TOP TO BOTTOM

With the help of my dearest, the Christmas decorations are down, packed in bins and in the storage closet on the balcony.  

We decided to take a room at a time and clean from Top to Bottom and start the new year in a clean home.  (Thanks honey, I couldn't have done it without you.)

A new desk size calendar for 2016 is on the refrigerator.  This is my "brain" and keeps me on schedule.

A fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar.

Clean house

New calendar

Full cookie jar

A good start to a new year.

What's on your schedule for New Years?

CREATIVE TUESDAY

The theme for Creative Tuesday is "Stained Glass Windows".  This was quite challenge, but once I got the idea and got into 

the process I loved doing it.  I've never done anything quite like this.  I usually paint very loose and free.

The Process ~

• Decided on the pattern.
• Had a sip of tea.
• Transferred it onto watercolor paper.
• Another sip of tea.
• oops ~ dipped my brush in my tea!!!
• Added the colors one by one, letting them dry completely.
• Finished off the pot of tea.
• Next day.....
• Finished adding all the colors
• Final touch ~ the jet black wide tip Sharpie marker.
• Mission accomplished.  Made another pot of tea and relaxed.

I dedicate this stained glass window to all the redheads out there.  There are days I get an urge to dye mine back to it's original color. "red"...but then I remember what the Bible says in (Proverbs 16:31 "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory.") so I'll stick with the glory, HaHa.

To see all the beautiful stained glass windows created by other participants just click on the Creative Tuesday badge on my sidebar and follow the instructions.

CHRISTMAS IS OVER...BUT THE MEMORIES LINGER

A wonderful Christmas Day is over, but the memories linger, and will bring joy all year.

• Grandpa with a wonderful fruit basket from our cousins in Boise ID.  
• Our little great grandsons and family.
• A plate of pasta from the pasta bar.
• Grandma with Matthew and Issac reading the Christmas Story.
• Grandson Marc and fiance Amanda.
• More laughter and fun playing games after dinner
• Star Wars was the favorite gifts.
• Grandpa got a tee shirt sporting the wrestling team.

A wonderful day with the family.  My highlight.  Hearing the boys read the Christmas story to me.

And now on to a new year.  What will it bring?  I don't know what the future holds, but I KNOW who holds the future, so I'm excited to see all that it brings, and pray I will accept it with a heart of gratitude.

A PRAYER FOR SUNDAY

Proverbs 15:4 "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

Gracious Lord, make me Your messenger of hope and healing. Fill my mouth with words of life.  Give me "an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary."  Open my ears to listen to those who mourn, to those who are in distress, to those who need hope.  Gentle Savior, may the Comforter bring comfort through me to the brokenhearted.  This is my desire.  I love You.  Amen.

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family.  We enjoyed celebrating Christ's birth with our family.

Have a great Sunday, and looking forward now to a New Year!

Image from googleimages.com

Prayer in part from Maranatha Worship Bible

IT'S A WRAP!!

Our family has grown to the point that we exchange names with the adults and buy for the little ones.  Got my exchange gift and the grandchildren's wrapped last night.

This morning, after a cup of coffee, have cookie dough in the refrigerator for chocolate chip, snicker doodle, and oatmeal cookies.  Will bake them early tomorrow morning.

I love getting a few things done ahead, because it never fails, something will turn up at the last minute that demands your attention.

I bought a couple bunches of bananas last week, and they are all freckled and ready to mash for banana bread.

Why am I doing all this baking, you ask???   Since we don't give gifts to everyone, I like to give a "Goodie Basket" to each family.  That my gift of love and sugar!!! HaHa.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH MY GIRLS

My daughters Julie and Michel in the front.  Driver and co-pilot.  Grandma and Monique (Michel's daughter) in the middle and Amanda and Monica in the back (Julie's daughters).

Off to Carlsbad Outlets, near San Diego.  We left Michel's at 8 am and return with tired feet, sides hurting from laughing, and a car load of Christmas gifts by 9 pm.  (Yeah for the sales, didn't pay full price for anything)

A peek of the ocean from the car window.  Gift wrapping and nice music by the High School Performing Arts.  Train rides and a ton of stores.  Palm trees in So. CA. Lunch at BJ's and three beautiful granddaughters.  A day to remember!

This is the second year we've done this and all confirmed this does need to continue every year.   I love these girls, and they love me.  Does it get any better?

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

A PROMISE FULFILLED

Luke 2:28-32 "Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel'.

Thank you for fulfilling the desire of Simeon's heart ~ not only did he see You, but he held You in his arms.  And I thank You, Lord, that what Simeon waited a lifetime to see has been revealed for all who will open their eyes.  You are the light of the world.  You are the hope of salvation for all who believe.   I love You.  Amen.

This picture touch my heart.  So precious that babe, and so faithful our God to let Simeon life to see his salvation.

PANETTONE AND TOFFEE

Trader Joe's had single servings of the Italian Panettone Classica.  The label says "A perfect little panettone to eat all on your own, (or share if you must) HaHa.  I did share mine with my dearest, but he doesn't have quite the love of it I do.  He had not tasted it, and I didn't want to buy the large one if he didn't like it. (However, I could eat a large one by myself)  I thought my little "baker" would enjoy a piece too.  He looks so cute sitting on my counter.  I just love him.

I've been fighting a cold the past few days, but feel so much better today I decided to get my chocolate grated for my toffee and get a batch made for Christmas.

Saturday is a "Girls Day Out" shopping trip with my daughters and granddaughters at the outlets in Carlsbad down by San Diego.  We did it last year at it was so much fun we decided it would be a good Christmas tradition.

This afternoon we have our Christmas Party at the Clubhouse for the residents of Villa Ramona.   I hear the menu is tamales, rice, beans and lots of side dishes and desserts.  All catered so the residents can just come and enjoy.

In the count down to Christmas I want to keep my heart and mind focus on the REASON FOR THE SEASON.  The incredible GIFT that began in a manger and was finalized on the cross. 

PUTT AND POTTY

My dearest received a Christmas present in the mail today.  A Putt and Potty game.   I guess I will have to make an appointment to use the bathroom now.  HaHa.

The sign for the door says "Do not Disturb ~ Game in process"

Part of the fun of Christmas are the gifts that make us belly laugh.  What is is funniest or most unusual Christmas gift you have ever received?

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE

Our grandson Michael, his wife Candice and our two great grandsons  Matthew and Issac so "Light up our lives".  We attended a wrestling match the boys were in Sunday.

Michael is not only a great dad, but also a coach for the team.

Matthew had a sucker between matches and who would think it would light up!!

What will they think of next.  When the candy is gone, you have a little flashlight.

Love being with the family!

WATCHTOWER OF PRAYER ~ SUNDAY THOUGHTS

Isaiah 21:8  " Day after day, my Lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post."

Dear Lord, in my spirit, I will post myself on the watchtower of prayer and listen for Your signals.  I want to be alert to Your Word and Your actions.  Speak to me and give me clear direction, I pray.  I want to stay when You say stay, move when You say move and never, never fall asleep at my post."

Oh Lord, with our country in turmoil and fear, prayer is the key.  As Christians we need to be on the watchtower of prayer every day.  Lifting up our country, our leaders, our pastor, our teachers.  All the parents who influence family.  Lord help us to be faithful as the salt and light of the earth.

Help all of us who are called by Your NAME to be bold in our living and faithful to our post.   I love You.  Amen.

TRYING TO CREATE SOME FUN EACH WEEK

Since our Study on "Life Long Love" at church we had been trying to have more "Date Fun" time together.  Today we went to Old Town Monrovia and saw the early bird  movie "The Heart of the Sea" a take on the Moby Dick novel and directed by Ron Howard.  Excellent movie.  (Take a seasick pill before your go..HaHa)

Just down the street is a "Salad Bistro" I've been wanting to try so we had lunch there.  This is their "Veggie" sandwich.  Roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions.  Very tasty.

Don enjoyed his half.....

and I enjoyed mine.

Our Tristan is into "monkey's" since he is learning "Ten Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed".  Found this adorable one at the Toy Store next to the Theatre.  It's so soft and lovable, I can't wait to mail it to him.

A brisk winter day was perfect to see a movie and have lunch.  I think this weekly Date Fun will be something we are going to keep doing.

What do you do for fun?? 

TEA PARTY AT THE VILLA

The Tea Party at the Villa was a delightful success.  A first for the Villa and the first for most of those attending.  I used my hat boxes, tea books, pictures, my straw hat and a bouquet of fresh flowers for the main decorations.

•   A variety of scones, coffee cake, chicken salad mini sandwiches, fruit, banana bread, cookies and cream puffs.  All so yummy.  
• I chose my favorite cup and introduced these ladies to English Breakfast Tea ~ with cream and sugar.  
• Rosemary with the cup she chose.  
• Barbara liked my yellow rose cup and made the cream puffs for the party.

•  The food table
•  Some nice visiting.  
• Willie the maintenance man joined for a few minutes, and demonstrated how to hold their tea cup with a "pinky" finger.
• Priscilla is our "Key Lady" at the Villa if you get locked out.
• Irma is on the left and lives downstairs from us.  I didn't get the name of her friend.
• We used pump thermoses for the hot water.  Worked out very nice.
• Another view of the decorations.
• Cups, saucers, sugar bowls and creamer graced each table with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

I was humbled with the love and appreciation I was shown by everyone for hosting the Tea Party and make all the goodies except the cream puffs.   

One lady hugged me when it was over and said "I love you from my heart".  It brought a tear to both of us.  I'm so God planted me at the Villa and is giving me a ministry here.  (I almost felt like a Pastor's Wife again)

CHRISTMAS FUN WITH MY HONEY

 

Don and I were like a couple of kids in a candy store when we found a French Bakery in the Mall.  Glass case after glass case filled with the most wonderful pastries.  We chose a ham, bell pepper and cheese on a pastry, a hotdog with sweet mustard in a pastry shell and a yummy little strawberry/kiwi tart.

The top right picture was view from the bakery.

What took us inside was the "MERRY CHRISTMAS" sign in the window.  I'm a Merry CHRISTmas kind of person and was happy to see a business using this instead of Happy Holidays.

The French decorations were so cute including this old style bicycle on the counter.  Once we were outside, my dearest found a friend.  His birthday is next week and he wanted this real bad, but they wouldn't gift wrap and deliver, so I'll look for something else.

This is going to be a NO STRESS Christmas.  My package to Jill and family in Oregon is packed and on it's way to Oregon.   So now I can enjoy the next couple of weeks, baking and making mom's English Toffee.

A fun shopping trip is planned with my daughters and granddaughters and that should be a lot of fun, and hopefully finish off any gifts that are needed.

I hope you will take time to have some FUN!  It's such a joyful season that is turned into a stressful season because we tend to forget that CHRISTmas is a gift to enjoy. 

Villa Tea Party tomorrow.  I'll take pictures. 

CREATIVE TUESDAY

The theme for Creative Tuesday is "Old World Christmas".  I decided to draw a 1920's gal out doing some Christmas shopping.  Looks like she bought a "charlie brown" tree.  

Thanks Michael for a fun theme stretching our imaginations.

To see all the "Old World Christmas" from the participants of Creative Tuesday, just click on the badge on my sidebar.

I want her fur coat and boots....

(Done with pen and ink, and colored with prismacolor pencils.)

ODDS AND ENDS

 Getting ready for the Tea Party Wednesday.  Unpacked my hatboxes and washed a ton (not quite) of cups, saucers, teapots, sugar and creamers and plates.

Molly in her Christmas sweater.

"Carols and Cookies" at church.  At the end of the evening, the music director ask all of us that could to come on the stage for a final carol.  Can you find me?  ~ I think I'm on the left side of the lady in the red sweater.  Anyway it was a fun time and so many wonderful carols, and homemade cookies.

It's beginning to feel like Christmas.

FAMILY HISTORY

Matthew 1:1  "The record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ son of David, the son of Abraham."

In this passage we find name after name after name.  Many people reading this would skip over it as boring, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Dear Lord Jesus, what a wonder it is that You entered the human race as You did.  You chose to incarnate Yourself through a genealogy of mixed tribes and races, bluebloods and bullies, heroes and harlots, saints and sinners.  

Thank You for representing each person on earth, for identifying with every one of us.  Thank You Lord, for reaching out to me, here and now, right where I am.  I love You.  Amen.

It's wonderful reading the Christmas story from Matthew, Mark and Luke.   Each from a different perspective and together giving us the entire a peek into the greatest night in history.

Have a wonderful Sunday....

image from googleimages. com

Prayer ~ Maranatha Worship Bible

A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS

•  I have many Nativity Scenes, but not much room to display them, so this year I chose to put the Willow Tree Nativity on the coffee table along with our Christmas Advent Devotional.
•   The top of the hutch has a nice Christmas swag.
• My snowmen are on top of the microwave.
• The white Thanksgiving pumpkin, is now for Christmas.

• The table set with new Christmas place mats and napkins.
• The Stella Rose wine bottles are dressed for Christmas.
• Old Saint Nick holding a wreath and a doggie. (no it's not Molly)  HaHa

• A peek in the bathroom.  Lot's of red and green.
• Christmas towels I've had for years. (come out at Christmas)
• Never had a shelf to decorate in my bathroom.  Nice!

There is more, but just been very busy with family, church and Villa events.  Having a Holiday Tea next week in the clubhouse and had to unpack six hatboxes of teacups and teapots, creamers and sugars, and get it all washed.  Wow...I had forgotten just how much stuff I had packed away.

Also just finished the January Newsletter for the Villa as the deadline is December 15th.

How is your Christmas schedule coming?

**be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge.

A NEW LOOK IN THE KITCHEN

 When I was shopping at "Kirkland Home" with my daughter, I fell in love with these little Italian Chefs.  So for now the Roosters are pack away and my kitchen has turned into a Italian Villa.

Don't you just love my little chef holding the wine barrel full of my utensils.  Added the "bon appetit" sign over the stove and my red tea kettle.

 He's my favorite.  Sits on my counter with one leg hanging down and holding one of his masterpieces.  

A close up of the utensil holder.  They all work in nicely with my red Christmas Decorations.

Most of my decorations are up and the house feels and smells quite festive.  My new Rod Steward Christmas CD is playing and my CD of Christmas Carols just finished.

Can I be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!

OUR FAMILY THANKSGIVING ~

1.  The Dessert Table

2.  It was fun doing the dessert table this year.

3.  A Thanksgiving Feast to remember.

4.  Monique, Issac and Matthew.

5.  Michael and Candice (mom and dad to Issac and Matthew.)

6.  Our son Myk and his boys.  Kaleb and Elijah

7.  The coffee station with a little wine on the side.

8.  Getting in line for the Thanksgiving Buffet. 

9.  My sweet SIL Michael (Michel's hubby) and the platter of Turkey.

I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be thankful for.

MONDAY'S ODDS AND ENDS

1.  Cooked a green pumpkin.  Tasted like sweet potatoes.

2.  Potato Soup and a apple pie for two.

3.  Apple Pie for the Clubhouse party.

4.  On the balcony with sunlight in my hair.

5.  Vanilla Latte at MiMi's.
6.  Manager and daughter at Clubhouse party.

7.  Pecan pie for the Clubhouse party.

8.  Two bags of walnuts from our farmer friends.

9.  My dearest on our lovely balcony.

The countdown for Thanksgiving.  My girls and son are doing the dinner and I'm doing the dessert table.  Right up my alley.  HaHa.

Wishing you all a Blessed Thanksgiving.  I count each and every one of you a special blessing!!

SUNDAY SKETCHES WITH ALEXANDRA

I'm glad to be back from the whirlwind last month and ready to get back in on the fun of Sunday Sketches with Alexandra.

Because Thanksgiving is in a few days, I sketched an Apple Pie, some Apple Sauce made with those delicious fresh apples.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy all the flavors, fun, fellowship and family.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."  Psalms 100:4-5

Be sure and click on the Yellow Tree badge on my sidebar Sunday to see all the other Sunday Sketches.

THROW BACK THURSDAY

This is such a fun picture of my dad in his early years.  So young, so dapper, so romantic!  He was born in 1909 and passed away at 57.  Such a short life, for a man with so many dreams and talents.  Besides, being an inventor (never got any Patton's I'm sorry to say) he could make or fix anything.

When my mother passed away in 1991, at 79 (she never remarried)my sister and I found this poem our "romantic" dad had written to my mom, while she was away at a Ladies Church meeting.  She had left him his supper, and this was the note she found when she got home.

"The cake was good,

the apple sauce was better,

I was almost through

when I thought of the butter.

I ate and drank in an awful stew,

all because I was lonesome for you.

~ H.D. Dill

I've talked a lot about my mom and her influence on my life in my blog, but my dad had a huge influence on me too, and my love of reading, and telling tales (stories ~haha) was passed down from him.  He was a wonderful story teller, and kept us on the edge of our seat with his tall tales.

TUESDAY MORNINGS

For the last 8 weeks I've attended a Women's Bible Study at our Church on Tuesday mornings.  The theme was "True Women 101" which was a study of God's design for women and how to live that out in a culture that has a different view than the Bible in many ways.

It was a very thought provoking study and so interesting to hear 25 different ladies share their personal stories and their journey, like my own, to live godly lives in a culture that resists that goal.   It talked about passing it down to future generations.

I'm so happy my mom was a "True Women" in every sense of the word, and taught me so much.  In turn I've tried to live in front of my daughters that life so they would embrace and pass it on to their children.  Now Monique, my granddaughter is putting these things into practice in her marriage.  That's four generations.  That is the only legacy I desire.  

Are you involved in any kind of Bible Study?

ODDS AND ENDS

The last few months have been very interesting.  Many things we plan, and many things just happen and we are moved along by the situations and circumstances.  That was us!

Who would have thought we would have made so many trips.  One for vacation, and two for funerals of dear friends in the last month.

I must apologize for my absence from your blog comments.  I did have time to visit a few, but never seemed to have time to leave a comment.

I truly think things have slowed down, and I look forward to a week of visiting all of you and "leaving a comment".

Today I'll just share a few odds and ends.  I had the second cooking class at the Villa Clubhouse last week, but didn't get any pictures.  It was a good time.  We made my Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee cake, I showed them how to cut a fresh pineapple into chunks without making a mess, and we made a batch of candied walnuts.

The leaf candy dish above is filled with candied walnuts, and I can't walk by without nibbling on a couple.  Have a real easy recipe if anyone is interested.

A new coffee pot is gracing my Coffee Station....the old one was showing it's age.

The two apple pies in the picture were for Willie, our Maintenance Man here at the Villa.  I took him down a piece of apple pie last week with a scoop of ice cream, and he wanted to know if he paid for the ingredients and my time, would I make him two large pies for a family gathering he was having last weekend.  Of course I said yes!

Never been commissioned to bake a pie before....HaHa.

Have a great week and I'll be seeing you real soon.
  

FREDDIE

After three years, I had to say goodbye to Freddie, my little blue beta fish.  He was a good little fish, and greeted me every morning and even let me rub his back.

I knew he was getting old as he was actually turning grey and slowing down.   This morning when I went to feed him I thought he was sleeping under the shell (which he did often) but he wasn't sleeping, he had passed.

I just didn't have the heart to "flush" him.  So he is buried in a flowerpot on the balcony with his seashells and a little marker.  It crazy, but I was really attached to that little guy.

All of God's creation is special and should be treated so, don't you think?