Gingerbread Tradition!!!

The Crew!!! From left to right, Sophie, Mike, Mike's girlfriend Brooke, my daughter Kathy, Hannah Rose

The Village...Sooooo Sweet.........

Hannah Rose made this one...

Gingerbread Row

About ten years ago now, my retired teacher friend Mary, asked me to help her with a gingerbread house project. She would be hosting the event at the Boys Club in Fall River, MA. About ninety children showed up that day and a great and busy time was had by all. Several more volunteers helped as well. Mary had been saving and rinsing empty milk cartons from the school lunch program for several weeks.
Lots of sticky fingers with many a lick to clean them off afterwards. 
Mary suggested that this would be a great project to do with my own grandchildren.
She graciously gave me the leftover candy, crackers and candy. I would just need to buy more frosting. Try the dollar store, she suggested. They are much cheaper there. Later I learned that this gracious lady had paid for the entire project herself. Teachers! Our Unsung Heroes!!!
 Little did I know then that this would become part of our Family Christmas  Tradition.
To my surprise the kids asked if we could make them again this year!
I really thought I would get that eye roller glare from the little darlings, if I had suggested the project once again.
Maybe they are just getting to old, I pondered.
Mike's girlfriend Brooke joined in this year.
This event is usually a Grandma exclusive. No friends allowed, at the children's request!
Daughter Kathy joined us as well. Yeah!!! 
A Sweet Christmas Blessing!!! 
Start your own tradition with your little or big ones.
Very easy and loads of fun!

You will need:
 paper plates
 small milk or juice cartons (square works best) save or drink contents
 canned white frosting (try the dollar store)
  box of graham crackers
  Christmas candy any variety
 candy sprinkles
 Christmas Peeps, etc. etc. etc.
 plastic butter knives work best,
 keep an eye on the little ones, little fingers work too

Spread a dollop of frosting on the bottom of a carton, press firmly to a paper plate. 
Carefully break graham crackers into squares for the main body of the house.
Spread with frosting and press firmly on all 4 carton sides. 
Press two more squares at the peak of the carton forming a roof. 
You may want to staple the opening of the roof closed first.
Let the edges of the roof hang over the main body. 
Fill in the peaks of the roof with pieces of graham cracker or a large dollop of frosting.
Let the fun begin!
Spread extra frosting around the house and let your imagination run amuck. 
There is no right or wrong way!
Each is unique, take lots of photos. 
They are fun to see year after year.
Feeling the joy!!!

Now all I have to do is clean the frosting off of my camera!!! YIKES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Goodbye Christmas...Hello New Year!

As I say goodbye to yet another Christmas, I look forward to the new year with great anticipation!
I think of all the people and comforts of life that I am grateful for. When I think of Christmas past and all the things I thought I wanted or needed, I quickly realize the True Spirit of Christmas. Yes we have all heard this before but if you are still on the edge, know that it is the family and friends that surround you that make it all worth while. Trinkets and toys come and go but the people who love you are the gifts you want to cherish, the gifts you never want to return. 
Our family has lost a hero this year, my father in law passed in February! Somehow Christmas will never be the same, yet his message of love and kindness lives on in each and everyone of us that knew him. 
For sure I know, that for me, my hubby, children, grand-babies, family and friends are my treasured and most precious gifts! They are gifts that keep on giving. New beginnings are in the air, I embrace each blessing and challenge that comes my way! In the New Year, grant me the gratitude to realize, the tolerance to endure, the patience to wait, the acceptance to understand, please sprinkle them all with a dose of love and peace, may the world become a kinder place!

Below are a few quotes that I have recently found, I hope you enjoy them as well: 

"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." 
~Denis Waitley~ 

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved." 
~William Jennings Bryan~ 

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction."
~George Lorimer~ 


"Press on. Obstacles are seldom the same size tomorrow as they are today."
~Robert H. Schuller~ 

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery~ 

"There is nothing in your destiny, nothing in your future that you cannot accomplish." 
~Larry King~


"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."
~Mark Twain

Christmas Details!

Photos taken at the Burroughs, Langford Homes, Fort Myers Florida. Christmas cookies...

 Crystal box...

 Christmas elegance...

 A beautiful window...

 Waiting for Santa...

Enjoying a visit with Santa. I'm the one with the dorky smile in the middle...

 Two little elf enjoying a ride...

 A beautiful entrance to the Burroughs House...

 Santa busy sorting gifts for all the little children...

"May your Christmas Rock" 

The details for all of us are endless during the season! Trust that they will all come together soon enough! Take a deep breath, enjoy the Season and all that truly matters!

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE" 

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." ~Hamilton Wright Mabi~ 

Trying To Understand!

 Magical Bedroom, The Langford House...

 Langford House, upper level...

 The White Room, second level...

 White Room...

Close up, The White Room...

"With all the horror and disappointment in mankind that sometimes overwhelms us, we must continue to believe!"~Rosemary Aubut~

I shed tears this morning for all the families who will never again celebrate Christmas in innocence and peace. My heart and soul aches for you! Hug and hold your children more dear people, love them with all of your heart!

Pictures above were taken at the Burroughs and Langford Kingston Homes, Fort Myers, Florida. Beautifully decorated and open to the public by the Fort Myers Women's Club! 

I'm trying to see beyond the horror but will never understand!

Decisions, Decisions!

View 1

View 2

View 3

View 4

View 5

We attended The Festival of Trees in downtown Fort Myers, last evening! The beautifully decorated trees are sponsored by different businesses and then auctioned off to the highest bidder, proceeds are then donated to charity. 

Excited to have had my camera in hand, my shutter finger was a'clicken! 

 I would like to use one of the photos for our Christmas card but just can't make up my mind. 

Partial to the last two though! 

Have a wonderful week! 

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas

Peace Train

Peace Train, Cat Stevens 

click photo for larger view

Now I've been happy lately

Thinking about the good things to come

And I believe it could be

Something good has begun

I've been smiling lately

Dreaming about the world as one

And I believe it could be

Something good's bound to come
For out on the edge of darkness
There runs the peace train
Peace train take this country
Come take me home again...
I wish most for Peace this Holiday Season and pray
for all our troops who keep these precious babies safe.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Flores de Noche Buena, (Flowers of the Holy Night)

The Legend of the Poinsettia

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.

"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.
© Paul Ecke Ranch 

There are probably many legends associated with the poinsettia on the internet, however, this legend speaks to the true meaning of giving. I don't think I'll ever look at a poinsettia again without thinking of Pepita and Pedro. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Congelation nos arrache-pied! (French)

French, such a romantic language...
click on photo for larger view

I do believe that you can say almost anything in French to a non-bilingual person and it sounds romantic. I do not speak or write the language myself so I am one of those non-bilingual persons! I do have an extremely intelligent friend, however, called Google. Without this trusted old friend this blog would not be possible. I depend on Google for much of my daily activities. I have never asked for anything that Google could not deliver in some way, shape or form. You name it, I've Googled it!
So, I asked my friend Google to translate, "freezing our buns off" into this romantic language as to not offend any of my proper friends. Since most of our friends are not of the proper persuasion and speak in dialects un-beknownst to "Bostin Propar" I am sure I have offended no one.
I miss you all my Florida Friends where the sun shines daily, vitamin D is free and seasoned people are in pursuit of early bird specials and savvy waitresses who know enough to write separate checks without asking. 
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sitting in these chairs would give new meaning to the words "freezing one's buns off" I am sure!

This photo was taken in my daughter's front yard on a blustery December day just hours ago! Texture courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42396059@N07/5231113668/in/photostream/

Believe!

'O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Probably my most favorite Christmas Carol of all. With all the hustle and bustle that go along with the holidays somehow the lyrics to this song just say it all and bring me back to focus. The few moments it takes to listen and truly absorb the words to this musical prayer, return me to a place stored deep in the chambers of my heart and soul, the true meaning of Christmas.......
Just a little trivia I found on the internet about this beautiful hymn: 
The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).


I took this photo of a Christopher Radko, ornament and embellished it with a texture frame courtesy of: JoesSistar

My Sister's House

Decorating Perfectdom

Walking into my sister's house yesterday, I noticed every holiday detail and was so glad that I had brought my camera. Her knack for decorating is a grand feast for the eyes. Her home is filled with the love of four daughter's and a devoted husband. They are about to be grand-parents soon and this Holiday Season is especially, special.
God is said to be in the details and this be true he is everywhere present in this home of warmth and all that is known to be good.

Burroughs House

                                  Days of Old click photo for larger view

This photo was taken of the Burroughs House earlier this month. Meandering thru I couldn't help thinking how it must have been to reside here long ago. Thanks to all the wonderful people who take the time to decorate this lovely lady for the enjoyment of all. Below is a little history from their website.

Walk among live oaks and lush gardens, relax in a rocking chair on the verandah as you watch the river roll gently by....but, first, join Mona and Jettie Burroughs as they share the history and colorful tales of living in one of Fort Myers' oldest homes - The Burroughs Home.   Built in 1901, this Georgian Revival Mansion was the scene of many social events that hosted the Fort Myers' elite including the Edisons, Fords, and Firestones.  Antique furnishings, historical artifacts, and delightful tales of growing up as the privileged daughters of wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and his wife Adeline await visitors who want to take a step back in time.

The Burroughs Home has come alive once again under the management of Uncommon Friends Foundation...............http://www.burroughshome.com/default.cfm

Home for the Holidays!

Home for the Holidays

It's wonderful to be home in the loving atmosphere of family. Holiday Traditions are more meaningful when experienced with the ones you love.
Photo was taken at the Burroughs House in Fort myers, Florida. Textures courtesy of:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27805557@N08/5211960305, Joe Sistah.

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree 
Afforded me the greatest glee!

How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.

This photo was taken at the Burroughs House in Fort Myers, Florida.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

We Three Angels of Glory & Tolerance

Things are really looking up...

Tree Top Duty once again! Wonder whose turn it is this year? Gets pretty lonely up there at the top. Gertrude, I think you should do it! No, no never mind Gertrude, your balance seems to be off a little off these days (wine). Mildred, maybe you? No, no, a little heavy on the carbs this year, Mildred (angel cake)! Beatrice, I really do think it should be you! No, no, Beatrice, heard you been running around with some guy named Joe Visa and living pretty high on a borrowed dime!
Really people, we really all need to get along! We all have our faults. Some are excusable and documented with meds and for the rest of us, well, we really need to be kind in the spirit of Christmas, work together and water the seeds of tolerance. Bet all three of these little angels will be at the top this year, together!

The Stockings were Hung by the Chimney with Care

Twas the night before Christmas
This poem has a very special meaning for me. A very long time ago my then 5 year old daughter knew this entire poem by heart and recited it at a school play. She wore a red flannel nightgown embellished with a white lace collar and a white satin night cap on her precious little head. It is funny how I can remember somethings so clearly and then can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday! I had a picture of this event blown up and set it out every year. Going to have to find that picture and set it out once again!!! Welling up, going to have to cry, excuse me while I find a tissue. Still so proud of you my precious, darling daughter!

Break Forth in Song!

Break Forth in Song
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains...
Doesn't she just make you want to belt out a tune? You all know the chorus, and a, one and a, two and a, three.
This is one of my hand-sculpted angels. Her face is made out of air drying clay and her body fashioned out of electrical wire. Now for the best part, her dress is made of sheets from a convent in Newport, Rhode Island. The vintage cotton was so soft and of great virgin quality. Now really, what else would you do with this kind of fabric other than angle clothes?

Refrain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Creative Seasons!

                               Father Christmas click photo for larger view
This is a photo of one of my hand-sculpted Santa's.  He lives in a plastic bin most of the year and makes his yearly debut just after Thanksgiving Day.

For many years I collected beautiful fabric remnants from my family's upholstery business, hunted down all sorts of trinkets, old costume jewelry, visited many second hand shops for pieces of handmade lace and tattered fur coats beyond repair to make just one and loved every minute of it.

Creating something from nothing is probably my most favorite things to do, giving life to discarded objects while fully realizing that most of the fun is always in the hunt of treasure.

Selling them was bitter sweet as I had a story for every fabric and embellishment. When I decided to stop my obsession with my elaborate collections it took me two years to part with my treasured, treasures. It was a season in my creative life.

These days I just point and shoot it seems to fit the age and also the stamina!

OH Very Young One!

Oh very young one...
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while Cat Stevens
 Not so long ago I can remember someone in my family having a victrola and all we cousins jumping up and down, screaming in anticipation for the arrival of a chubby old man bearing gifts. The front parlor was opened and we danced and laughed without a care in the world. The reality was the chubby old man usually showed up full of liquid cheer and a bit tattered too. What wonderful memories! 
I wish for everyone this Holiday Season to scream in anticipation, dance, laugh, fill your life with genuine cheer and know that it's OK to be a little tattered too! We are only here for a very short while.
Photo was taken at the Burroughs Estate in Fort Myers Florida.