A Fresh Start

Happy week-in-between Christmas and New Years.  I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas.  Ours was great... though something about it was different this year.  My daughter swears that it didn't seem like Christmas due to the fact that we didn't have one iota of snow.  Not one.  The grass is green, and the leaves have now fallen.  (It was an odd year for leaf-fall.  Anyone else notice that?)  Anyway -- snow is a Christmas-must for my daughter, so she was disappointed.

As for me, I have to agree with her about something just not feeling Christmasy this year, though I think it has more to do with events leading up to Christmas, or should I say the lack thereof?  Some years, we do lots of festive things during the Christmas season, and this just wasn't one of those years.  No complaints.  Just a statement of fact, as I honestly can't see where we would've thrown in one more "have to be there" item on the calendar.

I had a medical issue to deal with during November and December -- and am happy to say that all is well. I'll spare you the details other than to say that all the fuss and calendar-arranging over it kind of robbed me of the energy to fuss much over Christmas.  Once upon a time I would cover the house with Christmas, but I have learned to be more discerning, and only use what seems "right" for each year.  As in previous years, this year was more about little vignettes around the house, rather than covering every inch -- which ended up being a good thing, because...

The day after Christmas, my husband cooked us a fabulous meal of Chicken Parmesan with salad and homemade bread.  While we ate, he said, "How about if we start cleaning the carpets tonight?"  Now, cleaning the carpets is not MY THING -- so, I've learned to take him up on it at every opportunity.  We decided to go for it, doing the downstairs by thirds in each room so that there was still someplace to walk.  He managed to accomplish the task over a period of three days, even getting most of the upstairs completed, while the rest of us reorganized the house around dry areas of carpet.  What a good feeling to have it done!  As a result, Christmas got cleaned up, gifts got put away, and the house got a general tidying up!  Hip, hip.... HOORAY! Even our daughter (who hates parting with Christmas decor - especially the tree) could appreciate the fresh start.

There are still some Christmasy decor items scattered around, and I will whittle away at those as I have time.  There are no overwhelming tasks involved.

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season, and our security guard son was able to be with us for both Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day -- what a blessing.  I was prepared to rearrange our traditions, so that he felt like he was a part of the whole process, and not forgotten or left out.  But, he took it upon himself to work things out, without any pestering or pushing by me.  It made me realize how much he appreciates our traditions.

I hope that your Christmas was filled with the blessings of health and family time, with fresh air and free time, with PEACE and love, and with THE SAVIOR!

As we look to 2015,  my prayer is that:

• I will prioritize the things that are really important to me in life, and let go of things that just don't fit.
• I will use my time, energy, and resources more effectively and efficiently.
• I will become braver about using the word "NO" in order to save some sanity at the end of the day.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is not MY JOB (alone) to save the world.  I just need to do MY PART.
• I will look (more often/more naturally) to the Lord for guidance rather than trying to handle so much in my own strength.
• God will use MY GIFTS in a way that allows others to see HIM.

Wishing you a blessed new year!  I'll be back sometime after school starts up next week... maybe sooner.

DIY - A Wrapping Paper Placemat/Runner

I mentioned this little "runner" HERE, but I wanted to give you some additional details.  Remember that I used a short roll of gift wrap from the Dollar Spot at Target?  The width was pretty close to the depth of my microwave -- which is what I was wanting to dress up a little.  Our microwave is on a cart, and the top usually has some kind of decorative display on it.

I cut a length of paper that seemed appropriate, and then I started trimming.  Realizing that I wasn't good at cutting the rough edges straight, I resorted to using the paper cutter that I use for scrapbooking.  I matched up the clean edges, folded the paper and trimmed the rough sides with a nice clean cut.  Then, I went one step further to make it a little more interesting... I fringed the edges!  I didn't measure, I just eyeballed it and snipped away -- all the way around.  And one last step... I messed up the fringe a little so that it was more obvious instead of just laying flat.

I love the look!  This could easily be done (fringe and all) for a table runner, or even many individual placemats!

What little decorative tricks do you have up YOUR sleeve this Christmas?

An Old DIY Ornament Favorite

So, this post has been pretty popular lately, thanks to the great linky parties that I linked up with three years ago!  At the time I shared this idea, I said to use either glass or plastic fill-able ornaments.  This many years later, I will tell you that I made my ornaments with the large, glass balls, and they are way too heavy for my tree.  I would highly recommend using the plastic ornaments.

The good news is that they sure are a pretty way to fill a large bowl.  Underneath, I have some extra gold ribbon as a nest-of-sorts.  It just shows through a little in a few places.

I added some pretty pine cones, and a glittered, silk poinsettia stem.  These Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments are still one of my favorite DIY Christmas ornaments.  If you need a last-minute idea, they are SUPER-easy, and you can find the directions HERE.

Glimpses of Christmas

My daughter just asked me if I had written a blog post lately.

"Nope," I said.  It's not that I've planned NOT to.  It just hasn't happened.

She thought about it for a moment and replied, "People probably think you've fallen off the turnip truck!"  -- which really made me chuckle.

Since our daughter was quite young, she got the idea of verbal "expressions," but she got this one all wrong.  I tried to explain to her that she was thinking of the expression:

"I didn't just fall off the turnip truck yesterday!'

which is the equivalent of

"I wasn't born yesterday!"

which does not mean the same thing as

"People will think you've fallen off the face of the earth."

OR saying that somebody has

"fallen off the wagon."

Did you follow any of that?  If not, don't worry about it.  It's just a long way of telling you that my daughter's words lit a fire under me, and here I am writing another post... finally.

So, guess what happened today?  The sun came out.  Really.  Our area isn't usually quite this gray in December, so this morning when the sun came out after SEVERAL really gray days -- well, I grabbed the camera just like I told you I would.

I feel like the decorations around here are a little half-hearted this year.  As I mentioned in previous posts, there's been a lot going on around here.  I've got one more afternoon of childcare tomorrow, and then I am home-free.  But life has been busy, and rather than stress out about what isn't done, I'm just letting it be.  For me, I'm just looking for some peace this holiday season -- not polished perfection.  Can I get an AMEN?  Let me also say that I salute those of you that have the time and ambition to "do it up big."  {And p.s., I have enjoyed touring your homes!}

MOVING RIGHT ALONG.  Sorry if I am belaboring that[above] point this year, but I am mostly preaching to myself that it's okay to keep it simple.  Thanks for bearing with me.

In keeping with simplicity -- I'd like to share a few Christmas scenes from around our home.  It felt good to take advantage of the sunshine this morning to get these shots.  EnJOY!

The weirdest thing happened this year.  I stocked up on candy canes -- specifically a brand that I've been buying for lots of years... cheap and delicious.  My daughter opened one to snack on, and it had ZERO peppermint flavor!!!  Have you ever had that happen?  Weird, right?  So, as far as my family is concerned... I purchased a Christmas decoration -- not a SNACK!  Oh well, fewer calories that way!

Simplicity :: A woven tray filled with pretty collections in jars and bowls.

I LOVE this silly little ornament.  I'm not sure if it's because that roof looks a little bit Mary Engelbreit-ish, if it's that glitter, or if it's a little bit of the Scandinavian looks that I love.  Each year I try to find a little place of honor for this gem.  Do you do that with favorite ornaments, or do they automatically go on the tree?

Speaking of little gems -- have you tried these Candy Cane Tootsie Pops?  They are awesome!  I happened to be standing behind a lady at Target who was purchasing them, and when I inquired, she really bragged on how delicious they were.  Hmmm.  She should know that she got me hooked! [as in "who cares if the candy canes have no flavor!"  LOL

This little scene [below] is atop my microwave.  Do you like the little runner?  It's wrapping paper from the Christmas Dollar Spot at Target.  I can't tell you how many times I have looked for that ever-blogged-about gold polka-dotted paper at Target.  No dice.  It's always GONE.  But I spotted this and just couldn't resist.  I knew I'd find something to do with it.  Hey - I might even wrap gifts with it! *wink

Thanks for stopping by to see my glimpses of Christmas!  May your Christmas Season be filled with GREAT JOY, remembering the REASON for the season -- Jesus Christ!

I'm linking up over at Nesting Place for the 2014 Christmas Tour of Homes,

and at the 2nd Annual Holiday Home Link Party.

Life... an Occasion!

"I've been here, there, and everywhere," wrote one of my favorite bloggers, and I thought how lovely that sounded, and how I would like to write that to you and tell you of the places I've been that have kept me from being here.

But, in my case, that's only wishful thinking.  What's really been happening is that I have a few too many irons in the fire [plus, add a few "irons" that are only roadblocks in my own mind], a tad of allergy-or-something-crud that has been trying to beat me down for a few weeks, and we have been [until last Thursday] "one car down" from our usual parking lot -- causing us to be running here and there a little bit more than usual to accommodate everyone's work schedules.

I've got a few items that I really and truly just need to check off on my December calendar before I can move forward.  I have to say, this makes the rest of the month [and Christmas shopping] feel a little like the proverbial "other shoe" waiting to drop.

And then, a few days ago, when I least expected it (snuggled on the couch watching "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"), I heard this:

"Your life is an occasion.  Rise to it!"

Rise to it.  Meet the challenge, in other words.

So, I am really trying.  Also, trying not to let that "dangling shoe dread" get to me -- because that's not usually my style.

Baby steps.

The tree is up, thanks to my girl.  It is as lit as it's gonna get, and I'm good with that.  I am reminding myself - as should you - that comparison is the thief of JOY.  My house at Christmas is not now, nor will it ever be the same as anyone else's house at Christmas.  We each do what works for us, and at our own pace.

Right now, that = one lit-only Christmas tree + simple holiday decor -- and JOY. [*wink]  This year, I have really let the decorations lead me instead of me leading the decorations.  I used to decorate for Christmas by pulling everything out of the storage boxes and finding a place for it.  NO MORE.  Now, I only grab what speaks to me, and usually I have already planned a place for it.  I've been waiting for a bright-shiny day to take some pictures around here, but that just hasn't happened.  This week promises to be a little slower schedule-wise, and so I'm hoping for that sun.

In the meantime, I'd like to recommend these great blog posts by some of my favs.  They'll help you keep things in perspective  -- you know, just in case the season is getting a little out of control for you.

*When You Need to UnDecorate for Christmas

* The show must go on. But at what cost?

Thinking About Christmas Traditions

I remember, back in my school days, being asked to write about our family's Christmas traditions.  At the time, I was thinking of "traditions" as being big, ceremonial things that our family did year after year.  I kind of came up dry, and I think I hurt my mom's feelings when I told her I couldn't think of any traditions we had.  Truth is, I just wasn't getting an accurate picture of the word TRADITION.

Through the years, I've come to realize that a BIG part of my family's traditions revolves around food -- nothing that is particularly from our heritage in any way, but things that are just special-occasion favorites to us.  Some people plan a new menu each and every year to keep it interesting, but my family knows what we like, and what we like is cheese-ball and crackers, and sausage balls waiting as an appetizer when we arrive at Mom & Dad's.  We like our main course to be beef, and it wouldn't be Christmas without mashed potatoes!  As for dessert, Peppermint Patty Brownies are a favorite, and there are always frosted "cut-out" cookies.

I've also realized that one of the things I love about Christmas is bringing out all of the "old faithful" decorations.  Some people decorate in a different color scheme each year, but to me, a big part of our decorating is our "same old" tree with the mismatched lights and the family-made ornaments.  I can't imagine a tree with color coordinated balls, or something that "matched" our decor.  For me, decorating for Christmas has almost nothing to do with home decor, and everything to do with memories.

It took me a long time to realize our most precious traditions, and to bring the things I love into clearer focus.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?  Do some of them revolve around FOOD?

Do you have a favorite ornament that you can't wait to hang each year?

Is familiarity important to you around the holidays, or do you like all-things-new?

(Winter) Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

Christmas is long over, and our family is [for the most part] long past the days of TOYS at Christmastime.

It's a bright, sunny, and cold morning.  As I'm sitting at the kitchen table reading some blogs, the sun streams through the sliding glass door meeting our homemade suncatcher in it's path.  It brings a smile to my face as I recall our Christmas morning, and the kitchen "toy" my hubby received.

You see, this year for Christmas, my sweet hubby wanted... a mandolin slicer.  And so, on Christmas morning, after all of the gifts were opened, and everyone began the serious business of checking out their goodies, our girl made her way to the kitchen with Daddy's new mandolin.

Slowly and carefully (man, the blades are SHARP!) she cut an orange into thin, thin slices.  She sprinkled some spices on each slice, and baked them on a cookie sheet at a low heat until they were dried out.

As I write this, the morning is snowless, with green-ish grass and leftover leaves whirling in the breeze.  Though all of the Christmas decorations are long-since stored away, I am sitting here with a smile on my face remembering our Christmas morning... and the slicing of an orange.

Wrapping Up Christmas

Hello friends!  I'm still here.  Christmas was wonderful, and I am enjoying these days off with my family!  Our security guard son was able to be with us for Christmas Eve AND Christmas day, and we felt so blessed.

My sweet hubby was able to use up his vacation days at the very last minute (a nice surprise for us!) which meant some extra and unexpected days of adventuring in the warm-ish fall-like weather (which I have been LOVING!)

Today, it's back to work for the guys, but my daughter and I will have a few more adventures since she doesn't return to school until the 7th -- and in the new building!!!  There is much excitement over this, let me tell you. Fingers are crossed for the grand tour next weekend!

Yesterday, we enjoyed the traditional "Waffle Day" with my extended family -- which is actually the big send-off for my parents who will be heading south for a month.  New pajamas are acceptable attire for this get-together, and lots of chocolate-chip waffles are consumed along with bacon, sausage, tropical fruit salad, coffee, and juice.

This year, because of my brother-in-law's generosity, Jill and I will be taking a week-long "sister trip" to visit with our parents during their stay in the south.  We are very excited about that, and it'll be here before we know it!!!  Good thing I've been using THIS CHRISTMAS GIFT to whittle away at those Christmas pounds!  I'm hoping it's not too much of a shocker to bring back those spring/summer clothes! --although with all of this crazy weather, perhaps I shouldn't put the cart before the horse?  Who knows what the weather will be down south in mid-January?

Are your Christmas decorations down?  Though I've put a few random things away, our tree and most of the decorations are still up.  We typically take them down on New Year's Day.  However, the way the days and work schedules are lining up, I may take the opportunity to put a few more things away while my hubby is at work today and tomorrow.  We'll see.  I don't really have an agenda.  Just rollin' with the punches -- so to speak.

I hope you have a wonderful day!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I'll be checking in here and there, but don't have anything too big planned until my girl is back in school.

One More Party...

So you have one more holiday party or family gathering, and you need a cute hostess gift?  No worries.  I've gotcha covered!  This is a super-easy last-minute idea!

In fact, I thought I was done sharing all things holiday -- but my daughter and I made these luscious chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows and I just had to share our success.  Inspired by this recipe at Barns & Noodles, I adjusted our recipe a little according to what we had on-hand.

What we used:

large marshmallows

semi-sweet chocolate chips melted over a double-boiler

crushed candy canes

The process is as easy as it looks.  Dip top half of marshmallow in melted chocolate, then in the crushed candy. Tip right side up, and allow to set.  I placed ours in the refrigerator for a little bit before placing in gift bags.

Come to think of it... maybe YOU'RE the one having the party?  These would be so cute in a pretty little bowl at a cocoa bar!  Decadent.

We made them as a last-minute project so that we could bag them up fresh for family and friends.  I thought I'd brag a bit about them, since they were such a simple and low-key project amidst the last-minute wrapping and baking.  Known for getting ahead of ourselves and messing things up, we were rather pleased with how these turned out.  Though they'd be delicious added to a steaming cup of hot cocoa, I will admit that we sneaked a few right off the tray after we made them, and we loved them!  If you are a lover of all things peppermint, I know you'll love them too!

Don't forget to check out Barns & Noodles for the original recipe!

Let It Slow... Let It Slow... Let It Slow!

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day that the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Not overwhelmed.  GLAD.

Today could be the day to step away from the "to-do" list, and say "DONE."  Adjust priorities and expectations.  Be realistic.  Set perfection aside.

Pretty sure that's what I'll be doing as I finish up the wrapping (one of my least favorite holiday tasks), and as I wait for the last gift to be delivered (planning all the while for the I.O.U. certificate to be presented in its place).

Praying that your Christmas will be a wonderful combination of PEACE, crazy family laughter, and good times with those you hold most dear.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Love, Sally

Tradition, and... GRAVITAS

"I like tradition at Christmas,

the over and over of things gives the years gravitas..."

~Susan Branch

Yes, I confess... I looked up the word "gravitas" -- not a word I was familiar with.  I'm so glad I did, because it made me love this quote from Susan even more.

I can recall a time, back in my school days, being asked to write about our family's Christmas traditions.  I was stuck.  As a kid, I didn't really think about us as having traditions.  Our family just did the same things over and over again each holiday season.  Nothing too special, I thought.  Afterall, didn't everyone "do Christmas" as we did?  Oh, the naiveté of a child!

What I didn't realize at the time was that those things that we did over and over again year after year gave OUR Christmas a certain pageantry.  At our house, we always knew how Christmas "went."  We didn't have to wonder.  Truth is, we still don't.  Though we've adapted to various situations through the years, my parents still count on doing things much the same way.  While we don't take ourselves too seriously (as the term "gravitas" may suggest), we DO enjoy knowing what to count on year after year.

TRADITION::  Bringing out a favorite Christmas afghan made by my Great Aunt

When I was a tween, my family moved from Buffalo, New York to Ohio -- and Christmas changed.  Christmas (and every other holiday) was now spent traveling back and forth across the miles to spend time with extended family.  After many years, we had the chance to wake up in our own beds Christmas morning, and we realized -- the travel HAD BEEN our tradition! -- and we missed it like crazy.

Sometimes when we're LIVING the tradition,

we don't even realize it IS one...

TRADITION::  a favorite homemade gift from a friend ~ Biscotti!

Traditions can just be the carrying on of the daily daily-ness in specific circumstances (like a holiday) -- or as Susan might say, the over and over of things that gives the years... dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner.

What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

Silver Foil Packages Tied Up With String

My girl has delivered her last plate of Christmas cheer, and it is officially CHRISTMAS BREAK.  She made up 11 plates of cookies (3 kinds on each plate), and we wrapped them up and labeled them for all of her teachers. We decided to wrap them up snugly in foil for the ride to school, and the day-long delivery process through my daughter's class schedule.

Mint-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate-Caramel Cookies, and Cherry Delights were wrapped in foil, tied with twine, and THESE sweet joyful tags from Amy.

We each made and baked a batch of cookies.  My daughter made batter for another batch, and I baked them.  I foiled and twined, while she gift-tagged.  Team work at its best!

Yesterday (the last day of school) included a half day in the brand new school building, where the kids will start school next month when they return from Christmas Break.  There's a two-story wing for the junior-high students and a two-story wing for the senior-high students, and so much more! We have been holding our breath, and excitedly anticipating this day, when all that has been envisioned will be revealed.  And, if my daughter's excitement is any indication, this new school is a sight to behold.  I'm hoping to get the nickel tour before school resumes!

What's new at your house?

Are you starting to wrap up the items on your Christmas list?

Survey Says...

Where has most of your shopping for this holiday season been done?

Online. 48%

In department stores. 22%

Smaller stores. 9%

I haven't done any shopping yet. 10%

I'm giving gifts that don't involve shopping. 3%

I'm not going to be giving any gifts. 5%

via Swagbucks

I took this survey online the other day, and what I found more interesting than the survey itself was the scathing remarks left in the comments.  There were many comments left by people who could not afford to give.  They were not the scathing ones.  The scathing comments came from others, and ranged from "Your income is irrelevent, find a way to MAKE gifts." -to- "Do better at planning ahead all year so that December doesn't hit you so hard.  There's no excuse for not giving at Christmas-time."

I won't comment on the comments.  We all have our own opinions.

What struck me is that people had actually taken time out of their day to leave such unkind words.  It made me purpose in my heart to be KIND during this Christmas season -- a season that is difficult for many.  It made me want to slow down.  To look people in the eye when I say my pleases and thank yous.  To say "Merry Christmas!" and smile at strangers.  To patiently wait my turn in line.  To strike up conversations.

I was reminded again of the poem "The Christmas Guest" by Helen Steiner Rice.  You can read it HERE.

BE a blessing this Christmas!

Note Card Party ~ December '13

Well, my friends... ready or not... Christmas is just a week away.  I'm choosing to NOT dwell on what remains undone, and to bask in the beauty of the season.

Time for this month's Note Card Party!  I can't wait to see what all of you are sharing this month!

Every Christmas, I am reminded again of my love for red, and how I am drawn to it in decor -- and on other blogs!  It's such a cheerful color.  I should decorate with it more -- regardless of the season!  Here are my note card submissions for December -- reds with a little pop of blue in there for you blue-lovers!

a favorite ornament

red bulbs surround a candle

a sweet mini gingerbread house

flour-dusted cookie cutters

box top/cover

Thanks for stopping by!

Click the button below to find more Note Card Party participants.

Peace on Earth

Peace can so easily evade us at this time of year, can't it?  PEACE ON EARTH -- oh that it could be so!  But like so many things in life, peace begins at home.  As the song says:

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!"

And so, as we enter this Christmas season, I need to think about MY heart.

What I LET trouble me.

What I LET stress me out.

What I cannot control.

What isn't MY problem to solve.

To some of us, these are big ticket items on our heart.  To others, it might just be the daily dailies that we get caught up in -- the "expectations" for the season.

In either case, for ME, I need to let go of those things and instead, SEEK PEACE... and EXPECT JOY.

Peace be with you this Christmas Season!

Recipe: Cherry Delight Cookies {and a Christmas Cookie Exchange!}

These cookies hold deep memories for me, having made them with a dear friend from church years ago.  I will remember her always -- her Christmas spirit, her wonderful laugh, her constant friendship -- and I'm so glad that I have some of her recipes to remember her by!

My family is NOT a fan of coconut, and so these cookies don't get made very often, as I am the only one who will eat them around here.  I remember making them one year as a young mom.  When I realized that nobody else would eat them, I froze them, and had a daily treat for myself for a long time!  (Your loss dear Family!)

I couldn't resist making them this year, and I'd like to share the recipe with you.  Cherry Delight Cookies are a rich, cherry-almond treat!  {I love that combo, don't you?}  Enjoy!

Helen's Cherry Delight Cookies 

½ cup margarine

½ cup sugar

1 egg

½ tsp. almond extract

1¼ cups flour

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder

2 T. chopped maraschino cherries

1 cup shredded coconut

In a mixer, cream together margarine and sugar.  Blend in egg and almond extract.  Mix well.  Add flour, salt, and baking powder.  Blend in chopped cherries and coconut by hand.  Drop by teaspoonfuls on baking sheet. Top each cookie with half of a cherry (like a thumbprint).  Bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes or until set up. They won't brown much on top, but you'll see the coconut around the edges getting brown.  (Makes about 2 dozen.)

Today, I'm linking up with Edie for an Online Christmas Cookie Exchange.  I hope you'll stop by and check out the submissions.  Who knows?  You might find a new favorite!  Click on the photo below to join the party , or just to stop by and discover new cookie recipes.

p.s. thank goodness i got these cookies baked for you on saturday, as sunday afternoon, my oven decided to clean itself in the middle of a baking cycle, burning a batch of cookies my daughter was baking.  oy.  never a dull moment around here, that's for sure!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also linking up at The Everyday Home for a Christmas Cookie Exchange Link Party.