As Christmas Comes To A Close . . .

And, another year ends .  .  . 

  

I am reminded of many things, traditions from the past and maybe new ones to come, 'not forgetting what I and my husband celebrated this season for.'  

I miss the "pitter-patter" of children down the hall full of excitement after looking through their stockings that were quietly placed on their bed, while they slept in anticipation and sweet dreams of morning with all smiles and laughter. Breakfast also was planned with another old 'doings' of buckwheats - still kept to this day. I have to say it's one my dad is always excited and up for.  I can relate! 

I felt like Christmas came early with our visit at Thanksgiving by my son and his family. It truly was a blessing to me. We checked out Bisbee AZ, Old Tombstone with a gun fight & The Rose Tree, Bowlin's The Thing, and Biosphere 2. 'Bowlin's, was the only place I frequently stopped at with trips to Tucson, still I never saw The Thing.' So this was a treat and a lot of fun. When my boys were younger their dad took them. My kindergartener at the time came out excited saying, "it was a shrunken head ma!" But if you haven't been you'll need to see for yourself, my lips are sealed! I hadn't been back since 2016 and will say I was very impressed with all the upgrades they did in 2017 to have a real exhibit/museum.    

Being with my grans brought back a flood of memories as they checked out all there was to see every place we went. I do miss days of old as I know others do and, sometimes I wished I could go back visiting a short while but not to stay. Though I have to say good / happy memories aren't a bad thing. This year I reminded myself to watch one of my most favorite movies I first saw years ago - I must have been nine or ten at the time. We did have a television back then, haha - An old Philco Box TV [modern for the 50's] free standing on legs. It was in a room, 'TV Room' as it was called by family, into or down the hall from the garage and furnace/wash room, or the living area depending on your direction. There I watched the Bishops Wife for the first time, featuring Gary Grant playing an angel called Dudley. I also loved Jimmy Stewart in "It's aWonderful Life" when I was a bit older. Both shows made you think about things important while enjoying what you were watching. So I enjoyed watching Dudley as he worked helping those he'd been sent to help rediscover that which was important, and when his job was finished he left an impression on the people without knowing they were just visited by an angel. He also could really sparkle up a tree! It is essential for us to not loose sight of what is truly important in the life God has blessed you with. 

I've posted in the past of Christmas and memories I still hold dear. Yes, each Christmas I seem to decorate different - maybe with the mood I'm in, time I have and this years rescue kitty's. So far they've done very well. But I have to say there were times I didn't at all; that is go all out and that's okay. For me though, I don't always need a tree or have one. it wasn't missed, for I know the reason I celebrate whether decorated or not, it is a time that we set aside to celebrate a Saviors birth who is Christ the Lord. 

And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! Luke 2:8-11 BSB

This past year had it's share of ups and downs sprinkled with many challenges, but God was there through it all. He will continue to be there throughout our lives so you can count on Him in the New Year with all you might be facing, even the sprinkled in things you didn't count on. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 NIV

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NIV

Now waking up this morning with a brand New Year - 2026! WOW I think of my cousin Herbie with his on going shared phrase -  "Christmas is farther away than ever before," I wonder what he and others who have gone on would be thinking of this coming year.  Yes, we can all agree we aren't just stepping into a "New Year," but a different season one that might be hard to recognize from years past - remember God remains the same, His love for you will never change. Let's remind ourselves what is truly important and seek the LORD in for all things.  

The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:5-8 NLT Amen ~

A few days ago I remembered another favorite- listening to Handel's Messiah during Christmas into the New Year, so I looked it up and listened- it was wonderful! This morning I thought I'm going to listen to it again as I finish up. The first song played and finished but the next didn't song to come on playing I'll leave you with, it was best to finish with I wouldn't have thought of., "who knew!"  Enjoy ~

And for anyone curious about the old Philco when color TV was being looked at my granddad did get a colored cellophane you could place on the screen. The top was blue, the bottom was green and for in between there were other colors mixed together [I think] - Don't forget to laugh sometimes too!

Love, Prayers & Blessings for all into the 2026 ~

Mom ~

This post is a tribute to my mom, and really to all mom's and their self-less, perhaps sacrificial love for their children.

"May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! Proverbs 23:25"

My mom was very young when I was born. Though I don't know where all the photo's have gone over the years, we lived in a a couple places before my brother was born. Though on a surprising note, not to many siblings can say we were born on the same day four years apart. Again, I wished I had more photo's of that time, but I have the pictures and memories I've stored inside. 

"And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51

This was the first and last birthday I remember ever having when we were kids. Our cousins were there and my childhood friend Diane. I mentioned to mom one time it would have been nice to have had your picture and she responded - well you have the cake I made and my big toe! lol

 

My brother and I were always together and I watched over him as long as I could remember like a mother hen. On a sweet note to share, mom told me that when he was born I thought he was my birthday present and claimed him as mine. :)

"Children are a heritage (gift) from the Lord, the fruit  of the womb (offspring) a reward (from him)" Psalm 127:3 [NLT, NIV, ESV]

A year or two later, and wishing this were a better photo, was our last Christmas spent in this house. The last "magical" one for a kid or I had growing up. After that I remember coming home one day from school with everything in the house gone. Sitting in the driveway was a car packed up, I was introduced to the man driving and we headed out the road for Florida. I didn't get to see or say goodbye to anyone or my dad. I was in first grade we didn't have kindergarten at the time, and I think we were possibly close to our next birthday, but I now have no one to ask.

I never forgot that Christmas and when my boys were little I tried to have my own traditions while keeping one my mom did for us. Oddly enough I couldn't quite recall how the stockings came to be - though I was always filling my boys stockings and placing them on their beds at night so when they woke they had a happy surprise. Later years down the road my mom shared this after I sent a post from my blog to her on stockings I'd been making: 

"The tradition with the stockings came from along time ago when I was a kid. When you and Dave were small I would wrap every single thing in your stocking and put them on your bed for when you woke up. I'd hear you guys in there laughing and ripping off paper. I think the stockings were always the high light of Christmas, I know it was for your sisters. It was filled every year until they got married. So was their Easter Basket. When they married they were past to the husbands to continue on, some did and some didn't. I think it all depended on how they were raised in their family. Oh that guy singing I think The Keeper of My Heart (post) what a voice. Enjoyed that a lot. Well I have to close and get ready for work, Miss you.You guys have a wonderful Christmas. oxoxoxoxoxoxox Mom" 12.22.2014

When I think about the selfless or sacrificial love of a mom I do think of mine. After getting to Florida, I wasn't happy there and things weren't good, not right. I did go to school for a bit. There was a gentlemen who lived next store though I didn't quite remember the how I got to school details, the name of the school or how long I attended. Mom mentioned when I was older and married that he was the pastor/something in charge of this Christian School there. I remember the classroom even the kid who sat behind me, he used to eat his pencils then ask for mine! He asked me one day can I have a pencil, I handed him one and said please don't eat this one, he replyed "I won't" - do you promise I asked - he said yes. Honestly, I don't remember if he did after and then we all went out for recess. Oh they did have a pop machine and I had RC with my sandwich. I don't remember how I even got back from school, or even the mans name, only my brother being happy I got back.  

Now getting back to the sacrificial love of a mom - I don't know how much time went by all I can say is my mom knew we weren't to be there, it wasn't working. One day my grandpa (pap), my dad's dad,  showed up. He and my mom talked for awhile - bags were packed and we walked out to a taxi. Looking back, my mom was standing on the porch and waving goodbye. We watched each other until we drove out of sight and that was the last time we lived with her. 

I realize this sounds hard to believe for those who might be reading this. From a young age I knew I wasn't to be there but didn't realize the full extent of what mom did for us. We got on a plane and headed back to PA where we all got on with our lives. We lived in one grandparents house that was next door to the other. I got back to school and went to church every Sunday with my mom's mom and dad. My mom stayed in Florida - remarried and my first sister was born in which my brother and I even played with her when they came to visit grandma and grandpa, she was about three or four. As a mom myself I'm not sure how I would have done this. Mom was next door and we never visited each other. Though I have to believe she had the strength to do what was hard and even heartbreaking - She loved us. I'm also sure it was how she could deal with it.

The Bibles shares about mom's who had a sacrificial love putting their children above their own needs, Moses' mom was one, in order to save her son, she put herself aside to save him to become "Moses." . Exodus 2

Hannah was another, all she wanted was to have a child and in return gave him up - back to the Lord for something better - even greater than realized. 1Samuel 1

Each story here God honored and bless the mother and the children, He answered their prayers. When I was younger and growing into a teen I started thinking about what my mom did. I also felt sad because there was't any real communication with mom, we all just moved forward. We even moved out west years later, of course we always were in contact with my mom's parents and all our other relatives. Mom later sent me little trinkets of mine that I made or had from school even a gift I purchased for her at a school fund raiser,  she kept it all. One year I received a poncho she made for me when I was twelve I still have it. She keep my brothers bear in the above picture - which I think he still has. 'Mother's do store up treasures in their hearts' ~

"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?" Isaiah 49:15

Sometimes mom's do what is needed while putting themselves aside. I have found over the years having to do what was best all the while putting my desires aside. The Lord also helped me get through many things that were difficult for me what my mom did also took courage and strength that came from an inner source. I don't know if she realized from who at the time and we never got to talk about it, I never brought it up.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25

Years passed and I was married having children of my own, prior to that I found it harder to think about that time and feeling we were robbed of family. I was hurt and a bit angering - enough so that I had to ask for God's forgiveness with how I was feeling. I needed inner healing myself, I learned to forgive. 

Now saying this is interesting. I did forgive, however, I still didn't live around my mom she also had a different family of her own. Being we were also in the Coast Guard we did live from one side of the country to the other. One year we traveled to our new duty station in Virginia. In driving distance we weren't to far from family in Pennsylvania. While here I thought a lot about what I asked the Lord.

We had some time off and we planned to go visit family.  I asked the Lord and thinking I was good and all was forgiven, I asked Him, if you want me to see her I'll leave it in your hand, saying this while all the while thinking 'plotting' how not to run into her. So we made it PA and to my gramma house. We went upstairs and in the kitchen we sat visiting, I keep thinking my mom was probably at work. To our surprise a car drove up and cellar door opened, gram went to the door and realizing it was mom. She was shook and moving back and worth from door to table didn't know what to do. I said it's okay ~ When my mom saw me she ran to table almost jumping over grabbing me and in tears! Tears of every old emotion passing and we had tears of joy!

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."Romans 8:18

I got to see my other two younger sisters and we all kept in touch - Mom had a birthday party for me  and made me a cake.

All of us got together and went to Kennywood Park for the first ever family outing.  I even got to ride that wooden rollercoaster I'd been dying to since very young!

I can only speak for myself, I felt as God blessed us being reunited together and it was as years past were wiped clean. All was forgiven and gone. 

We made up for lost time. We visited ruins in NM - celebrated weddings and even went to teas.  

With this tea, a beautiful time we had and our last in person visit. 

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;" Isaiah 33:13 

God in his love for all of us comforted us at our time apart. I believe my mom believe that we would all be together one day. I think that was our hope.

While in Florida I have to share this and really what started my thoughts on this post/Tribute to my mom.

Last fall I had a dream that was so real. My mom and I were way up in the air it seemed like we were sitting in a small plane and facing each other. Mom was sitting near a window and she looked beautiful and without using oxygen. I had the sense we were floating actually felt weightless and airy to touch. It was sunny with the most beautiful clouds - then I woke up. What came to mind as I was smiling she would be leaving soon. I shared the dream with her not saying what I believed.

I had one other dream while she was in rehab. They were hoping to help strengthen her to return home. I believe we all knew she wasn't necessarily recovering but we were hopeful she would at least breathe more comfortable and enjoy her time. (my thoughts anyway)  So while she was there I talked to her as much as I could, mom was having hard time with her phone or seeing to text. When I spoke to her maybe earlier from the last day I did, I had another dream and vision I saw years before. She was standing on the porch in Florida smiling waving goodbye. I woke up and knew she would be leaving. That vision in my dream prompted this post. 

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6

Here about two years ago my mom gave her testimony at her church before heading back to live in Florida with my sister and her family. I don't have the audio yet (working on it) however, I listened livestream and was blown away to hear she gave her life to the Lord at fourteen at a Billy Graham Crusade. My first thought was gee that would have been nice to have known! I also appreciated what she said, that she had made many mistakes. I can't quote word for word but will said God was there. I know exactly how this is. 

Knowing you have God in your heart as savior you know that we are not yet perfected we still make mistakes but God in his love for us His mercies are new every morning we have forgiveness in Him and a relationship with Him. He is working out all the details of our lives - that is those who are His.  This is what make it hard for the unbelieving to understand. We needed a Savior which is Jesus.  And those who are His know it in their hearts, though we do make mistakes we know our destination.  My mom knew this and she is there. I can celebrate that as I miss her here.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Psalm 34:18  

He also restores families! And will continue even if some do know how this can be, He is hearing someones prayer.

"I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, Joel 2:25

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

Nancy Lou (Baker) Dickey (1939 – 2025)

We will be celebrating Nancy’s life on March 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Saturday at Salina Bible Church, 4132 PA-819, Avonmore, PA 15618, with refreshments following.  

 

With Nancy’s faith in the Lord, she could stand on His word.  ‘We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from body and home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8. 

One day, she said goodbye

we left and went away.

We were very young, 

but I still remember

her standing on the porch

and waving.

To know a mother's love, 

It took some time.

To realize her love it took

some time.

And God healed it all.

 

VLB 2.26.25

The Keeper of My Heart ~

Updated 9.1.25

:

My sister sent a box of mom's things to me and in there were photo's. Some I hadn't seen in years and others I don't remember at all, only the memory of being there. I was happy to see them and the memories our mom kept close. Here's one ~

Memories ~

12:28.24

My mind is full of memories from when I was a child. I suppose most people think of times past, around the Christmas season, though not all has to be related to Christmas. There are things you may hear or see that triggers a memory. You could say reflections and my recollection of memories.

One memory that has always been dear to me was practicing on my gram's piano the song Toyland written in 1903 by Victor Herbert, not that I'm that old I just grew-up with my gram. Well, Toyland has been played over the years around Christmas, and in the movie "Babes in Toyland" that usually aired that time for us classic buffs. Though I was learning to play I don't know if relatives and friends alike were aware that my Gram and dad played piano, actually my dad played many instruments,  I can't fully remember which one was teaching me how to play Toyland, maybe both, but I do remember I started with this song. I was very young, I imagine around seven or eight possibly younger.

My dad's brother would tell us stories of my dad sitting at the piano with me playing Toyland, he'd say darn if it didn't sound good!  Sadly, for me it didn't go anywhere. One year we traveled to Arizona staying a short few months only having to leave as my gram's brother was very ill. I don't remember if he passed away before returning or shortly after, that was tough for me - he and I were pals. I was also sad to find not only my grams piano gone with any future lessons, but my bike and little treasures I collected. 

I was heart broken especially not to be able to pal around with my Uncle Russ.

Which brings another memory to mind with Uncle Russ that was triggered recently while I was in a feed store. 

Aw - just a moment ~ it turned out to be a beautiful day so I'm outside for the first time - ever - possibly - enjoying this moment.  .  . now back to a memory, ;)

While in the feed store I happened to notice a tube of Veterinary Liniment Gel on the counter. I picked it up and inquired if this was for humans as well, since Veterinary was on the packaging. I also remembered the liquid was used for horses. Anyway, I answered my own question and shared this story with the clerk. When I was a young girl I was always hanging out with my Uncle Russ feeding and watching the chickens or checking out what the cow was doing. One day we finished up and headed in for our treat of molasses milk. but Uncle Russ went into the living room and sat down on an ottoman asking Aunt Millie to get the liniment for his lower back it was hurting bad. So she did. The Liniment wasn't in a gel but liquid and when she started to put in on his lower back it ran down through a spot you normally see on silly plumbers and he let out a yell, one I never heard before! I decided right then I'd never use the stuff! Well I bought it and thought my dad could try it. ha ha So bringing it home I said, "dad I saw this and thought it might work on your joints that have been hurting." He then said, what! I think I have some, sure enough a large bottle just sitting on the shelf behind him. So I kept the tube of liniment gel - I've been using it myself and it works pretty good, it's even better since it can't run away to places its not suppose to and shouldn't! 

It's still beautiful out I'm not sure how much I'll get to on this post ~ !2.31.24

Here it is day 6 into a new year and Happy New Year!

It's so true that memories can be triggered by things we see and hear, as stories and music whether happy or sad.  I hope the thoughts and memories you have are happy to visit once in awhile.

As a child I had the best times at this old farm house. It was my great grand parents, built by their son. He also built a house next door for him and his wife. There was also a cabin that some were born in that burnt down - I would've loved to have seen it or had picture. The big house was splint down the middle so to speak, where my Uncle Russ and Aunt Millie lived and after mom (great gram) passed away it was filled with another sib and family. This farm was a Childs paradise with places to hide, forts to build, grass to run, and hills to climb, woods to venture and hike, and even just past the pasture before hitting some woods a running creek. Even the field was spent playing ball and the dirt roads were our track to race cousins on our bikes. There were chickens to feed and a cow to milk, food and stories to tell around the table. I miss it! It seemed like simpler from a kids persecutive - as an adult I know the work was hard.  My Uncle Russ and I would venture out and discuss the animals and when done we'd go into the house to enjoy a glass of molasses milk and - believe it or not, since it's me, circus peanuts that I can't even look at anymore! lol The milk is another story, :)

My husband and I spent so much time traveling. When we finally got out of the CG we settled only to move to where we thought we'd stay. For the most part there our boys were able to do some of the things I did growing up. At least I hope they had enjoyed the times together with each other and good friends they made. Still I sure would have loved them to have had that old farm house. I think when moving around - yes, you might grow while seeing many new things that those who stay put don't, however, those who move around sometimes loose out on some things that those who stay put have. (I don't even know if that makes any sense!) I was always thankful for those I met at church we fellowshipped with. They were our family away from family. We were so blessed to have everyone of them in our lives.

One last memory to share since we just had Christmas. When I was young I so loved the wooded hollow this time of the year, frankly, any area where the trees are glistening with snow. OH so beautiful. Well, when looking across the hollow from the road you could see the house, since the trees were bare or dusted with snow, you could see all the way to my gramma's window. She had a big picture window where she placed her tree.  You could see the lights on the tree that looked so big and beautiful.  When reaching the house and entering only to find with surprise a 2 foot high Christmas tree! There it was, sitting on an end table front and center of the window, every year she used that tree. I loved it. I think my brother still has that tree. :) I sure wished I had a picture to share.

I believe, and this is my opinion, that memories can be good but you are not to stay, indefinably, for the Lord has a beautiful life planned for those who are His. Are you one?

From that kid in me, my memories I hold dear, however, I'm believing that the best is yet to come. "I know that God has the best yet to come" His word tells us so. It's important we move forward.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 

Not only that - as His daughter through my relationship with Him, I have a story, a testimony (many) - which is something I share here. We all do. I'm sure if you take a look back throughout your life whether you were a 'believer' or not, honestly take a look how you got through what seemed to be impossible times and challenges. Through prayers of others, prayers you conveyed as if into the air through longings and all the while not recognizing God was listening and answering out of His love for you. As if a miracle happened. Maybe not all who are reading this post but many of you. He's waiting.

To hold on to the past as in never moving forward is a mistake. I love going to Dos Cabezas in Willcox, AZ, the owner has little quotes on the cup sleeves. A recent sleeve said, "Don't look back you're not going that way." (a wise quote I'd say) I always use this scripture verse for the New Year, Philippians 3:12-14 (I'll let you look it up today.) - in place of a resolution. I don't like making 'resolutions' though I always look to doing better with the Lord's help and guidance. 

In closing, I hope you're blessed who read and seek Him daily. Shalom ~

Long before I was even born, my gram and uncle Russ on the farm, they were best pals too. 

Just a favorite picture of mine.

A Happiest of New Years to You & Yours With All God's Good Blessings ~

And

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. 

2 Thessalonians 3:18 NLT

Christmas Time Is Here ~

How many of you grew up watching A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Christmas time is here  

Happiness and cheer  

Fun for all that children call 

Their favorite time of the year ~

It sure was a favorite of mine and has been for many a folk [as my younger sister might say] 'for years' debuting on December 9, 1965. A different time for sure which I believe even Charlie Brown would agree our world sure has changed from what we knew it to be. 

What seemed to make that time so special? For a lot of us, the kids portrayed in this wonderful classic we could identify with many. if not all the characters. Even Snoopy - though I would hate to think his characteristics could be overlooked, at times he seemed almost human!

The kids were not perfect, in fact at times some could be downright mean and sound uncaring about others and their feelings. Charlie Brown certainly took the brunt of it with looking at least less than average at times to those who assumed the popular role and treated him so, maybe just Lucy as there always seems to one thorn. They in turn weren't a big deal to begin with but were self-centered learning some valued listens we could and can take away by the gifted writer.

As all things time pasted from when I was younger. Life was so different and oddly my thoughts about how things should be are very much the same. Not everything, mind you, but what should have priority in our lives I guess I just saw things differently than most [maybe]; my Pap said when I was about four years old I had perception, I've been that way my whole life. Much of who I am is weaved throughout my blog written to encourage others and as a time-capsule, if you will, for my children and family. My boys had a short opportunity to sit with their great gram and pap listening to stories of old. Much like me, even my uncle continued that "tradition" of storytelling living through the past of valued lessons. I loved every moment of it. Though they are no longer telling stories - I try to remember best I can - I've even heard stories told to my boys that they've shared with me. We all have stories to enjoy and set around together and share. Like the Walton's LOL I'm sure most of those my age that were in school with me would be surprised to know I loved the Walton's, also I was not the person that I was portrayed to be but was blessed with a better outcome that took a bit longer to get to than Charlie Brown's.

This year I told my son's and a few friends I would not be shopping or decorating big. I think I used the "I'm not celebrating." Clarifying here 'normal' to the world of disappointing expectations placed on people and exhausting pressures of celebrating a holiday. I do love seeing children's happy faces and gifts of love given but not overload with stuff that is only forgotten a few days later, not even knowing the real meaning as why we celebrate in the first place.

I will and do celebrate this time set aside to recognize a Savior born - Christ the LORD. As I knew a very long time ago when I was younger - now much more, I didn't need nor was I showered with gifts, but I enjoyed going into town seeing lights and decorations, having a family dinner - seeing a tiny tree in a very big picture window showing off a background of glistening snow that kissed all the trees and beautiful ice cycles hanging from the eves that seemed to glow as the light touch them. These are beautiful memories I love keeping them all close to my heart, but never forgetting why I celebrate. 

And there is more to the story which I will share in a few verses though there are many more.

Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. [Immanuel, God with us] Isaiah7:14 ESV

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave [servant] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Philippians 2:7-8 NLT

They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Acts 10:39-41 ESV

The Bible also tells us he is coming back he will be restoring all things. This is another reason to celebrate! Amen

Merry Christmas and God's blessing to you all in the coming New Year! As always, my prayer would be that if you don't know Him in a personal relationship don't wait.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV - Amen VB

All smiles here ~

Merry Christmas ~

I didn't get to send out as many cards this year as what I would consider "normal," and after Jim passed away I don't think I sent any.  I don't know if I'm expected to send out Christmas cards but I always like to send them out.  I enjoy letting others know I'm thinking of them.  For me it never  was based on who sent them to me, it's just what I do.  This year I'm at my son's and with not having access to all my addresses - I know sounds lame -  I'm posting the insert I sent to addresses I had with me and here to share with everyone else with one little change, I included a favorite photo.  Hope I'm forgiven :)  ~

Christmas 2019 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas! And that, I’m praying you do not lose hope in all the unsettling things you see taking place in this world. God is still working all things out for His glory.

This is our second Christmas without seeing Jim’s smile. He truly loved this time of year but not so much the expectations that are placed on us all at this time - even those that we place on ourselves. So, I’m praying you have peace as you sit in His presence.

I also pray that your joy will be full. Full of all the blessings that you have through the Lord Jesus as you seek God’s fullness.

His love is unconditional “Agape,” and I pray His love grabs you so you can see through His eyes of love, the love that He has for you – all of us even though we are unworthy of it.

When a child thinks of Christmas, they are focused on all that surrounds gifts not always understanding why we have this time set aside that we call Christmas. A time to remember Jesus being born – His birthday – the Savior of the World. My favorite quote I’ll share in closing:

“Remember that Jesus is God’s Christmas gift. And in Him everything we shall ever need for time and eternity is included. God didn’t give us a lot of gifts; He just gave us one gift that contained everything. Everything is wrapped up in Jesus. And then bear in mind, that God hung His Christmas gift on a tree and that tree was the cross. And that demonstrates the un-demonstrable. That brings to us the incomprehensible, the thing that can never be fully measured or summed up — the love of God in Christ. . .” Derek Prince 

Merry Christmas to you and yours with blessings that carry you through the New Year.  VB

“Every good and perfect gift comes is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” James 1:17 

(I'm making a correction it was three instead of two years hard to believe, thought I'd mention it ) VB 12/22/2019 

Bags ~

Ye Ole Loot Bag ~ (lined)

Nice size to carry a few groceries.

Straps made from super heavy nylon webbing.

upholstery fabric

Coloring is a bit off ~

Each project you decide on a size that will soot your particular needs.  The grocery bag was single heavier weight fabric cut 36" w x 19" L ,  I folded in half width - right sides together and stitched along the opening (L shape) 3/8 of an inch.  I then zig-zagged around raw edges or you could a serger if you have access.

I then brought the fold side together with sewn side (still right sides together) and you will have formed 2 triangles at the bottom either side.   Measure the point back 3" or 2" (this is to create the bottom and sew across.   This is also optional.  Do this on both sides and then I stitched corner triangle down (opt).  I think you can see the idea two pictures up.  

Once bottom is finished roll down and press at the top opening to form a 1" band.  I allowed for 2" folding once at 1" then again.  I stitched all the way around as close to the lower edge as possible.  Next I placed where I wanted the strapped and sewed down.  Middle picture of straps you can see I folded and sewn to fit the comfort of a hand.  (opt).

For the goodie I sewn top opening down and allowed to run a ribbon through to pull closed.  This was just a quick "look" at what I recently made, so if you have any questions on a how to let me know.

Merry Christmas!

Yep a new entry.  .  .

I have been up and down in the decorating department since we moved back to the southwest, more like on and off depending on able-ness.  It's complicated.  Anyway, I was able to ship out a few things surprising early.  And, I mean surprisingly! Yep something just came over me a couple weeks ago in the creative department.  I wanted to do something special for dear friends - even I was impressed.  I actually sewed something, keep in mind Julie I haven't forgotten the quilt (I'm ashamed)!  It's been so long I believed you when you said, "It's been so long I forgot what the fabric even looks like."  (I'm ashamed)!  I need more than inspiration! It's complicated ~

Getting back to being impressed -

Merry Christmas to my girls, Joan, Monica and Rita!

It's called "the emmeline apron" that I purchased from the Jack of Arts here in town.  The Teapot fabric I purchased years ago from Calico Corners in Ohio; it is a discontinued fabric from Bloomcraft. I tried everything in search of it and it's no where that I can find.  So the aprons are truly one of a kind including a few little mistakes! lol  There is so much fabric in this apron :D - and you can have fun cooking it up with one side and dress up serving with the other.  I opted out on tying around the neckline since the strap at the waistline is so big.  Some have made the pattern with a narrower strap; I followed the directions with the full 3" width finish.  If I make this again I would probably use less  - "possibly."
The smaller apron was an idea I had for Rita, youngster, that she can grow into, it actually is my favorite.  For the boys I made pillowcases that they can hangout together and watch sports or movies ~

I wanted to do something special for my dear friends (family) that have been a blessing to me.  This year I guess was it, my husband said his present was to see me sew again.  Will see if the "phenomenon" continues.

In keeping with a reversible theme, and not to leave out  -

Our "Sweetman" Logan

I felt like he needed his own stocking.

      I had leftover material from other projects.

Jim suggested the bandana. 

With special touches. 

So a couple days ago I decided our girl Reilly needed her own stocking from me.

Stockings had become an important part of our family (immediate).  Our Christmas tradition we started when our boys were very young.  I don't know how I decided to do this but all of us enjoyed having the stockings.  We first would include them as part of our over all decorations.  Then after the boys went to bed Christmas Eve I would fill up the boys stockings with all kinds of fun things and goodies.  The stockings would usually be placed in their rooms on their beds just before they'd wake,  Then I'd go back and lay down to prepare myself for the day but mostly listen for happy sounds of excitement.  We got to rest awhile and the boys enjoyed their loot!  My husband said he thinks the boys enjoyed their stockings the most.

Part of the fabric used in Reilly's stocking came from Christmas curtains I made when the boys were younger in NM.  Also the corduroy I used for reversible side is also trim for Logan's.

I pray that everyone has a blessed Christmas.  Last year at this time was spent at the hospital with my husband recouping from an emergency neck surgery.  I didn't get anything done as far as Christmas goes.  It was a long hard time for us.  I'm so thankful that he came out of the surgery alive and not paralyzed.  Praise God!  Our journeys aren't over and the past year plus has been something for the books as my gram used to say.  But those stories will have to wait for more time to share.

Merry Christmas one and all with blessing for the New Year!  I serve an awesome God who loves us all.  It's why we celebrate Christmas - though maybe not the exact day but we celebrate the birth of Jesus - Gods gift to a sinful world.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6