A Very Simple Montana Christmas

My sister and I started a new life in Montana this past July. We live right on the Bitterroot River where I see the bald eagles fly almost every day and hear the grand chorus of coyotes singing at night. The glorious snowy mountains are right out my front door and I feel the presence of God all around me.

We have no Christmas decorations, no lights, no dinner to make. But on a whim last night about 7 p.m. we cut some sprigs of thyme....

placed them in a vase and found some pom poms, kitty beads and bells...

 I made a tiny tree skirt....

Mary Sue added this one little very old rudolph ornament that she brought with her (that she glued a shiny red nose on - and it even glows in this pic!) 

and voila!! A LOVELY tree - and OH SO fragrant! 

Here is the night version.

And here is the absolutely stunning kaleidoscope version that we almost fell out of chairs over when we saw it! (I use Pixlr - a free online editor and had never tried this effect before!)

Then we sang and laughed until our bellies ached. Only my sister and I would ever be able to have such a spontaneous joyful moment together. The love runs deep in our blood and we thank God we share the essence of Christmas together - a love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

When all is stripped away at Christmas, and you have nothing but the simple beauty and depth of relationships to glory in, it's not hard to see the importance of that One special baby born this day long ago. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. And a kinder 2013 to America. 

Our Handmade Gift Exchange Presents!

Happy Day After Christmas!

I hope you enjoy Christmas as much as I do! Several years ago our family decided to make a rule. All gifts had to be handmade! We have 11 in the family and have a secret Santa draw in November. We have enjoyed the most unusual, unique, and personal gifts one could imagine over the years. It is a day everyone looks forward to with great anticipation, not just for what you will receive, but to see the reaction of the one who receives your gift! It's the coolest thing ever! It is far removed from the commercialized version of the holiday and completely focuses on the incredibly deep love we have for one another as a family and the gift of God's Son to us which has made such love possible. We all feel so blessed!

This year I had my son-in-law. He and my daughter own a gymnastics club in the community which also employs four of the seven siblings. My husband and one of my sons also received names of members who work in the gym. So we decided to give them all dolls with a wire frame that can be posed as desired. I had never made anything like this before, so it was a great new challenge! The guys formed the frames and wrapped them with blanket strips. I finished them with socks and made clothing that matched the gym clothing they wear.  I printed their faces out on my printer by running fabric taped to paper through the printer. I was really happy with the end product!

Mr. Jim

Mr. Judah

Mr. Judah

Miss Nikki

The Trio

*****

And this is the gift I received from my 14 year old son.

A clock decoupaged with photos of my two little grandsons. I love it! 

Psalm 127 says:

3Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

         The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

         So are the children of one’s youth.

5How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them...

I had 7 'gifts' and I have been blessed beyond measure with love. And now they are expanding with 'gifts' of their own. 

Life doesn't get any better....

I wish you the same love and joy I have been blessed with for your 2012 New Year!

JOY IN THE MORNING!

AND WHAT A GLORIOUS MORNING IT IS! SUNNY AND BRIGHT IN CLEVELAND!

Easter is what makes life worth living. Without the resurrection there would be no hope, no purpose, no love. All that I am and hope to be is because of this day. The message of Easter has changed my life, and I hope you find your hope and purpose in the life and resurrection of the Lord Jesus as well!

He is not here, He is risen! Jesus is risen indeed!!