HOPE

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those

whose hope is in his unfailing love ~ Psalm 33:18 Webster’s defines hope as: verb1: to cherish a desire with anticipation 2archaic : trusttransitive verb1: to desire with expectation of obtainment2: to expect with confidence : trust

Searching for a special gift for a special aunt, I was so excited to find this candle and plate. I was drawn to them not just because her maiden name happens to be HOPE, or for the lovely caramel pecan fragrance, but mostly for the beautiful word. HOPE. It is the last part of the definition that I really love. As a child of God, one can live with hope that is a confident expectation, a sure certainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will in accordance with God’s sure Word.

We all need that kind of HOPE.

For a far better explanation of Hope, click here:

http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=2947

Cookies

Pizzelles are wonderful and this recipe was one I received from a neighbor during a Cookie Exchange held the first year we all moved onto the street. Notice the calorie notation ~ not bad, I suppose

Crisp and a perfect golden color ~ 45 seconds with

my pizzelle maker
Abbey helping with the Sugar Cookies Not quite as elaborate as they could be since we started when

Abbey finished work at 9 pm. But still tasty.

A Very Funny Video by Anita Renfroe

Before I Eat

Need a laugh? This lady is the best ~ finding humor in daily life.

Note: Before viewing video, scroll down to the Playlist music box on the left side of this page and push the stop button so you can hear the video without music playing in the background.

Fellowship Baptist Church Living Nativity

This will be the last weekend to see the Fellowship Baptist Church Living Nativity. Click the link to go to the church website for dates and times.

To see some very nice pictures of the Living Nativity by the Courier Post click here.

Work In Progress

Taking on way too many projects in too short a time seems to be my annual pattern. I find it so hard to think about Christmas and gifts for those I love early in the year. Each season is so filled with it's own special activities. How does one even think about knitting a warm cozy hat or scarf in 90 degree-90% humidity??? Here are some of the items I need to finish-up this week.

I also have three Christmas Stockings to make. This however, requires sewing. My sewing machine and I don't have a good relationship. If genetics played a part, I should be an accomplished seamstress. As a child, I was lulled to sleep each night to the sound of a power sewing machine as my mom turned out the most elaborate dresses, draperies, slipcovers and Halloween costumes. I have a childhood memory of my teacher taking me class to class to show off one of the dresses I was wearing. Ah, but my mom enjoyed cooking and baking as much as I enjoy sewing. I find it’s much more fun spending time producing yummy dishes that satisfy the body and soul and that fills the air with pleasing aromas.

That must be why I have put off this project to the very end. (Sad to say, I haven’t begun my holiday baking)

This little guy is waiting for a permanent orange felt beak. I planned on making a flock of these, but perhaps that will have to wait until spring.

An Amigurumi Matryoshka doll ~ now if that isn't a mouthful. A Russian doll created in a Japanese style. This little girl is waiting for her two big sisters.
This was made from a kit purchased from Amy Gaines on Etsy.Very handsome Newsboys hats for guess who?

(These hats are a variation of a pattern purchased from thnkdfrent at Etsy)

Little girl hat & scarf sets

The green, blue & white striped Cloche with white flower is an adaptation of a pattern from LullabyLamb at Etsy. The matching scarf is my pattern. The cloche in tan, rust and brown is the same pattern as well. This knitted scarflette needs four buttons that I have been unable to find. A shawl pin I saw on Etsy would be perfect! Packaging continues
These German folded Paper Stars will become a mobile for Jared. I've been folding Stars since November. I just love making these and I LOVE the way they look. It took me a long time to finally nail the process, but it was worth it. They are made by folding strips of paper into a 16-pointed star. Then they are dipped into melted paraffin and then sprinkled with fine glitter. I came across these stars while researching our German family genealogyThese beauties are to become a colorful mobile for Keri Jill's bedroom

Hurry, hurry... this is for my Aunt Stella. I have already completed one for Lillian

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Village under the Christmas Tree White Nativity that always greets us as we enter the house
My White feather tree
Wreath in the kitchen
Bottle Brush Trees

A Favorite Ornament

I finally learned to make these German Folded Paper Stars

The Feather Tree with the Aqua Star atop

I love to look at this tiny village

The City Hall Building (This is Ryan's favorite)

Brenna likes several houses but Shaela's favorite is the lellow one

The good ol' ShopRite train ;)

Our whimisical Elf, Cashew

My all-time favorite ornament

http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/12/youre-invited.html

Barrington Babies

Pop-Pop John and Caleb John
Keri Jill and Mom-MomNoah making peanut butter blossomsDear SilasCaleb John being very cute

New York Grandbabies

This weekend was spent enjoying our New York grandchildren. We met Jill and Brad in Clark Summit on Thursday evening where we loaded our backseat with three little cuties and then headed back home. Among other things, we visited cousins, looked at the decorations at G-Boys, watched the Muppet’s Christmas Carol while munching popcorn and walked through the Living Nativity at our church. The scene where ‘Jesus Calms the Storm’ was a favorite as were the cookies and hot chocolate afterward.

Much time was spent watching the train circling the little village under our Christmas tree.

Sunday, after church, we made the trip back to Clarks Summit where the children were transferred back to their Daddy’s van and continued their trip back to NY. We turned around and headed back home tired but very happy for the opportunity to spend time with these delightful children.

Shaela Jamie Ryan loving the train where they spent much time

Keri and cousin Brenna
G-Boy's visit (Aunt Abbey thinks this is Shaela's smile for when she becomes President)

A cozy time by the fireplace with Pop-Pop reading a story

Brenna watching the German Carousel