Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and praying that these last few days take us safely into 2013.
From My Family to Yours, Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
A Christmas Prayer by Helen Steiner Rice
God make aware that in thy name,
The Holy Christ Child humbly came.
To live on earth and leave behind,
New faith and hope for all mankind…
And make us aware that the Christmas Story,
Is everyone’s promise of eternal glory.
Sunshine, cool breeze and the smell of freshly baked cookies in the air. Oh, what a beautiful day!
My Kindergartener returned from his end of year Christmas Party at school and together with his sister, they are having fun in the playroom. We will be having him home exclusively for the next three weeks, moments which I am looking forward to create and treasure. I have completed my morning chores and I have made myself comfortable on the loveseat, all relaxed and worry free. I am blogging and sipping a warm cup of coffee while listening to the sweet sound of Benise (“Spanigh Nights” album). We bought his first four CDs in 2002, while he was performing with a group of friends at the Ontario Mills® Mall. We couldn’t resist his unique style of music.
Benise, Spanish Nights.
The excitement, anticipation and final countdown to Christmas is making everyone here antsy (myself being the antsiest). In just five days we’ll all be opening our gifts; reaping those beautifully wrapped presents which have been carefully and lovingly placed under the white Christmas Tree. To witness the unbridled joy and gratitude on my children’s faces as they contemplate their gifts is, oh, so priceless. In just five days, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to the virgin Mary. One of my favorite Holidays to reflect and rejoice.
Where has the time gone, literally? It’s hard to fathom that this year is almost over and that in just twelve days we will be starting a new year (of new beginnings and possibilities). This year has gone by way too fast. In retrospect, I think 2012 has been our best year so far and we can only hope that it takes us safely into 2013.
Yesterday was a joyful day as we celebrated the moment, a friendship reunion and new beginnings.
We feel blessed and thankful for all the wonderful people we’ve met along our way through life. We are thankful for those who are no longer in our life and for the life lessons it’s thought us. We are most thankful to those who are still a part of our lives and whose presence (near or far) makes a difference.
Neri and Joan.
Today, I finally met Neri and her loving Family. We are all a DeVry Institute of Technology/University couples. She was Eduardo’s classmate and we used to chat a lot once upon a time, when we weren’t as busy with life and before we got married and started our families. She always had good advice to give and we stayed connected through Myspace and Facebook. After ten long years of wanting and hoping, I finally met Neri, which it seems, I have always known in my head and heart. She is a beautiful, strong and amazing Woman. A compassionate being, a free Spirit and her joy radiates. Have you ever had that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and had the impression of knowing them all your life? That’s how I felt in the presence of Neri.
Victoria Secret Gift Bag.
Thank you so much, Neri, for your hospitality and for allowing us to share a moment of one of your family’s cherished tradition. Thank you for the delicious food (as well as the ‘Take Home’). Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the pictures, the gifts, the friendship, etc.
We thank God for you and for your wonderful husband, Michael. We thank God for your lovely children (you are teaching them well). Thank you for your continued encouragements in my life as a Writer and thank you for your invaluable input.
I pray that the Almighty God bless you abundantly and keep you safe, always.
Aside from having a White Christmas Tree this year, Christmas itself wouldn’t have been complete without a Nativity set. As a lover of old things, you can’t imagine the joy I felt when I spotted a beautiful Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set of the Holy Family. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this set and I intend to keep for a lifetime. The beauty of the set is captivating and features carefully crafted porcelain. The colors are vibrant with wonderful detailing and finishing. Joseph is 12 inches tall, Mary is 9 inches high and baby Jesus is 4 inches long.
Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set (The Holy Family).
For our Nativity Angel, we’ll be using a Fontanini Simonelli Cherub Angel (playing a harp) which we purchased from an estate sale a couple of months ago. This Cherub is made of heavy duty composite and plastic material. It’s an adorable piece and the details are stunning and simply breathtaking. There is an attached loop on the back for hanging (just don’t use it on a Christmas Tree as it’s quite heavy). It measures 7 3/4 inches in length.
Tie the yarn in a knot around the wreath and start wrapping. You can also chose to hot glue the end of the yarn to the back of the wreath.
Keep wrapping the yarn tightly around the wreath to keep it thick. If you run out of yarn, start a new one. Continue wrapping the yarn until it’s all covered (the aim is to hide the wreath underneath). Once it’s done and you are satisfied with the end result, make a tight knot at the end and cut off the excess yarn or just hot glue the end.
Hot glue your Owl to the piece of wood.
Hot glue the piece of wood (with the Owl on it) to the bottom center of your wreath.
Using a placement of your choice, hot glue the bottom of the flowers to the wreath.
I hope this Tutorial helps. Have fun making our own!
By JM Perez
