'twas the night before christmas

"It's not going in the yard, Russ. It's going in the living room."

cozied up for the Christmas eve movie

under the mistletoe :)

Lulu loves Christmas morning!

Feliz Navidad!

If authentic Mexican food doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit... well, at least you can enjoy the pretty rojo and verde! A couples of weeks ago Laurence and I got to visit Phoenix, sunny and perfect every day. After arriving I made a list of things we wanted to do while in Arizona- I know, shocking. Of course there were several "must visit" restaurant recommendations, but at the top of our list was finding the local "hole in the wall" type of restaurant were we could get some authentic tacos and Mexican Coca-Colas. I knew we were getting close when I saw the laundry mat and dollar store. And, I knew we were very close when all of the Hispanic construction type workers stared us down as we made our way to a table, pretending our best to be familiar with the restaurant's protocol.

Mmm, tacos. I tried a few different types on our first visit, but when we returned I knew I just wanted the chicken tacos. Perfection piled with cilantro and seasoned with lime, served with a side of rice and some cucumber slices- simple, fresh, and non-greasy authentic Mexican food! That's right, we stopped back by on our way to the airport our last day in Phoenix. This time we entered as veterans, however I think we got some laughs when I pulled out the camera:) Our waitress was happy to see us again and even gave us some lamb soup on the house, also served with lime and cilantro, two staple worthy ingredients I think.

I have lots more to post about from our wonderful sunny vacation in December, but until then... Feliz Navidad!

a merry christmas to you with paper and glue!

before

after

It's obvious by now I love scrap paper. Really, I love color and texture, and I can't bear to get rid of anything as vibrant and tactile as painted paper. So, I save all the little bits of scraps that fall on my desk when I'm shaping away. Is this crazy of me? I just always think there might be a use for them one day. I guess I shouldn't be so annoyed with Laurence collecting any piece of scrap wood he can fit into our garage. Though, I can fit an amazing amount of paper in a tiny ziploc bag.

Anyway, the "one day" came when I threw one of my tiny ziplocs filled with scrap paper along with some glue into the car before heading home for Thanksgiving. It turned out not to be as compact and tidy of a craft as I had hoped; the paper from the tiny ziploc could easily be scattered across most of the dinning room table. Though I didn't get as many cards made as I would have liked, at least it's a start. Now if only I could start on the Christmas cards, projects, crafts, etc. in July, maybe they would all get done in time for the holidays next year. Somehow I don't see that happening. Oh, well. Merry Christmas!

Repeat the Sounding Joy!

It's been a hectic month thus far, and it's not looking like it's slowing down any time soon! Sometimes I envy the life of Lu...

but, when I'm not basking in the sun, here's where you can find me this weekend:

I designed the postcard below to help advertise our neighborhood's holiday home tour, and this year we have our lights up in time!! It's such a fun and festive holiday event with everyone bundled up walking through the beautiful old streets, visiting the lovely decorated homes, and stopping by the time warp tea room for some hot cocoa! Check out the info below, if you can make it, it's definitely worth it!

Next on the agenda, the Holiday Extravaganza! Come see the Christmas parade tonight, which will pass right in front of the Emporium on Gay Street, then stop in to get some local goods and art to check off your list! It's sure to be lively and festive with all the First Friday happenings.

Ahh, and finally, what I'm most looking forward to, Lessons and Carols Service at our church. I hear there's going to be a banjo and some Sufjan inspired Christmas hymns. Because I can't chill out as easily as Lulu can sometimes, I just keep thinking about the joy and calm we celebrate this season, "All is calm, all is bright."

*Lovely poster design by Mark and Caryn, of Smelling Oranges!