Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Or Not!

Good morning my friends. We got 3" of snow yesterday. Tomorrow we will get more, with up to 40 mph winds. *~* I think it is beautiful, but I hate, HATE to drive in it. I am the commuter, taking the kids to and from school most days of the week. Jacob drives 2 to 3 times a week. They are having their final assessments this week. Wouldn't you know it was not snowing when he left yesterday, but on his return it sure was. He did absolutely perfect. I was so worried for him. Driving in snow stresses me, but I think having Jacob drive in snow stresses me more. Obviously he has proved he is capable, I am just a worrier. Anyways, the snow came so I got this picture as promised for you.

I found this nativity scene about 12 years ago in a Catholic magazine and loved it. I asked my FIL if we could make it in wood. He really, really enlarged it for me. I traced it onto the wood and he cut it. Brian paints it black when needed.

Isn't this just too wonderful?!? Chris sent this surprise to me. I just love, love the pink and chocolate theme. I tried to take a picture of this in so many settings, this is the best pic I could get. It is just such a great ornament. I truly love it. I appreciate all of the hard work Chris put into this piece. Thank you my friend.♥

While I was taking pictures at the tree, I thought I would show you my angel. I made her 18 years ago. I found a pattern for her in a magazine. I am not sure if you can see the tiny candle she is holding on the right.

During the snow yesterday afternoon, I spotted this guy in the tree, in the park, behind our yard. It is a Cooper's Hawk. Not the best picture through the snow. It stayed for about one minute. Hope it wasn't here looking for Mabel! Not to worry, she would be too big for him.

We are 95% done shopping. I have almost every present wrapped. The Christmas cards will go out today. I baked peanut blossoms two days ago. I will make the sugar cookies today or tomorrow. It is getting done! =)

We are still praying for the mourning in Newtown. It is just so sad isn't it friends? I find myself wanting to learn some stories, and then I cry my eyes out.

Take care. Stay warm. Drive safe. Thanks for visiting me in this busy, busy season. I appreciate YOU!!

Baking and praying,
Vickie

Gifts From Shirlee

Good morning friends! Welcome new friends!

Such tragedy. Such severe sadness. Pray. Pray not only for those families in Newtown, but the many, many lives affected by this. We also need to pray for our nation. Our nation is so very violent. We need to make changes. And those changes need to be in the homes of America. It needs to start with the family.

I would like to show you what I received in the mail yesterday from dear Shirlee. I was a winner of her recent giveaway. It is a wonderful LizzieKate chart called When We Do. It reads: When we do what we can God will do what we cannot. I love it! She also made me this wonderful tuck pillow. I have never made or owned a tuck pillow. Hooray for me!

Guess what friends?! Baby Jesus has two french knots for eyes! I noticed that right away, and I felt special. To know Shirlee put herself through that for me, well I feel honored. Thank you Shirlee.♥

I told Trace last week I would post a picture of our nativity. This is the nativity we purchased for ourselves the December we moved into our first home back in 1993.

 My family gave me additional pieces each year for my Christmas gifts, until I told them, "That's enough now, thank you!" I just didn't want the entire town of Bethlehem there! I already wonder about the bagpiper you see on the left?!?

I am waiting for some snow. We are having such extremely mild weather here. It is in the forties! I love it. But if we had some snow, I would take a picture of our outdoor nativity. I would prefer to show it to you that way. It looks so nice that way. I will just wait a bit longer.

I got the gingerbread cookies baked and will work on a batch of another kind this weekend. I am still being naughty! I have not even touched my Christmas cards. This is extremely unusual for me. I am actually stitching another poodle bottlecap magnet! ;) Brian approached me while I was stitching it last night. He wondered if we really needed another one. HA!! My response was just a smile. =)

Annie recently asked me a few questions about those bottlecap magnets. I realized that I never fully explained to you all. They are called Giant Bottle Cap- Chrome from  Darice. I buy them at the larger JoAnn stores. They come in a six pack.

You have probably noticed I include a poodle with each post? ;) Well there is one here this time too. It is just not that obvious. ;)

Have a wonderful weekend my friends. Thank you for visiting and commenting. You make me glad.♥

Stitching and baking and reading,
Vickie