Christmas Traditions. . . . .There's Still Time:)

JOY to the world. . . . .

it's Christmas Eve!

love came down on Christmas Eve.

TRUE love.

the birth of God's Son,

Jesus.

you know that saying "it is what it is".

well, never was that more true than on Christmas.

because we can make it about a million different things,

but it is what it is. . . . . .

a celebration of the birth of Jesus.

does that mean we can't have fun and be merry throughout the Holidays?

personally, i don't think so.

my God wants me to be joyful.

and happy.

and Christmas time makes me happy. 

as long as we never lose sight of the reason we are celebrating.

that's what i think.

i hope i'm right, at least a little bit:)

maybe you've been on top of things this Christmas season.

if so, you're my hero:)

because if you're like me,

you've been so busy,

the LAST thing you've been is on top of things.

but no worries!

there are still plenty of wonderful traditions to be done on Christmas Eve

and Christmas day.

i'm going to share a list. . . . . . .

some we have done (or still do) and some i know that others do.

so relax. . . . . .

when we're through,

you'll be right and ready with a few meaningful and joyful traditions!

in no particular order. . . . . .

1.  if you're not done wrapping, you can do something we do every year.

and it is SO much fun!

when you write on the tag the to: and from: names,

put who it is for, and for the from part, use fake names,

superhero names, favorite athletes, funny names. . . .

we do this, and it is always good for a few laughs.

plus, the person who gave the gift can always pipe up and say "it was from me".

a few examples. . . . .

my girls will be getting gifts from Tim Tebow, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, 

Pioneer Woman, Rafael Nadal (tennis player) and even Martha Stewart:)

Seriously, you can get really silly and have some fun:)

2.  if you haven't baked cookies yet, now's the time.

cause Santa gets hungry!

and you can make a "cookies for santa" plate

 with a sharpie pen if you don't already have one:)

and today is a great day to have the little ones color

a Christmas picture and take it to a neighbor, along with a few

of those yummy cookies:)

you can also grab a marked down gingerbread house kit to make today

if you haven't yet.

3.  one more thing needs to be baked.

a "Happy Birthday Jesus Cake" for tomorrow's dessert.

and the coolest thing to do, is to let the kids truly make and DECORATE it. . . . . .

their way!  no need for a professional cake with this one.

such an easy reminder of what it's all about.

4.  you can still make up some reindeer food to sprinkle on the lawn.

it's easy...uncooked oats and colored sprinkles.

trust me, if you've never done this, they're gonna LOVE it!

5.  got the new jammies all ready to go?

make them festive and matching for some great photos by the tree!

6.  read "twas the Night Before Christmas" before bed.

7.  hopefully you were able to go to church,

but if not, sing carols or watch a favorite Christmas eve movie.

ours is White Christmas, EVERY year:)

8.  you can also have game night. . . . .

anything as a family is what counts, if you ask me:)

9.  go outside and sprinkle that reindeer food on the lawn.

and if you haven't driven around and looked at lights yet,

bundle everyone up, make some hot cocoa in to-go cups and go for a ride.

my girls STILL love this!

10.  when the kiddies are all tucked in, use a bit of flour to make 

"santa's footprints" on the floor.

as long as they're still young, they'll love this!

11.  it's Christmas morning!!!!!

and they can't wait to open presents, right?

but try, try, try to read the Nativity story first.

so, so, so easy and important to do.

and then let them place baby Jesus in the manger...

signifying He is born.

12.  now this is just my opinion,

but my kids were never allowed to tear into gifts and throw them aside,

reaching for the next present right away.

a.  we took turns opening to appreciate what each other received.

b.  if the gift they open is from someone far away, 

have them hold it up and snap a picture.

makes a great thank you later on.

i just think it is so important that they learn to share in the joy 

of the rest of the family too,

and not just focus on themselves.

13.  whether you do brunch, lunch or dinner,

make something traditional.

it's so tempting to try something new every year and that's ok to a point,

but part of Holiday traditions is enjoying special dishes that you

associate with that day.

again, just my opinion:)

14.  make one of the gifts a shiny new ornament.

my daughter is turning 18 in a few weeks,

and i am gathering all of "her" ornament to give to her.

a nice start for her own tree someday or even if she doesn't use them,

some nice memories of years past:)

15.  finally, make lots of memories,

take lots of pictures,

eat TONS of food...sweets too,

play, play, play,

watch a Christmas parade from Disney World,

call family far away and spend time with those you love all day,

keep the day for your family.....

and by this i mean, TURN OFF the computer/cell phone/ipad or whatever.

and for pete's sake, don't spend the whole day on facebook, pinterest or whatever.

post a simple message and get off if you have young kids.

your family is more important than that,

and deserves your undivided attention for one day, at least.

now THAT one will get me nasty emails,

but i stand by it.

16.  and before the day is done,

have a list for thank you notes,

and when you tuck your kiddos in,

remind them of all they have to be thankful for and 

also remind them of the BEST gift they got that day,

in case they forgot.

the gift of God's Love.

Merry Christmas Eve. . . . .

from my family to yours!

xoxoxoxo

Suzanne

Dream Come True. . . . . .

somehow, amidst all the sadness of young lives taken in Connecticut yesterday,

we have to remember that life goes on.

it is never easy,

but that's how it goes. 

we will go to sleep and God willing, wake up tomorrow.

we will pray for those hurting............

and live our day the best way we know how.

while so many saw dreams die yesterday,

my little girl is going to see one of hers come true on Saturday/

She has taken ballet since the age of 3 and watched the Nutcracker

 every single year at Christmas.

growing up, she loved her Barbies.

and two of her favorites were the Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum Barbie.

even at play, she thought about her dream.

She has danced many of the parts in her young life...........

she has been a doll, spanish dancer, russian dancer, flower, snowflake, soldier, snow queen and the

sugarplum fairy.

but in her childhood journal, 

i found a note from her preschool 4 teacher saying when Taylor

introduced herself to her class as directed and told them what she wanted to be one day,

she said she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up and dance the role of Clara in the Nutcracker.  

well, guess who is Clara in this year's Nutcracker?

my little girl!

she has worked so hard. . . . . . 

spinning, stretching, sweating. . .. . .

soaking feet and wrapping toes.

on Saturday and Sunday, she will lead her friends and fellow dancers on to the stage to tell the story of the Nutcracker.

not only is this a special day for her,

but for me too.

because that little girl I used to take to the ballet, is dancing a role she dreamed of.

a role she may or may not ever dance again.

and the whole time she is on stage, i will be silently cheering her on.

as her mommy and number 1 fan, i will be so proud.

proud of my little girl.

xoxo

Suzanne

What do Scotty McCreery, Tootsie Rolls, Victoria's Secret, Twitter and Flat Stanley Have in Common?

hmmmmmmm........
give up?

they're all great gift ideas this year!

i know, it isn't even halloween yet,

but you have to admit time is FLYING by.......

before you know it, halloween is past, the turkey is stuffed:)

and the Christmas Holiday is upon us.

don't believe me?

i try to hold off.
really!!!
but just as some don't like talking
 or even THINKING about it,
i happen to LOVE thinking about it.
"keep Christmas in your heart all year, ya know???:)
gotcha!
and no, it is NOT all about shopping.
far from it.
it's the whole "package, so to speak;)
now, in my defense, Taylorina is in full NUTCRACKER mode

and on Saturday, we are doing a Holiday Boutique for
Vintage Charm.
soooooooo.......
be warned.......
cause here on my lil 'ol blog,
 the Christmas season is OFFICIALLY on :)


now, the one thing i know how to do is SHOP!
and these are just a FEW little ideas to get you started.
no doubt i'll have MANY more in the days to come, okay?

on to gift idea #1.....
Christmas Music
my first gift idea is actually a Pre-Holiday gift.
remember Scotty McCreery,
who WON American Idol a few years back?
if not, here's the low-down.
Scotty is one of the Good Guys.
~~~17 years old when he won.
~~~a sweet, shy, southern boy who sings country music
 with his beautiful deep baritone voice.
~~~a Christian.....who at 17 was not afraid to share his
Faith at every opportunity on national TV.....
and still isn't.
~~~a very grounded, all american, baseball loving kid who
is doing it the "right" way.
~~~the kind of young man you hope and PRAY your
daughters bring home some day.

 Scotty released a Christmas CD this week,
and when i listened to it,
i just knew it had to be my number one pre-holiday gift idea this year.
songs include the traditional
Let it Snow,  First Noel,  Jingle Bells,   Holly Jolly Christmas,
Winter Wonderland,   Christmas in Heaven (one of my favorites)
Christmas Comin Round Again,  O Holy Night,
The Christmas Song,  Elvis's  version of Santa Claus is Back in Town,
and the most beautiful, pure version of "Mary Did You Know" I've ever heard.
trust me, at $11.99, it's a GREAT gift!

and being the GINORMOUS fan of Michael Buble that i am,
i MUST tell you he also has a Christmas cd coming out.

(something tells me i'm gonna be adding a few new albums this year)


gift idea #2.
PINK Clothes from VS.
ummm.....what's so new about this?
well, they finally added a REALLY pretty
SOFT pastel pink to their line.
and it's flying out of the stores.
these photos don't do justice.

once again, trust me.....
they will be a HUGE hit for someone on your list.
i also love this hooded, raglan sleeve top.
talk about COMFY!
and these Sparkly boots are super cute:)
all from VS.
and selling out fast!



gift idea #3. 
Books!
 of my favorite authors is John Grisham,
and he has a new book out,
The Racketeer.

actually, he has a lot of books, and if you haven't read them,
now might be a good time to start.
they're clean.....and gripping from the very start.
this would be a very welcome gift around here!


any TEENS on your list?
this is an AWESOME book that i have given
 as gifts for a few years now.

5......

Where Will You Be FIVE Years from Today?

actually, it is a great book for anyone, of any age.

here's what it's about;

The next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life---or just another five years. Whether you are just graduating from college, newly married, considering a new career, setting goals for retirement, or just looking to inspire a special friend, employee or family member, here's the most inspiring and compelling gift you can find.

sounds good, huh?


know anyone who's a fan of Christian fiction?
Tricia Goyer is a really good writer,
and her brand new book is on MY wish list:)
The Memory Jar.

Click here to read about it on amazon.

and the last book for today is actually a BOOK SET,
and it's for the kiddos out there.
the adventures of FLAT STANLEY!!!

i wish we'd known about Flat Stanley when i was a kid.
fortunately, Stanley comes to stay with us once in awhile,
 and we get to have fun that way:)
i bet the little ones on your list would love having this books set!


gift idea #4.
a TWITTER necklace.
like facebook and other social networking sites,
twitter is HUGE.
and if you know someone who LOVES to TWEET
 (kinda sounds silly, i know;)
here is the perfect accessory for them.....

a twitter id necklace, from various sellers on ETSY
these are a few examples.
mine would read @shabbychicksmom.
hey...it's just an idea:)

gift idea #5.......
a Tootsie Roll scarf!!!

look, if you have to go through winter,
why not have a sense of humor about it?
even better if you love tootsie rolls (like i do!:)
you laugh, but these are selling out fast.
i found this on amazon,
but if they sell out,
try searching other stores online.
good luck...it's realllllly CUTE!
gosh, i need to stop!

but a few more things.......
like, where is this place?

i want to shop there!
shoot, i want to LIVE there!!! :)

and most importantly,
 whether it's October, November or December,
remember the REAL reason for it all.

xoxo,
Suzanne

it's all how you look at it...

after the Nutcracker last Saturday,

 (official pictures coming soon but here's one...)

a SWEET lady came up to me, 

a lady i didn't know...

to tell me what a JOY it was to watch Taylor...

and to give me a hug and say she was so sorry about my dad.

she had heard through the grapevine that he went through a lot...

and had prayed for God's strength...

for him and for us, the whole time. 

that she was STILL praying for us meant a lot.

imagine that...

someone i had never really talked with...

remembering a family she had never met in PRAYER.

just talking to this lady, i knew she meant it.

her words were precious and so meaningful.

as if i wasn't teary from watching my daughter perform,

i burst into tears and wished out loud...

"i only wish he were here right now to see his granddaughter."

she took my hands, looked me straight in the eyes and said

"do you not realize...he saw the whole thing. 

he watched his beautiful granddaughter

perform with GRACE and BEAUTY, from his new home in heaven,

with a smile lighting up his beautiful face...

a face that is perfect and a smile that is pain free"

WELL...wouldn't you think i REALLY cried then?

but i didn't.

it's as if i opened my eyes and saw clearly for the first time.

 it took a stranger to look into my eyes, 

to make me listen to every word...

to realize my dad...and my girl's PRECIOUS grandpa,

would always be with us.

 as if her performance wasn't special enough,

i met a stranger,

who reminded me of something

i knew...but sometimes forgot.

my SWEET dad is by God's side...

and is still the proud grandpa he always was.

i saw a quote the other day by the author C. S. Lewis...

now go spread some joy, find some for yourself...

bake cookies, wrap gifts, take a walk and look at the pretty lights...

you know, the simple things.

and remember there really IS something to look forward to:)

XOXOXOXOX

Suzanne

random HOLIDAY treats...

yep...random and holiday in the same sentence..

because i'm pretty sure that's how the Holidays are stacking up around here...

totally RANDOM:)

first up...Christmas TV!

My sis just sent me an amazing link with ALL your favorite

holiday shows and movies listed and what dates they are showing. 

http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/201538/1/2011-Christmas-Specials-And-Movies-TV-Schedule-

and now that we're on the subject, what are YOUR favorites?

let's see...for stupid humor (the best kind)

i like Elf and National Lampoon Christmas:)

          and for classic we LOVE White Christmas and

Miracle on 34th Street.

so how about you?
any favorites you watch every year?

Naples had it's big Christmas parade the other night.
it's really so cute...
they have every band and firetruck in town with a few floats
thrown in for good measure:)
i think next year i'm going to wrap lights around Maui and ride him through town.
he's about as big as a float:)

my sugarplum fairy rode on the Naples Ballet float
so that was really COOL for us!

(this is last year's sugarplum fairy costume...
she's wearing PINK this year:)

on to SHOPPING!
any tips for me?
because i am just not feeling it this year.

 I will probably do much of it online.
guess i better get going!
now i'm not saying this next part because you can order them from
my blog,
but did you know you can order AMAZON.COM gift cards
right here, at the top of my blog?
JUST SAYIN...
seriously, i'm ordering a few cards myself today:)
and i saw this idea which i am SOOOOO doing for next year...
take a plain binder and print out some christmas photos, 2012...
and you have a Christmas idea binder for gifts, decorations you want to try,
recipes...

so...have you been baking?
we haven't...maybe after Nutcracker.
actually, i might just make about 10 batches of my favorite wreath cookies...

 but since i would eat all 10, that might not be a good idea.
i know...cookies made with cornflakes, butter and marshmallows?
hey.  i'm a simple kind of girl:)
but i have to say, if you've never made them...
and if you like rice krispie treats...
you'll LOVE these treats!

last up, let's talk LIGHTS!
i put a few up at my mom's house...

 it looks so cute:)
BUT...it took the WHOLE week to get them to work right!

in the midst of sadness, we managed to crack up over those STUPID lights.
just call me Clark Griswold:)
(but isn't mr. snowman cute?)

i wasn't going to put any up around here...
then last night i had an idea.
as soon as i'm done...and it may take a week...i'll be sure to show you!

are you doing lights?

baking?

shopping much?

watching Christmas tv?

XOXOXOXO

Suzanne

one very proud mama...

 yep, that's me.....

a happy, proud, excited mama of two

very BEAUTIFUL young ladies.....

beautiful inside AND out! 

so what's up in my world?

read on...

but fist, do you hear it?

the song that is playing on my playlist?

(that is, IF you haven't muted it out. haha)

it's the song from The Nutcracker ballet...

and it is called the

"dance of the Sugar Plum fairy".

 guess who the Sugar Plum fairy is in the 

Naples Ballet Nutcracker this coming December?

my sweet ballerina girl Taylor!!!!!!!!

 AND.....that's not all.

she will also dance the role of the grown up Clara!!!!!!!

woo-hoo!

i mean, yee-haw!!!!! :)

here is the Nutcracker poster for this year.

(that's Taylor as the Snow Queen last year:) 

these are the roles EVERY young dancer dreams of dancing someday.

Congratulations Taylor......

you work so hard, bring joy to everyone who watches you dance.....

and i'm a very proud mama!!!

but that's not all!

remember my precious girl Jordan and her swim for MS?

well, she is one inspiring, AMAZING girl.....

 and now i'm not the only one who thinks so.

the Naples Daily News found out about her swim and did a

feature article on her last week.

you can read it by clicking HERE.....

not only has she raised over $1500 so far,

but she has had so many people tell her how she has

INSPIRED them to work for a cause that

is important to them!

there were times this summer she was wiped out from playing tennis,

working on her summer courses,

or we were lazily floating in the Gulf.....

and the last thing she wanted to do was swim laps.

but she knew what she was doing and WHY....to help others....

so she kept swimming.

and you know how i feel.....

i am SO proud of her!

 she started out doing this for ME.....

but ended up helping so many others. 

way to go Jordie!

I love you, my shabby chicks!!!!!

you are wonderful examples of all that is GOOD,

in my life.....and in this WORLD!

i am truly blessed!

XOXOXOXOXO