Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Processing and Homemade Christmas

I don't know about you but towards the end of the year, after all the holiday festivities and balancing the bills, taking down the tree and eating the last Christmas goodies, I go into what I call processing mode.

I'm a deep thinker anyway but like a pregnant woman that begins nestie when it's almost time to deliver, I'm processing before the New Year. I'm thinking of events of 2009 and about where I'm at and where I'd like to be. I think about loved ones lost this year and the blessings of those who's lives were healed from a physical or emotional ailment. I think of what I have and need and what I have and don't need. I think about what I can give away. I think of ways I'd like to give to others.

I think of how hope was a HUGE word for me this year - 2009. Without hope, I think I would've wanted to curl up in a ball and stay there. But, I had hope that there was more to come and He's shown me that in so many ways. I've had disappointments in people, places of employment and in even books that I've read. (See how little and big disappointments can be?) But, I have also had dreams come true from hoping. In fact, because of hope I have found inspiration in areas like blogging that I never anticipated.

As I continue to process it all, I'm going to rely solely on God to guide me into the new year with his Promises. You see, he promises to never leave me nor forsake me. He also promises that his love never fails...although disappointments may come...He never fails. So my word for 2010 is Promise. Also, promise to me means that it will happen, that it is a deep commitment not to be broken...so with that...I have hope for the promises of a new year.
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Handmade and Used gifts for the family

As promised...

My family (TV Boo and Married Boo and Son In Boo) and Boo and I decided to buy gifts that were handmade, used or made ourselves. I can say that this was one of the best Chrstismases ever because there was some unique but very cherished gifts given. I know that we will do it again next year. Here is a glimpse of some of the gifts...

1) I made a Zen Word Garden for Married Boo. She is great with words and loves Scrabble so, I made a garden of letters for her to rake and sift and create words as she is just relaxing. Also, she got a Vegetarian recipe book with 1000 recipes. I find it at the used store. In the picture is also the abstract art that she (Married Boo) painted for TV Boo. It is gorgeous.



2) Son In Boo is taking Jeet Kun Do and is into martial art and thinks Bruce Lee was one cool dude. So, I decided to play a trick on him. I bought a t-shirt and drew a stick figure and wrote Bruce Lee underneath. I wanted to see what his reaction would be. He told me that he LOVED it. We were all smiling because I knew that he just didn't want to hurt his mil but was thinking, "You've got to be kidding me!) A few gifts later, he opened the "REAL" Bruce Lee t-shirt from me.



3) I made TV Boo fortune cookies made out of sculpey clay. The rest of the take out box had chow mein noodles with loose fortunes. She LOVED it. It will last her for a while and when she's feeling like she needs a smile, she can break open a cookie. She also got a crab pot since she loves crab legs as much as I do. Also, a photography book and an ornamental owl that she has named Chester. (She likes owls.)



4) Boyfriend Boo got a classic wooden pinball game and a quesadilla maker since he is king of quesadillas.



5) Baby Boo got a few things that were bought new but some of the used things she got, she loved just as much. She got two videos (yes, we still use our vcr) and a soft padded bowling set. She loved being "the winner" even if it was one pin she knocked down.

6) I received beautiful handmade earrings and a candle that smells out of this world.

So many more things were given and received. We all agreed that this was definitely a non-stressed Christmas as a result. (Plus, I didn't do a traditional Christmas dinner. We had pizza.)

Last but not least, I'm very, very puzzled by the orbs on quite of the few of the pictures taken. Here is one (please don't pay attention to my big butt...just the orbs, k?) What do you think of orbs? I have no clue what they are and what they represent.

23 comments:

Deidra said...

Your Homemade Christmas sounds dreamy!

Mari said...

I love your homemade Christmas gifts. You did good!
I also liked what you had to say about hope and promise. God has taken care of our family time and time again, and yet we are surprised at times when it happens. You would think I would learn!

Sherry said...

Oh this is just what I wanted to read as we are closing out one year for another -- strictly by the calendar mind you -- I think the days really just flow together. God will guide you (and all of us) and truly, "hope" is a word we can all live by. I'm glad it guided you over these past 365 days.

I am over the top about your handmade Christmas Simone...such fabulous ideas and so much fun. The Bruce Lee t-shirt is something I would do and then produce the "real" thing...this guy has a good sense of humour and that's a good thing for anyone to have!! Especially a son-in-law!! :)

As for those orbs...dust on the lens? Something splashed on the lens, or what I like even better, even if it can't be proven..

Angels visiting you on Christmas!!! :)

Heart2Heart said...

What a great way to share that Christmas doesn't have to break the proverbial bank! I love how creative you all got in the process and just how much fun you all shared.


Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a wonderful Christmas you had with your family and no one had to go into debt to do it. Kudos to you dear one.

Rest upon His promises....I love it!

Happy New Year!!!

Buckeroomama said...

The home-made presents are the best... the thought, the care, and the love that goes into each one makes it all the more precious.

Here's to the promise of a better 2010 for all. :)

ethelmaepotter! said...

I loved seeing the pictures of your happy family, and hearing about the amazingly simple gift exchange and dinner. We should all commit to doing Christmas in such a heartfelt, stress free manner.
Your story is inspiring, filled with hope and faith and warm wishes. The best of everything to you in the coming year!
Oh, and I like Sherry Lee's explanation of the orbs!

Lin said...

Those orbs are all the LOVE that is in the room! What a great Christmas you made, Simone! I loved the faux Bruce Lee t-shirt--HILARIOUS! I'm guessing he's gonna wear that more than the other one.

I'm glad you had your family around you and it was a good day. That's all that matters, right?

I wish you and your family Happy New Year and I hope the coming year is full of joy, hope, and happiness. You deserve it all and more.

P.S. Your butt is NOT big. :)

Formerly known as Frau said...

What a wonderful Christmas with your family! I have always heard that orbs in pictures are angels your guardian angels. Happy New Year!

Sweet Tea/lagirl said...

I've so enjoyed getting acquainted with your during this past year in Blogland. I continue to be encouraged & entertained by your Blog words. Loved the photos of your family and hearing about your unique Christmas gifts. . .2010 is gonna be a good year for you, I just know it...BTW, we had Chicken Fried Steak for Christmas Dinner - nontraditional but very southern!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely idea! Each year I plan to make things myself but as time gets tight I never get around to it. Maybe this year eh?

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Veronica Lee said...

Your homemade Christmas gifts rock, Simone!

I'm really glad you had a wonderful Christmas.

Julie D said...

Happy New Year, CCD!!!!

Menopausal New Mom said...

What a wonderful gift-giving tradition to make your own gifts, so much thought and love went into the making of each and every one and I loved the stick man shirt. What a riot, bet he wears that more than the real one!

I also like your focus on promise for 2010. What a wonderful inspiration you are.

About the orbs, I'm having the same thing here. If the dust on the lens theory is right, every picture would be covered with them unless you make a habit of blowing on the lens before taking a shot.

I'm with the Guardian Angel theory or energy from loved ones who want to enjoy the special celebrations with your family. It just sounds more spiritual.

BTW, you're invited to my New Year's Party today. I have a little something for you there!

Sheryl said...

What a wonderful Christmas. The thought and love behind each gift. You have a lovely family.

As for the orbs - maybe you had uninvited guest during your holiday???

Anonymous said...

I love your homemade Christmas idea. So fun and such wonderful memories came out of it it sounds like. I'd love to bring that into my family.

Happy New Year. I hope 2010 is happy and healthy for you and your family and friends.

Vodka Mom said...

Orbs are spirits, who have come to hold you close during this magical time of year.

It looks like ALL your loved ones were there.

Anonymous said...

I've also heard that the orbs are angels. Girl, you have lots of protection around you. Look forward to getting to know more of you this coming year. Have a Happy New Year.

Kwana said...

Homemade Christmas looks wonderful and I'm forever hopeful. Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Dear Bloggy Boo, I LOVED your Homemade Christmas! If only I could convince my own boo-in-laws (sorry, can't help but steal your awesome catchphrase!) to do this as well. So beautiful & fun! I'm taking the handmade challenge this year & committing to making gifts for special occassions for those I love. Have a blessed new year. :)

Nana said...

Heyyy. Happy New years! What a wonderful christmas! I tried to do the homemade xmas giving, but it didn't work out! Love to you and fam ;-)

Joanna Jenkins said...

All your homemade gifts were sooooo creative! Everyone looks very happy and you sound happy too! Glad your Christmas was wonderful.

And HOPE is good :-)

xo

Nishant said...

surprised at times when it happens. You would think I would learn!

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