Christmas Spirit All Year Long

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T06:37:00.000-05:00

Stationery found at A Holiday Haven

Take care and God Bless!

Earth Wonders - Photographer's Choice

2011-12-28T19:31:00.002-05:00

Well, this week's challenge over at Ana's Earth Wonders is Photographer's Choice.

Here's my favorite photo from this Christmas - our daughter Tiffany and granddaughter Kaylee.

I used the sketch option at PhotoFunia to create this awesome effect from the same photo.

Why not join in?

Take care and God Bless!

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-24T18:38:00.001-05:00

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas! I really appreciate you all, especially your prayers for my Dad. He is getting better each day!

Thank you and "God Bless Us, Every One!"

Earth Wonders - Christmas Tree

2011-12-21T22:21:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to All!

Ana's photo challenge for us this week is "Christmas Tree." Why not join us? You can add your photos to her flickr group, too! The more, the merrier! Link up below at the bottom of this post, or on Ana's blog by clicking the Earth Wonders button. So happy to have you!

With all that has happened since Mom died 7 weeks ago (my health, my husband's health, Dad in the hospital this week), neither Doug nor I have felt like decorating. I've been making a few things for Christmas, but that's about it.

Saturday, DH brought up our little ceramic tree from the basement. God Bless him! That took him about 5 minutes, 10 tops. It surely beats the all-day marathon we normally have during Christmas, and that's just the tree inside! :)

I'd rather have our regular tree, but stuff happens. I look at it this way, we won't have much to take down in January!

Here's our little bitty ceramic tree, all lighted up, and it even has tinsel garland on it!

I miss the Christmas lights of the big tree. They always seemed so magical and fairy-like. Maybe next year will be better, and hubby and I can decorate like we used to.

We both want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Take care and God Bless!

Reindeer Food Package Label for you

2011-12-21T18:43:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Thank you for your prayers for my Dad. He is improving! Thank God!

I've made a little tag for you to use on Christmas Eve with your kiddos. You can find it on my flicr page.

Add 2 tablespoonsful of Oats/Quick Oats (not instant oatmeal) to a 4" x 4" plastic bag and seal. You can add a bit of glitter, as much or as little as you want.

Personally, I didn't add the glitter. Don't want any animals getting sick! I'm going to tell our grands that the glitter is magical and only Rudolph can see it. That will explain why they can't see it!

Score the label on the line between the white and tan colors, fold over the instructions for the kids, and staple wherever you think best. I've stapled mine on either side. I also left room at the bottom for you to add your name/names. I found the instructions somewhere online. I've tried to find the correct site, but...! There are so many that are close, but no cigar.

Sharing with Natasha's I'll be Home for Christmas Linky Party

and Jessa Irene's A Holiday Haven Christmas Party.

Enjoy & have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Take care and God Bless!

Prayer Request

2011-12-19T23:08:00.000-05:00

I just found out my Dad was taken to the hospital today (from the nursing home) with pneumonia. The doctor told my brother on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the worst, Dad's was a 5.

James Hensley Logan, taken ca 1928.

Please pray for my Dad, that if it be God's will to take him now, that he has an easy passage! This has hit me harder than when Mom died about 6 weeks ago. Dad was my friend, he taught me how to drive, we went to the library together, researched our family together, went to cemeteries together searching for our ancestors' final resting places. We have the same, some say "warped," sense of humor. :) My niece has it, also.

Dad on his 50th birthday 1977

I know Dad's given up since Mom died. They lived for each other, and without her, he has no purpose.

Mom and Dad at Grandma's in Pennsylvania 1968

Thank you all!

Take care and God Bless!

Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer, Unflavored

2011-12-16T01:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

My cousin, Pam, in Louisiana had this posted on her FB page, so I thought I'd pass it along!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled post... :D

I've been wanting a good recipe for a powdered coffee creamer, like the original Coffee Mate. I went to Pinterest and searched, but all I found were for liquid coffee creamers.

So, I googled "powdered coffee creamers" Wednesday and didn't really see much. There was one that caught my eye, though, but I can't find it again. I've tweaked the recipe a bit, so if you still recognize it (not difficult), let me know and I'll gladly give you all the credit!

Here's my version...

Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer Recipe, Unflavored

2 cups powdered milk
1/4 teaspoon + 1 heaping Tablespoon powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons melted Coconut oil

Powdered milk, solid coconut oil (melt before using), powdered sugar

Mix powdered mik together with the powdered sugar. The original recipe called for 1/4 cup powdered sugar only, but my coffee just didn't taste right. There was a nasty bitter aftertaste, so I added another heaping tablespoonful of the powdered sugar.

This is the size spoon I used, a cereal spoon. Left over oil can be put back into the original container.

Blend the 3 ingredients together with a fork, breaking up any oil lumps.

I didn't like the consistency of this "powdered" (more like nuggets) coffee creamer, so I put everything into the blender. Guess you wouldn't need to stir with a fork, if you used this method.

This looked more like Coffee Mate, or any of the other creamers.

See?

I reused the empty coffee creamer container for my new concoction. I temporarily taped a wide-mouthed canning funnel to the container opening, so I wouldn't spill the powder as I poured it in and snapped this shot.

Mighty fine for homemade, if I do say so myself!

I used 2 teaspoons of the mix in my coffee. My normal coffee mug is not this dainty little white dealie. I have a HUGE coffee mug that holds maybe 3 of the these! I don't care if it gets cold, 'cause I like it cold, too! ;D

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

I'm sharing this with Jessa's A Holiday Haven Christmas Party.

Take care and God Bless!

Earth Wonders - SNOW

2011-12-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

Ana's Earth Wonders Photo Challenge this week is SNOW. Why not join us? You can add your photos to her flickr group, too! The more, the merrier! Link up below at the bottom of this post, or on Ana's blog by clicking the Earth Wonders button. So happy to have you!

I managed to find a couple of the photos of our 2004 Christmas Eve Blizzard. We got something like 38 inches of snow, with unbelievable drifts!

This first photo was taken of our front porch steps during the storm.

The second was taken on Christmas morning, after hubby Doug removed the snow.

Please add yours below!

Take care and God Bless!

Pet Parada - Bailey

2011-12-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Bailey is the oldest of our current zoo. She came with the house almost 11 years ago. Yes, REALLY! I don't want to go into the whole story right now. She knows she's loved, and is a real sweetie, in spite of the way she looks in this photo! :) Guess she takes after me, and doesn't like to have her picture taken.

She does have her cantankerous moments, especially when the boy kitties start to tease her. Yes, it's like dealing with little kids.

"Mom, he's looking at me!"

"Mom, he touched me!"

If they aren't around, Bailey is a doll baby. She's doing pretty good for her age, 11 1/2 years old. In cat years, I think she and I are about the same age! I, too, have my moments! REALLY! :)

I'm sharing this with Bunny Jean's Pet Parade. Head on over and check out some more of our beloved friends, both past and present.

Take care and God Bless!

Pet Parade - Wacky Present

2011-12-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

Don't forget about Bunny Jean's 1st Annual Pet Parade! Click the button to add your best buddies, too!

Here's my Pyewackett, or just plain ol' Wacky! He loved to help me wrap presents at Christmastime. Looks like he thought he was next! :)

This was taken Christmas 1978, so please forgive the quality of the photo. I just had a 126 Instamatic back then! :)

While you're here, why don't you head on over to Tiny Prints and check out their special going on right now. They have a super special right now, valid through December 8th! Find creative ways to make festive and unique Christmas cards! Become a part of the TinyPrints community by visiting the blog for news, trends, creative ideas, promotions and more. Use the discount code 10TPSPECIAL and receive 10% off a purchase. Excludes gifts & calendars, photo books, stamps, and the William Arthur and Eric Condren products.

-- Link URLs --
"Christmas cards" (http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm)
"blog" (http://blog.tinyprints.com/)

Take care and God Bless!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

2011-12-06T17:35:00.002-05:00

We had our first snow last week! It came down so fast during the first hour, it seemed like we would get the 1-3 inches predicted by the local weathermen. My sister lives about 150 miles north of us and they were supposed to get 3-5 inches. They ended up with over 10 inches!!! The snow was so wet and heavy, it snapped the power lines, leaving 9000 without power for many long, cold hours. Kathy and her family finally had the power restored 26 hours after it first went out!

We, on the other hand, were much luckier. The snow tapered off after that first couple of hours, leaving us with about 1 1/2 - 2 inches of the wet stuff. It was beautiful, though, like a Christmas snow. The flakes were about the size of a quarter!

The first 3 photos are taken from our porch, looking across to the old high school gymnasium. See how fast and heavy the snow was coming down?! In the last one, I'm trying to capture the size of the flakes.

Here are some pins I found on Pinterest, featuring...SNOW!

Source: tumblr.com via Cassie on Pinterest

Source:

Source: imgfave.com via Ally on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: bing.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Belle on Pinterest

Here's Vaughn Monroe singing "Let It Snow." You might remember a slightly different version of this song on the first DIE HARD with Bruce Willis. Don't forget to pause my music listed at the bottom, before listening to this!

Sharing this with Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop Wednesday

and Natasha's Pinning and Singing Linky Party

Take care and God Bless!

1st Annual Pet Parade Dec1, 2011 - Jan 1, 2012

2011-12-01T10:48:00.045-05:00

Bunny Jean's having a new party - showcasing our favorite photos of our faithful companions!

My bestest pal and buddy was my Penny-girl! We got her when she was a baby - just old enough to leave her momma. She was a typical Heinz 57, but the most loving and loyal puppy you ever saw! She loved to take rides! Whenever you mentioned "ride," her ears would perk up, her little tail would go a mile a minute, and her expressive eyes would brighten expectantly! I had to have her put down when she was 15 years old. She had so many things wrong with her. Her system was out of wack, electrolytes, too low a potassium level, etc., that the vet said he couldn't operate. I tell you, it just about did me in. She was my sweet little baby girl and I miss her!

Here we are, taking a break from Christmas tree decorating about 20 years ago.

The kitty in the background is my Wacky. That's short for Pyewackett. Pyewackett was too much of a mouthful, so he ended up being just plain Wacky. I'd seen the movie Bell, Book, and Candle with Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon, and fell in love with the name of Kim's cat. I swore when I left home and was able to have pets, my first kitty would be named Pyewackett. "Let it be written, let it be so!" {The last quote is from The Ten Commandments. You can't tell I really like movies, can you? :)}
Take care and God Bless.

Earth Wonders - FIRE

2011-12-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I have to apologize to you all for not being around for awhile. My Mom passed away on Halloween, and I've been having problems dealing with it. I've also had some health problems, but that's always there! No excuse, right? Anyway, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Ana's Earth Wonders photo challenge this week is FIRE.

Click here...

I wish I had some actual "fire" photos, but I'm making do with this photo I took of a candle flame. I think it turned out nicely!

You can join in, too! Add your photos to flickr, then add to the linky party. Check out all the details over at Ana's Wonderland blog. You can either add your interpretation of this week's challenge there or here. Everyone can vote on their favorite photo, starting Sunday December 4th. You can't vote on your own, but your friends can! Spread the word!

Last week's winner was "Life in Pictures." Congratulations on a wonderful entry!

Take care and God Bless!

Sundays with Santa - Felt Santa Pillow

2011-10-23T06:19:00.000-04:00

I found this felt Santa pillow on Pinterest tonight. There's a pattern provided, and directions on the website. I may try to make this a bit smaller, for an ornament. Santa's face is sooo cute, don't you think!

Source: bhg.com via Joy on Pinterest

Sharing this with Maureen's Sundays with Santa at Yuletide Seasonings! Why not go on over and share your own Santa favorites?

Take care and God Bless!

Deck the Halls Friday & Pinning and Singing Weekend Party

2011-10-20T23:37:00.042-04:00

This is my first time linking to Tinsel & Co.'s Deck the Halls Friday. Thanks for having me!

Click HERE

I found this sweet little felt ornament on Pinterest the other night.

It has "Christmastime" written all over it!

Source: beautyineverything.com via Joy on Pinterest

I think I might try my hand at making some of these for our tree this year. There are a few other ornaments that I want make that I found there. That's what's so great about Pinterest - so many wonderful ideas available!

I'm also linking with Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Party.

Click HERE

For my song, here's one I grew up with...
There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays by Perry Como.
It brings back lots of great memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas Banner SewAlong

2011-10-19T23:19:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

I just wanted to show you how far I'd gotten on my Christmas Banner SewAlong blocks from Sew Happy.Me.

I have 3 of the 4 patterns printed off and ready to go. I printed the pattern, cut the fabric to size specified, taped the fabric over the pattern - centering it, then taped the pattern/fabric to my window. I used a mechanical pencil to trace the pattern onto my fabric to being with, and finished off with a wash-out marker.

Block 1 is almost finished - just the HO HO HO left to go. It's been ages since I've done any embroidery like this. It's sew much fun and relaxing! Not totally satisified with a few of the snowflakes, so I'll probably pick those out and redo them.

Block 5 will be available this Friday, so I'd better get busy, huh!?! There will only be 2 more blocks after Friday, the we'll get the instructions to put it all together into a banner.

Sharing this with Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop Party. There are lots of wonderful posts linked up, so why not hop on over and join in, too!

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas Past - Mosaic Monday

2011-10-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures we took Christmas 2005. Doug's parents were showing us some of Florida near where they lived at that time. These photos were taken at Lake Okeechobee. You can see how low it was that year!

Lake Okeechobee, Florida Christmas 2005 Joy and Doug in Christmas colors!

Sharing these with the Little Red House's Mosaic Monday.

Click Here to join in the fun!

Take care and God Bless!

Sunday with Santa!

2011-10-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite Santas from Pinterest.

Source: guzboroda.deviantart.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: aprimitiveplacemagazine.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: farm2.static.flickr.com via Joy on Pinterest

I love the older versions of Santa!

Sharing this with Maureen's Sunday with Santa at Yuletide Seasonings! Why not join us?

Click HERE

Take care and God Bless!

Jenny of ELEFANTZ is have a GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

Howdy!

Thought I'd let you know about this super giveaway at Jenny of ELEFANTZ. She's reached over 1500 followers, so you know she's doing something right!

There are 2 different giveaways: 1 for Aussies and 1 for overseas followers. Since I'm in the USA, I'm really hoping I win, as 1st prize is a $50 gift certificate at The Fat Quarter Shop! That would really be helpful in my Christmas projects! 2nd prize is a copy of of Lisa Lam's book, "The Bag Making Bible."

Follow the link to enter the giveaway and say "thank you" to Jenny!

Click HERE!

Take care and God Bless!

Santa Claus, Indiana aka Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

2011-10-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

No, this isn't a commercial for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari! They don't know I exist. I just want to make everyone aware of Santa Claus, Indiana!

When I was about 10 or so, Mom and Dad took all of us kids to Santa Claus Land, as it was known then (early 1960s). I vaguely remember a Santa, but the main thing I remember is the roller coaster. It was a wooden one, and it went v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. It was more of a kiddie ride than anything else. I remember we all had a great time!

Things have changed in 40-50 years at Santa Claus Land. It's got a new moniker and several roller coasters that rival those found at 6 Flags theme parks.

Santa Claus, Indiana is the only town in the WORLD with that name. They have a post office that has the official cancellation stamp of Santa Claus and this little post office in inundated at Christmastime with letters to Santa.

I'd love to go there now! They have a Christmas Store with lots and lots of things Christmas!

And, of course, SANTA!!!

(All photos are from the Santa Claus, Indiana or Holiday World and Splashin' Safari website.)

Sharing this with Maureen's Yuletide Seasonings Sundays with Santa! Why don't you link up, too, and share your images of Santa!

Take care and God Bless!

Nutcrackers

2011-10-09T22:20:00.003-04:00

I found a couple of Nutcrackers on Pinterest I'd like to share with y'all! I know this is one of Natasha's Christmas favorites. So, these pins are for you, Natasha! (Not singing this weekend.)

Sharing these pins with Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Pinterest Party.

Source: horchow.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: horchow.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: google.it via Joy on Pinterest

There must be something wrong with Pinterest this week. All I've seen so far on my blog and others' is the link, no pictures! Hope they fix it soon!!!

Thanks to Natasha, I've discovered Pinterest! I don't know whether or not to be happy about this! It seems that's all I do anymore! I saw a pin similar to this one I made, but I couldn't get it to resize correctly, so I made my own. Anyone else feel this way??? If so, feel free to take this button! :)

Take care and God Bless!

Santa Images

2011-10-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

I've chosen "Here Comes Santa Claus" by the Disney Gang especially for my great-nephew, GAGE! He LOVES Mickey Mouse! Hope you enjoy it!

Here are some really cool images of Santa! Found these on Pinterest - spend hours pouring over page after page of beautiful pins! It is so VERY addictive!

Source: tdipt-1897house.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: deardaisycottage.typepad.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: artesanatossempre.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: 5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Sharing with:

Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Party

Yuletide Seasonings' Sunday with Santa

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas SewAlong

2011-09-19T08:58:00.002-04:00

This will be sew much fun!!! Make sure you sign up at SewHappy.Me in order to get the patterns, 1 each week for 7 weeks! The 8th week we'll receive instructions for making the Christmas bunting with the 7 blocks.

Click this link for all the particulars: Christmas SewAlong!

Linking with Debbiedoo's Newbie Party on Mondays.

Click HERE

Merry Christmas!

XoXoXo

SOME GAVE ALL & a Super BIG Thank You to Natasha in Oz

2011-09-09T14:58:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

It's been awhile since I've posted here. Will have to get back into it, Christmas is just around the corner!!!

First off, I have to say a SUPER BIG THANK YOU to Natasha in Oz!!! I won her giveaway last week of a scrapbooking program, My Memories Suite version 2! I was so amazed, I had to re-read her email to me several times. I even check out her blog, 5 Minutes Just for Me.

Click Here for their website.

Yes, there it was! My name, my blog, and I had won! Wow! Thank you so much, Natasha!

Now, for my song selection this week for Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Party, I've gone Patriotic.

This Sunday is Patriot's Day here in America, and also the 10th (yes, it's been 10 years!) anniversary of the attacks on our country: The World Trade Center (Twin Towers), Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon.

This song, SOME GAVE ALL, is about all the people who gave their lives since September 11th, 2001. Maybe you know someone who perished in one of the three attacks. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you!

Flight 93 hit home for me, literally. Shanksville is only about 15 miles from where my mother and all her family grew up. My Aunt Sally and her family still lived there at the time. Believe me, I was worried about them and their safety.

I'm so deeply sorry for the lives lost on Flight 93, but so deeply grateful for their courage and patriotism in giving their lives so the hijackers could not fulfill their objective of crashing the plane into the Capitol or the White House!

I'll never forget the story of Todd Beemer and his heroic statement of "let's roll" before he and his fellow selfless passengers charged the cockpit of Flight 93!

Take care and God Bless!

XoXoXo

♬♪ What Child is This? - Mormon Tabernacle Choir ♫♭ (P&S Natasha in Oz)

2011-08-06T20:14:00.005-04:00

Good Evening All!

Natasha in Oz has done a little revamping of Sunday Song. Sunday Song is no longer, but will be Pinning and Singing on the Weekend. You'll have to check out all the changes over at 5 Minutes Just for Me.

Natasha has a wonderful Christmas blog, too, Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365. Please check out both! You'll be happy you did!

This week I've chosen "What Child is This" by the Morman Tabernacle Choir.

Lyrics by William Chatterton Dix, 1865

Music by Henry VIII, King of England. The original was known as "Greensleeves."

1. What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

3. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

I hope you enjoy this weekend's selection, and remember the Babe, our Lord.

Take care and God Bless!

XoXoXo

Fantasia Faries - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

2011-07-31T07:57:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday morning everyone! Can you believe this is the last day of July? The year is going by so quickly!

Have you been over to Natasha's blog, 5 Minutes Just for Me, lately? You can join in with us for Sunday Song each week, posting your favorite songs! It's such a great idea, brings a little calm to a normally hectic life.

One of my very favorite pieces of music, especially at Christmastime (either December or July!) is the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies!" I hope you enjoy this rendition!

See you next time!

XoXoXo

Something Special: ANNOUNCING! A Giveaway and a Swap

2011-07-23T07:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday All!

I found this wonderfully creative person, Michele at Something Special today! She honored me by following my Christmas blog recently, and I'm SO HAPPY to now be a follower, or a friend, of hers! Her favorite vintage Christmas movie is White Christmas! Mine too - check out my music selections at the bottom of my blog.

Michele's having a sweet giveaway to mark her 200th (WOW!) post, so check out the details at the link below! I really hope I win - cool vintage items! You must hurry, tho', as the drawing will be Monday, July 25! Go on now, you know you want to!

Something Special: ANNOUNCING! A Giveaway and a Swap

While you're there, check out the post she has on her craft studio. So very organized and...well, you just have to see all the wonderful things she has in it!

Take care and God Bless! And, may all your Christmas be White!

XoXoXo

"SUNDAY SONG" Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Carol Of The Bells

2011-07-17T20:19:00.018-04:00

HO HO HO! Merry Christmas in July!

Click HERE

Late last year I joined Natasha at "5 Minutes Just for Me" and her Sunday Song party. She's celebrating Christmas in July this year, and since she lives in Australia, it does make sense! Snow and cold go with Christmas!

Here's one of my favorite (favourite) Christmas songs, The Carol of the Bells, one I could listen to repeatedly. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sound like Angels, singing praises to our Lord and Saviour in Heaven! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Pop on over to Natasha's "5 Minutes Just for Me" and join us in our favourite songs this Sunday!

See you soon - take care, my friends!

XoXoXo

Joy

Homemade Christmas Ornaments by Barb Brocaw

2011-04-08T04:56:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

It's never too early to start thinking CHRISTMAS! Here are a few ideas from Barb Brocaw at The Admin Family Library at MyFamily.com. There are so many wonderful people here, generously sharing their talents. If you're into Paint Shop Pro (PSP) or Photo Shop, you might want to check out this site. You have to ask to belong, tho' and log on, but it's worth it!

Cable-Knit Ornament

Paisley Gem Ornaments

Picture Frame Ornament

Salt-Dough Snowflake Ornaments

Seashell Ornament

Have fun!

XoXoXo

Crocheted Candy Canes Pattern

2011-03-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

I found a really cute pattern for Crocheted Candy Canes at PlanetJune by June Gilbank! Will definitely have to make some of these for Christmas!

XoXoXo

GIVEAWAY AT MEYER IMPORTS

2011-01-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

If you like lots of sparkle, hop on over to Meyer Imports for a chance at some of their beautiful german glitter crystals!

This giveaway is for this week only!

XoXoXo

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ! !

2010-12-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

May your New Year be Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous!

2011

XoXoXo

ADVENT CALENDAR-CHRISTMAS AT SCHOOL

2010-12-16T14:52:00.002-05:00

Boy, do I remember Christmas at School!!!

The first Christmas Pageant I remember was when I was in early elementary school, maybe second grade.

Several of us girls were to be angels, so our moms had to sew a costume for each of us. The teacher sent home precise directions on how the angel costume was to be made.

It was SUPPOSED to be long...down to the floor...ankle-length...below the knee, and white. Well, mom hated to sew - with a passion! She also didn't want to spend good money on fabric that could be used for other things, say like food, clothing, utilities, car payments, etc., etc., etc.!

DO YOU SEE ANY SHORT GARMENTS HERE?
source: Dover Publications

So, she took an old sheet, which wasn't white, like an angel's clothing should be. She didn't buy white sheets...she liked yellows, pinks, greens, blues. Thank God she didn't like florals or stripes!!!

I think that she used an old, pale (washed out), yellow sheet for my beautiful angel costume. And, of course, it had to be done her way, so I ended up with a short, knee-length angel dress. You can imagine the embarrassment I felt, especially when the teacher made such a big deal out of it. I hoped I would never have to be in another pageant as long as I lived.

Well, so much for that! In sixth grade, our class put on a pageant about "Christmas Around the World." I ~~was drafted~~ won the role of a Czechoslovakian mother with two children.

I only had a six word line, easy enough to remember. That wasn't the problem, though I was terrified at the prospect. The problem was...I had to have a special COSTUME!!! "Oh, please God, not another costume for my mom to have to make for me!!!", I prayed.

I took the instructions home, handed them to mom, and ran! I could hear her from upstairs, "Why do they always have to have something special? I HATE sewing, and now I have to make her a skirt and apron for this Christmas play?!"

Every stitch was a chore, for both mom and me! It's not that mom didn't know how to sew, or wasn't any good at it. I don't know why she hated it so much, and didn't mind letting me know it. Maybe because she had to do it all by hand...no sewing machine. The skirt was a beautiful long (yes, I think she learned how embarrassing it was for me the last time), turquoise-y blue wonder. And, all she did was take a length of fabric, gather it at the waist, add the waistband, and hem it. But, to me, it was beautiful!

She wouldn't make the apron, though. She bought a gorgeous sheer, red Christmas apron, trimmed in white lace instead. I just recently gave that apron to my sister to hand down to her girls. I wore these two garments, along with a white blouse, and a huge headscarf tied around my shoulders for a shawl.

I was scared to death of being front of people, afraid I'd forget that one, simple little line. I can still remember, acting like I was working in the kitchen at a table, hearing loud footsteps off stage. "That must be the children now!", I manage to squeak out. The kids came into view, and we sang a Christmas song, probably something like Silent Night or Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.

Eighth grade I was in Choir. Of course, the music department put on a Christmas Concert each year - go figure! I had to have a long, black skirt and white blouse for this one. The blouse was not a problem. Mom asked my grandma if she had anything I could borrow for the concert.

Mom, Dad, and Grandma

Grandma had her mother's skirt from back in the 19-teens.

Grandma Jennie, her two daughters, and grandbaby around 1917.
This could have been the skirt I borrowed.

She let me borrow it, with the admonition to not ruin it. (Love my family!)

The concert was a hit! One of the songs we sang was "Little Drummer Boy" and it's been one of my favorites ever since.

On arriving home after the concert, I was getting out of the car and caught my heel in the hem of that ancient skirt. It ripped and I could feel my heart sink to my feet. Surprisingly, Mom didn't say much. She managed to do a great job of repairing that tear, and Grandma never said a word to me, that I remember.

In high school, I was in concert choir and we did lots of plays and concerts, including Christmas. None of these were really memorable, as I could sew my own clothing by now.

I still was terrified of being in front of people, but enjoyed singing! I was glad, though, to be in the alto section, on the back row! LOL!

XoXoXo

Casserole-handy-caddy Link

2010-12-14T04:37:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

I found a post for a "Casserole-handy-caddy" to cover hot casserole dishes at Julia's Place.

I'm going to have to make this one, for sure! I either burn my hands, or end up wrapping a towel around the dish to take to family gatherings. This little caddy will be a lot more appealing than the towel! Take a look!

XoXoXo

ADVENT CALENDAR - CHRISTMAS COOKIES

2010-12-08T17:22:00.000-05:00

Each year Mom would make her Christmas Cookies, happily slaving in the kitchen over each different batch. Christmas music would be playing in the background, setting the mood, while she sang along.

Her favorites recipes were the "Original Toll House Cookies," also known as chocolate chip cookies, Snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies (for my brother Kerry), and Mexican Wedding Cake cookies.

Mom had an old, spiral-bound recipe book with the "original Toll House Cookies" recipe in it. I think she got the recipe book for a wedding present in 1952. Either it was well used, or I'm mistaken about how old it was. It could have been Grandma's!

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Nestle website

Prep: 15 mins
Cooking: 9 mins
Cooling: 15 mins
Yields: 60

This famous classic American cookie is a treat no matter what the age or occasion. Enjoy it with a glass of cold milk.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.

SLICE AND BAKE COOKIE VARIATION:
PREPARE dough as above. Divide in half; wrap in waxed paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Shape each half into 15-inch log; wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.* Preheat oven to 375° F. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices; place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

* May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks.

FOR HIGH ALTITUDE BAKING (5,200 feet): Increase flour to 2 1/2 cups. Add 2 teaspoons water with flour and reduce both granulated sugar and brown sugar to 2/3 cup each. Bake drop cookies for 8 to 10 minutes and pan cookie for 17 to 19 minutes.

The Snickerdoodles were always good! Mom would roll the balls of dough in cinnamon sugar, some in red sugar crystals, and some in green. The aroma while these were baking was amazing!

Snickerdoodles

Photo: McCormick website

These classic cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside and full of cinnamon flavor.

Makes 5 dozen or 30 (2 cookie) servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 9 to 11 minutes per batch

Refrigerate Time: 1 hour

2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons McCormick® Cream of Tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground

1. Mix flour, cream of tartar and baking soda in large bowl. Set aside. Beat 1 1/2 cups of the sugar, butter and shortening in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

3. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Raspberry Roads "Christmas Thyme"

I didn't care for the peanut butter cookies that much. These and the chocolate chip cookies always seemed a little too crisp for me. I prefer softer cookies. But, remember, these were mainly for my brother.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo: Betty Crocker website

Prep Time 25 Minutes

Total Time 2 Hrs 35 Mins

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies

1/2

cup granulated sugar

1/2

cup packed brown sugar

1/2

cup peanut butter (Mom always used Jif creamy style)

1/4

cup shortening

1/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

egg

1 1/4

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

3/4

teaspoon baking soda

1/2

teaspoon baking powder

1/4

teaspoon salt

Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

Heat oven to 375ºF.
Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.
Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies

Raspberry Roads "Christmas Thyme"

When Mom started making the Mexican Wedding Cake cookies around 1970, those became my favorite! The recipe isn't that difficult, and always seemed to melt in your mouth.

Mexican Wedding Cakes

photo: christmas-cookies.com

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-pupose flour
1 cup finely chopped almonds or pecans (Mom used pecan meal)
1/4 teaspoon salt
powdered sugar

Pre-heat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend well. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and reroll in powdered sugar.

Servings: 48
Country of Origin: Mexico

Raspberry Roads "Christmas Thyme"

Once all the cookies were completely cooled, Mom would get a shirt box out (preferably with a pretty design on it), line the box with crisp, clean, colorful tissue paper, and add cupcake papers. Each of the papers would be filled with beautifully tempting cookies to give to relatives as Christmas gifts. Once we kids left home, we all got one of those boxes of cookies, too.

Raspberry Roads "Christmas Thyme"

This was Mom's way of showing us all her love for us at Christmas!

XoXoXo

SUNDAY SONG-Mary Did You Know Video - The Passion

2010-12-05T06:53:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the last Sunday Song for this year! Sunday Song will return next year, so please check Natasha's blog for more info.

Mary, Did You Know has got to be my very favorite song, especially at Christmastime!

I was originally going to post the version sung by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd. I love both of their voices - it's the first song on my playlist (which you'll have to pause to hear this one). The visuals on this offering are so much more moving and more clearly represent Christ's unselfish love and sacrifice for us, that I had to present it to you instead!

If you listen carefully to the lyrics, you can see and feel Christ's Love for all mankind.

He came to Earth to save you and me. I know I am unworthy of such a gift of His sacrifice, but so very thankful!!!

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Merry CHRISTmas!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!

XoXoXo

ADVENT CALENDAR - Our Christmas Tree through the years

2010-12-01T20:27:00.043-05:00

Memories of the Christmas Tree are many! I've shown you what my Grandma's tree looked like in 1952 in the previous post, but here it is again.

Grandma Good's at Christmas 1952

It was small and sat on a table (lovingly made by her dad) next to her "pie-annie."

(Grandma Good with a young relative back in the early 1950s.)

The piano was a player piano, also, with lots and lots of perforated rolls of music waiting to be heard! I loved to hear her play it and sing all the beautiful Christmas songs.

Grandma sang in the Listie Brethern Church choir, so the piano bench was filled with hymnals for practice.

The only photo I could find online was of a Methodist Hymnal.

source for all music related photos in this post: Photobucket.com

There was a lever, under the keyboard to the right if I remember correctly, that switched the piano from normal to player. The three buttons below also had something to do with it in player mode, but...that was a long time ago! <smile>

The treadles were retractable and hidden behind the sliding panel above the foot pedals.

The mechanism was hidden behind sliding panels above the keyboard. Somehow, you loaded the music roll onto a spindle and threaded the paper onto an empty roll.

Grandma kept these music rolls stored in the old Victrola upstairs in the master bedroom (out of reach of little, destructive hand!).

She was the kindest Grandma you'd ever want, but she wasn't stupid! ;)

This old black and white photo is of my sister, Kathy, Christmas 1960. It was taken at our other Grandma's home in Morgantown, Indiana. Grandma Hilda had the silvery aluminum tree and color wheel as seen in the background.

Here's a picture of one of Mom's creations, also taken Christmas 1960. She always took such pains to make the tree perfect. Each icicle was laid on the pine needles (yes - real pine needles!) with great care, one by one! It seemed to take hours and hours before we could turn out the living room lights and see her final masterpiece! But, it was always worth the wait.

My 1st grade artwork is displayed above the piano. I remember making the lantern to the far right. It was supposed to be like stained glass, with red cellophane in the panes of the lantern. I think I still have that one and the church window, second from left.

Anyway, our Christmas trees went from natural pines, to a fake white snow-flocked tree with green ornaments and color wheel in the late 1960s. The white tree was pretty, but never seemed the same as a real tree. The smell of a real pine always takes me back to my earliest childhood memories of Christmas.

When I left home, my first tree was a 7 foot real pine tree. It was purchased on Christmas Eve, and decorated with my homemade bead-studded ornaments, lots of lights, and covered in angel hair. I, too, labored for hours, trying to perfect my first Christmas tree. The angel hair diffused the glow of the lights, making everything look magical! Not bad for my first attempt at decorating.

The following year, and every year since, I've had an artificial Christmas tree. Each year, however, the same effort to achieve perfection goes into the decorating.

This photo was taken a few years ago. A lot of the ornaments are handmade by me, some by my sister. Some are traditional Christmas balls in all colors, some glass-blown from a really cool shop in Nashville, Indiana, some Hummels. Others are handmade cookie cutter felt ornaments, hand painted wooden ornaments, ornaments given to us as gifts from friends. The garlands are stranded red, gold, and silver beads and thread spools covered in homespun fabric separated by wooden beads strung on jute twine. The lights are both large and mini, with one of the mini light strands programmable to set different moods. Mesmerizing!

I don't even try to put icicles on our trees for two reason: 1. I could never have the patience to put each strand on, one by one, as Mom did, and 2. we have cats!

Missy

Boots, our gentle giant

Susie, Missy's sister

Our newest addition, Coy-Coy (originally McCoy)

Kirk (James T.)

and Bailey, our oldest (10 1/2 years old)

The sparkle is too much of a temptation for them! It's difficult enough to keep them away from the ornaments! LOL!

XoXoXo

CHRISTMAS PARTY BLOG HOP

2010-12-01T03:06:00.004-05:00

The time has at last arrived! The Christmas Party Blog Hop begins today.

Just follow this link to add your blog to our Christmas Party! The fun is being hosted by Jessa at A Holiday Haven. Love her blog!!!

Now, on to the party! If you're into retro or vintage, the following should give you some ideas! (OMG-Oh, my goodness!)

I thought I'd show you some of the Christmas photos of my family and me as we were growing up, once we left home, and the families that we have surrounding us now.

THE BEGINNING

Mom and Dad in upper left hand corner.
This card was from Dad to Mom on
their 1st Christmas together.

Mom and Dad at Grandma's when
they were "courting."
This card was from Mom to Dad
that first year together.
Both scrapbook pages were made
by my very own talented sister, Kathy!

Christmastime at Grandma's,
tho' I wasn't born yet! How about
that black and white television???
This photo was taken
Christmas 1952.
Mom and Dad's wedding picture
is on top of the TV.

Presents all unwrapped!
My Aunt Sally gave either Grandma
or Mom a copy of her graduation picture.
Looks like bathrobes and watches
were the thing to get.
Dad got a hunting knife (I wonder
if he ever got that bear that was
chasing him?),
and Mom got pens (she can write
a really mean letter!).

Next installment will feature...ME!

You're gonna just love it! ROFL!!!

XoXoXo

APOLOGIES TO NATASHA AT5 Minutes Just for Me

2010-11-30T18:49:00.001-05:00

My apologies to Natasha at 5 Minutes Just for Me, Sunday Song, and everyone else who stopped by! We were out of town this past weekend at my sister's for a belated Thanksgiving. I wasn't able to get to a computer to post anything for Sunday. We had a lot of catching up to do!

I'll just have to post two songs this coming Sunday! <grin>

XoXoXo

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CROCHETED SNOWFLAKES!

2010-11-29T08:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I just have to share this with you.

I ran across these simply gorgeous crocheted snowflakes through an email I received from Hooked on Crochet from All Free Crochet this morning! You aren't going to believe the detail in the threadwork! The photo is from her Snowcatcher blog.

photo by Deborah Atkinson

Here's the link to her blog, where she generously shares her patterns:

http://snowcatcher.blogspot.com/2010/01/snowflake-monday_11.html

Deborah Atkinson is her name and she also has a website for her photography. She is indeed a gifted artist! If you'd like to see some of her beautiful photos, please click this link:

http://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/

I hope you enjoy these two sites as much as I do. I'm off to try my hand at this awesome snowflake!!! If/when I get it completed, I'll post a picture of the finished product. But, don't hold your breath! LOL!

XoXoXo

2010-11-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

XoXoXo

Sunday Song - Chloe Agnew / Celtic Woman - ''The Little Drummer Boy''

2010-11-20T15:51:00.003-05:00

Join us in posting our favorite songs on Sundays. Go to Natasha's blog at http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/ and link up with us each weekend. Lots of wonderful music and Great Fun!

The first time I sang this song was in 1966 in our Junior High School Choir's Christmas Pagent. I've loved it ever since. I can just imagine seeing the Baby Jesu smiling and approving of the simple gift of music from the little drummer boy! It gives me chills right now, just writing about it. To have our Lord smile and approve of me IN PERSON will be AWESOME one day!

I hope you enjoy Celtic Woman and their version of this classic Christmas song.

XoXoXo

Thanksgiving Graphics

2010-11-15T08:45:00.002-05:00

XoXoXo

Homemade Twix Bars from Hoosier Homemade!!!

2010-11-09T09:10:00.002-05:00

I got this recipe in an email this morning...wasn't sure if it would actually taste like the real thing, but it looks even better!!! Twix is one of my favorite candy bars.

Click on the link to get the recipe and instructions! I'll have to give this one a try SOON!

http://hoosierhomemade.com/twix-bars/

XoXoXo

Joy

Freebies for You!

2010-11-09T07:48:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!!! I hope you are having a wonderful day today!! We must be in the middle of our Indian Summer. The temperatures this week are supposed to be in the 70s!!! According to our local weather report last night, that's 14 degrees higher than normal. I'm not complaining - open window time!!!

Here are a few more autumn graphics for your use. Please enjoy!

XoXoXo

Joy

Sunday Song - Snoopy vs. The Red Baron (Snoopy's Christmas) (CC)

2010-11-07T00:04:00.004-04:00

It's Sunday once again!

Thank you Lord, for this day that you have made,

let us rejoice and be glad!

Join us in posting our favorite songs on Sundays. Go to Natasha's blog at http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/ and link up with us each weekend. Great Fun!

This song, Snoopy vs. the Red Baron (Snoopy's Christmas)
came out when I was in Junior High School and is still one of my favorites! Love the Guardsmen, the group who sings it.

My sister, Kathy, loves Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all the Peanuts Gang, so this Sunday Song is for her. Love ya Sis!

xoxoxo

Joy

Baby Gage is finally here!!!

2010-11-03T15:29:00.004-04:00

Gage Elijah Utter, Nov 3, 2010

(click on post heading for link to Tomorrow's Memories posting)

In honor of Gage's safe delivery, here are some baby graphics for you. Thank God both mommy and son are doing fine!!!

XoXoXo

Joy

Free Christmas Graphics

2010-11-03T08:57:00.002-04:00

Here are a few graphics for you today. Hope you enjoy them!

Sunday Song - Sleigh Ride (instrumental)

2010-10-31T00:15:00.007-04:00

Sleigh Ride has been one of my favorite songs since I was very little, maybe 2 or 3. This would have been around 1955 or 1956, so think "Back to the Future!" I remember watching TV, waiting on Santa to appear, and hearing this song play. No matter where I was in the house, when this music started, I'd be right in front of that set that brought Santa into our home!

My, what a wonderful song, to know that Santa wasn't far away now! I'd gaze at the old (new then) black and white television, dreaming of all the magnificent toys and SURPRISES the jolly old elf would bring me (sighing happily).

Santa wasn't on for very long, maybe 15 minutes, but that was a long time when you're a toddler. My eyes were filled with stars, imagining what I'd tell him I wanted if I actually got to sit on his lap in that beautiful sleigh! I would wonder if there were a dolly in the toy bag behind him, maybe a jack-in-the-box or even a puppy. And, there were always SURPRISES!!!

The music would start again and I'd have to wait until the next time to see Old Saint Nick (sighing reluctantly as Santa drove out of sight!).

Hope you enjoy this music as much as I do!

Join us in posting our favorite songs on Sundays. Go to Natasha's blog at http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/2010/10/sunday-song-theme-song-from-pirates-of.html and link up with us each weekend. Great Fun!

XoXoXo

Joy

The Graphics Fairy: Vintage Clip Art - Bright Blue Bird - Advertising

2010-10-28T06:50:00.000-04:00

*The Graphics Fairy*: Vintage Clip Art - Bright Blue Bird - Advertising

Pumpkin Roll - Oktoberfest 1st Place Winner

2010-10-25T19:35:00.001-04:00

Back in 2002, I entered our Oktoberfest cake and/or pie contest. I'd found the recipe in an old regional cookbook and thought I'd give it a try. It turned out perfectly the first time! It was one entry among many the judges enjoyed at the the tasting - guess you could say it was their #1 favorite! I had to make it for our family Thanksgiving dinner that year. Here's the recipe - enjoy!

Christmas Boxes - Printables

2010-10-23T23:39:00.002-04:00

Mirose has posted some templates for several Christmas boxes, including blanks that you can paint, add fabric to, or whatever. Check out her blog here: http://www.canalblog.com/cf/fe/tb/?bid=692591&pid=19412172.

Sunday Song - Sisters from White Christmas

2010-10-23T22:54:00.002-04:00

This is one of my sister's and my favorite songs! We used to make her girls cringe everytime we'd sing it! LOL! One day they will understand! Hope you enjoy it, too!

Go to http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/ to link with others for our "Sunday Song."

Sunday Song - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation soundtrack

2010-10-17T15:54:00.002-04:00

Love the music in this movie! Have to watch it a least once during the season. When we first go our home about 9 years ago, we decorated it all over! It looked more like a gingerbread house than the Griswold's house, but it's the same concept. Seems like we get a little more to put out each year! Enjoy the music!

Twice Lovely Giveaway!!!

2010-10-17T15:14:00.001-04:00

Ann Marie at Twice Lovely is giving away a SUPER PRISM ART PROJECT. Click the link to view details and enter! The drawing will be Oct 29, 2010.

http://twicelovely.blogspot.com/2010/10/damask-dresser-and-artograph-projector.html

Entertain Exchange: Haunting Halloween Candle Holders - DIY

2010-10-13T11:16:00.001-04:00

Here's a link for a super, frugal Halloween decorating idea! Great idea Susan, very creative!

Entertain Exchange: Haunting Halloween Candle Holders - DIY

Craft with Confidence: Sock Monkey Tutorial

2010-10-12T07:11:00.001-04:00

Craft with Confidence: Sock Monkey Tutorial

Here's a link for a tutorial on making the familiar sock monkey, with a twist! It doesn't have to be brown, white, and orangish-red! Cute idea and great tutorial! Thanks Vivian!

These would make great Christmas presents!

XoXoXo

Joy

Sunday Song - Home Alone!

2010-10-11T01:30:00.005-04:00

Here's my offering for our Sunday Song - Home Alone!

Hope you enjoy the music Love this movie, too!

Coy-Coy back home from Vet's!

2010-10-10T07:05:00.000-04:00

Our new little addition to the family is back home from the vet's! We took Coy in to be checked out and he's in good condition! We also had the vet neuter him, which hasn't made Coy very happy! Can't say as I blame him much. He was a little bit out of sorts yesterday when we brought him home. I tried to put him on a "blankie" he liked, but he wouldn't have anything to do with it or me. He disappeared under the bed. The girl at the doctors' office had given him a dose of pain medication just before we left, so he slept most of the day after going under the bed.

Coy-Coy seems to have taken to Doug and let him hold him on his lap for a while last night. He is so tiny! Compared to our other cats, he's light as a feather! We're so glad he's home!

From Santa with Love ~ by Michelle Davis

2010-10-08T08:28:00.001-04:00

A long time ago in a land far away,

A child was born on a cold winter’s day

He wasn’t the baby you’re thinking about

But another small lad, he stood short and stout

He grew up to be quite a caring old man

He loved little children, everyone in the land

He found the “Good Book” and studied its pages

It was the story of Jesus passed down through the ages

His heart overflowed as he read, could it be?

A love so divine that he died just for me?

A twinkle appeared in his eye on that day

He found a road straight to Heaven and Christ was the way

As Christmas came closer, his heart filled with joy

He’d show God’s people he loved them – every girl, every boy

He made lots of goodies and stocked up his shelves

Yes, Santa was busy and so were his elves

He was filled with such love, that he wanted to share

So he handed out gifts to kids everywhere

Praise be to God, let the Angels sing

For this jolly old man spreads love for the King

As he steps into the chimney, he looks high above

And whispers, "Happy Birthday Dear Jesus, from Santa with Love"

Sunday Song, a celebration of music, at "5 Minutes Just for Me"

2010-10-08T00:09:00.000-04:00

Please go to http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/ and add your link if you have ever posted music on your blog. List your favorite song and join in our celebration of music.

Here's a Chuckle for you!

2010-10-07T05:15:00.002-04:00

Wrapping Presents 101 for Cat Owners by Mary Campbell

1. Clear large space on table for wrapping present.

2. Go to wardrobe and collect bag in which present is contained, and close door.

3. Open door and remove cat from wardrobe.

4. Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper.

5. Go back and remove cat from cupboard.

6. Go to drawer and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors, labels, etc.

7. Lay out present and wrapping materials on table, to enable wrapping strategy to be formed.

8. Go back to drawer to get string, remove cat that has been in the drawer since last visit, and collect string.

9. Remove present from bag.

10. Remove cat from bag.

11. Open box to check present, remove cat from box, replace present.

12. Lay out paper to enable cutting to size.

13. Cut the paper to size, trying to keep the cutting line straight.

14. Throw away first sheet because cat tried to chase the scissors and tore the paper.

15. Cut second sheet of paper to size by putting cat in the bag the present came out of.

16. Place present on cut-to-size paper.

17. Lift up edges of paper to seal in present, wonder why edges now don't reach, and find cat between present and paper. Remove cat and retry.

18. Place object on paper, to hold in place, while cutting transparent sticky tape.

19. Spend next 20 minutes carefully trying to remove transparent sticky tape from cat with pair of nail scissors.

20. Seal paper down with transparent sticky tape, making corners as neat as possible.

21. Look for roll of ribbon; chase cat down hall and retrieve ribbon.

22. Try to wrap present with ribbon in a two-directional turn.

23. Re-roll up ribbon and remove paper that is now torn, due to cat's enthusiasm in chasing ribbon end.

24. Repeat steps 12-22 until down to last sheet of paper.

25. Decide to skip steps 12-16 in order to save time and reduce risk of losing last sheet of paper. Retrieve old cardboard box that you know is right size for sheet of paper.

26. Put present in box, and tie down with string.

27. Remove string, open box and remove cat.

28. Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for lockable room.

29. Once inside room, lock door and start to re-lay out packing materials.

30. Remove cat from box, unlock door, put cat outside door, close door and re-lock.

31. Lay out last sheet of paper. (Admittedly this is difficult in the small area of the toilet, but try your best!)

32. Seal box, wrap with paper and start repairs by very carefully sealing down tears with transparent sticky tape. Now tie up with ribbon and decorate with bows to hide worst affected areas.

33. Label, then sit back and admire your handiwork, congratulating yourself on making good of a bad job.

34. Unlock door, and go to kitchen to make drink and feed cat.

35. Spend next 15 minutes looking for cat, before coming to obvious conclusion.

36. Unwrap present, untie box and remove cat.

37. Retrieve all discarded sheets of wrapping paper, feed cat and retire to lockable room for last attempt, making certain you are alone and the door is locked.

38. At time of handing over present, smile sweetly at receiver's face, as they try and hide their contempt at being handed such a badly wrapped present.

39. Swear to yourself that next year, you will get the store to wrap the darn thing for you.

X0X0X0

Joy

Another mouth to feed, but so worth it!!!

2010-10-06T23:04:00.001-04:00

We rescued another little kitty tonight! We've named him Coy or Coy-Coy, after one of our other rescued kitties that died this last March. He looks sooo much like the original Coy, even has the long back legs that were made for running and leaping. Haven't had time to get back to the blog, as I thought I would. Trying to make sure the little guy knows where the litter pan is! Coy certainly knows where the food and water are. He showed up at my in-laws three days ago. He was nothing but skin and bones and must have been dehydrated, as he drank 3 bowls of water in a short period of time! Also gobbled down so much food, Mom said it looked like his belly was going to burst!

Here's a cell phone picture of Doug and Coy this morning.

The kitty looks like he's close to 5-6 months old, just about the time males start to spray if not neutered. Someone just threw him away, like a piece of garbage, just so they wouldn't have to be inconvenienced! If people can't accept the responsibility for a pet, they shouldn't have one to begin with. These are living beings-God's creatures, dependant on us for their everything! I'm sick to death of irresponsible people! All those of you that agree with me, please leave a message!!!

Christmas Graphics

2010-10-05T17:54:00.001-04:00

Hi All!

Here are a few free Christmas graphics for you. Hope you like and can make use of these! Check back daily, as I will add some each day.

As far as I know, these are all copyright free. If you find any that aren't, please let me know. Those will be removed immediately!

Hugs and kisses,

Joy