Christmas Present

Christmas...It was a little crazy around here!

We have had a houseful~

Curtis and Shae are staying with us for the Holidays and we also had

Rick's brother & sister-in-law and their 2 boys with us until today.

(Their 2 girls were with us for a couple of days too)

 

It's been a lot of fun. Glad the cousins could reconnect~

We also passed around a little stomach flu. Thankfully only 3 of us had that.

11 people with stomach flu would have certainly sent me over the proverbial edge!

 

A few favorites from this Christmas season:

(pictures aren't great, but I haven't had time to re-shoot...eventually I'll figure out how to take better pics with my point and shoot!)

 

A new Nativity

Flickering candlelight

A watchful elf

My all time favorite candle EVER!
(Christmas Presence, Gold Canyon Candles)

More flickering lights

I've had this little votive since Curtis was in kindergarten!

I love the Precious Moments Nativity on the glass.



Croaking, caroling frogs

A new Christmas tree, to fit in the alcove by the fireplace.

Love it! It has a kind of frosted look, it's really quite lovely~

Pre-lit...already have a strand of lights out. Don't love that!

Not Christmas, but a project we finally got done.

Love, love, love the family picture wall!

 

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas & hoping you are enjoying the Holidays with your family!

Christmas Past

Christmas Eve~ 1968

I was just a few months shy of being 3 years old.

 

 

When I was growing up, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was lighting candles on Christmas Eve.

 

Do you remember the Gurley candles?

 



There were Santas and snowmen,

Christmas trees and reindeer

I think the Christmas carolers were my favorites!

My mom had a set of 3 carolers (2 boys & a girl) and a lamp post. I loved those little candles!

 

On Christmas Eve, my 2 brothers and I would each have a candle. We would sit them in a jar lid to contain the wax. We would listen to Christmas music & watch for Santa's sleigh as the candles burned. When the candles burned out, that was our signal that it was time to go to bed.

Those little candles burned pretty quickly too!

We have a family Christmas party on Christmas Eve with Rick's family, so we haven't been able to carry on this tradition. We do it occasionally though. When we were in Arizona, I bought a really big Santa candle & we burned it every year. I think I'll pull him out this year...a little nostalgia sounds good to me!

 

We also had an "Elf on the Shelf" before they were the in thing.

During the 50's & 60's small red (or green) felt, knee-hugger elf ornaments were popular.

We had one and he would always show up the beginning of December. It was always fun to find him every year. He didn't move once he came to visit, but he kept a watchful eye on us all season long.

My kids are older, so we haven't joined the Elf on a Shelf craze, but we do have a couple of elves that I put out each year...to keep a watchful eye & jot down if we are on the Naughty or Nice list. :)

 

 

I love traditions~ All the little moments that make the Holidays extra special!

Just a Little Catch Up Post

Well...this is what it looks like at my house today. (This is my backyard! Pretty, huh?)

It's been snowing all day~ and we were without power for about 3 hours this morning. Luckily, we were at church...and our church has a generator backup.

(Is it just me, or has Mother Nature been a little Bi-Polar this year? Bi-Polar...get it?)

 I'm okay with the snow though, because this post is about *shhh... Christmas! *shhh...

Thankfully, I was not sick for Christmas this year. In pain, but not sick! :)

I was more organized than I have been the last couple of years~ but I had a lot of projects going on...so it was a busy year. So busy in fact, that on Christmas morning when all was said and done, I found myself thinking, "That's it? All that work, and that's it?" :)

Here are 2 of the projects that I was working on:

First, microwave heat packs. We have one of these that my mom made for us several years ago. My kids all fight over who gets to use it. So I came up with the idea to make everyone one of their own!

Brilliant idea, if I do say so myself!

I used flannel, and had so much fun looking for different patterns for each family member.

They are filled with field corn~ I prefer the corn over the rice filled ones.

These were a big hit! And they have been well used at our house!

Project # 2:

We had family pictures taken in 2010 and I still hadn't gotten them developed. So I made a set of these for each of the kids.

I love the collage!

 Rick & Emily had a similar idea and had a large family picture developed and framed for me! I'm still trying to decide where I want to hang it~ but I love it!!!

Here's a picture from Christmas morning. Apparently after the stockings were nabbed.

It was a fun Christmas!

We did our Treasure Hunt tradition of Santa hiding one present for each of the kids, and then leaving the first clue in their stocking. 

Shane asked for more difficult clues this year.

And one of the boys (not Shane) had a complete emotional melt down over his clues. It's funny that the kids have such a hard time figuring out their own clues, but are able to figure out their sibling's clues pretty easily.  This is the first year we've had one of the kids have a complete emotional breakdown though... I guess there is a first time for everything. :)

Another tradition that we have in our family is the Jackson family party on Christmas Eve.

I took this Christmas Carols to play. Originally I was going to do "Minute to Win It" but ran out of time (ha ha) to get it pulled together. I already had the Christmas Carols game~ but it ended up being a lot of fun!!! My mother-in-law always ends the evening by telling her "Christmas Star" story~ which she has been telling every Christmas Eve for probably 40+ years.

This is the last project I want to share:

Emily made this beautiful Advent Board for me!

I love it!!!

I need to get a big easel so I can display it next year.

Each of the date squares has a different picture of the Savior on the back, so each day you turn the square over to display the picture of the Savior.

It's really pretty~ and such a nice visual reminder of the Reason we celebrate Christmas.

(I've also seen another version that is done with family pictures and the wording at the top is "Tis the Season for Family~ also a really great idea!)

I've seen a few of these online, but not many. If you want more details (measurements, instructions) just let me know~ I'd be happy to share.

And finally:

A view of the front yard.

This is My. Front. Yard.

Snow is still falling. Hopefully Emily will be able to make it down the hill tonight!

I now return you to your regularly scheduled FEBRUARY!



Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

 (Clip art "Santa & Company" by Shelly Comiskey)

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I really do love my "blog friends" :)

May your holidays be warm and bright, full of all the wonderful things that make this time of year so special.

And may we always remember the reason we have cause to celebrate.

(Printable by Colette @ My Computer is My Canvas)

Favorite Things Christmas 2011 Edition

This Christmas Music:

This nail polish

(More specifically, toe nail polish.)

China Glaze: Ruby Pumps

Available at Sally Beauty Supply

I kept the Christmas decor a little simple this year, only putting out the things we absolutely LOVE.

Love this cute little stitchery that a friend made for me a few years ago:

Table Centerpiece:

(The ornaments may be from the Ornament Wreath...I'm not sayin')

This year's tree:

Gingerbread Men ornaments with Red & Chocolate Brown balls.

Turned out very pretty.

I think this area was decorated by Shane. :)

At least it was a good set up for a picture to include all the ornaments.

My fireplace:

I love my fireplace! Love the mantle, and the fire is actually really pretty and looks "real" when it burns.

Christmas Mantle:

I haven't been able to get a good picture of the mantle. It has been kind of dark...and if I use the flash there is too much glare.

I was really happy with how it turned out. I just threw it together.

Christmas earrings:

Every single pair was given to me by my mom.

There's a little bit of everything; snowmen, santas, trees, wreaths, poinsettias...

These are a few of my faves:

I love the pearl snowmen. I have 2 different pairs.

These tiles:

I made these as Christmas gifts.

I love, love, love the cute little snowmen!

(Clip art by Shelly Comiskey, "Frosty Friends"  available at Daisie Company)

Shelly is one of my favorite artists. Her designs are always adorable!

All packaged up and ready to go!

Aren't they just so cute?

I. Made. These.

I think this pretty much redeems me from my Wreath debacle, right?

My Take on the Ornament Wreath

Way back in October, Rick & the boys went on a little camping/hunting expedition.

That left me to my own devices.

Emily came over for the weekend and we decided to try our hand at making Ornament Wreaths.

I know you've seen these all over the Internet the last few years. There are lots of handy tutorials (Cherie's Tutorial) & some very lovely wreaths that have been crafted.

These are a little different though. I hope you enjoy!

First of all, you start out with a wire hanger.

You untwist the top where the hook is...blah,blah,blah (I'm getting to the good part)

Then you shape the wire into a roundish shape & begin stringing the ornaments on.

This is after, of course, you have hot glued all the tops to the ornaments so they don't pop off.

Part way through, you notice your daughter's wreath is looking pretty good.

Your wreath, however, is looking pretty...ummm...interesting.

Just forge on! It will be fine. It will look so pretty when it's done.

There's nothing glitter and a bow can't fix.

(These are the things you repeat to yourself in your head)

If the ornaments need to be repositioned a bit, very carefully move them around.

No matter how carefully you do this, you will still hear this lovely sound:

"Snap! Plop! Wobble-Wobble-Wobble!"

(That's the sound of the ornaments popping off, and then rolling across the floor)

The little cap thingies stayed firmly attached to the ornaments...hot glue kinda does that, but the hole where the hook/wire goes kept snapping open.

Once you have the ornaments all on the wire, and you have it looking like you want it (whatever),

twist the two ends of the wire together. This will be somewhat difficult. More ornaments will pop off.

Do not curse!

Just laugh. Laughing is good.

There will be glitter and broken ornaments strung everywhere.

Your daughter's wreath will look much better than yours.

The more you try to fix yours, the more you curse laugh.

Daughter will laugh too.

See...good mother/daughter bonding moment.

I'm all about creating memories.

Add a pretty red and gold ribbon, then hang it on the door so you can admire your beautiful handiwork:

What the??? 

I know, right?

I have found a couple of things that make it look better.

1.Perspective:

 See? Pretty.

2. Lighting:

Perfect!!!

Christmas 2010~ Favorite Things

Some of my favorite things!

This candle: Holiday Wreath by Gold Canyon Candles

I've made the switch to "Scentsy"~ but I'm so happy that this candle comes in the wax tarts form too!

 This song: It's Willie Nelson (don't be hatin'). I hadn't heard this song in years~ but I really like it!

The Jackson Family Christmas Party on Christmas Eve (whew, that was a mouthful). Favorite moment was going to the cemetery to light luminaries for Amy & Nathan. 13 years ago, Amy was pregnant with a sweet little baby boy. Sadly, he died 2 months before he was born.  His birthday is December 23rd. Every Christmas Eve, Amy & her family did luminaries at Nathan's grave. Our family usually participated as well.
We lived in AZ for a few years~ so this year was our first Christmas being able to go to the cemetery since we moved back. I was amazed at how lit up the cemetery was. 13 years ago~ there were maybe 1 or 2 other people who did this, but in true Amy fashion, she told a few people who told a few people and the tradition has grown. Amy and Nathan are buried by each other~ we lit luminaries and sang "Silent Night".

Other favorite moment...my brother-in-law taking a bit of something that didn't taste so great! The look on his face was priceless & Emily and I got a kick out of watching him try to spit it in the trash without anyone noticing (especially the person who brought it!)

Christmas morning: Stockings are always the first thing the kids want to do.

This may be because Santa always hides one gift for each of the kids. They have to go on a Treasure Hunt to find their gift. Santa leaves the first clue in their stocking.  This is a tradition from Rick's family~his mom always did this for the kids when they were growing up.

Our kids love it too!

Sometimes, the clues are really difficult. The kids have been known to cry in frustration when we won't help them figure out the clues! :) They got off pretty easy this year! I think this is probably one of their favorite traditions.

Christmas morning breakfast:
I always make this casserole, Frying Pan Omelet. I've tried a few other things over the years, but this has become the traditional favorite. I like it because I can make it the night before & then just pop it in the oven to bake while the kids are opening presents. The picture is hideous, I know. The green stuff is a hot pad that the pan is sitting on.

Frying Pan Omelet

1-16 oz package frozen hash browns (I prefer the shredded kind for this recipe)

1 onion-diced

1 lb bacon, sausage or ham (I do 1/2 bacon and 1/2 sausage) chopped

6 eggs, beaten

grated cheese

Cut meat. Brown, drain and set aside. Brown the potatoes and onion in grease. ( I skip this step & brown the onion w/ the bacon once the bacon is almost done cooking). Press potatoes in to a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pour beaten eggs over potatoes, sprinkle with meat and top with cheese.

Refrigerate overnight. Bake @ 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until eggs are set.

I also make these: Shortcut Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas afternoon at my mom & dad's house. I got sick a couple of days before Christmas, so I was a little behind. We didn't get to bed until after 2:30 on Christmas Eve and the kids had us up at 5:00. Two hours of sleep didn't quite cut it for me~ so I pretty much don't remember much about being at my moms! I was just trying to stay awake!!! We always have lunch there, and exchange presents.  Mom made my favorite clam dip...which I only ate a little bit of (was still on the BRAT diet for the most part).

Most the pictures I took at mom & dad's didn't turn out so great. Although I do have a great one of my brother playing air guitar. He's 40. Air guitar. 40. It cracked me up!

Only 356 more days until Christmas 2011. Maybe if I start now I won't be so behind???  (Yeah, yeah~ I say that every year)!

Happy 2011!

Merry Christmas~ 2010

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Believe

Remember

Worship

Rejoice

Merry Christmas

Christmas Past

These are some old Polaroids I have.

Christmas 1969.

 I would have been just about a month and a half shy of turning 4.

I was looking through these a while back when I was working on another post

 (that I never got finished, but I will!)

I was so excited to see this doll! She was my favorite doll...and I never knew that I had pictures of her!

She was very well loved. I don't know what happened to her. I do know that a couple of the neighbor girls floated her down the ditch once...but she was rescued. I'm sure I just outgrew her, and didn't know my adult self would wish I had her back!

 I loved the stroller/buggy too. Had it for a good many years as well. I think toys were a little sturdier back in the day.

Loved my kitchen set too. I think I must have gotten different pieces to it for a couple of years. I'll have to ask my mom. This is the stove. It was made out of metal. It probably came from Sears. I also had a sink set that really worked! It was awesome. And I had a cupboard that my Grandpa built for me (still have it, though it needs to be refinished).

It's fun to look at these pictures and remember playing with so many of my favorite toys.

This one is pretty washed out. But I loved this Mrs. Beasley doll! She had a pull string in her back & when I pulled the string she would say a different phrase. Wish I still had her too!

I must have been a very good girl in 1969! I got a lot of cool stuff that I had for a long, long time!  I was also the only child at this point...so I think I might have been a little spoiled.

We often had a flocked tree. I don't remember ever going to get the tree, but I do remember watching my dad flock the tree one year. I was a little older than this, but I remember sitting in the basement watching him turn the green tree into a beautiful white one! I loved flocked trees. I don't remember much about decorating our trees when I was a kid. I do remember a few ornaments.  And I do remember that we never did the decorating until around the 15th, which seemed like forever to me! I also remember my mom had these big plaster picture/plaque things. There were 3 of them, each one was one of the Wise Men. She always hung them up in the hallway. They were some of my favorites when I was a kid.

 After my grandpa passed away, my grandma would sometimes spend Christmas Eve at our house. We would always have tacos for dinner. We also used to drive around and look at the Christmas lights. Then, when we got home, we always would listen to Christmas music. My favorite was our Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer record. My brothers and I also each had a candle to burn. They were always those small, cheapo candles, that burned really fast. They are hard to find now~ Santa's, Snowmen, Christmas Trees...the idea was, once our candles were burned out, we had to go to bed.

Santa never wrapped the gifts he brought to us. I used to love to sneak out to the front room, as we called it, and try and get a peak at all the fun stuff he had left under the tree. One year, Grandma was sleeping over and she was in my room & my brothers and I were all in their bedroom. I would have been 10 or older probably. Slowly, stealthily, I crept to the bedroom door, then I got down on my stomach and painstakingly began inching my way ever so slowly past my bedroom door, past my sleeping Grandma. I was almost past the doorway when suddenly Grandma said in a clear voice; "Valerie! Get back in bed!" Try as I might, I could never get past her!

Was I stinkin' cute, or what?

 This was probably my Christmas dress~ made by my Grandma. And my hair is in ringlets. Man, those were painful! My mom could roll those curlers so dang tight! And if I didn't hold still, I might get smacked with the comb! OUCH! 

Merry Christmas

May your heart and home be filled with warm, wonderful memories of Christmas