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Friday, February 19, 2010

The Header Image on DBH

For the past few weeks, I had a Mardi Gras wreath hanging on our front door. I took a picture and used it as the header image for my blog. When I changed the wreath on Wednesday, and put our Easter wreath on the door, it seemed logical to change my header as well.

Many of you commented on the new header image and JC asked about the wreath.

*Thank you for ALL of your comments, by the way. Y'all... I really want you to know that each of you bless me with your visits and I can't thank you enough. Consider yourself (((hugged))).

As many of you know, my Aunt Jackie passed away with Colon and Liver Cancer. In April, it will be six years since she died (I think... I know for sure that I miss her).

The wreath on my front door was hers. The following picture is of Bryan, Oldest Daughter and I (pregnant with Diva Daughter) on Easter Sunday, standing in front of Jackie's front door.



And of course, the wreath is right behind us.




Jackie made the wreath, weaving vines from her yard (she taught me how to make grapevine wreaths when I was a kid) and I'm sure she constructed the cross as well. The wreath hung on her door for a looong time, often year round. Based on that photo, it is over 13 years old. My cousin Kim gave it to me after Jackie passed away.

I used it on our front door last year "nekkid" - no flowers or bow. When I pulled it out this year, I decided to spruce it up a little. I sprayed on a new coat of white paint and added the flowers and purple bow (similar to the way it looked when Jackie had it on her door). I was pleased with the end result.



The wreath is an object that I passed as I entered the home of a gracious, welcoming, and loving person. It represents moments that I can never get back and lost opportunities to tell those that matter most that I love them. It holds nostalgia, yes, but it is also represents time marching forward, change, and new opportunities everyday to share love with my family. And most of all, the cross is there, reminding me of the love that Christ has for all.

Be blessed Y'all and have a wonderful weekend!

33 comments:

barb said...

I love the sentiment behind your wreath. The twigs entwine all the members of your loved ones; those here and those who have gone Home.

Rose said...

Jennifer, I thought the wreath was lovely when I first saw it on your page, but hearing the story behind it makes it even more so. What a treasure to have. Thank you for sharing how you came about having it and how special it is in your life. Blessings and hugs back to you!
Rose

ABamaMom said...

That's such a sweet story. I love how you're displaying the wreaths on your front door...sorta like you're welcoming us to your blog! Cute!

CraftyHope said...

What a beautiful wreath!!
Thank you for mentioning your header change - many bloggers don't. As I tend to read blogs in a feed reader, I don't always get to see things such as header changes unless they are mentioned. I'm so glad you did!!

Finding Pam said...

This is a loving tribute to your Aunt. I love that you redid her wreath.

What wonderful memories it will hold for all that pass through your doors.

Beautifully done.

Bama Belle said...

Oh, now I love it even more! What a fabulous story!! Blessings to all of you!

Doc said...

Well I really like it... im not crafty enough to make something like that though.

Sandee said...

What a beautiful tribute to Aunt Jackie. Beautiful.

Have a terrific day and weekend. :)

LauraBeth said...

Now that I know "the rest of the story", I just love the special treasure you've shared with your neighbors and with us :-)

Dawn said...

Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry I haven't been by often lately. I have been by a few times recently but both times got interrupted before I could comment.

I love your beautiful wreath and the story behind it!
Hugs,
Dawn

Kelloggsville said...

I looked at the picture when you changed it and wondered where you got them from, I also wondered if if was your own door and then dimissed the idea! How fantastic that it is and what a wonderful story and piece of family nostalgia. It's just glorious. xx

Mimi Lenox said...

What a wonderful tribute to your aunt Jackie and the impression she obviously made on you and your family. I think you did a great job with the new look. It's beautiful.

Just Breathe said...

It is a beautiful wreath. What a sweet story and I love the pictures.

Tiz said...

A beautiful wreath...A beautiful Aunt Jackie.
The pic of you, Bryan, E and M....the boy was still a twinkle in his daddy's eye!!!!

Love all of you, Tiz

Jeanette said...

I LOVE that wreath! I think I'm gonna copy it if that is ok with you :} I would be thrilled to hang one at my house in honor of your sweet Aunt!

Sarge Charlie said...

did i ever tell you that you are a nice person?

littletoesandcheerios said...

Wonderful post, beautiful wreath and a great tribute to Jackie. Much mean so much to you to have that.

Ily said...

I love what you've done with the wreath almost as much as the story behind it. Beautiful!!

Have a great weekend, chica! It's finally in the 70s again here in Miami! Woo-hoo!

Stella said...

How wonderful to hang your precious memories on your front door. Your redo of the wreath is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the story and it makes a stunning header.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

you are wonderful Jennifer. thanks for sharing your memories.
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Brenda said...

The fact that it holds such wonderful memories makes it all the more special and unique!
Be blessed, my friend.

Mike Golch said...

Great header.the fact that it hold deep meaning for you is a blessing as well.Hugs and Prayers my Friend.

Jenny said...

Oh...what a lovely post. And I love the time passage photos. So neat.

You are definitely a wreath wonder! Your feather one is charming, too.

You'll have to keep all the photos and the story in the box with the wreath since it will be a family heirloom.

4thelove! said...

what a great post...beautiful wreath as well!

Jess said...

Hi Jen...how are you? I hope you are doing well and that life is treating you great!

Have an amazing week

I loved reading about the wreath and it looks great!

Lots of love
Jess

"Lois Grebowski" said...

thanks for sharing the story behind the wreath. I love your added touches... The lilies and the purple accent really say lenten season and promise resurrection.

Rachel said...

That's wonderful! What a sweet tradition to carry on!

Mrs. Chaos said...

What a precious story - love the pictures. So glad to have found you.

Amanda

JC said...

Jen, thanks so much for sharing this info. What a wonderful memory that continues to live on. Hey feel free to give me wreath making lessons anytime. Love ya, Aunt JC

Leigh of Bloggeritaville said...

I am sure that Jackie is thrilled you have it and that it holds such special sentimental value to you. Love that wreath. I commented on it.

Marie said...

What a beautiful way to remember your aunt and to hold your loved ones close!

Kimmie said...

What a beautiful story, it gave me the misties. I know how much you loved your Aunt Jackie, Jen. To have this precious wreath is a blessing for it will remind you that she is but a whisper away.
Much love,
Kimmie

Kate @ The Gaines Gang said...

OMG!!! I just popped over to your blog because of the kind words you left me. And I saw your blog header. I can't belive it. I love your wreath. I used mini lilly's on mine but love your big ones. Would you mind if I give a link to your blog on my post for people to see?

Have a blessed day!