CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAYS 27-31

I have had a few challenge ideas for the last days of the month:

"Take down" and clean up Christmas before January 1st (DONE)

• This is new, I usually don't get it all done until after the kids start up school again.  Imagine my disappointment when, during cleanup, our nativity was massacred. Blasted cats jumping onto the mantle! At least, that's what the kids say happened...

   









 Get a head start on at least one resolution  
(DONE) 

• Just for the sake of feeling like I'm getting a running start on 2011.

• I'd tell you what my resolution is, but I recently saw on Ted.com about how you SHOULDN'T tell people your goals because it gives you a false sense of accomplishment.  Maybe it's weird, but I'm willing to give it a try -plus I really want to see this one through!   ...and no, it's not a fitness/weight loss goal.   Does this concept of "keeping your goals to yourself" intrigue you? Is it already your approach?  I'd be curious to hear how others go about achieving their goals...

  
Get the house really clean BEFORE the New Year
(ALMOST DONE)

• Housework is never "done", but I have a few things on my list that, if I finish by tomorrow, will also contribute to the feeling of getting a leg up on the new year.  Having my house in order [finally] makes me feel like this: 

Source:  "Dance at Dusk" by icklemissmerry (click)

 Try Something New & Fun

AND Simple

(DONE)



MUFFIN 

TIN

PIES!

Of course I would use my grossest muffin tin...

•  How cute is this idea?  I bought some pie crust (homemade is always better, but, you know)...and just put some cherry filling inside.  A little egg wash and sprinkling of sugar on top and....VOILÁ!   So easy and good, especially with a scoop of ice cream. 

So, that's about it for the Christmas Challenge.  A friend of mine did a recap of the holidays and posted it on her blog.  The things she will and will not do next year.  I like that idea.  I might post a list of my own just so I can make next year even more fun!

But that's a challenge for tomorrow...

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAYS 22-26

It was all the same old stuff.  Nothing new, just family everywhere.  One home to the next - surrounded by people I love so dearly.

And It was lovely.
I can't believe how undeservedly blessed I am.

[Jack is reading as I type.  He said, "Mom you deserve it just fine!"] Ha!
 
The only drawback of the last few days is that I haven't had the energy to enjoy it as I would have liked.  I'm afraid I'm spent.  The last few days I have been fighting a cold that makes me want to spend all day in bed.

My challenge isn't over, though.  I have a few days before December is over.  And I've got some plans...

:)

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY TWENTYONE

At 2:30 a.m. this morning I hid the last of the wrapped Christmas presents.  Did you catch that?  I said, wrapped...It's done!  WAHOOOOOOO!  All I have to do on Christmas Eve is spread out the spoils. 

I do have a couple small projects I'm not quite finished with yet...

I know plenty of you who were finished long ago, but for me this is a definite first -and I'm so excited!!  It will be the first time, in a verrrrry long time, that I'll actually get some sleep on Christmas Eve (unless I get too excited to sleep).

Now to finish those dang Christmas cards and goodies.  It's snowing today.  A perfect day for at home projects.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY TWENTY

HOLY GUACAMOLE, DAY TWENTY?!!

Today's challenge: Enlist the troops in helping me make some homemade gift bags for the Christmas goodies we (meaning, I ) made.

This is a big job, and Christmas is fast approaching

...besides, it will be more fun to do with the family's help. 

 We put on Christmas movies and got to cutting and gluing.

 The kids did a great job!

  It was a fun experiment that, I think, is going to work out!

Yes.  This was a good idea.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY NINETEEN

For about 14 years now, My grandparents have been hosting an annual

Granddaughter Party.

They have so many granddaughters that they actually have to split it up into two groups.  I'm in the 12 and older group.  :)

• A homemade feast is served on beautiful china.  It occurred to me last night that I will really cherish these memories of seeing both my grandfather and grandmother wearing their aprons, working together in the kitchen, joking and laughing, refilling our goblets.  Those two are the ulitmate example of the beauty and power of teamwork.

• A theme is presented by both grandparents -they impart their wisdom, love and hopes for our happiness in life.  This year the theme is Humility.   We all talked about what it means to be humble and why humility goes hand in hand with every other Christ like attribute. 

• A beautiful gift made of crystal is given to each of the girls.  It is always made of crystal (for symbolic reasons) and represents the theme in some way.   This year we received a crystal bowl to remind us of the time when Jesus washed the disciple's feet.  An act of humility, love and true leadership.  My grandmother had one out on the table, with a poinsettia floating inside.  

My challenge was to make sure I take a picture of these people I love so much.

Looking at this picture makes me feel so lucky.  We are missing a few and they were really missed!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY EIGHTEEN

The nativity.  A new experience? The challenge for today, is to write about it.   But I can tell you from the get-go, it's not going to be easy for me.

For the 33rd time in my life,
I sat in a room full to the brim
People young and old
Babies,  each one looked like my own


I never noticed that much before.  How much we all resemble one another.
Maybe it was because Laura wasn't there
(In body, anyway).

Searching for her in every embrace, in every smile,
I found, she was there.  Her presence was all over the place, in body and in spirit.
My sister, from behind, heard her laugh.
I saw her smiling, happy eyes over and over and over again.

I told her daughters that this silly little Christmas challenge was really inspired by their mother. 
And I wanted to write about it, about her,  but I just can't.
How can I write about my regrets for not showing my love and appreciation for her.
How much I will miss her.
How much I love her girls and how her home felt like home, always.
How she seemed to be ever youthful, soft skin, fresh faced.
Determined to make sure I felt loved and more than adequate.

My beautiful aunt Laura

 I can't do it, because I'd want to write something as beautiful as I think she is.
But it just comes out as fumbling.

Maybe someday.

Today,  in that room of lookalikes, big and small -
My daughter was the donkey.
She asked to be
She said she should because she's strong enough


I was the donkey several times.
That happens when you are one of the oldest grandchildren.  You have the strongest back.
I never wanted to be the donkey
I wanted to drape a soft blue cloth over my head
And sit on the donkey, as Mary, the beautiful star of the show
Who carried the glorious babe.

Surely, Ada would feel the same.
Knowing how much she likes to be center stage,
decked out and sparkling.

Little did I know
Ada had it right
"It's an important job" she said.
Mary and Joseph,
"They needed that donkey to get there."
And she was strong enough.  


Ada.
Have I mentioned before how she's like sunshine?  (Oh, I have?)
Can you see what I mean?
She's a smart little girl. And good.  And sweet.
I can see her face in the photo below

Dan & Barbara:  They are crazy for each other.   And they are my grandparents.

 I look so much like my grandpa.  I even have his hands.  I never noticed before.
I love my family.


That's all.  Now I'm going to bed.  I think I've overdone it the last few days.  :(

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY SEVENTEEN

Copy Cat.  That's my challenge.  I'm going to copy my mother in law. 

My mother in law just finished making a scarf for her daughter.  Look how cute it is!!!
(For more pictures, click)

And look how cute she is!  :)

I happen to have a small bag full of finished granny squares that I started, oh, about three Christmas seasons ago.  I was going to make an afghan for Ada and give it to her on Christmas.  I ran out of two of the colors, couldn't find decent matches and then I just stopped looking.   I never finished it.


I don't have enough squares to make the blanket, but I have enough squares to make a scarf! So that's what I've been working on tonight.  I'm almost done, I just need to figure out how to do those tassels on the end.  

I love the one Cristie made.   Isn't is so cute?  It looks finished and neat and the squares look uniform (how do you DO that?).  The black background is so great with all those pretty colors.




***
Here's my progress so far  (so some of you can get off my back about me not taking pictures of what I make). 

It's getting late.  I better get a move on.

Thanks Cristie for the ideas and tips (not that you presented it as such, but I was starting to stress about coming up with new challenge ideas, this was a perfect fit on a busy day!)

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE DAY SIXTEEN

I've never actually learned how to fold the paper to make a snowflake.  As I kid I would just haphazardly fold the paper into some flattened ball and make cuts.  Sometimes it worked okay and sometimes it didn't.  That was part of the fun for me.  But after a while, I wanted actual snowflake lookalikes.

The other day, I saw a tutorial on one of my favorite blogs (click) on how to make 5 pointed snowflakes.  The pictures of the red snowflakes, strung up and looking happy, inspired me to give it a try.

My first one turned out, but the rest I kind of messed up.  I thought I was folding correctly, but they all turned out lopsided... Still, it was fun.  I chatted with my sister and brother in law as I cut, it was so nice to have them over for a bit.  (They came from out of town).

I only made a few, and just used paper that had been at arms length.  But, I think I will add more to the wall over the holidays, maybe even get some holiday colors up there.  These are really fun to make! 

I will encourage the kids add some of their own...I need to quit starting projects until after they go to bed.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY FIFTEEN

Yesterday my cute sister in law informed me that it was not too late to do the "Twelve Days of Christmas" for someone, if I wanted to.

See how cute she is?  :Image taken from Cristie's blog:

The subject came up because she began leaving surprises for the next twelve days,  for her husband.

Those two are a pretty cute couple.  They are each always finding ways to be sweet to each other and surprise each other.  They secretly do things for one another, in hopes to improve their relationship.

I think it's pretty fun to watch their devotion to one another.

I've decided to follow suit and do the Twelve Days of Christmas for someone (I started yesterday). 

It's the perfect challenge, I've never done it for anyone before.  I've picked my recipient and I'm enjoying it so far.  I'm keeping it pretty simple, but still, it's so fun.  I think I will do this every year for someone.  Only next year I think I will get the kids in on it, so they can help.  It's good for me to spend time each day thinking about someone else for a change... thinking about what they might like and appreciate. It would be good for the kids, too.  Today Jack asked me if I would take him Christmas shopping.  "Who are you shopping for?" I asked.   "For me!" he exclaimed.

  Hm.  Clearly, we are missing the point around here...it looks like I may have my next challenge. :)

Image by :Chris Buzelli:  (click here to link to his website)

I

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY14 AGAIN (Caps and Italics GALORE)

Just an update, because today was a FANTASTIC day!  A few reasons why:

* I got my Christmas Miracle

Her name is Mary, she has a beautiful soprano voice and she is my sister.  I can't WAIT to sing with her Sunday.  We used to sing together alllllllllll the time (ask my brother).  It will be like the good old days.  But hopefully not like the time we were in Orlando, on a karaoke stage, trying to harmonize "The Rose" and I couldn't hear myself, and well...it was embarrassing and recorded for history, unfortunately. 


*I had so much fun at a ladies church party tonight, that at one point I actually got on all fours like a dog and starting shouting "Hhhellllp!".  (I could explain, but it won't make me look any better).

• We listened to the Murray High Bell Choir (which is no small potatoes, they were really something).  
• We listened to a very sweet Christmas story. 
• We heard deep, deep from the soul, worshipful Christmas carols sung by one of my favorite ladies.   I LOVE having a mormon lady in the ward that will shout, "Thank You Jesus!" out of the blue.  And by golly, she means it to the very core.  I love her. 
• The dinner was so good and the room was decorated so beautifully. 

*I challenged myself to put myself out there, get to know some people I didn't know very well before.  And you know what?  It was a party, they were cracking me up!  It was a great way to celebrate the season.  I'm sure those ladies think I'm nuts, but I sure enjoyed getting to know them.
  

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY FOURTEEN (AND TWELVE, SORT OF)

‎"Food is one part. Love is another part."

 I saw this video Sunday (day 12) and it really moved me:


‎
What would it take, to decide to live your life like that?
Not only to give money, and to provide food, but to touch another human being, care for and wash a stranger's face and rub tired, weary legs.

What would a person have to believe to live like that? 

It reminds me of one of my most favorite stories about Jesus (found in John, chapter 13) when He, who has declared Himself The Light, The Life, The Savior of the world, The Only Begotten Son  (who is referred to, by His disciples, as the Master) - washes the feet of His disciples.  There is a lot of symbolism in this act, but also, a call for all mankind to do likewise;

[Can someone help me credit this image?  I have it in my house, but I don't know where I got it, or who painted it.]

I am frustrated by my limitations today.   In my efforts to really make this month special, I am seeing that I can only do so much.  (and it's not much).  And in the mean time, even though I feel I am really making an effort -- I'm still messing up, forgetting things, even CHRISTMAS things (duh!!)... and so, today I've felt disappointed in myself.

Doing this Christmas challenge, I am learning (once again) the obvious, for example;

1. I think I will struggle with my limitations forever.  I hate them.
2. I can't do all the things I would like to do in one month, or even a year, maybe a lifetime.  This challenge may have to be extended.
3. Flexibility is very important and a good attitude is essential.
4. Sometimes you have to pick and choose what you'll do, knowing what you've chosen not to do in that moment.  That part is really hard. 

5.Simplicity is all too often overlooked.  I need to keep it simple!!  I happened to run across this list today and it was very inspiring and has given me some ideas for daily challenges:

• mend a quarrel
• seek out a forgotten friend
• dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust
• write a letter
• give a soft answer (boy, I could really work on this one)
• encourage youth
• manifest your loyalty in word and deed
• keep a promise
• forgo a grudge
• forgive an enemy
•  apologize
• try to understand
• examine your demands on others
• think first of someone else
• be kind
• be gentle
• laugh a little more
• express your gratitude
• welcome a stranger
• gladden the heart of a child
• take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth
•  speak your love and then speak it again        -[President Howard W. Hunter]

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye DO them."  

 John 13:3 -  I believe that is true.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY THIRTEEN

Giant, Fluffy Snowflake.

That's me.

I've rewritten this stupid post five times.  But I can't seem to keep it positive - I'm so stressed out! And I don't have time to write an explanation!!
 
So I will leave it at this:


My challenge today?  To not panic and try to figure out a decent solution for my mess up(s).

I need a little Christmas miracle - perhaps in the form of a sudden ability to sing in soprano range?   By Sunday.  :)

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY ELEVEN

It's hard not to be in reaction mode during the holidays!  There's so much going on!  I still don't have my Christmas shopping even close to being done (that's actually, NOT like me).


This Saturday afternoon was planned by me, because it's not something I HAVE to do.  It was nice to spend time celebrating the holidays in a non-rushed, relaxing environment and creating things with my daughter and her cute friend. 

One of the flowers we made.  See my wreath?  It's filling up! 

A lot of firsts.

* I initiated a play date for my daughter.
* suggested we make fabric flowers
* I pulled out all the stuff and let the girls make a huge mess (and beautiful creations) all over the place
* I didn't rush them
* I didn't go and do something else "while they were occupied".  I stayed with them and had a ton of fun.

Should have taken pictures of the girls.  But I forgot about the blog.  Self-portraits were taken in the quiet of midnight.  :)

 For some links to some fun craft tutorials on making flowers,  click here:  Little Birdie Secrets

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY NINE

Thanks to Ed and Val,  Sam and I got to go see "The Bi-Polar Express" at the Desert Star Theatre tonight.   Date night!  (Wahoo!)  with fun people - (double, Wahoo!)

This is a first for me.  I've always wondered what that place was all about.

• Melodrama.
• Piano Player.
• Boos and Hisses at the villain.
• Cheers and Hoorays for the hero.
• Clever lyrics and fun jokes. 
• I ate two bowls of popcorn all by myself.  And two big Cokes.

• Group singing (I LOVE group singing).

So much fun!!!
***THANK YOU ED &VAL***




Did I mention there was group singing?  (yessssss)

stocking update

I finished them.

They look terrible.  I have no patience!  I can only rip a seam so many times.  

I lost the instructions that came with them, and some of the material...so I was learning as I went, and making adjustments here and there

:Sigh:

I'm too embarrassed to take pictures of them. 


I love the idea of making things.  But, maybe I just shouldn't.  One year I tried to a crochet an afghan as a gift for someone.  I couldn't make it easy...noooooo...I had to come up with my own design.  Even though I hadn't yet mastered so much as a granny square.

I didn't sleep at all for 24 hours before Christmas, trying to frantically finish this project.

It looked hideous.  It was way longer than it was wide, none of the shapes matched up, it just looked so bad.  I was pretty embarrassed, but I gave it anyway.

The recipient was more than gracious about it.  

But really, it just looked so awful.

I can just see the conversation - My kids reminiscing many years from now, when I am long gone:

• "Remember how our mom would try to make stuff and how bad she was at it?"  

• "Yeah, like our stockings that are falling apart?  Mine barely resembles the shape of a foot.  And what's up with the safety pin?  Why didn't she just fix that part?"

•  . . . "And how about our Christmas pajamas with the different leg lengths?  They never made it to February."

I think my whole life I've been fighting a losing battle.  But I can't help it.  I love crafty things!  I'm learning (slowly) that I should keep my crafts to myself!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY EIGHT

The challenge:  Seeing it through. "It" meaning those stockings.  I don't know what I'm doing!  Did you see my sleep mask?

What can I say, some challenges take more than an hour to complete. Dang.  I like quick results.  :)

In the meantime, here is one of my favorite stories.  It seems like I watch this video every few months or so.  And every time, I am touched and ready to be better.  To be like the older boy:

-Because I have had the same inclinations as the younger boy more times than I would like to admit.
-And because I have been the man with the old shoes in one way or another, it seems, throughout my entire life.






Happy Day!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY SEVEN

I just ordered my Chrismtas cards.  Yo.  Before December hit the double digits.  Folks, it's amazing that I've done it at all...  so, if you want one, you best send me your addy.  :)

Here's some inspiration for you, in case your thinking of mailing out some of your own Holiday Cheer:







Twilight and Twilight Merchandise


Heh.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY SIX

You can cup the water.  You can get drink from the water in your cupped hands.  You can appreciate every drop, the presence of the water itself.  You can be aware of every sweet moment as you quench your thirst.  But all the time, even if you drink fully, the water runs through your fingers.

It's been kind of a rough evening. 

My children and I gathered around Sam's computer, in his office, while he scrolled through photos and recordings of our little family in recent years passed.

There was so much I had forgotten.  I realized this as I watched recordings of my toddler children talking with lisps, in part sentences.  Not knowing Jack was being recorded, he would put his face right into the camera, all of his baby teeth showing and say, "cheese".    Big sparkly eyes, little curly heads.

In one recording, I had a painted face with a silver star surrounding one of my eyes.  I was holding Ada and we were all trying to convince her to kiss me.  She wasn't sure.  She would have none of it.  She knew it was me but didn't like the makeup.  We were together and laughing. 
And young Ed, always and as ever, being cooperative, dreaming and thinking and having discussions with Dad about "buffalo pies" as we explored Antelope Island.  "Doze aren't pies, Dad".  The kids were laughing at their "little kid" antics.

It was everything I could do to not shake with sobbing.

I make this goal to celebrate and to live in the moment.  I'm really enjoying myself.  It's been a wonderful experience for me so far -these crafts and secret projects and goals... but I'm seeing more clearly than ever that I can't take it all in.  It just keeps moving on, so fast. 


I feel such gratitude for my life, my children and for Sam.  I was not weeping bitter tears of regret.  Mostly I am overcome with gratitude.  How is it that I have been given so much?

How is it?

And how could I ever, ever be stingy with my life, my blessings, my material things and my time?  How?

***

As I pulled out more Christmas decorations, I ran into (for the 10th year in a row)  the unfinished stockings I started when Eddie was a baby.  My sister in law, so many years ago, let me use her sewing machine, her house and most of her fabric.  She fed me soup and she taught me how to applique the christmas tree on to the plaid material.   She taught me how to make a ruffle, how to do a "basting stitch" and a "blanket stitch".  Really, she did most of the work, which is why only one out of the three stockings has ever been completed.

Folk art I guess isn't really the style anymore.  But as I looked at those stockings and thinking of that precious water slipping through my fingers I felt suddenly compelled to finish them.  Every year I say that is my intention, but it's different now, urgent.  I want to be able to give something to my kids when they grow up.  Something from me, made with them in mind.  Something they used at home, when they were young.   

Plus, I don't like that for so many years I have made a habit of not finishing what I start. That's part of it, too.

So,  for the past hour or so, I've been working on the stockings.  Unfortunately, they're not done.  I am having to relearn everything and it's taking a long time!  But I will finish them and post pictures when I'm done.

(sorry, none of this is proofread, I hope it's not too confusing)

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY FIVE

Today I made a simple holiday card wreath.  Well, that's what it will be eventually, I hope.  Right now it's a stick wreath, with a few cards on it - thanks to you type-A Christmas friends.

My goal was to find a fun way to hang those cards without spending any money - using only what I already had on hand.
I rummaged through my storage room and found an old wreath, some fake berries and a ribbon that I've had sitting around for quite a few years.

Voilá!

It's nothing fancy, but I wanted a new way to post the cards from friends and family.

So Fun!  We'll see how it works!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY FOUR

• It all begins with a cute little girl at school who has taken I liking to Jack.  

• She offered to pay him $5.00 if he would pleeease join the choir.  

• So he did. (How could he refuse?)

• Of course, Ada needed no convincing whatever.  She was already seated, sifting through the sheet music.

After a few weeks of practice, it was time for the choir to do some performances.



The kids had an opportunity to sing before (and again during intermission of)  The Nutcracker Ballet, playing at the Capitol Theatre.  I found out at the last minute that discounted tickets were available to my family, if I wanted them.

[Ada totally cracked up at the end of this scene]

What a way to celebrate the holidays!  My dad took me and my family to The Nutcracker a handful of times growing up. I should have this experience with my kids.   So we bought tickets.

[Photo is too dark, but aren't they cute twins?]

We were seated in the Very. Last. Row.  In the furthest corner.
Honestly, they were fantastic seats!  No one behind us, we could stand up if we wanted.  AND the choreography and stage set up was done so well, it was a lovely view from almost overhead.  We were not disappointed. 



Watching my kids sing was a delight.
Watching my kids' faces as they watched the ballet was a treat for me.

[Dad watching his little carolers from the lobby floor]

I asked Jack if he was glad he joined the choir.   He said, "Yeah, and I feel bad because I hear Lilia is working her tail off to earn five dollars."

I suggested that maybe he let her know he's gotten his five dollars worth already.  "Yeah, probably that would be good."


I think I should I should pay her five dollars.  It was a very nice Saturday afternoon with my family.