I get to play in the 5th Bead Soup Blog Party!

I am so excited, I am on of the lucky 200 people who was picked to participate in this party! Lori Anderson  of Pretty Things puts this together and does such a great job that she had over 350 people wanting to participate this time. So we all signed up knowing that there was a chance we wouldn't get to participate this time, well, at least not send out soup, but I know I would still be blog hopping to see all the fun even if I wasn't picked!

My partner this time is Jennifer Justman of Souls Fire Designs.  Turns out Jennifer lives in the PNW as well. She is in Oregon, so she was also hit by the crazy weather we have had. We have a lot in common from our love of designing jewelry, of course, to favorite colors (blue) and a love of reading. I can't wait to put together a fun soup for her. :)

I think this is my favorite piece she has in her etsy shop right now, I can't wait to see what she will do with the soup I send her. :)

Ceramic Gemstone Dark Brass and Silk Bracelet: Flower in Winter

Christmas Glass

This year I was able to purchase some Groupons to use at a local Hot Glass Shop so that I was able to take my family there for their first hands on experience in a hot shop. They could choose to make an ornament, a float, a candy dish, or an egg. Once they decided on the shape, they were able to pick up to 2 colors of frit to work with. Then it was just a matter of waiting until it was their turn. It is truly a easy experience for anyone to do. You have a glass worker who handles the punty, the glass, and gets that starter bubble going for you (they make it seem so effortless, but from experience I can tell you that it is not!). Then they hook up a hose and from that you blow into it, and help to create your piece. It is magical, and this way, you know you will end up with a great piece that will be well shaped and beautiful. We can't wait to see our finished pieces!

Christmas 2011

Christmas is all about family and traditions to me. I have to be honest and say that my favorite part of Christmas is actually our Christmas Eve traditions. We each get to open a gift on Christmas Eve. What is in those gifts is never a surprise, as we all look forward to our new pj's. After they are opened, we all go and change into them and gather around to listen as we tell the Christmas story from Luke. Every year that is when in truly feels like Christmas.

What follows is also tradition, the putting the kids to bed. Waiting for them to come downstairs, just one more time for something, and back up they go. Once we are assured they are asleep, the wrapping begins. Why I never can get things wrapped before Christmas Eve is a wonder, but there it is, and every year it manages to get done.

This year Christmas morning was even more crazy than normal as we still have all 6 puppies (they weren't ready to be sold yet) so before all of the festivities began we had to get the puppies out, play with them, clean up their beds, and get them back in before they could attack unwrap the presents. :)

Next, we get to take part of a virtual Christmas morning with whatever family is up and ready to go. We log onto Oovoo, and this year were able to video chat with my parents and my Aunt and Uncle who are visiting them, and my sister and her family. It was so much fun, and a bit crazy, but a neat way to be able to share the fun and excitement that the kids have.

After that, we got ready for Church were we were treated to a wonderful choral presentation by our ward choir that I truly loved. Back home for our traditional dinner and then to our friends, the Smith's for games and more visiting. While we are not with our families, we are spread out over several states, I love that I do have friends here who are like family to me and we are able to spend holidays with them as well.

I truly hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well. I am truly thankful for my Savior and that we are able to worship him and to celebrate his birth.

Charmed Pennies Etsy Sale

I am having a huge sale on my Charmed Pennies in honor of Black Friday. Use the coupon code THANKSGIVINGDAY50OFF (during checkout) to save 50 percent off all items! This is the perfect chance to pick up some fun gifts for your family and friends. If you are a  Primary or Young Women leader this is a great time to pick up  2012 Theme charms or CTR tie tacs for your groups, this is my lowest price! They are perfect for New Beginnings gifts as well.

Take a look at a few new designs!

Thanksgiving

Last year a few of our close friends and us got together for Thanksgiving, and we had a blast, so we did the same thing this year.....but our group grew to 35! There was a lot of fabulous food. We had 2 turkeys, 1 ham, mashed pototoes, stuffing, creamed onions, green bean casserole, candied yams, homemade orange rolls, corn, deviled eggs, cheese and cracker plate, feta stuffed mini sweet peppers, green salad, a jello salad....and then of course all your holiday pies! There was also a yummy slushy raspberry and pineapple drink that I need the recipe for.  After we all ate, the kids all made gingerbread houses. They all had so much fun! Kids are so creative.

I will be posting pictures soon, they are on both my camera and our friends.

I am truly grateful this year for so many things, especially for my family and friends. I don't know how I would have managed these past few months without all of their help. The simple and kind act Sandy straightening my hair before surgury so my curly mane would be more manageable afterwards to Amber who is a hair dresser washing my hair for me as it was next to impossible those first weeks to do it myself. Jan, Jaque, Megan, and Sandy driving me to and from PT and even just taking me to Target! Colleen for massaging my shoulder and helping me regain the full movement of my wrist, Nicki for my new favorite blanket as I was always cold because of the never ending ice packs. I know I am missing many people, and I am grateful for all the prayers and well wishes I recieved.

My family was incredible. Chris had to step in and take over all my rolls, chauffer, cook, maid, you name it, he had to do it all. The kids have been amazing and so good about doing whatever I needed them to do so that I could let my arm heal. They helped me "be good" when I wanted to push the envelope. I think they enjoyed being somewhat in charge of their Mom. :)


 So thank you, I couldn't have done it without all of you!

Feeding Frenzy with the Pups

I just had to share this video. The pups were all lined up at the edge of their box, and wanted out of their box since Mom was jut sitting out of reach. Well, I pulled them all out, and the feeding frenzy began. Apparently Sterling has a very strong jaw! :) Enjoy!

Give Thanks and be Grateful free printable

What a crazy 2 weeks it has been! The girls and I had a get away to the beach and had a blast. The puppies eyes are all open, and they have started to try to walk and play with each other. And then I messed up on my meds by trying to lower my dosage to fast. Funny thing, you can't do that. It has really messed with my productivity this past week, but I am finally back to feeling like myself. As I was back to sitting on the couch, and I will admit to feeling sorry for myself (I am pretty independent, and have really disliked not being able to do things for myself - can you believe I am looking forward to the day that I can put my hair up in a ponytail again without help?) and realized that I truly have so much more to be grateful for. 

A big blessing is that my arm is getting better. I can move my arm in one way, almost 3 times as high as I used to. It is giving me hope and incentive to keep going to torture physical therapy so that I will keep on improving and once again have a normal range of motion again. I am also grateful that my family and friends have been so supportive of me during this time. Nothing like being 30 something and grounde from driving! LOL! 

For Thanksgiving, I wanted to offer something to all of my fans and followers as a thanks you. I appreciate the support I have received here on my blog and Facebook pages I really do appreciate each and every comment I receive.  I created this poster for you. It is in the Keep Calm and Carry On spirit. Just click on the image so it opens in a new window, and then right click and save the file. It is sized for 8 x 10. I hope you all enjoy! 

 I've linked up with these great parties!