Hello Friends...

Christmas has come and gone.  It's been a busy month.  Every time I thought about posting, something always seemed to take priority.  A lot of things went by the wayside, but my family had a joyful, quiet Christmas. 

Like many of you, I'm looking forward to the new year.  I have expectations of better things ahead.  I'm not alone when I say, this has been a difficult year for us in finances, health, and the unexpected.  It has also been a year of growth.  I've had to make the best of every situation, sometimes finding new ways of looking at life.  Some things were lost, some set aside, and some were restored.  My faith has been strengthened through it all.  Despite all the negative voices, I believe in a bright future!  Sometimes it's nice to just turn off the TV, the radio, the noise, and spend some hopeful time in quiet contemplation. 

I'm wishing you renewed faith, quiet moments, the love of family & friends, and a New Year filled with peace.

To Dwell In Primitive Thymes...

I've followed TDIPT, To Dwell In Primitive Thymes, for a long while.  It is a gathering of artists, who love, create, and sell primitive art.  A while back, I entered a drawing on their blog.  There were some really lovely pieces of art.  One in particular caught my eye, and to my surprise, I won that piece!  Here is a photo of it:

I love this Santa painting!  I may leave it on display year round.  It has so many sweet details... the red cardinals, the lambs in Santa's bag, the little bunny sitting by the tree... Love it!

A huge "Thank you" to the artist, Sue Nagle of Paint in Thyme!  To see more of her beautiful artwork, go HERE.  I also want to thank TDIPT for hosting this amazing Giveaway!  To check out the other artists of TDIPT, click THIS!  Warning... you may see something that you just can't live without!  Have a glorious day!

Check Them Out...

There are a couple of blogs I've been enjoying lately.  The first one is called The Four of Us.  It's written by a young Christian mother, Julia McAllister, who has had a lot to deal with.  It's definitely worth a read.  Her December 9th post titled The "Pause" Moment is a beautiful reflection on some of the things that have happened in her family's life.

Another blog I love is Forever in First, by Tammy McMorrow.  Yes, she's the same Tammy that sings on the Christmas CD, Tidings, that I've shared with you.  Tammy has been a first grade teacher for 18 years.  Her love of teaching shines through in her posts.  She shares creative ideas that have worked with her first graders, as well as some sweet and humorous moments that have happened.  Scroll down and read her post called Inspired to RACK and see the list of activities she has her students do.  The point is to teach them how it feels to show kindness without expecting anything in return.

I hope these two ladies inspire you as much as they have inspired me!

Another New Video...

This video has a slide show featuring the families of Laurie and Tammy.

You can hear more of their music on YouTube, 

and you can download the album at iTunes or CDbaby.com!

Enjoy!

It's December, and Changes Just Keep Coming...

My  heart is going so many directions today.  I'm just getting over a flu bug.  It decided to hit the day I brought my husband home from the hospital.  He had two hernias repaired.  He's been in quite a bit of pain.  You forget how much you use some of those lower abdominal muscles.  He's doing much better today, as am I.  It's strange to have PJ out of commission, he's one of those guys that rarely gets sick and always likes to be busy.  Now that he's in less pain, maybe he can enjoy the two weeks at home.  He'll have time to caught up on some reading and watch some of those movies he hasn't gotten to see.

My youngest son received his High School Diploma this fall.  It was a long journey for him, overcoming illness and delays.  We still haven't planned a celebration, but hope to do that in the spring.  He is looking at schools and making decisions on what he wants to do.  He is still very interested in computer engineering, producing videos, and continuing with his cello.  Recently, he built his own PC!  It has all the bells and whistles that he's always wanted.  He's also started a fitness plan and is dropping weight!  I may have to hire him as my trainer.  Maybe after the holidays are over with. 

My youngest, EJ, building his own computer!

My oldest son was living with us for the past few months.  He found a roommate that he gets along with very well, and they found their dream apartment.  It's in the upstairs of an old home.  It's so nice.  He moved over Thanksgiving weekend.  I'm thankful that he's just in the next town.  He already told me he plans to come to our home for Christmas Eve and spent the night!  I'm glad of that.  I'm not quite ready to give up my Christmas mornings with my boys.  I will probably never be.

My niece leaves for Seattle on Friday morning.  I'm going to miss her so much.  She's been my Gilmore Girls and movie buddy.  It just won't be the same without her around.  I'm definitely going to feel it on Christmas Eve, which is our traditional holiday time together.  She's rooming with her sis and friends, so she already has a home waiting.  She'll be joining the music scene in Seattle, and I hope this will jump start a career for her.  She has awesome talent!

Speaking of Christmas, I have to share this YouTube video.  This is my cousin, Laurie and honorary cousin, Tammy.  They created a Christmas CD last year, and this is one of the songs from it.  Don't forget to pause my Playlist first.  This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs.  I hope it blesses you.