Christmas Cheer!

Hello to all and a very Merry Christmas to you!  I feel blessed to be able to say that in my blog since our congressmen are not allowed to wish anyone a Merry Christmas in any emails or letters - how crazy is that??  But I digress (quickly!) - let's keep things cheery today!

Of course, I have the obligatory pictures for this post - why not?

Little children always seem to want a puppy for Christmas.  Well, what about having a dog who pushes the tree skirt aside and puts herself under the tree?

And then there is the tree itself - not sure why I haven't done this in the past but I've never taken a picture of the tree when it's lit!  Egad - I've been missing out! 

Two years ago we bought some after-Christmas poinsettias at the grocery store for $5 each.  My husband planted them after they had done their time that season and here is how they look now!

who lost their duck lips??

 And of course, Christmas in Florida wouldn't be the same without SOME kind of flamingo reference!!  Here is a card I made for a friend:

Last, but certainly not least, I have two YouTube videos to share.  The first is a poem written for our men and women who serve us every day - please remember them in your prayers!!  poem for our servicemen and women

The second one made me laugh out loud - I know I've sent it to many friends but here it is again:  digital announcement of the birth of Jesus

Christmas has been Christmas for thousands of years - why have it be ruined because of a few loony tunes?  So go on - wish your friends, neighbors and strangers a Merry Christmas and see how they respond - I'll bet they'll be happy you said it so they can respond in kind!!  :-)

Have a loving, beautiful and sweet Christmas - see you after the new year begins!

Warmest regards, VG

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Christmas and crafting!

Hello to all and a Happy Day to you! 

Things get a little squeezed at this time of year but I wanted to note just a couple of websites you might want to peruse. 

First is the Tim Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas".  Even if you're not a "crafter" per se, this guy has more ideas in one sitting than I've had in a lifetime!  He works for Ranger and comes up with beautiful tags each year at this time.  Check out his website for more ideas!  (and, of course, he has several lines of products that are amazing as well!)

The next site I want to mention is Pinterest.com.  Oh my goodness gracious - if you're interested in, well, ANYTHING, you can find it there.  Start a Pinterest board and when you find something you like online, pin it on your board!  Others can re-pin it, comment on it, etc.  I've started one but don't have a lot on it yet - but it's only been a few days! 

Over the past few years I have enjoyed receiving (and sending) Jacquie Lawson cards.  Gee - could it be because she uses Chudleigh the dog as one of her characters??!  They're sweet, animated cards that can be used any time of the year.  This year my friend Lisa sent me an Advent calendar that comes in the form of a snow globe.  Each day I open up the snow globe "village" and see what comes to life.  They have one for the USA and one for London as well (for your friends in the UK!). 

And last, for today anyway, I HAD to post this picture of my friend Jennifer holding a prairie dog (we visited an animal sanctuary over the weekend).  These little guys are TOO CUTE (but DO NOT get/give them as pets - they will DIG right through the floor of your house!!!)  The owner of the sanctuary was kind enough to let my friends hold one...can you tell that it was nervous...NOT!!  I thought it went into rigor for a second...

Off to run the pup - have a wonderful evening and see you again soon!

Fondly, VG

^"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11