My Brother

So today is catch up day and I thought I'd begin with telling you about my brother! Here is a picture:

My sewing machine is 20 years old. As the month began I began once again struggling with it as I worked to assemble some items for Christmas, it was very slow and filled with problems which indicated that it needed replaced. I picked up my new machine (above) a few weeks ago and it has helped me zip through my sewing projects and has made sewing fun again not to mention it was a good price all very good reasons to bring a smile to my face, but the best one of all is knowing that I am now prepared to sew the more complicated projects greeting me.

I find great pleasure and joy in being able to make nice things for my family. I love to see the delight and anticipation on their faces as they watch and participate in the assembly process. I love to see my children learn and develop new skills and interests. What joy I find in my children and husband!!!

What I Want My Children to Know about Family

Family is the greatest blessing I have. I love having all my children home and together. I love to watch them interact with one another and enjoy each other's company. As I have thought about family, there are a few ideals that I hope my children will learn as they grow up together:

• Family members always give each other the benefit of the doubt. They are not quick to pass judgement or criticize.
• Family members are willing to open their minds to both sides of a story or situation so that it can be resolved quickly and lovingly.
• There is no such thing as competition within a family. Family members help and support one another and find joy in the accomplishments and strengths of each other.
• Family is always there when you need a friend.
• Each family member is a valued and important thread in the tapestry of family.
• For a family to be strong forgiveness and humility must be constants in the life of each member.

I suppose that all these things can be summed up in one word - LOVE. When our feelings of love supercede our own desires and we temper our own reactions to one another to always reflect love, then we have built that family that will stay together forever and always. 

I am so thankful for my family. My family is the source of my greatest joys and I find joy and delight in them every day. What a blessing they are in my life.

Christmas Projects

There are lots of special Christmas projects currently under way. I will share with you only just a few. To share too many would be like opening the gifts way before Christmas gets here and I know that none of you ever peak at your presents ....

Here is what I gave the sisters I visit teach

I love stickers, so when I was in the crafts store, these ones spoke to me. I'm not sure exactly how I want to finish off this mirror, but this is what it looks like so far...

And then there is the ... Oh I can't tell you about that yet. I'll post pictures after Christmas so you can see the process involved in that one. And then there are some wonderful... Yeah, I'll post pictures of those later too. No peaking you know

So much to get done, I think I'll get back to it!
PS I'm looking for some easy but lovely Christmas ornament making ideas. If anyone has any, let me know, I'd love to try a few new ones this year.

Christmas Magic

Well, ready or not, Christmas is coming!!!! It seems that everywhere we go anymore there is Christmas music playing and busy people scurrying around trying to get everything done for the holiday to make their Christmas perfect! I tend to steer clear of the crowds a bit as I prefer the quick in and back out again style of shopping. This year, I'm making more of Christmas than I am buying. I have watched my children as I have quietly gone about making gifts. Funny, gifts are starting to appear under our tree, and I haven't put any there. The kids are going through their crafty supplies, and creating special little surprises for one another. I love to watch their careful preparations, and the excitement that always comes with a carefully prepared gift for someone you love
As I watch I can't help but ponder the joy of giving! It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Christmas's of giving hold extra special feelings and joys that can be come by no other way.

In the Wake of a Snow Storm

We've officially ushered in the 2011 Christmas season now with winters snowy white coverings that blanket the trees, glaze the roads and dust the lawns. The results of winters fury are beautiful and in places breathtaking. During the storm, the kids were sitting in the dentists office impatiently waiting for their turn to get their teeth cleaned... not impatient to see the dentist, it was more of a "Is it time to go home yet?" impatience!

Today, since the kids were cooped up in the dentist office yesterday, was their first day to play unrestrained in the snow! As soon as they came home from school they quickly discarded their backpacks, did their chores and hurried outside to play. There isn't much daylight between the end of school and dusk, so they made a good start on three snowmen, and filled the remainder of their time riding in the wheelbarrow, and sliding around on the ice glazed road. Thankfully we don't get much traffic, so they were OK to do that.

I typically dread the snow. I don't like the slippery roads and walks that come with it, but I can't help but smile as I have watched the kids enjoy playing in it. They have had soooo much fun, and just watching them brought joy to my heart. Even with all its coldness, snow is a blessing.