One of the things that excites us about living in this parsonage is the fact that there is a fireplace for us to use and enjoy. Last week, chimney sweepers came and cleaned out the chimney. (In fact, they provided great entertainment between the use of the chimney vaccuum cleaner and the infamous chimney brush – “Hey, mom, that looks just like from the movie, Mary Poppins!” We asked the guys if they would sing the song made famous by Dick Van Dyke but they said that would cost us extra:-)
Then, last night, Max brought home a grate, screen, and wood to have our first fire! Everyone helped with scrunching up newspaper, gathering sticks from the pile in the garage, and taking things out of the boxes.
After just a few minutes, the sights, smells and sounds of an open fire filled our living room. What a joy and relaxation it was to sit together, stare at the fire, read some books, and even have our ‘baby’, Jacob, fall asleep on my lap as we quietly enjoyed the time together.
Next time, we will have to remember to buy some marshmallows… and chocolate… and graham crackers for s’mores!!
Exodus 24:17 (NIV) To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.
Your turn to share: Do you have a fireplace in your home?
Sincerely, Kristin 
January 18, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Our “new” house has a wood stove that we are heating with. We really enjoy it! We no longer have the huge backyard for bon fires, so I think we need to bring stick inside and toast marshmallows in our living room!
January 18, 2008 at 4:08 pm
No fireplace–wish I did on these cold, cold nights. We love having backyard campfires the rest of the year. S’mores–yum!! (even better with Reeses PB cups!!) 😉
January 19, 2008 at 9:49 am
Oh I LOVE a fire, too! Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t like the smell, so we had a lot of “discussions” about the fireplace. This past November we treated ourselves to a gas fireplace for our anniversary. It is dreamy. It comes on with the push of a button. I can have it on for hours or just a few minutes. Definately one of my favorite home improvements! Hope you have enough wood for tomorrow – brrrrrrr!
January 19, 2008 at 10:32 am
We have a fireplace that we enjoy using! The kids are always front and center as we start the fire. They love to watch it get going. It does create a beautiful atmosphere on a cold WI day. This morning we awoke to an actual temp of -10… I don’t want to know the windchill! The fireplace will be a blessing today!
January 19, 2008 at 12:24 pm
At this time we don’t have a fireplace and wish that we did. A fire in the winter time is so wonderful! However, in the summer we can have a small fire in the firpit on the beach in front of our house. It isn’t the same…but we can make smores.
January 21, 2008 at 5:26 pm
We(me, my husband and our two girls) are just beginning the house hunting process. One thing that we would love to find is a house with a fire place. There is something about the warmth that draws people in and provides time spent together. There are many times where God has been a fire place forme. He draws me into his warmth and holds me there. I just have to remember to show up and light the fire.
January 21, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I’ve never had a fireplace. I love a bon fire and s’mores sound wonderful. I can’t wait for summer!
January 23, 2008 at 7:28 pm
We had a wood burning stove and it was my brother’s job to bring in more wood. One time we told him we would bring the wood in the house in the summer, and he thought that was a fair plan. We finally had to make him realize that wood is not needed in the summer!
January 25, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I don’t have a real fireplace but I recently purchased an Amish fireplace mantle with a free Heat Surge Miracle Heater inside. This was recently available from The Buffalo Newspaper dated January 8, 2008. The catch for the free heater was you had to order it within 48 hours, which I did. It heats my living room and bedroom very nicely. If I had more money I would have purchased another one, there was a 2 per household limit. Anyway, I enjoy looking at my fake fireplace.