Sleepover (cont.)...

The highlight of our night was the making of our gingerbread houses. The girls and I enjoyed creating, decorating, and even snacking on our creations.

Taylor and Elyssa are just getting started.

Cheyenne and I worked together on our house. She wanted to start with the peak of the roof... Cool!

The finished product: Cheyenne did all the work on the front - I added the icecicles on the eaves.


This is the front of Taylor and Elyssa's house. I love the creative windows designed by Elyssa, and the gingerbread man in front with yellow hair and a half lifesaver smile (decorated by Taylor) is my favorite!

A Must See...

My mom, dad, JJ and I went to see this movie last night... Let me just tell you that it is absolutely life-changing, so if you see it (which I highly, highly recommend for adults only) be prepared to be completely and totally stunned. Will Smith is fantastic, and I don't just say that because I am a huge fan of his; he really is! Let me know what you think!

The True Story of Santa Claus...

Many of you probably know this, but I have always "believed" in Santa Claus. My best explanation for this is that my mom has been a believer for as long as I can remember, and I have followed in her footsteps (no surprise there); we have even gone as far as to each start our own collection of hand-crafted likenesses of him. I have to say, each Santa Claus is as beautiful as it is unique, and many have been made by friends, which makes them even more special to us.

My parents have been staying with us for the past few days, and although my home is not completely decorated for Christmas, I do have several of my Santas out. My mom made the comment that she heard a wonderful story on K-Love about Santa Claus and where our belief comes from. It got me thinking: although I knew that St. Nicholas was a good person, I have never truly known his story, and more importantly, how it relates to me being a Christian. I found the following excerpt on the internet, and thought that I should share.

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor

Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

This story warmed my heart, and gave me even further affirmation of my belief in Santa Claus. I hope that you enjoyed it too!

A Christmas in Pictures...

Dad and Stubbs. Life is good... and funny too!

JJ and his dad.

Dad got a new 3-in-1 printer.

A Christmas in Pictures...

I tried to be cleaver with my camera and had the setting on "Candlelight"... Of the four pictures I took of our tree, this one turned out the best; it is still fuzzy. :0(

Oh, happy Christmas morning!!! I was up early to get the food prepared; JJ got an early wake-up call by the puppies. He looks thrilled, huh?

Ginger-Mom and JJ fixing Christmas dinner.

Oh, and the puppies got gifts too! They each got a stocking filled with a large rawhide bone, wet dog food (what a treat!) and a Greenie for good oral health! Ha, ha!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas, all!

Wishing you all the joys of this wonderful season, and only the best in the upcoming year!

Merry/Crazy Christmas Everyone...

Hello, hello!!! I am finally home and am FINALLY posting on my blog (many thanks to those who are loyal followers :0) I got home to Salt Lake City this past Monday and spent the week trying to get caught up... I think that I am almost there. I have had snowman slate orders to ship, earring charms to get sorted, and yet even more orders to ship. Does anyone else HATE the post office this time of year??? I try really hard to have a moment of meditation before I go in, but even still I find myself having to talk myself off the proverbial ledge of IAmAboutToSaySomenthingThatIsNotInTheChristmasSpirit!!! Needless to say, everyone is still alive, and all my packages have been shipped.

JJ and I are spending Christmas with his family this year, and we are all looking forward to that. Below are some of the pictures taken while decorating his parents' home for the celebration:

The ever-challenging setup of a real Christmas tree... JJ was a trooper.

JJ, bless his little heart, thought it would be nice to decorate his mom... also a trooper!

JJ and Stubbs, Ginger and Jerry's dog (the poor little guy was terrorized by our two labs, and was very much, yes you got it: a trooper)!

I know that this was a very short blog, and it has probably left most of you more frusterated than satisfied, but I could not let another day pass without posting, and here is the explanation for that: I found out today, much to my horrified dismay, that certain people (and I am not going to mention names, you know who you are!!!) actually keep track and then INFORM the blogger (that would be me!) how long it has been since they have posted! ACK! I couldn't believe it! So, Miss Stacey, this one is for you, Sister!!! Tee-Hee!