Wonderful Afternoon with Grandma!

Isn't this the cutest picture!!!

It's my Grandma Martha at her Christmas party today.

She was so happy to see me there.

I was thrilled that she gave me such

a beautiful smile for the picture.

She never did like having her picture taken.

At least during the years I lived with her.

I didn't want mine taken either,

but one of the attendants insisted.

I asked her to take off about 30 lbs. with the camera,

but as you can see it just didn't work...

Guess what my New Year's Resolution is this year... Again!
Grandma was so thrilled to see Santa,

she even stood up and gave him a big hug.

I realized after a bit that she thought he was my

brother, Tom, who passed away about 8 years ago.

She always had a soft spot for him.

She asked me why he hadn't come to visit for so long,

and when did he put on all that weight... hohoho!
Grandma loved getting the presents from Santa.

There was a sing-a-long in the next room,

but she wanted to just sit and visit.

The music was loud enough to enjoy where we were sitting.

PJ had baked her that 7UP Cake, and she loved it.

It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

Christmas is almost here...and I'm Not Ready!

This has been a wacky month for me. Didn't do any driving for about four weeks, so I did all my shopping online. Still have a couple of items that haven't made it to my home, and since we decided to be frugal this year I really need them to get here!

While I was at a really low point with my health, I received two beautiful cards from Pam Warden of Faith Folk Cafe & Pam Warden Art. She lifted my spirits with the beautiful friendship card and the Christmas Snowman. Here they are. Please do not copy these images as Pam retains all rights to her artwork.

Last Saturday (a week ago), I went out for the first time. It was cold and icy, but my cousin was having a holiday sale in her home. Lovely handmade items... aprons, handbags, wreaths, baby things... too many to name.

Original Art (sadly for me, it was sold)

Wreaths & Handbags
Baby Sets & Blocks... See the Darling Tuxedo Bib!

I loved this "Teatime" baby set!

Mother & Daughter Aprons, Crocheted Snowflakes!

I did a bit of gift shopping at the sale. If you want to see more of these products, visit Breeno Baby at Etsy. My cousin's daughter started the shop, and the two of them have plans to open another Etsy shop in the very near future. They will do custom orders. They put a lot of love and care into each piece they create!

I did a bit of gift shopping at the sale, and had a wonderful visit while sipping delicious coffee and snacking on finger foods she had prepared for her guests and customers. It was a perfect afternoon.

Tuesday evening my husband and I went to the Christmas Concert at my son's high school. He plays cello in the orchestra. It was a combination of Concert Band (freshman) who did very well. Next came the Orchestra. Their selections were beautiful and for the final song, Lucky13 had a "solo" harmony part. It was great. Next came the Jazz Band, followed by the Symphonic Band. I have never heard such a high quality concert, even at the high school level. It was a fun and entertaining evening!

This week I made a couple small homemade gifts, but I'll have to wait till after Christmas to show them. I don't want to spoil a surprise. PJ did our outside lights and I got our tree up, but there are only lights on the tree... no ornaments.

There is snow covering the ground outside and it's very cold. Inside it's nice and warm. The house is filled with the smell of spiced apple cider, ginger snaps, sugar cookies and a 7-UP Cake. PJ did the baking, and sampling, while I worked on last minute Christmas cards and gifts! I am taking the 7-UP Cake it to a Christmas Sing-a-Long at the Assisted Living Home where my Grandma Martha lives. It's one of her very favorites.

I hope you are all having a peaceful, fun holiday season.

Blessings!

Nita Jo

Thoughts on Giving

Good Morning! I only have a moment today, so I wanted to share some favorite quotes:

On Giving...

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill

If you have much, give of your wealth. If you have little, give of your heart.
- Arab proverb

On Happiness...

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.
- Anne Frank

On Something That Makes Me Happy...

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
- Jane Austen


During this busy season, it is good to remind myself of these things:

• Give within your means.
• Put your heart into your gifts.
• Find what gives you joy and share that with others.

The things that bring me joy are faith, family, home, and giving. If these are in place in my life, I am content. My wish for you today is that you find the things that bring you joy and contentment.

I'm ok...

Just a quick note... several friends have asked if I'm ok. I did have another very bad spell with the MS... par for the course (I have said this expression for years without thinking about it's roots... must refer to golf?!? If you know, please let me know).

I got better, then overdid working in my garage looking for Christmas decorations and lights... my back then went out (where exactly they go when they go out I do not know, but it's terribly inconvenient!).

I am doing better again, but just have so much on my to do list. The holidays can be so much fun, but there are so many things to choose from.

Thank you all for your continued prayers! I appreciate it so much!

A big thank you to Pam Warden, who sent me two of her beautiful art cards! One for encouragement, and another for Christmas! I was so blessed by her kindness. I will post a picture when I figure out that new birthday camera I got.

I hope all your holiday activities are filled with family, friends, fun, and blessings from above!