Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve here at the humble hacienda.




The list reads something like this:
1. Presents Wrapped - check
2. Prime Rib Roast ready - check
3. Lists made - check
4. Last minute stocking stuffers - not checked
5. Last minute jewelry items - not checked

(Yes, Maggie's Christmas necklace DOES say "I Believe"

6. Cup of coffee - check
7. Ding Dongs - check

So it will be a white Christmas here in Bountiful. This is the scene in the backyard:





In my Christmas mailer this year I wrote "My grown up Christmas wish is that each of us live in gratitude." I hope you will take time to reflect on your life and be grateful for all the blessings God has given you.

Merry Christmas!


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Pretty is as Pretty Does

After visiting Thailand for a few weeks and seeing all the poverty, disparity, and challenging living conditions, I came back home with a renewed sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the simpler things in life that I have always taken for granted. I am grateful for the fact that if I want a box of Ding Dongs, I can go buy them. Further, I am grateful that I have a car to jump in so that I can go and buy my Ding Dongs. I am grateful that I can put half and half in my coffee. All that important stuff aside, I am grateful for my children.





I am grateful for my two beautiful daughters and the joy and happiness their sheer existence brings me. My mom always drilled the adage “Pretty is as Pretty does”. Both my daughters have an inner beauty that makes this mama proud. I am grateful for you two!!

Rush of the Season

This was the night sky last night. Can you believe how stunning? I saw this tree completely backlit by the setting sun. I stood and looked at how gorgeous it was and remembered that my camera was in my purse. The definition of the tree is perfect, and as the branches extend they almost look ferny. In the rush, rush, rush of the season, it was nice to stop for a moment and see the beauty of a silhouetted winter tree. Take a moment, if even just a moment, to appreciate the beauty of the life around us.

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WOW!

Well, I think those of us who have the "artist" in us, and expresses ourselves creatively, want to be recognized in some way or another. Yesterday, when at one of my favorite online supply haunts, the owner of the shop contacted me and asked me if it was okay to have some of my items featured on the front page of her supply catalog shop.

Well I was very flattered to say the least, and replied with a resounding "Golly are you sure you want me?" But this morning, low and behold, there I am right on the front page of her store. Holy cow! I am sure this is subject to change, so I am capturing it here for posterity =)

I am bathing in the sunlight of fame...basking in the glow.... I know, I know I should just totally get over myself right now. But I thought it was kind of cool to be on the front page of a supply catalog!!! I honestly am grateful for the opportunity and exposure! Thanks Susan!

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Light Bulbs

There are days in life when a light bulb goes on. And when that light turns on, you see that the room is not necessarily any different than you remember, however, you see it more clearly. Perhaps the absence of light made areas of the room unapparent or less obvious. But when the light switches on, you can’t imagine how you missed it before. Light bulb moment for me over the weekend.

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