Christmas Books

When we homeschooled our two daughters literature was integrated into every part of our day.
December 1st would roll up and our school work became even more Christ centered then it already was~out went the books and in came more creativity. We used math for cooking, wrapping and budgeting our gifts. History and Bible were focused on the birth of Christ. We read books all centered around the reason for the season. So whether or not you homeschool I thought I'd list some of our favorite books for the month of December. It is such a fun way to keep our eyes centered on what's important. My daughters now have these books and they continue to read these stories.

Three From Galilee by Majorie Holmes
The Other Wise Man-this could also be read between Christmas and Easter
The Christmas Box
The Lion in the Box
The Christmas Shoes
Karen Kingsbury has several Christmas books out as well. I've also got several books by Jennifer Chiaverini about holiday quilts. These are secular books but I have met her and I love her quilt stories.

Of course there was always music playing in background.
I can't believe we are at 15 more days to Christmas and I still have another quilt to make. If I don't get it done hubby will understand...for it is for him.
Have a joyfilled day.
Noreen

Traditions

When our daughters were young we began going to the Sierra's several times a year; in winter we always went cross-country skiing and in the summer we would hike and swim. We always rented a cabin or mountain home and loved the time we spent in the mountains. This continued on even after our girls got married and started families; maybe not as often but we'd always try to get up there at least once a year. Cross country skiing was replaced by snow shoeing and riding saucers and sleds. Two years ago for Christmas, hubby, our two girls and their families and I rented a large home in the mountains. It was a wonderful time for all of us for this was the first year we all were there bright and early Christmas morning. The fun of having all our grandchildren with us, 5 at the time, was amazing. To see Christmas through a child's eyes is wondrous. The picture above was taken that Christmas and although we didn't have a white Christmas that morning we did get snow. Some of our family traditions that began with our daughters were watching a holiday movie on Christmas Eve. My girls favorite was always Little House on the Prairie and of course the classics of old-Miracle on 34th Street is just one of the classics we loved. We did indeed watch movies together. Hubby and I never put out presents until after our girls were in bed and it held true this particular year as well. You can imagine the glee and giggles as 5 little ones came downstairs and found presents galore under the tree. Another tradition is that there were always brand new pajamas on their beds on Christmas Eve. For many years I still got all the grand kids p.j.'s but now have passed that tradition onto their parents to continue~with seven it gets a tad bit pricey.
One tradition we didn't do that year was traveling around our area to see Holiday decorations and Christmas lights. We did that here last year and it was fun to explore our new area looking for beautiful lights while listening to carols and hymns on the car radio. We don't have to travel anymore to be in the snow and although we aren't up in the Rockies we have a beautiful view.
There are so many treasured memories of years past and I look forward to making new traditions as the little ones get bigger.
What are some of your holiday traditions? If you are a grandparent are you still able to partake in them with your grandchildren?
Have a joyous day and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

Winter Fun

Last week we got our first heavy snow; approximately 8" total. It was lots of fun!







Grandson John loving the tedious job of shoveling.





















Grandson Ben, daughter Carrie and Grandpa all working on their driveway. We have guidelines that say we must have the sidewalk cleared and it makes it much easier to do it first thing in the morning; also helps with getting out of the driveway.
I was up shoveling our patio first thing so our two dogs could easily walk out and take care of business. The season is just starting but we still love the snow.

A Peak at Christmas in My Home

This is my all time favorite Christmas decoration and although it is out of focus I hope you can see the simple beauty of it(sorry it's out of focus); it is quite old and I treasure it.










A fun wall hanging.



My LIZZIE HIGH collection



Snowmen/women line the stairs of our entry. My antique treadle sewing machine in my entry is a favorite spot to decorate.


A sleigh filled with lots of Christmas Bears, also used for photo opp.'s of grandkids

Mackenzie

Well our little peanut is home from the hospital. This was a shot taken while Mom, Dad,Delaney and Mackenzie roamed the halls. Because she was just being tested they had the ability to go to each floor and see new sights as well as eat in the cafeteria. The hospital has radio-flyer wagons for the children and that makes travelling a bit more fun. As you can see Mackenzie does have the tube up her nose and the funny thing of her arm is called a "no-no"~it keeps her arms straight so she can't pull the tube out. Also helped to keep her from pulling the IV tube out of her arm. She did pretty well considering.... There was a complication after the procedure but the doctor's got it under control. She was released and so glad to get home.
The biopsy results will be available on Friday and hopefully will show what is producing so much stomach acid. From the initial scope everything looked normal and we even got a look at the photos. So now we just wait, wait and pray for the doctor's wisdom and insight and also that our precious little one will be healthy.

Tagged

I was tagged by Karen@Homespun Simplicity to reveal 6 things I value and 6 things I don't support; then I have to tag 6 others to share about themselves. This is a very fun and easy way to get to know others.

6 Things I Value
1. Life within the body of Christ, the Word of God
2. Family and friends, I love spending time with those that are near and dear to me.
3. Fellowship
4. Animals, especially dogs
5. Making things for others that demonstrate love
6. Living in a country where we can worship and experience freedom in our lives, especially to homeschool.

6 Things I Don't Support
1. Abortion
2. Any institution that strives to take away parental rights.
3. Social religion
4. Gang violence
5. The news media and its prejudices against Christians
6. Any group, government or lay, that takes away personal rights for property owners. When I'm told I can't paint my house a certain color or have to do such and such, it makes me mad.

6 Friends I Tag
My daughter Carrie@Our Journey
My daughter Kim@Joyfullness in Everyday
Pam @Smiling Grammy
Tiffany@Tea With Tiffany
Amy@Home with Amy
Susan @ High Desert Home


Blessings to you this day.

Let It Snow

Yesterday morning we awoke to a nice blanket of snow covering everything. It has been exactly one year since we moved to beautiful Colorado and I still love the snow. Of course it helps that I don't have to get out and negotiate driving in it to get to work. Typically, I'm told, our area only gets a light dusting unlike the Rockies and it is gone by noon. The above photo was taken yesterday afternoon when most of the snow had melted. Last year we had a heavy snowfall which we absolutely loved. We haven't yet been snowed in or experienced any blizzards so the only problem I've encountered with snow was moving here. We saw semi's jack-knifing all over the freeways and the driving conditions were terrible,I have vowed never to move any great distance in the winter.
It's hard to believe it's December already-I still have one quilt to finish hand quilting, one to make and two to put bindings on. With the colder weather I'll be spending more time inside sewing and of course setting up our tree and decorating. We had our daughter's puppy and tonight we will have our granddaughter here with us for two nights so I put off the tree in favor of a more relaxed time with both granddaughter and puppy. I will tackle decorating on Thursday.
Tomorrow is the big day for our little Mackenzie; she goes in for the battery of tests. She will be staying overnight at Children's Hospital and hopefully they will gather enough info on her GERD to help get it under control and ease her pain. Your prayers for her would be so appreciated. Her mom, dad and baby sister will be there with her but it could be a very traumatic event in her young life.
As our Christmas season is upon us may you live in the reality of a living Savior and remember~
Jesus is the reason for the season.