Christmas Dreams

When we moved into this house, all of the walls were the same color. So was the fireplace. Hubby decided that I really didn't want it ALL white and painted the seat part gray like the walls. It was probably a good idea ... I don't like to dust. So I plunked things in places, not really knowing where they would eventually end up. The outside walls are all block so hanging things requires a little forethought. Which means that things wait even longer.

The fireplace tho'. I have dreamed of a mantle for nigh on a million years or so. I was probably born dreaming of one to be honest. When we were looking at houses, dear hubby was seriously in dislike with any house that had a fireplace. And I was in serious like with them. Oh well. This house came with one and I think he realizes it isn't going anywhere. Ever.

It was just short a mantle.

Several weeks ago he made me one.  This husband of mine is a smart one. Creativity was a requirement of this little project. I did help. Seriously, I did. I've come to the conclusion that dark wood shows every bit of dust and am hopeful that a lighter tone will hide a bit more.

What is not to love about this? Christmas came early for me and I am thrilled.

Things may move around up there on the mantle before Christmas shows up. Short trees might get higher and all that kind of good stuff. If I'm inspired and have extra minutes ... it might just happen.

The stockings were hung. The stockings that probably took decades to finish. The stockings that are going to be with me a very long time. They aren't being filled anymore ... just admired.

Christmas decor may not go down this year.
I really, really like it up there.

Desert Bloom Market

The 3rd Annual Desert Bloom Market consumed a wee bit of my time once again. Burning the late night flash lights trying to get things done and ready to go. I'm telling you ... the hours in a week just get shorter all the time!

Hubby brought me a plate one evening and said, "Dinner is served!" Seriously. This is the way it goes.

The piles grew ....

and then with the work of many hands ... the magic happens!

I don't have pictures of the magnificent baking. Oh my goodness. It is beyond amazing.

Our market was blessed yet again. Now we take a minute's break to catch up on our own homes and families and ready our homes and hearts for Christmas!

promises

thankful thanksgiving

Typically if I am absent from here, it is because my life has spiraled to nearly out of control proportions. Once again ... it was that kind of fall. And once again, I think I have moments of peace in my near future.

That out of control busy is a great cause of thankfulness. Thankful that I have the ability to do the things that keep me busy. Thankful that I have the family that keeps me busy. Thankful that I have so many hobbies and interests to keep me hopping. Thankful that some of you are still out there waiting for me to come back!

Thanksgiving. The turkey and and all that good stuff. Hours in the kitchen to feed 4 adults and 2 littles. Although I certainly would miss the stuffing and the green bean casserole, I really didn't feel like working myself to the bone this year. And even more than that ... I really didn't want to send all those leftovers to the trash can when we couldn't handle one more plate of leftovers. So I came up with a plan and texted my dear hubby who didn't respond. Later that evening he told me he was communicating our plan to someone and inviting them to fly down and join us. I said, "you're in?!"  I texted Alyx to see if she was "in". Both feet!To be honest, if we had a houseful of company I probably wouldn't have done what we did.

Thanksgiving food shopping with Jari. One more stop in the store to include the Seafood counter. No jello. No pumpkin. No green beans.

We woke to a cloudy and 50ish Thanksgiving Day. Not on the agenda. So we changed it up a bit. We unloaded the boat and loaded the truck instead and headed to our favorite water hole. Jari left to go meet Alyx & Tarron and lead us to our spot. I set the dining table. Fancy, hey?

 I did my vegie duty and shucked the corn.

 I was still waiting and figured I should probably light the charcoal. The littles were dining on hot dogs. Do you know that I don't know how to light a charcoal grill filled with Match Light?! Serious. It was a challenge! Hubby actually had to get it going when he showed up.

The sun was determined to hide behind the clouds and I was chilly. I know. This is Arizona. We are having Thanksgiving dinner at the lake. I really shouldn't complain about the chill in the air, but all things are quite relative after all. I found a warm spot. The crab pot was heating up water and was the warmest spot on the sand.

The bright side of cooking a million and three dishes in the kitchen is that you nibble all morning long. No nibbling going on out here and I was still waiting for the rest of my gang.

So I dug into dessert! Why not? Apple crisp sort of thing I did the evening before with the intention of warming it up on the grill for dessert. Perfect!

Second spoonful was in and my people showed up. Boys and water + a dad who loves to fish = perfect Thanksgiving day.

 Papa did the cooking and the seasoning. Tarron is a spice hound. I'm a wimp. I've gotten better but it was a serious sinus drainer. It seriously took me four attempts to eat that little potato ... and I still couldn't do it. The crab? The bomb! Absolutely scrumptious!

I brought pliers just for this purpose, but hubby prefers the fork. Good thing Wamart sells inexpensive forks 'cuz this one looks like it needs replacing.

We brought home a few pieces of silverware, a crab pot and 4 plates to wash. Easy peasy and just up our alley. I have a feeling that this will happen again.

While the boys are fans of Nana & Papa's house ... there is nothing like water for the boys. The lake is one of their family's favorite places. You can't tell, can you?

Ours too.

Maybe we adults were a bit chilly as the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds but this guy? He had ice cream on his mind and nothing as stopping him!

A few of my reasons to be thankful.

Every.
Day.

pappa

Traveling is tough on us sometimes.

Imagine being 90 and traveling into Phoenix summertime weather.

It. Is. Exhausting.

Yet the heart wants to go and visit.

Take sauna, drink coffee and eat pulla.

He and Joe spent part of the weekend with us.

Memories.

Isn't that why we take photos?

So we can relive the days that are either too full for our heart to capture

or so very painful that we aren't able to.

Yet, we can look through the photos afterward and relive little pieces at a time.

We aren't really a people that needs to fill our life with nonstop activity.

We are busy people, I don't deny that.

We certainly enjoy discovering new places and experiences.

But we most enjoy visits of the heart.

Time spent with our loved ones in quiet conversation.

Those are the times that warm our hearts.

Those are the moments we treasure while we still can.

creativity

cre·a·tiv·i·ty

• the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work

She might be mine

If you take a close look at this photo, you're going to find any manner of craziness.

Once in a while I open the door and Sebastian, aged 4, walks in.

The other house was even worse/better.

He walks in, stands still, looks around and says "cool!"

We quickly exit and close the door.

Our youngest daughter was planning her move away.

In some ways, she isn't me at all.

I plan and pack well in advance.

I work at things slowly because I have many irons to take care of.

Even then, my irons aren't always hot when they need to be.

This one? Not so much. 

And at the same time .... oh, so very much.

She was sewing some princess dresses for a few little special girls.

No pattern.

No sewing experience.

Sheer determination.

They were delivered before she handed me her gate clicker.

And they were darling.

She just asked me for a sewing machine for birthday/Christmas. 

They were done before her room was packed.

Sounds a little familiar.

As much as I was ready to pull my hair out at the undone parts of moving .... 

I had to silently fist pump this child of mine.

Cuz I get it.

Oh, do I get it.

Have you been to Ikea?
Those big blue bags?
Yup.
Shoes for days.

All of a sudden it was here.
The waiting was over for her.
Brock flew in on Thursday ...

Friday morning they drove out of the yard.

I really wanted to cry.
I did want to.
I think this is it.
The moving on.

Instead of crying, I took my pen and started writing about birds.
I wrote of eagles soaring.
My heart is full at its lifting.
My heart rejoices in its flight.

Maybe there were a few tear shaped raindrops that kissed the eagles wings as she glided.