Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Christmas!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas.  My morning has been filled with joy.  My older son came over yesterday and spent the night, so I got to have both boys home on Christmas morning!  Loved that!  We were all up very early to open gifts.  I've had Mastering the Art of French Cooking on my wish list for a long while... I got it, plus several other lovely gifts which included Carole King and James Taylor "Live At The Troubadour" and Nora Ephron's book "I Remember Nothing" (which is how I feel a lot of days... Lol!).  I am now going to have to get serious about cooking!

I got a "Grandpa" living Christmas card this morning... a huge, gorgeous pheasant in my back yard!  Tried to get some photos, but my little camera just isn't good at distance shots.  Here is the blurry pic!





He was so much more colorful than this image shows.  My Grandpa loved pheasants, in fact the signpost in their front yard was a pheasant with their name under it.  Having this pheasant show up was a fun Christmas surprise!

Take a moment to visit Michelle Palmer's blog.  She was the winner of my giveaway, and recently hosted one of her own.  She posted about the giveaway in her December 21st post.  Click Michelle Palmer Petals & Palettes to visit her blog.  I love her amazing artwork.  I think you will too!

Well, it's time to go make my salad and get things going for dinner.  Have a lovely day and a Very Merry Christmas!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

We Have a Winner!

This has been so much fun!  I loved combining my Giveaway with my husband's birthday.  Here are a few photos.

This is the baby doll with her slip and dress on...
 The entries all folded and waiting in my little sleigh...
 My honey reaching in to select the winner...
 Congratulations to Michelle Palmer!
Thanks to all who entered my little Giveaway!  
 

This has been fun for me!  I hope it was for you too.

I want to encourage each of you to check out the Tidings CD.  This is the most uplifting Christmas album I've heard in a while.  Please click on the Tidings picture on the sidebar.  You will be able to hear samples of the music.  You can buy a complete CD for $15.00, plus shipping, or download your favorites for only $.99 each.  And no, I don't profit from this.  It is the creation of two people I love and respect.  I just want to share the talent they were blessed with, with each of you!  

Okay... I just found a way I can offer something to each person who entered my Giveaway.  I can get you the Tidings CD for only $12.00, including shipping.  I will be picking up the balance as my Christmas gift to each of you.  This will be for one CD per person (this is limited to those of you who entered my Giveaway).  If you want to get your copy of Tidings for $12.00, please send me a message, including your mailing address.  I will get a PayPal invoice sent to you, and I'll get your CD mailed to you quickly.  This will give you time to enjoy it before Christmas arrives!

Wishing you a Joyful Christmas!
Nita Jo

Monday, December 13, 2010

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!

Go to December Giveaway and post a comment to be entered.  You have until Noon MST tomorrow, December 14th to get your name added for the drawing.  If you are not a blogger, you can still post... just make sure to leave your name or a way for me to contact you.  This Giveaway is open to all!  You can get an extra chance by posting a link on your blog. 

Just a note... the baby doll does have a dress.  I wanted to get it cleaned and ready to go, so it's not in the photo...

Even if you don't win, you can purchase the "Tidings" CD, by clicking on the photo on my sidebar.  You can hear samples at the website.  This is a beautifully done album!  I know you are going to love it!

Hope your Christmas plans are all falling into place!  My shopping is almost complete.  I sent out my overseas cards, but still have my "stateside" cards to complete. 

Wishing you Peace and Joy...
Nita Jo

Friday, December 10, 2010

December Giveaway!

My giveaway is finally here!  I will be drawing names on December 14th (my husband's birthday).  If you want to be included in the drawing, just leave a comment on this post.  If you share a link on your blog, please add a second comment telling me... this will give you a second chance at the Giveaway.  Now on to what is in my first Giveaway.

These are bits and pieces of things I have loved and enjoyed.  Three vintage embroidered pillow cases, a couple doilies... these are slightly tattered and show signs of their age, but I loved them anyway and know there are some of you who will love them too.  

 There is a tiny baby doll that I found at a yard sale a while back.  I have enjoyed it, but am now ready to pass it along.  The lady who sold the doll had made it in a doll class.  You can see it's size by comparing it to the CD in the first photo. 
 I have also added a pretty notebook, a funny little Christmas book, a pair of vintage earrings, and my favorite item of all... the Christmas CD, Tidings!  This is special to me as it features my cousin, Laurie Roberts and her cousin, Tammy McMorrow.  They do an assortment of beautiful, traditional Christmas music in addition to a couple pieces of their original music.
And finally, there is a large bag of buttons... all colors and sizes, some extra paper tags from a lot I purchased, and a little bunch of faux flowers.  If you are a crafter, I think you will love the bits & pieces in this package.

I hope this Giveaway will bring a smile to one lucky person!  Please add your comments by Noon, Mountain Standard Time, December 14th! 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

December!

I don't know how December got here so fast!  Life just keeps running by.  While I've been absent several things came and went... my surgery,  my churchs' 70th Anniversary, my birthday, and Thanksgiving.  With all the craziness, what was to be a birthday Giveaway didn't get put together... oh sad procrastination... I am haunted by you!  LOL!

My promise... to get it pulled together, photographed, and posted before Christmas! 

Snow... we have it, and lots of it too!  Yesterday morning I measure 9 1/2 inches in my front yard.  That was at 6:30 am, and it continued to snow all day.  Every school for miles was closed, even colleges and universities including BSU.  Speaking of BSU... those who follow college football will know that we lost last week in Nevada.  Sadly, some "fans" decided to take it out on our kicker, Kyle Brotzman.  Yes, he missed two kicks that may have saved the game, but I'm with Coach Pete... it's a team loss.  Many mistakes were made.  And for all you "sunny day" fans... get over it or get lost!  A real fan is there in the bad times as well as the victories!  So I say, "Go Broncos!"  I'll be tuning in to the next game to cheer them on!

Today I'll be making my Christmas cards out.  A few will be handmade. I send way too many to do all handmade, for this year anyway.  If you want to be on my Christmas Card List, just send me your address.  I love sending cards!  I've saved special cards that I received over the years... some for the messages, some for the art! 

Hope your Christmas shopping and preparations are not making you cranky.  This year, I did all my shopping online.  Most of my gifts arrived, with just a few more coming in over the next week or so.  Paul got our lights up before the big storm blew in... it was so pretty to see them lit up against the snow.  So often we have a "brown" Christmas in this part of Idaho.  I have the luxury of really enjoying all this snow... I don't have to commute (or, like my Honey... deliver mail) in it!

Have a "Hohoho" Jolly Day!

Blessings!
Nita Jo