Christmas found us here...

In the beautiful snowy mountains of Colorado, surrounded by family. It was perfect! Well, almost.

We decided to go sledding on Christmas eve.

Flying through the air is my brother Keith and his wife Natalie. Unseen behind them is my sister Krista. That was the first time I've ever been present for a 911 call. To see the video and get the whole story go here.

The boring pictures from our trip coming soon...

A gift idea from me to you

My recipe for candy cane sugar scrub over here.

A mom can brag!

I'm a few days late, but I just have to brag about my sweet Samm. Every month there is an assembly at school and all of the teachers pick two students to receive an award for the specific character trait they are talking about that month. This month was compassion.

Not only did Samm get picked to receive the compassion award from her teacher, but the music and P.E teachers also get together and choose two students and they also picked Samm.

We are so proud of her!

And because Samm is Samm, here is another Samm says...

As we passed our neighbors house that is covered from top to bottom in colorful lights and other slightly obnoxious Christmas decorations Samm proclaims "What great Christmas decorations! He sure has skills!"

Auction for Benson and Clair

The auction that I mentioned a few weeks ago is now under way over at BLOOM. This is a great opportunity to help out some sweet children in need. Please go over and see all the awesome things people have donated. I donated a few jewelry items including the very last pair of flower earrings I made from a 1950's necklace.

I know money is tight this time of year, but this is a family with not one sick child but two. So, let's all count our blessings and go do some Christmas shopping!

Samm says

Yesterday I was in my room working on some jewelry when Samm came in and informed me that she too would like to make some Christmas presents for people. So, I got out some beads and stretchy chord and told her she could make some bracelets.

After a few minutes of watching her sort the beads into three even piles I said "you know honey, you don't have to make all the bracelets exactly the same." to which she responded "but Mom, I just really like symmetry!"

Well, OK then! Someday I really am going to write a book about this girl.

It is the giving season after all

I made a necklace the other day. I think it's pretty. You could win it over here.

It's OK Stanta. I've already got everything I need

You can give my toys to someone else.

These two might be a little disappointed though if they don't get that easy bake oven and gun they just asked you for. So, go ahead and keep them on your list.

In hiding

Last year I had this grand idea to get all of my Christmas gifts made by Halloween. That way I could sit back and actually enjoy the Holidays. The problem is though that I have great intentions but poor execution. So, I am at this very moment drowning in the sea we call Christmas. Some day I will re-emerge, for now please wish me luck and enjoy this cartoon I found today. This is how I feel before Thanksgiving.

Another opportunity to give

I know many of you have already heard about Benson and Clair. If you haven't, go Here to read their story. It will touch you.

The ladies at bloom were also touched and have decided to do something to help. An online silent auction running from Dec 10-13th.

I will be donating some of my jewelry to the auction and I hope many of you will also consider donating of your time and talents.

All of the information you need is offered at Bloom.

Thanks Emily and Anne for putting this together!

Consider yourself warned!