What Makes A Home?

Home

It's different for everyone

Unique

Depending on the people that live there.

Here is a peek at what home means to me...





The cats have taken a liking to my library. I took some laundry baskets and made HIS and HERS beds. Nikki (the calico, HER) loves her bed. Joe (the black and white HIM) lays in front of his bed. Go figure.



This is my inspiration board I keep at my desk. Yes, I saved the big block Hershey's bar, paper. I'm inspired by chocolate...what can I say? I love the house decorated for Christmas and the iced tea recipes on the right. I have eclectic interests:)



"D" is for Dawn. Also Daring. Delirious and Dorky. No comment.





I collect Boyd's.  I love the nostalgia of teddy bears.



I also collect antique pictures...the bottom one is of cotton pickers from the early 1900's. (no relation) The top picture is of my great grandmother. People never smiled back then. I have no idea where I get my "camera ham" genes.



This is a picture my son created when he was six, in first grade art class. I have always loved this picture. It is a water color of wild flowers. I framed it and hung it in my library. It makes me happy.



Yes, okay...I collect antique books too. I know I have a running theme of all things old. I really do think I have an old soul. I'm not kidding.



I have a quirky thing going on for architectural salvage as art. My husband totally does not get this about me. He thinks I'm weird...I'm not here to debate that fact. I hung this piece on the wall over the fireplace mantle. Maybe I should say, my husband hung it....I "helped" him by telling him to move it a little to the left, um....now down a little....no, up on the right corner....tilt it..... Okay. Put it there. Are you sure? Yes. I'm going to put a hole in the wall. Are you positive. Yes. Sure? No. Let's start over.



These are fake. I love sunflowers. I can't grow them. The wind at our house beats them all down. At least fake ones don't die. They just get dusty.



Enamel bowl. Cute, huh? Perfect for snacks.



This is what my laundry room looks like most of the time. Seriously, do we need clean bath towels? Can't we all just air dry?





This is the view from my front porch this morning. Our neighbor is working very hard to plant, since we've had a string of days without rain.

***************

What things "make home" for you?

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What Makes A Home?

Home

It's different for everyone

Unique

Depending on the people that live there.

Here is a peek at what home means to me...





The cats have taken a liking to my library. I took some laundry baskets and made HIS and HERS beds. Nikki (the calico, HER) loves her bed. Joe (the black and white HIM) lays in front of his bed. Go figure.



This is my inspiration board I keep at my desk. Yes, I saved the big block Hershey's bar, paper. I'm inspired by chocolate...what can I say? I love the house decorated for Christmas and the iced tea recipes on the right. I have eclectic interests:)



"D" is for Dawn. Also Daring. Delirious and Dorky. No comment.





I collect Boyd's.  I love the nostalgia of teddy bears.



I also collect antique pictures...the bottom one is of cotton pickers from the early 1900's. (no relation) The top picture is of my great grandmother. People never smiled back then. I have no idea where I get my "camera ham" genes.



This is a picture my son created when he was six, in first grade art class. I have always loved this picture. It is a water color of wild flowers. I framed it and hung it in my library. It makes me happy.



Yes, okay...I collect antique books too. I know I have a running theme of all things old. I really do think I have an old soul. I'm not kidding.



I have a quirky thing going on for architectural salvage as art. My husband totally does not get this about me. He thinks I'm weird...I'm not here to debate that fact. I hung this piece on the wall over the fireplace mantle. Maybe I should say, my husband hung it....I "helped" him by telling him to move it a little to the left, um....now down a little....no, up on the right corner....tilt it..... Okay. Put it there. Are you sure? Yes. I'm going to put a hole in the wall. Are you positive. Yes. Sure? No. Let's start over.



These are fake. I love sunflowers. I can't grow them. The wind at our house beats them all down. At least fake ones don't die. They just get dusty.



Enamel bowl. Cute, huh? Perfect for snacks.



This is what my laundry room looks like most of the time. Seriously, do we need clean bath towels? Can't we all just air dry?





This is the view from my front porch this morning. Our neighbor is working very hard to plant, since we've had a string of days without rain.

***************

What things "make home" for you?

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• Home and Garden (jessicalynn4u37.com)


• Teddy Bears, Comfort Zones and Big Adventures (wisewolftalking.com)


• If Teddy Bears Ruled the World (femaleimagination.wordpress.com)


• Armed and Cuddly (justsimplyinlove.wordpress.com)


• Cousins are Such Good Friends! (cowgirlmama.wordpress.com)


• How I started collecting Antique and Vintage purses -On Serendipity ! (rubylane.com)


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Slow Down and Take a Deep Breath...

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It's Monday and I already know it will be a very busy Monday. I have much to accomplish today, lots to check off my mental to do list. I can already feel my body tensing, and my mind racing at top speed. How can I be most efficient with my time? How will I get everything completed?

Not enough time! Not enough time!

Slow down. Take a breath.

Say thank you.

Breathe in the joy of the everyday.

Exhale... thanks.

A gift. I need to slow myself...and appreciate, be in awe of the fleeting moments.

I have a sign hanging in my kitchen, a sign my oldest son gave me as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. I keep the sign up year round.

"It's a Wonderful Life" , beautifully matted and framed.

Yes, it is the title of a favorite holiday movie.....but, it could... and should be my motto.

Because thankfulness does bring joy--  And joy makes for a wonderful life.

A daily reminder.

* Emerald green, springtime grass

* Wet smell after the rain

* Eggs and toast for breakfast

* Long hugs from my child

* My husband laughing

* A good nights sleep

* Opportunity

* Friendship

* A floor that needs swept

* A bathroom that needs cleaned

* Errands to run

* Candles in the windows

* A full eucharisteo board

* Bare feet on concrete

* The smell of coffee

* Hands and fingers that type without pain

* A smile
I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69:30 



Won't you take a moment and drop by? Visit with others who are sharing Multitudes On Mondays?

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Cold Beauty

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Yes. This winter seems unending. It has been cold and chaotic since the first snow fell on December 1.

And yet...as I stand at my kitchen window, I am amazed at the beauty of it all.

I quietly sigh. I stare upward.

White gray.

Snow blowing every which way. A blur of flakes.

Each one different. Unusual.

The scene before me resembles a snow globe that has been shook hard.

A flake frenzy.

Cold beauty.

Dogs with snowy fur.

Schools closed.

Gray sky filled with flakes.

The roar of wind.

I feel the need to snap a picture. To remember.

To pull out on the hot, sticky days of late July.

A cool memory to ease the pain of the heat.

Lord, I am thankful for this day you have given me.

And for the eyes wide open...to see your gift to me.

 

 

 

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From Canada, With Love...

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I had never seen the movies based on the book. At 42, I asked for Anne (with an "e") of Green Gables for Christmas. My husband bought me the collectors edition. The two of us watched the entire series over Christmas vacation. I loved it! The actress, Megan Follows, played Anne perfectly.  I now want to visit Prince Edward Island, Canada. The scenery was gorgeous. The blue of the ocean against the  the green meadows. Those of you that live in Canada, please tell me that it really looks that way....in real life.  I was amused by Anne's spirit. "You can call me Cordelia." Is that your name? "No, but I've always liked Cordelia." What IS your name? " Well, if you won't call me Cordelia, Anne...with an 'e', if you don't mind." Thank you Lucy Maud Montgomery for giving us the wonderful spirit of Anne.

A couple of Christmas's ago I bought my husband, The Red Green Show. I had never heard of it until he mentioned that he had watched it at some point and loved it. For those of you not in the know....it sort of is the Canadian version of Home Improvement. Men meet at the Possum Lodge in northwestern Ontario, to solve the problems of a man's world....much to the detriment of those around them. I laughed my way through those DVD's.

[the "Men Anonymous" pledge, or the Man's Prayer]
All: I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess.

I have several readers in Canada. To all my neighbors in the north, what are some Canadian shows that you enjoy? (or shows from the past) Make some suggestions for me.

 

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Today In Time

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~ Friday, January 14, 2011

Outside my window. . .it is snowing. It seems like just about every day since December 1st, it has been snowing. Global Warming, uh huh. Yeah.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am thinking. . .that I need to go to Walmart today. The family is in need of some groceries. I hate grocery shopping. It depresses me. Everything is so expensive. Plus, I'd like to be more creative with food selection, but Walmart is not really about creativity. Sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~
From the learning room. . .my kids are up and are not happy that they don't have the day off (for teacher inservice) like the public schools. Such is the plight of the homeschooler.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am thankful for. . .a lot of things. Currently, a warm house and cozy jammies.
~~~~~~~~~~
From the kitchen. . .I smell the orange scented detergent in the dishwasher. I'm so thankful for whoever created the dishwasher. Really. Seriously. I could kiss him. (or her?)
~~~~~~~~~~
I am wearing. . .my Christmas pajamas. My mom bought them for me. They are the softest pj's I own. Very nice.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am creating. . .a legacy. For better or for worse.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am going. . .to watch a movie tonight with the family. We don't do this often enough.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am reading. . .an excellent book by Ken Ham. Basically, it's about If God is Loving, why do people suffer? I know heavy stuff. That is just how I am. Not afraid to tackle the hard things in life.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am hoping. . .that our mini van doesn't break down on our day trip tomorrow. It is held together with bubblegum and rubber bands. And prayer. Okay, so maybe the first two are a lie. The third is not.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am hearing. . .Fox and Friends on the morning news. I enjoy FOX. Yes, they are conservative. I am conservative, so it works.
~~~~~~~~~~
Around the house. . .the usual morning rituals are going on. Coffee brewing. Children crunching cereal. Dog and cats begging for some petting. Morning news on.
~~~~~~~~~~
One of my favorite things. . .quiet time to myself. Definitely. Silence doesn't bother me.
~~~~~~~~~~
A few plans for the rest of the week. . .grocery shopping, movie night, pick up daughter from her visit with her cousins, church, trip to the vet, home school. That's all I've got right now. That I know of....because it can always change....and usually does.
~~~~~~~~~~
Find out more about the Simple Woman’s Daybook at this site.

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The Last Day Of The Year

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TIME

Seconds to minutes

Minutes to hours

Hours to days

Days to weeks

Weeks to years...

Here I sit on the last day of the year, wondering where all the time went. I contemplate what I've done this past year. I analyze the details of my life. I smile at all the things I have accomplished. I fret about all the things I've left undone. I believe I could have said more. I wonder about what I should have left unsaid.  Aahh...we all walk a fine line, don't we?

Each day brings new opportunities. Sometimes I grab the opportunity. Sometimes I let it go. Sometimes I'm glad, other times I have regret.

There are people that are gone from my life. New friendships were made. Some individuals faithfully remain.

I'm one year older and hopefully at least a little wiser.

Tonight is the end of the old and the beginning of the new.

It's always exciting to think of starting a new year with a clean slate. The possibilities.... The opportunities.... The path less taken.

Happy New Year!

 

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A New Chapter

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The end of one year, the start of another. The possibilities, the choices, the opportunities.

In my life, I've been accused of thinking too much. I take  this declaration with a grain of salt. Too much thinking? How is that possible? What is the result of thinking too much?  Or not enough thinking? Or at all? I like to mull things over. Long after a conversation...I'm still going over the content of what was said.

I like to ponder what this new year will hold. I become contemplative during this time of year.

Each year brings new possibilities. Not because New Years Day is some sort of magic key, but because it is more like a door to the unknown. None of us really knows what will happen to us this year. We can have our plans, but many times life does not go as planned. Sometimes it careens off course. We end up on a road that we never intended to travel.

Sometimes things that seem "bad", turn out to have lessons that are good for me. Other times I've made poor choices and I've suffered through the consequences of those choices. Sometimes it is a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, sometimes events happen that are completely out of my control. I could not have changed them even if I desperately wanted to. One just never knows how things will turn out.

We all hope for a good year, abet, even a great one! We all want joy in our lives. Moments that matter. The opportunity to make a positive difference. Fulfillment. Friendships. Love.

I can plan. I can make changes. I can try to be even more organized and productive. Ultimately, God is the one who chooses how this year will proceed. It is He that is sovereign. It is He that makes life interesting and worthwhile...and I can rest in that.

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Classic Films Collection

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I watched two classic movies as I wrapped gifts yesterday. I have yet to be able to just sit down and watch a movie without being "productive" with my time.  There is never enough time in a day! The first movie was The Shop Around The Corner. (Margaret Sullivan, Jimmy Stewart). I love the old, black and white movies. I really do. I don't know if it is the simple scenery, the fact that everyone is dressed so beautifully, or that a movie can be interesting without any offensive language or suggestive situations. Sigh. It was just a different time. The Shop Around The Corner pretty much took place in  the store...so there wasn't a lot of scenery, but what a great movie! (the movie You've Got Mail starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks is a take off of this movie)  Speaking of scenery, I have a keen eye for all the props. The old cash registers, cigarette boxes, ladies' hats, and how store windows used to be "dressed" for the holidays.

Then I watched Christmas In Connecticut starring Barbara Stanwyck. It is sort of  a comical Good Housekeeping, circa Christmas 1945. Snow, a navy man, sleigh rides, and a farm in Connecticut. Who wouldn't fall in love?

Today I am working on my laundry. What can I watch in between loads of whites and colors? Maybe It's A Wonderful Life? (side note: google Jimmy Stewart discussing It's A Wonderful Life. It was in a 1977 interview. It will give you a new perspective about this movie. Seriously, you should check it out.) Or Miracle On 34th Street--the 1947 version, of course!

Well, I better go. I heard the dryer just buzz. Time for another load.

 

 

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You Know You Are Losing It When...

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Those of you that read my blog know I am a Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I'm a writer, ponderer (is that a real word?), romantic, nostalgic, and a teacher. I have my blond moments, melt downs, and flip outs. I prefer organization and can lean a little towards being compulsive....but, only about certain things. Believe me on that.

So, today has been crazy for me. I don't know if I'm coming or going. Or am I here or have I already left the building? You know what I mean? Haven't we all had those type of days?

You Know You Are Losing It When...

1. You find yourself standing at the kitchen sink, holding the sink strainer, and  are actually wondering what that gunk IS in there? And worse yet, how did it get in there?

2. Your elderly dog takes glucosamine. The meds are orange flavored. You contemplate tasting it to see if it really DOES taste like orange. Like the dog cares. He thinks it's a treat.

3. You start to watch the news while making dinner. Instead of truly listening to what is going on in the world, you find yourself staring at the news reporter, thinking that he has a huge forehead and he'd look a lot better if he styled his hair differently.

4. While driving into town today, your child mentions that something stinks in the mini-van. You sigh....and then turn up the talk radio station even louder. It helps to drown out the thoughts about what could be rotting in the back cup holders, or under the seat.

5. You "skate" across the kitchen floor in your socks, while holding a spatula, singing Christmas tunes...and your family members don't even consider that strange.

6. You sprayed way to much Yankee Candle, mistletoe scented spray on the fake Christmas trees. For the love of Pete would someone throw open a window...I think I'm getting a mistletoe buzz.

7. The collie (not the older dog) keeps dumping the entire bowl of dog food in the snow. Then hides the bowl.

8. You start to believe that you actually look pretty sexy in your "Clifford the Big Red Dog" apron, as you fix dinner.

9. You try not to think about the fact that the ground beef you are browning for dinner used to be a cow at some point. Sniff. Sniff.

10. Okay, so maybe I'm not certifiable.....unless you look under the word MOM. Then you realize that  losing one's mind comes with the territory.

By the way, the cat is staring at me as I type. HE KNOWS.

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The Gifts That Keep On Giving

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With the wonder of the internet, infomercials, and open 24 hour stuff marts.....we can all buy the niftiest gifts for those we love.

1. The Shake Weight......For all those loved ones that have under arm jiggle.

2. Pajama Jeans....because they are soft and cuddly and tons of people are already wearing their actual pj's to Wal-mart. So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

3. Snuggie-- Why shouldn't we all look like monks? And while I'm on the subject, aren't Snuggie's really just robes turned around backward?

4. Slanket--- Which is really just another Snuggie, which is really just a bath robe.....so why not just buy a bathrobe?

5. The Potty Patch-- For all those pet lovers in your life. Who doesn't need to get an artificial turf square for their pet to "use" when inside? The great part is, one can wash it with just soap and water!!!

Who really comes up with these things? I mean, really.

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Mary On My Mind

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Mary Did You Know?

I think I mentioned that I am playing Mary (mother of Jesus) tomorrow at church. I've been thinking of Mary a lot lately because of this part that I have in the Advent monologues. Having to memorize "Mary's lines" helps me to remember what is truly important. Allow me to practice my lines with you.....

" How can I even begin to tell you what I saw in Jesus? Even before he was born my life was filled with wonder and amazement!.....I was visited by an angel. Such power and authority! And yet there was such gentleness as he shared with me the expression of God's love.

And then there was Joseph. He was incredible throughout all these events. Of course, he had questions and concerns but, he always responded to me with such love. I know that his own visit from an angel had a lot to do with that.

There are so many things that I remember...and I hold those  moments close to my heart. Because to be honest with you, most of Jesus' life didn't make sense to me.....until it was finished.

Jesus, he always thought of others before himself....I remember when we went to a wedding feast. Jesus changed the water into wine because he didn't want the wedding host to be humiliated. Then there was the Samaritan woman at the well. He reached out to her with such love, I can't even describe it! He even loved Peter, a man who had denied knowing him, multiple times! And yet, love and forgiveness were his.

Then there was the cross.....the cross. Even on the cross Jesus was so full of love, and thinking of others. He didn't want me to worry about how I'd be taken care of, so he said, ' John, take care of my mother.' And to me he said, ' Mother, treat John as if he is your son.'

As he hung on the cross, with his life slipping away, he still had such love--- and was putting others before himself. I heard him say, ' Father, forgive them!'.................... and to the thief on the cross next to him he said, ' Today I will see you in paradise.'

And then it made sense. I understood. Love. God's love. Jesus was a demonstration of God's love to this world. He was born, and he lived, and he died, and he rose again as an expression of God's love to me! And as an expression of God's love to each of you! God's love.....that is what Jesus is all about. "

This certainly puts Christmas in perspective. Doesn't it?

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Are These Gifts For Real?

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First of all I want to say a BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC thank you to all the people that stopped by my blog yesterday. I love being "freshly pressed". Of course, if someone is not in the blogging world and I tell them that I'm excited about being freshly pressed, they get this look in their eyes that says, "God love her heart, but she's as nutty as her Christmas fruitcake." That's okay. I'm used to that, after all variety is the spice of life, right? I have several new readers, and people from all over the world told me that they like my blog. It makes me smile....so yeah, thanks again. My readers are the best.

 

ARE THESE GIFTS FOR REAL?

Have you found yourself at the department store or the mall, staring at gifts that are just down right weird? You wonder to yourself, do people really buy these for their LOVED ones? I will admit I probably stay more on the traditional side when it comes to Christmas presents. I'm all about sticking with a theme for people. I try to tailor the gifts to the person's taste. With that said, there are some gifts that are just over the top. What do you think of these? Would you put these things under your tree?

1. Sudoku Toilet Paper-- I don't know about you but, I don't spend THAT much time in the bathroom. Sudoku problems take me awhile...even then I don't have the patience to finish them. I would be in the bathroom all day. My family would have to send in a search party. On second thought that might not be such a bad idea.

2. Christmas at Ground Zero-- This is a CD by Wierd Al Yankovic .  Really? Um.....I don't think so. A weird Christmas album with the setting of Ground Zero. That is not the site that would put me in a festive spirit. How did he come up with this? I suppose he is weird for a reason. Definitely not a White Christmas moment. Cover your ears, Bing.



3.Tattoo Parlor Kids Playset -- This is for all the kids that are planning a career in the graphic arts field. One can't ever start to soon to learn the art of tattooing. You could be known in the 'hood as the kiddie tattoo parlor. Have friends over so your kids can ply their new trade. Just sayin' this could be big if you work it right.....of course, I think it might be illegal for minors. If anyone asks, deny knowing what in the world is going on.

4. LED Flashing Shoe Laces-- Who wouldn't want to glow in the dark? One could turn all the lights off in the house and amaze their family and friends with their flashy, glowing shoe laces. Plus it would totally freak out the family cat, and the kittie would attack the laces. There would be a lot of rolling around on the floor, fur flying, lace gnawing, and a few screams going on.....but, try to keep the Christmas spirit.Have your story straight for the ER doctor.

5. Napoleon Dynamite Lip Balm-- I loved the Napoleon Dynamite movie. I truly am weird that way. At least I admit it. As long as the lip balm doesn't smell like Tina the llama, from the movie, I could probably deal with it. I wonder if the lip balm would have you talking in a monotone voice with an uncontrollable urge to shoot wolves with your cross bow? Just a thought.

.....A little holiday humor to make you smile today........You may now go back to your regularly scheduled life......

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Breathe In...Breathe Out

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Normally, I am an organized person. I love my calendars, daytimer, and to do list. This Christmas season has seen me running in circles, and having the feeling of not getting much accomplished. I told my daughter this morning that I have yet to watch more than ONE of my all time favorite Christmas movies. The only reason I was able to watch The Bishop's Wife (with Cary Grant) is that I squeezed it in WHILE I was balancing my checkbook. How sad is that?

I had such high hopes of eating warm cookies, and drinking hot chocolate while watching Christmas movies. I would have plenty of time to shop and wrap gifts. Yes, in my mind it was going to be like a Norman Rockwell picture or a print from Currier and Ives. Sigh. Instead it looked more like this....

1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T SHIP BY CHRISTMAS???!!! You have to ship by Christmas. There are lives at stake! Namely mine.

2. I think the tree is leaning forward. Can we prop something under the stand? What would fit up under there without knocking it over?

3. Why are the lights blinking? Stop the blinking. I'm about to have a seizure!

4. I'm too tired to make cookies tonight.That is pretty tired, people.

5. The materials for the gingerbread house are still in the box. Wow, the picture on the box looks really cute. Maybe we could just cut the picture out and prop it up. Will people even notice?

6. I asked my son if he'd be offended if I just chucked his and his brother and sister's gifts under the tree and forgot the  gift wrapping? He just stared at me. Really? Okay, fine. It was worth a try.

7. My company will be welcomed to our house through a pet cluttered deck, and into a laundry (alas, mud) room. The floor is covered in mud and snow.....and quite frankly, at this point I don't care. This is our life. Mud and all.

8. If I get cut off in the parking lot at Wal-mart one more time, I might have holiday road rage.  On the up side, my mug shot could be used for next year's Christmas card.

9. Speaking of Christmas cards, I had such good intentions. Really. I did.

10. I'm playing Mary (as in Jesus mother) this year. It's an Advent monologue that I am performing this Sunday. I love drama. I just hope I can remember my lines! Breathe in.....breathe out.......

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Through The Eyes Of A Child

Memories...as warm and cozy as a blanket. Memories that I am able to wrap around me, even on the coldest of days. Memories that make me smile, even now, years past my childhood. Memories that are ignited for me, when the weather gets cold and Christmas is right around the corner.

Getting the live Christmas tree from the sale at the local fire department. "This one is too skinny. This one looks like a bush. This one has a bare spot."  One year we did have a Christmas tree that resembled a pine bush. It was short and fat. Didn't really matter though, because to a child it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, when decorated. Pretty glass ornaments that my mom had...blue bells, pink icicles. A ton of tinsel....which my mom had a special way of adding to the tree. She did not appreciate my sister and I throwing the tinsel on in "clumps". Why not?

My sister and I got dressed in our Christmas Eve outfits. We went to Mammaw and Pappaw's house for a HUGE family dinner. My cousins and I would sneak upstairs to the living room while all the adults were downstairs still eating and socializing. We would look to see the gifts that were addressed to us. We'd carefully shake them...try to see under the wrapping paper. The anticipation was too great!

Footsteps!!! An adult! "What are you kids doing?" Nothing, was our reply. My aunt knew we were lying...and we knew that she knew we were lying. But, it was Christmas Eve....and sneaking a peek at gifts was part of the fun. After the meal all of us went to church for the Christmas Eve service. Our church was made from stone with beautiful stained glass windows. The church was built in the 1800's and I heard that the windows had been imported from England. The candles glowing in the windows made the stained glass come alive. I have some wonderful memories of that church on Christmas Eve. All I have to do is close my eyes to see it once again.

Back to my grandparents house for dessert and the opening of gifts! It's funny the things I remember from childhood. When I was very little I got a small, brown toy puppy. His head moved back and forth and his tail wagged and then he would bark. I thought it was the neatest thing. As I got older, the type of gifts changed, but it was always the family get togethers that I loved so much.

Christmas morning was fun with all the usual excitement of unwrapping gifts, giving gifts, and the expressions on each face. I remember one year, I think I was 13 or 14, I got a miniature "boom box".  To those of you that lived in the 80's, you know that was a cool gift! Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed and start the holiday trek to family houses. One relative would have breakfast, one would have lunch, one would have dinner/dessert. This was a great way to visit, see everyone's tree, get to look at all my cousins Christmas presents, and enjoy family. I have such good memories of my growing up years.

I feel extremely blessed to have such wonderful memories from my childhood. Family, friends, church services to celebrate the Savior's birth, food, and gifts. All these things wrapped up, making a gift that my heart can open each Christmas...as I reminisce .

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Gift Wrapping Envy

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I have to wrap gifts today. At least START to wrap gifts today. At least TRY to wrap gifts today.

I love to buy gifts for people. I love to have "a theme" to my gift buying. Most of the time my family and friends enjoy my gifts. Really.That is because I put thought into what I'm giving people....and they know it.

It's the wrapping that I'm not the best at....I don't make perfect corners. The corners are almost always uneven. I probably use way too much tape. My seams are crooked. And I have been known to cut the gift wrap too short and have to "patch" the area that the gift wrap didn't cover. Don't judge me.

Hey, it's the thought that counts, people! Not my (lack of) gift wrapping skill!

The weather is  yucky and cold. I may as well make good use of my time, being stuck inside. I think I will barricade myself in my bedroom with wrap, scissors, tape, bows, and tags. I won't come out until the deed is done. AND if one person makes a crack about my wrapping resembling something a kindergartner would do, well let's just say "Santa" might not be visiting them this year. To be honest, my kids wouldn't say a word--they care nothing about the wrapping. Once given a gift, the wrap is only on the gift for .0002 seconds. In a flash it is a crumpled mass on the floor. In light of that, why should I worry about making neat corners?

 

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