"Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat....."

At Christmastime around here, our home is filled with lots of music. The kids used to get so mad at me because I would want to start playing christmas music by the end of September or October. My reasoning never made sense to them but I am hoping that as they have grown older themselves, that they now understand why I love it so. I not only love the music (it's just not fair to only get three weeks of enjoyment over the most beautiful music ever written),but I also love the decorations, the smells, the sounds, the weather, hot chocolate by the fire, decorating the house, surprises, the memories, but best of all I love celebrating the incredible birth of Jesus Christ. It just cannot get any better than that. We are truly blessed aren't we? And one cannot forget all of the christmas programs and movies....... Again... I love this time of year. Hopefully you do too.

I have also been sewing like crazy to get the gifts done that I will be giving away this year. I am only sharing a few pictures at this time because I have already given these away. Tea towels. Everybody needs them and this waffle weave fabric is great. I buy it by the bolt out of New York and then cut it up for towels or even children's jackets. It is wonderful to work with and washes beautifully. Below are the towels along with a couple of jackets that I have made in the past. I have thrown in a few christmas stockings as well. The pink one is for my niece's new little one and the other two are for my daughter and son-in-law.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

The Case of the Missing Reindeer

I'm sorry.... I couldn't resist. I mean, he was just sitting there so innocently... right next to the one antler... and well.... I just had to put it on his sweet little head and take a picture. Now mind you, I always thought that those old ladies with a plethora of pictures of their grandkids were a little over the top. In fact... it drove me crazy. It was so nauseating to see just how many pictures they actually had of each child! (Probably more than they ever had of their own children.) "I will NEVER be like those women!" I told myself that very line every time that I was confronted with yet another album. And now look at me... it's pathetic! Here I am taking pictures of my sweet grandson with one antler on his head while his parents are at Disneyland with his sister. Well you know what son? That's what you get for leaving him with me. He just kind of brings out this awful side of me. Psssst... he's pretty cute though don't you think?

Merry Christmas... Happy Birthday!

December! This is always such a busy month for all of us isn't it??? But it is such a great month as well! In December we take time out to celebrate the birth of our wonderful Saviour and our soon & coming King. Talk about a gift.. how truly glorious that gift is and continues to be. It is truthfully the gift that just keeps giving. I must constantly remind myself to slow down and enjoy Him every moment of every day.... not just this month alone, but always.

For me, I also get the privilege of celebrating just a few more birthdays in the month of December that I want to acknowledge and make sure that they know I haven't forgotten them in all the hustle and bustle of this holiday season.

First: my daughter-in-law Lindsey. Today, December 9 is her day.. Happy Birthday Lindsey! How happy we are that you are part of this family. You have brought us so much joy! Have a great day at Disneyland today. Smooches.




Second: my mom. Her day is on the 15. We have had a wonderful time with her and dad living with us. You're the best mom ever! Happy birthday mom!!! Hugs and kisses. (I'm already missing you and you haven't even left yet!!)



Third: my twin boys. You two will always be my 'little' boys. I can never thank God enough for sending you guys to dad and me. You guys made our family complete. Happy Birthday guys!! Love you, mom



Fourth: my daughter Elizabeth. You were and always will be our 'little bit'. I miss you and the kids so much, you'll never know!!! (You too Ran-man) ;-) I can't stand the fact that you live so far away. (Tell your husband that I still haven't forgiven him!) Have a fun day Elizabeth. Love to you too, mom



I tried to make this blog short so that I wouldn't cry. I could have written on and on about each of you but I don't think there would have been enough room. I love you all!

Thanksgiving!!

I thought I would shock all of you by posting yet another note right away. Are you all still out there? I sure hope so because I just want to say thank you so much for being a part of my life. How thankful I am for the many blessings that the Lord has so richly bestowed upon me... with special thanks for my family. I have a treasure chest full of wonderful memories that will last me a lifetime and more. Much love and thanks to all of you. Here are a few pics from your dear ole dad.

Dad passing the 'baton' (apron) over to Michael. Yikes!!



Michael holding his prize turkey that he seasoned to perfection.



Michael dropping the turkey into the hot oil while dad watches. (Bet you didn't know that your dad went out and bought a new fire extinguisher just before you got there did you? hmmmmmmmmm.)



Checking the temperature. (You weren't afraid that yours was going to turn out like your dad's did were you son??)



Waiting....



Waiting.......



Waiting....



And voila!



Now isn't he a beauty!!



Not to be outdone.. Christopher's smoked beauty. Way to go guys!!

Apples, apples, apples

I know, I know, it has been quite some time since I posted something new on this site. So sorry. This post will be brief, but I did want to jot a little something down while I had some available time. The biggest thing that I wanted to share were these beautiful pictures that were taken by my husband Jim. Between my parents coming to stay, my last son getting married, and a ton of appointments, my fruit, which never did anything before, came on by the hundreds it seemed. Truly, I have never had so much fruit in all of the years we have lived here..... and right during the time that I was making everything I needed to get done for the wedding. My mom and I spent so much time canning, freezing, etc., etc., it wasn't funny. Especially mom. Thank you so much mom. (And thanks also to my granddaughter Reilly who was so faithful in going out to pick, peel, or whatever we needed! Smooches sweetheart.) So here are the pictures.

Happy Birthday Gage-man!!

Today is my Gage-man's birthday and he is a big three years old!! Happy Birthday sweetheart. Oh how I miss your rosy cheeks, your darling smile, your all around sweetness and especially watching you dance to the Beach Boys singing Barbara-Ann. How many times have we danced to that song in your kitchen? Do you ever tire of listening to it? ;-) You are my little dance king! Have a fun day with your family Gagie. I miss you so much! Love, grandma
Hanging out at grandma's, Miss you!!!





Here we all are wishing you a happy birthday!! Smooches.

Happy Birthday Ashlynn!!

My oldest granddaughter turned 7 today. Can it really be?? I remember the day that she arrived in this world of ours. So sweet and so precious. Ashlynnie, I miss you so much!! I can't stand the fact that you live so far away. I miss your hugs and your kisses along with that wonderful smile of yours. And your hair....... the best hair ever. I know that you don't like it much right now, but one of these days you're going to love that hair of yours. All the curls, color and length will be your friends.... I promise. So here's lots and lots of hugs and kisses from me to you dear one. I love you heaps!! Love, your San Diego grandma

These pictures are so you!! So carefree. I love it!



You found the best shell ever.... remember?? Love you girl.