Another Christmas past

It is hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone. They swing around so often these days.  What happened to those long days of anticipation leading up to Christmas of our childhood?  Did it just seem so much longer because we were not responsible for all the planing and preperation that went into making everything so special for the family.  Is that why it seems to go by so fast now?  There is just so much to do in such a short period of time and we don't want anyone to miss out on experiencing those special memories, those feelings that we cherish? 
My husband and I received a wonderful gift from our daughter and son in law this year.  They always give wonderful, thoughtful gifts.  This year they took his parents, ourselves, and the two of them on a three hour train ride along the river through the snowy countryside.  The air was crisp and cold, but the sun was bright.  The rocks had little white hats as they sat in the clear cold river water.   The train clickety clacked along, whistled occasionally when it crossed a road.  The car we were in was warm and filled with the murmers of many conversations being held as Christmas music played softly in the background.  A wonderful gift of time, conversation, and laughter.  The memories will last the rest of our lives and we will cherish them.  If you get an opportunity to spend an afternoon on the Thunder Mountain Line along the lovely Payette River, take it.  It is worth the time spent.
It is times like this that I am going to choose to remember from 2010.  There have been many.  I cherish the memories of the times I have spent with my family and my friends. 

New Thoughts

I have been thinking alought lately.  A few weeks at home recuperating will do that to you.  It is either that or staring numbly at daytime TV.  My current favorite quote that I changed today is about one of the realizations that I came to.  I can think endlessly for days and not come up with one new thought or idea.  No matter how hard a person  tries, or how intelligent, or learned they are, very few people today come up with a new idea.  We basically are taking thoughts that have been passed down through the ages, arranging them in new ways, and tying them up with our own peice of string or ribbon.
What has really struck me as I have read many other blogs and talked to some of my friends lately is that we basically all need and want the same things.  We need to feel safe and accepted.  We want to belong and to be loved.  We want to be healthy, to be able to pay our bills, to have fun, to feel valued, to be happy.......
Whether it be here in Idaho or elsewhere around the Globe, I think many are thinking the same things.  They are just using different words, expressing their thoughts in different ways, tying their little thought bouquets up with different colored ribbons.
I am going to try to stop focusing so much on the ribbons, and enjoy the flowers.

File Folder Project.

Here is a peek at the file folder album that I made for my friend.  It is her favorite colors. I had more fun putting it together.  I found the directions at
 http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/filefolderscrapbook.html





they were easy to follow.  I used some decorative file folders, so did not cover them with paper, and kind of did my own embillishments.  I did use all of the measurements, and they worked perfectly.  I found the big file envelope that matched also.  I used the Sabrina line from Making Memories, which I purchased on one of my favorite scrapbook sites, http://www.cropchocolate.com/ , very addicting site.  Awsome folks and excellent customer service.  Cardstock is Bazill.  I made the lace flower.  Sorry if I can't remember where everything is from, there may be a little something from somewhere else.  If you see something that I forgot to give credit where it is due, feel free to leave a comment.  I would like to add that the black leather flower with pearl center is one of my faves...I cut it out of some trim from JoAnns and then added the pearl.  Reminds me of Kimberlee, elegant and gracious, with tough and fun- the perfect combination.

Well....

I thought I would be more consistent about posting new blogs, but surprise, surprise!, I am not.  I have been very busy working on several projects at once and a few are actually coming to completion.  I am meeting a friend for lunch today, actually a group.  One friend recently married and I had to miss her reception due to illness.  I saw a very fun project on another site, started it, and the project kept screaming Kimberlee the entire time I worked on it.  It was hers from the first paper slice.  Some things make themselves for others with love for others from your heart, I hope she likes it.  I am going to attempt to attach the photos and link to the site where I found the instructions.  If it all does not show up all proper like, let me know and I will try again.  I am a new blogger and in the learning phase.  I certainly want to give credit to the sites where I lift ideas when I can, especially since this one had such clear instructions! I am going to have to add links and photos later or I will be late for lunch and work, oh my!

After Thanksgiving and heading for Christmas

So Thanksgiving weekend is over.  Now it is time to pull out all the Christmas decorations, cards, wrapping paper and most of all Christmas music!  I wait all year to listen to my collection of Christmas CDs.  I love them.  I admit I get withdrawels in July and sneak a listen to Bing and Nat King Cole.  I just cannot resist Manheimm Steam Roller.  I believe I have all of their Christmas albums.  I have two of some of them.  My friends and family keep me supplied with the newest every year and I am so grateful.  Having listened to my Grandmother, I keep the duplicates in case the first one wears out, or our country is invaded and we cannot get new copies any more.  I am prepared to have music for the rest of my life while I trim the tree.
Speaking of the tree, I now have an artificial tree.  Yes, I like a real tree better also.  I always had a real one also until the year I could not afford one.  A dear friend loaned us a small fake tree and it was the first time I did not have bronchitis leading into pnuemonia right after Christmas in years.  I have had a lovely faximily of a tree since and have discovered that I enjoy breathing easily even more than "real" Christmas trees.  They don't seem to bother me in other folk's homes, they just don't want to live with me.  I have had the same experience with a couple of roomates.  Lovely when they lived elsewhere.
I think the tree will go up tomorrow.  Then it will begin to feel like Christmas.

The First Blog

Everything must start somewhere and so my blogging adventure begins right here.  It is Thanksgiving weekend and much thought and conversation has been spent on what we are grateful for.  My list is leangthy.  I am thankful for such a long list!
 I have most of my Christmas shopping done, mostly on line.  I find I like shopping on line.  No blisters on my feet or elbows in my ribs.  I can keep that peaceful spirit of giving in my heart instead of turning into a big grouch full of frustration.  You tend forget that Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift of all when you spend your time in the hustle and bustle of commercialism.  I am trying this year to try to focus on the holiday season more peacefully.  To remember that it is about love and joy, caring for each other.  Let go of the idea of a perfectly decorated house, the most delicious fresh baked cookies, or if I have mailed a card to everyone.  Yes, I will most likely still send cards, put up a tree, and wrap up a few gifts.  Just no stress over doing it just so.  Who have I been competing with all these years anyway? 
Some of my gifts are hand made and I will post more about that later.  I do need to get to work on them however.  Part of my plan for this blog is to post photos and plans for the ideas I come up with for things I make.  I also plan to post favorite recipes, there will be favorite quotes at the top, and who knows what else.  Like the best bowl of soup..........