One of the things I love most about the Christmas season are the Light crazed people!  People who oft times risk life and limb climbing tall tall ladders to install their holiday Glow!  There always seems to be one of those houses that goes all out decorating their home in every neighborhood!

The ones that always bring a different spin to their Holiday charm.

It takes some “looking” to see the cold blue details of this home.

My thoughts always bring me to wonder… do they really know how much beauty they bring to their neighbors and passers by??  I for one, am thankful!

Take a stroll and enjoy the glow!

May you find the beauty right in front of you!!

It’s the time of year when signs everywhere point to the festivities — This week  our photography prompt group’s assignment was SIGNS …

“Believe” — I sure do — I believe that everything happens for a reason and that we will make our own happiness.

But I also believe — in the heart and spirit of Christmas!!

Santa is a sure fire sign that all parents have a little bit of added arsenal to their “better be nice” requests!

No way could Santa get all the requests filled without his wonderful Elves… no way!!

Its that time of year when the world falls in love … every song you hear seems to say… (every sight helps bring to mind a Christmas song)

And dreaming of a White Christmas may only be in your home…

Then there is the best sign — the REASON for the season…

May you find the beauty in your life, for it is simply right in front of you.

Merry Christmas!!

Be sure and visit Beverly for Pink Saturday celebrations.

Here’s hoping you all had the Christmas you had envisioned. 

I find it interesting, that while we are busy in our lives preparing for the wonderful Christmas Season, we keep a vision in our mind of how we want it to turn out.

I was always in favor of a hiccup or two, as those times are the ones for me that made the memory.

I don’t recall the “perfect” Christmas’ too well. 

That envisioning starts at a very young age.

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Santa is advertised everywhere– “MAKE your list!!”

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Were you Naughty or Nice? 

Being a young mom I always quite enjoyed being able to use that “reminder” . 

I always went over the top. Looking back I remember looking at the huge array of Christmas presents carefully arranged. (Santa didn’t wrap at our house) I don’t recall one Christmas that I didn’t say… “it isn’t enough.” 

*sigh* it was MORE than enough… I wonder if they even recall any one particular present that I oh so carefully planned. 

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When I was very young it was the same for me. My mind was always in a dither wondering if Santa would bring what I had hoped for or more important did he even get the letter I had written? 

I probably was on the Naughty list more than most knew as I was the queen of unwrapping the gifts way before Christmas morning.

Still, I managed a very good look of surprise on the big day.

Looking back on so many Christmas’ there is one particular present that always stood out and apart. 

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Every year with out fail my sister’s and I would receive a wrapped present from my Uncle Kenneth. 

Every year with out fail it would be a Book of Lifesaver’s. 

I don’t suppose I gave it much thought, other than I knew what it was and I hoped that Wintergreen would not be the predominant flavor. 

I’m disappointed that as a young child I was not aware of the magnitude of this gift. 

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My Uncle Kenneth was the oldest of 10 children; my father being the second to the youngest.

They were raised during the depression and dust bowls of Kansas. My Uncle Kenneth was the only one who could earn a wage back then… he was hired for 25 cents a day digging a ditch. On his wages this family lived.

He devoted his entire life to his elderly parents and helped to raised the younger children. They all grew up to marry and live very nice lives of being teachers and businessmen. My Uncle Kenneth never married or had children.

He remained living in Ransom Kansas taking care of his parents until they passed with very little income, yet every year his nieces in Pocatello, Idaho would not be forgotten on Christmas morning. He had many other nieces and nephews, who I suppose if I would ask them, that they too probably received the gift.

The story– the effort– the monetary sacrifice– but mostly the thought was the GIFT…

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You are all such great gifts for me.  The gifts of your time to stop by and say hi.  The gift of your friendship. I am so thankful. 

Enjoy the Beauty around you.

TTFN~~  Claudia

PS.  Dont forget to visit Mary at Little Red House.

The Season has changed from Fall to winter … so of course my sister and bil brought out their creativity and talent once again!

My feeling on Christmas lights is one simply of a gift to your community and your neighbors . While a family can be all cozy and warm inside your home there is not really a way to enjoy them yourself unless you are driving home from your 100th trip the grocery (last minute run for bake goodies).

But, you do have the warm wonderful feeling when you see cars slow and look and linger and you might see some cute smiles.

Beebs and Popz, on the other hand really do enjoy the process.  I personally think they need a Crafting intervention, but that’s for another day and topic!

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Here’s where I stand in amazement…

All this grandeur and beauty is THEIR creation!  None of it is your typical and normal — IN the Box– from Wal Mart kinda stuff.

They spend hours thinking and smiling — “what if??”

Each year starts with an idea and they embellish.

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Not only is the yard stunning during the dark… but the DAY is terrific too!

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One evening, I was visiting.  Of course I always bring my best friend (my camera) and we were out walking around talking.  Slowly up drove a van.

This is pretty typical so not much notice was taken by my sister… but then the doors opened and out popped 4 lovely young teenagers.

Of course they were giggling and smiling and walked up to us and said, ” Is this your house?”

“It is!” my sister replied.

“Well, we have a little something for you.”  with that a young beauty handed her a small bag of Christmas candy and this note.

They giggled some more and waved and said “Thanks!!!” and hopped back into their car.

We looked at one another with tears in our eyes and she said– “that’s why we do this!”

I love to just stop by and sit in their living room looking out the window watching the cars — often times kids will hop out of the car and Moms and Dads will take pictures of their kids in front of the NEWEST addition…

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Personally he is ENTIRELY too scary…  but then I don’t do scary cuz I live alone and I don’t like being scared– but AGAIN that’s another topic! (Yes I know I am in deep need of psychiatric care)

HOWEVER

The Grinch is new this Christmas and the kids love or hate him.  Not much in between!  Kids on their way home from school will walk up to him slowly and give him a closer look.

Its all so much fun!

This year they entered a Holiday Contest

Winners get to go to Disneyland — Soooo

If you have a moment stop by the Link below and give them a VOTE!!  I would appreciate you beyond hugs and smooches and they… well if they win they might have to stick me in their suitcase and take me too!

http://www.oldies941.com/pages/disneyland/
To make it EASY — *wink*  they are # 16 
The below TIP is right off of the entry page…

Voting Tips: let your friends, family, co-workers or anyone else you know to come and vote for your entry. Have a facebook, twitter or other social networking account? Increase your votes by posting your entry number and a link back to this page. This is not cheating

Happiest of Holidays!  Isn’t such fun!

Also stop by Beverly’s Pink blog — tons of fun stops around Blogland!

She is celebrating Christmas Music and most of you know I feature a little song each week on my top right side bar to go with the music I love.

Christmas music is what tugs at my heart strings.

TTFN~~Claudia

Serendipity, as you know is one of my favorite words and philosophies to help in appreciating life.

“Serendipity is a propensity for making fortuitous discoveries while looking for something unrelated.”

For me– it’s a grateful heart tucked amidst the lights.

♥

Last year I had such fun posting wonderful Christmas stories.  The response from my wonderful friends in Blog-land was  overwhelmingly wonderful.

Amazing to find so many like minded friends who love stories that tug at your heart and might bring a tear to your eye.

Sappy isn’t all bad — and just the right sentiment for this time of the year.

So, to continue my blog tradition…

ENJOY!

♥

♥

‘Owed to Joy’

The year our youngest daughter, Shelly, was four, she received an unusual Christmas present from “Santa.”

She was the perfect age for Christmas, able to understand the true meaning of the season, but still completely enchanted by the magic of it. Her innocent joyfulness was compelling and catching — a great gift to parents, reminding us of what Christmas should represent no matter how old we are.

The most highly prized gift Shelly received that Christmas Eve was a giant bubble-maker, a simple device of plastic and cloth the inventor promised would create huge billowing bubbles, large enough to swallow a wide-eyed four-year-old. Both Shelly and I were excited about trying it out, but it was after dark so we’d have to wait until the next day.

Later that night I read the instruction booklet while Shelly played with some of her other new toys. The inventor of the bubble-maker had tried all types of soaps for formulating bubbles and found that Joy dishwashing detergent created the best giant bubbles. I’d have to buy some.

The next morning, I was awakened very early by small stirrings in the house. Shelly was up. I knew in my sleepy mind that Christmas Day festivities would soon begin, so I arose and made my way toward the kitchen to start the coffee. In the hallway, I met my daughter, already wide awake, the bubble- maker clutched in her chubby little hand, the magic of Christmas morning embraced in her four-year-old heart. Her eyes were shining with excitement, and she asked, “Daddy, can we make bubbles now?”

I sighed heavily and rubbed my eyes. I looked toward the window, where the sky was only beginning to lighten with the dawn. I looked toward the kitchen, where the coffeepot had yet to start dripping its aromatic reward for early-rising Christmas dads.

“Shelly,” I said, my voice almost pleading and perhaps a little annoyed, “it’s too early. I haven’t even had my coffee yet.”

Her smile fell away. Immediately I felt a father’s remorse for bursting her bright Christmas bubble with what I suddenly realized was my own selfish problem, and my heart broke a little.

But I was a grown-up. I could fix this. In a flash of adult inspiration, I unshouldered the responsibility. Recalling the inventor’s recommendation of a particular brand of bubble-making detergent — which I knew we did not have in the house — I laid the blame squarely on him, pointing out gently, “Besides, you have to have Joy.”

I watched her eyes light back up as she realized, in less than an instant, that she could neutralize this small problem with the great and wonderful truth she was about to reveal.

“Oh, Daddy,” she promised, with all the honesty and enthusiasm and Christmas excitement she could possibly communicate, “Oh, Daddy, I do.”

I broke records getting to the store, and in no time at all we were out on the front lawn creating gigantic, billowing, gossamer orbs–each one filled with Joy and sent forth shimmering into the Christmas sun.

By Ted A. Thompson

♥

Enjoy the beauty around you!

Claudia

Christmas Lights

Thanksgiving is now over
And holidays take another turn
We drag out those Christmas lights
For we all love to see them burn

Don’t you enjoy traditions?
They sure do take us back
Passed down to generations
Like Santa’s Christmas snack

Brilliant lights are everywhere
At home and in the stores
They glisten and they sparkle
While we do our shopping chores

They are even strung across
Busy streets in town
Music blends in everywhere
Oh, I love that Christmas sound

It’s a time when little children
Try so hard not to get in fights
Their behavior starts to change
Seeing those Christmas Lights!

Marilyn Lott

Enjoy your every day Miracles!

(Song attached: The Gift)

Stop by Mary’s Little Red House.

♥~~Christmas Day 2009~~♥

It’s been over a week since last I have posted and for some reason it seems a LONG long time ago. I have missed thinking about what my next post will be and have missed visiting with all my blogging family.

I have had several momentous occurrences — moved, had a week off from work, continued fighting this “flu/cold/whatever one wants to call this, turned yet another year older and celebrated HIS birth.

Often times I say I am amazed at how time flies– but for some reason this week has lingered; giving me time to think and certainly be thankful. I continue to be amazed at peoples graciousness and kindness that surrounds me.

Finishing up on the “story” note I was on– I will share a true and touching one.

This year, like so many other’s, finances have been pushed and been challenged. This morning at our Christmas gathering my sister and brother-in-law received a very lovely gift from their children that I have their permission to share.

Dear Beeb and Popz,

Christmas is the time for giving and unfortunately it rings true this year. In place of a gift for you–Me,Matt, Tom and Colton have decided GIVE in your name.

I was made aware of a special family that has experienced more hardship in the last few months  than any family should have to endure in a life time. This family has 3 children; 14 yr old Carlos, 10 yr old Eric and 3 week old Lila. Eric battled leukemia when he was only 6 years old that eventually went into remission. Unfortunately that’s no longer the situation as he is once again fighting the fight at the age of 10 spending his time at Primary Children’s Hospital.

In the midst of this, his father lost his job. Medical bills are piling up and now they have even lost their home. The mother gave birth to a beautiful daughter Lila and now with the other members of their family are living in their neighbor’s unfinished basement. They have no family locally and they are doing all they can to battle through these hard times.

We know you asked for nothing this Christmas, and of course we really tried hard to rebel against that request, but we felt that this would be the most rewarding gift we could give you guys this year. So, in the name of Beeb and Popz we have given all the kids Christmas jammies (just like our family tradition) along with stockings, toys and games. Of course it won’t take away from the hardships but hopefully it will give them a few moments of joy.

Love, Matt- Tom- Aliesha- and Colton

I disagree with Aliesha on one note– When she said “I know this won’t take away from the hardships” — she couldn’t be more wrong. When people are greeted with love and kindness something changes inside them. Their burden will be lighter and they will be given hope –that for a bit, might have been taken away. I am so proud that my darling niece would think of others on Christmas day… the true meaning of what this holiday means. It really is more blessed to give.

She along with her little family, her brother and some friends at her work have collected about $500 for this family– because of their generosity even more people have helped them. Goodness grows — I know they are certainly in my prayers.

May you all enjoy this beautiful day and be thankful for all your blessings – Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for being ever so diligent on Pink Saturdays where we all can get together (over 140 participants).

I’m looking forward to a brilliant new year AND decade!!!

TTFN~~  Claudia ♥ ♥ 

It’s official — Winter has arrived in UTAH… it’s cold, it’s slippery, but it is sooo beautiful if we take a moment to stop and look.

This next week will be crazy for me, not one of the typical Christmas weeks you might say…

 - As many of you know I have been trying to kick this flu / cold for over a month  AND the not so wonderful land lord that I have been leasing from for the passed 3 years decided to NOT pay their mortgage payment — so I am moving to a new “home”.

Good and Bad about this–

Bad first –I haven’t been able to decorate this season– and so I have been living vicariously through all your wonderful festivities that you have shared. (such a talented world we live in!)

Good in the sense that I will have a fresh “palette” to be creative with. I get to take you all along with me  

Along with working full time and moving I don’t know that I will have tons of time to work on my blog– I will certainly try, as this is my new passion for sure… but please know I will be keeping tabs on all of you.

 ON that thought I am posting my sweetest of all Christmas stories… I love this story — it’s one of my families all time favorites. 

(unknown photographer)

A Brother Like That

A friend of mine named Paul received a new car from his brother as a pre-Christmas present.  On Christmas Eve, when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it.

“Is this your car, mister?” he asked.

Paul nodded. “My brother gave it to me for Christmas.”

The boy looked astounded. “You mean your brother gave it to you, and it didn’t cost you anything? Gosh, I wish…”

He hesitated, and Paul knew what he was going to wish. He was going to wish he had a brother like that.  But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.

“I wish,” the boy went on, “that I could be a brother like that.”

Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively added, “Would you like a ride in my new car?”

“Oh, yes, I’d love that!”

After a short ride the urchin turned with his eyes aglow and said, “Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?”

Paul smiled a little.  He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile.  But Paul was wrong again.

“Will you stop right where those steps are?” the boy asked.  He ran up the steps.  Then in a little while, Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast.  He was carrying his little polio-crippled brother.  He sat down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up right next to him and pointed at the car.

“There she is Buddy, just like I told you upstairs.  His brother gave it to him for Christmas, and it didn’t cost him a cent, and someday I’m gonna give you one just like it; then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I’ve been trying to tell you about.”

Paul got out and lifted the little lad into the front seat of his car.  The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when He said, “It is more blessed to give…”

~~~~~Author Unknown ~~~

For the last 7 months I have been such an example of the statement above.  I have received such a joy from all of your comments and new  friendships. I appreciate you all so much and hope that your Christmas holiday will be blessed with joy and happiness!  Talk to you soon!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

PS: Don’t forget to stop over at the most talented Mary with her Mosaic Mondays- at Little Red House. (talk about talent!)

Touches of Christmas in every corner of the Kitchen… Can you guess the Theme?

March of the Penguins??? Nooooo

Frosty the Snowman??? Nooooo…

Santa Claus is Coming to Town???  Noooo

Let

it

Snow…

Let it Snow….

Let it…

~~SNOW!!~~

Visit Pink Saturday and Beverly and all the sweeties there…

Wait– least you think I had forgotten…Just as promised the latest Short story…

Saturday Afternoon…

Rex, age six, came in wearing my bathrobe and carrying a mop handle. He sat on the stool and looked at the flashlight. Nancy, age ten draped a sheet over her head, stood behind Rex and began, “ I’m Mary and this boy is Joseph. Usually in this play Joseph stands up and Mary sits down, but Mary sitting down is still taller than Joseph standing up so we thought it looked better this way.”

Enters Trudy, age four, at full run. There were pillowcases over her arms. She spread them wide and said only, “I’m an angel.”

Then came Ann, age eight. I knew she was a wise man because she had on her mother’s high heels and walked like she was a wise man riding a camel. On a pillow she carried three items, undoubtedly gold, frankincense, and myrrh. She walked across the room and announced, “I am all three wisemen. I bring precious gifts: gold, circumstance and mud.”

That was all. The play was over. I didn’t laugh. I prayed. How near the truth Ann was. We come at Christmas burdened down with gold, and the showy gifts and the tinsley tree. Under the circumstances we can do no other. And it really does seem a bit like mud when you think about it. But my children saw through the earthly and found the real reason for Christmas– to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Unknown Author

May you enjoy the spirit this weekend…

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥