ve switched out the artwork on the wall for a gold mirror and put a ceramic reindeer head dressed in burlap and red organza ribbon with a gold ornament over it. On the other side of the hall is the foyer table adorned on top with a gilded vase filled with pheasant feathers, a small wreath to light the way, and old books from an estate sale tied up with a burlap bow, berries, greenery and pheasant feathers. Beneath the table is a basket filled with pine cones, twinkle lights and clusters of berries.
Let’s go on into the family room!
My husband spends a lot of time watching TV and working on charts in our cozy little family room, so I wanted this space to have a nice rustic feel for him. Of course, there’s a little glam thrown in for me! 🙂 In this room are lots of burlap-tied books and another wreath with an owl in the window. The fireplace is one of my favorites. I hung felt stockings with a moose-in-the-forest motif and then slung a chipwood initial over each one (all from Hobby Lobby). A wooden santa stands guard over the plain brown paper & jute-wrapped gifts. My very favorite part: a stump salvaged from a miraculously still-healthy limb of an 150-year-old tree we lost this summer to carpenter ants. (See collage above!) I surrounded the bottom with cotton snow and plopped a hungry squirrel hoarding acorns on top.
This is how they looked when I first brought them home.
This is another favorite part of the room because of the creative solutions applied. My Mom bought me a couple of resin 18th century golfers missing their clubs on the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby this past summer. (See thumbnail of the “Before” above.) Making lemonade out of lemons is a specialty of mine…I just gave them weathered wooden sleds instead! It looks as if they were made to haul their Christmas trees instead of taking a golf swing! To put them in more of the Christmas mood, I added a woolen scarf to one and hot-glued a little greenery, a tiny pine cone and some berries to the top hat of the other. Not bad for a $5 investment, huh?
The fireplace mantel is simply dressed in a little pine greenery with white lights in front of the mirror. I kept the whole initial thing going on our stockings with the big red “N” from Hobby Lobby that represents our last name. On the television armoire is more greenery garland with pine cones embellished with natural deer sheds.
Our Christmas tree in the family room is loaded with lots of woodland creatures (mostly from Pier 1) including squirrels, owls, gophers (“Caddyshack” anyone? 😉 ), porcupines, flocked deer, and sequined pheasants disguised as peacocks for the season. Other trimming includes snow-covered pine trees (Dollar Tree), frosted pine cones, antlers (Wal-Mart), jingle bells, hobbit Santas, lanterns (Wal-Mart), miniature grapevine wreaths, various sizes of gold ball ornaments, clusters of white berries, and burlap ribbon. The tree is topped with lots of pheasant feathers and a homemade bow with its tendrils intermittently tied in love knots for a different look. The luxurious fringed tree skirt is from TJ Maxx.
Moving on to the kitchen…
The pantry/desk area has a few little goodies to bring it up to par for the Christmas season. I didn’t change a lot here…just added the white Z Gallerie squirrel nut bowls filled with acorns, a few clusters of red berries, and a stack of Southern Living Cookbooks collected over the years.
Other kitchen decor includes the Hobby Lobby resin rooster with a fancy necktie of icy berries and lady apples. On the breakfast bar is a tall black lantern filled with berry garland and pine cones with a homemade burlap ribbon on the handle. Behind the kitchen sink is a wooden box (previously seen HERE as part of the centerpiece in an autumn tablescape) filled with 3 lighted miniature faux pine trees, Spanish moss and shiny red jingle bells. It looks great from the street and really lights up that corner of the room!
In the eat-in area, are a duo of lighted trees in black urns tied off with burlap and wool tartan ribbon and embellished with shiny red jingle bell napkin rings doubling as ornaments. In the window is another lighted wreath with an owl coyly peeking out from the center. I used a red velvet cord cover to disguise the unsightly cord in the center. The same tartan ribbon used on the urns is used at the top of the wreath.
Before heading downstairs for the last leg of the tour, I thought you might like to see the burlap wreath designed by Kelly Acock, owner of The Monarch Flower Company, finished off with red velvet ribbon and ornaments.
And FINALLY down to the basement level!!!
At the base of the steps is a vignette of 3 lighted trees festooned in a garland of red berries, another pair of ice skates (found at a thrift store!), and a vintage Royal Racer sled (circa 1952) I found at a flea market earlier this year. Regular readers may recognize the tartan ribbon & pine bough arrangement featured here from the post “Tartan on the Tee” earlier this season.
With a small family room like we have upstairs, it’s often necessary to shuffle furniture around during the Christmas season. This chair found its way to the lower level. I used a partridge-covered throw from TJ Maxx and a cute plush reindeer couple from Home Goods to dress it up a little. On top of the bookcase is a winter goose sitting amidst snow-kissed lighted faux pine branches and finished off with a tartan bow with spiraled tendrils. Sitting in the bookcase is a miniature sled with antler feet found at a thrift store.
Over on the other side of the room is the bar. I placed a red Waechtersbach bowl of candy on the bar accompanied by a trio of Ugly Christmas Sweater (Tuesday Morning) carolers. Notice the 2 on the sides have their “arms” crossed over the back of the center caroler. I used a pearl-head pin to set that up. Looks like they’re really in the loving spirit of the season!
And FINALLY…
Other vignettes around the room include a wine bottle in a Mrs. Santa suit (Tuesday Morning) standing over a bowl of corks and a gingerbread-scented candle, wine butlers holding more Ugly Christmas Sweater carolers, and a fun plush Santa door hanger picked up at an estate sale over the summer.
As I said, I am hoping to have back surgery before the end of the year, so I won’t be doing a New Year’s Eve post this year. I will try to slip in one last Christmas tablescape before it’s all said and done for this year. My time on the computer will become more and more limited, but I will be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best of the Christmas season and a very safe, happy and fun New Year! I have no Get Out of Jail Free cards left over to offer, so PLEASE be good! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Other Christmas Home Tour posts on this site from years past:
Waking Up to Christmas – Master Bedroom Decor
Christmas Decor 2013
Christmas 2012
Christmas tablescapes on this site:
Cardinal Christmas
Christmas in the Woods
Tartan on the Tee
Confectionery Christmas
Christmas Progressive Dinner
Black, White & Red All Over
Frosty the Snowman
Checkered Christmas
March of the Penguins
Woodland Men’s Tablescape
Contemporary Christmas – Fire & Ice
Pink & Purple Chocolate Christmas
Black Friday Luncheon Tablescape
Winter Dinner
Christmas Through the Red Door
Sugar High
Celebrating the Season
Roman Holiday
Winter Cardinal
Merry & Bright
Kaleidoscope Christmas
Cranberry Christmas
Cranberry Christmas – Squared
Get Me to The Church On Time
Noel Progressive Dinner
Christmas Fiesta
Warm Metal Christmas
Christmas Coffee
Winter Brunch
White Hot
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Progressive Dinner
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!
Tuscan Holiday
And if you’re looking for ideas for ringing in the New Year:
Life is a Cabaret
Platinum New Year’s Eve
Ringing In the New Year
Hooray For Vodka!
White Hot
Linking up this week with Between Naps on the Porch
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year, all!!!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
So sorry to hear you are suffering Alycia. I know how bad things can be. To not be able to walk normally and use a walker. My mom hasn’t be able to put weight on one foot for over 1 year. She had a tendon replaced and it has not healed. She is waiting for another surgery date to biopsy the tendon to see if it is good or bad. I hope you can get some relief real soon. Thanks for sharing your lovely home. Ramon is such a good caregiver. Merry Christmas to you both.
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If my back were hurting, I’d probably say to heck with decorating, but here you went all out, pain and all. Back pain is the worst, and I do hope you find a successful treatment for what you are enduring. Have a very merry.xox
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Alycia! Girl, if this is what your house looks like with back pain, I can’t imagine it withOUT. The high points for me are the trees (love the one downstairs, and the three in the window box, and your salvaged tree stump!), and the way you fashioned the golfers – looks like they should’ve been hauling Christmas trees all along! It all really looks so great. I love how you have Ramon’s library right at the front door – that wall grabbed my attention right away. Such an inviting home, and I hope your recovery is speedy. EMG is the painful one, I know from my sister’s experience. and I hope it goes quick for you. Prayers for you, girl, and glad you have Ramon to care for you. Merry Christmas, and please keep us posted when you can.
Rita
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Everything is so festive and beautiful. You’d better be nice to Ramon — I think he’s a keeper! I think my favorite thing is those little golfers you recycled. Your Mom needs a hug for this!
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Everything looks absolutely beautiful, Alycia! I don’t know where to start except to say I love all of your woodland creatures. I hope to make lots of feathered owls for my white slim trees next year. That was on my to-do list for this year but Christmas is here too soon! Hope you have a speedy recovery – you’re in my prayers and do have a very Merry Christmas as much as possible!!
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Thinking of you dear Alycia and I do hope that your back will get the right treatment it needs for you to be able to throw that walker out a window or off the deck! Love all the touches for Christmas that you managed to get up! Ok so I won’t only think of you but I will pray that your surgery goes well and that your recovery will be good and speedy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and Ramon!
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Oh Alycia, how in the world did all that decorating get done? I know Ramon helped, but you had to direct it all. Your home looks wonderful and I’m sure hoping that your poor back will be feeling better soon. Chronic pain is so debilitating and I hope relief is in your future. Hopefully Geoffrey, who looks so spiffy by the way, will be at your beck and call.
Prayers are with you, sweet friend. xxoo
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Alycia, your house (home) is so beautiful, warm, inviting, and creative, JUST LIKE YOU!
MOM
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Wow, Alycia…you’ve really been hit with a bad year, huh? I sure hope they can straighten out your back (no pun intended) and get you back on your feet, pain free. What a struggle for you, who are usually so active!
Bless your hubby for helping with all your lovely decorations…everything is very festive & full of fun & laughter. Pure genius on those clubless golfers!
Try to relax & let others wait on you. Sending ~~healing prayers~~for a full recovery.
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Poor Alycia you are such a fighter and I’m so sorry you’re struggling. You are such a kind and loving person. You don’t deserve any of this.
Everything is gorgeous. Please take care
Cindy
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I Love everything! I also did a woodland themed tree this year. Still futzing around with decorations. Ugh. I was inspired by visiting Maine in the summer and again at Thanksgiving. I am sorry to hear about your back, though. Have you tried essential oils? Massage with them can only help, I really believe that.
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Wow, Alycia–I hope your back feels better very soon! Sorry to hear you need surgery, but hopefully it will provide the relief you need. I must be having sympathy pains–my lower back and hips have been super sore since the end of November. I’m okay during the day when I’m moving around, but then I go to bed and by morning I’m very sore to the point of it waking me out of a dead sleep–not so much fun. I’m thinking it might be the state of our mattress–perhaps due for a new one. In any event, your home looks lovely as always–I am in love with the pair of foxes on the bench–so cute!
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Oh Alycia, I’m so sorry you’re still doing poorly! My dad has a degenerative disc issue in his neck, and it’s caused him a lot of pain. You’re amazing for having done as much as you have lately! The house just looks magical with all its warm lights and woodland creatures. Every room is decorated just beautifully and carries out the theme so well. Ramon really did an incredible job of helping you with this — he is indeed a keeper!!!!!
I hope your surgery will be very soon and that you’ll quickly be on the road to recovery, my friend. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the coming New Year!!
Big warm hugs,
Denise
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I had to read this whole post twice to take everything in! First of all – I hope your surgery goes well and wishing you a quick recovery! Secondly, I love the wine bottles dressed up!. Your trees are lovely, but I especially like the display downstairs with the tree,sled and skates! Your home looks so festive, and aren’t you lucky to have a husband to help you decorate! Mine helps with the main tree, but then I need to turn on a football game to keep him out of my way – haha!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and again, good luck with surgery!
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If I could get you a new back for Christmas, you know I would. I sure hope you can get some relief from the pain dear Alycia. Keeping you in my prayers! Your home is festive and beautiful!! xo
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Wow you have really been through the ringer this year! I am sending some prayers to ya that next year will be pain free and footloose of that walker! Such a great holiday home tour! You and Ramon did a beautiful job…Now I know that you know that I would love those woodsy touches you did….especially those animal ornaments! Plus I always loving seeing your kitchen and home tours for the holidays….even with little sun here and down your way too…your kitchen still looks like it is filled with natural light.
If I don’t talk to you before next Thursday I hope you have a wonderful Merry Christmas 🙂 ((((Hugs))))
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Your home is absolutely beautiful! Good job assisting Ramon. I see Geoffrey is into the Christmas spirits, I mean in the spirit. 😀 I’m praying for ya sweetie. Merry Christmas! xx
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Prayerful for a successful surgery, Full RESTORATION, and a Blessing filled & prosperous New year
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I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so rotten for so long. I’m certainly keeping you in my prayers. Even if you may have to have the surgery during the Christmas holidays, you may be setting up a MUCH better new year. Best of luck to you, my friend!
You home is SO pretty! I’m impressed that your hubby helped with all the decorating and photography! He’s a real keeper!! I don’t know which room I like best but I will say those wine bottles in the basement wearing those ‘ugly sweaters’ really caught my eye! lol
I’ve been working on some last minute sewing projects and haven’t done much blogging lately. I will try to get a décor or tablescape post ready this weekend but it won’t be a gorgeous as your home!
Again, I’m keeping you in my prayers. Take care of yourself, Alycia. Merry Christmas!! Zenda
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You are in very capable hands with Ramon and the fact that he helps you decorate really does make him an angel. Your home must be the most festive house on the block. It’s beautiful and each room is filled with holiday cheer. Praying for your healing and that you can get out of the brace soon.
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Well you’ve done a spectacular job on your decorating even with your back misery. There are so many things I enjoyed viewing I could go on and on! Your home is full of warmth and feels peaceful. I pray for you to find some relief and to get back to feeling like your old self very soon! Bless Ramon’s heart for being so helpful- not every man would do that. Merry Christmas my friend! 🙂
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As I was scrolling through this post I kept thinking, ‘this must be it. There’s no way she could have gotten more done with all she’s enduring with her back’. Then I kept scrolling, and scrolling, and scrolling! Unbelievable! Ramon is a treasure for sure!!
So many beautiful, creative vignettes I don’t know where to start except to say I love EVERYTHING!!!
I knew your back has been bothering you, but surgery?? Possibly before Christmas?? I’m sooooo sorry 😢 I hope your tests go well, and that you can throw that walker out the window very, very soon. I won’t be happy until I can see you bust some moves on the dance floor again.
xxx
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See what happens when you get younger! I hope you feel better Sis and if you need me I am here.
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Sorry Alycia, to hear you aren’t your 100% wonderful self! 😦
Take it easy as much as possible! On to your home…..wow! It’s fabulous! I love all of your gorgeous rustic décor, especially the little woodland creatures scurrying throughout, adorable! Would you believe I saw that beautiful champagne bucket at my local HomeGoods too, but passed it up, went back, then didn’t see it again, maybe Santa delivered it to your locale (winks)? Gorgeous, gorgeous home! Very warm and welcoming, and so much room! Very nice! Please take it easy over the holiday, God bless you and your family, have a wonderful Christmas!
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Alycia, you and Ramon were able to do all this and blog about it too, even with a sore back that needs surgery–right now?? I am stunned. I had no idea you were in such pain, you appear to be superwoman with not a care in the world. I am so sorry to hear you have to have surgery and my prayer is that you come through it beautifully and recover quickly. Enjoy Christmas and take it easy at the same time. Sounds like you are in good hands with Ramon. Spend plenty of time resting and recuperating, we’ll all be here when you get back! BTW, your house is beautiful and those ugly Christmas sweater wine bottles are too much!
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Your home is so beautiful and festive. Your are truly gifted. I will look at clearance racks differently after seeing those golfers! I can’t imagine getting all that done with a bad back! Blessings on you for a Merry Christmas and successful surgery.
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Oh my goodness, Your home is a virtual winter wonderland of Christmas cheer. You have such a gift in displaying items and drawing us in. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your upcoming surgery. I pray your healing is fast and easy. You’ll be missed while gone, so can’t wait for your return with a very speedy recovery. Merry Christmas my friend.
fondly ~lynne~
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I’m really enjoying seeing all your rustic timberland Christmas decorations..how perfect for a family room. You make me want to do something similar in our family room. Do you think I still have time before Christmas? LOL
Great use of the golfers who lost their clubs. Your mom has a great eye for finding things, and you for giving the golfers a new “activity”.
Thanks so much for all the inspiration. I’m sorry that you’re in so much pain, and hope you get your back and shoulder sorted out soon. Thank goodness you have Ramon to understand what you’re going through, and what a great “decorating/photography assistant” he is.
Wishing y’all a Very Merry Christmas,
xo Babs
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Wow! And ten more wows! Your husband deserves more than a gold star here…or did you really do most of it and that’s why your back is in such bad shape??? Everything is completely gorgeous, and I can’t believe you did all that while in pain! Even if you only directed Ramon on the where and how, with him doing all the work, I can’t imagine how you did all of that while in pain. I guess maybe we all need to show up at your house after Christmas to get everything put away for you…or you can do like a former neighbor of mine who said they would take their outdoor lights down in July. I laughed, but they weren’t kidding. Only, it wasn’t even July…it was 2 or 3 years! Hey, it’s your house, so you do whatever you want…and need right now. Your health is more important than anything, and I hope you get that surgery worked into your schedule for this year. We will miss you so much! I will be praying for your speedy recovery and minimal pain. Please keep us posted as you can along the way back to full mobility. Hugs and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
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Alycia,
Oh, dear friend. . .I am so~o~o very sorry about the pain you’ve been experiencing!!! Thank goodness that Ramon understands how much being a “blogger” means to you!!! . . .and great photos!!!
I adore all the natural elements you’ve tucked into your Christmas Woodland themed decor! The “naughty” and “nice” ornaments gave me a chuckle!!!
Take care of yourself. . .Merry Christmas. . .and I’m looking forward to hear about how much better you’re feeling in 2015!!!
Fondly,
Pat
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I am so sorry you have been suffering so much Alycia, bad enough that you are in pain but that must be soooo frustrating when there are so many things you are itching to do and can’t. Your house is decorated top to toe, how sweet of Ramon to do your bidding! Love the woodland creature tree with the feather topping, and those golfers, simply brilliant the way you changed them into sledders! What an inspiration to remember when out shopping! I will be praying for your fast and easy recovery, and I know you will be anticipating the New Year as a new you! Sending holiday love~
Jenna
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I’m sorry to read you are in so much pain, Alycia! Back pain is so debilitating. I hope surgery offers you relief. Your husband is so sweet to help you with everything. Your house looks so festive with all of your sweet decorations. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
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Wow! Your Christmas decor looks fantastic!! Great job! Ramon is a keeper! I bet that walker has really had a workout with you using it. I’m so sorry you are having so much pain. I pray the surgery will give you the relief you need. Bad to have surgery, but having surgery over the holidays is worse! I guess you do what you have to do. With pain you welcome any help at any time, right! My neck pain is much better, and the bursitis in both hips is better since I had the injections Dec. 6th.
I love the little golfers and what you did with them, I like those before and after stories! I also like those big initials on your stockings! May Santa fill your stockings with love and a miracle on your pain!
Merry Christmas!
Katherine
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Oh, Alycia, you are amazing. Your home looks WONDERFUL for the holidays and you can still pull something like this off while in such obvious discomfort! Thank you to your hubby for his tender care and help. Please take care of yourself and know that “this, too, will pass.” You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Rosie
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Alycia, I truly can sympathize with what you are going thru with your back pain. Sending all my get well, feel better soon wishes to you. And you will…Nothing holds you down for too long. We just won’t have it! Your home is beautifully done. Love all the natural elements and the little critters….I Love it!…Your husband is a great sport…Kudos to him and your Mom; for having a good eye to know what you can do with your creative talent. Your home is warm and welcoming! Get well… and thank you for sharing giving how you are feeling, you sure wouldn’t know it by seeing what you have done. Cheers to you!! Merry Christmas!
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Oh Alycia, I do hope you have found relief from your back pain. Your home looks lovely and the decorations are awesome and just love the metal bucket with pinecones. Please keep us posted on your surgery.
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Merry Christmas…………..
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I wish I could wrap you a new back for Christmas, you poor poor dear. Thank you for the festive house tour! There is so much to love! My favorites are the birch bark cylinders filled with red ornaments and the monogram above. I like the woodland skinny tree filled to capacity with all those whimsical creatures. And the pheasant tree topper? Magnificent! Merry Merry Merry, Alycia!
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Alycia, I hope Santa brings you the relief you need for a pain- and-walker-free 2015! Your home is beautiful and so welcoming for the holidays. I can’t believe you were able to tackle your decorating with Ramon’s help! Sending healing and healthy thoughts your way! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year wishes!
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Oh my Alycia…you have been a very busy lady…your home looks gorgeous…I love everything that you did from the beautiful tree toppers to those ever so cute golfers turned sled men!!….Now that is super creative!.. Merry Christmas to you and your family…may you have a blessed and joyous one!!
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Alycia, before you consider surgery look into stem cell treatments. There are at least two docs doing outstanding work in DC and Richmond, VA…I’m sure there are some out your way. Europe is way ahead of us on this–might be worth getting on a plane!
Have a WONDERFUL Christmas and know lots of love and good wishes are heading your way!
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Hi, Susie! I wish stem cell treatment was the answer here. Unfortunately the problem is not disc related as I thought. The myelogram revealed a narrowing of the nerve canal between L4 and L5 of the spine created by a big ol’ bone spur. It’s causing the nerve to be hinged up which in turn causes immense pain to radiate down the right leg. I am told the only solution is a surgical procedure to remove the bone spur, reduce the other calcium buildup. I should feel immediate relief. As for the discs, the neurosurgeon says they have not changed from how bad they were 6 years ago, so they won’t even address them at this time. I don’t like being cut into for any reason at any time, but the pain is so deep and almost constant. I have laid here thinking of gnawing off my own leg!
I’ll ask my husband if he’s familiar with the 2 docs you spoke of in the DC area. As a doc himself who did part of his residency there a billion years ago, he tends to keep up with who’s who on that coast. It would be noteworthy information for future reference.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year to you, and I hope 2015 brings everything good in this life to your doorstep. Take care, and thanks! Alycia
On Thursday, December 25, 2014, Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One wrote:
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Alycia, I’ve come back and look at this post at least 5 times! I love all the details you’ve put into this table and throughout the house! You didn’t miss a trick! I honestly cannot even tell you which of these vignettes is my favorite! Everything is so lovely. I suppose if I have to pick something, I love your tree with the berries garland. Just gorgeous! I hope your Christmas has been wonderful and your back has gotten a bit better. Stay out of trouble!
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Thank you, Maria! I haven’t had much of a chance to enjoy all of Christmas decor since I’ve mostly stayed upstairs in bed, so I actually go thru the pics on my IPad! Next year I hope to be 100% healthy. I will then make up for this year!
Have a very happy New Year! A
On Thursday, December 25, 2014, Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One wrote:
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Alycia I do hope you get relief soon. Your whole is house is magical. Girl I don’t know how you will make up next year, as I think you hit out of the park this year <;) Feel better……..saying a prayer.
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Alycia, I hope by now you have already had your surgery and are already on the mend. I am so sorry to hear that you have been in such pain. We must have been on the same wave length again, as I did my family room in a woodsy theme. I love all of your rustic touches, my favorite is the pheasant feather tree topper! It is sad that you did not get to enjoy all your fabulous decor. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you get some relief from all the pain. Here’s to a better year in 2015. Take care
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Alycia, I am so sorry that you spent the holidays mostly confined to bed suffering in pain. I sincerely hope that you were able to get your much needed surgery to remove that nasty (and painful) bone spur and that you are on the road to recovery for the new year. Bless Ramon’s little heart for picking up the ball and helping to create all of your beautiful timberland theme holiday decor. He did a marvelous job (under your direction I am sure) bringing everything together for a beautiful woodland look. You had my attention with all of the little critters that were used throughout your lovely home to welcome in the holidays. I am a sucker for owls and squirrels and love to see a tree come to life with all of their little faces (along with the other critters) tucked into the twining burlap on the Christmas tree. My favorite is the squirrel on the tree stump hoarding his acorns, he is just the cutest little thing. I will be praying for your speedy recovery and wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year.
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