KING Size Comfort

“Considering God decorated the heavens–His own dwelling place–it seems no less fitting for us to dress up our homes with strings of lights, carols that worship His name, and symbols and seasonal reminders to help us celebrate the birth of His Son. “ Karla Dornacher
I borrowed this from one of my favorite blogs (thank you Aunt Ruthie).

There are times that I feel guilty for decorating our home, and for having a "wealth" of beautiful things. Please, I'm not boasting, it is just that I do not make, have or collect anything for our home that I do not love.

My "wealth" of abundance is comprised of things that have been loved by our family for years and years, "treasures" (John and I often disagree on what is a treasure / smiling), dollar store things with "character" or maybe it's not really a Christmas decoration at all. But it has immense value - sentimental, romantic, not at all monetary.

So, as God decorated the heavens, I love to decorate our home. I don't know why, it's not like hundreds will parade through for the grand tour. There are not television or magazine cameras that will visit...but perhaps YOU will.

There is NOTHING that gives me greater pleasure than having our home full of people. There is NOTHING like the feeling of going to bed totally exhausted because you made that extra dozen of cookies for the kids tomorrow. There is NOTHING like the look on a child's face, and the wonderment of lights, tinsel and angels. I simply love all of those feelings. I always have, I honestly hope I never lose my desire or ability to "dress" the house up for the holidays.

I hope that our family will always look foward to coming and feeling loved on as they step through that front door. Loved on...now, that's a great feeling, and my "forever" goal.

We don't have huge oversized bedrooms with king size beds in every room. We do have comfy soft beds, with winter flannel and touches of lace on very soft sheets. (And yes, guests have found mints or treats on their pillows at night). Warm, cozy, and hopefully the feeling of a "big hug" for those that will stay.

I do feel like our bedroom is a sanctuary. I love to layer bedding by the season, and can one really ever have too many pillows on their bed? ;p



I love to cuddle in at the end of every day, and CAN'T WAIT until Mackenzie and our other future grandchildren all pile in and fight for a spot. It's a big bed...LOTS of room for Lolli and Pops to snuggle with LOTS of grandchildren ;p (love you Nicole & John and Justin & Casey)!

If you are visiting me today, I thank you and love you for being here.

At this holiday season, I am really reflecting on my multitude of blessings.

Not the "stuff", the blessings:

a Savior and King that loves us, that has "decorated" Heaven for us
a husband that takes my breath away
children that have found that special place in their heart for me
family that makes my world go round
friends that are faithful
opportunity to love on people
kids, some who will never know my name, but some that I will never forget
and there is so much more...

So, as I close this post (because there is one more batch of maple pumpkin bars to get ready for tomorrow)...know that I have loved this time with you.

This time...it becomes one of my treasures.

A Little Christmas Magic

Where have you been? Get in out of the cold. Here, give me your coat, go warm up by the fire. Do you want pumpkin spice coffee or hot cocoa with marshmallows?

It feels like forever since we've been able to just visit...why don't we make more time like this?

Sure, I'll take you around the house...but are you sure you are warmed up? Bring your cup with you.

Yes, I did switch out the drapes for the Christmas season. Heck no I didn't sew them, I barely had time to hang them! No, they're not expensive...actually they are dollar store tablecloths, no kidding! Sure I can show you...this is how I started...



They are just the ring with clips you can buy anywhere, I gathered the tops with the red cloths. The plaid cloths are just tied with a handkerchief knot...really easy, thank goodness! Yes, you can do it...just be patient, if you need help, just call I will help you. I think it IS a wonderful idea to buy the cloths when they go on sale after the holidays, it was fun to match the patterns..


Thanks, but no, the topper ribbon is not alot of ribbon at all! It's an illusion... I took a strand of wired ribbon that was about 12' long, and tied 12" ribbon in knots the length of the ribbon. Then, I just tied it to the top of the tree and pulled the ribbons out...see...(you can click the photos to make them larger)






Me, too, I love traditional ornaments! A few of these are dollar store finds, but I always love to see the ornaments that the family collected (even before I was part of it!). They are like family treasures that no one can appreciate like we do...the memories of those Christmas' are priceless.



It makes me happy to see this wall as you enter the front door...I know I'll hate to take it down when Christmas is over.




Come on, sit down, want a piece of chocolate cake? Gosh, it's good to have you here...

O.K., we'll look around later...let's visit, tell me, what's new in your life?

Fall Recipes...The Yummiest!

I am so in the mood to prepare and enjoy those yummy autumn recipes. Thanks Flo for sharing last week!

Now, what is one of your family's favs? Send the recipe on...let all of us enjoy it.

This is one of our favorites, our Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. Truly...the longer you let it simmer, including enjoying leftovers, this just gets yummier.

Hope you enjoy...now send me yours!


Serves 8

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
2 cups chopped onion
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 poblano pepper (seeded, chopped)
2 cups chunky salsa
½ tsp. ground cumin
16 oz. corn tortilla chips
4 (14.5 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup shredded Monterey
2 cups frozen corn kernels (mix w peppers)
Jack cheese
2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Grill chicken breasts (do not overcook). Remove from grill, allow to “sit” for 10 minutes. “Tear or shred” chicken with hands. Over medium heat, sauté the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, poblano pepper, black beans and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 – 40 minutes.

2. Break up tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.