SMART goals

This is the season for resolutions, goal setting - new hopes. I once read this cool perspective on what to consider good goal setting....or how to do it the S.M.A.R.T way. I intend to make my resolutions for 2009.....


S- spiritually driven

M - measurable

A - achievable

R - reachable

T - timed

See the emphasis on making them "do-able". So, Im thinking and praying about what those goals need to be for 2009.

oh what fun it is to....open presents

My favorite gift - Bria made this frame and my neighbor took the picture to surprise me.

Joy over the magazine devoted to all things High School Musical - cheap, but I just knew it would be a hit!

My favorite gift that Nate got from dad - U2 concert at Red Rock. Love it - we have it on now.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

We really surprised him with this record player. Later in the day we played lots of old records. It's so cool.

Bria's favorite treat at Trader Joes is the chocolate covered sunflower seeds. I could not believe my find - a tall package topped with a sunflower.

Best movie of 2008

Nates Christmas "thing" is to collect chinese dishes each year. Matt made this rice bowl for Nate at the pottery place. He was so proud of it and Nates response was so great. He says it will always be his favorite.

Well, I guess Bria picked the right DS game for Matt

Matt has always wanted a remote control car that does stunts - I love having boys

The free typewriter found on Craigslist works great - thanks Santa ;)

More pictures to come from my moms camera. They came over for brunch on Christmas day. I hardly took pictures as it is hard to do while eating and laughing. What a fun day.

christmas

The Mother Of God
by William Butler Yeats

The threefold terror of love; a fallen flare
Through the hollow of an ear;
Wings beating about the room;
The terror of all terrors that I bore
The Heavens in my womb.

Had I not found content among the shows
Every common woman knows,
Chimney corner, garden walk,
Or rocky cistern where we tread the clothes
And gather all the talk?

What is this flesh I purchased with my pains,
This fallen star my milk sustains,
This love that makes my heart’s blood stop
Or strikes a sudden chill into my bones
And bids my hair stand up?

celebrating the amazing gift of Jesus

"Thank God for His Son-
His gift too wonderful for words."
II Corinthians 9:15

christmas is here (almost)

• Snuggled by the fire and Christmas tree check
• Pretended to shop for Christmas tree just for the smell check
• Pocket book empty check
• Heard (mocked) the song "This Christmas" by George Michael several times check
• Presents wrapped almost check
• Gingerbread mans made and decorated check
• Goodie bags ready for neighbors check
• Reindeer pancake breakfast check
• Thoughts of love from those far and near check check
• Drank lots of peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog lattes check
  

Its time for Christmas!

a christmas favorite - annual lunch and gift exchange with co-workers

Every Christmas my company treats us to lunch at a fine French restaurant in Orange County. We enjoy the gorgeous Christmas decor, Dickens "type" carolers, gift exchange (we pick names) and of course Creme Brulee.

This was the light arrangement over my head - wow

The fireplace in the lobby is my favorite place to sit if I get there early enough.

These are the appraisers and support staff in front of the tree. Yes, all girlie's. They are great co-workers and this time of year is a treat since we all work from home and do not get to see each other live and in person very often.

a christmas favorite - cookies and friends

Our homeschool co-op got together at Gina's beautifully decorated home for lunch and cookie making. It was pouring rain but dry and cozy inside. What fun to see everyone in the midst of the holiday crazies.

a christmas favorite - casual decor

Some of you have Pioneer Woman - I have Kimba. She keeps it real and has some really great homey ideas. I am nothing like her, but when I stared and stared at recipe books, some of it wore off on me and I began to cook better. I'm hoping it will happen that way with going to Kimba's blog.

She has this "little" open house thing going on (just kidding, seriously, I will probably be the 5 billionth link today). Its fun to peak in and see festivness happening in homes across the country.

My favorite place to sit has this view. It is by the fireplace, has a place for my coffee, listening to Christmas music. This is a view of the beginning of the season.

this is my garland this year. Inspired by Nesting Place to throw it all in there. Its my frosty the snowman garland - see the corn pipe, top hat and snowballs?

I love pinecones and berries - it keeps it casual.

Here are some view of the sweet treasures collected through the years, like these ornaments made by my mom and I when I was in high school...

This santa and kids plus the santa bag were all painted by my mom when I was little. I just scored them from her last year. Of course, Santa Pack should have little candies in it, but its in the bathroom this year so it gets a candle :)

other little corners of casual christmas fun.....

kids being more naughty than nice....

a christmas favorite......Books

Molly is a dear friend of mine at Valley Blogging. She is sharing rich Christmas thoughts, verses and quotes this month. When you have time alone, get a cup of something hot and enjoy a deep nugget for this time of year. She has invited us to share our favorite Christmas books.


I love this retelling of the Christmas story. Chuck Swindoll brings insights into all of the characters. It is one of our family favorites. We read a chapter each week - Ch. 1 focuses on Mary, Ch. 2 Joseph and Ch. 3 Gabriel.


I read of one review that read,

"Chuck Swindoll gave the most understandable meaning I've ever read of why Jesus was the only way God could offer salvation to a fallen world. It has given me a fresh approach to this Christmas season and I highly recommend it."


It is a little over Bria's (7 years) but fine for Matt (9 years). This is a small book with gorgeous pictures and makes a wonderful gift. Also, I noticed that Insight for Living has a radio theater version of the book. Im going to check it out!