Christmas Spirit All Year Long

Christmas in July

2012-07-03T21:07:00.001-04:00

Howdy Everyone!

I'm joining Deb at Debbie-Dabble Christmas for CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!! Why not head over there and check it out?! You can get loads of fun ideas for Christmas, which isn't that far away! The more the merrier!

Click HERE...

Until I can get myself organized (sigh!), I'm going to share with you several of my favorites from Pinterest. These are ideas that I'm really excited about trying myself.

Glass blocks, white/clear Christmas mini-lights, a little paint or vinyl...

Source: fivewhites.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Fabric Ornaments...

Source: kaboodle.com via Joy on Pinterest

Cool designs drawn & glittered on ornaments...

Source: imgfave.com via Joy on Pinterest

I'm also linking up with Bunny Jean's Wednesday Bunny Hop Party. Bunny's a super lady and has a great blog.

Until next time, take care and God Bless!!!

Artsy VaVa: Burlap Christmas Trees

2012-07-03T15:11:00.001-04:00

It's time to start thinking about Christmas Crafts!!! Check out this great tutorial on creating a the Burlap Christmas Tree!!!

Artsy VaVa: Burlap Christmas Trees: Burlap seems to be making its way into a lot of my projects lately. I love the simple, rustic look of it, plus it's inexpensive! I recently ...

Till next time...

Take care and God Bless!

XOXO

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T06:37:00.000-05:00

Stationery found at A Holiday Haven

Take care and God Bless!

Earth Wonders - Photographer's Choice

2011-12-28T19:31:00.002-05:00

Well, this week's challenge over at Ana's Earth Wonders is Photographer's Choice.

Here's my favorite photo from this Christmas - our daughter Tiffany and granddaughter Kaylee.

I used the sketch option at PhotoFunia to create this awesome effect from the same photo.

Why not join in?

Take care and God Bless!

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-24T18:38:00.001-05:00

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas! I really appreciate you all, especially your prayers for my Dad. He is getting better each day!

Thank you and "God Bless Us, Every One!"

Earth Wonders - Christmas Tree

2011-12-21T22:21:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to All!

Ana's photo challenge for us this week is "Christmas Tree." Why not join us? You can add your photos to her flickr group, too! The more, the merrier! Link up below at the bottom of this post, or on Ana's blog by clicking the Earth Wonders button. So happy to have you!

With all that has happened since Mom died 7 weeks ago (my health, my husband's health, Dad in the hospital this week), neither Doug nor I have felt like decorating. I've been making a few things for Christmas, but that's about it.

Saturday, DH brought up our little ceramic tree from the basement. God Bless him! That took him about 5 minutes, 10 tops. It surely beats the all-day marathon we normally have during Christmas, and that's just the tree inside! :)

I'd rather have our regular tree, but stuff happens. I look at it this way, we won't have much to take down in January!

Here's our little bitty ceramic tree, all lighted up, and it even has tinsel garland on it!

I miss the Christmas lights of the big tree. They always seemed so magical and fairy-like. Maybe next year will be better, and hubby and I can decorate like we used to.

We both want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Take care and God Bless!

Reindeer Food Package Label for you

2011-12-21T18:43:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Thank you for your prayers for my Dad. He is improving! Thank God!

I've made a little tag for you to use on Christmas Eve with your kiddos. You can find it on my flicr page.

Add 2 tablespoonsful of Oats/Quick Oats (not instant oatmeal) to a 4" x 4" plastic bag and seal. You can add a bit of glitter, as much or as little as you want.

Personally, I didn't add the glitter. Don't want any animals getting sick! I'm going to tell our grands that the glitter is magical and only Rudolph can see it. That will explain why they can't see it!

Score the label on the line between the white and tan colors, fold over the instructions for the kids, and staple wherever you think best. I've stapled mine on either side. I also left room at the bottom for you to add your name/names. I found the instructions somewhere online. I've tried to find the correct site, but...! There are so many that are close, but no cigar.

Sharing with Natasha's I'll be Home for Christmas Linky Party

and Jessa Irene's A Holiday Haven Christmas Party.

Enjoy & have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Take care and God Bless!

Prayer Request

2011-12-19T23:08:00.000-05:00

I just found out my Dad was taken to the hospital today (from the nursing home) with pneumonia. The doctor told my brother on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the worst, Dad's was a 5.

James Hensley Logan, taken ca 1928.

Please pray for my Dad, that if it be God's will to take him now, that he has an easy passage! This has hit me harder than when Mom died about 6 weeks ago. Dad was my friend, he taught me how to drive, we went to the library together, researched our family together, went to cemeteries together searching for our ancestors' final resting places. We have the same, some say "warped," sense of humor. :) My niece has it, also.

Dad on his 50th birthday 1977

I know Dad's given up since Mom died. They lived for each other, and without her, he has no purpose.

Mom and Dad at Grandma's in Pennsylvania 1968

Thank you all!

Take care and God Bless!

Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer, Unflavored

2011-12-16T01:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

My cousin, Pam, in Louisiana had this posted on her FB page, so I thought I'd pass it along!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled post... :D

I've been wanting a good recipe for a powdered coffee creamer, like the original Coffee Mate. I went to Pinterest and searched, but all I found were for liquid coffee creamers.

So, I googled "powdered coffee creamers" Wednesday and didn't really see much. There was one that caught my eye, though, but I can't find it again. I've tweaked the recipe a bit, so if you still recognize it (not difficult), let me know and I'll gladly give you all the credit!

Here's my version...

Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer Recipe, Unflavored

2 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup + 1 heaping Tablespoon powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons melted Coconut oil

Powdered milk, solid coconut oil (melt before using), powdered sugar

Mix powdered mik together with the powdered sugar. The original recipe called for 1/4 cup powdered sugar only, but my coffee just didn't taste right. There was a nasty bitter aftertaste, so I added another heaping tablespoonful of the powdered sugar.

This is the size spoon I used, a cereal spoon. Left over oil can be put back into the original container.

Blend the 3 ingredients together with a fork, breaking up any oil lumps.

I didn't like the consistency of this "powdered" (more like nuggets) coffee creamer, so I put everything into the blender. Guess you wouldn't need to stir with a fork, if you used this method.

This looked more like Coffee Mate, or any of the other creamers.

See?

I reused the empty coffee creamer container for my new concoction. I temporarily taped a wide-mouthed canning funnel to the container opening, so I wouldn't spill the powder as I poured it in and snapped this shot.

Mighty fine for homemade, if I do say so myself!

I used 2 teaspoons of the mix in my coffee. My normal coffee mug is not this dainty little white dealie. I have a HUGE coffee mug that holds maybe 3 of the these! I don't care if it gets cold, 'cause I like it cold, too! ;D

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

I'm sharing this with Jessa's A Holiday Haven Christmas Party.

Take care and God Bless!

Earth Wonders - SNOW

2011-12-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

Ana's Earth Wonders Photo Challenge this week is SNOW. Why not join us? You can add your photos to her flickr group, too! The more, the merrier! Link up below at the bottom of this post, or on Ana's blog by clicking the Earth Wonders button. So happy to have you!

I managed to find a couple of the photos of our 2004 Christmas Eve Blizzard. We got something like 38 inches of snow, with unbelievable drifts!

This first photo was taken of our front porch steps during the storm.

The second was taken on Christmas morning, after hubby Doug removed the snow.

Please add yours below!

Take care and God Bless!

Pet Parada - Bailey

2011-12-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Bailey is the oldest of our current zoo. She came with the house almost 11 years ago. Yes, REALLY! I don't want to go into the whole story right now. She knows she's loved, and is a real sweetie, in spite of the way she looks in this photo! :) Guess she takes after me, and doesn't like to have her picture taken.

She does have her cantankerous moments, especially when the boy kitties start to tease her. Yes, it's like dealing with little kids.

"Mom, he's looking at me!"

"Mom, he touched me!"

If they aren't around, Bailey is a doll baby. She's doing pretty good for her age, 11 1/2 years old. In cat years, I think she and I are about the same age! I, too, have my moments! REALLY! :)

I'm sharing this with Bunny Jean's Pet Parade. Head on over and check out some more of our beloved friends, both past and present.

Take care and God Bless!

Pet Parade - Wacky Present

2011-12-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

Don't forget about Bunny Jean's 1st Annual Pet Parade! Click the button to add your best buddies, too!

Here's my Pyewackett, or just plain ol' Wacky! He loved to help me wrap presents at Christmastime. Looks like he thought he was next! :)

This was taken Christmas 1978, so please forgive the quality of the photo. I just had a 126 Instamatic back then! :)

While you're here, why don't you head on over to Tiny Prints and check out their special going on right now. They have a super special right now, valid through December 8th! Find creative ways to make festive and unique Christmas cards! Become a part of the TinyPrints community by visiting the blog for news, trends, creative ideas, promotions and more. Use the discount code 10TPSPECIAL and receive 10% off a purchase. Excludes gifts & calendars, photo books, stamps, and the William Arthur and Eric Condren products.

-- Link URLs --
"Christmas cards" (http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm)
"blog" (http://blog.tinyprints.com/)

Take care and God Bless!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

2011-12-06T17:35:00.002-05:00

We had our first snow last week! It came down so fast during the first hour, it seemed like we would get the 1-3 inches predicted by the local weathermen. My sister lives about 150 miles north of us and they were supposed to get 3-5 inches. They ended up with over 10 inches!!! The snow was so wet and heavy, it snapped the power lines, leaving 9000 without power for many long, cold hours. Kathy and her family finally had the power restored 26 hours after it first went out!

We, on the other hand, were much luckier. The snow tapered off after that first couple of hours, leaving us with about 1 1/2 - 2 inches of the wet stuff. It was beautiful, though, like a Christmas snow. The flakes were about the size of a quarter!

The first 3 photos are taken from our porch, looking across to the old high school gymnasium. See how fast and heavy the snow was coming down?! In the last one, I'm trying to capture the size of the flakes.

Here are some pins I found on Pinterest, featuring...SNOW!

Source: tumblr.com via Cassie on Pinterest

Source:

Source: imgfave.com via Ally on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: bing.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Belle on Pinterest

Here's Vaughn Monroe singing "Let It Snow." You might remember a slightly different version of this song on the first DIE HARD with Bruce Willis. Don't forget to pause my music listed at the bottom, before listening to this!

Sharing this with Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop Wednesday

and Natasha's Pinning and Singing Linky Party

Take care and God Bless!

1st Annual Pet Parade Dec1, 2011 - Jan 1, 2012

2011-12-01T10:48:00.045-05:00

Bunny Jean's having a new party - showcasing our favorite photos of our faithful companions!

My bestest pal and buddy was my Penny-girl! We got her when she was a baby - just old enough to leave her momma. She was a typical Heinz 57, but the most loving and loyal puppy you ever saw! She loved to take rides! Whenever you mentioned "ride," her ears would perk up, her little tail would go a mile a minute, and her expressive eyes would brighten expectantly! I had to have her put down when she was 15 years old. She had so many things wrong with her. Her system was out of wack, electrolytes, too low a potassium level, etc., that the vet said he couldn't operate. I tell you, it just about did me in. She was my sweet little baby girl and I miss her!

Here we are, taking a break from Christmas tree decorating about 20 years ago.

The kitty in the background is my Wacky. That's short for Pyewackett. Pyewackett was too much of a mouthful, so he ended up being just plain Wacky. I'd seen the movie Bell, Book, and Candle with Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon, and fell in love with the name of Kim's cat. I swore when I left home and was able to have pets, my first kitty would be named Pyewackett. "Let it be written, let it be so!" {The last quote is from The Ten Commandments. You can't tell I really like movies, can you? :)}
Take care and God Bless.

Earth Wonders - FIRE

2011-12-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I have to apologize to you all for not being around for awhile. My Mom passed away on Halloween, and I've been having problems dealing with it. I've also had some health problems, but that's always there! No excuse, right? Anyway, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Ana's Earth Wonders photo challenge this week is FIRE.

Click here...

I wish I had some actual "fire" photos, but I'm making do with this photo I took of a candle flame. I think it turned out nicely!

You can join in, too! Add your photos to flickr, then add to the linky party. Check out all the details over at Ana's Wonderland blog. You can either add your interpretation of this week's challenge there or here. Everyone can vote on their favorite photo, starting Sunday December 4th. You can't vote on your own, but your friends can! Spread the word!

Last week's winner was "Life in Pictures." Congratulations on a wonderful entry!

Take care and God Bless!

Sundays with Santa - Felt Santa Pillow

2011-10-23T06:19:00.000-04:00

I found this felt Santa pillow on Pinterest tonight. There's a pattern provided, and directions on the website. I may try to make this a bit smaller, for an ornament. Santa's face is sooo cute, don't you think!

Source: bhg.com via Joy on Pinterest

Sharing this with Maureen's Sundays with Santa at Yuletide Seasonings! Why not go on over and share your own Santa favorites?

Take care and God Bless!

Deck the Halls Friday & Pinning and Singing Weekend Party

2011-10-20T23:37:00.042-04:00

This is my first time linking to Tinsel & Co.'s Deck the Halls Friday. Thanks for having me!

Click HERE

I found this sweet little felt ornament on Pinterest the other night.

It has "Christmastime" written all over it!

Source: beautyineverything.com via Joy on Pinterest

I think I might try my hand at making some of these for our tree this year. There are a few other ornaments that I want make that I found there. That's what's so great about Pinterest - so many wonderful ideas available!

I'm also linking with Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Party.

Click HERE

For my song, here's one I grew up with...
There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays by Perry Como.
It brings back lots of great memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas Banner SewAlong

2011-10-19T23:19:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

I just wanted to show you how far I'd gotten on my Christmas Banner SewAlong blocks from Sew Happy.Me.

I have 3 of the 4 patterns printed off and ready to go. I printed the pattern, cut the fabric to size specified, taped the fabric over the pattern - centering it, then taped the pattern/fabric to my window. I used a mechanical pencil to trace the pattern onto my fabric to being with, and finished off with a wash-out marker.

Block 1 is almost finished - just the HO HO HO left to go. It's been ages since I've done any embroidery like this. It's sew much fun and relaxing! Not totally satisified with a few of the snowflakes, so I'll probably pick those out and redo them.

Block 5 will be available this Friday, so I'd better get busy, huh!?! There will only be 2 more blocks after Friday, the we'll get the instructions to put it all together into a banner.

Sharing this with Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop Party. There are lots of wonderful posts linked up, so why not hop on over and join in, too!

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas Past - Mosaic Monday

2011-10-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures we took Christmas 2005. Doug's parents were showing us some of Florida near where they lived at that time. These photos were taken at Lake Okeechobee. You can see how low it was that year!

Lake Okeechobee, Florida Christmas 2005 Joy and Doug in Christmas colors!

Sharing these with the Little Red House's Mosaic Monday.

Click Here to join in the fun!

Take care and God Bless!

Sunday with Santa!

2011-10-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite Santas from Pinterest.

Source: guzboroda.deviantart.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: aprimitiveplacemagazine.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: farm2.static.flickr.com via Joy on Pinterest

I love the older versions of Santa!

Sharing this with Maureen's Sunday with Santa at Yuletide Seasonings! Why not join us?

Click HERE

Take care and God Bless!

Jenny of ELEFANTZ is have a GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

Howdy!

Thought I'd let you know about this super giveaway at Jenny of ELEFANTZ. She's reached over 1500 followers, so you know she's doing something right!

There are 2 different giveaways: 1 for Aussies and 1 for overseas followers. Since I'm in the USA, I'm really hoping I win, as 1st prize is a $50 gift certificate at The Fat Quarter Shop! That would really be helpful in my Christmas projects! 2nd prize is a copy of of Lisa Lam's book, "The Bag Making Bible."

Follow the link to enter the giveaway and say "thank you" to Jenny!

Click HERE!

Take care and God Bless!

Santa Claus, Indiana aka Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

2011-10-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

No, this isn't a commercial for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari! They don't know I exist. I just want to make everyone aware of Santa Claus, Indiana!

When I was about 10 or so, Mom and Dad took all of us kids to Santa Claus Land, as it was known then (early 1960s). I vaguely remember a Santa, but the main thing I remember is the roller coaster. It was a wooden one, and it went v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. It was more of a kiddie ride than anything else. I remember we all had a great time!

Things have changed in 40-50 years at Santa Claus Land. It's got a new moniker and several roller coasters that rival those found at 6 Flags theme parks.

Santa Claus, Indiana is the only town in the WORLD with that name. They have a post office that has the official cancellation stamp of Santa Claus and this little post office in inundated at Christmastime with letters to Santa.

I'd love to go there now! They have a Christmas Store with lots and lots of things Christmas!

And, of course, SANTA!!!

(All photos are from the Santa Claus, Indiana or Holiday World and Splashin' Safari website.)

Sharing this with Maureen's Yuletide Seasonings Sundays with Santa! Why don't you link up, too, and share your images of Santa!

Take care and God Bless!

Nutcrackers

2011-10-09T22:20:00.003-04:00

I found a couple of Nutcrackers on Pinterest I'd like to share with y'all! I know this is one of Natasha's Christmas favorites. So, these pins are for you, Natasha! (Not singing this weekend.)

Sharing these pins with Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Pinterest Party.

Source: horchow.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: horchow.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: google.it via Joy on Pinterest

There must be something wrong with Pinterest this week. All I've seen so far on my blog and others' is the link, no pictures! Hope they fix it soon!!!

Thanks to Natasha, I've discovered Pinterest! I don't know whether or not to be happy about this! It seems that's all I do anymore! I saw a pin similar to this one I made, but I couldn't get it to resize correctly, so I made my own. Anyone else feel this way??? If so, feel free to take this button! :)

Take care and God Bless!

Santa Images

2011-10-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

I've chosen "Here Comes Santa Claus" by the Disney Gang especially for my great-nephew, GAGE! He LOVES Mickey Mouse! Hope you enjoy it!

Here are some really cool images of Santa! Found these on Pinterest - spend hours pouring over page after page of beautiful pins! It is so VERY addictive!

Source: tdipt-1897house.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: deardaisycottage.typepad.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: artesanatossempre.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: 5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Sharing with:

Natasha's Pinning and Singing Weekend Party

Yuletide Seasonings' Sunday with Santa

Take care and God Bless!

Christmas SewAlong

2011-09-19T08:58:00.002-04:00

This will be sew much fun!!! Make sure you sign up at SewHappy.Me in order to get the patterns, 1 each week for 7 weeks! The 8th week we'll receive instructions for making the Christmas bunting with the 7 blocks.

Click this link for all the particulars: Christmas SewAlong!

Linking with Debbiedoo's Newbie Party on Mondays.

Click HERE

Merry Christmas!

XoXoXo