New Year ~ New Start

Well, 2011 is quickly coming to an end and as we prepare to greet 2012 with new hope and anticipation. I find myself reflecting on the past year.

2011 seemed to be a troubled year for many, myself included. My year is ending with love, joy and happiness in my heart and a renewed determination to make those great feelings continue on through the upcoming New Year.

Are you planning on a BIG celebration with all the bells and whistles or maybe a quiet evening of movie watching and togetherness? I think my girls are going to celebrate BIG but, me and my sweetie are planning to snuggle in and watch movies, play with sweet Jace and bring in the New Year quietly.

If you're planning to go out, please be safe while having a great time!!

Live~Laugh~Love

that is my New Years mantra

Do you make resolutions? I have always tried to but never seem to follow through with them. This year, I'm not making any other than to be the best ME I can be.

Happy New Year!!

~Sending Love, Light and Prayers for a Magically Wonderful New Year  out to all~

God Bless!

Well it's time...to...take a rest!

I have totally enjoyed the series of posts I have done for the past three months. It has been fun and challenging trying to come up with a new post EVERY day. I am going to back off a bit now and slow down.

I hope you all have a Wonderful New Year full of great times with family and friends.

Love and best wishes!!

Our Magical Christmas

I really must share some of the magical highlights of our Christmas this year. Even to think about it the tears start flowing...I have turned into such a baby lately.

I think this has got to be the BEST Christmas I have ever had. It was also the most magical in so many ways. 

I got a good bonus and we were able to (for the first time in several years) give more than we've been able to in years! It was totally stress free and we didn't go in the hole at all. Every one of my kids and grandsons were completely thrilled with their gifts...They have always been happy with whatever we have been able to give them even when things were hard but they were ecstatic this year and very surprised! It was wonderful. 

That was not the magical side though and while we have all been chatting it is very clear that...YES they loved their gifts but their favorite part of it was doing the 12 days of Christmas. We have done it every year for someone but this year we did it for a family much closer to home and it made it mean a bit more. It filled our hearts with such joy! 

We were able to resurrect a tradition that we have enjoyed for more than 20 years after a forced 2 year hiatus and we also were able to rebuild a bridge that was burned and let a special family know how much we have missed them and just how much we love them. (that was my secret magical Christmas wish this year) Thank you so much for that special gift! Let the healing of old wounds begin!

Now for some pictures of our beautiful Christmas of LOVE, LAUGHTER, JOY, HAPPINESS, AND FAMILY!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 25

Merry Christmas!!!

It's here~It's here!!

"THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!"

I am sure I will be posting some pictures later of all the Christmas festivities.

Yeah I know, I have turned into a blogging fool the past few months.

Hope you can just go with it a bit longer...LOL

I LOVE you all!!

Have a Wondrous day!!

 

OH NO!!! WE WERE FOUND OUT!!

This blog gave me away!! Damn my blogging addiction!!

Now that the BIG secret is out, I can tell you what my favorite part of this Christmas season was.

When my girls were little, we had someone do the 12 days of Christmas for us. The excitement in their faces was priceless as they tried so hard to catch them each night. 

Every year since we have done it for someone else that we felt was in need of some Holiday cheer.

We all sat down to decide who we would do it for this year I told my sweetheart and my girls who I wanted it to be and why..it was someone that my heart has ached for all year and especially in recent months. I wasn't sure how my suggestion would go over with everyone so I tried to keep my mind open to any other suggestions that my family had. There was no question...Each one felt this family was the one that needed Christmas Joy more than any other we knew.

DECISION MADE!

On Tuesday December 13th we drove by and scoped out the scene.

ALL CLEAR!

We each took our turn placing our special gifts on their porch...praying that we would not get caught! It was something I looked forward to each night.

I made a HUGE Santa Sac to carry all the gifts for the final night and I will tell you what, I had to lug that thing down the street to get it to them. I'm sure it was pretty funny to see...when I tried to run back to the car....I tripped and thought I was going to fall...BWHAHAHAHA!! Luckily I caught myself and made it to the car...I think it may take me a week to recover after this undercover operation....Oh my it was SOOOOO worth it!!

We received a HUGE bonus this year. Usually our reward for doing this is all the warm and fuzzy feelings that fill the season. This year there was a VERY special gift left for us. The most beautiful painting EVER!!

I TOTALLY LOVE IT!!

Here's a picture of the sac of gifts for the final delivery! It ended up much bigger than I thought it would be and MUCH heavier!!

I just have to share a little story on how this even affects the little kiddies when you get them involved. My grandson Jace is 4 years old and he even took his turn placing the gifts on the porch. He was helping me get one of the gifts ready to go and was full of questions. I explained that this was for a family that was having a hard time and that they needed our help to make their Christmas a special one. He looked at me with those big brown, innocent eyes and said

"They can have my presents. I don't need anymore toys, I already have LOTS of toys!!"

The tears ran down my face as I saw first hand the pure sweet love coming from Little Jace's heart...He learned something very special about what Christmas is all about this year and that is the best gift of all to me!!

This is the most magical part of the season for our family. Just to sit back and remember what it was like all those years ago when it was done for us and imagining the smile we may be putting on another families face...*sigh*

It truly makes my heart sing to think that, even for a moment we could brighten someone else's day during a trying time. This is what makes this such a wonderful tradition!

Hope you all have joyful day of Love!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 24

Happy Christmas Eve!!

Well you KNOW what happens tonight right? WOOT~WOOT!! The big guy is on his way!!

AND

Today is the revival of what I think is the very best tradition EVER! 

Hope you are all planning to spread some love and fill yourself with all the Joy of Christmas while you're at it. My heart is so full words can't express just how much love I have felt this Christmas.

I am going to make this short and sweet, because as you know I have a lot of preparations to focus on today and YES I have procrastinated again....LOL...will I ever learn? Probably not, after all, remember I am the QUEEN OF THE MAD RUSH!!

Have a blessed day full of family love!!

Love~Joy~Happiness 

to each and every one of you!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 23

WOW this month has flown by!! I can't believe the BIG day is almost here. Have you done all the things that you needed to do to prepare for Santa's visit?

 Do you have your stockings hung? Cookies and milk ready? Presents wrapped? Smiles on? Joy in your heart?

I do!! I am getting pretty anxious waiting for his arrival!!

We pull out the computer and skype with Aubrey Christmas morning. I love being able to watch Dylan open his gifts. This year my sweet grandson Jace will be at his dads until late morning so we are going to wait to open our gifts until he gets home...we may even do the skype thing with him too...I wish they were all at my house!

They have both been pretty good boys this year and I'm hoping Santa gives them just what they wanted *wink, wink*

I'm pretty sure he will!

I wanted to share their pictures with Santa with you today. They were both pretty excited to tell him what they wanted...LOL My oh my how I LOVE them!!

 

Look at those smiles!! They are counting their sleeps to the BIG day!!

The Joy of the children is what it's all about this time of year!! They put that extra boost of magic in the air!

Have a beautiful day!! God Bless!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 22

Well... The day we have been waiting for is almost here!! The anticipation and excitement is building!

Are you feeling it?

I really think it's going to be one of the most magical and wonderful Christmas' EVER!! I have really been enjoying all aspects of this Glorious season and I have some mixed feelings about it coming to an end. 

It will be nice to sit back and relax after all the hustle and bustle but I don't want the warm and fuzzy feelings to end. I have decided that I'm going to work on carrying the spirit of Christmas over to the entire year! I just don't see any reason not to keep on enjoying the wonderful people in my life! 

I just want to tell all of my family how much I LOVE them! I cherish every moment spent with each one and am so glad I have so many beautiful memories because of that time.

Love to all!!

Make a Memory with a loved one today!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 21

Here are some great recipes to make with the little ones!

Popcorn Cake

ingredients

popcorn

1/2 cup butter

1 bag marshmallows

1 pack gumdrops

Melt marshmallows and butter. stir in popcorn and gum drops (cut in half). Press into pan and let set...Enjoy

Yummy and oh so easy!!



Chocolate Coffee Spoons With Peppermint

Materials
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup peppermint candies
35 to 45 heavy-duty plastic spoons
2 teaspoons solid shortening (optional)
2 large cookie sheets
waxed paper
quart-sized food storage bag
glass 1 cup measuring cup

Instructions
Cover the cookie sheets with waxed paper.
Unwrap and place peppermint candies in food storage bag. Crush the candies with rolling pin. Place crushed candy in a medium size bowl.
Place one cup of white chocolate chips in glass measuring cup.
Microwave chocolate chips at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir the chips gently. Continue microwaving at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Important Note: Do Not over-heat the chocolate.
Add 5 or 6 peppermint candy drops to each cup of chocolate and mix thoroughly.
 Important Note:If you wish to thin the chocolate simply stir in thoroughly 1 teaspoon solid shortening per cup of chocolate chips.
Dip plastic spoons in melted chocolate to cover the bowl of the spoon.
 Important Note: If the chocolate thickens in the measuring cup, return it to the microwave for 30 seconds at 50% power. Stir gently.
Immediately press the chocolate covered spoon into the crushed peppermint candy, holding the spoon at a diagonal.
Place the spoon on the wax covered cookie sheet and let cool.
Repeat the entire process with second cup of chocolate chips.
Let the spoons cool thoroughly before wrapping individually with cellophane paper and a ribbon.
Makes 35 to 45 chocolate coffee spoons.
Excellent Christmas gifts for any coffee lover!


Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients
12 cups popped popcorn

2 cups salted peanuts
1 (11.5 ounce) package milk chocolate morsels
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter or margarine

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 F. Grease a large roasting pan. Line a large bowl with waxed paper.
Combine popcorn and nuts in greased roasting pan.
Combine morsels, corn syrup and butter in medium, heavy-duty saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.
Pour over popcorn; toss well to coat.
Bake, stirring frequently, for 30 to 40 minutes.
Cool slightly in pan; remove to bowl lined with wax paper.
Store in airtight container for up to two weeks.

 
Christmas Chocolate Kiss Tree
Materials
One 12" X 4" Styrofoam cone

1 yard red or green 1" wide ribbon
Aluminum foil
Glue (low heat gun, non-toxic craft glue, glue stick or confectioner's glue)
7 (8 oz) bags of HERSHEY KISS Chocolates -- Holiday colors

Instructions
Cover foam cone with foil.
Decorate cone with green foil HERSHEY KISS Chocolates by gluing their flat side against the foil covered cone.
For ornaments, use the remaining silver and red HERSHEY KISSES.
Insert one end of a toothpick into the side of each HERSHEY KISS.
Insert other end into the foam cone, filling in the gaps between the green foil HERSHEY KISSES.

*Completed craft is for decorative purpose only and candy should not be eaten*


Have a fantastic day!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 20

Have you ever heard a song that just brings tears to your eyes EVERY time you hear it? It happens to me a lot. I want to share just such a song with you today. The power of Love really can get you through so many different trials and obstacles you face in you life.

Martina McBride's "I'm gonna love you through it" is that kind of song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf82Qf3a0Kc

When you have a spouse or significant other that is willing to love you through those dark and desperate times in your life it is the most magical thing in the world! I am so grateful to have a husband that has loved me through all of the difficult times in my life.

Thank you for always being there for me Barney, you are my rock!! I could NEVER truly express how deeply I love you for all that you do for me! You are my magic!! Thank you for 29 beautiful, magical, wonderful Christmas'!! I love you to pieces!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 19

Last night we headed in to bed at the usual time. I was tired yet when I laid my head on my pillow, my eyes just would not close. I finally got up and wandered out to the living room and thought I would watch a little TV.

For some reason I didn't turn on the TV, instead I sat and looked at my beautiful Christmas tree all decked out in snowmen. I couldn't help but smile a little. I love sitting in the quiet looking at the Christmas cheer all around.

Of course my mind started wandering as it sometimes  always does. I started thinking of Christmas' past. So many beautiful, magical wondrous Christmas'......*sigh*

I know I have said this year has been tough for me in so many ways. There are people that have been part of my life for a very, very long time and, are not there now. I miss them more than I ever thought was possible. I was expecting to be a bit depressed and sad but for whatever reason I have been happier then I've been in YEARS!!

As I sat on the couch gazing at my beautiful tree and remembering past Christmas', tears started rolling down my cheeks. I realized that maybe I have just been trying to convince myself that all was right in the world. Maybe I was forcing the smiles and laughter and cheerfulness. Maybe I have just been fooling myself into believing in all this Magic of Christmas crap. Maybe....

Finally I got up from the couch where I had sat gazing at my beautiful Christmas tree and for the first time since I put that tree up I walked over and unplugged the lights. I sat back down on the couch and pulled my knees up...There seemed to be a sudden chill in the air around me, so I pulled a blanket up around my shoulders and laid my head on one of the throw pillows. I had a really good cry. I cried for all the heartache and struggles that many families are going through. I cried for those that can't be with their family this Christmas, I cried because I miss my mom and dad. I cried for all the other loved ones that I miss and finally I cried when I realized that all this was getting me NO WHERE!

Then I prayed

I got up, plugged the tree back in, went to the bathroom and splashed some water on my face. When I looked in the mirror it was like I was getting a good hard look at ME. I can't change the past but I can learn from it.

The warmth seeped back into those deep dark spaces and I again felt the peace and love of the season wash over me. I realized that the wonderful warmth and happiness I have been feeling is absolutely real. I am at peace with my life and there is magic all around me. The smile came back and the joy returned.

This was my Grinch moment and it was only a moment. It has now passed and I am again looking at all the miracles I have seen happen in my life. I have hope in my heart that my Christmas Miracle wish will come true. I don't really care about the gifts...my wish is for so much more.... The only thing I want is the only thing that REALLY matters anyway! (and c'mon....you all know what really matters right?)

I'm sorry to pour out my heart to you and reveal my Grinch moment. I know this series is "The magic of Christmas" and you might wonder how this somewhat depressing post has anything to do with that....I assure you it does...It was a magical moment when I looked good and hard at myself and realized that my heart is truly full of Peace, Love, Joy and Happiness.

Do any of you find yourselves having a Grinch moment from time to time?....WHEW!! I'm glad mine only lasted a moment and that I was alone....What a cry baby I was!! LOL

My wish for you today is that you will finish up the Holiday Season with ZERO Grinch moments....and that your Christmas Miracle wish comes true! Sending love and warm wishes your way today!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 18

Well, I just thought that today I would share what a incredible day I had yesterday at the family Christmas party!

LOVE~Love~LoVe my family!!

We have tried really hard to make sure we have a Christmas party and a big get together in the summer since my mom and dad aren't here to take care of it. I think they would be very happy that we make a point of it and, well.... I really believe they were there with us yesterday.

Any time family comes together I can feel myself being filled with love, gratitude and ....YEP you guessed it MAGIC!!

I am one of nine children so you can just imagine the size of my family! HUGE doesn't even begin to describe it. We had to have it at a church instead of a house this year because there are just too many of us.

I am so thankful for each and every person in my family. We don't see each other often but each one holds a special place in my heart.

God Bless you and keep you surrounded by his angels!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 17

Well, today is the Eyre family Christmas party. I am soooo excited to get the chance to visit with family that I don't get to see often.

Wish EVERYONE was still here and could be there!
Thinking about my mom, dad and my sister Jeanette a lot lately.
I also wish Larry and Randy were closer so they could be here for the party!

 LOVE them all so very much!

A blast from the past...WOW were we ever young and thin!

 and....Look at us now...WOW old and chubby....LOL

This has to be a somewhat short post because my job for the party is cooking up 20 lbs. of hamburger and making a roaster pan full of sloppy Joe. Of course I have also procrastinated on putting my gifts for them together and so now I am under the gun to get it all ready! YIKES!!

OH MY GOSH!!

I LOVE THIS!!

 I AM THE QUEEN OF THE MAD RUSH

hahaha 

Hope you all have a beautiful day!!

God Bless You!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 16

The Christmas lights in town are so beautiful. Last night we took Jace to see a few and we came upon a house that was TOTALLY decked out. We stopped so Jace could get a good look, there was a sign to tune your radio station to a certain station. We did and OH MY GOSH!! the lights went with the music. we sat there and watched it through several songs. Jace was mesmerized by it and was so quiet as he watched the light show. I think he could have sat there all night! 

It was totally magical!!

Don't you just LOVE seeing all the lights through town? I certainly do!! I of course didn't have my camera so I had to search and show you a little bling anyway!

Go take a little ride, it's BEAUTIFUL out there!!

My wish for all of you today is that you are able to soak in the warm and fuzzy feelings that are all around you during this very special time of the year!!

Love and Happiness to you on this Glorious day!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 15

Traditions

Does your family have any special traditions? I think traditions are wonderful but sometimes life throws a curve ball at you and you have to tweak those traditions or maybe start a new one all together. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it can be difficult sometimes. We hosted a Christmas Open House on Christmas Eve for many, many years. It started as a family thing then evolved into a HUGE event as years passed.

A few years ago we went through some pretty hard times and had to move into a teeny tiny closet of a house. There was no way we could have that party. I was so sad about that. The past two Christmas' I have felt a bit lost without it, my kids have too, they would rather have that party than any gift we could EVER give them. My sister invited us to her house both years (which meant the world to me) and we had a good time but it was just not the same.

Well, we are having it this year!! WOOT WOOT!!! I'm sure it won't be the same and, who knows, it may end up just being our little family. If nobody comes, it will be fine, I just know it's a move toward bringing back a lost tradition that means so much to me....I have wanted to do this so....SO bad and am VERY excited about it!!

For the few Family and Friends that read this blog....C'mon over and help us celebrate the come back of my FAVORITE tradition of the season!!

I know I keep saying this but...I am overflowing with the spirit of Christmas this year.

It's not about the gifts I may get or the gifts I may give...It's all the little things; the laughter, the joy, the tree, the lights, the music, the Christmas shows, the treats, I could honestly go on and on and on...But I won't... hahaha...To me, the top of my list is about being surrounded with the love of my family...you know....the only thing that really even  matters at all!!

So, grab up those little ones and hug them tight... teach them what Christmas is truly about.

LAUGHTER, JOY, HARMONY, PEACE 

and most important of all 

LOVE

The Loving bond of a family means EVERYTHING!!

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 14

Today is a very special day!

HaPpY BiRThDaY KeLLy SuE!!

Kelly is my 2nd born daughter and I think of her as my magical gift from above. I lost my mom 2 months before Kelly was born and I was heartbroken to say the least. I believe my mom brought this special little girl to me in a time of saddness...She was the most magical and precious Christmas gift I have EVER recieved!

She is the world's BEST auntie. Jace and Dylan LOVE their Auntie Kelly so SO much!!

I can't imagine my life without her. I'm so proud of how far she has come. She has faced many demon's and challenges in her life but never gives up. She just keeps plugging along and I have no doubt when she finishes school she will be a cosmetologist that will be in high demand!

She is so talented!!

Here is a little look at her beautiful face and her different looks LOL

She is currently sporting blond hair (my favorite on her) and her natural color

 She is a drop dead gorgeous red head

 Black...UGGH she's still a beauty but I did NOT care for the black hair

 and this was her in the process of going blond

Happy Birthday my sweet girl

Love Yer Guts!!

~Mommy

The Magic of Christmas ~ Day 13

For the past few years I have made cookies at Christmas for neighbors, co-workers and family. I have NEVER been much for baking and do very little if any through the year but....I become a cookie making freak this time of year.

30 dozen cookies baked

HOLY SMOKES

hope I can get them all bagged and ready to give before Christmas is over...LOL

This year I did try a few different kinds, hopefully they are good.

wanna have a little look~see?

Molasses

Peanut Butter

Huckleberry Thumbprints

Snicker doodles

Red Velvet with white chocolate chips

Pumpkin with butterscotch chips

Pumpkin with chocolate chips

ANYWAY...

Saturday night I got busy making all the cookie dough and Sunday morning I got up early, cranked up the Christmas music and started baking...It took almost the entire day but, it was SOOOOO worth it. I baked and in between batches sang and danced around the kitchen with my wooden spoon as my microphone.
I had Barney do all my last minute running and my daughters were gone...most of the day was just ME time!! OHHH MY was it ever magical!!

I didn't even get out of my jammies all day!!

It's amazing to me that spending time alone can be so uplifting and well....MAGICAL!!

I am pretty sure that my husband, kids and grandkids think I have lost my freaking mind...

BWHAHAHAHAHA

They may be right!

 I don't really know what has gotten in to me this year. I have had an exceptionally tough year and money is just as tight as it has been the past few years, yet I am more excited for Christmas this year than I have been for a very long time.

I think I just might have learned to just let go of the things I can't change. I have always been a worrier and tend to fret over everything...my crap as well as the crap that belongs to those I love and care about. Carrying all that around with me had really affected me in a very bad way!

I say NO MORE!! It does no good to worry about things that you have no control over...

C'mon!!
 DO IT WITH ME!!

IT'S TIME!

JUST LET IT GO!!

Since I have let go, I have been feeling overly cheerful and I have peace of mind and contentment and joy has entered my heart.

IT'S DOWN RIGHT BLISSFUL!!
I still have days that I forget and out of habit pick that big load back up and have a hard time putting it down but not very often anymore!!

There also seems to be another FANTABULOUS side affect from all of this....it seems to be a wee bit contagious!! My family is even beginning to smile and laugh a little more, hug a little more and argue A LOT less!!

Wishing you all a truly Joyous day of letting go!!

Love to all!!