winter white flakes.

It's snowed this weekend! Wasn't it beautiful?!  It truly feels like Christmastime. I love turning up the Christmas music, decorating the house and going to all of the events this season.  This weekend, we went to a Christmas concert at our church, which was just beautiful.  And the following night, we went to an ugly Christmas sweater party.  You know you have a good sweater when you dread putting it on. :)  I'm sure there will be pics on facebook, but I didn't take any this time.

This past week, my sister-in-law and I planned a Christmas craft time.  We had a good time together, and I'm excited that she invited me.  I've been wanting to do this for a while, and this gave me the initiative.


Our craft table.



I changed the ribbon on this wreath, added lights and replaced the ornaments. Doesn't it look great with the lights and garland on the mantle? You can view Jodi's wreath here as well as some of her other great Christmas ideas. 



One of the ornaments we made. ...We got the idea from another blog, and it very much resembles some of the ornaments available at Pottery Barn this year.



Jingle Bell Wreath to welcome visitors.

ho! ho! ho! Tis the season.  Writing this post has been a good reminder to me.  I want to enjoy each event as time with family and friends.  It's so easy to get overwelmed with planning, scheduling, cooking, shopping, that one could stress right through the season.  I'd rather take the time to enjoy some good Christmas movies!

November.

November went by so fast, but it was a month of blessings. 

• I'm enjoying a bible memory class that meets once a week.  I love the ladies, and I love how just talking about a few verses can be so enriching and bring so much sharing.  Ultimately, it's about committing to memory, but honestly, it's more than that.  It's taking the time to stop, study and listen as God reveals Himself through His Word. 

• I also made time this month to create several much overdue cards for friends. 

• Earlier this month, I was so excited to win tickets to the Veggie Tales concert.  Josh and I planned on taking my nephews, but unfortunately, he had a last minute business trip.  Thankfully, my sister joined me in taking the boys.  I won the tickets from Naptime in Naptown, which is a great blog for young mothers.

• I've enjoyed doing more cooking and baking in November.  pumkin rolls, cookies, my grandma's cranberry salad and more.

yum, cranberries!

• We also celebrated my birthday with friends and family as well as going out to dinner, just the two of us. 

• Finally, I want to leave this post with a verse that's filled my heart the past couple of weeks.  I've been wanting to memorize it for a couple of months (sad, I know), but I finally can say that it's not only in my mind but in my heart.  And I hope to continue to learn how to live it daily.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable

—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9

Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for my family. This Thanksgiving, we spent lunch time with Josh's family... all 60+ of them! Yes, it was a crowded house, but it's always fun to see all of the cousins, aunts and uncles. Plus, I love the Mayes' traditions of sharing what we're thankful for and singing hymns and praise songs together. (With that many people, everyone can sing out... even the tone deaf!)


Grandma Mayes playing the piano as we sang hymns.  She is such a precious woman, and although I don't know her like some, she has blessed my life with her kind heart.

We traveled to my parents' house in the evening to enjoy our second meal of the day. Needless to say, I didn't go back for seconds at either house so I'd have enough room for dessert. Although a smaller crowd, it was so nice to have everyone together. We all sat around the table after dinner and shared stories and laughed together. And nothing finishes the day like the family movie Toy Story 3.