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Top 15 posts of 2011

For today's post I looked through my blog archives and pulled out the top 15 posts- It was fun to look back ....remembering  all that has made this year special.

Here they are in no particular order.

Numbered from left to right-

1. Mother Daughter week.
2. Some People buy houses
3. In the Spring
4. Family Beach House Reunion 
5. Catheys Valley Garden
6. Fourth of July 
7. Summer Harvest
8. Pantry makeover
9. Living Room Change
10. Primary Activity Day
11. Cottage Kitchen
12. Nut season 
13. The Joys of being a Grandparent
14. Cottage Christmas Tour
15. Choosing Happiness

Goal for 2012-

Living the Abundant Life-  President Thomas S. Monson

A life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life.

• Have a Positive Attitude
• Believe in yourself
• Face Challenges with Courage

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I just want to thank all of you who have stopped by this year for a visit-  thank you for  your kind and generous comments. 

You make keeping this journal fun. 

Happy New Year-

Live Inspired- come join us at the Spring Event.

See what my children has been up to-

Shannon

Heidi and Sam

Becca and Kent

Bree and Denver

Christmas 2011- @ Kent & Becca's Home

Kent and Becca invited us to spend Christmas with them in Texas- then he got a new job in Utah.....so, they invited us to spend Christmas with them in Utah.  They were in a tiny apartment {waiting to sell their home in Texas} so, we decided to get a hotel room.

 

Went we checked in....we found this lovely treat waiting for us.

So sweet guys. 

 Thursday night- we stopped in to see my Dad and have dinner with him at his home, so thankful for my brothers.

 LB will be staying with Dad for awhile and Maurice/Tara and Martel/Hollie helped him through his hospital stay.

He seems to be improving.

After our short visit we headed to Orem-

Kent & Becca were with Becca's parents on Temple square seeing the lights....so, we planned on meeting up with them on Friday around noon. 

While we were waiting to go see the kids, we decided to run a few errands and meet up with Danny's sisters- We  had lunch with Margaret Ann- but after several phone calls and drive by we weren't able to connect with Marilyn. {note to self- pre-arrange visits the next time we come.}

 

 

Saturday- Kent & Danny went on a "Man-date"  went to the movies and got Kent a new suit.

Becca and I stayed at the apartment playing  with the kids and a little photo shoot. Nicholas loves his little nativity set....quite often they found their way to the Christmas tree.

Ellie and her Christmas dress-

We spent the rest of the day getting ready for Christmas- Becca had a fabulous Christmas eve dinner planned for us.

The Kids draw names for Christmas gifts each year- Denver got Kent this year....we got a huge laugh out of "Kent's ultimate survival Kit."   =) 

One of my faviorte quotes of the day came from Nicholas, each time he opened a gift he would say-"Oh, just what I wanted- thanks guys."   He was super cute to watch. 

-The many Christmas faces  of Ellie-

-Playing with Christmas toys-

After opening presents and eating the yummy Christmas breakfast Becca had ready for us- it was time for Church-  This Christmas Sunday was extra special because little Ellie was receiving a name and a blessing- 

Ellie Blessing Day

Kent gave a beautiful blessing.

Merry Christmas- I can't think of any better way to spend it then in Church for a sweet baby blessing.  (  Link to Becca's blog about the blessing.}

-The next day Denver and Bree came down from school-

We meet them at Cabela's, then headed to Thanksgiving point for lunch.  After lunch spent a little time at Kent and Becca's home and a drive by of Kent's new job- then off to race cars.  After cars we headed over to Temple Square....didn't want to miss the lights......ended the evening with dinner at  Benihana in Salt lake. 

The kids were real troupers- it was a long day for them.  Becca wasn't able to see the light with us, she was feeding Ellie- {but she had seen them earlier in the week with her parents, so that was good}

It was wonderful to spend time with Kent and family- There's just nothing like a Christmas with small children.  I'm also thankful that Denver and Bree could come down for a day too.

Thanks guys-

{P.S.   I had a little Christmas miracle- no crutches....I'm back to walking somewhat normal.  Happy Day} 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas 2011

 

 

Have a wonderful Christmas and a beautiful New Year-

Thanks to you all for being a part of our life.

Happy Day

Choosing Happiness-

This post stems from a short conversation I had a couple days ago- ....seeing me on crutches I was greeted with..."Well, guess your life isn't perfect after all"  said with a little smirk on their face as they walked away.

This took me by surprise....why would anyone find joy in anyone's discomfort?   I know I may be at  some fault - on this blog I share the things that make my days a little brighter-  I believe Nobody's life is quite what it seems on a blog post.....and I understand that....but some may-not.

Sickness, disappointment and the loss of people I love has come at times in my life.  On the way to Stanford University for my Husbands cancer treatments- I stepped out of the car and couldn't walk.  I have degenerative arthritis.... which lead to a bone scan....but, all is well.

 Also this week my Dad who is battling cancer was sent to the hospital and we were told he has just days left..... and then given some hope for longer days with us.

My point here is- I believe the misery upon which we constantly focus will be what life will hand us.   I know dwelling on our sorrow makes it hard to see our blessings.....I believe we can be richly blessed when we see blessings clearly even in the midst of our trials. 

On this blog....I choose Happiness.  I choose to be grateful.  Even when trials come,  I believe the wise choose happiness.

Of course, I know there are times in everyone’s life when it is difficult to smile, times of trial and tragedy, times of distress and misfortune. But even in such depressing times it is helpful and wise to look to the future with hope and optimism......that's why I choose to be Happy.

When I read other blogs and see their "perfect" life I smile- for I know too....that they are choosing Happiness..... I think it is wise to do that.

So please excuse me if I use this blog as my Happy Place- please smile when you think my life is perfect and remember that I too  have trials.

May I share my Testimony-

Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.

This I know that  Jesus  is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He  who died on the cross to atone for our sins. May we be blessed with the Spirit of Christ this Christmas season,  I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen.

 

 

 

Holiday Lights-

Saturday Sam & Heidi invited us to go with them to Gilroy for their Holiday of Lights show.

Wonderful evening of beautiful music, fun little shows, Santa and lots of Christmas cheer.

Carlee playing in the "fake" snow.....it was very cold this evening.

We watched a Charlie Brown Christmas program- and had dinner under the lights.

Audrey bundled up for the evening.

Beautiful lights everywhere- and I was very pleased to see that they actually had a Nativity scene. 

 Cold....fun  evening together.

Merry Christmas

Carlee- Singers Company

Last night was Carlee's Christmas program for a group that she belongs to called Singers Company.

What an adorable program- so well staged and just so cute!  The girls all knew their parts and sang beautifully-  I would highly recommend any little girl join this group.  I can't say enough good about it...Wendy did a fabulous job of directing these girls.......

and of course Carlee was the cutest. {I can say that....because, I'm the Grammer} 

She was one happy little girl- sweet.

Check out Singers Company site.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

Cottage Christmas Home Tour-

Welcome to my little Christmas tour-  I decided to join in the fun and link up to  Melissa's Christmas Home tour. {the link party will start at 6pm tonight}

I pretty much used things I already had- decorating the cottage was all about foraging my yard for greens, my stash of Christmas decorations from years past, 4 pieces of scrapbook paper, 2 rolls of white ribbon, garland from Home depot.....and did I mention...lots of greens from my yard.

 From my yard- Magnolia, junipers, french lavender, twigs, pine-cones, acorns, and rosemary.

Well....lets get started- welcome to my home.....I made sure the house was nice and warm for you....and I won't talk much so you can just have fun looking around.  Happy Day.

 

-The Mantel -

-The Trees-

- Dinning room-

Added a few greens and ribbon to the top of the wedding cake chandelier....because she need a little dressing for Christmas.

Dinning room and Kitchen ready for Cookie Exchange Party- click on over and have a cookie and hot chocolate with us. 

 

Added a little greenery to the front of my desk.

Cottage Bath-

The bunting was made using two pieces of scrapbook paper, twine and a little greenery. {one pale blue and the other a die cut snowflake all from michaels.}

Our cottage was build around 1920- I love some of the original character that is still left in the home.  One of my favorite things in the bathrooms are these vintage toothbrush holders/ cup and soap dish.  Modern toothbrushes are way too big to fit in the space- and it's kind of scary to think of the whole family using the same cup, so I turned these cute little holders into  flower vases.  I adore them....and when they are not in use....they flip back around into the wall.  I think every home should have a magical hidden flower vase.... Divine! =)

Thanks for stopping by- Have a wonderful Christmas- you are welcome to grab a cookie and hang around by the fire for a while if you would like- Merry Christmas-

{Pretty much all my decorations consisted of .... 2 rolls of ribbon, scrapbook paper, 2 juniper garland, cuttings from my yards and decorations from years past.}

For more Christmas fun click here 

 

Cookie Exchange Party-

With the Help of Pottery Barn &  Brooklyn Limestone- and the dollar store for the spatula we came up with these invitations in a hot second.

I just love Pinterest- but there is one problem- just when you think you have an original idea....you see it on pinterest..... and it's better than your original idea....oh well, it's fun.

Kathy and I got together and planned a little neighborhood Cookie Exchange- here's a little look at the fun.

 

-We started out at the cottage-

On the menu-

• Hot Chocolate with dipped candy-cane and chocolate marshmallows stirrers. 
• Spiced Pomegranate Sipper-
• Cookies

Each of the ladies were given a  glass jar to decorate with greens from the yard and ribbons-we then  filled the jars with cookies.

 Next we traveled over to Kathy's home- for the second half of our cookie exchange.   Kathy had prepared appetizers for us....so yummy.

I need to get the recipe for this crescent Turkey ring- so good.  Kathy had everything so pretty, adorable table centerpieces....just prefect.

While we were there we worked on a couple of easy crafts- scrapbook paper buntings and velvet book marks using left over charms or earrings. 

Some of the ladies from the evening- I had a group photo but it was a little too blurry- still learning about taking pictures when it's dark.

Wonderful evening spent with fun sweet ladies.

Merry Christmas

It's a Blue Christmas- Cottage Bath

The Bunting was made with two pieces of scrapbook paper  glued together ...hung with  twine.....plus a little greenery from the yard.   Simple as that.

Christmas Tour-

This month has started off with a little holiday magic....  Planned to perfection by Ruth.  First we indulged in a wonderful breakfast that she had prepared.  Apple Cinnamon baked French toast with a side of bacon and a hot cider drink.

We also exchanged gifts.....tons of fun. 

Loved how Sandi embellished the gift bags she gave us- {warm adorable pajama's, mine were purple polka dot.....and I wore them last night, happy day}

Ruth gave us some  Homemade pomegranate jelly- and  three silver bracelets.  I gave each of the girls the Vintage Wooden Christmas baking gift center. 

After breakfast and gifts were exchanged ....it was time for our Omega Nu Christmas Home tour and Luncheon.

This home was right on the creek- fabulous closet and a very cool man cave.  This home was dressed to the nines. After this home we had lunch ...then it was on to the other homes.

The second home was filled with lots of natural elements-  along with a large ottoman filled with trays of candies.

The third home was very comtemporay. The things I liked about it was the 360 degree fireplace in the main living area ....and lots of modern art by Trey Reed.   I thought this tub filled to the top with candles and flower ....a little much....I think it would of been better to see some of the water.

Loved the ceiling in this home and the water feature that went under a sections of the home and came out the other end- you could watch it flow because of a glass walk way. 

Most of the home was made of concert- floors , walls and counter tops.  Very interesting home.

I loved the white bathroom- viewing crow 's nest and a separate art studio.

  We had a most wonderful time... now I'm ready to  "Deck my own halls"  Fa la la la la la la la!

Thanks girls for a wonderful day-