Rock on the New Year!

Well, I spent Christmas day and the rest of last week sick as a dog. I'm finally starting to feel like like having some fun. Seth, Bill and I are spending New Years eve playing the kid's new Guitar Hero III. Gotta go practice being a ROCK LEGEND...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sale!

After Christmas Holiday Madness Sale at Poppytalk Handmade! Make sure to visit my table!

Still no posts...

I have a terrible stomach bug:(

A Different Kind of Christmas

My grandparents were in a car accident last night on the way to visit us for Christmas. Grandpa is fine but Grandma broke her leg and was transported last night in an ambulance from Kentucky to Vanderbilt hospital. The man who stopped to help them said that if you saw their car, you would be amazed that they are still alive. Needless to say, this will probably be my last blog for a couple days. Praise God that we will be spending Christmas in a hospital rather than a funeral home, and pray that my grandma(82) will have a speedy recovery and that we will all be sensitive to her needs over Christmas.

Save your Spot

A lot of people have been talking about traditions that they have in their family for Christmas so I thought I would share one of mine. My mom has saved this magazine from 1980 and every year she drags it out and we make these gingerbread place cards. It's fun to have something to do together and everyone in the family is happy to get a special treat at their dinner (and at our house, breakfast) spot.

Redesign

I have been helping my mom redesign one of her upstairs guestrooms and I was over there today putting on the finishing touches. I'm really happy with the way the room turned out and better still, my mom is very pleased. A job well done is worth doing!

Procrastination gifts

The time for ordering online is just about past (unless you do one or two day shipping) so I thought I would throw out my ideas for you procrastinators out there who need to run to the store and pick up that last minute gift for someone in your fam. If you don't live in Nashville, hopefully you have some of these stores in your area (that is of course assuming that someone is actually reading this blog.) Oh yeah, and for any family members reading this, don't worry, I didn't ruin your surprise. These are not what I actually got you for Christmas. You'll just have to wait to see what I've got for you under my tree..

Your Dad might appreciate this super cool watch from Rei. (It's on sale ,too)

Your mom might like a gift certificate to Ann Taylor Loft with the promise that you'll go shopping together after the holidays... or you could get her this cool sweater.


For your brother, a cool jacket like this brown puma cat from Buckle. (They have tons of jackets for sale at the store.)
And I'll bet your sister would love this shirt from Fossil.


Or this cute little hat.

Your hubby might like the Sopranos Season 1 Dvd set, or maybe he would like all the seasons.
For your grandpa, some comfy slipper socks from L.L. Bean.


For your grandma, a William-Sonoma soap/ lotion combo. Everyone needs soap! (and lotion;)

For the cook who has a life time of stuff in her kitchen drawers, I'm sure she can make room for these collapsible measuring cups.


I guess I'm assuming that people reading my blog are female, but if there are any husbands out there that happen to come across this post, here is something your wife might like: nifty dinnerware from Target.

Now, make up your mind to not be intimidated by all those nasty crowds out there and go get your shopping finished...Ahhh...It feels good to get all of that out of the way. Time to relax...

A Firefly in a Fir Tree

I found a little, tiny, threadbare book about the size of my palm amongst my Christmas decorations. The kids and I have had such fun singing this mouse's version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a firefly in a fir tree.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...2 silver pins, and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...5 bluuuuee bells...
4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 8 crickets singing, 7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...9 nuts for nibbling, 8 crickets singing, 7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...10 tree toads leaping, 9 nuts for nibbling, 8 crickets singing, 7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 11 feathers fanning, 10 tree toads leaping, 9 nuts for nibbling, 8 crickets singing, 7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...12 bees a-buzzing, 11 feathers fanning, 10 tree toads leaping, 9 nuts for nibbling, 8 crickets singing, 7 spiders spinning, 6 wrens a-nesting, 5 bluebells...4 holly berries, 3 thistle dusters, 2 silver pins and a firefly in a fir tree.

The Gifts

"Peter, Adam's Son," said Father Christmas.
"here, Sir," said Peter.
"These are your presents," was the answer, "and they are tools not toys. The time to use them is perhaps at hand. Bear them well."
With these words he handed to Peter a shield and a sword. The shield was the colour of silver and across it there ramped a red lion, as bright as a ripe strawberry at the moment when you pick it. The hilt of the sword was of gold and it had a sheath and a sword belt and everything it needed, and it was just the right size and weight for Peter to use. Peter was silent and solemn as he received these gifts for he felt that they were a very serious kind of present.
"Susan, Eve's Daughter," said Father Christmas. "These are for you," and he handed her a bow and a quiver full of arrows and a little ivory horn. "You must use the bow only in great need," he said, "for I do not mean you to fight in battle. It does not easily miss. And when you put this horn to your lips and blow it, then, wherever you are, I think help of some kind will come to you."
Last of all he said, "Lucy, Eve's Daughter," and Lucy came forward. He gave her a little bottle of what looked like glass (but people said afterwards that it was made of diamond) and a small dagger. "In this bottle," he said, "there is a cordial made of the juice of one of the fire-flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun. If you or any of your friends are hurt, a few drops of this will restore you. And the dagger is to defend yourself at great need. For you are also not to be in battle."
"Why, Sir," said Lucy. "I think -I don't know- but I think I could be brave enough."
"That is not the point," he said. "But battles are ugly when women fight. And now" -here he suddenly looked less grave- "here is something for you all!" and he brought out (I suppose from the big bag at his back, but nobody quite saw him do it) a large tray containing five cups and saucers, a bowl of lump sugar, a jug of cream, and a great big teapot all sizzling and piping hot. Then he cried out "A Merry Christmas! Long live the true King!" and cracked his whip and he and the reindeer and the sledge and all were out of sight before anyone realized that they had started.

-From The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waste, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17
"The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." Deuteronomy 1:30-31

A Paper House

Loft bedroom by MissMeshell

I am in love with Crust Station's Paper dollhouse project, which I found a link to through Ali loves Curtis. After seeing Carrie's post about little children's furniture, which got me thinking about dollhouses and then reading about Kristen's teeny, tiny paper Christmas tree, I have been pining for a dollhouse and a daughter to share one with. I especially love the paper dollhouse idea because as a child I spent so much time making my own paper dolls and hundreds of clothes for them to wear.

The Salle de Bain, Bathroom by Corey Amaro

Jigsaw Falling...

So, I found out the link I posted didn't work, but you're in luck because I was able to embed the video. Watch Radiohead's Jigsaw Falling Into Place below:

I missed out on the "pay what you want download" of In Rainbows, so I'll have to wait until it's traditionally released on December 31st (unless I pay $40.00 for their boxed version.) I really want this album on my ipod!

Christmas Carolers

Seth went to the door last night around 9:00 to hear muffled chattering and giggling on our front steps. When he opened the door he was greeted by a group of our sweet neighbors who burst into a rendition of "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer". I missed the carol, by the time I got the door, the song had dissolved into the chattering and giggling again.
They handed me a box of homemade cookies (which I promptly ate four of, then felt sick and had to go to bed), took a look at our remodeled floors and that was about it. But I have to say, it really made my night. After being shut inside for a week with sick kids during the Holiday season, there is nothing better than having people remember you. So, if you get into the spirit of Christmas, go lavish some cheer on your neighbors, 'cause from their point of view, it feels great!

All I want for Christmas...

Things To Do This Christmas Season

Make Christmas cards..............................-check
Do some early shopping............................-check
Decorate .................................................-check
Watch The Nativity Story with the kids... -check
Keep family well.......................................?????

That is one thing I can not seem to check off of my list. Elijah was home last week from school with the awful cold that I had, now Emet has got it. Seth says he feels bad and I definitely feel another cold coming on. On top of that, we had to pick Kaleb up from school early today because he threw up. Wha????
I really want my family to be well this holiday!!

Winter Concert

Kaleb played his saxophone in his first concert. I thought that the beginning fifth grade band was very good for only playing their instruments for about three months or less! I was one proud Momma sitting in that audience!
I got a little bit of one of their songs on film, but whenever I try to upload it onto Blogger, it shows in the preview, but not on the actual blog. What is up with that? Anyone have any tips?

Merry Cards

I finished making my Christmas cards (finally). I just purchased a blank pack of cards and then painted, pasted, stamped, drew and sewed on them. So fun. But I only made enough for the ladies in my Bible study group, so if you don't get one it doesn't mean that you are not my friend. It just means that I am going to have to be more ambitious next year and do two or three packs!

Or you can pretend that this is your card. On the inside it says:
(insert your name here),
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Love, Amanda

Poppytalk Handmade

I am part of the Poppytalk Handmade December Market! I will be adding a button to the right so you can visit there often and browse all of the cool handmade stuff. But for now, visit my shop by clicking here.

God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary...

We started our advent calender yesterday. I have included in each package three pieces of candy (one for each kid) and a piece of the Christmas story. We read a sentence or two every day, then put it together with the pieces from the previous days and on Christmas eve we read them all together.
The reason it starts on the 8th is because the first year I began doing it for the kids, I didn't think of it until the 8th, so I just made the calender from that day on, and I have been using it every year since...Next year I think I will start at the beginning of the month with a calender similar to this one.

Wishing for...

Dear Santa,
Here are some things that I am interested in this year. I know I can't get everything, but a couple of these things would be great with me. Thanks!
I really love these vino wine glasses from Crate and Barrel.
O.k. This is my big one. I eventually hope to have six of these chocolate brown counter height chairs for my dining table. I hope to get one or two for Christmas.

I really like these cable knit slippers. I think that they would look cute with some of my outfits around the house. I promise I won't wear them out, although it is quite tempting...at least they are not the furry hot pink slip on kind of slippers that I occasionally see on the feet of some "very stylish" women at the Kroger down the street...;)

I have asked for a house cleaner every year since I started my own household. And every year I have gotten one. ME! That's not what I meant! Hint, hint!

Anything that smells like this. The sensual amber line from Bath and Body Works.

Oh ,and I can't forget that I'm still waiting on these boots from Anthro
or I'll settle (happily) for these from Micheal Kors.

I was looking for this...

This is the picture that I was looking for when I did the post about resting. I couldn't find it then so I just used another picture that I took of a chair. So, I just found it.

Printer project

Pop over to my friend Kristen's blog to see the cool projects that she is doing using her printer! If you have a good printer, you might be able to do some cool projects too!

Resting

Today I had to do the devotional for our bible study, so I just shared something that God has been teaching me this year. Something that I have been trying to incorporate into my life on a daily basis. I thought I would just share the same thing with
you.
God is teaching me to rest in Him. He has been faithful to show me how to rest in Him and He has been showing me what it means to rest in Him. I think that it starts first by remembering who He is.
I remember a time when my oldest son was begging me to let him do something and he was trying to make a deal with me. "Mom, if you let me do this, then I'll do anything you want me to do."
I smiled to myself and started thinking of a little job that he could do, but Kaleb paused and then interjected "Well, not anything. I mean, you might want me to do something bad or gross, and I won't do that."
I know this was such a small, silly thing, but to be honest, my feelings were hurt! "Doesn't he know me?" I thought to myself. "I would never make him do anything awful! I can't believe he doesn't trust me!" I then had to remind him of who he was talking to. I reminded him that he can trust me because I love him and whatever I ask him to do, it will be something that is ok.
When God is asking me to trust Him, I think my restlessness and resistance is because I've forgotten who He is. God is righteous. He is just. He is merciful. He is powerful. He is love. And He has authority over all things! I can trust Him. That
is how I can rest in Him.
So what does it look like to rest in Him? What does it mean?
The verse that God is using to teach me is Matthew 11:28-29. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will have rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light."
When a young ox is being taught to do his masters field work, he is yoked with an older and more experienced ox. He basically just has to keep in step with the wizened ox while the elder directs where to go and pulls the plow. By getting into the yoke with Jesus, I am agreeing to come with him to do His work. All I have to do is walk where he guides me. The responsibility is His. Yet I get to share in the glory of the beautiful plowed field. I can quit doing my own work! Hebrews 4:10 says that "Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work just as God did from his."
Wow! Talk about freedom in Christ! This is it! To trust Him enough to go where he guides me and watch as He works a beautiful tapestry for His glory! True rest!

Christmas Shopping

I have done most of my Christmas shopping already, but for some reason I keep looking and shopping in my head! I have found some really cool things, and if I could afford to get everyone a bunch of presents, I might choose these. But alas, I'm out of money. So I thought I'd pass them on to you. Maybe you'll find something that will delight someone special in your life.
I love these stitched storage suitcases. They come in red, blue and pink. (x-sm.$6.50, sm.$8.00, med. $10.00, Lg. $12.50)


The Diana Camera from the Paper Source ($55.00)

I have been searching for someone to give this super cool melamine lunchbox to. From Pearl River ($31.50)

This key chain tool is perfect for any outdoors man. From Rei ($17.95)

A couple of these teardrop diamond hanging vases ($4.95 each)

A set of these bud appetizer plates from CB2 ($2.50 each)

This Almost Vintage miniature radio from Sundance ($25.00)