Three Simple Pleasures: Flip, No Disasters, Good Night's Sleep

1. It was a day to count our blessings as the family exchanged gifts, prepared a wonderful feast, and laughed through our first family videos with the Flip.

2. I couldn't believe it!  The dishwasher didn't break, the frig didn't stop working, the meat didn't burn, nobody had a meltdown, we didn't lose the horseradish, and all the food made it to the table. Our family has been known to experience a few disasters as we gather for a holiday meal.

3. Everything quieted down pretty early and I actually got to bed at a decent time and enjoyed a blissful sleep in a warm bed with the dogs and JEJ close by. I could rest knowing all was well with the world.

Images of the Christmas Holiday

Here are some festive images of the Christmas season with my sister, my mom and her family. Merry Christmas!

Home for the Holidays

The presents are wrapped, the bags are packed, the goodies arranged, the Christmas music in the case, my to do list written, phone charged, camera ready, recipes chosen, and books thrown in the bag. I am going to my other homes for the holidays... Kellogg to the houses of  Silver Valley Girl and Mom.  The roads look clear and the traffic should be light. First stop... Starbucks!

Top Ten Signs It is Almost Christmas at Our House

Top Ten Signs It is Almost Christmas at Our House

10. The house is empty of tags, wax paper, Peppermint Mocha creamer, and Almond Roca.

9.  The missing holiday welcome mat was found just in time to put it away again.

8.   It is time to Photoshop the dark circles under my eyes on my blog profile picture.

7.   JEJ raised a grove of Christmas trees for my Orofino cousins on FarmVille on Facebook.

6.  The cats keep holding out for Friskies Shredded Prime Rib dinner at feeding time.

5.  Shelby has honed her herding skills by nipping at the heels of every snowman on display.

4.  Annie knows Christmas calories don’t count so she has enjoyed taste testing sugar cookies.

3.  I have finally learned to text “Ho Ho Ho” on my phone after a month of failed attempts
2.  JEJ has to be checked for glitter, stray bows, mailing labels or raffia before he leaves the house.

1.  It is time for me to count my blessings and remember the reason for the season.

Christmas Gift Suggestions

Christmas Gift Suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer,service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, humility before God.
-Oren Arnold

These words were printed in our church bulletin and shared today during the service. I wanted to pass these suggestions on to you.

Three Simple Pleasures: All About Red, Cat Companions, Dog Companions

1. Sometimes there is something I really want to have. Yesterday it was the colander set in red on sale at WalMart. JEJ found it while getting the car serviced. Spaghetti has never looked more festive!

2. Our two cats McDuff and Kit are great cat companions, even when they aren't playing sheriff and deputy.

3. Annie and Shelby were Saturday companions as they laid by the fire close to the two of us.