Snow Balls In the Desert

Working on a fun little craft project.

Who doesn't like a project that you can finish in 

a single afternoon?

How about simple pom pom garland?

I am currently (like as I finish this post) working on one for the

entertainment unit. But I finished this one earlier this week and

thought I would share it with you.

 I got my inspiration from Miss Mustard Seed. 

Love her style.

The stars are from Target. The pom pom garland is

really the only different thing that I did this year. 

I do love it. 

Kinda looks like snow balls in the desert. 

The stars are a tiny bit glimmery, but still pretty primitive.

Same centerpiece.

Anyway... let me know if you make the little garland. 

Its totally fun and easy. 

Merry Christmas!

Love and Light in A Dark Place

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manager, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

                        Luke 2:1-7 English Standard Version

I was reflecting this morning on the Christmas Story (appropriate, right?)  and I was thinking what a wicked, dark time it must have been in the world the night Jesus was born.  No different than now, maybe even more loveless. Is it possible?  Don't forget only a few short years later King Herod would order all first born baby boys two years old and under to be slaughtered. 

Mary and Joseph, not yet married, probably ostracized from friends and family, fully trusting God and His promise:  Not fully knowing their part, but fully knowing that their God was going to do something big in their life and for humanity. 

What if they hadn't trusted? What if they would have chosen to do the socially acceptable thing? 

The "Politically Correct" thing of that time?

Would Mary have had an abortion? Would Joseph have abandoned her? Would Mary's family have   her stoned to death? 

The answer is simple and obvious:  God still would have fulfilled his promise to us.

He still would have sent His Love and Light to the world on that night. 

Angels and shepherds still would have glorified Him and Magi would still seek him.

Take heart my friends. He is real. 

And then it was Christmas...

My goodness! 

How time is fleeting.

I can not believe that the last time I posted was the middle of 

October. Did I miss Thanksgiving? 

Sigh!

Again, we have had great loss in our family this year. 

As well as loss of friends.

More than ever the traditions are important.

They remind us of our memories.

The things that are worth remembering.

This year decorating was a daunting job for me.

I seriously questioned if it was going to be worth it.

Now that it is all out and in place, I'm glad!

I'm glad that we did it. 

Yes, lots of it is the same year to year.

I change this or that, but for the most part,

its the same.

Toys from my daughter's Christmas's past.

Dishes collected over the years.

Given from beloved Aunts.

When I was young, I never could imagine that Christmas 

could be a sad time. Now I understand. 

But happy traditions help. 

They help us move on to new times and new

memories.

If your Christmas is hard this year, I hope you 

remember an old tradition and find a way to start a new tradition. 

Christmas .... Here We Go.....

Hey! 

HI!

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen?

It just arrived last week. Its from the 2004 Hallmark

Keepsake, Nello Williams signature

Christmas Collection. 

I think you can still get one on Amazon or Ebay.

There is also a matching refrigerator that I have.

My husband got it for me a few years ago and I've wanted

this little stove ever since then.

The light comes on in the oven and it has a little

air freshener so that you can put a cookie flavor scent in.

It hooks up to your Christmas lights.

Oh my goodness....

Are starting to think holiday yet?

One Last Homemade Christmas Gift.....

A scrap of this.... a bit of that....

There's still time....

One last gift. 

Easy instructions are right here.

I have to say that the two ladies that I shared these with, LOVED them.

I think I'm going to have to make some for myself! 

Merry Christmas!

Monday's Manicure...Oh! Christmas Tree

One last little Christmas fun mani. 

I did this with my dotting tool....

And a small village. :) 

And THAT, my friends is why I rarely get rid of a polish. :) 

P.S. and by the way.... 

IT's ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

Scenes from Sunday Morning.... Happy Christmas-ness!

HO HO HO Helloooo! :) 

Just sharing some of the Christmas love around our house. 

You won't see any major themes or fresh ideas. LOL!

It's pretty much the same every year.  

But you know what?

That's the way we like it. 

I did buy matching stockings. We have a handsome new Son-in-Law 

that we are so happy about! 

I added the last piece of the Willow Tree Nativity scene. The Creche.

I can't believe how much I love this tradition. I re-read the Nativity story in Matthew,

Luke and John. If we couldn't have any Christmas at all, I would be happy just 

putting out the Nativity. 

This is Christmas to me.

I changed out the ribbon in the family room.... Unfortunately.... I couldn't find enough of it to 

do all the decor. But I do like it on the pendant lights.

I was picking up some make up in Walgreens and went down the Christmas aisle.

I found this cute little decorative street clock.... 

Perfect for my little sleigh scene.

 I used my Nikko Happy Holiday dishes instead of my Nutcracker 

dishes from World Market. Still love them all these years later.

And that is pretty much it.... Everything else is the same.

 No snow.... Just warm hearts full of love and good cheer!

Merry Christmas!