'Tis the Season to Remember

I once asked the Lord to keep me from temptation, but He said nothing.

I once asked Him to bear my burdens, but He did nothing. 

I then prayed for patience, but it never came.

I cried, "Lord, give me direction!" but He gave me no map to life.

I asked Him for help in my troubled times, but He gave none.

Then, frustrated by His lack of apparent love, I asked Him why He was ignoring me.

He smiled sadily and replied, "My child, will you never learn? When you asked me to keep you from temptation, I gave you My Word, but you chose to never read it. 

You asked Me to bear your burdens and gladly would I have done if you had given them to me fully.

And when you prayed for Patience you ignored My silent prompting and chose anger over peace.

Then, when you asked for guidance, you never stopped to listen for My answer, instead going on with your own way. 

I sent you help in your troubled times, but you turned away your friends in pride and shame."

The tears were falling down my face as I realized the mistakes I had made.

Then I said, "Lord, please forgive me,"

He held out His nail-pierced hands and said, "My child, it is already done."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know there are so many posts going around talking about remembering the real reason for the season, so I won't say it again in so many words. However, I really do hope that we remember the true reason for Christ's birth- so that He could one day die on a cross to forgive us of our sins. 

I pray that all of you will have a very Merry Christmas surrounded by family and close friends. It is the season where we have the spirit of giving. We feel especially loving of our family and friends. We enjoy buying gifts and wrapping them with care to put under the tree. We all have our traditions for Christmas Eve (or Christmas Adam... which is a new one I learned from a friend. Get it? Adam comes before Eve??)... yeah.....

As I prepare to have a wonderful Christmas with my family, I want to wish you all the same and share one of my favorite songs. I might have shared it last year, but it truly is an amazing one. My sister and I play/sing it, but I don't have a recording of that... ;-) Probably better that way. In any case, please enjoy! 

Celebrating Christ's Birth,

Sarah

Christmas Quiz #1

Hello lovely readers!

As we get nearer and nearer to Christmas day, the stress level seems to hit the top of the charts as we try to rush those last Christmas gifts, finish up the last bits of wrapping, and hope you don't run out of ingredients for all the Christmas baking that you still have to do.

In all of the bustle, we tend to lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. Even as Christians we can sometimes get 'wrapped up' (excuse the pun) with the gifts, the baking, the things to be done, etc, etc. It isn't easy to sit back and just think about that very first Christmas. That holy night when our Savior was born. can you imagine what it must have been like? What was going through the minds of those Shepherds when they saw their Messiah before them? Did they realize that He was actually going to DIE for them, or were they like the rest of the Jews, thinking He would be powerful and smite their enemies? What about the wise men? Did they really realize WHO He was? Who that babe would be when He grew up? I mean, they knew He was the Messiah, but could they have really known Who and What He would become?  And Joseph! What about Joseph? As he gazed down at the babe in Mary's arms, did doubtful thoughts run through his mind? Thoughts like, how am I going to raise the Son of God? What kind of a father can I be to him? How can I give Him the training that He needs?

Then there was Mary. The woman who had carried this child for 9 months, knowing that she was going to give birth to something so special, so wonderful. How humbled she must have felt when that Angel first told her these tidings. How in awe must she have been? Did she realize that those tiny feet had walked in Heaven? That the little voice, now making nothing  but baby noises, had once commanded Angels? Did she realize that when she was kissing his little cheek, that she was kissing the Son of God? Below is the song that asks those very questions. Mark Lowry wrote this song, and, although there have been many different versions out there, I think his is the best.


Alright, to see how well y'all know the Christmas story, I'm putting up a quiz. Now, there are a few rules that you need to follow, so please be sure to read them below. :-)

1. You must answer these off the top of your heads NO LOOKING in your bible to find the answer. Answer as honestly as you can remember and no cheating. This is just for fun, so let's try to keep it that way. :-) I promise I won't share your answers with anyone.

2. You'll need to write the answers in a comment. be sure to number each answer to the question (ex. Question #1: Who was Mary? -you would put- Answer #1: a. She was the virgin who gave birth to Jesus Christ.

3. You will then submit your comment. I WILL NOT be publishing them, just so y'all know. Otherwise it might give answers away. :-) I might decide to post them after the quiz is done, but if you don't want yours posted, please be sure to say so.

4. Spread the word about this!!! It will be fun to see your friend's and family's answers! :-)

Just so y'all know, I didn't get all of these right. So, no pressure. :-) Also, I recommend that you write your answers down somewhere else so that when I post the correct answers, you can go back and check them (in the case that your comment wasn't published). :-) Alright! So here it goes!

Question #1: When Mary became pregnant, Mary and Joseph were:
a. married            b.engaged
c. just friends       d. none of the above

Question #2:  When Mary became pregnant...
a. Joseph Married her      b. Joseph wanted to dissolve their relationship
c. Mary left Nazareth for a while    d. and Angel told them to go to Bethlehem
e. Both B and C              f. Both B and D

Question #3: Who directed Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
a. Herod             b. An angel
c. Caesar            d. The IRS

Question #4: Joseph's family was originally from:
a. Jerusalem        b. Bethlehem
c. Nazareth         d. None of the above

Question #5: For the journey to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph...
a. Walked          b. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
c. Took a bus     d. The Bible does not say.

Question #6: Who told Joseph to name the bay Jesus?
a. Mary            b. the chief priests and scribes
c. and angel of the Lord.    d. Herod the king

Question #7: What did the innkeeper say to Mary and Joseph?
a. There's no room at the inn    b. I have a stable out back
c. Both A and B        d. None of the above

Question #8: The baby Jesus was most likely born in a:
a. cave            b. tent
c. stable          d. house

Question #9" What animals were present at Jesus birth?
a. cows, sheep, and camels   b. cows, chickens and donkeys
c. lions, tigers, and bears       d. the Bible does not say.

Question #10: What was a manger anyway?
a. a small shed       b. a feeding trough
c. a place to keep hay    d. a Greek term for a nursery.

Question #11: When did baby Jesus cry?
a. when He saw the wise men       b. whenever babies usually cry
c. when the cattle started lowing     d. no crying He makes

Question #12: How many angels spoke to the shepherds?
a. A multitude        b. one
c. two- Gabriel and Michael    d. who knows

Question #13: What sign were the shepherds to look for?
a. a star over a stable   b. a barn outlined with Christmas lights
c. a baby in a manger    d. both A and C

Question #14: Just what is a "heavenly host"?
a. an angelic choir    b. the welcoming angel in heaven
c. an army of angels   c. none of the above

Question #15: What song did the angels sing?
a. "O Little Town of Bethlehem"    b. Handel's Messiah
c. "Glory to God in the Highest"   d. none of the above

Question #16: Who saw the star over Bethlehem?
a. Mary and Joseph     b. the wise men
c. shepherds     d. Both B and C
e. None of the above

Question #17: How many wise men (or magi) came to see Jesus?
a. one        b. three
c. Twelve      d. the Bible doesn't say

Question #18: What in the world are Magi?
a.Persian tribal kings     b. men of a sacerdotal caste
c. magicians          d. astrologers

Question #19: When the wise men brought their gifts to Jesus, they found Him in:
a. a stable         b. a house
c. a church        d. an inn

Question #20: For about 250 years after Christ's birth, Christmas was celebrated on:
a. January 6       b. March 21
c. May 20         d. It was note celebrated at all.



Alright! Write down your answers, put them in a comment, and post it. Now be sure to tell all your friends. :-)  I'll be posting a couple other quizzes in the next day or two. I'd hoped to get this done several days before Christmas so I had more time... however, it is what it is. :-) This year has been slightly wacky for our family. Mostly just that we haven't been able to do all the 'traditions' we normally do. However, it is wonderful to know that even though this Christmas season might be different, our Savior never changes. :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Wishing You All a Very Merry Christmas!!

Hello all of my faithful readers!!!  I hope that all of you will be blessed with a very merry Christmas this season as we celebrate Jesus' birth!!

Below are two videos. Both are songs that I really like. (although, the first one does still give glory to santa, at least it is giving most of it to Jesus and definitely makes you think!)  So, please turn up your volume, make sure all other blogger playlists are turned off, and enjoy!  If I can get it to upload, I will share a video that my friend made.







Also, I put up a Christmas post at my Wordpress blog Here, so please go check it out!

Oh, and to those who want a White Christmas (Samantha!), I am praying you get one!!! :-) I think we may be snowed in, which I don't want to happen, so I will try my best to send it your way. ;-)

Keeping warm,
Sarah

Thoroughly Blessed

I think I am one of the most blessed people in the world.  God has given me mercy SO many times.  He sent His only Son to save a sinner like me who deserved nothing but eternity in hell.
  He has blessed me with an AMAZING family.  I really don't know what I would do without them.
As I brought some presents I had just wrapped to put under the tree, Caleb spotted one for him.  He started teasing me, trying to get me to tell him what it was.  He tried shaking it, lifting it so see how much it weighed, etc. Just like a typical little boy. :-)
   Any how, I told him that I "hope you like it."  He looked at me and said, quite solemnly, "Of course I'll like it because you gave it to me."
  My heart was filled with joy.  He is such a sweet boy.  Really. One of the best things that happens around Christmastime is how he deals with all the gifts.  Often times, the little guys can lose focus of why we are celebrating Christmas with all those gifts under the tree.  Caleb, however, is more excited about what he got YOU than what you are giving HIM.  It is truly a joy to see that selfless joy and happiness in him.  His gifts are really special, too.  Typically it will be little things, like a picture, or an origami piece that he did all by himself, or some other little creation of his. And you know what?  I think those are the best gifts.  They come from the heart with love poured into each gift. His enthusiasm as we open his gift is really sweet to behold.
  
I have my other amazing family members that I just have to tell about.  First of all, my Daddy drove the icky weather this morning to get into town for a job interview.  I know he probably would have preferred to stay home and get some much needed tasks done on the ranch, but he went in town instead.  He is such an amazing provider, and the best midnight talker around! He's always willing to stay up until midnight to help me sort through my problems. :-)

Then I have my beautiful, selfless, beautiful, caring, beautiful, sweetest, and most wonderful Mama in the world! (did I mention that she's beautiful?) When going through some tough times in my walk with the Lord, she was right there praying for me.  She has been my best friend for as long as I can remember.  She was the one I always told my secrets to, the one who was there to offer advice when something happened, and the one who was always willing to listen to my problems, even if she's already in bed and ready to go to sleep.

My wonderful sister.  Wow, there's so much!!!!  For one thing, she just celebrated her 21st birthday!!!  Can you believe it??  (don't worry, there's a birthday post coming up!) I certainly can't.  We've had lots of transitioning in our relationship. Playmates, to young adults, to the best friends in the world.  She's probably one of the few people who can put up with me, and still love me.  Being able to share a room with her is a huge blessing in its self.  For one thing, I tend to be the messier of the pair.. and she's there to remind me, gently, to pick up my side of the room.  I think her organized living style is finally rubbing off on me, though!  Then, she's right there to talk, giggle, and cry long into the night with me.  She's got the wittiest sense of humor.  It doesn't matter how hard I try to say something back to her, she's always got one to top it... and you know what, I don't mind!  Besides, I probably wouldn't be able to get anything said any way because she usually has me doubled over in laughter with the things she says.

Joshua is a pretty great kid.  Ok, maybe not great.... Just kidding! And I don't think I could call him a kid any more.  16 years old sounds more like a young man, and since he acts more like a young man than a kid, I think he is entitled to that title. ;-)  He is SUCH a hard worker.  He would prefer to be out working than inside doing anything else.  He makes me laugh when I'm upset, and loves me for the crazy person that I am. He loves talking to me about guns, fight scenes in movies, and how to fix a car (most of it, I don't typically understand, but I enjoy listening to his enthusiasm on the subjects.).  He is my favorite Joshua in the whole wide world!

Of course, I said a few things about Caleb, but besides his selfless attitude during Christmas, he is one of the funniest guys around.  Somehow, turning 11 made him into this very witty person.  He and Becca could almost compete in a 'witty' competition. He comes pretty close to hers.  He is super creative.  He will bring out his clay creations and totally amaze me.  One time he made all the characters from a Wii game called Mario Kart.  The accuracy and detail totally stunned us.  He's a great artist, loves his chickens, enjoys being outside, and has enough energy to run a steam boat across the Atlantic.

I know I've done these family posts before, but I think it's great to spend time telling about their good qualities.  I mean, let's face it.  Everyone as their 'bad side', and too often we can focus on just that instead of all the wonderful things about them.  So, you will probably be seeing these in the future!

Are you feeling blessed this Christmas season?  If so, how?

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with the Lord's blessings! And, for those who want it, lots of snow!  It has been snowing all day here.  Just that lovely, soft falling, snow.  Looks like a ranch-like winter wonderland!

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

So Sorry for the delay!

To all the wonderful people who entered my photography contest:  I am terribly sorry for the delay of posting the winners!  My sister and I have been working on judging them.  This has been an EXTREMELY difficult task because so many wonderful photos were entered! I'm having a hard time picking the winners. :-)  Any how, I will try to post them before Christmas.  Unfortunately our family's schedule has been a whirlwind of activities.  I haven't had much time for computers and whatnot.  (Thus, why I haven't posted in a while!)  And actually, if I am on the computer, I am working really hard on my book so that I can get it finished before the end of this year.  Yes, big goal, but I am determined. :-)  This, however, means that I need to be writing about 20-35 pages a day.  If you are a writer yourself, you know that this is pretty difficult on some days when you are out of ideas.

Ok, sorry, that was a sidetrack.  In any case, I am working on judging and will get those up as soon as I am able!   Then, I've got some picture posts coming up (yeah!) of our drama performances, and a fun time with a special friend. ;-)  And MAYBE I'll be able to put in a few fun Christmas posts as well... oh, and do the second part of the "Romantic movies" post... hehehe... yikes.  Looks like I've got lots on my plate.  Well, at least I've got a chance to sit down and write this up.  I am currently not in my home, but spending the weekend with some friends.  Don't worry, I'm not being rude because the daughter is out with my sister for the moment, the mother's are visiting, and the guys are working.. so yeah. ;-)  I feel rather distant from my blogging friends, though!  Thank you for your sporadic comments.  They really made my day! It's fun to get comments even on posts that are pretty old... =D

Alright, I guess that is about it for my ramblings.  Oh yeah, has any one gotten any snow??  Supposedly we are going to get about 6 inches. And where are we?  away from home, of course! Argh! I hate missing the first snow.  Oh well!

Any one got their Christmas decorations up yet?  We would have had ours done by now on our 'normal' schedules, but haven't had time yet!  I'm looking forward to getting everything out and making the house look festive.  We live so far away from civilization that we don't put any lights around the outside of the house.  Ok, ok, so we're 7 miles away from the nearest town.  So, Dad doesn't think we should put any lights up.  Quite personally I don't care either way.  I like the outside ones, but don't go outside at night enough to really enjoy them (on our house). At least the inside is pretty!

Ok, so I have one more question for you.  Do you put a Star or an Angel on the top of your tree (if you have a tree)?

Alright. I'm signing off now, for real. ;-)  Thank you for your comments! I love hearing from you.

Have a blessed weekend full of joy, family, and the Love of Christ's in your hearts.
In Christ's service,
Sarah

Isn't it amazing...

... how God uses different circumstances to grow us??  Typically, for me at least, I have to go through a tough struggle to learn what He is trying to teach me. I can't seem to just get it right the first time. *sigh* Still, looking back over the years, I realized that even though, at the time, I hated the trials I went through, I am now thankful because I can see how much I have changed through those trials. Now, I am not being prideful because I know I have a long way to go yet!!
   I remember all the times my dear Mama would have to sit me down and talk over something I had done (I could list many things she had to talk to me about!). I always HATED being corrected about anything.  So, now I get to tell you about my new adventure!! *wink*
   A friend recently suggested that we start a writing club of sorts.  We can swap ideas, suggestions, etc, on the the books we are writing.  This is really great and is, in fact, an answer to my prayers.  See, I was, at one point very recently, really struggling about what I was supposed to do in my life.  I knew God had a plan for me, but I felt like I was doing nothing when I should be doing something-I just didn't know what!  So, as I was praying one evening in bed, I felt this small voice say, quite clearly, "write your books".  For those of you who don't know, my parents had kept telling me I needed to write and publish-that I had a gift the Lord had given me- but I didn't really listen. I wanted to do something more important. (yes, you can see where this is headed.. Pride goeth before the fall...)
    See, I had wanted to write books older people (young adults and adults) would enjoy reading.  However, my mom told me one day that she really felt like I needed to write children's books.  She told me that it was extremely difficult for mom's who are home schooling to find those in between books. You know, ones that are harder than "see the dog. See the dog run. See the boy. See the boy run..." yet slightly easier than those first chapter books like Amelia Bedelia.  Well, Satan was using my God given talent to distract me from what I really should be doing. I was letting the craving for fame and popularity cover the real reason I was writing- to glorify God!!  I wanted to be known for something instead of focusing on serving others (such as Homeschool Moms) by writing things that would be useful.  Sure, I will still write my other little stories that are for older aged children, but I will focus mainly on my other children's stories.
    Any how, back to my story...  Well, after hearing God's voice telling me to write my books, I was able to go to sleep.. however, "tomorrow's troubles" started pouring in.
"This is great," I told God. "Sure, ok, write my books. Don't I have to finish school and all those knitting projects I need to get done for customers? What about all that? I can't sit around writing all day, not to mention that I need some help with it too. I need someone to encourage, critique, suggest, etc on my books."  I was cringing at this thought. When I wrote, I only wanted praise, not critique or suggestions that I knew needed to be heeded.  Suddenly a thought popped into my head.. I had "met" several young people on blogger that seemed to be avid writers.  What if we could start up an email book club deal?  We could swap ideas, suggest things about other's books and whatnot.  A little club just like Tolkien and Lewis had.
   I didn't really want to start something right away. I wanted to let the idea settle down and grow for a bit before just jumping into things, like I tend to do.
   Well, lo and behold, just a couple days ago I got this email from my friend asking if I wanted to start up a little book club!  How amazing is that?  The Lord is so good and has definitely blessed me with this friend, who is very kind to offer a few compliments, but stick to the point of helping each other with our writing and growing in those skills (which means critiquing each other.. lol!  Suggesting things too, or course, so it isn't like we are too hard on each other..)
    So, this is my new challenge from God.  To learn to accept the suggestions and critique offered to me knowing full well that I can't be perfect right off the bat. Everyone needs a little bit of help, right?
    As I embark on this new journey of sorts, I would love for your prayers. I really want to grow in this area, but Satan isn't going to let me do it very easily. No, he will definitely shoot arrows at me from all directions. So, pray that the Lord will help me hold up my shield!!
    Also, after some editing and changes are done, I hope to maybe, just MAYBE, share my books with you all as well (if you can twist my arm enough.. hmm, is there a cyber way to twist an arm? he-he!)

On another note, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!  We definitely enjoyed our day just relaxing and enjoying each other's company.  My mom's Mom came down and spent the night Christmas Eve. Even though she lives right behind us, it was fun to have this little "escapade".  I got some lovely things that made me realize how truly blessed I am!! Even friends, whom I have never met in person but are my correspondences and who are very dear to my heart, sent me some goodies!! I was so happy to receive them! It was truly very sweet and I love every single thing they sent (especially the chocolate! lol!)
   Chocolate, actually, brings up a funny story...  Every Christmas, Mom and Dad send us on a "Treasure hunt" of sorts.  They come up with hard clues that lead us to one place or another and eventually to our final presents of the day.  So, one of the clues went something like this: "Way down south where bananas grow, a little brown bean waiting to be picked.... If you grind it and sweeten it some, you'll make a woman sing like a lark".  Josh piped up "Coffee!!"  And started to hurry off to where we keep our coffee grounds.  I grabbed him showed him the clue and said, "Make a woman sing like a lark? Chocolate!" Apparently the look I gave him was quite hilarious.... Wish I could have seen it.. lol!

Well, this is a rather random post... sorry about that. I guess random posts are fun every once in a while, right? Or have I been doing random all along?? ;-)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas day and are now enjoying some relaxation time.  We got a big weekend with Daddy as his office was closed today! So, big plus for us! :-) (poet and didn't know it..)

Tell me what ya did for Christmas.. I would love to hear!

In Christ's Service,

The Christmas Season

First of all, Merry Christmas to all of my dear readers!!!  I hope that tomorrow will bless you with love, happiness, thanksgiving, and peace!

As the busyness of the season comes around, I have been extremely humbled.  I have been frantically working on Christmas gifts that needed to get done (staying up until 1:30 am last night trying to work on things!) and had almost lost the real reason we even celebrate Christmas day (or should I say, CHRISTmas?)
   My sister did an amazing post on her blog HERE.  As I read it, I felt extremely humbled by what the author said.  Jesus gave so much of Himself.  He, as said in Becca's post, came from commanding angels, to lying in the straw.  From holding stars, to grasping Mary's fingers.  The hands that held the Universe were pierced by nails.  Why??  He did this all for me. For me, for you, and for every other person out there in the world.
   He was willing to pick up this lowly sinner from the dirt, mud, and grime and look at it as a beautiful jewel for His Kingdom. He was willing to see me for what I could be, not for what I was/am. If He did that, he would see a piece of trash, nothing worth even taking a second glance at.
   Yet here He was, lying in a lowly stable amongst animals, dirty straw, and who knows what else.  Then, He died for me! He died so that He could someday have me in His Kingdom as one of His precious Jewels.  What right do I even have to something like that? To something so pure, so wonderful?  Yet He gives this to me freely.  As a gift that I need only to accept.
   This Christmas season is for celebrating His birth and thanking the Lord that He gave His Only Son to be born in a manger, and die on a cross....
   Merry Christmas!!!!!!

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Christmas decorating pictures

Ok, so I am kind of late in getting these up.  So sorry about that! Been rather hectic around here!!! :-)

Any way, enjoy the pics.  Rebecca also posted some HERE.

First, the assembly of our tree.  Momma has bad allergies and, much to her dismay, can't do the real tree.  (notice the cat in Dad's lap being very "helpful")

Putting the last few branches on...

Yes, that is me, and yes I am wearing something in my hair.  That is my ingenious hair rags (aka fat quarters used as hair rags!).  Now, I have to say that this time the rags really did their job... ok, ok, I have to admit they had some 'help'.. Electrical help, actually.  As Dad and I were stringing lights on the tree, I reached down to get the roll of lights and felt a weird sensation go through my finger and the body.  I remember looking at dad thinking, "What you doing?" and then looked down to realize that the bulb itself had busted and now the little wire inside remained exposed. My finger, as you guessed, was on these wires.  I don't exactly know how many watts, or volts, or electricity went through my body, but my hair got "zapped" (you would need to be older in order to appreciate that concept...) So, there ya have it. Unfortunately I didn't think to get pictures of the final results.

Our kittens think that Dad's lap is most comfortable..

After I got zapped, I made Josh finish the lights.. lol!!

One Handsome deer! (this is the one Josh shot when he was eleven. Eleven points on his eleventh birthday!)

 Dad's "pretty" deer (dad shot this one the same year Josh shot his eleven pointer. Dad's is only a nine pointer, so we like to tease him about it.. somehow his poor deer always gets decorated somewhat "prettily"..)

I believe Caleb was trying to "hold" up the Christmas tree..

The finished tree..

Caleb putting in some snuggling time with Buttons

Lady.. poor dog!

Ha, thanks for the help, napper!

Not really sure what was going on with Josh. Maybe he got a zap, too?  From the look on his face it is definitely possible...

Well, there ya have it!!  I will be posting some more pictures later on of a special project we are working on.  It is a secret, so you will just have to wait and see pictures! :-)

Have you decorated for Christmas yet??

Christmas Quiz!

My Dear Friend, Samantha, did a Christmas quiz.  I love Christmas time, so I thought I would join in.  She did this a couple days ago, but I hadn't really been on here to check out every one's blogs!

Any way, here goes!

~Christmas Favorites Quiz~

1. Three of your favorite Christmas carols:

"O Holy Night"

"What Child is this?" (I think that is a carol??)

"Hark the Harald Angels sing"

2. Three Favorite Christmas songs:

"One Small Child"

"Walking in a Winter Wonderland"

"Deck the Halls"

3. Four favorite Christmas traditions:

1) Driving around town after shopping looking at all the beautiful lights and sipping cocoa while Christmas music is playing in the car.

2) Shopping for Stocking stuffers (we don't do Santa Claus, but instead go and buy little things for each other. No one knows who bought who what. It is lots of fun trying to shop in a tiny store without any one seeing what is in your basket!)

3) Getting up on Christmas morning and reading the Christmas story, then eating our Christmas Breakfast (I love eating breakfast first before opening presents because it helps us to focus on the real reason for Christmas!)

4) Watching "It's a Wonderful life" or "Christmas Carol" on Christmas eve

4. Three favorite holiday cookies

Ooh, that is hard.. we don't really have cookies very often, believe it or not. We don't eat desserts very often. ;-) However, my favorite holiday cookies would be Pecan Pinwheels, Shortbread cookies (that melt in your mouth!), and those cookies with the little bit of jam in the middle (thumbprints??)

5. Does your Christmas tree have a theme ( snowflakes,
nature, red & green, etc.) or just a collection of ornaments?

Just lights (whatever works each year!) and all the different ornaments we have collected or made over the years.

6. Three favorite Christmas ornaments

My Ballerina dancer (used to be in ballet.. surprise, surprise), Our Pretty "drip drop" glass ornament (which unfortunately broke this year *sob*) and my little bell with the mouse hanging on the rope (which I received from my Great-Aunt and Uncle when I was born!)

7. Do you like snow?

OH YES!!

8. Hot chocolate or coffee?

I can't drink coffee in the evenings, so I prefer hot chocolate.. especially after a cold morning of milking the cow or breaking ice with my brother!!

9. Do you decorate indoors and out?

Only inside. We live out in the middle of nowhere so no one can see our lights. ;-)

10. Do you like to decorate before Thanksgiving, or after?

After.. I agree with you, Samantha.. before Thanksgiving would be a bit early!

11. Name 3 things you like doing in the snow:

Snow ball fights

Walking in the wonderful, cold blanket

Trying to build a fort (we never do finish.. either because there isn't enough snow or because we never have enough time.. lol!)

12. Do you usually make at least one

handmade gift for someone each year?

Most (or all) of my gifts are homemade

13. Name one of your favorite Christmas books:

The Candy Cane (it is a children's book, but I really enjoy that one. :-) )

14. Favorite Christmas movies?

~It's a Wonderful Life
~Charlie Brown Christmas

~Christmas Carol

~Muppet Christmas carol

~The Christmas box (and the prequel.. can't remember the name!)

Thanks for doing this, Samantha!! That was fun!!!

Hope y'all will do it too.  If you do, let me know!