When I was in high school I went to Teens For Christ and Young Life. While I attended TFC only occasionally I always looked forward to their newsletters. I have several items clipped and saved still from those days.

This is one of my favorite poems. I read it several times during the season to remind me of the "reason for the season," as the saying goes. I know many people go to church, give food to a food drive, buy a gift off the Angel tree...My hope is that we never feel complacent, that we do these things from the heart and remember that being ready for Christmas happens all year.

Ready for Christmas?
author unknown

"Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh,
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high;
Then wearily sat for a moment and read
Till soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
Then quickly spoke a voice in her dream,

"Ready for Christmas? What do you mean?
Ready for Christmas, when only last week
You wouldn't acknowledge your friend on the street?
Ready for Christmas, while holding a grudge?
Perhaps you had better let God be the judge.
Why, how can the Christ-child come and abide
In a heart that is selfish and filled with pride?
Ready for Christmas, when only today
A beggar lad came and you turned him away
Without even a smile to show that you cared?
The little he asked - it could have been spared.
Ready for Christmas, You've worked hard it it true,
But just doing the things that you wanted to do.
Ready for Christmas, Your circle's too small.
Why you're not ready for Christmas at all!"

She awoke with a start, and a cry of despair,
"There's so little time, and I've still to prepare!
O Father, forgive me, I see what you mean,
To be ready for means more than a house swept clean!"

Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree,
It's the heart swept clean that He wants to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness - sin,
Ready for Christmas - and ready for HIM!

Seven more days my friends. Are you ready?

“The soul was never put in the body to stand still.” - John Webster

The tree is up. Finally. I delayed the set up because I thought Tik would destroy it. However, it hasn't happened. Thankfully.
However, Spazzy Jazzy has tried bringing the tree down a few times. Go here and check out her first Christmas tree experience. She is trying to recreate it, yet she can't because she is 'slightly' larger than she was three years ago. Notice in the photo above she looks very concerned about what Troy may be doing to "her" tree.
Perfect weekend - movies, baking, decorating, being lazy yet getting *stuff* done, "talking" to a dear friend for a bit (you know who you are!)...Love these low key weekends!

And...a big Happy Birthday to Tami in the Stone House! Hope your day was as wonderful as you are...and by the way the snow was my present to you (haha)!

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? Christmas came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” —Dr. Seuss

Food. Family. Presents. Laughter. Christmas may have come, but it is not gone. We enjoyed a big lunch with my family yesterday - a nice, relaxed afternoon of Christmas cheer. It is the day after Christmas and we are expecting family in a few hours. Troy's parents are on their way...Yay!

Our very own Cat in the Hat...or Rapper Spazzy Jazzy (you can pick)!
Isn't she adorable?

We woke up Christmas morning to many inches of new snow, which meant we needed to shovel (again).

I know there is a Jetta under there somewhere.

"So this is Christmas

And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight"


Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
(ornament close-up was Archer's new pick for the year...I think he picked well!)

What reindeer are you?

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

"Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
but have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
And when you walk down the street
Say Hello to friends you know
and everyone you meet."

In the heart of Christmases past I share with you Christmas memory #78 - visiting the Yeager's Santa. Yeager's is a local sporting goods store and we would take at least one trip every year to go visit Santa. Santa was known the rest of the year as Grandpa Glen. He was a good friend's grandpa and I grew up with him...he was the perfect Santa. Always jolly. Kids loved him. And he always gave me extra candy canes!
1988 was a fine, fine year. Obviously. Look at that hair. We could de-construct this photo and have a field day, however we will just say that I was an adorable high-schooler and leave it at that. Ok? No? Let me give you the run down. The hair - peroxide and perm ('nuf said). The clothes - the sweatshirt belonged to my friend Simon and said "Whoa Chill Out Dude," and the shorts (which thankfully you can't see so I'm not sure why I am sharing) were, well, shorts in December (wonder where Archer gets it?). They were cut-off black and white tie-dyed stretch pants (from New York people)...They were glorious. Anyway...I think we can all agree that I was super cute!


This picture mixes a bit of this year's decor in with a Christmas past picture. One of my project this season was this cute little 7-gypsies frame. I have wanted to frame this adorable picture of Archer from his first Christmas. It is one of my favorites. I converted the pic to black and white since the reds of his suit and the frame didn't match matted it on some cute Making Memories paper threw a couple Creative Imaginations stickers on there and wa-la finished! And I love it. My sweet baby boy!


On another note: We got some SNOW today and tomorrow is a SNOW DAY - yay! no school! I say yay - I know there are other parents out there that aren't quite so thrilled. I still love snow days...there is something magical about them. I don't even mind the kids making them up in the summer - and Archer doesn't either by the way...He is a proponent of year-round schools, but that is a post for another day. Maybe I will sit down with him and we will do a post about it.
Our cats hate the snow. Makes them housebound, like the rest of us. The wind the past week has driven them crazy and now the snow...I think they need extra treats. This is a cat's view of the outdoors when we open the door. No wonder they slink away in defeat.

Happy Snow Day (if you get one tomorrow)! Enjoy!

"Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys
Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn't go? Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick"
- Benjamin Russell Hanby

I looked at the Christmas countdown and was a little shocked. I don't know why. I know the date (most of the time) and I know when Christmas is...But, eight days? Boy howdy that is soon! So, I had a plan for my blog this month. I think I shared the plan with only a few people, but now I am going to share with you my failed-until-this-point-plan. My plan was to share pictures of Christmases past. I scanned and scanned and scanned for about a week for a few "little" projects I was (am) doing so I have the pictures. However, I didn't get around to doing these posts. So, here is the first post of Christmas past. Better late than never.

First, the song above has been a favorite Christmas song since I first heard it probably in pre-school. I love it...It is snappy and fun!

Second, the pictures. When I was young my Grandpa Bud worked at the cement plant. Every year the plant hosted a Christmas party at the local skating rink. I loved those parties. I loved to skate, I would go skating anytime I had the opportunity. One of the guys at the plant would volunteer to dress up as Santa and of course there were pictures and treats. OH the treat bags. I looked forward to the treat bags all month! The bags were filled with peanuts, oranges, soft chewy peppermint candies and Santa gave a big candy cane. Yes, I looked forward to that bag all month. LOVED it! I was evidently pretty easy to please. (yes, I know that one of these Santas is a little scary, thanks for that Cheryl, however as I kid I didn't notice, they were all super nice guys!)

Do you have any songs/poems that you learned as a child that bring Christmas back for you? In addition to Up On The Housetop, the Chipmunk Christmas Song makes my childhood flood back. I had the Chipmunk record (YUP record) and would play it as often as possible, which wasn't as often as I would have liked due to the fact that my mom would only let me play it maybe once or twice in her presence. I would go to my room and listen on my little blue portable record player, but had to listen very quietly so my mom wouldn't freak out about the Chipmunks...she doesn't like those little critters. at. all. And listening to the Chipmunks quietly isn't nearly as fun...

Happy Tuesday!

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love."
- Ada V. Hendricks

We made a good start on the Christmas cards yesterday. We had a good time. Good company. Good conversation. Good coffee. Good food. I love spending time with my cousin creating. So much fun.

However, I battled a migraine all day and night. I haven't been feeling great today - headache, tummy ache, rotator cuff ache...

Warm winter wishes from the cold (23 degrees right now) Pacific Northwest. Grab a cuppa cocoa, a good book and snuggle in! Enjoy!

Edited: We are thinking the rotator cuff injury is due to the move of that freakin' heavy dresser. It (my shoulder) was feeling a bit better until I kept using it (go figure)...by Friday evening I was hurtin'! So, it isn't horrible, just a bit painful and hopefully with a bit of rest and stretches that help not hurt I will be feeling fine in no time. 

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Last year my cousin, Lorinda, gave me this lovely book for Christmas. Cooking Up A Classic Christmas: Santa's Secrets for an Unforgettable Holiday, is a cookbook filled with gorgeous illustrations of Christmases past and some fantastic recipes.

So, I am creating a Christmas Eve menu out of this book...I am very excited. My in-laws come for Christmas Eve and I can't wait to share some of these recipes.

Do you have a traditional, have it every year without fail, meal on Christmas or Christmas Eve? or Do you mix it up a bit? (as you may gather I am of the mix-it-up variety, but there are certain dishes that make there way into the festivities every year, such as Butter horns made by my mother-in-law - YUM!)

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy." - editorial by Charles Dana in the New York Sun, 1897, responding to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon

The tree is up and decorated. At least for now. I could still add some ornaments here and there you never know. Feels good to have that complete.

When the Santa lamp gets plugged in it really feels like Christmas. I LOVE him. He is by far one of my top three favorite decorations. He brings back all those childhood memories, those excited childhood feelings. Do you have anything that just makes it feel like Christmas? 
I have my Christmas/winter books out. I love to sit in the glow of the tree (and the Santa lamp of course) with a cup of tea or cocoa and a stack of beautiful picture books. It is even better when I can convince the boy to sit with me - doesn't usually take much convincing...he still loves to listen to stories and enjoy the illustrations. I love it.

Enjoy!

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful that you did." - Sarah Caldwell

Tonight, in addition to catching up on some shows on my dvr, I am cozy in bed with a few holiday magazines and my Merry & Bright book. I am loving reading, ok, looking at pictures in the magazines right now. I am getting excited about this holiday season. Family. Friends. Decorating. Food. You name it I am ready...well mentally. When it is time for it all to come together it will. I usually make way more plans than I actually do and that is okay. Part of the fun (most of the fun) for me is the plan, the creativity, the we could do this...or that. 

Today I am thankful for:

1. Archer who loves the holidays as much as I do. He loves having the family over for Christmas, it is his favorite part of the season - according to him. While he doesn't like to decorate as much as he use to he still loves the decorations and has definite opinions about what should be where, what food should be made. I love that he knows the true spirit of Christmas, that he likes to focus on family and friends at this time of year. Makes a mom's heart sing.
2. Music. In particular Christmas music. I have a playlist on my iTunes which has been played several times already - only when no one is at home at this time...the guys think I should wait a bit - well except the Stump song which Archer listens to year round.
3. Troy, who has the biggest heart of all. He is struggling right now with the health of Horton, his beloved 14 year old cat, and all he wants is to do what is right for Horton. Troy loves his cat and knows that he is ultimately responsible for Horton's well-being. 
4. Jen and the kids arriving home safely. I so look forward to spending time with my cousin and baby cousins. I have missed them since they've been away.
5. my stack of magazines, my dvr, and my pile of to be read books...

Have a great week. 

can you feel it?

Right around Halloween (2 days) I start getting really excited about Christmas. Oh, not the busy, frantic, spend too much blah blah blah of Christmas, but the season in general. November and December seem almost magical. Chilly weather. Staying home. Tea and cocoa. Family. Friends. Joy.

This year I am excited to create a December Daily Album with the gentle counseling of the most fabulous Ali Edwards (again!). I followed along with the Week in My Life series and that was so much fun that I thought I could do this one as well...Documenting December seems like quite a challenge - I hope I am up for it!

As with the last album I am going to try using the holiday *stuff* I have on hand. (see more Christmas stuff Tami...hidden away...can you believe it?) I am hoping to start assembling the album this weekend so it will be ready to go on December 1st. So, anyone going to join along? Hmmmmm? One photo a day (if you want), a little bit of journaling, detailing the tidbits of December. Could be fun!

Love it!

On Christmas a few gifts for us were left at my parents house. Today I went by and picked the gifts up.

I received a lot of very nice things this Christmas. I feel very blessed. When I went to my parents and discovered the present from my darling sister DeAnne I was so thrilled! She made a lot of her presents in ceramics this year and I was lucky enough to get this!


Live. Laugh. Life. Love. Thank you DeAnne! I LOVE it!


I had Christmas with Lorinda today as well. We had Pad Thai (yummy!) and cruised the scrapbook store! Had a lot of fun picking out some paper and vinyl words for our homes. She gave me a beautiful Christmas cookbook, my Gooseberry calendar (thank you sooooo much!) and some other goodies from Gooseberry and a very cool potholder (below)! Thanks Lorinda. I had fun today. Let's do it again.

Long day...

Went shopping with Cheryl today. It was tiring! Lots of people out there trying to get in our way. I really don't like to shop during the holidays...too busy for me.

Tomorrow is my Christmas with Lorinda! Looking forward to that. We will exchange our presents and eat some Thai. Yummy and fun! (Maybe we will even make a trek to the scrapbook store...oh yea!).

Happy Saturday night!

Gone....for a drive?

Well it is really gone at least for this year. We took down the tree today, which is pretty early for us...I usually wait until the last possible moment. You know after EVERYONE else has theirs down, but this year it came down early. Maybe it is because I can put it up right after Thanksgiving that gives me my fill! Jazz is sad. Archer has moved his couch/bed to the location...for now.


Troy playing Call of Duty 3. I think it is funny that with the Wii he has to steer the jeeps!

Cousins on the couch...

This is Archer's new couch/twin/king bed...

Nick looks just like his dad in this picture...

This is a cutie pic. Love it!

Nick loves to tickle!

Tired boy at Christmas lounging on his new couch/bed thing!

Hate to see it go

Here it is Christmas night and even after all the shopping and cooking and work that goes into Christmas I hate to see it go. We had a wonderful few days filled with great food, the best company one could ask for and so much to celebrate.

Here are a few pictures...

Troy, Horton and Papa George sitting in the glow of the tree waiting for the present opening to begin!
Archer diggin' his new Tae Kwon Do uniform. We let him know that he got to join the blackbelt club - which he is so excited for. Now he gets the cool blue and black uniform!

Alex Wii-ing out. Nick loved Alex's decoy duck and asked for one of his own. Sorry Nick. Every time a Wii game ended Nick would shout "again!" He even tried a few games himself (video game addict in training!)

Rockin' out with a new cordless guitar and Guitar Hero 3! ("Hey Cheryl - come over let's play!" - says Jerrie, not Archer. haha!)

DeAnne is a Guitar Hero champion. I will never play her :)! She completely rocks!
Well night is here and after this long day my bed is calling my name! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and was able to spend time with loved ones this season! May the spirit of Christmas live within you all year!

See you next year Santa!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Starting the day with a Gingerbread Latte via Starbucks - nothing gets me in a jolly mood like one of those! So sad they will be gone soon :(

The in-laws will come up and spend the night - Archer has so been looking forward to this! He loves when his grandparents spend the night. He will be even happier if they bring Sophie - the sweet chow-lab who is Archer's great friend. We will feast on an old-fashioned meal of my rockin'good lasagna. Probably watch a movie or two and retire to bed for our long winter's nap.

Need to pick up a bottle of wine (for a gift - I have plenty for me!). And that is it!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas (eve) and lots of joy!

Dasher, Blitzen, Comet, Goofy?

Santa's lesser known reindeer Goofy (aka Archer). He found the reindeer antlers and we had an impromptu photo shoot. This is what happened! Funny boy.

Today

Today - I already went to the grocery store - I think we are all set for Christmas and if we aren't all I have to say is "oh well!" We may be going into my mom's to play The Band with the family! We are like the Partridges I tell you! The whole family loves Guitar Hero and Alex just bought The Band - should be fun. Taking it easy today. Will worry about cleaning and such tomorrow.

This is a cutie snowman given to me (and made by) my sweet friend Susan! I think he belongs here with the snowman family plates.
Found these Charles Dickens ornaments at the LC store for 50¢ - thought they were too cute (and too cheap) to pass up!
Enjoy your weekend before Christmas.

Peace. Love. Joy.