I finally planted my Amaryllis, Paperwhites, and Tulip bulbs- all around the yard.

A good 50 plus bulbs makes for a long days work and sore fingers.

Spring will sure to bring a spectacular sight.

While going about my work,

I thought about when I was newly married and being great with child,

I spent my days baking and planting fragrant rose bushes.

That's about all I did, really.

Chocolate brownies and rose hip are an endorphic combination.

It got me through some terrible morning sickness.

I fill the measure of my creation while working in the yard,

dressing my gardens as our chickens peck the grass behind me.

It grounds me and fulfills me in a way that nothing else has or ever will.

The spirit whispers truths to my soul in those quiet moments.

I am reassured that what I am doing is what women were created to do.

And that's all I need, really.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Today we are having our family Christmas pictures taken.

I am so excited for this Christmas season.

I am excited about our traditions, the music, lights, festivities,

a general feeling of love and gratitude to our Savior by all, and the enchantment in my children's eyes as they experience this magical time of year.

My mother always beautifully decorated our home with bright lights, garland, handmade ornaments, trees, and a charming winter wonderland porcelain village

equipped with a train running through it.

She especially loved Christmas Carolers- As so do I.

My dear friend Julie Moody is a real life "Caroler" and for a pretty penny she will come to your very own front door and grace you with a glorious quartet.

If interested please email me- You won't be disappointed!

My most favorite Christmas scene is the Creche.

This year I was gifted with this lovely felt version that my children spend most of their time rearranging.

You never have to worry about broken off heads or poking eyes out with the shepherds cane.

It is all soft and kid friendly.

This is the Nativity I get to play with.

{Minus an angel, a goat, 1 head, 2 tails and a cane.}

***Happy Holidays***

Preparation

Most days I spend the majority of my time preparing for 5 p.m.

Clean, organize, wash and prepare food, balance my Chakra's- every needful thing.

Today I did not.

I have been very busy working on the children's Nativity costumes.

Today's goal was 100 angel halo's and shepherds.

5 p.m. had come and gone.

Backpacks were unloaded, clothes are flying, homework is thrown on the

mashed potatoes in the garbage, the pile of dinner dishes are nearly reaching the ceiling

and I still had 60 halo's left.

I knew I needed a higher power.

I needed my mother.

I hopped on my beach cruiser and threw my supplies in the basket.

I was feeling guilty for leaving my darling husband in such an awful situation-

but it was more of a fleeing thought that quickly passed.

I was free. I was free and cruising my cherry red bike to my parents.

My mother and father opened the door with a big warm smile.

The house was calm, quiet and smelt like french toast.

I wanted to curl up on the couch and go to sleep.

My father was watching his favorite show, Survivor.

In my free, adolescent like state of mind I declared, "I want to be on Survivor!"

To which my little sister shot back,"You would be the hot one that didn't do anything."

I love you Kate, especially because you do sooooo much!

P.S. Thank you sweet heart for tucking our babies into bed and not burning the house down.

You da bomb!

Inspiration

Last night I hosted an engagement party for my stylish cousin Mary and her fiancee Trevor.

We enjoyed a fireside in the courtyard to the tune of Alabama Christmas.

It was the perfect evening.

Kingston on the other hand made his way around my laptop.

He uploaded Cars 2 and some new frog game.

Is this normal activity for a

3 year old, 38" tall, weighs 40 lbs., blonde hair, blue eyes, who enjoys warm milk in a sippy?

I could really use a sound opinion.

*********

Need some Monday morning inspiration?

Check this lady out.

She really makes my wheels spin!

Mason Jar Snow Globes

Are you Christmas shopping today?

If so you won't see me, I will be at home making these adorable mason jar snow globes.

The shimmering magic of snowfall is always stunning-

And Since it's not outside my window it will have to be inside my snow globe.

Attention family and friends you may, quite possibly, for sure be getting your very own snow globe from me. For Christmas.

Your Welcome!

************

Incase anyone wants to know what's on my list,

You will find it here.

I'm Just sayin!

{My girls favorite expression.}

Thanksgiving

This is our turkey Tom.

Which is another name for a turkey.

Which means it's a boy.

We didn't name him but in order to shed some light on the situation we will call him Tom.

We got Tom nine moths ago as a spring chick with intentions to sacrifice at Thanksgiving.

Kingston raised Tom and spent many hours caring for him.

Tom woke us every morning at 7 a.m. with a loud Gobble Gobble

that sounds more like this {blurrrr-errrrer}

Tom had fulfilled the purpose of his creation.

To which we gave thanks.

***Happy Thanksgiving***

The top 5 things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving:

1. My eternal family

2. A testimony of the Gospel

3. Our Savior, Jesus Christ

4. My home

5. Tom

To Grandmothers house we go

This afternoon Granny and I will be going to the market to prepare for our upcoming

Thanksgiving feast.

The children have eaten me out of house and home.

This year my sister Cammi will be hosting the celebration at her home next door.

Have you ever seen "The Untold Story of the Mayflower?"

It is very entertaining yet historically informative.

Last night, we made one big bed on the floor next to the fire and watched the whole-thing.

I was surprised my children didn't even bat an eye.

Kingston has since been chasing his sisters yelling, "Savages!"

I hope he doesn't remember that term at the next Tribal, Pre-Construction Meeting.

*******************

Check back tomorrow to see what my children have been waiting 9 months for.

You won't want to miss it!

{Warning: Vegetarians/Vegans}

Want to know what I believe?

Go Here.