Antique Rocking Horse on the Mantel...

I thought I'd share a few more pics of my antique rocking horse

 on the mantel, that I showed yesterday in the house tour.

My Mom was telling me this week, how she and my dad answered an ad for it in the paper, around the time of my second or third birthday. This was before the age of the heavy plastic bouncing horsey on a big metal spring. I'm old, but I'm not as old as this horse so don't go making me older than I am! Mom said it was an antique when they found it, but it still had it's tail, mane, saddle and the red wooden stand that it set on. It had been stored in one of our barns, so between then and the time mom gave it back to me, the humidity, cold, (and mice) probably took it's toll.

An Old Friend Visits for Christmas

I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine that came to visit in the Dining Room this year. He usually lives in the Family Area downstairs, but he's making an appearance in a special place to help us celebrate the joy of the Christmas Season.

My parents were antique lovers from the beginning, so when they found this wonderful wooden horse, it was already "vintage". He was a gift to me when I was very little. I think I may have been placed upon him only once, and after that they realized he would be better suited to being admired than ridden.

I took these first photos this morning 

and added a little sprig of holly to dress him up.

Don't you love his happy little smile?

Love the rusted little bell on his reins, 

and his perfect white chippy "coat".

He has an honored place here in the Dining Room,

 on my old metal plant stand.

This is an old wedding certificate I found this Fall at the Festival of the Ozarks Antique Show. It makes me sad that this isn't with their family any longer, but I will enjoy it for them...

This time of  year as we celebrate Christmas, we realize that it holds a special place in our hearts for family, joy, and peace that only knowing Jesus can bring. Not only knowing the little baby that was born in a manger so many years ago, but knowing Him as our precious Savior, Comforter, and Friend.

I'm joining in with these wonderful parties this week:

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

TTT at A Stroll Thru Life

Blissful Whites at Timewashed

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Knick of Time 

Cowgirl Up at Cedarhill Ranch

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

The Charm of Home

Sending the Spirit of Christmas your way,

xoxo,