It's a Wrap

Our Christmas was wonderful! We hosted our first celebration the Sunday before Christmas. There were 14 of us cozy in my little home. I only took one picture which was of the cousins. 

We ended up with a slight change of plans for Christmas Eve lunch. My mother in law suffered a fall and when she called and was telling us, I offered to host our annual lunch and gift opening. She was so funny... she said, "thank you, I didn't want to ask you." 

I may have had a slight moments of panic. As a planner, those last minute changes aren't always easy. Megan and I were talking about what to serve. She had several ideas and then I told her we weren't going to the store. Everything would come from our pantry and freezer. No problem. We were able to provide a nice meal. 

The afternoon went by quickly and before we knew it we were taking our annual Christmas Eve picture before we headed to bed. 

Christmas morning was wonderful. One of the good things about a teenager in the house is that you get to sleep in and have a slow morning. We opened presents and then had brunch. 

Megan and I may have even snuck in a nap before we headed to my parents. *smile* It was wild, crazy and full of laughter at my parents. My heart is full of gratitude and love.

For unto you is born this day is the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Wendi

Five Days to Go!

Five days until the big day! Are you ready or a last minute shopper? I'm ready.

A peek at a corner on my kitchen counter. I picked up the gingerbread house cookie jar to hold my morning tea bags. It's the perfect finishing touch for this area. 

With all of the sickness around here I finished Bens' ornament for his parents at the last moment. I love it!

We've been squeezing all the Christmas fun we can. 

We've driven around to look at lights and been watching many of the Christmas classics. 

The final cookies have been baked.

All of the gifts are wrapped. These are for our first family gathering on Sunday. 

Now it's time for me to sign off for the season. I want to be present and enjoy my time with my family. Before I go I want to thank all of you who stop by and read my ramblings, and a special thank you for every one who takes the time to comment. I appreciate you!

In the hustle and bustle, let's not forget the Christmas season is about His presence and not the presents. Merry Christmas!

Wendi 

Cookie Day

Saturday was our annual cookie day! We all showed up at my parents house ready to bake the day away. I also showed up with some small gifts.

 I've been wanting to do this for years, and this was the year. I gifted each family with a personalized cookie cutter.

The little boys were also given aprons. 

I'd love to show the cuties wearing them, but this girl didn't take many pictures. I had my phone in my purse, and it was nice to be in the moment.

The funny of the day was my three year old great nephew and his hoarding. He had his little car filled with ornaments from the tree and freshly baked cookies! Everyone got a good laugh out of this. Kids are funny!

We ended up baking eight different types of cookies. Plus two kinds of fudge. Everyone went home with trays to share. 

It was fun, chaotic and many precious memories have been tucked away.

Wendi 

Joy in the Ordinary

Some ordinary, yet joyful moments from my week.

The making of Christmas goodies has begun.  

The first item on the list was caramels. You can find the recipe here.  You won't regret making these. 

Being under the weather meant I was able to finish some books. 

The turkey carcass was cooked down. Oh my, it smelled soooo good. 

I was able to can five quarts and had enough left to make a turkey pot pie. Homemade stock makes such a difference. 

Megan and her bestie went to a basketball game and ended up on the big screen!

A bit of simple Christmas joy. 

Look around, really look around and you will find joy... joy in the every day, joy in the ordinary. 

Wendi 

 

Making a List, and Checking it Twice

The season referred to as, "the most wonderful time of the year" has quickly arrived. I want the season to be merry and bright, enjoyable, and meaningful. It's a time that can become extremely chaotic, if we allow it to be so.  In my 54 years on earth, one thing I have learned is that overwhelm, chaos, and stress are not my friend. 

I will let you in on a little secret...  90% of my Christmas shopping is done and wrapped. I would love pretty bows and ribbon, but the cat....

The calendar is pretty much set. So far we will have three Christmas celebrations, one that will be hosted in my home. A full Saturday of cookie baking with my sister, mother, daughter and nieces. One birthday dinner for my dad. Christmas Eve afternoon will be with my mother-in-law and her husband. I imagine that there might be an opportunity for another thing or two to pop up. We are trying to keep things pretty minimal. I know many might think, that's not minimal, but it is compared to years past. 

I've been making my list and checking it twice to keep things straight and stress free. The gathering we host is for the hubs family. We took it over after his dad moved to Florida. We finally took a stand the first year he announced they would be returning for Christmas. We told them we had plans on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We weren't available. It might sound unkind, but after years of putting their Christmas plans ahead of ours it was time. So, we usually host the Sunday before Christmas. 

I've made the menu plus the ingredient list for each item being served. Then I was able to determine what items needed to go onto the grocery list. I have been purchasing a little here and there. Here is where the well stocked pantry comes into play... my grocery list was short.

I also listed each item I will be preparing and the recipe. I want things to run smoothly the day we host. 

Last year we played a game and there were small gifts. I've been asked to do that again this year. The good news is my father-in-law sent me a check this year to cover food and gifts. That helps keep the budget in check. 

I also keep a list of everyone who needs a gift. I list what I have purchased and then put a check mark by the item when it has been purchased and then again when the item is wrapped.

I have found that checkmark to be very important. I no longer have to hunt for an item that I had forgotten was wrapped. 

Winter has decided to make it's presence know. 

We've had cold and snow. It sure is pretty. It makes those cozy night by the tree even better. 

I've been sick so I've had plenty of time to enjoy the tree and get small things done. The Christmas cards have been mailed. Sending and receiving Christmas cards is one of my favorite things!

If you are interest in exchanging cards, please email me at myheartisalwayshome@aol.com 

I found some cute gift tags on Pinterest. Here is a link if you're interested. 

I needed something for our treat bags. What did we do before Pinterest?! ha 

I'm off to take an antibiotic, get in some warm jammies and wait for my guy to bring home take out. The hardest thing I have left to do today is decide what Christmas movie we will watch tonight! 

Wendi 

Fear Not

I've had a lot on my mind lately. Actually, so much, that I wasn't in a great place. Lots of worry and anxiety. I think we can all agree that the world is in a stinky place. I don't talk about what hubby does for a living much. He works for a defense contractor. Although, he isn't a government employee, much of the company revenue comes from the government. It's been a ton of stress wondering how long the company can continue to make payroll with little money coming in. Add in some personal health items and it all really added up. 

I was reading this blog post. Grandma Donna is woman full of wisdom. Anyway, she shared this:

"Many of us today live with much worry, and for sound reasons. Whatever it is that causes us worry cannot improve by worrying about it.  There is a better chance there could be some improving our situation, maybe not the outcome that we want, but make it more comfortable while we are going through whatever this is and help those around us if we are not so tense with worry."

I pondered it for days. Talked a ton with Chuck and sent up many prayers.  I can honestly say I am in a better place. Thank goodness!

Anyway, regardless of what we may be going though, life keeps moving. 

 

Halloween we all gathered at my parents house. We shared pizza, handed out candy and the littles went trick or treating. Although they were all adorable, the beanie babies might have stolen the show! I made mulled cider and hot chocolate to enjoy as the evening cooled. 

I created the cutest toppers for the hot chocolate!

I've been busy getting things prepared for winter. All of the perennial and annuals have been cut back or pulled. It had been almost 24 years since I planted tulips in my front landscape. They weren't producing like they once had, so it was time for some new bulbs.  

Then the weatherman said our warm fall days were about to end. That meant we had to hustle to finish things up. Plastic was put up on the chicken run and they are now snug for the colder weather. 

I may have also did a little outside Christmas decorating. I hung the greens on all of the window boxes and put the faux trees in the flower pots that flank the front porch. 

It's a good thing we got our hustle on. This is what happened Sunday afternoon. 

I'm not ready for this!! Good news is that it should be back up in the 60's later this week. 

Wendi 

Joy in the Ordinary

 Some ordinary, yet joyful moments from my week.

An ordinary cupcake feels like fall with the addition of candy corn. Simple, easy, yet festive. 

Can you tell which one isn't a stuffed animal? *smile*

I adore toddler crafts! Ben was having fun until he got glue on his fingers. Oops!

The glow of flameless candles makes my home feel super cozy this time of year. 

Look around, really look around and you will find joy.. joy in the every day, joy in the ordinary things.

Wendi 

A Fall Weekend

It feels like fall is finally here to stay. Although I imagine we will have a few warm days here and there. It seems the trees started changing over night. I awoke and it looked like someone had been painting the green leaves. Simply beautiful!

The weatherman had indicated that our warm spell would end, so we made the most of the what might be our last 80 degree day. Chuck decided that he would burn a pile of brush Friday evening. A bonfire means roasted hot dogs and smores. 

The kids from next door were more then happy to come join us. That meant lots of burnt marshmallows! It's crazy how fast they go from golden brown to burnt to a crisp. 

It was such a lovely evening. We enjoyed the sunset and then sent the kids home. Chuck and I sat around the fire until it burned down. It was delightful!

Saturday we tackled a bunch of yardwork. Chuck tilled our garden and my parents. Spent flowers were removed, a little mulch was put down and weeds were pulled. There is probably one more Saturday of yardwork before we are ready for the winter season. 

I also put the last coat of stain on the shelves Chuck made for Megan. 

Saturday evening we received some much needed rain. It rained off and on Sunday which led to a temperature drop and a cool, blustery day. It was a great afternoon to work on laundry and make some comfort food. 

Fall break is over for our local school, which means little Ben will be returning after a two week break. It's back to the grind around here.

Wendi