The Most Darling Nativity EVER

This is one of the cutest nativity sets I have ever seen. I printed it all out but we didn't finish it - but it will be number one on my list for next Christmas. It will be perfect for little hand to help create and play with when it's done. Start saving your toilet paper rolls now:)

Our Lonely Little Tree

This is our sole decoration for this year - a humble small tree which we normally put on the front porch. I thought it would be a perfect size for this year when we are still training the puppies that not everything in the world is a chew toy. It has very few ornaments on it. It's simple, sweet and humble....just like our spirits should be at this time of year.

The best part - I don't have mounds and mounds of decorations that I am dreading putting away. The tree will stay up until probably Saturday or Sunday and then I'm diving right into my goals for this next year!!

Why Yes, I am still a Crafter

I have been crafting little bits here and there and made several fun things for Christmas presents which I forgot to make pictures of. These are the items I've made in the last week.

I have been dying to make some crocheted softies but I am so intimidated by them!!I'm not good at reading crochet patterns at all. While we watched SVU and Psych yesterday I sat in my chair crocheting all afternoon. And look at what goodies I created!! My little softie totally turned out! This will be going to my BFF as part of her ultra late Christmas package:)

A new scarf for me - it wraps around twice then has a cute vintage button closure.

Easy peasy hat crocheted in the round - this will also be in my BFF's package for her girlfriend.

Some more shots of Miss S's 10th birthday crown. I used the great tutorial posted on Juicy Bits.


I totally want to make her one for every year now:) So cute and easy.

Miss S requested three GIR dolls from Invader Zim for her and her two besties for Christmas. We found this picture for inspiration and went to town.

I had so much fun making these!! It was really fun to recreate GIR in fabric and I am hooked on making softies now! The girls loved these!

Post Merry Christmas!!!

Oops...Hubby didn't want to be in the picture - didn't realize just a little bit of him was there :) We had an absolutely lovely Christmas morning. We all got up at about 9:30 and had fun opening our stocking and presents.


Miss S's present stack and her stocking just prior to being opened:)

And of course cookies and milk left for Santa. Along with a hilarious letter Miss S wrote for Santa. This letter is definitely going in the scrapbook.

We spent the rest of the day just relaxing. After a long nap I watched several hours of SVU then we watched about 6 episodes of Psych. I don't think I got out of my pajamas until about 4:30 pm - SO nice! And I'm looking forward to lazing around this next weekend too! I love short work weeks!!!

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve!! Hope you've all had a beautiful day. It's been sunny and beautiful in New Mexico. We started the day with breakfast burritos and ended it with posole and tamales - our traditional Christmas Eve fair. Now if I can just get Miss S to bed - she's been busy tracking Santa all night on NORAD. Between her and the dogs I think it's going to be a late night. I hope you're on the "nice" list and Santa brings you everything you want:)


As for me - I had nothing big on my list for this year....just hoping for a few little gifties and to remember the true spirit of Christmas.

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Birthday Girl!!

Ten years ago today I gave birth to my sweet Miss S!!! I can't believe she is ten years old. Hubby shared that he and his brothers all received crowns on their 10th birthday - an awesome Dutch tradition!! I crafted Miss S this fun little crown which she received today - it was a really fun project to make for her and she totally loves it.

Bliss

I came across this quote today posted by the charming Kelly...

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…life is like an old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is the thank the Lord for letting you have the ride… "
Gordon B. Hinckley

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light

Sacred Sunday

Progress has been made on the Christmas front here...the tree is up....Christmas cards are almost done and packages are ready for the post office tomorrow. Still haven't found much Christmas spirit but that's okay - I'll get there. Jan - did you get my text?

We sang this hymn as part of the Christmas program at church today - I could see lots of teary eyes in the congregation. I was more stressed than able to enjoy the program. I played the piano for two musical numbers and didn't practice as much as I should have and made too many mistakes. Hopefully none were too noticeable to the audience.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

It's Snowing!!

It started with light rain this morning, sleet by lunchtime, and snow by the time I left work!! Great big yummy snowflakes....woohoo!!! And it's still coming down with no signs of stopping:)

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
But as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Were You There on that Christmas Night

I have no Christmas spirit this year. None. Zilch. Nothing. We are 9 days away from Christmas and I have no packages mailed. Christmas cards are only half done. The tree is STILL not up. I can't figure out what is so different about this year and why I just can't get with the program.

We had our Relief Society Christmas dinner this week and even that didn't help.

I really liked one of the songs that was sung through.

Where you there? Where you thereOn that Christmas night?When the world was filled with a holy light?Where you there to behold as the wonder foretoldCame to Earth?

Did you see? Did you see?How they hailed him king?With their gifts so rare that they chose to bring?Did you see how they bowed as they praised him aloudAt his birth?

Did you hear how the choirs of angels sangAt the glory of the sight?Did you hear how the bells of Heaven rangAll through the night?

Did you know, did you knowIt was God's own son?The salvation of the world begun?Did you know it was love that was sent from aboveTo the Earth?

Did you know it was love that was sent from aboveTo the Earth?

If you've got some Christmas spirit to spare please please PLEASE send some my way.

Cindy Lou Who

Where Are You Christmas

Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play

My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too

Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go

Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love

Super Skeleton!!

Miss S made this at school last month...I immediately stole it for my desk!!! Isn't it so darling?? Her own little interpretation of a Calaveras .

Thanksgiving Recap

Only 10 days too late...that's the scoop around here though:) I don't even have my tree up yet.....at the rate I'm going everyone is getting their presents for Valentine's Day this year:)

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and we had an awesome day chilling with my brother Chad and my brother Shay and his family.

Max getting comfy on his Uncle Shay's lap.

The kids - both human and canine:)

The spread.

Is it time to eat? Is it time to eat? Is it time to eat?


I tried out a new recipe this year - Pumpkin Trifle and it was SO good!! Darling Hubby said you better take a picture of that before we eat it all:) So yummy and so easy:

• 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) gingerbread cake mix (I used spice cake mix)
  
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1 egg
• 4 cups cold fat-free milk
• 4 packages (1 ounce each) sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix (I used vanilla pudding)
  
• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water and egg, beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan.
• Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. When completely cooled, crumble the cake. Set aside 1/4 cup crumbs for garnish.
• In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir in pumpkin and spices until well blended.
• In a trifle bowl or 3-1/2-qt. glass serving bowl, layer a fourth of the cake crumbs, half of the pumpkin mixture, a fourth of the cake crumbs and half of the whipped topping. Repeat layers. Garnish with reserved cake crumbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

Christmas Carols

I love Christmas music....all the way from Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer to O Holy Night and everything in between:) I love rediscovering songs I've forgotten or that just never come to mind throughout the year. I didn't get my advent calendar done. My tree isn't up. Our Christmas chain still has 25 links on it, but Miss S and I have been listening to Christmas music everyday on the way to and home from school.

I love this song that we heard today.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Said the night wind to the little lamb,

"Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite,
With a tail as big as a kite."

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
"Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea,
With a voice as big as the sea."

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
"Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold--
Let us bring him silver and gold,
Let us bring him silver and gold."

Said the king to the people everywhere,
"Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light."

More of my favorite Christmas carols to come in the next few weeks. What's your favorite Christmas song?

Week of Gratitude: Change

I completely wore myself out last week and didn't finish my Week of Gratitude posts!!! I have been really grateful lately for change....life changing changes that I wasn't expecting that kind of came up and kicked me in the butt for a little while. When I was laid off I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do next - go back to school? try to be a stay at home mom? completely change fields? I just didn't know. But taking this new job just felt so right and I really feel like this is the place I need to be.

On a completely different note - I changed my hair:) I have bangs!!!! I literally don't think I've had bangs since high school. And I went dark dark dark with the color - I've never had it this dark before. It was a HUGE change but I'm really liking it:)

So for big changes and little changes I am grateful. We can't learn and grow and progress in life without change.

Week of Gratitude: Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for you, for my family and for my faith.
Have a beautiful day with family and friends!!!!!

Week of Gratitude: Tuesday

Today I am grateful for music.....which fills in my life in many different capacities. Whether it's playing the organ for Sacrament meeting, playing the piano for musical numbers, singing in musical numbers, listening to music on the radio.....I literally do not go a day without listening to several hours worth of some form of music.

Exodus 15:2 tells us the Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation; he is my God and I will prepare him an in habitation; my father's God and I exalt him.

In Doctrine & Covenants 25:12 it reads For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

Be grateful for the music that you can make and strive to surround yourself with good uplifting music. Personally I think the best uplifting music is the Beatles. I'll be sure to ask Jesus if he's a Beatles or a Stones man when I meet him:)

Week of Gratitude: Monday

Ahhh....Thanksgiving week...one of my favorite weeks of all. An uber short work week, beautiful day with family, putting up Christmas on Friday....I'm thankful for it all.

Today I am especially grateful for my family - Miss S and Hubby especially. The three little puppies that bring joy in to our lives. My darling baby brother who is watching Miss S this week while I work. My middle brother (I suppose I should give them all nicknames since I do refer to them quite often on my blog) - okey dokey - here's my family and their nicknames I have just created:

Baby brother -Chadwick
Middle brother - Funny Boy
Oldest brother - Soldier Boy
Baby sister - Rye Bread
Middle Sister - Ms. A

So anyway....Chadwick is watching Miss S all week - and I love him for that. Miss S loves her Uncle Chadwick SO much!! They will have fun together.

This will be the first Thanksgiving in many years that I will be with two of my siblings - Chadwick and Funny Boy and his family will all be celebrating at my house. We will have a houseful of kids - just like Thanksgivings growing up. I'm SO looking forward to it.

I'd love to hear what you are grateful for today....I'll be posting ALL week about different things I am grateful for.