2009 Ornaments

For the past several years, I have participated in the SHS (an online group) ornament exchange. I have received so many wonderful ornaments through this exchange. This year, Ginger in LA, sent me these lovely teapot and teacup ornaments. They are so pretty and perfect, as Ginger knows that Bessie and I try and have tea together as often as possible. She also sent some wonderful teas and chocolates. I wonderful box of goodies. Thanks so much, Ginger.

My friend Laura in MO also sent me these gorgeous ornaments. This was such a surprise and the ornaments are so beautiful. These ornaments are Jim Shore from Heartwood Creek and the detail is wonderful. I just love them. Laura, you are so generous and kind. Thank you, so much.

Decorating the Tree

We had to squeeze in time to decorate the tree. There were so many activities and other commitments this year. We finally had a few hours on Sunday the 13th, after church and before the Cantata.

It is always so fun to pull out the ornaments and remember where we got them and who gave them to us. I am especially finding it fun to remember the wonderful ornaments I've gotten from my online friends at SHS and a few other groups. These ornaments have become so precious to me.

Brian and Gabe put on the lights. This was quite the ordeal this year, as we found several of the strings did not work. Thankfully, I had purchased a few sets on sale last year after Christmas. Of course I had to remember where I had put them...no easy task, but the sets were found the the lights were hung. Brian was still able to smile after it all.


Each child has their own set of ornaments. Each year we give them an ornament and sometimes they receive them from other people. Our tree was loaded this year with all the favorites. I am thinking we might have to add a second tree next year.



We drew names to decide who would put on the star...Bess won. It amazes me that she is now able to accomplish this on her own and to remember back to so many Christmases when she was little and Brian would hold her up to put on the star.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.

For Today...December 21, 2009

Outside My Window...dark and cold.  The weather this week has been very cold.  We missed the big storm that went off south of us.  I was a bit disappointed, but I guess it would have made all of my last minute Chrsitmas preparations more difficult.

I am thinking...how much more I am enjoying Christmas this year.  I am having fun shopping and planning all the little surprises for the family.

I am thankful for...our dear daughter Bessie.  She does so much for us and for me in particular.  She is very quick to pitch in and help out and often does little things (like make me a cuppa tea) that make my life sweeter.  She is a tremendous blessing to our family.

From the learning rooms...our Christmas vacation has started and the "official" learning rooms are closed, but we all know so much learning happens everyday.

From the kitchen...all is quiet today.  We are enjoying a wonderful smoked chicken that Wayne smoked up for us yesterday.  Yummy! 

On my mind...finishing up the last of our Christmas preparation and hoping to get the rest of our cards out at least before Christmas.

I am creating...still working on last minute Christmas projects

I am going...to watch two movies tonight...they need to go back to the library tomorrow.

I am reading...The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh.

I am wearing...jeans, a red long-sleeved shirt and a Christmas vest.

Pondering these words..."For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11 Trying very hard to make sure I continuing to ponder these words throughout the Christmas season and beyond.

I am hoping...Brian makes it home tomorrow as scheduled

I am hearing...lots of little voices as the children head up to bed.  They were enjoying watching old videos of Christmases past and doing a lot of laughing.

Around the house....bags and boxes hidden in closets...wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tape, gingerbread houses adorning the kitchen table (Well, minus one that Gracie the dog helped herself to when I forgot to close the gate.)...the smell of seasonal candles...and nativities set up on many shelves and tables.

One of my favorite things...the sound of all the children laughing and enjoying being together.

Here is a picture I'd like to share...

Recently I spotted some Snow Geese flying with a large flock of Canada Geese.  They are the ones that are white with black wingtips.  I was driving and Bess took this picture out the window for me.

Giveaway

Judi over at Green Fairy Quilts is having a great giveaway...a layer cake, jelly roll and pattern.  Hop on over and check it out!

A Trip to the Tree Farm

We finally had a few hours to go to the tree farm and pick out our Christmas tree. It was very cold, but the wind had died down and there was a bit of sunshine.

We all bundled up and packed into our truck. We call it our "clown car" when all seven of us get in.


The farm was quite crowded, but there were so many wonderful trees, plenty for all. You really can't go wrong. You pick your size and shape and you're good to go.

It had started to snow a bit by the time we got there.  A perfect setting for hunting up the perfect Christmas tree.

Bess is wondering about this one.


Gabe thinks this little one would be good. We would never fit all our ornaments on that one, Gabe!


After walking around for awhile, we finally found one we all could agree on. We tend to go for the ones that are a bit chubbier.


A meeting of the minds on the best way to cut down the tree. Gabe and Dan both had a turn at the saw and Hannah offered advice.


That tree was a bit heavy. We should have found one closer to the truck.


Into the netting cone it goes.


We set it up and will let it rest overnight. After being in the netting, the branches need to relax a bit. Tomorrow we will decorate it.

Wreath Making

We made wreaths and boxwood trees during out Ladies Night Out on Friday. Nancy once again gave us wonderful instruction on making the projects. I enjoy these evenings very much which always include lots of yummy goodies, great fellowship and much laughter.

Thank you all for a great evening.

Mystery Reader

Friday, Brian and I each had the chance to be the mystery reader in one of the children's classrooms. It was a lot of fun. I read for Rachel's class and Brian read for Hannah's. I went along with Brian and took a few pictures.


The children enjoyed the stories and had a lot of great questions. It was funny to hear the difference between boys and girls when they asked Brian questions. The boys all wanted to know about the airplane and things like did it ever crash and have you ever jumped out an airplane. The girls asked questions about what he did, the animals he saw and the South Pole.

Hopefully we will be able to do it again.

Snippits of a Snow Day

The public school children had a snow day yesterday, so we all took the day off from our regular schooling activities.

Here are a few shots of what we did do today.

Christmas color pages were enjoyed.

Lego creations worked on.

Bessie worked on her Christmas songs.

Always a stack of books.

Willie busied himself with keeping an eye on the birds.

Lots of playing in the snow and sledding.

And the evidence thereof.

Add in Gabe's Boy's Club, Bessie's piano lesson, some shopping and an errand or two and we had a very full day.

And later in the evening, there is always time for some stitching and a nice cozy fire.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.

For Today...December 7, 2009

Outside My Window...all is still and dark. It is almost midnight. I'm just making it this week.

I am thinking...how much I enjoy TV some times. I do not watch a lot, but it can be so mindless and relaxing. Quite entertaining at times.
I am thankful for...Mom and Dad. They are always so faithful to the family, always helping out and they are such wonderful people. I always enjoy their company.
From the learning rooms...working on a lapbook of the 12 Days of Christmas.
From the kitchen...baked chicken, noodles and broccoli tonight...yummy.
On my mind...the weather and wondering if it will interfere with our plans for the next few days.
I am creating...Christmas things...gifts and decorations.
I am going...to work on the Christmas tablecloth...need to finish the embroidery.
I am reading...nothing new this week...too many projects.
I am wearing...long sweatshirt and lounge pants and can't forget the fuzzy socks.
Pondering these words..."It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me."

This is part of a poem I read recently. The men and women that are away from their families this Christmas season have been mightily on my heart this week. My heart aches for them and the sacrifice that they make and their families make so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do and the security here at home. And on this Pearl Harbor Day, I am remembering all the soldiers over the generations who have been willing to stand at the front of the lines for us.

I am hoping...that Hannah does well tomorrow at the orthodontists.
I am hearing...the ticking of the clock. Very, very quiet tonight.
Around the house....school books being sorted and organized for storage.
One of my favorite things...accomplishing something that I have been putting off.

Here is a picture I'd like to share...

Gabe and his pal, Ethan playing Mario Kart on the Wii.

Sledding

Bess wasn't feeling well so we stayed home from church today. Gabe, Rachel, Hannah and Dan were up and outside taking advantage of the new fallen snow. What fun to watch them. They have been eagerly awaiting enough snow to go sledding. Their faces tell it all.





I have one happy crew of children today.