Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
goodbye lights, ornaments, and 2010
Yesterday I took the Christmas tree down. That thing probably could have been up for a couple more weeks -- it was still drinking water and the needles were barely falling off. Yet, it was totally time for me to remove it from the house. We needed space. But, more than that, I like to start the new year without the Christmas stuff up and the house clean.
There is beautiful closure found in taking down the tree.
As I put away each ornament and pulled down the strands of light I began to ponder next year. I wondered what my life would be like when I unwrapped the strands of light. I thought about life changes, and challenges and growth.What will life be like the next time I touch these lights? How will things change? How will they be the same?
Ornaments and decorations are interesting. You pack them up at the end of the year only to unpack them at the almost end of the following year. Year after year they are pulled out. There is a beautiful nostalgia in this tradition.
As I pondered the future I also remembered this year.
Your first birthday. How grateful I am that emergency doctors and surgeons recognized that you needed help when you swallowed that sequin star. We are so blessed by you in our lives.
Your voice. You started the year as a 2 1/2 year old who talked just a bit, and now as the year closes, you talk a blue-streak. You are hilarious. And full of spunk. And feisty. And such a gift.
What can I say? You are my hero. This year you started to read. You are deeply caring. Not a day goes by where I don't hear from you, "love you mom." You have a beautiful heart, my son.
Super strong man. With a heart for God. You made me so proud when you were in your Pirate Musical. Watching you on stage filled my heart with joy. You are a reader, and a helper, and the leader of the band of brothers. And you look so awesome missing those front teeth. :)
My ballet princess. You are so beautiful. This year you dove into ballet -- and the result is exquisite. You help me out so much. I am blessed by your company and am so grateful to be your mom.
This is my last year with you before you turn 13. It seems like I just looked into your beautiful blue eyes when you were born. And now, you're just about as tall as me. Your heart is so tender, so pure, so focused on the Lord. Thank you for reminding me how beautiful it is to be real.
My oldest. I have seen you start the year with an interest in photography which has now shifted to a passion for photography. You capture our lives with every click. Thank you for living your life for Christ. Your faithfulness encourages me in my own daily walk.
Todd
My faithful husband. This year marked five years since you were diagnosed with cancer. These years have been hard -- ripple effects from being out of work for months due to cancer -- and yet despite the difficulties they have been beautiful. Full of gifts, and hope, and a future. I love you.
So now the 2010 tree is outside plopped in the snow. This journey, this Christmas, is coming to a close. Tomorrow marks a new year. New challenges. New joys. Life keeps moving. Time flies by. I want to live. Alive. Aware. And grateful.
"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
late night reminders
On December 24 I drove to Walmart at 12:05 am. In the midst of a heavy snow-storm on unplowed roads. I made that late night trek because I had realized I was short a couple presents for my boys -- and since we celebrate Christmas with our kids on Christmas Eve morning that was the only solution that Todd and I could think of. It was interesting -- as I was reminded to stop looking at my own life and take a moment to see someone elses.
Here's why.
~As I was driving in 4 inches of unplowed snow I came up to a minivan struggling to get up the back-country roads. I had noticed that cars were getting frustrated at this vehicle and would race around it irritated. I came up, slowed down, and followed this van for the next 5 miles. When it needed room, I made room. When cars passed I slowed down so this van would have space. As I was driving, with only the headlights illuminating heavily falling snow, I knew I was to be patient. To serve in a way that seemed so simple.
When the van finally turned right where I needed to go straight the driver waved, with a gloved hand out the window, thanks. I wonder if that was why I needed to go out.
Who was that man? Why was he driving through the snow? I wondered.
~When I was at Walmart -- by this time it was 12:30 -- I noticed all these people wandering around, checking prices, shopping, and looking downcast. Really. It was this energy in the store. I had never felt it before, and I began to think about the reasons why so many people filled the aisles on Christmas Eve morning.
When I went to pay, I pulled out change for the 2 Toy Story 3 puzzles, a couple of Lego sets, and a checkers game. As I was fumbling for 65cents a couple of guys behind me loudly stated -- maybe next time I should just come here and pay with a bag of pennies. I ignored them. My cashier looked mortified. She mumbled an apology, and a -- merry Christmas -- and then sadly turned back to deal with those guys.
Who was she? Why was she working in the middle of the night at Walmart?
I thought about her the entire time I drove home. I thought about how I needed to be reminded to remember others in the midst of the holidays. Here I was just hours before frustrated that I had to leave my warm home to buy a couple more presents to add to the already wrapped stash under our tree. How quickly I was humbled -- how blessed I was to add extra gifts -- and just as quickly my frustration turned to thankfulness.
~So I said a prayer for that cashier. And those impatient guys. And the mom with the 3 kids wandering around at 12:47 am. And the lone man in the green minivan with the bad tires.
It was a reminder to me that Christmas really isn't about all that stuff. All that stuff that so quickly irritates us as we have to find new homes for it. Christmas is about Jesus -- His birth. And in remembering that it brings eyes to see others. My vision was blurry. All I could see when I left my house was my own needs. I was selfish. I wish that I could always have my eyes open. I wish that I could do more. Give more. Not just look at me. When I arrived back home at 1:16 am I could only be grateful as I wrapped those new Walmart gifts.
And remember those I met on my snowy trip to Walmart on Christmas Eve.
And remember those I met on my snowy trip to Walmart on Christmas Eve.
crabby mom versus cheerful mom
These days between Christmas and New Years Day are interesting, aren't they? You still have Christmas decorations up, the house is a mess (at least parts of mine. I go to my room or the bathroom for sanctuary. They're probably the only rooms without new toys somewhere.), the schedule is screwed up, the kids have had way too much sugar, and honestly, there isn't much of a plan.
This can make me crabby.
Like Scrooge crabby.
(me probably thinking about where I'm going to put those toys)
I slowly begin to remove the snowmen, and the window clings, the Christmas dishes, and crumpled paper. The clothes gradually make their way from warm bodies to the dirty basket in the laundry room. Toys begin to migrate from under the tree to their respected homes in various kids rooms. This will go on until the day where I've decided that I've had enough. Then within hours my home will go from looking like a mild atomic bomb went off to clean. Very clean. At least very clean standards for a family of nine.
I'm kind of like that. I can put up with stuff for a while and then all of a sudden I can't handle it anymore. It's a mindset -- right?
Kind of like the day I really decide to potty-train my three year old. Or go switch the summer and winter clothes. Or purge the closets of toys. Or clean out the cabinets and fridge. Or clean the truck. Or deal with those over due library books. Or empty the email inbox flooded with 1024 new emails.
I'm thinking today or for sure tomorrow is the day when I reclaim my space. Until then? I'll live with Legos underfoot, and Woody Dolls in the corner, and a Mario Kart figurine on my computer desk, and the sound of the Wii downstairs. And I won't be crabby about it. I won't.
Because I know it's just a couple of days. And their laughter, their freedom, their is worth more than my need for order. That's what they'll remember.
Crabby mom vs cheerful mom who doesn't mind tripping over a couple dozen new toys.
Today that's my attitude. And, yes, I'll still be slowly taking down some of those decorations that were so artfully placed throughout my home weeks ago. And I won't complain.
smile -- it's a tad bit messy!
1) My house is a wreck. A complete toys-every-where, kitchen counters cluttered, books out, new clothes under the tree, post-Christmas wreck. And, honestly? I love it.
2) This is the only time of year where I actually can tolerate a mess. This is a flaw of mine. I need to learn to let-go and not hold to an ideal of perfection and Better Homes and Gardens for my home. I have seven children. They trump the ideal living room arrangement.
3) As I type this, Samuel found the remaining red roll of Christmas wrapping paper and proceeded to pull out the rest of the paper all over my already messy living room floor.
4) At first I was going to try to save the paper, but when he jumped into it and started laughing I realized that losing $1.83 worth of wrapping paper was worth the priceless expression and joy on Samuel's face as he destroyed it.
5) I should have put the paper away. That's why I let Samuel pull it. Who could resist paper? After all, if I had my druthers I'd rip all the paper out and do the same thing. Ha ha ha.
6) Now my boys have a new sword. Along with many, many legos. In fact, Brennan has spent at least 4 hours constructing lego sets so far. (I'm so glad I posted about patience with Legos last week)
7) Love that picture of Samuel? My sweet Hannah was able to purchase her new dslr camera. Now, let me tell you -- this was a gift. As you know her point and shoot broke and she just surrendered her camera and her agenda to the Lord. It was challenging for her, but I constantly heard her pray and let it go. She received some amazing gifts and coupled with Christmas gifts and the money she saved she was able to purchase her camera the day before Christmas.
8) She'd been praying for her camera for Christmas. It's interesting how she ended up getting just hours before the day switched....
9) Just had to add this -- Samuel now talks with kind of a gibberish which has the cadence of regular speech. Every once in a while he'll say something that sounds exactly what he's pointing to -- it's a bit freaky to her him say "buzz" or "pizza"-- in fact Hannah and I just heard him say "what's this?" -- yet, I love this phase. Love it!
10) I think I'll be doing just a tad bit of cleaning today. I know I wrote how much I love the mess, but sigh, I do need to see my living room floor again. But, I'll do it with a cheerful heart. And we'll play some of those new games. Speaking of games -- my kids got a large portion of games with Toy Story 3 this year -- hmm...some brand marketer just hit the jackpot -- that's judging from the large number of Woody, Buzz, Jesse, and Lotso Bears that I see strewn everywhere.
Have a blessed and restful Monday. Link up with your own miscellany and I'll pop over and check it out!
2) This is the only time of year where I actually can tolerate a mess. This is a flaw of mine. I need to learn to let-go and not hold to an ideal of perfection and Better Homes and Gardens for my home. I have seven children. They trump the ideal living room arrangement.
3) As I type this, Samuel found the remaining red roll of Christmas wrapping paper and proceeded to pull out the rest of the paper all over my already messy living room floor.
4) At first I was going to try to save the paper, but when he jumped into it and started laughing I realized that losing $1.83 worth of wrapping paper was worth the priceless expression and joy on Samuel's face as he destroyed it.
cute cute Samuel
5) I should have put the paper away. That's why I let Samuel pull it. Who could resist paper? After all, if I had my druthers I'd rip all the paper out and do the same thing. Ha ha ha.
6) Now my boys have a new sword. Along with many, many legos. In fact, Brennan has spent at least 4 hours constructing lego sets so far. (I'm so glad I posted about patience with Legos last week)
Brennan in Lego heaven
7) Love that picture of Samuel? My sweet Hannah was able to purchase her new dslr camera. Now, let me tell you -- this was a gift. As you know her point and shoot broke and she just surrendered her camera and her agenda to the Lord. It was challenging for her, but I constantly heard her pray and let it go. She received some amazing gifts and coupled with Christmas gifts and the money she saved she was able to purchase her camera the day before Christmas.
Hannah, with her camera, in the car on Christmas Day
9) Just had to add this -- Samuel now talks with kind of a gibberish which has the cadence of regular speech. Every once in a while he'll say something that sounds exactly what he's pointing to -- it's a bit freaky to her him say "buzz" or "pizza"-- in fact Hannah and I just heard him say "what's this?" -- yet, I love this phase. Love it!
just one more cute pic of Samuel -- thanks to Hannah.
10) I think I'll be doing just a tad bit of cleaning today. I know I wrote how much I love the mess, but sigh, I do need to see my living room floor again. But, I'll do it with a cheerful heart. And we'll play some of those new games. Speaking of games -- my kids got a large portion of games with Toy Story 3 this year -- hmm...some brand marketer just hit the jackpot -- that's judging from the large number of Woody, Buzz, Jesse, and Lotso Bears that I see strewn everywhere.
Have a blessed and restful Monday. Link up with your own miscellany and I'll pop over and check it out!
Beautiful Napkins for Christmas table
The holidays have arrived once more, and with them all the delicious foods, parties, and festive events intended to evoke the Christmas spirit inside us all. If you are planning a Christmas party this year, you might be interested in using decorative Christmas napkins to help set the mood. Not only do they turn any table into holiday fare, but Christmas napkins can be sculpted and folded
the don't frets
since I posted some of my rules a couple days ago today I thought it would be a great segue to post some of my don't fret thoughts. You know, the things that I've had to learn to let go of, those items where you get to a point and realize it's not worth worrying about?
My don't frets:
: don't fret if the milk spills
: don't fret if your Christmas cards are late -- to all of you who know me -- expect it late. :)
: don't fret if your 14 month old gets spaghetti all over his face (thanks Hannah for the pic)
: don't fret about others opinion of your family size
: don't fret when you see people counting your kids while you walk through Costco
: don't fret that your family takes ALL the samples at each Costco sample station
: don't fret if your house isn't perfectly clean when others come over
: don't fret if you look silly with your kids
: don't fret about followers, or numbers, or hits on your blog
: don't fret about health -- learn what you need to learn -- but don't sit in worry.
: don't fret about not having professional pictures taken every year
: don't fret if your non-professional pics don't turn out perfectly
: don't fret if your latte has too much foam -- just ask them to add milk -- but don't leave till you do
: don't fret about your latte with too much foam especially if you didn't ask for it to be fixed
: don't fret if your gloves don't match when it is -24 degrees outside
: don't fret if your kids don't keep their lego sets together
: don't fret when they dump all the legos out on the floor or their bed
: don't fret when they receive duplicate lego sets
: don't fret if your kids handmade cards have misspelled words
: don't fret if your 3year olds pant and shirt don't match on the day they dressed themself
: don't fret about the 11 loads of laundry that need to be folded. (this one might be just speaking to me)
: don't fret about snow storms -- have fun with this snow instead (this is also a rule)
: don't fret if the Christmas presents aren't wrapped perfectly
: don't fret if your cinnamon rolls burn -- the insides are still good
: don't fret if your fam stays in their pajamas for most of Christmas
: don't fret -- or at least try not to -- if your 5year old drinks most of your latte that you had fixed without the extra foam
My don't frets:
: don't fret if the milk spills
: don't fret if your Christmas cards are late -- to all of you who know me -- expect it late. :)
: don't fret if your 14 month old gets spaghetti all over his face (thanks Hannah for the pic)
: don't fret about others opinion of your family size
: don't fret when you see people counting your kids while you walk through Costco
: don't fret that your family takes ALL the samples at each Costco sample station
: don't fret if your house isn't perfectly clean when others come over
: don't fret if you look silly with your kids
: don't fret about followers, or numbers, or hits on your blog
: don't fret about health -- learn what you need to learn -- but don't sit in worry.
: don't fret about not having professional pictures taken every year
: don't fret if your non-professional pics don't turn out perfectly
: don't fret if your latte has too much foam -- just ask them to add milk -- but don't leave till you do
: don't fret about your latte with too much foam especially if you didn't ask for it to be fixed
: don't fret if your gloves don't match when it is -24 degrees outside
: don't fret if your kids don't keep their lego sets together
: don't fret when they dump all the legos out on the floor or their bed
: don't fret when they receive duplicate lego sets
: don't fret if your kids handmade cards have misspelled words
: don't fret if your 3year olds pant and shirt don't match on the day they dressed themself
: don't fret about the 11 loads of laundry that need to be folded. (this one might be just speaking to me)
: don't fret about snow storms -- have fun with this snow instead (this is also a rule)
: don't fret if the Christmas presents aren't wrapped perfectly
: don't fret if your cinnamon rolls burn -- the insides are still good
: don't fret if your fam stays in their pajamas for most of Christmas
: don't fret -- or at least try not to -- if your 5year old drinks most of your latte that you had fixed without the extra foam
: don't fret -- here's why --
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink; or about your body,
what you will wear.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:25-27
what you will eat or drink; or about your body,
what you will wear.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:25-27
some of my rules
:: write down what your children say
:: if you don't write it down, then at least facebook it
:: snow days must become family days
:: there is never too much hot chocolate - or coffee
:: date verses in your Bible that you underline
:: Christmas music must include the music from Charlie Brown's Christmas
:: when you have a toddler expect that the bottom of the tree will get rearranged
:: snow boots, gloves, hats, and scarfs have the uncanny ability to multiply exponentially
:: snow gloves also have the ability to lose their match in the multiplication process
:: never make cookies too early -- you'll have to make them again because you ate them all
:: always let your kids end the hug -- they last longer
:: get to know the names of your coffee baristas
:: sometimes you just need to be silly with your kids
:: take time to serve and help others
:: build snow forts with your kids
:: thank the Salvation Army bell ringers
:: become a bell ringer
:: always water your live Christmas tree but don't leave the watering container by the tree
:: write a note in the front of some books that you give your children
:: link up with my cookie recipe exchange
:: it's okay to use Ball canning jars as your glasses
:: purchase your Christmas wrapping paper AFTER Christmas
:: let your kids use the empty wrapping paper tubes as swords
:: remember where you put the Christmas wrapping paper in January
:: make up stories for your children
:: save your calendars as journals of your life
:: do not grocery shop while hungry or when you are in a rush
:: remember to bring in the 24 pack of water bottles in the winter
:: if you don't -- don't drop them or they'll explode
:: tell your kids or your spouse that you love them
:: sometimes you need to count to ten. or twenty. or thirty
:: coffee helps
:: pray prayers of thanks
:: try to rest and enjoy these days before Christmas
:: breathe
:: and rejoice.
:: if you don't write it down, then at least facebook it
:: snow days must become family days
:: there is never too much hot chocolate - or coffee
:: date verses in your Bible that you underline
:: Christmas music must include the music from Charlie Brown's Christmas
:: when you have a toddler expect that the bottom of the tree will get rearranged
:: snow boots, gloves, hats, and scarfs have the uncanny ability to multiply exponentially
:: snow gloves also have the ability to lose their match in the multiplication process
:: never make cookies too early -- you'll have to make them again because you ate them all
:: always let your kids end the hug -- they last longer
:: get to know the names of your coffee baristas
:: sometimes you just need to be silly with your kids
:: take time to serve and help others
:: build snow forts with your kids
:: thank the Salvation Army bell ringers
:: become a bell ringer
:: always water your live Christmas tree but don't leave the watering container by the tree
:: write a note in the front of some books that you give your children
:: link up with my cookie recipe exchange
:: it's okay to use Ball canning jars as your glasses
:: purchase your Christmas wrapping paper AFTER Christmas
:: let your kids use the empty wrapping paper tubes as swords
:: remember where you put the Christmas wrapping paper in January
:: make up stories for your children
:: save your calendars as journals of your life
:: do not grocery shop while hungry or when you are in a rush
:: remember to bring in the 24 pack of water bottles in the winter
:: if you don't -- don't drop them or they'll explode
:: tell your kids or your spouse that you love them
:: sometimes you need to count to ten. or twenty. or thirty
:: coffee helps
:: pray prayers of thanks
:: try to rest and enjoy these days before Christmas
:: breathe
:: and rejoice.
****************
the rat king will be no more
After 3months of driving to ballet almost 6times a week the day has arrived.
Finally.
I've joked how I'm exhausted -- but it's my daughters -- Hannah, Chloe, and Grace, that are the real exhausted ones. Well, exhausted and running on adrenaline. Sheer adrenaline.
Pictures will be coming. Until then -- think of us -- and especially my ballet beauties. Would you pray that they are healthy and have stamina? And that they enjoy the fruits of their labor? They worked hard. Very, very hard. I am extremely proud of them.
Here's a teaser pic -- from last year. :) Now I'm off to put buns in, pull out rag-rollers, and apply some make up. Here we go!
Curious where my girls dance? We love our classical ballet studio -- North Ballet. Here's a little teaser video. If you look really closely you might find my daughters. :) In fact there's a scene with just pointe shoes, and a back being adjusted, and a dancer turning -- that's my Hannah. Enjoy!
Finally.
The Nutcracker performance is today.
I've joked how I'm exhausted -- but it's my daughters -- Hannah, Chloe, and Grace, that are the real exhausted ones. Well, exhausted and running on adrenaline. Sheer adrenaline.
Pictures will be coming. Until then -- think of us -- and especially my ballet beauties. Would you pray that they are healthy and have stamina? And that they enjoy the fruits of their labor? They worked hard. Very, very hard. I am extremely proud of them.
Here's a teaser pic -- from last year. :) Now I'm off to put buns in, pull out rag-rollers, and apply some make up. Here we go!
Hannah
Curious where my girls dance? We love our classical ballet studio -- North Ballet. Here's a little teaser video. If you look really closely you might find my daughters. :) In fact there's a scene with just pointe shoes, and a back being adjusted, and a dancer turning -- that's my Hannah. Enjoy!
Celebrities Santa Claus inspired Christmas Outfits
Just like everyone else, joyful Christmas day is also eagerly awaited by every Hollywood celebrity. Christmas is that fun time of year, when stars get into festive spirit and are seen wearing Christmas inspired costumes everywhere.
Christmas Day is not so far away, and nowadays celebs are spotted wearing chic Christmas costumes at many places. The color that is popping everywhere is “RED”. So,
Christmas Day is not so far away, and nowadays celebs are spotted wearing chic Christmas costumes at many places. The color that is popping everywhere is “RED”. So,
the important stuff
It's not all about the presents, right?
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
The stuff doesn't matter. The stuff doesn't matter. The stuff doesn't matter.
The stuff doesn't matter.
And, yet, here I am nine days before Christmas without having bought one present.
Not one.
And, honestly, I'm starting to panic. To fear that this Christmas won't be good, won't measure up, won't be worth it. That my kids will be unhappy, that I'll fail Christmas, and that this Christmas will always be the one they talk about with "remember when?"
When the budgets really tight, and your husband is in the early stages of a new business, extra money for Christmas is scarce. I know there will be some....just not yet. And, for me, the planner, the one who loves to order all those on-line amazing deals, who pores over the mass of catalogs that stuff my mailbox daily, this is proving to be a true test of character. In fact, just several days ago, I let the tension of not having the stuff get to me.
I was negative. And crabby. And not looking at Christmas right.
I wanted stuff.
It's hard. Society tends to define happiness by stuff. It can be extremely uncomfortable to find contentment and peace when life doesn't fit society's pre-determined mold. I've had to surrender my ideas of what a perfect Christmas should be. In fact, the Lord has been showing me just how blessed I am -- without needing the stuff -- and redirecting my attention on family, friends, health, and those in need. In need of what I forgot that I have.
We have a home. My husband is in remission. My children are healthy. We have food. Vehicles. Clothes. Opportunity. Freedom. Toys. Friends. We have stuff. I just forgot.
Today, we'll pull out the glue sticks, paper, and crayons and make some homemade ornaments for grandparents. I'll package cookies and handmade cards for friends. As far as gifts for my kiddos? We'll get them. Maybe it won't be as neatly tied and organized as I'd like, and that's okay. Christmas isn't about that stuff. Really.
I'm content in waiting.
And grateful for my Savior's birth. Truly grateful.
That's the stuff that truly matters.
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
The stuff doesn't matter. The stuff doesn't matter. The stuff doesn't matter.
The stuff doesn't matter.
And, yet, here I am nine days before Christmas without having bought one present.
Not one.
And, honestly, I'm starting to panic. To fear that this Christmas won't be good, won't measure up, won't be worth it. That my kids will be unhappy, that I'll fail Christmas, and that this Christmas will always be the one they talk about with "remember when?"
When the budgets really tight, and your husband is in the early stages of a new business, extra money for Christmas is scarce. I know there will be some....just not yet. And, for me, the planner, the one who loves to order all those on-line amazing deals, who pores over the mass of catalogs that stuff my mailbox daily, this is proving to be a true test of character. In fact, just several days ago, I let the tension of not having the stuff get to me.
I was negative. And crabby. And not looking at Christmas right.
I wanted stuff.
It's hard. Society tends to define happiness by stuff. It can be extremely uncomfortable to find contentment and peace when life doesn't fit society's pre-determined mold. I've had to surrender my ideas of what a perfect Christmas should be. In fact, the Lord has been showing me just how blessed I am -- without needing the stuff -- and redirecting my attention on family, friends, health, and those in need. In need of what I forgot that I have.
We have a home. My husband is in remission. My children are healthy. We have food. Vehicles. Clothes. Opportunity. Freedom. Toys. Friends. We have stuff. I just forgot.
Today, we'll pull out the glue sticks, paper, and crayons and make some homemade ornaments for grandparents. I'll package cookies and handmade cards for friends. As far as gifts for my kiddos? We'll get them. Maybe it won't be as neatly tied and organized as I'd like, and that's okay. Christmas isn't about that stuff. Really.
I'm content in waiting.
And grateful for my Savior's birth. Truly grateful.
That's the stuff that truly matters.
i need more cookies! (the link-up)
I'm serious. Completely serious.
This is the one time of year where I go all out baking cookies. Come January it'll be whole-wheat wraps stuffed with spinach and light chicken. Ha ha ha. Okay, just regular chicken. But, you know what I mean -- the diet shifts after that new calendar gets slapped onto the wall. Until then?? I've got some time to try some new cookies. And I'm looking for some recipes.
I'm starting an online cookie recipe exchange link-up. Here are the details. Post or link to a post with your cookie recipe or cooking making day (you can always add a recipe to a previous post...) Add your link to the linky below. Then, to make it fun, blog hop to three other blogs and take a peek at their recipes. And comment. Because you know, we all love comments. :)
Oh, yeah, and add this button/banner that my Hannah made to your post. (how could you not? it's so cool and festive and that's my cherry-chocolate kisses cookie on the left looking yummy.)
Sound fun? I can't wait to read your recipe and your story to go with it. So start baking. Now.
And, yes, if I could have figured out a REAL cookie exchange I would have. Trust me.
I was interviewed by Mrs. Claus on the blog Like Christmas Every Single Day. Sandi is such a sweetie, and asked me the most interesting questions. If you'd like to read more of my "interview" click here. And make sure to check out her very festive blog!
Thanks, Mrs. Claus! It was fun.....do you know any cookie recipes?
 |
| {Caleb and I on our cookie making day} |
I'm starting an online cookie recipe exchange link-up. Here are the details. Post or link to a post with your cookie recipe or cooking making day (you can always add a recipe to a previous post...) Add your link to the linky below. Then, to make it fun, blog hop to three other blogs and take a peek at their recipes. And comment. Because you know, we all love comments. :)
Oh, yeah, and add this button/banner that my Hannah made to your post. (how could you not? it's so cool and festive and that's my cherry-chocolate kisses cookie on the left looking yummy.)
Sound fun? I can't wait to read your recipe and your story to go with it. So start baking. Now.
And, yes, if I could have figured out a REAL cookie exchange I would have. Trust me.
********
I was interviewed by Mrs. Claus on the blog Like Christmas Every Single Day. Sandi is such a sweetie, and asked me the most interesting questions. If you'd like to read more of my "interview" click here. And make sure to check out her very festive blog!Thanks, Mrs. Claus! It was fun.....do you know any cookie recipes?
such a sweet and smiley day
1) You know it's Christmas time when breakfast consists of the words, "just grab a couple cookies from the garage." Why, garage? Well-- we've got a deep freezer out there that works great as a storage table for keeping Christmas cookies cold. Remember. I live in Minnesota. Land of lots of lakes. And snow. And, now, freezing temps.
2) Speaking of snow -- we had our 3rd snowstorm within 4weeks. Let me tell you -- this one was crazy. Remember in the Little House Books -- The Long Winter -- where they had a rope between the barn and the house? Now I know why. There were certain points where I couldn't see my neighbor's house behind me because the wind was whipping the snow around like crazy.
3) So I stayed indoors and baked.
4) Always wear an apron when baking cookies. I learned that lesson years ago.
5) The more variety of Christmas cookies the better. Several years ago I started writing all the cookies we make on the chalkboard in our kitchen. The tradition stuck. And, by the way, this list is incomplete. We've added some more. Brownie, Bark, Jam filled and more...
6) These are the Cherry Chocolate Kisses. Or #4 on the list. My sweet and beautiful chef Chloe made me these. By the way, those cookies were my breakfast this morning. hee hee hee
7) We have to frost several varieties yet. I also have some to make. However, today, I am incredibly burnt out from making cookies. Get it? Burnt out. Okay -- I thought it was funny.
8) Hannah documented our entire cookie making day. We'd have to redo things, move to better lighting, smile incredibly, look like we were having fun -- that was easy, add food coloring at specific times, and more. I am so grateful to have a daughter who loves photography and who's documenting our lives beautifully.
9) This weekend Hannah's camera broke.
10) I am so upset about this -- she's been saving for a DSLR for quite a while. She's given some of her money for different things for the family, thus making her ability to get her camera longer. And yet, she holds her head high and waits. And now her camera broke? My momma's heart broke along with it.
11) Read her post here. You'll be blessed. And offer her an encouraging word. Please.
Okay. Now, I must know if you make cookies. And, if you do, what is your absolute fave? Cause, you know, I'll be baking within a couple days....
Link up with my sweet friend, Carissa, with your own miscellany. (I had to use the word sweet -- after all this was about making cookies....)
a small sampling of my cookie tins. And Payday.
2) Speaking of snow -- we had our 3rd snowstorm within 4weeks. Let me tell you -- this one was crazy. Remember in the Little House Books -- The Long Winter -- where they had a rope between the barn and the house? Now I know why. There were certain points where I couldn't see my neighbor's house behind me because the wind was whipping the snow around like crazy.
3) So I stayed indoors and baked.
4) Always wear an apron when baking cookies. I learned that lesson years ago.
yes, I'm using a tea bag holder to cut those cookies. It's the perfect size.
5) The more variety of Christmas cookies the better. Several years ago I started writing all the cookies we make on the chalkboard in our kitchen. The tradition stuck. And, by the way, this list is incomplete. We've added some more. Brownie, Bark, Jam filled and more...
our chalkboard sans math problems
6) These are the Cherry Chocolate Kisses. Or #4 on the list. My sweet and beautiful chef Chloe made me these. By the way, those cookies were my breakfast this morning. hee hee hee
cherry chocolate kisses
7) We have to frost several varieties yet. I also have some to make. However, today, I am incredibly burnt out from making cookies. Get it? Burnt out. Okay -- I thought it was funny.
8) Hannah documented our entire cookie making day. We'd have to redo things, move to better lighting, smile incredibly, look like we were having fun -- that was easy, add food coloring at specific times, and more. I am so grateful to have a daughter who loves photography and who's documenting our lives beautifully.
any guesses to the type of cookie?
and ignore my messy counter -- we were making cookies.
9) This weekend Hannah's camera broke.
10) I am so upset about this -- she's been saving for a DSLR for quite a while. She's given some of her money for different things for the family, thus making her ability to get her camera longer. And yet, she holds her head high and waits. And now her camera broke? My momma's heart broke along with it.
my beauty -- Hannah
11) Read her post here. You'll be blessed. And offer her an encouraging word. Please.
Okay. Now, I must know if you make cookies. And, if you do, what is your absolute fave? Cause, you know, I'll be baking within a couple days....
Link up with my sweet friend, Carissa, with your own miscellany. (I had to use the word sweet -- after all this was about making cookies....)
