Had to Share

Prayers for Newtown

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Friday Letters

Normally, Ashley at Adventured of Newlyweds has a Friday love letters linkup, but she has decided to take off until 2013, so I am just going to write my letters for my lovely readers!

 

Dearest Husband, Thank you for making me feel like the prettiest and sexiest gal!  I really appreciate it even if I dead weight you while we are hugging :)  It's my crazy, stress-relieving self coming out! Speaking of that, thank you for dealing with my crazy side!  I've been totally bonkers lately.

 

Dear Little Man, You are cute as a button and will be spoiled rotten this Christmas!  I hope you remember to be grateful and always use those manners that I know you have.  I love you dearly and look forward to seeing your face on Christmas morning! 

 

Dear World, May your hearts be filled with love and peace this Christmas season and throughout the new year.  With all the pain in the world, I feel that the more we show respect and love towards one another, the better this world will become.  There is a lot of good in this world and we need to focus on that and spread it.  Smile at a stranger. Hold the door for those rushing around shopping.  Quietly tell someone if their zipper is down or tag is out. Speak the compliments you think.  Too often we don't express the positive things we are speaking (I tend to think someone looks awesome, but never let them know I think that.).  Just let the love in your heart exude through your words and actions!

 

Dear Coworkers, I will see you next year.  It's been a pleasure working with you, but I am in need of a break, so Peace!

 

Dear Mom & Dad, I love you and cannot wait to spend Christmas with you!  Thank you for always sounding soo excited on the phone about the holidays!  It makes me all the more giddy!  You are the best parents for me! 

 

Dear Siblings, I am so ready for the Christmas traditions to begin!  And I really want to hug and pile on each other while watching/reading just about anything.  If you want to give me a foot massage, you are more than welcome.  These tootsies of mine are kind of aching these days... wink wink hint hint!

 

Dear Grandmothers,  Your loving husbands are looking down on you and smiling.  You are wonderful mamas and grandmamas and great grandmamas!  May the love of your families fill your hearts and make the pain of missing you soulmates a little less.  I love you!

 

Dear God, Thank you for blessing my life in so many ways!  I am truly blessed to have a loving family, amazing friends, a good job, my health and a level head.  You are a great God and I put my trust in you now and always.  Please watch over those in need and fill their hearts with your love.  May they feel the warmth and joy of the Christmas season and know that you are holding them in the palm of your hand and smiling upon them.

 

To all those traveling, Safe Travels!  Here's a little prayer that my Granny always told us to say:

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear

to whom God's love commits me here.

Ever this day be at my side

To light and guard and rule and guide.

Amen.

 

Much love.

Coffee Talk: Week 15...Randomocity

Randomocity is this weeks theme for Coffee Talk with Nat from The Spunky Poser!  I love random and I really love this post, especially the last question because it's totally random and quite creative.  Love it!  Happy Thursday!! 

1. What type of phone do you have?

iPhone 4.  It's my second iPhone.  My first one was the 3G and it lasted me over 2 and a half years!  When the screen finally shattered after several falls, the 4s had just come out, so the cheapskate that I am went for the 4 for $100 as opposed to the 4s for $200.  I will not be upgrading until this one gets destroyed.  It does everything I need...text, email, call, instagram, gps. I'm happy.

2. Look to your right, what do you see?

 

Kindle. Remote. Camera in it's case. Tea Cup. Hubby's backpack and golf clubs.  It's an ugly sight, so I'm not taking a picture of it.

3. List 5 random facts about yourself...

• I have double jointed hips.  You may thinks it's cool, but when they pop out, it hurts. A. LOT. That is NOT cool.
• I have 5 siblings and there are 27 years between the oldest and youngest!  It's amazing!  I am a little sister and a big sister at the same time!
• I went to Catholic school from Kindergarten through my undergraduate education...that's 17 years! 
• I've NEVER dyed my hair.
• I am REALLY FLEXIBLE...I can bend back into a complete circle...feet touching my chest.

4. What is that one talent you wish you were great at?

I wish I could pick up an instrument and play it well.  I also wish I was bilingual.  If I could do one or both of those things, I would be so very happy.  (I am completely aware that these are attainable goals, but time just never seems to be there...I have too many hobbies that I love.)

5. My album cover.

Band - Ryehill, East Riding of Yorkshire

Album - "Nothing Ever Goes Away"

 

 

For the record, this last question is hands down one of my favorite things I ever did for a blog post!  This is totally up my alley! 

 

 

P.S. Follow my on instagram @xsarexbearx
Much love.

For Your Entertainment!

That's us as dancing elves!!!  I was in a dancing mood this evening and since I kept tripping over boxes and hitting light fixtures when I tried dancing in my living room, I resorted to ELF DANCING!  If nothing else, you'll chuckle when watching!

Christmas Traditions: Past & Present

Fond memories flood my mind when I think of Christmas as a child and even now as an adult.  I have been extremely fortunate to always have felt blessed and even spoiled around the holidays.  The love that my family has for one another and the pure joy that embodies us when we give that perfect gift to someone is extremely special!  I am one lucky lady to be part of such an outstanding family!  This year, I vow to soak in the moments a bit more, hug a little tighter, smile a little brighter, and be more present. 

Every family has traditions and I’d like to share some of mine as a child and ones I am creating with my little family here in Virginia.

{Christmas Tree}

Growing up, we always hiked out back on either the 23^rd or 24^th of December and topped a tree!  Yes, we never killed a tree, we always climbed a tree and cut off the top.  Needless to say, there are a lot of flat-topped pine trees around our house!  One year we dug a tree up and then replanted it because we couldn’t find a tree to top.  Over the years, the pickings have gotten slim, so we have been tying two trees together!  When it comes to decorating, the more the merrier!  Our Christmas trees are special and I love them!

While I don’t live in an area that allows me to top a tree at the moment, we do get a real tree and decorate it with the same passion!  If we own it, it goes on the tree!  Who cares if half the pretzels from little man’s 3^rd grade handmade Christmas ornament are gone?  His face is still adorable and the ornament is going on the tree! Mama has spoken!

{Bubble Lights}

These sweet little things are a tradition that comes from my mom’s side of the family and has been continued and passed on for generations!

{Christmas Eve Pollyanna}

We do a Pollyanna…it’s like a Secret Santa…between the adults in my family.  Once you are out of high school, you are considered an adult whether your maturity level matches or not!  Gramma picks the pollyannas and calls you up to let you know who you have this year.  You then go out and find the best possible gift in the $25 range for that person, wrap it and bring it on Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve is our big holiday party!  We don’t do much of anything on Christmas, but Christmas Eve is a whole different animal…14 grandkids, 20+ adults, some great grandkids, lots of animals, tons of fun!

{Christmas Eve Sleeping}

Every Christmas Eve growing up, we kiddos would all sleep in the same room…generally the large kid’s room.  The big kids would sleep on the ground in front of the door, while the little kids snuggled in the bed.  We felt so special to all be in the same room in our jammies!  Mom & Dad are smarty pants, that’s for sure!  To this day, all the kids sleep in the same room.  It’s tradition after all and I love me some traditions!

{Christmas Morning}

On Christmas morning the kids would wake up and wait until the hour struck.  What hour you ask?  The hour that Dad gave us the night before informing us of the earliest possible second we could wake him and my mom.  It was generally 7am, but sometimes we could whittle him down to 6 or 6:30 if we were lucky.  Without fail, the hour struck and the knocking began.  Mom and Dad are REALLY good at sleeping through knocks and saying “5 more minutes.”  Once they emerge from their slumber…of a few hours if they were lucky…my dad would tell us to wait in the hall while he went under the sheet and out to the living room to make sure Santa actually came…and to make coffee.  The entire time he’d make comments about who would be happy, who might be disappointed, and then constant sound effects!  It was torture as a kid and absolutely hilarious as a parent!  My dad rocks! A few minutes later he’d return to the hallway where we were all gather and we would all sing Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!!  This still happens and it makes me soo happy!

{The Sheet}

The sheet in the hallway mentioned above was hung by Santa every year because he didn’t want us running to the living room to see what he brought us without our parents there to witness our joyous faces!  I grew up in a rancher and from the hallway where the kids bedrooms were, there was a clear view of the living room…tree, presents, couches with Santa gifts, everything.

{Christmas Day}

All are welcome to come over, but don’t expect a clean house or properly dressed individuals!  We generally lounge among torn paper and piles of presents in jammies and some special new clothing that we were trying on for size and just never took off while Christmas music is playing and the TV is on…glorious chaos!  This year, I will be heading to visit my gramma at her nursing home because she isn’t well enough to leave, but I’ll be sure to show up looking special so she feels like she’s there!  Heck, I might even toss some torn paper on the floor, turn on some Christmas tunes and crawl into bed with her for our annual mid-day Christmas nap!

{Advent Calendar}

We have the traditional advent calendar with the Christmas verse and a piece of chocolate inside and then we generally have a special advent calendar.  This year, it’s a lego calendar and little man and his friends are in hog heaven!  Each morning before leaving for school, little man and his buddy can be found opening the advent calendars and playing with little lego pieces! 

This year I started a new tradition…{Hide the Pickle}  Little man loves this tradition.  The pickle has been hiding for a few days now because he hasn’t been able to find it.  Hubby hid it, I found it, but I will not tell little man where it is! 

These are just a few of the traditions I hold dear to my heart.  I'll try to take more pictures this year and update this post with some visuals!  I'd love to hear about your favorite Christmas tradition!

 

Much love.

 

In Loving Memory...

 

Much love.

Blog Day of Silence

Tuesday, December 18th, I will be participating in the blogging day of silence. Please do not hesitate to join in to honor the amazing men, women and children that this world lost on Friday in this terrible tragedy. God bless them and their families.

There will be no posts, only the button below with a link to the Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc in hopes of gaining more awareness for them. This corporation is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

Click HERE to donate to this group.

Any donations made will be donated directly to those effected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Much love.

Life this weekend...

Little man got sick at school on Friday, so we hung low all weekend, watched Christmas movies and football, made peppermint bark, read books, finished Christmas shopping, crafted, and wrapped a tons of Christmas presents!

 

My little pleasure, proud mama moment this weekend was watching Jared pick out his pollyanna present.  He has a girl cousin, so he couldn't run to the nerf section like he was able to do last year.  Today we went to the junior girl section and spent a good 20 minutes looking through all of our options.  Little man did a really good job putting together the perfect gift for his pollyanna.  She's a lucky lady! 

 

After our shopping was done, we came home and wrapped.

 

He's just learning to wrap presents on his own, so he used an enormous amount of tape, listened to my instructions for the first present and then said, "I'm just going to do it my way" and folded the paper like a little boy would fold the paper.  It was cute!  He chose his wrapping paper according to what he thought the gift receiver would like best too!  My heart swelled!  I love seeing a little giver evolve in children!

 

Little Lira just enjoyed having her family around all weekend!  She stares at us as if we are the most amazing people in the entire world...probably because we spoil her and love on her every second we can!  She's the prettiest puppy in the whole wide world (said in a baby voice)!

 

It's a little fuzzy, but you get the idea.  She's perfect.

This was my afternoon reality and I enjoyed every second of it!

 

 

Sunday evening we went to Mass and tears flowed once again.  My heart is broken for all those little and big angels that lost their lives on Friday.  May they feel the love of the Lord and be enveloped by his loving arms.  May peace be in their hearts and love surround them.  My prayers are with each and every person affected by the tragedy.  God bless you. 

 

After Mass, I needed some alone time to reflect on life, so I sewed.  I made a very girly apron for my niece.  I've been putting it off, but this evening just seemed like the right time.  She is a sweet, innocent, perfect little angel and I needed to think of her goodness and all the goodness that still exists in this world. 

 

 

The presents are wrapped, the Nativity is glowing, the tree is decorated and I am relaxing.  May peace fill your heart and prayers flow from you.  The world needs us.  God Bless.

 

 

 

Much love.

LOVE LETTERS {Day 12...last day}

It's the last day of love letter writing!! Can you believe it? For the final day of our Love Letter Writing extravaganza, we will be sending some love overseas to Germany. While More Love Letters doesn't usually send overseas, we couldn't resist wrapping it up with Justin's story. The family requested encouragement, words of affirmation, and just good ol' oozing love be sent to Justin at his military base.

 

{Justin}

"Justin is in the Army and was recently sent back to Germany, away from all of his friends and family. He is currently working through a divorce and is struggling with a few health issues. His family wrote, "He continues to serve our country on a daily basis and has to put his own needs and concerns aside. Justin could use someone to just come alongside him and say that it'll all be okay, that he'll make it."

 

Justin's Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

 

 

Much love. 

LOVE LETTERS {Day 11}

{Madeline}

“Madeline, due to depression and anxiety issues, left high school last year to home school herself. She has made some progress but has fallen behind in her studies and really needs some motivation to keep going even though she is falling behind even more everyday. Her letter request writes, “It was this time last year when she left school and I know she is very prone to become depressed again in the winter time. I try to involve her in social activities as much as I can as she will isolate herself otherwise but I think a little love from a stranger could really help her outlook on life right now.”

 

Madeline's Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

 

Helpful writing tips.

LOVE LETTERS {Day 4 & 8 & 10}

{Brandon}

“As Brandon was turning 23, and his adult life was just beginning, his dad was diagnosed with cancer. Hardly able to cope with the idea that his dad may not see him engaged, be at his wedding, meet his children, give him advice, Brandon did not want to deal with at all. He completely shut himself out. Only a few weeks later, Brandon’s dad called him. The doctor had told him he had three weeks to a month left, he wanted his only son to come see him. His letter requester, and loving fiance, writes, “Brandon was ripped apart, how could this be happening so fast? It took him a few days, but finally Brandon got up the courage to take the trip to spend those last few weeks with his dad. This has put a heavy burden on Brandon’s life, and I can see it in his eyes, and in the slowness of his movements every day. I want my beautiful fiance to know that he is loved by me and by the world, that he is not alone in his loss, and that he can still be the man that his dad was proud of. I want him to know it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to miss him, and that it’s okay to really laugh again. I need your help in healing both the boy I fell in love, and the man he has become.”

Brandon's Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473


{Maripat} 

 “Maripat is on the verge of retirement after a long and overworked career as a funeral director. She has served families in vulnerable moments for many years and, even as she grows older, she still commits most of her time to work. She is definitely slowing down, with aches in her joints, high stress, and an upcoming foot surgery …the whole family is waiting for her and her husband to retire already so that they can finally relax and enjoy the beach, their grandkids, and everything they have worked so hard for. We love nothing more than the chance to bless Maripat for her hard work with love letters this holiday season."

 

Maripat’s Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

 

{Hannah}

 

“Hannah is a senior in high school. She is in the midst of applying to college. Unfortunately, she may not be able to afford her dream school. Her best friend and the requester of this love letter bundle wrote, “She has also recently confided in me about a history of depression that began at around the start of high school. Hannah needs someone, if even a stranger, to tell her that she is really something. That she deserves love. All of it. Especially from herself.”

 

Hannah's Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

 



 

Much love. 

12/12/12

It's the last time in my lifetime...unless I live to 127...that the month, day and last two digits of the year will be the same. (There has got to be a name for that...probably something really cool and hip that just doesn't quite fit me!)

Well, in honor of 12/12/12, I went big...I signed up for my FIRST HALF MARATHON! Oh and I got $20 off because of the day! Heck yea!

This is how I'm feeling now...

Christmas {Photo} Challenge: Day VI VII

{Day 6: Stockings}

These are handcrafted by my hsuband's grandmother.  With each birth and marriage, a new stocking is made!

 

{Day 7: Snow}

 

 

That just looks heavenly!

Imagine being all bundled up and walking down this peaceful lane.

The snow calms the world.

 

Much love.



LOVE LETTER {Day 3}

It's day 3 of love letter writing! 

 

These letters aren't easy write, but they are rewarding.  I've had to think about life, how I can relate and try to determine what these very deserving individuals need from me.  Asking myself What can I give of myself today? is an important process in my letter writing.

Today's recipient is Maripat!

Here is her story:

“Maripat is on the verge of retirement after a long and overworked career as a funeral director. She has served families in vulnerable moments for many years and, even as she grows older, she still commits most of her time to work. She is definitely slowing down, with aches in her joints, high stress, and an upcoming foot surgery …the whole family is waiting for her and her husband to retire already so that they can finally relax and enjoy the beach, their grandkids, and everything they have worked so hard for. We love nothing more than the chance to bless Maripat for her hard work with love letters this holiday season."

If you would like to participate, please visit my past blog post for details! 

Much love.

Coffee Talk: Week 13

It's THURSDAY Coffee Talk time with Natalie at the Spunky Poser!  Let me just say that I am so happy that it is finally Thursday (almost wrote Friday).  This week has been extremely busy and will continue to be busy.  Going to bed early tonight is my number one priority today. 

1. How did you meet your partner?

We met in San Diego on a blind date…actually he was a pity fill in so that I wouldn’t be a third wheel.  The first two guys said No.  He said “I’ll give you two hours.”  Sucker!  Two hours has turned into 4 and a half years.

2. How did you feel about your partner when you first met them?

He was cute, funny and smiled a lot.

3. Where was your first date taken place?

Our first date was for $2 fish tacos and $1 beers at Longboards in San Diego.  From there we went to the House of Blues and saw a U2 cover band and Big Bad Voodoo Daddies.  While we were dancing, some lady told us we were perfect together.  J

4. Where do you see y'all in 5 years?

Five years…hopefully owning a home with a lot of land a few pups and a couple kiddos running around.  Hubby having a successful job and doing what he loves.  Me working with children and dancing.  Happy…very happy!

5. Show a picture of you and your partner!

LOVE LETTERS {Day 2}

The world needs more Love Letters and what better time to share love through the written word then at Christmas and the new year?!

I've joined the cause!

Please join me.

Just hop over here and sign up,
Or you participate on a daily basis.
I will provide the synopsis of the love letter recipient and an email address.

Today:
One. Whip out fancy stationery

Two. Clear out time to write your love letter
{Here are some Love Letter Writing Do's & Yikes, Stop that Right Nows}

Three. Sign, seal & drop letter in the mailbox to:

Barbara’s Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

“Barbara is in her early 60′s and suffers multiple health problems, including arthritis. She is a breast cancer survivor, and she often struggles with depression. Despite a tough life, Barbara is a joyful and tireless foster mom and full-time caregiver for 20+ adult dogs and several cats…not to mention her mother. In return for her extremely hard work for these dogs, she lives in the rural farmhouse-turned-home for animals, owned by the two beautiful folks who requested this love letter bundle on her behalf. They write, “when we first discussed this arrangement, Barbara asked if she could name the sanctuary. She chose the name “Second Chance” – not just because the dogs there have a second chance for life, but because Barbara felt as though she was given a second chance… to live in a home she loves and do work that feeds her soul.” Between the physically and emotionally exhausting work of caring for these animals, Barbara works long hours on the property itself, always striving to make it a beautiful, healing place of peace for the animals and visitors. We cannot think of a more deserving person to receive a random happy gift of love and encouragement than Barbara!"

She sounds like a super cool lady!

This is a wonderful way to give back :)

Much love.

Christmas {Photo} Challenge: Day V

{Day 5: Santa}

 

Santa, It's cold outside...

 

He sees you when you're sleeping.

He knows when you're awake.

 

 

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Every year we see Santa at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade and this year was no exception.  Santa looks great every single year without fail. I adore it!  Seeing little believers run up and wave to Santa is precious! 

 

Much love.

 

LOVE LETTERS

The world needs more Love Letters and what better time to share love through the written word then at Christmas and the new year?! 

I've joined the cause!

Please join me.

Just hop over here and sign up,
Or you participate on a daily basis.
I will provide the synopsis of the love letter recipient and an email address.

Today:
One. Whip out fancy stationery

Two. Clear out time to write your love letter
{Here are some Love Letter Writing Do's & Yikes, Stop that Right Nows}

Three. Sign, seal & drop letter in the mailbox to: 

Lezlie’s Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven CT 06473

“Lezlie is a hardworking individual with a heart of gold. Recently she was struck with major heartache. Her precious daughter passed away last January. Soon it will be the one year anniversary of her daughter’s death and this will be the first holiday season without her daughter. Her daughter’s 21st birthday would have been at the end of December. She needs some positive reinforcement as she goes through this difficult time. Please shower her with light and love to show her that she is far from alone during this holiday season."

 

She needs a little love this holiday season. 

This is a wonderful way to give back :)

 

Much love.  

Christmas {Photo} Challenge: Day IV

{Day 4: Tradition}

Bubble Lights!

 

 

They may seem tacky, but these little gems are family tradition!

My mom's dad used to put them on their tree growing up and one year, I think it may have been the first Christmas that my grandfather had passed away, my dad surprised my mom with these lovely little bubble lights all over the tree!  From then on, they had shown brightly every year!  As each child moves away, they without a doubt get bubble lights for their very own Christmas tree! 

I LOVE these lights with all their tackiness!

 

Much love.

Christmas {Photo} Challenge...Day I, II & III

So, I already missed the first two days, but that's ok because I was doing lots of Christmas decorating and light hanging on December 1st and 2nd!  Here goes my 25..errr 23 day Christmas Photo Challenge!  Feel free to participate!  If I knew how to do a link-up, I would, but I don't, so for the moment we are out of luck.

Source

{Day 1: Lights}

My Book Christmas Tree creation!

 

 

{Day 2: Decorations}

Our Nativity.

The most important Christmas decoration at our house.

{Day 3: Gifts}

These aren't my actual gifts, but this is a pretty good depiction of what the pile of gifts on Christmas morning will look like at my house!

Much love.

Pomegranate & Chocolate Holiday Treat!

Not a kid friendly treat to make for three reasons.  First of all, pomegranates stain clothing and skin and counter tops (temporarily).  Second, pomegranates aren't the easiest to "seed," but I have a trick that helps a lot.  Third, melted chocolate is a little hot for wee hands.  With that said, this treat is one of my favorites!  It's juicy, tart and sweet all at the same time!  It's like an explosion in your mouth! 

{These are great for those allergic to gluten.  My mom recently found out that she is, so I am determined to make fun holiday treats that she can partake in as well!  Now how does a glass of wine and a pomegranate & chocolate treat sound?!  Delightful, eh?!}

 

Ingredients:

2 poms

8oz bakers chocolate

(Any kind that you fancy!)

 

Step 1: Seed the poms  I do this over a bowl of cold water because the seeds/fruit sinks and the white skin floats.  I simply skim the top of the water to remove any skin that I may have missed. 

Step 2: Pour poms and water through a strainer, shake and set aside.
 

Step 3: Melt the chocolate in the microwave, over the stove, whatever method words best for you.  I generally heat water in a sauce pan, put a bowl over the pan with the chocolate in it and stir occasionally while the chocolate melts.
 

Step 4: Remove Chocolate from heat and stir poms in.

 

Step 5: Put teaspoon size servings of the pom & choc onto a cookie sheet covered in wax paper.
 

Step 6: Chill until ready to serve.

 

{The pictures I took of the finished product on the cookie sheet are blurry...probably because I was trying to juggle sticky fingers and a camera...}

 

Much love.

Friday Letters

This is new for me and I’m not 100% sure where it originated from because the posts I’ve read haven’t been linked to the original source.  If anyone knows who created the “Friday Letters” post idea, please do share.  I want to give credit where credit is deserved. 

Dear Friday Letter Creator, Thank you very much!  I think it is an absolutely wonderful idea and helps me to refocus and realize just how much I have to be thankful for! Dear Mother Nature, Thank you for giving me such a magnificent moon each evening and perfect weather during the day.  Dear Hannah, I love you darling!  You are such a wonderful friend.  If you need anything at anytime, please do not hesitate to ask me!  I’m here for you lady and I am super proud of you!  You are doing wonderful! XOXO Dear Husband, Thank you for doing 30 Day Shred with me!  It helps to have someone else along for the ride!  Together we will feel stronger and look sexier!  Dear Crafter Inside Me, Please come alive this weekend and help make our home look perfect for Christmas!  Dear Little Man, I’m ready for a fun weekend!  Dear Deployed Soldiers, Thank you for your service.  The holidays are hard for you and your loved ones.  You are in my hearts now and always.  Thank you for your sacrifices.  Dear Mom & Dad, Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  It was perfect and exactly what I needed to rejuvenate myself!  Dear Work, Please be kind to me next week.  This week has been extremely tedious and I really need a breakthrough.  Dear Dancing Feet, Please don’t mess up the Foxtrot.  We really need to work on that dance.  Dear God,  Thank you for being an awesome God and blessing me with so many wonderful friends and family and good health!

Much love.

It's ALMOST Christmas Decorating Time!!

This weekend my house will be completely Christmas-tized aside from the tree which will be carefully selected and decorated next weekend!  I am a fan of extending the Christmas decorating process as long as possible, but I also do not start decorating until the first of December.  Luckily, December 1st is a Saturday, so I can go full force and dominate the decorating!!  I am sooo excited!!

 

This year I have some grand plans for decorating and crafting!  Little man and I are going to be busy beavers tomorrow!  Here is a taste of what I have planned for us!

Sock Snowmen

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Glass Vases Wrapped in paper snowflakes with a little sea salt and a candle inside!

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 Christmas Balls mod podged with newspaper or scrap paper and rolled in sparkles!

 

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 Christmas Tree Made out of books with a little addition of big bulbed Christmas lights! 

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 Waterfall of lights in our dining area!

 

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Add tulle to our lights in our Nativity to add a soft glow

 

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I'm so excited to start decorating!!  I'll be sure to post pictures of the crafting process and of the final decorations!!  Happy Weekend everyone!!

 

Much love.

Coffee Talk: Week 12

It’sThursday people!!  The day before FRIDAY,oh glorious FRIDAY, and that means it’s COFFEE TALK TIME with NAT at OhEmGee! Isaw this coffee mug at my parents over Thanksgiving and knew instantly that itwas going on my blog, especially after such a rough week. The first full weekafter a short holiday week is always soo hard, so it was a "no-brainer" that thiscoffee mug spoke to me.

 

 

 

What is the meaning behind your blog name?

According to The FreeDictionary.com

Noun	1.	tinkerer - an unskilled person who tries to fix or mend fiddler unskilled person - a person who lacks technical training
	2.	tinkerer - a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts tinker experimenter - a person who enjoys testing innovative ideas; "she was an experimenter in new forms of poetry"

Tinkerer…I tinker in a lot of things all the time…not somuch machines, but I do play around with vacuum, dishwasher, dryer, lawn mower,and any little machine that may happen to . I dabble in photography, running, sewing, crafting, while I am seriousabout dancing, blogging, reading, cleaning, gardening…I rarely watch T.V.,despise sitting still and will try anything at least once…  Oh and I work full time, am a wife and step momand keep in pretty darn good communication with my friends and extended family.  Basically, I never stop and when I slow down,I am still tinkering with or planning something.  My mind is always on the move.  I think it’s a pretty neat place.

I. AM. A.TINKERER.

 

How long have you been blogging? What made you start?

I started blogging in January of 2010 because I wasliving on the west coast and I had a strong desire to have my family andfriends feel connected to me, but I didn’t have time to call and email picturesto everyone.   Here is my first blog post...read it and you will see that I NEVER stop and am a complete overachiever.  (Ignore the misspelling of "the" - I do in fact know how to spell that simple three letter word.)

 

What is your blog generally about?

Life.  My blogchanges as my life changes.  I writeabout what I think and do.

Do you have any funny blogs you would like to share?

Nope.  I haveblogs I love, but not ones that are particularly funny.  Sorry :/

 

What are your hopes for your blog?

My hopes are that those who read it, enjoy it.  I blog for myself and those who areinterested in my life.  I don’t blog formoney, although it has crossed my mind. I enjoy being able to take time off from blogging without feelingguilty. 

Much love.