“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the crafting that so naturally fits in amongst the season. Katrina made one of these magazine trees the other day. When I saw it on her blog I smiled as I remember making these with my Grandma's old Reader's Digest magazines. Of course I had to copy her and make one myself. I'm thinking I need a few more. Archer even got in the crafty mood and made one himself as we watched Dexter (I know that Dexter and Christmas crafts may not seem like a likely pairing but with him being a full-fledged teenager I'll take what I can get).
Every year I say I'm going to do a Christmas card sabbatical like my friend Tami does sometimes and every year my dear, sweet cousin Lorinda insists that a sabbatical will NOT take place and we spend a few days ensconced in the creative process of making cards.
This year was an every-card-is-different year. We used all our different Christmas papers, stickers, and embellishments in a variety of different ways. Some cards far more successful than others. :) In the past I've made the same card over and over, but sometimes I just like the process of something new each time. Everyone will get their own unique card. Fun fun.

December is in full-swing. Loving it!

this & that

“The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” — Barbara Kingsolver

A little bit of this and that from the past week (or so...):

Thanks to me my baby sister knows how to use jumper cables without blowing anything up. I know how to use them, but don't because I am scared.

I am also scared of the courthouse...weird. I get really anxious when I have to go there (and I do sometimes have to for my cemetery secretary job).

Troy gave me this lovely quilt set for my birthday. All matchy-matchy. Isn't it nice?
(thanks sweetie)

My friend and fellow blogger sent me the most delicious message the other day regarding rhubarb. She knows I love rhubarb and a huge - HUGE - thank you to Farmer Shelly @ this old farm. Thank you Thank you Thank you! We are loving it (and will love more if it you have anymore w/out a home - hehe).


I've begun running. Don't tell anyone. K? Thanks. We're keeping it on the down-low. I'm not fast and don't go far, but I do it and that is what's important right...to just DO it!?! My cousin, personal trainer (yes, HER, Lorinda) and my husband are getting me running. Very important - running shoes (these were my gift to me - saved and saved and were my healthy birthday present). I went to Fairhaven Runners and was properly fitted by a nice guy named Erik. Good shoes make a huge difference. HUGE.

Remember that sister I mentioned above? She adopted a pound puppy from the Humane Society. This sweetheart, Chloe. Chloe has joined DeAnne, Alex and Charli Ann in their home. She is a beautiful four-month-old Boxer-something mix. Full of life - so fun!
What else? I've been scrappin' away with cousin Lorinda, working away at school and the cemetery, basking in the lovely Spring weather that is turing to storm tonight, loving my family, enjoying my friends.

Happy May!

right now.

It seems that every season, every week, every day there are new things for me to love. Love may be a strong word, but that's the one I'm using right now.

So, things I love at this time:

1. Coffee-Mate Italian Sweet Creme (when I'm not at Starbucks - which is most days now!)
2. Jimmy Smits on Dexter. He creeps me out about as much as Dexter does.
3. Pumpkin butter from Trader Joe's on my toast in the morning. (FYI- there is a recipe for Pumpkin Butter Cream Cheese Puffs on TJ's website. I think I might need to try these!)
4. my Wii Fit. I have gotten to the point where I don't HATE the trainer, the balance board or anything related to the Wii.
5. Mario Cart. I NEEEEEEEED Mario Cart or maybe I don't...hmmm....
6. Clean Eating Magazine. Full of great information and lots of recipes (pumpkin oatmeal...yum!).
7. my pile of pictures from "the week in my life" documentation. I have the pictures, the album, and supplies - now I just need to sit down and create. So looking forward to this!
   

Any favorites to share with me?