My favorite Christmas present was this book! Given to me by the classiest lady I know. She lives by her beliefs and gives from the heart! In just a few minutes of our time together she saw something that I failed to see in myself. I was mentally focusing on everything wrong in my life and letting that cloud my judgement of the whole season. Christmas morning when the house was quiet and I was waiting for Kenny to get up, and the kids to arrive, I read most of this book! The words spoke to my heart and I could feel change coming over me. Just a few words changing my own focus. So Carolyn--I want to thank you (and Hal for being the delivery boy) for sending me the comfort and peace of the season in this one book! You are an angel in my life. It's my pleasure to be a small part of your life, and thank you for being in mine!

This book will be a treasure for the rest of my life. I'll use it year round to refocus on "The Purpose".

Harley and the Snowman

Harley at the top.......

                                           Going down..........                                                    

Alicia and Orion........

Saturday daylight.......so pretty, but freezing cold. Totals here are at 11-12 inches. Not expected to thaw for a few days!

Final picture for today..... about 7:00pm....................................................................

3:00pm still snowing

Friday... 7:00am photo!

8:00am

Yesterday was such a fun afternoon. We got to spend time with Harley while his parents were at their Christmas party. First it was off to a birthday party for his cousin Ansley. Oh yeahh.. can you say NOISE?  Children everywhere. We survived, and off to see the lights at Lake Julian, a drive thru light show.Then off to eat at Pizza Hut--Harley's choice. Allt he while it was when are we getting to your house Nana? I want to make my cake.
See, a couple of years ago he saw a commercial on the back of a magazine for a cake decorated with M&M's. We have made one for the last 2 yrs. This yr. I did the baking, He did the decorating, even spreading the icing. He loves holding the mixer to make the icing too. This is our tradition now.  Talking to a 5 1/2 yr old is so much fun. He understands the meaning of 'tradition' now, and plans on doing this cake, "for all the years".

Another post for today. With a sad heart I write this.
The company Kenny works for is closing it's doors March 31st. He was about 5 yrs away from retirement with full benifits.
Thank you to the government of this great country for sending all our jobs overseas. :-(
We are in for a BIG change for sure. Thank you to all the Democrats that voted for change.... "BIG CHANGE" hasn't done crap for this country. And for all those thinking the recession is over-- We ain't seen nothing yet! Stuff your money in your matresses, cause Uncle Sam want's it all to bail out stupid companies!
OK so I'm PISSED..............................

 I'm not ready. I haven't shopped.  When is Christmas exactly?

So the Spirit of Christmas is a little slow here on our side of the hill, but it's finally arrived. Brought up only 2 boxes of decorations and ended up with 3 trees!  Can you say YEAH!  Ok so all the trees are small, but at least we have decorations. It's really kind of fun. The mantle decorations were in one box, along with a small 2 ft. tree in a santa boot!   The 6' tree is up in the living room, with all Kenny's western decorations on it. It's usually in the sun room. And the little 4' tree is in the other corner of the living room by the window. No decoratons on the 4' tree, but hey it has lights. I have only 2 santa's out this year. My new one, and my cowboy santa that stays out all year long in the sun room. The other 64 santa's are taking vacation this year and staying in hibernation.
Maybe tomorrow when the lighting is better I can take some pictures. For now I'm enjoying the lights on the trees! Merry Christmas to all...............

I've finally finished the new stockings for the fireplace this year. Why new stockings you ask? Well the short story is: due to issues beyond control and life being lived at a slower pace this year, we are limiting the decorating and hoopla.
And for all of you that have been to our home and know the amount of  decorating I like to do, never fear. I'm NOT sad to leave the stuff in their boxes this year. I'm considering it a chance to do things differently, and make some new stuff.  Now don't get excited. I'm  not making heirloom's, just decorations.
My niece Jerica's wedding from last year inspired my burlap fascination! Did I mention that her wedding was beautiful???????  Her mom Lynn is so talented.  They used lots of 'natural' stuff and "burlap'. Those pictures are for another time though.
Back to 'short' story. I'm NOT digging out our regular Christmas stockings from the boxes of Christmas stuff, so I made some new ones out of burlap. Yep.....burlap.  Stamped the muslin cuff with a Hero Arts rubber stamp and Stazon ink.  I'm thinking of other Christmas stuff to use burlap for too!  :-)

Saturday's big outting: "The Rugby Middle School Craft Show". This has been around for 10 yrs. Why have I not been before?????  100 booths filled the lunch room, the gym, and the hallways. So much to see! Lots of eye candy to fill my crafty spirit! 
To my sister's..... call me we have got to talk about stuff I saw!!! I have "ideas"!!!!!
I bought a Santa of course. You all know I love that man! This one is nothing like any I already own!  The lady's husband cut the wood, and she did all the painting. All sizes, and small ones were made into pins and magnets. My favorite for sure.
The other little goody I bought was all for the humor in it!  A mosquito house! A minature birdhouse just for mosquitos!  I know corny, but cute!!!
Enjoy these pictures!!!

I went visiting blogs this evening. Went to Louise's blog...and Lyneen's blogs, they had the link for this one, so I went! After reading this I had to include it here! So for all my friends and family... listen up! I'm NOT strange, I'm with hundreds of other women out there feeling the same things I am feeling. It's NORMAL!  LOL
http://gotart4u.blogspot.com/2009/11/ditto-on-christmas-decorating-and.html   Check it out!

Today is a thrift store report. On my way to my mom's is the best Goodwill in this area. Always got to stop there when I pass. It's an addiction!  But I can FIND the greatest stuff!

First look at the pictures:  Yes that's the official  inspector looking over the goodies!

I've been looking for some. Didn't want to pay the prices, but wanted the space on the side tables. $7.00 makes these a steal!

This will be great on the wall above the dresser for little pretties. $2.00

Cost for all $2.00. Great addition for my burlap/woodsey christmas decorations this year.

The rest of the stuff is for my craft room organization.

Gotta love a great day at a thrift store!

A little glue goes a long way! Gorilla Glue to be exact. Does the job on wood, glass, metals.
I had a couple of glass candle holders for tapers. I hate taper candles cause they drip unless you buy more expensive candles. I buy for the scent!  LOL
I saw this little project on the Shanty to Chic blog and had to do this for myself!
Went to the Dollar Store and bought 2 round flat bottom candle holders for $1.00 each. Glued them to the tops of my glass taper candle holders and volia "new" votive/small candle holders without the mess of drips!

Be sure and put something heavy (books work) on top while they are drying. Keeps the glue from swelling up!  What do you think????

Welcome to the world new baby--  Gabe Lane!  6 1/2 lbs. Born to  niece Jerrica and hubby Luke!
Wow we are 'great aunt and uncle' again!!!!!  pictures are beautiful! What a head of hair that one has too! Can't wait to hold him and see him in person. Congrats to the 'grandparents too!

Could this be our Christmas Tree this year?