Christmas in a Castle

As you may remember, if you know me in 'real life' or have been reading my blog since last year, that my sister and brother-in-law run a greenhouse, and every year they host an enormous poinsettia show. This year the theme is "Christmas in a Castle", and I can assure you that it will be spectacular. I've gotten some 'behind the scenes' glimpses, as well as getting to help ready some of it, and I stand utterly amazed at the creativity that has been poured into this year's displays. If you are local and have a chance to stop in and take a tour at Glick's Greenhouse in Oley, I am quite sure you will not be disappointed! I wish I had taken more pictures when I was up there the other day, but I forgot to take my camera (I was supposed to be there to work anyway), so here are just a few glimpses of things in the early stages (thanks to Beth Glick, and Glick's FB page and website for the pics I stole!):

The 'royal' invitation....

The drawbridge is down,
the gates flung open wide,
a Christmas Celebration
awaits you inside!
10,000 poinsettias, a wreath display,
There’s even a drawing for prizeson the way.

Gather into the great hall for music by the band -
Perhaps you’ll hear strains from a Celtic land.

You ask how much food and drink are worth?
You’ll find them completely free at our hearth.
So celebrate with us in a castle of stone,
As we look to the King upon His throne.

Entering the show...through a drawbridge, of course!!The early stages of the Great Hall...undecorated yet, but will be grand once it's done!
And these 'family portraits' (of the greenhouse family) will line the walls:
A big seller (I think 'cuz they make such great little gifts) - the 'mini wells':
And the zillions and zillions of poinsettias!!! You can get them in almost any color imaginable, because they grow such a variety - from traditional red, burgundy, spotted ones and orange spice - and if you can't find one of those to suit your fancy, they actually do take white ones and 'paint' them if you like! Last year I saw many blue and purple poinsettias being purchased. And if you really like glitz, you can even get them dusted with glitter!! It's really rather cool.
If all that wasn't enough to entice you, there's also live music and free food and drink!! This is an event you seriously won't want to miss!! And if you do come, stop by Register 4, where I will be 'planted' almost the entire weekend!!! See you there!!

FYI: The hours of the show are Friday 9-9, Saturday 9-5, and Monday 9-9. Please note: CLOSED Sunday!! You can click here to visit Glick's website for more info on the schedule, directions, varieties of poinsettias, etc.

Christmas Giveaway #1

HAPPY DECEMBER 1st everyone!! I know I said I would post my giveaway yesterday, but til I was ready to sit down and do the post last night, my computer tech was tweaking the system (**read - Todd was messin' with the laptop**). So, sorry, a little late, but none-the-less, I hope you will like what I'm giving away as much as I do! :)

As I mentioned, I've been gettin' all crafty lately, and that combined with my new love for thrift shopping has yielded some fun new Christmas decorations. One of them is included in today's little 'prize pack'.

A few weeks back when I was at Liberty Thrift Store, I saw some adorable little red plates. I immediately knew this would be my opportunity to do something fun with the new chalkboard paint I'd been dying to try out. And at $.75 per plate, I couldn't refuse.

The result? This little cutie that has been fueling Christmas anticipation around here for weeks now. It was the only Christmas decoration I've allowed out so far (the rest are coming out tonight I think...) and the kids have been faithfully updating the countdown daily.
As you can see by that number, we started pretty early. But here is today's giveaway, which will hopefully give you a cozy-warm start to the Christmas season:

A little countdown plate of your own, some snowman note cards, a snowman magnetic list pad and some yummy Candy Cane Lane tea, by Celestial Seasonings. And yes, the number on that plate is correct...you are down to 24 shopping days, my friends!!!!

To win today's prizes, just leave a comment telling me one (or more if you like!) thing that you are most looking forward to about Christmas. I will be closing the drawing rather quickly...you have until Thursday night at 8 p.m., Eastern Time. (The reason so quick...because I will be working all weekend at the beautiful poinsettia show at Glick's Greenhouse and I want to get in mailed out first thing Friday morning to you, before I am lost in the Christmas Castle!! Watch for my post about this year's show tomorrow!)

And the thing I'm most looking forward to? All of it! The music, the lights, the Christmas specials on TV, the quiet reflection of the season, and even the hubbub of the poinsettia show. But I guess most of all is seeing my childrens' responses to their gifts...the excitement on their faces, and also the true appreciation they express. Priceless.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO EITHER LEAVE ME A NAME AND EMAIL WITH YOUR ENTRY OR USE YOUR GOOGLE ACCOUNT THAT WILL LEAD ME TO YOUR BLOG SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN! Thanks!!

Thanksgiving, part 2

Well, Thanksgiving is over, our bellies are probably STILL full, and today we get back to the grind. All of my kids started back to school today, though I know some districts are still off. I can't complain...the boys did have off all week last week, but I think I would have preferred them to go the beginning of last week and have off today to 'recover' a bit from all the weekends' hustle and bustle. Oh well...funny thing, the district didn't ask my opinion! Kate's back-at-it today too (but she's getting out of a day at the end of the week, as I'm letting her off school to work at my sister and brother-in-laws poinsettia show - an annual tradition).

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and not only was the food DEEEE-licious, the setting was amazing too. My sister had her creative juices flowing and her home was totally decked out for Turkey Day. (Of course, none of my pics turned out very well...) There was lots of games, laughter and fun. And while I'm not a big 'Black Friday' shopper, I did pick up a few gifts and had an amazing mini-getaway with my hubby, we had another dinner with Todd's extended family (aunts, uncles cousins, etc., totally - to my estimation - between 50 and 60 people, and someone said that there were about 25 who couldn't make it....that's a BIG family!) and now I'm ready to move on to Christmas! I'm thinking today will be a little low-key here as my little guy isn't feeling great, so I think I'll get out some decorations and do my cards (yeah, didn't get them done earlier as I thought I might...but it's still not December 1st yet!!). Sip some hot chocolate, and maybe watch Miracle on 34th Street. And in a little bit (once I get the stuff together for a picture) I'll also be posting my "Countdown to Christmas" drawing later on today!!

Thanksgiving

Well, I am officially into full holiday mode! I've already been playing Christmas music for a week or two, because it helps me to get into the mood to get busy making my Christmas crafts that are piling up on my to-do list. I'm brainstorming and crafting and busily trying to figure out creative (and cost-effective) gifts that everyone will love. Some of them are done (or at least in process) and I'd love to show you, but alas...I can't chance the receivers taking a peek here and ruining the surprise!

However, I really can't bring myself to actually get out any decorations before Thanksgiving is past. I'm one of those people who feels like I don't want to miss out on Thanksgiving trying to rush to get to Christmas. And, by January 1st I tend to be sick of all things 'merry and bright' (well, not that bad...I don't like, turn into the Grinch or anything, but after a solid month of holidays, I'm ready to move on), so I like to pace myself. In addition to Thanksgiving Day, we also celebrate our anniversary Thanksgiving weekend, so I like to savor the entire weekend all in its own rite.

This year, with money being tight we weren't sure we'd be able to do much to celebrate our anniversary (17 years!!!). However, our credit card has a 'purchase points' program, and we had some built up - just enough to use to get a nights stay at a hotel not too far from home. So we are having a mini-getaway - at no cost! We used all the points for the hotel, so we might not be able to do dinner out...but we'll make the best of it, and get all dressed up to eat a pizza in our room if need be! We have realized over the years what a precious thing our marriage is, and we really try to celebrate it in some fun way that we really get to spend some time just enjoying being together. I'm counting down the hours til my hubby whisks me away! (Well, not literally...but almost!!)

I do have some posts coming up I can't wait to share with you...some fun and creative Christmas decor (I can say 'creative' without bragging, because most of the ideas I took from someone else's blog!) as well as a furniture re-do that has kept me busy of late. I also will be doing my giveaways (because my love language is 'gifts' and I just LOVE to give people things!) as the official 'kick off' to the season. And, I received some more books from Zondervan that I am currently reading to review, so I'll be sharing that as well. One of the books is on advent, so I'll be posting some of the ideas I get from that about some little ways to keep this next month filled with meaning.

But for now, I better get going. Our family tradition is to always prepare the Thanksgiving feast all together the day before, so I'm going to be heading out to pick up a few items at the store and then off to peel, stuff, mash and roast! Mmmm...I love holidays for so many reasons...not the least of which is YUMMY food! Happy Thanksgiving, all!!!!

these are a few of my favorite things...

The past few days I've been enjoying browsing blogs of people listing their favorite things so I thought I'd get in on the action. I know, nothing thoughtful or amazing here, just a little random info for you. So, while it doesn't include "raindrops on roses" or "whiskers on kittens" (and right now you are singing that in your head, aren't you?!?), here are a few of MY favorite things (my 'Top 10', in no particular order):

1. Thriftstores!!!!! I am finding many treasures at these the past few weeks, and it's become almost an obsession. I literally wonder, if I haven't hit my favorite shops for a few days what gems might be there, and what I might be missing. My local favorites are:


and Evergreen Consignment. Let me know if you know any other really good ones!!

2. These... mmmmm....



3. Thursday nights...
4. Don't care whether they win or not, I still love 'em...
5. All the creative blogs that have been inspiring me to do all manner of projects, especially this one (cuz it links me to hundreds more DIY projects)!
6. All sorts of lovely jewelry, uniquely crafted by my fav artisan -my sis! (And, oh yeah...did I mention some giveaways coming up? Well, one of those will be an awesome original set from the Betsy Collection! You'll want to check back...the fun will start next week!)

7. SPRAY PAINT!!!!! (and the little nozzle, even though mine has been giving me some grief, overall, it's a wonderful little gadget). I'm fairly addicted to spray paint, though, not sniffing it, just using it...on anything and everything!!!! (Did you know there is even spray paint for fabric?!?! Yep, people are even spray painting their upholstered furniture these days!!)
8. This stand. Still loving it, still wanting it, still can't find it.
9. Gettin' rid of tons of junk this way, and finding a few deals as well!



10. And lastly, helping to restore my sanity...
Of course, like I said, these are all 'fluff' stuff that I enjoy. The really important things in my life, aren't 'things' at all... such as my Lord, my family and my friends...and all the things associated with them. Those are what really give my life meaning. But these 'extras' sure are fun!

How 'bout you? What are some of the things that are putting a smile on your face lately?

adoreableness

All he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth....

(Well, not really...but isn't he just too cute?!?!)

Adoption - A Covenant of Love

There are a couple good giveaways that I'm planning to post soon, and some really delicious recipes I'm planning to share, but first I wanted to share a story about some friends of ours and ask if you would consider helping out.

Friends and fellow church planters in Chambersburg, PA, Doug and Jen Lehman (and their boys Shiloh and Elijah) are preparing for a very special addition in the upcoming months. They are in the process of adopting a little girl from Nepal! As you can imagine, this is a very costly process. In order to help defray the costs, the Lehmans and their family and friends have put together a wonderful cookbook that they are selling. I just got mine this week and can't wait to try some of the wonderfully-yummy recipes! The front page of the cookbook, Which is titled "Favorites from our Table" with the sub-line "Adoption - A Covenant of Love", tells this about the Lehmans' journey of adoption:

We have been blessed with two biological sons, Shiloh and Elijah, who fill our lives with much joy and energy. In the past, we have talked about the possibility and desire to adopt but not until the fall of 2008 did it become a burning desire in our hearts. God used a book called "Daughter of China" to bring us to a place of being ready for this incredible journey. Our hearts connected with the continent of Asia and originally we were thinking of adopting from China, but through research realized the wait for adopting from there was 3-4 years. At the beginning of January 2009, we found out the country of Nepal had recently reopened to adoption and we immediately knew this was the country we were to pursue.

We have seen God's hand at work over and over again in this process...here are a few of the ways: telling the boys they would have a sister and the priceless expressions of joy on their faces, all the paperwork, home study, etc. going smoothly and our family and friends being so supportive through words of encouragement and prayer.

Our dossier (all the official adoption paperwork) was submitted to the Nepali Ministry on June 14, 2009. The next step is for our family to be matched with a little girl, then we will travel to Nepal for 2-3 weeks to complete the adoption and bring her home. God knows who she is and every detail of her life. We know He is at work and is taking care of her. As we wait, we rest in confidence that His plans and timing are perfect.

Until 4 become 5...

Now, here's the really cool part where you can help. I am offering you an opportunity to purchase a cookbook to help this wonderful family, while at the same time gaining some new recipes to try for your own family! Wouldn't it be fun to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving feast? These could also make great Christmas gifts, or even bridal shower gift! As a young bride I received a few cookbooks very similar to this (put together by 'real' people as opposed to the Martha Stewart/Emeril Lagasse variety with daunting dishes I would never even attempt!) and they became my lifeline for coming up with meals on a daily basis!

If you'd be interested in helping this family be united with their precious little girl, I'd be thrilled to tell you how to go about ordering a cookbook. The cost is just $15 (plus $3 S/H). Just leave a comment, with your email address, so that I can give you the Lehman's information - where to send the check and request - in order to get your cookbook shipped. (I'd rather not post it here, as it will be sent to their own home address). Thanks, in advance, for your help! I know you'll reap a blessing in return!