“Part of the purpose for telling the story of Christmas is to remind us that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Indeed, however delightful we feel about it, even as children, each year it ‘means a little bit more.’ And no matter how many times we read the biblical account of that evening in Bethlehem, we always come away with a thought—or two—we haven’t had before….
“I, like you, need to remember the very plain scene, even the poverty, of a night devoid of tinsel or wrapping or goods of this world. Only when we see that sacred, unadorned child of our devotion—the Babe of Bethlehem—will we know why… the giving of gifts is so appropriate”
Jeffrey R. Holland
Merry, Merry…
My Christmasy Folks
One year, when I was a kid, my Mama gave my sister and I one of these little ornaments. She told us that it reminded her of her Swedish grandmother–whom she loved and missed very much.
She helped me be very proud to have a bit of Swedish in me. She was such a cute little mom.
Sooooo many things remind me of my momma at Christmastime.
One November, many years ago, I made her this for her birthday. It made her cry–I knew it would.
Then there was my funny little dad–I believe I’ve mentioned him before. Can’t you just see that little twinkle in his eye? We use to give him gingerbread ornaments because every year, he would make a million sheets of Honeycake to make into gingerbread houses all over the valley. Many people knew him as the “Gingerbread Man,” and with good reason.
Sooo many things remind me of my dad at Christmastime.
Then one December, I made him this for his birthday–because it was so him. It made him cry–I knew it would.
Soooo many things remind me of them…
at Christmastime.

{ The Christmas Child }
“There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power.
“Of all things of heaven and earth of which we bear testimony, none is so important as our witness that Jesus, the Christmas child, condescended to come to earth from the realms of His Eternal Father, here to work among men as healer and teacher, our Great Exemplar. And further, and most important, He suffered on Calvary’s cross as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind.
“At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life.”
Gordon B. Hinckley
These Things…
I know to be true:
~”Bob the Tomato” from Veggie Tales is actually cuter drawn on a MagnaDoodle than he is in real life–depending on the artist.
~It’s much easier to type in a cold basement if you have these glorious fingerless gloves–now, I just need a pair of my own…so I don’t have to swipe April’s.
Thanks, Amy!
~ I must have been born in the wrong era because this old, turn-of-the-century farm house just makes my heart pound right out of my chest–rock foundation, root cellar, “gingerbread” and all. Oh, where’s that single Scottish Farmer when you need him?
*sigh*
~ A willow tree is very generous with the leaves–which should make incredible garden compost…
…very generous indeed.
~ I have a very, very happy son…
…with a very, very happy fiance’–woooohooo!!
~ Miss Chompy–if she so chooses– has a bright future…
with the circus.
All is well.



































