Merry Christmas & Farewell Surprise!

Hosted by the lovely Sherry Bamsey, a fun group of ladies gathered together to surprise Colleen before her move to California. What a wonderful time we had! I was so thrilled to be included in this special occasion. It was so good to see Colleen again and I got a chance to meet some new friends as well. From left to right: Kim Johnson, Sherry Bamsey, Colleen Jew, Jennifer Wyatt, Maija Lapore, Carol Wingert, Kim Hesson & myself.

Thank you Sherry for your generosity today! I had a wonderful time!
Below are a few gifts that were exchanged today. Just wanted to share. :)

Counting Down

I finished up the "Countdown to Christmas" that my future daughter-in-law requested. She wanted it for my son. I had to change a few things up from the last one that I made for the store but I think it turned out great. And most importantly, they both loved it.

Busy getting ready for Christmas around here. Amazingly we got all the decorations, lights, tree, etc up quickly this year. So it has been looking festive for a few weeks now. I am not really fond of the process of decorating for Christmas but I sure love the results! Especially at night with everything lit up.
Even got my Christmas cards out early this year. I think it was important that I get control of a few things this year as everything else has been out of control. As some of you know, my dad has been in hospice care at home for a while now and two weeks ago was sent to the hospice care facility. We didn't expect him to make it. But he rallied and is currently home again with a daytime nurse. So amazing! And a little stressful. But so far, so good.

So here's to letting go of worries, stress and holiday chaos and clinging to the real, true meaning of Christmas...the birth of Christ! May He be the greatest gift you receive this season. Merry Christmas!!

Oh Baby!

So I finally got in gear and painted a little something for a friend's new baby. I have known the baby's grandma since 5th grade! So when her daughter had a daughter and named her after her great grandma I just knew I wanted to do something. And it had to be with her name. I love the way it turned out. Her room is done in pinks, reds and white. So I think it will fit in nicely. I really hope she likes it. I love how the little flowers turned out. The edges are a light yellow with glitter paint all over. It is always fun to make something girly.
Just wanted to share.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Yesterday I taught the Thanksgiving ATC class at Paper Vineyard. The class was small but lots of fun. The ladies finished in record time and walked out with completed projects. Yahoo!!

Next is the Christmas "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" ATC class. It will be held on Dec 5th from 10-2. Looking forward to this one too. Although that means we are that much closer to Christmas. Just so hard to believe. I don't know why I am surprised each year when it creeps up on me. It is the same time each year, right. So I should be prepared. No....I am not. But that is OK. It always comes together. :) I am one step ahead with my Christmas family photos taken and chosen. That is a big step right there. Last year was the first year in probably 24 yrs that I did not send out Christmas cards. We had so many family things going on with my dad and with my son that I just couldn't bring myself to try to explain it all or feel very cheerful. So I am looking forward to this year with lots of gratitude in my heart.

Again this last week has been a crazy one. My middle son called Friday night to tell us that he had been rear ended on the freeway. So thankful that everyone was OK. There were 5 cars involved and he was right in the middle. Just sandwiched in and crunched from both sides. Poor kid. The on ramp at the particular location is under construction and you have about 2 car lengths to merge or you come to a dead stop. That is what happened. The first car stopped, the second car stopped and then my son stopped...followed by the fourth car that hit them all. Then a second accident happened when a 5th car hit them all again. The last two cars are the ones that received the tickets. So my son didn't do anything wrong. That is a relief. But we do feel bad for the poor girl stuck in a very bad situation. The city just needs to close that on ramp until the work is complete. Just too dangerous. Overall we are grateful that no one was hurt. So begins the process of replacing a car that he had for only 2 months!

So...on to another week and I am praying for boring. That's OK, right! :)
Happy Sunday!

Growing Dim

While cruising through some blogs this morning, one struck me! I absolutely loved the words she had shared. They touched my heart. She spoke about worship and why we do it. Why it is good to turn our hearts to Jesus and concentrate on His love. At the start of her blog she said that the reason we worship is "so that the things of this earth would grow strangely dim". Wow...I had never really thought of it that way before. But it is so true. As we put our focus on Him and His truth our world grows dim. Our struggles and minor complaints seem less important in the light of His love.

So today I'm looking for a dimmer view of this earth and a bright and shining view of His promises! It's gonna be a great day!


....turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace

Creativity in Bloom

So...no photo to post as I didn't take my camera. But what a fun time at "Creativity in Bloom" yesterday! I so enjoyed getting to meet some amazing teachers and see the fun projects that the ladies got to create. The event was put on by Sandy & Michelle and they did a wonderful job. Everything looked great and the ladies had a very full day of project after project and lots of good food in between. :) I was so happy that I was asked to help out. I thoroughly enjoyed my day! Thanks Sandy & Michelle

Finished Product

A few photos of the final Thanksgiving ATC class that I have been working on. The class is set for Sat. Nov 7th at Paper Vineyard.

On another note...this weekend I am helping Michelle at "Creativity in Bloom". I am so excited to help out and grab a peek at all the wonderful goodies that the teachers have in store for everyone. I am sure it will be a wonderful day for all the ladies attending. Thanks to Michelle for letting me assist.