Remembering a very special man!

I usually am a big kid and really love Christmas, but this year the joy is gone. My brother passed
away unexpectantly from a blood clot this past Sat. My father was married before  and
 had two children. As children we didn't get to see each other very often.I feel like
we we're all cheated.
 I will always remember the summer that David and Becky got to come to our house for a week, Did we ever have fun, We all still laugh about that.
I remember David's special laugh, that he never outgrow. He liked to do little pranks like putting a bunch of salt on Becky's eggs when she turned her head. I just remember the fun we had.
 As adults we would occassionally get together, but not enough. This is a lesson for me, never put off
getting together with the ones you love, because you  never know when you will get the chance again.
I remember the other year David had me and my sisters for a cookout/birthday celebration for my younger sisters. You could see the pride and joy on his face when we were all at his house laughing and having a good time. He was so happy to have us all there.I will cherish that time forever.
 He was an avid hunter, he loved spending time outdoors in the woods.
He leaves behind two children and five grandchildren.His mother, brother, five sisters and my dad.
Remember us all on Friday when his Memorial Service is held. Say a little prayer for us all.
  My heart is saddened and Christmas will never be the same,  I love you David and will
miss you so much. RIP my brother.

Wonderful surprises!

I have been working so hard and am so tired.. But now I can finally breath and enjoy a few days off.
I love to watch Christmas movies, but usually don't have time until after Christmas and the day after Christmas they are usually off TV. But my husband has been taping some for me.
  Sweet Jean "Prim Crafts" stopped by my house the other day. I was on my lunch break, so I didn't get to
visit with her as long as I would have liked too. I really have to watch what I say around Jean, I had asked her awhile back if she would be making any standing Santa's for her booth. I should have known better,
well what did that girl bring me for Christmas but a standing Santa. He is so adorable! I love him so much!
I will cherish him for ever. Jean is one of the sweetest persons that I have ever met and she has really been
an inspiration to me in crafting. One day I want to learn to cross stitch and she offered to help me. So that is
on my "Bucket List". I am so honored to know Jean and have her for a friend.
I am really excited, she is going to start designing patterns, and I know they will be awesome. If you don't know Jean stop by her blog and check it out. Thank you again Jean, I love, love my Santa P.S. Jean,
I am glad I hinted. he he

I also received a surprise package from one of my customers that has bought bonnets from me.
 Her name is Sandra and she is so sweet. I was so humbled when I received her package.
She sure made my day.She sent me a wonderful primitive bear and a primitive star.
Words can't express my gratitude and thankfulness to her and Jean for being so kind to me.
Here is the bear and star aren't they adorable.

As many of you know my daughter is insulin dependent diabetic and struggles with an eating disorder
Diabulimia.
If I had one wish for Christmas it would be for her to be better and have a long life.
So when you say a prayer remember my daughter. Christmas is a hard time when you are dealing with
an eating disorder.
 I hope each of you you have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family and remember that
Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Getting Ready for Christmas

My crafting has been on hold as I am working both jobs everyday, in between I am trying to get ready for Christmas. I was able to make a snowman for a swap. We had ice storm yesterday, so school is canceled for today, so I need to get off the computer and clean my house and I think I will bake some cookies and put the in the freezer and save for Christmas. I do have my tree up, but I probably only put a forth of my ornaments on my tree. I do have my Christmas cards fixed up, I need to finish my shopping and some baking. So I am getting there. As I put up my Christmas decor, many of my things are from fellow bloggers,
I didn't mention names, because I don't want to forget anyone. And my tree has many ornies from fellow bloggers. I cherish each and every item from you and smile and think of you as I look at them.
 I met my sisters and two friends at Cracker Barrel for our Christmas get together Friday, but forgot to
take some pictures, We had a wonderful time, then Sat. I went to WV to the farmhouse. Ronnie and I put
up our tree there and built a fire and watched two Christmas movies, such an enjoyable time. And I forgot my camera to take pictures.
Now for some pictures of some of my Christmas decor. WARNING-Picture overload!

Snowman I made

The true meaning of Christmas!

I took a class and painted this years ago.

My new Arnett Santa

Swap Goodies

My great friend Tammy from Tammy "NC Primitives from the Past" and I decided to do a Christmas swap. Tammy was the first person that I ever swapped with and we continue to do at least 2 swaps a year.
Tammy has been very inspirational in my crafting and is always giving me encouragement and advice.
I know that one day we will meet in person and I am looking forward to that.
Tammy always sends me the nicest things and certainly knows how to spoil me.
Thank you Tammy, I love everything and most of all I cherish our friendship.

Look how pretty everything is wrapped.

Snowman Bob, isn't he so cute!

Santa in a sack, I love him!

Candy cane boy

I had told Tammy that I had a candy cane girl, but no boy,

 she made me a boy.

 They match perfectly!!!!

Yummy tarts, mini candle holder and lovely prim postcards.

                                      She also gave me a note pad that I forgot to take a picture of.

Some Thanksgiving Photo's

I am hoping everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. That is the only holiday that all
of my side of the family is able to all get together on. Everyone made it this year except my one Brother In Law. He was unable to make it because he had to work.
We also give the school age children Christmas gifts that day, so it is like our Christmas celebration also.
My sister Lena hosted it this year, she lives in a lovely home on several acres and has some goats and
chickens, the kiddies always enjoy going and feeding them.
 I will show a few pictures of our big day. I have so much to be thankful for, I am so thankful for
my family especially. And it has been 11 months since moms surgery on her arm and leg and the Dr.
has finally released her. It is so wonderful to see her doing well again.
I really thought I had gotten everyones picture, but see that I am missing Michael my niece, Hillary's husband.

Riley, Jake and Cole

Steph, Ashley, Austin and Jordan is Lina's son.

Hillary Lena's daughter, my grandkids and Steph my daughter

Our newest addition, Austin, he was a preemie and is doing well.

Robert, Lena my sister, Nathan and Lina , she is Nathan's mom

My dad, Mat my SIL, and Bev, Lina's husband

My nieces Regina and Emily

Emily, Annabel, Luke, Ronnie and Hillary

Rhonda, Logan and Luke my son and his Girlfriend and her son

Me and Ronnie

My mom and Luke

Hillary, grands and Raven, she is such a sweet dog and reminds me of my Lilly

New Christmas Cookbook

I am a big fan of  "Gooseberry Patch" cookbooks, I am honored to have recipes in five of their cookbooks,
one is the new Christmas one for this year. "Hometown Christmas".
I would like to share the recipe with you from this cookbook.
(These yummy taco crackers were a gift from my sister Lina one year for Christmas. They were so good that I just had to have the recipe). I know you will enjoy them too. Very nice for gifts too.

Lina's Taco Crackers

3-10 oz. pkgs. oyster crackers                        
3/4 cup oil                                                       
1-1/4oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix                     
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. chili powder
Place crackers in a large roasting pan: drizzle with oil, Combine seasoning mix and spices
in a small bowl: sprinkle over crackers and toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 15- 20 min.
until golden brown, stirring once. Cool: store in an airtight container, Makes 16 cups.

I have been working really hard, almost every day in my salon and my school nursing job,
my crafting is very limited as well as my blogging time. And the holidays are coming so fast.
 I was able to finish a Santa I was working on.
I am also working on a snowman for a friend swap.
I am not going to show the finished snowman, since my friend is a blogger and may look at my blog,
I will show the finished snowman after she receives him. Until now the headless snowman.

Inspired by an Olde Homestead Barn pattern.