A Most Favorite Thing

Christmas is a favorite time of year for me. It starts with the weather getting colder, leaves changing and the planning for Thanksgiving. Actually for me it's more about gathering my family and making and reliving memories. If I had my way, the season would last a little longer--not just because of Christmas Cheer, but also because I take decorating for Christmas pretty seriously. I love all Christmas music and could listen to it in my car all year--much to the objections of Jacob and Isaac. Several years ago I came across some Christmas history that gave new charm to a classic Christmas song--The Twelve Days of Christmas--always somewhat of a mystery because it didn't really make sense--I could never remember the order of the days and how they related to each other-- 2 turtle doves, 11 pipers piping--what exactly is a piper? and 7 swans a swimming--meaning what? Anyway, the story behind the song was so moving and charming to me that it too has become a very most favorite thing. A week ago, I was sharing with Melissa a find at Williams Sonoma-- The 12 Days of Christmas plates--I loved them but was trying to justify my need. A week later I received a gift card from Melissa and Chad--an early Christmas present to use and love this year and many more to come. The picture doesn't do the vintage images on the plates justice. You might have to come for a visit and a slice of pie to see for yourself.

PS You can imagine my delight when I found Jim Shore Christmas cards featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. I'll get them out early this year with the history behind the song included--maybe it'll become a favorite for you too.

When I grow up . . .

I can remember back to a time and season in my life when I was asked--What do you want to be when you grow up? My response was almost always the same--a nurse. When I attended BYU I took pre nursing classes--chemistry, physics, nutrition-- I opted out of school and into marriage, children and 10 years of being a single mom. Through the years I would still look into local nursing programs just to see--what if? A few months ago I found a local private college that offers a 2 year fast track RN program. I took the next step and passed the RN entrance test. Today I met with the director of the nursing program to make my name on the class list official. I left his office with a smile on my face. I recently read an article that ended with-- dreams are not age based--lucky me--I still have a few dreams left to live.

A Sneak Peek

It’s a tea party! My Mom is turning 75 next January. To celebrate her birthday and honor her as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend I am hosting a tea party. The party will be held at my home in Eagle, Idaho on Saturday January 17th, 2009. I am hoping all who know and love her can come to share this special afternoon tea with her. For the past several weeks I have been collecting tea cups and saucers, teapots and table linens. I bought metal folding chairs from a chapel that was being remodeled and am making chair covers for them. I plan on having a photographer and lots of yummy food. This will be a special memory for all so, please mark your calendars--you won’t want to miss the party! Formal invitations and details will follow next month. PS. Think tea party hats.

Baby Olivia is Here--Grandbaby #10

What a sweet little girl we have added to our family. Olivia is the third grandbaby that has been born this year--Melissa will give us #11 sometime around Thanksgiving.
In spite of all that is really crazy in the world today--there are a few rare and priceless gifts that remind me of a bigger picture-grandchildren--some of the very best that life has to offer.