Hostess with the Mostess--or not

December was crazy this year.  I'm  not going to lie.  I hosted a boutique at my home on December 2nd, so that consumed much of the beginning of December.  In mid-December, we were planning a large scale ministry, Christmas celebration for about 250 people.  Last Thursday we decorated, organized and planned to throw a Christmas dinner for 70 people on a ministry's leadership team. 

What great opportunities to be thankful, to serve others and to demonstrate the love of Christ!  That was my goal, but, sadly, I failed miserably at times.

I'm not going to lie and pretend I did all that without sinning.  I had moments of complaining and stress.  In fact, even if we get through an event we are hosting with grace and joy, we have to look at our attitude when we had to run to an overpopulated Costco to pick up food for the event or how we felt when we finish the night and have hours of dishes and clean up to do.  Are we filled with joy, sacrificial love and thanksgiving then?

I was reading 1 Peter 4:9 this morning.  It says it pretty clearly:  "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."  Wow.  There isn't any room for excuses there.  Thanks, God, for putting that mirror before my, at times, grumbly heart.

If you are in Christ, sisters, I urge you to align your thinking to God's like I am having to do.  It is SO easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, but remember that every imperfect detail is allowed by God to grow us, prune us and test us--even the failed centerpieces, missing guests and parking lot mishaps.  He doesn't want us to have the perfect, Martha Stewart Christmas party.  He wants us to grow into the likeness of Christ Jesus, the Savior we are celebrating.

This was just in time for those of you hosting Christmas Eve or Christmas.  When the turkey burns, someone spills on the couch, guests don't show, or you realize you forgot to buy the butter, just stop and pray.  Thank God for the growing lesson and extend grace and patience because we have been shown much more grace and patience than we are ever asked to give.

Merry Christmas, my fellow hostesses!  Our Savior is born!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. . .

I apologize for the lack of posts.  I have some good reasons.

First I got a bad cough/chest cold two weeks ago.

Then I got the stomach flu over Thanksgiving break.  (From what I hear, about half of America had it).

Then I was getting ready for the boutique I'm hosting at my house this Sunday (I'm still busy).

Then Blogger told me I had reached my free photo storage capacity, and I couldn't write any posts with pictures.  I spent most of today researching the migration from Blogger to Wordpress--the complicated migration where I attempt to keep my subscribers and reroute to the new web address.  For now, I have upgraded my photo storage plan, but I have e-mails into friends to get me onto Wordpress soon.  It's time!

Another decision I'm pondering: Should I focus on celebration banners and scale back my scripture signs?  They are beautiful, but they are super time consuming for the price I charge.  I need to constantly pray about keeping a Biblical balance of ministry, family and creative business. 

After my tummy flu settled down a bit, we did a few, fun family outings this weekend.  Here are some pictures of our outings. . . (I can finally add pictures again!  Yay!)

They look like little angels here.  The posing lady made them fold their hands.  This cracks me up!

A family pic

Posing with my boys

Carter and Micah

The Christmas tree at Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach.  It is REALLY tall.

The fountain in front of Neiman Marcus.  The water changes colors, and the boys were fascinated!

We always end our Christmas at Fashion Island night with hot cocoa or coffee(me) at Roger's Gardens, a posh nursery in Newport Beach where they put up thousands of decorations and millions of lights every year.

 

 

Two Days of Christmas

(My two boys on the left in the plaid and stripes, and my sister in law's children on the right)

We had a unique situation this year.  Ryan's family was celebrating ALL the Christmas traditions on Christmas Eve, as his sister was leaving for her honeymoon on Christmas and his brother was flying back to Ohio Chrismas morning.  My side of the family was doing all their celebrating together on Christmas Eve as well, including the four December birthdays in my family.  So, the busiest day for us was Christmas Eve!

I was in the midst of a BAD cold, so the morning was a bit foggy for me.  I was nursing a fever and chills, but I was thankful it wasn't the stomach flu.  I detest the stomach flu!  I felt much better as the day went on, and, for that, I am thankful!

We started the day by going over to my in-laws' for "Christmas" breakfast, taking pictures on the stairs and enjoying a long round of presents.  We let the five kids (all 6 and under) open all their gifts first and then ushered them upstairs to watch Polar Express while the adults opened their gifts in peace.  Genius!

After we finished, we drove to my mom and dad's for more presents, birthday cake, and time with my sisters, their families and my parents.  My kids are the youngest on this side, with three of the cousins in their teens, so it is a little more calm as we open presents. 

We drove to Christmas Eve services at church and then drove back to my in laws' for a prime rib Christmas dinner. 

It was a busy, full, but very blessed day!

Christmas, we got up slowly--recovering from the day before, and started by finishing off the nativity story and the Jesse Tree ornaments with my boys.  Then, we opened stockings together and enjoyed the Pioneer Woman's Baked Cinnamon French Toast.  After breakfast, we opened more gifts.  We scaled back this year.  Ryan and I only did stocking presents for one another, and we had a limit to spend.  The boys didn't get any BIG present from us this year, as we knew the grandparents were giving them some fun gifts that they would love.  It was so nice, and the boys were completely happy with the smaller gifts.

We listened to Christmas services online--our church livestreams the services, which is the BEST thing ever if you are sick or the kids are sick and you can't be at church.  Then my parents came over to our house, and we had an early Christmas ham dinner around 4.  We watched A Christmas Story and just relaxed, which was a nice treat after the busy day prior.  Here is a picture of my Christmas dinner table:

Yesterday, the day after Christmas, my husband and I cleaned the house top to bottom, took down our REALLY dry, fire hazard tree, went through toys to donate and organized the new ones, and did home projects.  It as his only day off this week, so we had to just dig in and be productive.

He is back to work at his new job today, and I'm getting packed and organized for our anniversary trip Thursday through Monday.  I'll share more about that later.  I'm SO excited!

I pray you had a joyous Christmas!  I'm excited for 2012!

(Our boys at the bottom of our stairs waiting to open presents under the tree on Christmas morning)

Christmas Tablescape Ideas

I recently got a question from a friend about her Christmas table.  She is one of my really creative, talented friends, so I know her table is going to be amazing!  She wondered about mixing formal and informal dishes/decorations on her table and even how to mix a woodsy theme with her inherited cherry blossom china.  I am not a trained decorater, though I love to decorate, but my rule of thumb is that textures and even "looks" can be mixed when you balance them, bring them together thoughtfully and unify them by color or some other theme.  In fact, sometimes a less matchy-matchy table is even more amazing than one that is pulled straight from the pretty tableware catalogue.  It made me start thinking about my own Christmas table.  I am hosting Christmas for a small gathering of immediate family, and I would love to have a beautiful table to welcome my guests.

I started searching Christmas table ideas on Pinterest, and I thought I'd share some cute ideas from other's tables. 

Red and White.  Candy cane stripes.  What is there not to love about the bold, clean look of crisp white and rich red?  These tables found inspiration there.

Style me Pretty


Gordon Gossip shared this table by Eddie Ross


Pier 1


Woman's Day


Hostess With The Mostess


Tobi's Blog


Globally Gorgeous



Style Me Pretty


Vietri




Another great way to add pizzaz to your table is to put some metallics on your tablescape.  Chrsitmas lends itself to silver, gold or both.  Have fun with it!

Desde My Ventana
Subtle silver, tans, and white


House and Home
Gold and White


A Little Inspiration
Tans, white and subtle gold


My Notting Hill
(Silver and green)


Pottery Barn
Silver, cream and green


Southern Living
Silver, Gold, Green and Red



Some tables are traditionally spectacular.  Pine, green, red, plaid or pinecones make everyone feel the warmth of Christmas.

The Lady in the Stone House


Sweeter Homes


The Bride's Cafe


BBB


Cut Rate Crafts


Happy tablescaping to all of you hostesses!  Be yourself and have fun with different colors, textures, themes and decorations!  Share your link if you post a photo of your Christmas table!

Lessons from The Little Drummer Boy

                    
Like most people, I love a good rendition of O' Holy Night or The First Noel, but the song that tears me up each year is The Little Drummer Boy.  Yup.  Are you thinking, "Why?"

I love the words and the message they have for us. 

"Come, they told me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
To lay before the King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

So to honor Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
When we come

Little Baby
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

I have no gift to bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
That's fit to give a King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

Shall I play for You
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
On my drum, on my drum

Mary nodded
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

I played my drum for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I played my best for HimPa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

Then He smiled at me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Me and my drum"

Although this is a fictional account, and there wasn't a drummer boy with the wise men (in fact, the wise men did not visit Mary and Christ until well after they were already home and not in the manger--read Matthew 1 and 2 carefully), I love the fact that this song reminds us that God gave us each our own circumstances and gifts.  Whatever we have, whether a poor drummer boy with a drum or a great wise man with riches, we need to joyfully and sacrificially honor God for His glory.  He is greatly pleased when we worship Him with such sincerity, thankfulness and obedience.  He is worthy of our best--whatever that may be!

We know we can't earn God's favor.  Only repentance for sin and faith in what Christ has done for us can save us, but, as Christians, we can show thankfulness and honor to the God who sent Christ to live the perfect life for us and then die and face God's wrath for our sin.

Don't let circumstances keep you from giving God your best and the glory due to Him.  He sees our hearts and knows when we are truly honoring Him.

Do you have an opportunity to share the gospel?  Can you serve a needy family dinner or buy some presents for them, inviting them to church?  Can you share your testimony with a friend?  Can you use your talents to serve others at church? 

What is your best gift that you can give to God to honor Him today?

Busy, busy

         

Here is our Christmas card.  We took these pictures before Ryan had a job, and the JOY summarized how we felt about the hope we have in Christ, even in trial. 

This week is a busy one!  Last night we had 60 people over for our ministry leaders' Christmas party.  It was so fun--dinner, dessert and a white elephant gift exchange.  Fitting 60 people inside a house is a tight squeeze too!

The marriage ministry we co-lead is having its all member Christmas party on Thursday night.  We have a fantastic team of helpers, but decorating the tables, getting dessert, and planning games for over 200 people is always a challenge!

Friday morning, my five year old has his school Christmas performance, and I'm making cute, chocolate covered oreo cookie pops for the class.

Friday night is an service dinner the marriage ministry holds every year for some families that are in need this Christmas.  We adopt families and provide dinner, dessert and gifts for the families.  It is always a wonderful night.  That night should have about 120 people attending, but, again, we have a fantastic team of volunteers leading the charge.

The biggest event happening this week is my sister in law's wedding!  She is getting married Sunday, and all four of us are in the wedding.  The rehearsal dinner is Saturday night, and a couple days of fittings, nails, and other errands all lead up to the big day! 

I will be sure to post pictures from as many of the events as I can, but especially the wedding.  Christmas is getting close!  Christmas is my favorite holiday--Merry Christmas!

Chocolate Covered Oreo Neighbor Gifts

I almost always make my caramel brownies for the neighbors, but I wantedto try something new this year. 

I had seen these beautifully covered oreos on Pinterest, but I wasn't sure I could get the smooth look without buying a mold.  SO, I used a muffin tin, and it worked beautifully. 

Enjoy the pictures.  From the smiles on my neighbors' faces, I think the treats were appreciated!

I bought Oreos, white chocolate melts and candy canes.

I crushed the 2 candy canes--sorry for the glare--this was at night.

I put a spoonful of melted chocolate in each muffin tin and put a cookie on top.

I covered the cookie with melted chocolate and put some crushed peppermint stick on top.  Then, I popped them into the fridge to set.

Once the chocolate was hard, the cookies popped right out of the muffin tins.

I put three in a little bag and tied it with red ric rac.

So sweet, easy and delicious for Christmas!

Thoughtful Christmas Activities for Kids

As our family room mantle says, we try to keep our eyes off ourselves, especially at Christmas.  We don't even ask our kids what they "want" for Christmas.  They certainly make it known all year long.  My five year old caught wind of my mother asking about some toys I had mentioned for him, and he asks every day when he gets them.  Kids are wired to love the "gimme, gimme" of Christmas.

As a parent, I want my boys to focus on Christ and others at Christmas, and I need to planfully train them for this.  There are so many fun ways to practice a thoughtful Christmas.  We do the Jesse Tree advent activities, and many of our friends at church are celebrating St. Nicholas day today by practicing generosity with other families just as Pastor Nicholas did years ago.  I wish I had a post about this, but my pastor gave a great sermon about St. Nicholas and the way he handles "Santa Claus".  He mentions books and activities, so it is worth the listen here.

Also, two new ideas came to my attention via my Pinterest boards this year.  Check out their pictures and blog links below.


                           
The first was a mom from TSJ Photography who wanted her kids to serve others and learn the popular saying, "It is better to give than receive."  They made an advent calendar of service activities throughout December.  She even has a cute printable that tells others they have been "RACK'd"--been recipients of Random Acts of Christmas Kindness.  This would be a great way to write down a verse and even a summary of the gospel as you leave the note for others.

Here are some ideas that are random and not so random:  Bring a teacher, office staff person, or post office worker a Starbucks.  Pay for a person in the drive thru behind you.  Mail or drop off anonymous gift cards to families you know who are in need of some "help" this Christmas.  Help a family put up Christmas lights who have illness or other reason for this being difficult (remember to help take them down after Christmas).  Buy a Christmas tree for a young family who might not be able to afford one this Christmas.  Leave a pretty Poinsettia on the doorstep of a widow or single mom.  Make dinner for someone who is having trials this season.  Invite single or lonely neighbors to your home to have dinner with your family.  Pass out free hot cocoa  or cider to people driving around looking at lights in your neighborhood.  Sing with your kids and leave Christmas caroling song messages on people's message machines (short songs and a sweet message).  Let someone else have the amazing parking spot you just found.  Be creative! If you have older kids, let them help you think of nice activities you can do. Depending on your routine, circumstances, and neighborhood, the ideas will be specific and unique.


         
This other idea is much like the Jesse Tree.  Pinfluence made a paper circle garland, but glued scripture print outs that point to Christ on each paper ring.  Each day, you and the kids can rip off a garland ring and read the scripture together.  This would be a fun activity to do at dinner.  Pinfluence even includes free scripture ideas and downloads on the link. 

Have a beautiful day celebrating God's generosity and gifts to us by focusing on Christ and being generous to with others!