So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: ‘I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where he is there I shall be also!
— Martin Luther

A Very Simple Christmas

The Christmas season has been delightful. I tried (and very nearly succeeded) in keeping things more simple this year. I normally go crazy with the gift giving aspect of Christmas. I LOVE to go shopping in old book stores, thrift stores, and yard sales to find the perfect gift for someone. But earlier this year we decided that we should focus more on making memories and enjoying the season. And so we did.
I got nearly all my shopping and wrapping done early, and I spent the rest of my time just having fun.
We looked at Christmas lights with friends, went to Hoffman's chocolate factory on two different occasions with friends to look at their Christmas display and drink cocoa, we had people over, we went to people's houses, we exchanged gifts with friends, we watched countless Christmas movies, We baked cookies, we ate cookies, I made Christmas presents for everyone...it's been wonderful!

A merry Christmas to you all!

P.S. It's 81 degrees outside and humid. I feel like I need to share that. There is nothing like Christmas in South Florida!

This week...

I made this first pumpkin pie of the year. I use the recipe on the side of the pumpkin can only I added extra spices and instead of evaporated milk, I use heavy whipping cream. It was ah-mazing.

We decorated our tree (I'll post a picture soon). It is gorgeous. Covered in red berries, ribbons, and beautiful ornaments we've collected over the years.

I finished Christmas shopping (almost). I'll be spending the weekend in my bedroom listening to classical music and getting a backache from all the wrapping.

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The weather has been most un-chrsitmasy. It was very chilly yesterday morning, but for the most part it's been in the 80's with dreary skies and murky puddles. Every once in a while there is a cool breeze that catches you by surprise. I would find the weather to be pleasant any other time of the year. But right now I am wanting clear, blue skies and crisp, cool air. Oh well...

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Counting my blessings...

18. Cellophane. It make me so happy. I just love the crinkly noise and shininess, and how it wraps up brightly colored candies with those cute little twists on either end.

19. The beautiful picture of Frankfurt I found at a yard sale last Saturday for $2 (picture to come)

20. Cuddling under blankets to watch old Christmas movies.

21. My coworkers, especially Annie and Liz. They are some of the sweetest people. They never let a good job go unnoticed, and always show their gratitude. I'm so glad I get to work with them.

Wacky Socks...

Make the world a better place.

My Smart Little Sister

I came home last night to Maggie (9) feverishly taking notes while watching a nature show. I just love to see how much she loves to learn. She almost always is reading a book. She owns 50 (no joke) stuffed animals and knows them all by name, species, and breed. She can tell you anything you want to know about birds and dogs. One of her favorite books is the dog encyclopedia I gave her for Christmas last year. She has checked out the entire animal section in our library. She LOVES animals and loves learning about them.
When she was done writing this paper she handed it to Mom and said, "Here Mom, I made a list of some random facts about animals for you to read tonight."
Yeah, She's a pretty cool kid. I like her.

Snow!

Friends of ours are in the process of becoming foster parents. They've asked Natalie and I to be their babysitters. I am so excited to be able to help even in such a small way. Yesterday, we all went up to Child & Family Connections to get fingerprinted.
Since we were already up in Jupiter, Nat and I met up with my Mom and sisters and went over to City Place for the evening. Everything was decorated for Christmas. There was a 30 ft. tree, poinsettias, Christmas lights, music, an "ice" skating rink, and snow!!!! Actually it was just sudsy bubbles that blew out of a machine and made our hair all sticky and frizzy, and made our eyes sting as it landed on our faces. But, if you ignored that and stared at the black sky as white flurries danced in the air...it was rather magical. If you can't have real snow this time of year, then I guess soap is the next best thing.
Anyways, we had fun. We walked around some and then went home to chocolate snowball cookies.

Counting my blessings:

13. Crisp wind blowing through your curtains as you fall asleep.

14. The smell of pine.

15. Juicy, fresh cantaloupe.

16. Friends that are joyfully opening their home to children in need.

17. Annie Hall's butter cookies