Dolly's Dreamings

So grateful for the heating

I am so grateful that we have had our heating fixed as it is now very cold. It was 0 degrees last night and I promise I wont take the heatingf or granted.

 

Wallpapering was completed yesterday and so we had a day off today - whoo hoo.

 

I am also keeping up with the photo a day so far - yes I know it is only the 8th. But here are my first 8 photos. I did photo a day 365 in 2009 and in 2013. This is my biggest yet as it is 366!!!! OK so it is only one day more. 

 

I have a couple of new pages made for classes I was teaching for ATDML a little while ago that I haven't shared here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• a day off decorating
• heating
• projects completed.

 

Finished - and a sense of pride

It is over ... finished ... complete

 

done done done done done.

 

My project 366 is complete and if anyone ever hears me saying I plan to do it again .... shoot me.

 

OK so it is fun to begin with and it is fun the days we do stuff and it is fun the days I remember but I am never ever going to aim for a picture a day again.

However, I have enjoyed the weekly pages and I will love looking back through the album. Nigel is thrilled - well he would be .... it was his idea to do it again.

So, my danger time will be in two years time, when I have forgotten the pain and think, 'ooh that's an idea, lets do a 365 album again'

Remind me!

So, it is will both pride and relief that I post the final three pages.

 

 

 

 

 

I ended the journalling with one of Nigel's favourite phrases..... 'It's us against the world and guess what ... we are winning!'

If any of you are thinking of the project it is rewarding - mostly - and it is a fab record to have. But be warned - it will seem a long old year.

 

Today I am thankful for

• having had a fabulous Christmas break. I feel energised, resed and ready to resume work
• finishing a big project - it was tough but I am proud I have done it
• a clear desk ready for school work not scrapping work

 

Ikea revisited

The day began beautifully with a coffee - cold in our case - with some friends. A nice way to start off before we headed back to IKEA. Oh yes - two days running ... we know how to live.

It was, however, largely a good visit as we got everything we went for plus a few things we didn't.

We are re-jigging a spare bedroom and kitting it out with a sofa bed and more storage. They had everything in stock and it all fitted in the car except the sofa bed of course.

We went to arrange delivery for it and they surprised us by saying that we can have it tomorrow. Amazing!

We also managed to find the perfect plastic storage box for all the wrapping paper that was stored in one of the under bed drawers. And, the icing ont he cake, I THINk (I will believe it when it happens) that I have already sold the bed. We were worried about how we would get rid of it - let alone sell it. I looked on Gumtree and someone was looking for double beds. This happens to be a very good one and almost new and they said they want it and will come tomorrow. we'll see. It all seems to be going a little too well.

The downside was I was rishing when I bought some of the storage cubes and two fo them are not storage cubes but another sort of very bizarre storage. I can't face going back! I will find a way - some way, somehow, to adapt it!

When we came home we took all the decorations down and tomorrow is going to be a day of dismantling beds, building furniture and sorting - but I am sure it will be worth it. The trouble is we haven't had the nerve to tell Fiki yet. The spare room we are re-doing is 'his' room. Oh yes, he has his own room.

When we bought the KFH they were kept in the spare room, sleeping in there, with the door firmly shut, for the first three years of their life. They used to do so much damage if left unattended in some rooms that it was easier for them to sleep in there. And they loved it. They would go running in there at bedtime, knowing it was time to snuggle up. Although Kira almost never ever goes in there now, Fiki sleeps in there every day and every night. He has his own blanket on the top of the bed which he wraps himself in during the day and although he could sleep anywhere in the house at night he choses to sleep in there. He is not going to be happy when 'his' double bed goes. Tomorrow is not going to be an easy day!  He doesn't really like us going in 'his' room so mmmmm - fun ahead I fear.

 

This is what you suually see - a rolled upo sausage with a Fiki in it. Never had a cat do this before. He feels the cold terrible and does roll himself up in his blanket

 

 

And him slowly waking up

 

 

I can't understand when people say my cats are spoilt!!!

 

I have two more pages of my Project 366 to share - almost at the end now.

This was week 48 and week 49.

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• NOT having to go to IKEA again tomorrow! (said with everything crossed)
• IKEA having everything in stock
• Coffee with friends
• The ability to want to throw the occasional thing out
• A wonderful Christmas - now all packed away for next year.

 

 

 

Happy New Year

 

Happy new year everyone - for the second time as I deleted the entire post when adding the LOL cats.

 

I guess it is a good chance for me to put one of my fresh new resolutions into play right here and right now.

#1  I WILL NOT get stressed out by inconsequential details. I will take them in my stride, smile at them and move on.

 

So when I swore at the stupid computer just a moment ago it didn't count. Right!

 

Before I move on to the new year - first out with the old and I want to share my final project 366 photo (and possibly my last ever attempt at 365/366 as it became very irksome towards the end of the year this year)

 

I knew what I wanted to capture and was so chuffed I got the exact final second of 2012.

 

 

The first day of this fresh new year dawned bright and clear

 This was the view as I headed out of the front door this morning and it was just too pretty not to snap.

 

 

We went, as you do in a brand new year, to IKEA as new year means new style and we are changing the spare bedroom and replacing the bed with a sofa bed which will give more space and storage.

 

We found exactly what we want and lucky us we get to go back to IKEA another day this week. OK so that was said with just a hint of sarcasm.

 

We came home through the forest as it was such a gorgeous day. We had honestly just been commenting on the fact that having seen a sign warning about deer we had never, in all of our 40+ years, seen a wild deer int he forest. Other places yes, like home, school, the heath, Arne and wareham, but never the forest.

As we had just said it we saw a group of deer running through the trees and then, as we slowed as we could see them veering round, they ran across the road in front of us.

 

 

The hunt were also out in the forest

 

 

 

and I have two more weekly project 366 pages to share as I am determined to upload all of these before the end of the week.

 

 

and

 

Today I am thankful for

 

• a new year with all the hopes and possibilities that brings
• our local National Park and all of its beauty
• IKEA - well it is fun
• no more project 365 pictures to take

 

 

 

and my favourite LOL cat for today

 

and this year my page a day calendars are different - sorry no lovely stories.

 

I have a bible page a day

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.¶  MATTHEW 6 : 33

and a ZEN page a day

There is a beginning. There is no beginning of that beginning. . . . There is something. There is nothing.

Chuang-tzu

and also a Women calendar and a trivia calendar so I will pick from one of them each day.

Have a wonderful happy and healthy 2013 everyone xxx

 

 

A Year reviewed

2012 draws to a close and it is time to reflect on what the year brought with it.

I have been doing just that today as I completed the final page for our 2012 album. It has, in many ways, been a very challenging year for us, but rather than be brought down by the things we have had to face and deal with, we have, instead, spent the year focussing on the blessings. Calamaties there may have been, but in the great scheme of things most were minor and, most importantly, we dealt with them.

The year began with a whole series of electrical and mechanical problems. The fridge was the first to go and it was a toughie to replace. We love our fridge, having always wanted a proper American style fridge. I rarely drink much else other than water and I love ice in it, so to have the ice dispenser is a god-send. We wanted a big fridge so badly we redesigned the entire utility room to house it. So when it went it had to be replaced and it was a big investment at a time when money was not in endless supply.

However, we replaced it and we love the newer model even more.

The problems with the fridge were followed by a boiler issue, a cable box failure and a very dodgy internet connection. Then there was Nigel's car. Whilst washing it the valve on the tire just sheared right off and then there was an electrical problem it has to go to Chrysler hospital for. Even that wasn't simple as a small part they were fixing dropped into the engine and the whole thing had to be taken apart and rebuilt - that bit was thankfully at their expense - and Nigel was without his car for 6 weeks. Finally the windshield had to be replaced just last week.

However, the mechanical issues were all resolved, none were life threatening and everything ended well. And on a sort of mechanical note, this was also the year I got a new computer and we both had i phones which have transformed so much. Good technology!  

 Then there were the health issues. They began in January with norovirus (and I wouldn't wish that on anyone ... and it was made even worse living with someone vomit phobic as Nigel is)

It was followed by a reasonably significant health scare for me as I had to go and have tests and - perhaps worse - wait for results to see if the problems were cancerous. The weeks of waiting were awful but the blessing was that the tests were all clear. I don't think we really realised how worried we had both been until we no longer needed to worry.

 

 

However the defining moment in many ways was a simple picnic at Durlston Country Park when I broke a tooth. I had NO IDEA what lay ahead.

 

It wasn't painful but it did have to come out. I am terrified of dentists anyway so it had to come out under sedation and, for whatever reason, it developed into a dry socket and then an acutely septic socket resulting in hospital visits, morphine and the worst pain I have ever had in my life. I have shattered my leg and I would rather do that again that have that septic pain. Hell on earth ... but over. That's the main thing. It was horrible, painful and debilitating but not serious, not life threatening and was treatable.

Having not had a fab start we did have some awesome times this year. We made a pledge, thanks to our wonderful neighbours, to go away more often - just one night at a time - and have had some great nights away in places such as London, for the Harry Potter Studios tour

 

 

Bath

 

 

Stratford and the Costwolds

 

London

 

and most recently Ramsgate!

 

We have been on some fabulous day trips and made the most of our National Trust passes again

 

 

 

 

 

and we even managed a holiday this year - going over to Florida and having what we both feel is the best holiday there we have ever had (and we have had a lot of Florida holidays)

 

Everything was just perfect this year.

 

We loved the resort as much as ever

 

we had our best visit to the Magic Kingdom

 

we met Nigel's cyber friend Mike

 

and we BOTH swam with dolphins

 

Our home continues to be a blessing and we love being in it. This year the new bird feeder has brought us hours of joy and we have enjoyed the other wildlifee too which has included squirrels, deer, sand lizards, a rather BIG adder and 'our' cows that graze right next to us.

 

 

The cats are one of our greatest joys. Boo is completely deaf now and her sight is impaired as she has cataracts. She rarely ever leaves the study but looks healthy - though painfully thin - and is very happy.

 

Kira's eye is now almost completely pigmented but it doesn't seem to bother her and the vet and we have agreed to no treatment at this stage. There is no way to tell if it is malignant other than by removing the eye and that is not something we are prepared to do whilst it is uncertain and not causing her any trouble. Her allergies are under control and she is a joy to be with each and every day.

 

We had bad news about Fiki in the summer as he has been diagnosed with PKD which is a life limiting condition and it means he will go into renal failure. I spent the first few days after the diagnosis in tears, but whilst it is still a bit like living with a ticking time bomb as we KNOW it will happen we just don't know WHEN, we are now just enjoying every day with him to the max. He is as gorgeous as ever, although now it appears his weight gain may be due to another condition, this time hyperthyroid issues. Ah well. No doubt we will deal with that too.

 

The three of them are a joy that we are grateful for each and every day.

Nigel's work is now far more frequent. he has built up a good business working with several agencies and is now so much happier that he has a more regular income coming in whilst still having more flexible time to ensure a better quality of life for both of us. He is incredibly talented in so many ways and it is so rewarding to see him get the credit for the things he does.

 

 

My own work has continued to be hard with long hous but really is the most rewarding job in the world and I count my blessings every day for the chances I have and the work I get to do.

 

I also count my blessings that my faith continues to be stengthened, that I have learnt to hand things over and not let them worry me and that I am a stronger person for it.

And of course, our greatest blessing of all remains each other. No matter what is thrown at us we cope because we cope together ... and I fear more than anything the day one of us isn't there to help the other.

We really were incredibly lucky to each marry our best friend and to have a life together where we, I can honsetly say, there isn't a day go by where we don't laugh together, where we don't enjoy being with each other and where we don't count our blessings.

 

 

 

and here are the pages for my 2012 album - singly and then together as they will appear in the album (looks odd as they are in a portrait album not a landscape album

 

 

 

2012 - a GOOD Year

So all that remains is to thank all of you who have been visiting all year - it means a great deal, no matter why you visit.

Thank you for all of the lovely comments, the e mails and the friendship

 

I hope that 2013 is a year filled, for each and every one of you, with health and happiness, love and laughter. xxx

 

 

and the very last Page a Day inspirational page

On a frosty winter’s morning, a hand-lettered sign stood at the entrance to the old man’s driveway:
SALE. Inside, the old man waited for buyers. To his right, a guitar sat on a stand. The tag said $75, strap included. An assortment of chairs, a table, a coffee urn, all priced to sell, were stacked to his left.

“People just didn’t come,” he said with a sad shake of his head.

My thoughts flew back to the time, three years earlier, when I first saw the other sign, the one the man had so cleverly contrived out of a system of ropes and pulleys. The huge letters rose from the top of the
concrete-block building a few steps from the old man’s house: free live music. everyone welcome.

The sign had gone up every Friday. One evening, on our way home, I convinced my husband, David, to stop. Bluegrass music spilled from the door of the building. Inside, we discovered musicians of all ages, playing their hearts out to an audience of seven.

“Have some coffee and sit a spell,” the old man had urged. But we were in a hurry.

“Can’t stay now, but we’ll be back,” we assured him.

Well, three years later I was finally back, and it was too late. Every Friday night, less than a mile from my house, the music had been free. But my days were too complicated, and in the evenings I was too tired to stop and listen.

Today another sign is up: NEW YEAR AHEAD. Our Father’s music is alive in a sunrise, a bevy of birds
gathered outside the kitchen window, a chance to hear an old-timer’s story or a young child’s imagining—it’s up to me to stop and listen.

Father, with gratitude I accept Your gift of life this eve of New Year’s Day.—PAM KIDD

 

And we are done ... with a day to spare

The final 2013 calendar is complete.

A combined effort this one as Nigel did the calendar bit and I did the picture bit and I have to say it looks fabulous.

Good team work.

These are the picture pages

 

 

A long job but a job worth doing.

 

I have a few catch up photos of the day as well - and that is another job I am jolly glad to see the back of it.  I did it in 2009 and swore I would never do it again but was urged on by Nigel who said he loved the finished album. If anyone hears me mention I might like to do it again in a few years time .....STOP ME!

 

I still have the last couple of weekly pages to do but we will have another project 366 album to look back on.

 

the 27th was a new free download from Starbucks - yes not just coffee but free downloads each week too and this book was a good one.

 

 

A £2 Primark necklace to be broken up for embellishments. Good value at that price.

 

 

 

This local road is so famous for its lights it was even on TV this year

 

New boxes I fell in love with today ... I have a weakness for pretty boxes. No idea what I will put in them but they were too pretty to leave behind.

 

Today I am thankful

 

• all calendars are made
• Only one more photo a day left
• boxes and prettiness
• silver nail varnish

 

 

and I would say yes yes yes yes yes to this one

 

 

Satiated and sleepy ,,,, and a sale or two

Happy Boxing Day everyone.

For my friends across the pond I know this is a very English Tradition - I guess a bit like your Black Friday.

Our Boxing Day is usually a stay at home day but we had a lovely stay at home day yesterday so we did venture out today.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas Day with all that you hoped for .... and ot just the gifts. I hope your tummies were full of food, your arms filled with gifts, your homes filled with laughter and your hearts filled with love. Our certainly were.

 

We had a fabulous day. For the first time ever it was justt he two of us and it was fabulous. We had a not getting dressed day, donning 'holiday' PJs and slobbing out. A champagne breakfast, a huge Christmas lunch (I am a poor cook really but one meal I excel at is Christmas lunch) wonderful gifts, the watching of inane Christmas TV and the playing of games. All in all a wonderful wonderful day and so relaxed and stress feee.  Some photos from yesterday and today

 

 

 

The cats had a wonderful day and whilst Fiki inevitably got over excited and had to go to his room a bit to calm down, Kira was an absolute joy all day, never leaving our side and being as good as gold.

 

They had their own presents

 

 

 

 

and this one which is a warmer, from Aunty Dawn

 

 

which Boo has taken as her own

 

We copied Pauline and bought one of the special M and S Gold Christmas puddings which was amazing - It comes with it's own gold dust too LOL

 

 

 

Utterly delicious though we will be eating it for a while yet

 We were all pooped and this kimd of sums it up - the 'boys' having a nap except Fiki waked up real easy .... sometimes

 

and other times not so much

 

 and this one shows he really does light up our lives

 

and two JYC pages

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd like to say a huge thanks to Barb for all of her comments all year and to let Mike know I do always see your comments on here too and they mean a great deal

 

I know you will be all gifted out, but heck - everyone likes a bargain and a sale right! And I have two great sale pieces of news for you.

You can make huge savings on Dawn's wonderful goodies by popping over to her store here

 

 

 

 and there are also retirement sales over at PBP here

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• The greatest gift that we all received at Christmas over 2000 years ago
• The many many gifts I received this year
• A quiet family day to share together
• The joy the cats bring endlessly
• Christmas food - Oh my!

 I HAVE to share this LOL cat too because those of you who know me well know I love my puns

 

 

 

 

and finally my Page a Day Calendar page for yesterday

It was Christmas morning. The dining room table was set with antique lace and hand-me-down china. The living room was arranged to suit the tall tree hung with years of treasured ornaments. Our children, home from far away, gladdened my already glad heart. I was fussing with the napkins when my husband, Whitney, strolled into the kitchen and hung an arm around my shoulder. I rested against him, savoring our gift of each other. It came wrapped in trust, as does the Christmas story.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said, first to Mary, then to Joseph. Joseph wanted to believe his betrothed, but he was afraid. Then the angel spoke, and in the morning, he got up from his fear and took Mary as his wife.

A year earlier, I had been in my apartment, waiting for God and reading the Bible. “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NIV), I’d read. Do You mean even my troubled marriage, Lord? The thought of giving it another try flooded me with fear: fear of rejection, fear of change, fear of dealing with problems, fear of my fear.

Then a dear friend who’d been divorced for years gave me a nudge.

“The thing to do is to get up out of your fear and take a step in the direction you think God is leading you. If you’re wrong, He’ll still be there. Trust me, I know.”

Now my mending marriage had brought us together as a family around the Christmas table. Our plates piled high, we held hands while Whitney asked the blessing. “Thank You most of all,” he said, “for new
beginnings and the courage to start in on them.” Laura and Sanna squeezed my hands. I squeezed back and looked at Whitney across the table.

God, thank You for the light of Christmas that banishes fear and brings me the hope of new beginnings.—SHARI SMYTH

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

And so Christmas is almost upon us.

Presents are bought and wrapped, cards written and sent, carols sung, food prepared, tree up (and down and up and down and up again!) decorations on,  and all is hopefully ready for the special day that is tomorrow.

And whilst I love every single thing about Christmas, ad I mean EVERY single thing from the food and the smells of cinnamon and spice, to the tacky Christmas songs, the beautiful carols, the hustle and bustle, the excitement that permeates the air, the christmas food, the cards, the parties, the services , EVERYTHING .....  I try and keep firmly in focus what really matters and why we are celebrating.  And as the children so beautifully reminded everyone this year ... don't forget the manger.

 

 

I have my photo of the day from the Christingle Service

 

 

and my JYC page shows the crib in church

 

and I do want to share some lovely poems.

Twas the night before Christmas is a very special poem int his house, read every year on Christmas Eve ever since I was born. Mommy used to recite it to me and when I was 4 I was givent he book and still have that book. I made a Night Before Christmas Box for our mantlepiece years ago and Nigel recorded an audio book of it where his voice reads the story as you turn the page. I love that poem as it is part of my Christmas traditions.

 

I thought I would share some of the alternative versions .... and there are lots ... that I love.

 

The Night Before Christmas
A more spiritual version of the famous Christmas story

By: Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N

 

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;
Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.

The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn't bother, there's no room they said;
When even the innkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay.

He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
Lets go there said Mary, it's silent and still;
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go.

And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Savior was born on that first Christmas Day!
The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love.

More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came;
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;
Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel.

Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give;
The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens and unearthly light.

The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear,
It's Christmas they said, the Savior is here!
They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.

He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Never did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too.

Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day;
Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!

 

Tis the Month Before Christmas

 

Tis the month before Christmas, we're all going nuts;
With so much to do, there's no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.

Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven't a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.

With all our mad dashing, we're reeling from shock;
Let's stop for a minute and really take stock.
It's crassly commercial, the cynical say;
If that's true, that's our fault-it's us and not they.

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems—
Enjoy your kids' laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don't get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What's important to feel is a child's sense of glee.
The holidays aren't about push, rush and shove;
They're for friendship and sharing and family love.

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

 

The REAL Night Before Christmas
(By Parents)

 

Twas the night before Christmaswhen all through the house
I searched for the toolsto hand to my spouse.

Instructions were studied and we were inspired,
in hopes we could manage"Some Assembly Required."

The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
while Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
a kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot!
And now, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!

We opened the boxes,my heart skipped a beat—
let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!

Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
if we can't get it right, it goes straight to the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear
but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,

With each part numbered and every slot named,
so if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
all over the carpet they were scattered about.

"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
to keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
with "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
till our eyes, they went blurry; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,
we fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
and not run to the store for one single thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
for the perfect, most magical, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose
I gratefully went, though I suppose
there's something to say for those self-deluded—
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!

 

 

Finally a couple of pages from my Project 365

 

 

 

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and I wish you all the blessings of Christmas.

xx

 and finally the page a day calendar page for today

The journey that began the December night I received my child’s frightening medical news continued into the next summer.
One evening, I was sitting at the end of a dock beside a clear mountain lake. A few last rays from the setting sun tinted the scattered clouds, which earlier had brought a light rain. I was praying yet again for my child. Suddenly, I flung my open arms to the sky and spoke to Jesus with complete conviction: “If
You have allowed it, then I can trust it.” It was my way of giving up my child to Him, of giving up my desire to say how this should end.

No sooner had I spoken than a magnificent rainbow formed right before my eyes, filling the sky
with color. I wanted to leap into the air and run under that rainbow, treading the clouds. I still had no answer for our family’s crisis, but I had hope.

Six months later, after another Christmas celebration of the miracle of the Christ Child, our own child received miraculous news of perfect health!

Even in the dark times, Mary had a hope anchored in that first angelic promise: “Of his kingdom there shall be no end.” I believe this hope supported her from the flight into Egypt clear to the foot of the Cross. For all her joy in holding her Bethlehem baby, I picture her most keenly, even at Christmas, rushing into the outstretched arms of her risen Son.

Jesus, You give such hope and power and purpose to Your people! The tiny flailing fists of Bethlehem have become the strong arms of my salvation.—CAROL KNAPP

 

 

 

Wet and windy and wonderful

There is something lovely about a day indoors when it is wet and windy - I love it.

I finishd the calendars today - well apart from the slimline for the kitchen - and so they are the photo of the day - just a digi view of the pictue pages all together.

and they are also the focus of my JYC as making them has become a bit of a tradition here for us.

 

 

and

 

I also ought to share a few of the weekly pages as I need to get them all posted before the end of the year or else I will feel I have failed to meet my own self-impossed deadline!

This was week 41

 

and week 42

 

Today I am thankful for

• wet windy days to cozy up indoors
• a special christmas present for my cats and one we allowed Kira to eat as it looked 'safe' and so we have everything crossed she will not react

 

And before my page a day calendar page I have some of the cutest pictures ..... you know you are really tried when THIS happens (and i so remember when the CFH were babies and they would fall asleep anywhere and everywhere - just drop dead to the world)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MYSTERIOUS WAYS
I was sitting in the living room of my parents’ home, sipping eggnog and watching my two kids, ages three and four, play on the floor by the Christmas tree. A perfect Christmas afternoon. But then my husband, Mark, called my name. He looked ill. “What’s wrong, dear?” I asked.

“My wedding ring,” he said, holding up his hand. There was only a faint white line on his finger where the ring had been.

Earlier that morning, Mark had dressed our kids while I packed the car with the gifts and our overnight bags. It was a three-hour drive, and it wasn’t pleasant. Our car was old and the cold temperatures and gusty winds outside overpowered the heater. When we got to my parents’ house, Mark hurried the kids inside to get them warm while I unloaded the gifts. Despite the rough ride, I was in cheery holiday spirits.

Not anymore. Everyone searched the house. We checked Mark’s coat pockets, felt inside the gloves he wore. We looked on the floor and seats in the car. But the ring was gone.

We sat back down in the living room and began opening presents, but I was in no mood. God, I prayed silently, help me to overcome this and enjoy myself.

“Psst,” Mark whispered, “Where’s Mom’s present?”

I glanced at the gifts I’d carried in. “Oh, I must have left it in the trunk!”

I walked out to the car, glad to be alone for a second. I tried not to cry as I popped open the trunk.

Inside was Mom’s gift. But a glint of something on the trunk floor caught my eye.

I had packed the trunk myself. Emptied it myself. Mark hadn’t been in it all day, I was sure of that. But there it was—my husband’s wedding ring.

Lord, You always knows how to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.—TAMI CONNER

And I have to add to this.

Back in 1988 - just two years after we married, Nigel lost his wedding rind. We know where he lost it - in a pub in Poole. We were with friends and the ring was a little loose and he was sat playing with it whilst we chatted. It came off.

They put all the lights on int he pub and we all searched for it. We even went back the next day. It never turned up and we were both sad.

We bought a replacement wedding ring - one that fit better.

Over a year later one of Nigel's staff in Southampton came out of the back paint store and said he had found a wedding ring under one of the shelves. Nigel didn't go out there. The ring fitted perfectly. No-one else had lost a ring and no-one ever claimed it. Funny old world isn't it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 1st December

I have been making Nigel giggle all day today as I am on an Advent high.

I love love love Christmas and winter and advent and everything about this time of year.

I have been humming Christmas songs, thinking Christmas thoughts and making Christmas pages and am a happy happy girl.

Now - photos of the day catch up first.

Not a lot of time for much other than work and so the keyboard seemed an apt picture and it shows how much I love it as the letters are starting to get loved off. I have only had this keyboard since September and some letters are already going. No idea why this always happens to me.

 

 

Tuesday and this is my final view of my boys most mornings as I head off intot he cold dark day and they stay snuggled up in bed. In fairness Nigel has been up and made my tea and porrige and I do love seeing them together like this.

 

A quick get well card for a friend about to have an op.

 

 

For 21 years ever since we moved here I have begged to have a Christmas tree on the balcony. YEY - this year I won. I can't wait until the lights are switched on. I hope it looks as fab I hope it does. We couldn't get an outdoor tree for a sensible price and so it is an indoor tree and if it doesn't last so be it - at least we have tried.

 

And for the last day of November a most beautiful sunrise witht he mist and the ice and the frostiness. A real winter beauty.

 

And because I am feeling all Christmassy here is a page I made with a fab new kit by Feli designs and LouCee Creations at Pickleberrypop.

The collection is called Christmas in Gold and it is lush.

I couldn't wait to scrap my Christmas angel who sits at the top of our tree. And the even better news was that I got GSO with this page as well. I was such a happy happy bunny

 

 

 

 Now I have some really exciting news for scrappers - both digital and paper.

Pickleberrypop has a special celebration on for Christmas and it is TOO GOOD TO MISS

 

 

these 12 days of Cjristmas deals are so good you can't miss them.

PLUS - yes there is more -

You can get an amazing collab set for free when you spend and I have this collab set already and have been working with it and it is amazing.  It is perfect for all your Christmas needs for paper/hybrid/digi. You really truly want it.

 

 

and now for the remarkable bit and I am unbelievably thrilled. I made one of the clusters and one of the quick pages.

And it is in store. And I made something towards it. Did I mention I made one of them LOL.

I was so excitied to see it in the collection.  This is my cluster

 

and this is my page which is also a quick page so you can just slot your own photo in.

 

 

I was just so excited.

And Journal Your Christmas starts today

and this is my 7th year and I love the class. I love focussing each day on soemthing Christmassy. This year I am taking the theme of Christmas close ups.

This is my title page - my manifesto

 

and this is my page for 1st December

 

I made an advent house several years ago

See this post for the advent house and how to make it

and this year I painted little wooden ornaments, one for each drawer and bought a little gold tree which we will decorate throughout advent, one a day.

 

Today I am thankful for

• all things Christmassy
• weekends
• cold crisp days

No photo of the day yet - I am not sure what I will take as I have so much to chose from today.

and finally the page a day calendar page for today

MYSTERIOUS WAYS
Even when we were teenagers, my brother, Jeff, and I thought few things were cooler than spending the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Tipton at their cozy clapboard house in southwest Washington. We ate big, home-cooked meals (Grandma always had a new table grace for us to learn), traded scary stories in the dark, and chased each other through the woods. But most of all, we were happy to help them with things around the house.

One morning, Grandpa and Jeff drove to the local hardware store, while Grandma and I stayed behind. “I’m going to get this lawn mowed for you,” I called to Grandma before heading outside.

I started up the lawn mower and it let out a deafening roar. I mowed just the way Grandpa showed me, going up and down the yard in a back-and-forth pattern. A few minutes in, I heard a voice over the
rumbling of the motor. “Help! Help!” I shut off the mower and listened. Silence. I looked around. Not a soul in sight.

I must be hearing things, I thought, and started up the mower again.

“Help! Help!” There was no mistaking it this time. The voice sounded like it was coming from inside the
house. I shut off the mower and rushed to the back door, clearing the five steps in one single leap.

It was Grandma! She was choking, leaning her frail frame over the kitchen sink. I ran over to give her the Heimlich, when a piece of food flew out from her mouth.

“Thank God!” she said in a breathless voice. “How did you know I was choking?”

“Grandma, I heard you yelling. You sure were loud!” I said.

“Michael, I couldn’t breathe let alone yell. I didn’t make a sound.”

Dear God, help me hear the cries for help from others, especially their silent ones.—MICHAEL
MCALLISTER

 

 

Simple pleasures Simple Saturdays

The weather forecsast was terrible for today but although it has rained most of the day, the high winds forecast have yet to arrive.

However, we resigned ourselves to day of being in and playing .... some hardship huh!

It's been a crafting day. I have done a little scrapping, made a few cards and also made some little tree ornaments. We wanted soemthing to go in my Advent house and saw some little wooden ornaments, which I have now painted and we bought a little gold tree from Next so each day will have an ornament to add to the mini tree.

Well it is worth a try - but at this point I am not sure it is worth the effort as it has been very fiddly to drill all the holes, paint and glitter them. We'll see. We may revert back to just sticking a chocolate in for each day!

 

As I type this the smell of our Thanksgiving dinner is permeating the house and it smells divine. Turkey and all the trimmings. Yum.

I haven't scanned the pages I have made today and I haven't taken my photo of the day yet, so here is a page made a while ago

The papers are fromt he Endless love collection by Indigo Designs which are some of my favourites. The mask is gorgeous and the leaves and bunting are fromt he same collection.

It was made for a challenge at the UKS cyber crop.

Catching up ont he weeks really boring photos now.

I keep on forgetting to take pictures. I will be glad when I get a rest from Project 366. November is always hard

Forgeot a picture so just the calendar!

 

We used Compare the market for our car insurance and had two free merekats. This is Sergi and he is now proudly on e bay

 

Nij was bitten over a week ago - he doesn't remember being bitten just the huge red swelling that spread. This is it at a week and a day old as he went to the doctors for antibiotics.

 

After my finger injury I can now finally wear my rings again and it feels good to have them back

 

 

 

At M and S last night we splurged on the Champage as it worked out very reasonable (and no .... this is not all of it LOL)

 

Today I am thankful for

• Simple Saturdays with Starbucks and scrapping

and finally the page a day calendar for today

MYSTERIOUS WAYS
I settled into my seat on the redeye from L.A. to D.C. I couldn’t wait to get some sleep. Then I spotted a big guy maneuvering down the aisle, and I knew—lucky me—I had a seatmate.

He sat next to me and started talking. “Never did like flying, always too hot or cold. And these
seats are too small, don’t ya think? But I can’t complain. Lord knows, I’m a blessed man …”

So much for sleep. At least I was used to the annoyances of flying. Every summer for six years I’d flown to South America for mission trips. I’d had my seat kicked and my tray table bumped, often when I was deep in thought or prayer, trying to make sense of my faith in the context of all the suffering. Once I’d even lost my favorite book in the mad rush to disembark. So I smiled politely. “Name’s Billy,” he finally said. “What’s yours?”

“April,” I said. “April Grube.”

Abruptly, the man stopped talking. The strangest look came over his face. “Have you ever been to South
America?” he asked. “When? What airline? You don’t know me,” he said, “but if it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would’ve become of me.”

Three years earlier, Billy was unemployed, living with his parents, desperately unhappy. He’d gone to South America, hoping new places would renew him. But everywhere he went, he saw suffering. No God would allow such pain, he thought. On the plane back, he searched his seat pocket for headphones. Instead, he found a book, Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller.

The pages were filled with handwritten notes. At first, Billy laughed at their sincerity and naïveté. But the doubts and questions and thoughts echoed his own. He read the book cover to cover. There, written on the last page, was the name of the owner: April Grube.

God, the suffering of this world hurts You more than me. Forgive me for letting it keep me from You.—APRIL GRUBE