At the dawn of a new year...

On Sunday our Pastor shared just how powerful our rear view mirrors are. Metaphorically speaking he referred to the fact that looking into the past (both our own and of others) often helps us appreciate and prepare for our future. I haven't stopped thinking about that mirror...

As we get ready to go quietly into another year, I've seen some people choosing the first line of every first month's post...and others choosing a photo from each month as a way of looking back. I tried and I wasn't too impressed with my own outcome. In fact, I started to look at the opening lines and think, "You're rather boring." When I looked at the last lines of the last post of each month, I yawned.

Then, it hit me...it's not the opening and closing that really makes our lives, it's the "stuff in the middle that makes a difference." It's true with almost everything, isn't it?

If you have a sandwich, you want there to be good stuff on the inside, right?

If you are listening to a song, you enjoy the opening lines and the closing lines, but the "middle" is usually what you hum over and over again.

If you go to a play or the theater, the opening and closing might grab you and/or bring you to your feet. I dare say that wouldn't happen without the events in the middle.

If you have a conversation with a friend, the hello and goodbye are precious, but the "middle" is what usually matters.

I could go on and on with this line of thought.

As I reflect on my 2007 and look forward to 2008, it's not the first day, or the first month, or the first event nor is it the last that define it for me. They are but bookends on this 365 day period. And when I look at the "stuff" in the middle, I realize once again that my boys are growing into fine young men, my DH and I are one more year in love, we have friends and family who bring us joy daily, I am loved by God and enjoying my faith journey, and I am blessed beyond what I could ever have dreamed when I stood in my own past and looked forward wondering what the future would hold.

And sometimes it's not a rosy picture we see looking back. Sometimes it's the pits and the pain and the prickles that we find. Those, however, help us gain the most important thing...PERSPECTIVE!

So, today I stand in what will soon be my past. And tomorrow I'll step into a new year with the rest of the world. I don't know what tomorrow will bring or the day after that or the one after that. I DO KNOW that no matter what "stuff" happens to me in the middle, I'm happy to be on the journey. There's joy there. How do I know? By looking back. There always has been. Time and time again without fail whether in full sunshine or in rain.

May you find blessings by looking back that help you move forward on your own 2008 journey!

My 2007 Reading List

Mosaic Review

Return, Rejoice and Reunion Book Reviews

Redemption and Remember Book Review

If I am Missing or Dead Book Review

What Remains Book Review

The Poisonwood Bible Book Review

A Time to Embrace and A Time to Dance Book Reviews

Holy Discontent Book Review

Life of Pi Book Review

Memoirs of a Geisha Book Review

A Thousand Splendid Suns Book Review

The Rescue Book Review

Dealing with Difficult Teachers and Silent Partner Book Reviews

Ransomed Dreams and Night Book Review

Same Kind of Different as Me Book Review

The Kite Runner Book Review

Total pages read: 7575

Sunday Seven....Getaway Edition

DH and I are back from our getaway and I thought I'd share seven things that made it special.

1. DH and I hadn't really been away together without the kids for any length of time until we went to NYC after last Christmas. It was a wonderful time and one we knew we wanted to repeat. This year, we decided to stay in Florida for our time...especially knowing that we have Alaska coming up in June.

2. We ate many wonderful meals while we were away. It started with the lobster meal I featured above and we also enjoyed Japanese food in Epcot. The chef just happened to have a brother that opened up a Sushi restaurant less than two miles from our house. We'll be visiting soon.

3. We ate lunch yesterday in downtown Celebration at the Columbia restaurant. The Columbia is a restaurant that features authentic Cuban food. We enjoyed walking in "downtown" Celebration and driving around looking at the decorations later yesterday.

Our last dinner before going home was at my favorite restaurant in Orlando. This was a treat for me as I have been there several times with different publishers and book reps, but never with anyone in my family. It was very special for me to go there with my DH. At this restaurant the entire wait staff are classically trained musicians. They sing a variety of songs from Opera, to Broadway, to old classics. It is like walking into the middle of a musical and I love it.

4. You might think all we did was eat. That's not true. At Epcot, we had the pleasure of hearing Rita Moreno narrate the Candlelight processional with full orchestra and an amazing choir. This show told the entire Christmas story in a very powerful way. I couldn't really get a clear picture of her, but that's her on the left hand side.

5. As I mentioned earlier, DH started our time away off with a surprise one hour massage for each of us. He surprised me yesterday with a half-day Spa package for two! We each got a facial, massage, foot scrub, and parrafin wax for our hands. It was delightful. No, I do NOT have a facial picture for either of us...but I DID get this picture of our hand and feet treatment. We loved it!

6. The lights were beautiful as we were out and about. It's a nice way to end the holidays.

7. Of course, the best part of all is just being able to spend time with each other and knowing that the kids are OK and well cared-for. I am convinced that these times make us better when we return to the daily grind. And while I don't need to leave my home to know how blessed I am....spending time away with someone you love is just the best!

Thanks, Hon, I LOVE YOU!!

Look at this...

DH and I "slipped" away to Orlando for a few days of "alone time". He started the trip with a surprise "one hour massage" for two....how nice! Both of these pictures show our yummy dinner! The lobster was two pounds and stuffed with scallops and shrimp, mushrooms and spinach. The crab legs, well, they were sweet and tender.

We're Off...

DH and I are off for a few days. I'll report when I get back on Sunday.

The Morning After...

I simply haven't had the oomph to post for a while. Things have been crazy here. On Sunday night we hosted a Christmas Party for our current church. We had no idea how many people to expect. I have to laugh because when Ladybug posted this post, I thought "I don't know if I could EVER ask anyone to not bring their children to a party. I love having kids around." Now, Ladybug, I totally understand that some people MUST do this for many reasons and I certainly don't want you to think I was being judgmental...just read on...

So, Sunday night rolls around and a lady from church has four young children with her, a couple who have some disabilities and challenges. It wasn't long before two of the four were literally ripping through my house and causing me to wonder WHY I didn't heed Ladybug's advice!!!!! They ate in my family room and it looked like there had been a potato chip battle in there! I found myself bringing in the Shark Vacuum during the party to straighten up. I couldn't take it!

In the meantime, the older kids were outside around our new fire pit visiting and roasting marshmallows.

Ladybug, next year, I'm following YOUR advice!!

Monday was "finish-up-your-shopping" day for me. I don't like shopping on Christmas Eve.

We went to the service at our old church. DH and I went down with three of the boys (DS 1 had to work late). About 30 minutes into the service, DS 1 showed up. Let's just say this Mama's floodgates opened and it was tissue time! Having all four of my boys and my DH in church with me on Christmas Eve was a HUGE blessing--especially since I know that those opportunities are going to be rarer as they age.

We had a lovely gift exchange with DH's Mom and Dad yesterday morning and headed to Tampa for my family's gift exchange yesterday afternoon.

When we arrived home last night (just before 8:00), I plopped into bed and didn't move until 8:30 this morning. DH and I leave tomorrow for our little "getaway". Still not sure where we're going....but should be fun! I'll update when I can.

What a day...

Have you ever read Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day? Yesterday could have classified right up there for my DS 4.

Everything was going fine at school when our Assistant Principal came over the intercom and called a "Code Red--full lockdown" at 1:15pm. We all knew this was no drill. When we go into full lockdown we have to lock the doors, sit quietly on the floor, and wait. Teachers email in and tell the office who is in their room so they can find extra students and notify them of missing students. Yesterday we waited and waited and waited. We could hear the police helicopter hovering above our school. One teacher used her cell phone to text message her family and found out there had been a bank robbery in our area and the suspect was running around our school.

After an hour, they came on the intercom and announced they were looking for two students and to "check our email". It turned out they were also looking for three teachers. Finally, they went to a code white---this means we still stay locked in and no movement on campus--but we could show a movie and/or teach.

Knowing that my DS 4 is a nervous child (somewhat like his Mother) I went to him as soon as they lifted the lockdown a few minutes later. We were supposed to leave campus for an appointment, but I had to cancel it due to being stuck in the school. I signed DS 4 out and we left early hoping it would help him decompress.

On the way home, the neighborhood was still swarming with police as they have not located this suspect yet. We went another way home and found ourselves involved in a traffic accident! A girl pulled out in front of a police car and several other vehicles. She collided with the police car, and slid into my bumper. Thank goodness everyone was fine, but you can imagine my DS 4 since he's never been involved in anything like that.

Since there were so many police in the area, in minutes there were 8 police cars, a fire truck, a rescue squad and a community service vehicle stopped for us. I stayed in my car with DS 4 and he read a book as soon as he could settle down a bit.

Knowing he needed to decompress even more now...I bought him McDonalds...and took him home. I went to workout and upon my return, DS 4 went into his room to find his goldfish dead. We tried to tell him that they were "old"--especially for fair goldfish. He and DH decided that "maybe" the goldfish would revive with a little more oxygen in the water, so they decided to try letting him stay in there overnight. (Sometimes you just have to go with their little minds, you know?)

DS 4 and I sat down to read and he said, "I just need this day to start over!" I explained that some days are like that.

DH helped DS 4 bury the fish this morning, but not before DS 4 carried it gingerly around my house on top of a towel for us all to say our "goodbyes".

So, here we are, on the last day of school before the winter break and I am hoping and praying that it's just another "ordinary day"...at least for DS 4.

Thursday Thirteen

{Note: I received this in my email today and thought it totally worthy of passing along...}

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the post straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Name someone who's gone "above and beyond" just for you.

6. Think of someone who shared a "random act of kindness"--you know, the "out of the blue" kind of thing---just for you

7. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

"And THAT'S what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Our Family Update

December 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

The tree is decorated, our nativities are up and our outside lights are blazing. But an important part of my holidays, writing this update, is sitting undone! I considered not sending an update this year. Then I remember just how much I love hearing what is happening in the lives of those we don’t get to see as often and I know it must get done. We are as busy as ever…perhaps busier. But God is good and we are blessed.

For those of you who have come here for the first time due to a Christmas card you received, WELCOME! Please sign the comments and let us know you stopped by! For our regular blog visitors, we hope you enjoy our family update. (Note: I do not use our family names on our blog, so you'll see DH as Dear Husband, and DSs as Dear Sons. They are numbered by their ages.)

DH finished as a full time pastor on December 31st last year. He spent the first three months traveling extensively coaching and consulting with many churches, then tapered off a little for the Summer months and got right back into a busy busy Fall. 2008 is also looking busy, which is good! He spends most of his time in Texas, but has also been to several other states this year. It has been a blessing to watch him serve in this way. And when he’s home, as he says, he’s home. He and DS3 are working on getting their pilot’s license. DH will have his very soon. They also received their SCUBA certification this summer.

DS1, at 19, is finishing his second year of college and is working at the Gap clothing store during the holidays. In August, he made another step toward figuring out what he wants to do in his adult life. He enlisted in the Army National Guard. He was supposed to ship out in October, but surgery prevented it. He will now leave April 28th for Basic Training in Ft. Leonard Wood, KS. We are very proud of DS1 as he takes this important step in his journey. He continues to pursue his musical interests as well as martial arts training. He and DH have spent quite a bit of time recently at the shooting range. He enjoys target practice and is getting to be quite an excellent “shot”. He has grown into a fine young man. I am so excited to watch him face this new season in his life!

DS2 is 18, and a senior in high school. He maintains great grades while balancing quite a social life. He has been a Debutante Escort this season, which has been quite an interesting experience. This means he has been able to attend some fabulous parties and eat some wonderful food—something for which he is quite skilled! Recently he was voted “Best All Around” by his senior class. Judging by my revolving door that constantly has teens in and out, he deserved it. DS2 continues to play soccer on the varsity team and is hoping to play when he goes to college next year. Speaking of college, he’s chosen to attend Hope College in Holland, Michigan. I keep telling him it’s COLD there…but he’s really set on it. Currently, he’s planning to go into secondary education—something that makes us very proud. DS2 really believes in living large. So I’m sure whatever he does will be with great vim and vigor!

DS3 is thirteen years old and in the eighth grade. In some ways, he’s grown the most this year. He’s almost taller than DH and is changing everyday. DS3 is about all things “airplane”. He has loved every moment he has spent learning about planes this year…and has become quite an expert! During the summer he had his first job as he worked at the airport washing small planes and preparing them for flight. DS3 also received his SCUBA certification in July and put it to good use when we took our family vacation to the Keys in July. Whether it’s under the water or in the air, he is becoming quite the adventurer! It was fun to go with him to the Dayton Air Force Museum in Ohio this summer. He was telling me details and information about each plane before I could read the “fact card” that went with it.! It will be fun to see where this passion takes him.

DS4 will be nine years old in January and is in the third grade. He is an excellent student and continues to enjoy school. I love having him with me and watching him grow daily. In a conference with his teacher this year, she shared how compassionate DS4 is with his peers. He is usually in tune to those in need around him…a very special gift for sure. DS4 joined the traveling soccer team this year. He is honing his skills as a goalkeeper and doing quite well. People ask me how he “learned to be Goalie” and I tell them he’s had older brothers taking shots on him for years! Of course, he’s always wanted to do the things his brothers do…so he was very excited when he got to take his first trip to the shooting range with DH, DS1 and DS3 last week. Some days I think the next nine years will take FOREVER, but I know that he’ll be grown in the blink of an eye!

I continue to work as a Literacy Coach at a local elementary school and love it. My fourth book will be published in 2008. I keep joking with friends and family that I just “live in my house” while life happens around me. Believe me, there is NEVER one dull moment in our lives. And although I do dream of having a “pink refuge room” that is filled with all things “girl” someday…I wouldn’t trade one day of watching my boys grow in this season.

DH and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this year with a 7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. While there, we WON another 7-day cruise for two, so we will be heading to Alaska in June! As I said, we came right home from our anniversary cruise and spent a week in the Keys with my cousin and her family. Then DSs 3 and 4 and I drove to Ohio to visit family there. It was a very fulfilling Summer for sure!

If you're visiting here for the first time, I hope you'll come back. I have been blessed to meet many wonderful people via this tool. This Fall I was able to meet some friends I met via blogging in real life on a trip to Savannah. It was a delightful time that shall remain one of the highlights of this year for me.

We hope this season finds you counting your blessings. As always, we’d love to hear from you! May God bless each of you beyond your hopes and expectations in 2008!

Tuesday Tidbits...

I have so many things rolling around my head, that I decided to give you a bulleted list today....

I have the BEST blogging friends! Last week,SWEET DAISY sent me a beautiful advent ribbon. This is no ordinary countdown to Christmas. I mean it has all the sweet yummy goodies in it to open each day...but it also has a nativity glued to it. I almost didn't want to open the packages. BUT inside those packages are sweet Daisy blessings written to ME! I am loving hearing from you each day, Daisy, my friend!

Today, my dear friend, Jane at Cozy Reader sent me a beautiful Christmas pin. What a blessing it was to receive this wonderful gift after spending the whole day out shopping!

My SIL Heather came into town today and we enjoyed a "grown-up" lunch! It was a blessing to spend time together. {Edited to Add: I forgot to write the biggest blessing Heather gave me today....she was SO KIND to raid her fridge and give me 3 dozen home made cookies for our cookie exchange at school tomorrow. THANKS HEATHER! This definitely helped me be a bit more stress-free tonight!}

I finished most of my Christmas shopping today. I took a partial day at work to get it done. I am hoping to finish before the weekend so that I'm not wrapping on Christmas Eve (a task I've done in the past).

I still have that long post rolling around my head...just have to get the words on paper.

Hugs to all!!

Grandpa Speaks Out

The following entry is my FIL's comment regarding my post from last week regarding his vying for Grandfather of the Year. I thought you'd enjoy. I'll pop back later cause there's a BIG post rolling around my head. I just don't have time for it now...for now...enjoy Grandpa's Perspective:

Dear All,

As the Grandpa mentioned in this blog post, I feel I should "clarify" a point or two.

First, I do not spoil my 8 grands. However, I do tend to encourage them, share time with them, and -- on ocassion -- spend a lot of money on them. All of that is part of the "Divinely Ordained Grandparent Code" and I cannot risk losing my membership in that stately and august organization!

Second, my all night assistance consisted of preparing Chai tea (times 3), reading and making suggestions for edits in their papers, nuking Grandma's Chicken-ala-Queen for Two (at 2:00 a.m.), working on citations and footnotes, somewhat gently letting them know they shouldn't have waited so long to do their papers, and showing them that I was working them under the table!

Third, the Chicken-ala-Queen for two came after Mama's Pizza (a local legend) for a late afternoon snack, and dinner consisting of cichken stuffed shells, chicken & dumplings, ravioli, honey crunch chicken, and chicken sausage. All of this from Grandma's Kitchen. (Observation: Grandson 2 and K resemble a rather large hoard of locusts!)

Fourth, I wore long underwear with Christmas boxers over them; and I also wore a tank top shirt. I didn't want you to think I wore the shorts as my top. I know how to dress better than that! :)

Fifth, I had to wear that outfit as the only (ONLY) Master Christmas Yoga Instructor in Our Town. And, as I was going to enter into my famous SOMH position, I had to have the audience help me concentrate by repeating "ooommm" "ooommmm". [BTW -- what does SOMH mean? Answer later.]

Sixth, I do not understand Susan's reference to "Letterman's 'Stupid Pet Tricks'" -- nor do I care for an explanation!

Seventh, I am a Certified AOTA, which I assume is one reason I was asked to do the introduction. AOTA means "Announcer of Talent Acts. Actually, that was a problem because Grandson 2 and Z didn't have any talent!

Eight, actually, they do have talent. In fact, I admitted that Grandson 2 had talent as a cross dresser. (Although I wish I had mentioned that when he did the somersault in his tea length black dress he should have been wearing pantie hose.)

Thank you for letting me set the record straight.

Merry Christ,

Reverend, Dr., Dad, Master Christmas Yoga Instruction, Certified, AOTA Grandpa

PS: SOMH means (are you ready for this?) Standing On My Head!

It's Sunday...

but I haven't recouped from
SATURDAY!

Here are some photos from our very busy day that started at the soccer field at 8:30 and ended after Midnight...but was great fun!

Photo Hunt: Small

This is my smallest nativity. It is in one half of a walnut shell. I have written this before, but it was given to me by a gentleman in our church who had served in WWII. While in Germany, he bought this nativity and kept it with him all those years until he gave it to me. He came to my house and saw my nativity collection (scroll down to see it) and said he knew that I'd take care of it. I was more than touched to get it. He's gone now, but a piece of him lives on here in this little walnut shell.

Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: PhotoHunt

Film at Eleven...

Sometimes I have trouble finding things to blog about, then sometimes the deluge hits and I have to decide WHICH thing to post. This week has been full of things to share. I must say that the honor for best blog fodder this week goes to my FIL (who may just be vying for "Grandfather of the Year").

Monday, I ate with DSs 1 and 3 while DH was out flying, DS 2 was at something for school and DS 4 was at soccer. I like these dinners. I usually find out things that I never knew about my crazy family. This meal did NOT disappoint me!

DS 1 showed up and told us he'd been at "airband rehearsal" with DS 2 and their GRANDFATHER at the high school. I said, "HUH?" I was sure I hadn't heard him correctly. I mean, what grandparent wants to be in the same room with loud music and a bunch of louder teens? DS 1 assured me that it was true and I remembered that Grandpa DOES wear hearing aids that can be turned down. Then he said, "He's hilarious, Mom!"

I don't think I've ever blogged it before, but Grandpa can stand on his head. All of my boys think this is pretty cool and they often will stop by my in-laws home with their friends to show them "Grandpa's trick". (Letterman's 'Stupid Pet Tricks' has nothing on THIS family!) I guess DS 2 decided that he wanted Grandpa to introduce his airband act at the high school show to the audience while standing on his head! I think, however, it mushroomed from there into an entire skit.

Grandpa, come on...tell me in all those years of working in education AND raising YOUR children, you didn't learn to say NO! I know, I know it all flies right out the window the minute your name changes from "Dr. ____" or "Dad" to "Grandpa", right??

DS 1 gave me a visual that I shall not soon forget. Grandpa didn't just show up as a "plain clothed" AARP member...nope...he showed up in long underwear with Christmas boxers over the top AND a towel wrapped around his head!! (I later asked my DH if he thought WE'D be doing crazy stunts in front of our grandchildren and their friends...I'm hoping sure these are genes my DH didn't end up receiving.)

When I arrived home after dinner, DS 2 was at the house with two girls who are also in the show. They were going into the bathroom with DSs clothes, coming out and asking, "NOW do I look like a boy?" I told you life just happens around me sometimes...I mean, I just live there. As soon as we had L looking like a boy...they came out and asked me, "Mrs. N. have you seen your DS 2's costume?" With fear and trepidation (remember I already know what Grandpa is wearing--so DS 2 must have been in line with that) I said no. All at once I had three cell phones in my face with pictures of my MASCULINE DS 2 in a beautiful tea length black dress. I felt a longing for my PINK room...but now I'm not so sure I'd be alone in there. He might just sneak in with me!

Anyway, back to Grandpa...

He apparently pulled off his part of the show with great finesse and received RAVE reviews from the audience at the Tuesday night performance.

By Wednesday, he went from hilarity to "hero" as he worked with DS 2 to save his rear end with some huge project that was due the next day. Did I mention that he also helped DS 2's friend K? And, while helping kids is a noble thing...the fact that the help lasted from the mid-afternoon until 5:15AM the next morning is the crazy amazing part. It turns out that Grandpa pulled an all nighter with the boys to help them finish their projects.

DH asked DS 2 "What happened that made this a last minute project that had to be completed with an all nighter?" DS 2 said, "MY part was done by 1:30AM. It was K's part that needed to be done all night." Oh well, now, THAT changes everything!

So the top contestant for Grandfather of the Year was pretty perky when I called him today to ask if DS 4 can stay with them while DH and I go to the Debutante Ball on Saturday. I guess that's a pretty easy "gig" after his week with my older son...I mean, he won't have to stand on his head AND he'll be able to sleep!

Thanks, Grandpa, you're the greatest! (And, aren't you glad we live so close? Who ever thought we'd be having this much fun nine years later? I mean there's NEVER a dull moment with my guys around.)

You can come sit with me in the pink room when I get it! ;-)

P.S. I think I'd be remiss if I didn't also give a shout-out to Grandma who is always standing by watching these shenanigans with great support and the much-loved food for the troops!

Wordless Wednesday

And HE Heeelllppppeedd! Here's the cat helping us put up the family room tree this past weekend.

And because you haven't seen enough of my house....

The living room is done...see the cat enjoying ready to eat the decorations as soon as I turn my back??

I left these last two Nativity photos large so you can see them...Melli, I hope this works!

I love both of these because they are probably the most unique I have. I love that they represent other cultures...the Eskimos and the Native Americans. I also like the fact that the "stables" are cultural with the Igloo and the TeePee.

My decorating is done and now it's time to finish that SHOPPING that I haven't done. I plan to take a personal day one day next week to tackle that chore.

Since I'm on a roll showing you every other holiday nook and cranny I have, I'll leave you with our family room tree. I wanted to show you our favorite ornaments on this tree, but I realized that I have so many with names on them! So, you'll have to view it from afar.

This is the one that holds all of our homemade ornaments. It is also filled with ornaments that the kids have received as gifts over the years. I love decorating it each year. Yesterday, when DS 4 and I were putting ornaments on, he said, "You know what Christmas makes me think about?" I asked him what. He said, "It is about memories. These ornaments make me remember so many special things."

You know what? I think he's got it!

Nativities 102

I promised to share my other Nativities for some of you. I considered not doing it since it's like someone showing a bunch of pictures of their grandchildren. But I don't know that I've ever really chronicled each one and its story. So, I've elected to continue....

This is my piano that holds five of our nativities. From the left, the first one is a Precious Moments. The one in the center is pretty unique. It is motion censored and recites Luke 2 while playing Silent Night when activated (we keep it off most of the time). The two hanging ornaments have nativities inside them. The next one is an African one followed by a beautiful handcarved music box. All of these lay on a lace Nativity runner that my Stepmother bought for me several years ago.

The porcelain nativity above is the one that started it all. We were given this one by a couple in one of our first churches. She made her own porcelain figurines and he made the creche. The pieces are very delicate and small. We have had this Nativity since 1990. (Note: this one and the one below it sit in my china cabinet...so you can see the ceramic piggy bank my Mom made me when I was a child. It has NOTHING to do with the nativity next to it.)

The Nativity below is the one that DH and I bought when we first married. It is 20 years old.The olive wood nativity below was purchased for me by DH in Israel. He was given this trip by the masons when he was new in ministry. It was a very special thing for him to walk where Jesus walked. I loved getting this treasure upon his return.
Below on the left is the nativity that we purchased in Mexico on our first cruise. It sits above our snowman collection. In the picture on the right, you can see a Department 56 nativity. Underneath it is one that my in-laws gave me for Christmas last year.

Since I am certain that you could be asleep by now...I'll only share two more. The nativities below are in my kitchen. The one in the top photo is my new Jim Shore one. I LOVE his work! The one on top of my fridge is a cookie jar.


I'm glad you came to visit my house today. I hope you enjoyed your little tour.

With you, there's no pretending -- you believe in the magic of the holiday season with all of your heart. Your friendliness and generosity impress even the Scroogiest, Grinchiest naughty-listers. You're always rushing around on holiday errands, picking out presents, and preparing decorations, but no matter how busy you get, you have an endless supply of good cheer. Smiling's your favorite, but you're also a fan of hugs.

14% of the people who took this quiz got the same evaluation.

I LOVE this movie...and was so excited to find my "match"...what's yours????

Photo Hunt: Long

"Why LONG?", you might ask. This is my DH flying yesterday. He's waited a LONG time to get back into the pilot seat. He's flying LONGER and LONGER distances. Waiting for him to call and let me know he's "on the ground" always feels LONG. So, there you have it....my "take" on LONG! Happy Hunting!

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Nativities 101

Below is a repeat post from Dec. 2006. Some of you commented about my Nativity collection. I literally take everything off of shelves and walls and change it out for Nativities. I used to keep the olive wood one that DH bought me in Israel out year round, but now I pretty much get them out when the season starts and put them away when it's over. This post shared the story of the 20 that are on display in my family room. This year, I am adding five more to this room. I will try and post those as soon as possible.

Now for my explanation from last year:

As I promised, I want to share some of my Nativities with the blogging world.
Over to the right, you'll see (starting from the top left) a stocking hanger, a box that holds Nativity ornaments (it's too interesting to put away) and a candle holder. On the second row, you'll see one that one of the boys bought me in their school fundraiser one year. The second one on that row is one that a dear friend gave me. It was made out of one piece of clay. The figures were carved out of the "clay clump". On the bottom shelf, you'll see the ornaments that came out of the box on the top shelf. These are made out of sculpting clay. And on the right, is another small one that one of the boys bought (in a different year) from a different fund raiser.

In the picture directly under this, you'll see one that I bought for myself at an "After-Christmas" sale a few years ago. I love Veggie Tales! They have been an integral part of my boys' childhood years. We have many of the movies. I never took it out of the box because I can think of no better way to display it.

This shelf on the left is also in the family room. Starting on the top is a small tree with Nativity ornaments. Just to the right of it is a snow globe with the Precious Moments figures in it. On the second shelf--to the left is one that a family bought us when we cared for their dog one year. It was purchased in Mexico and is very interesting.

The one to the right on the second shelf was made for me by a friend from our previous church, Sue, who was learning to use the scroll saw (I think that's the right tool). On the bottom row, you'll see two of the smallest ones I have. The one on the left (is white) and very intricate inside. DH's former District Superintendent and his family brought back for us after a trip overseas.

The one on the right on the bottom shelf is in a small walnut shell. It is really special to me. Each year, DH and I have hosted an Open House during the holidays for our church family. This is kind of how the whole Nativity thing began. People would come over and see the ones that we had and then they kind of started adding to the collection as they would see one somewhere.

The little walnut was brought over one year during the Open House. The man who brought it was a WWII vet and when he handed it to me, he said, "I got this when I was serving in the war. I was stationed in Germany. I thought it was so unique, and so I bought it. I knew it needed somewhere special to be, so I am giving it to you." I have displayed it proudly each year since that day. He is gone now...that makes it even more special to me.

This photo shows three more that were given to me by other people. The one on the left was given to me by DH when he went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The snow globe and the center was given to me by DH one Christmas. And the one on the right was given to me by my Dad and StepMom. I believe it's from Phoenix.

This nativity in the photo on the right, was cut out by a man who was in our church in South Tampa. His name was Rick. He also loved looking at our Nativities each year when he would come to Open House. He cut them out and his wife, Vickie, who was quite an artist, painted them. I have always loved this set. It has such character.

I love them below the window painting that is displayed above them. This reminds me of being little and laying awake waiting to hear "sleigh bells in the (ahem) sand"...what can I say? I was raised in Florida...no snow here.

Finally, the shelf in the photo below holds one that was also made for me by Rick. The one on the top shelf that is shaped like a half-circle. It was the first one that he made for me. This served as a pattern later on for my Grandfather as he learned to cut them. He loved this piece, too. The one on the bottom shelf in the picture above is another one made for me by Sue and her husband. They used a wood burning kit on it. It's really neat.

We have only scratched the "tip" of the Nativity "iceberg" that is at my house. There are also ornaments on each tree that have been given to us over the years. The Nativities in this blog entry are all displayed in the family room.

I realize that these are a little like "Home Movies". If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. I'll try to get the Living Room photographed and shared in the next day or so.