In 2008...Expect Miracles

I was flipping through the only "real" scrapbook I've ever made the other day. It covers my senior year of high school through what would have been my second year of college if I'd actually been taking classes instead of just loafing around. It's super-retro. Filled with photos glue-sticked onto construction paper, quotes printed out on my roommate's "high-tech" {for the time} printer and random headlines cut out of the newspaper. It's an amazing trip down memory lane. From a crazy time of my life. I went from a high-school kid at the start of the book to a newly engaged 20-year-old kid {yikes!} at the end. It doesn't seem possible to contain so much growing up in a book like that. Of course, I had a lot of growing up yet to do. I still do...

What I like about this book is that it's so Natalie. My sense of humor hasn't changed. {It's still dorky.} The things I value are still the same. {My friends. My family.} The quotes. {Always based in optimism. "Happiness is not a destination, but a way of traveling." "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars."}

And glued on the very last page is the above picture, along with a goofy-grin photo of 20-year-old Natalie. I love it. Always expecting miracles. At age 20. At age 30. All along in between. Hopefully forever!

So for 2008, I wish you miracles. Expect them! They are everywhere! And they're coming. For all of us!

Happy 2008 to you!

On Being a Mama {2007 Rewind}

{Yes, I am wearing a tiara in this photo. What, you don't have one?! Actually, this pic was taken on my birthday and the tiara says "30" on it. I'd say it was a gift, but in truth, I bought it for myself...}

I love being a Mama. I really do. I mean, I have my moments. {Lots of them.} My kids drive me crazy. I need to work on patience and prioritizing. But when it comes down to it, I know that being a mother is a gift - and I'm so grateful for it. Of course, it's my life, 24/7, so I had lots to say about it in 2007. Here's a few of my favorite Mama musings from the past year...

In 2007, Natalie pondered on...

• The many different sides, good and bad, of her kiddies.
• The differences in pretend technology in 2007, verses the 80s.
• The Mama bear instinct.
• Teaching compassion to children.
• Being tough. So our kids will be tough.

Natalie wondered...

• When she was going to get her check for $138,095, the going rate for stay at home moms, apparently.
• If it's possible to find balance. Or if guilt just comes with the territory.
• Why Mama always gets the worst behavior.
• If it really is her job to tell her kids what to do.
• How to get that "soft voice" instead of hollering.
• How to figure out what is a big deal and what is not.

Natalie admitted...

• That's she's a terrible mother.
• That giggling with your kids before bed erases even the worst days.
• That sitting down and enjoying your kids can be difficult to do. {But it's super important.}
• That sometimes her kids have only one "kind and dear" parent.
• That being a mother is the luckiest thing in the world.

Dazzling Me In 2007

I've never been a huge jewelry girl - but I came across lots of things I loved in 2007. Here are some jewelry favorites:

• Dominique Cohen's collection for Target. {Now on sale!}
• Colorful bead necklace from Super Hero Designs.
• Lovely things from Darleen Meier Jewelry {She's also a lovely person - and a dear friend of mine.}
• "Forget Me Knot" Ring.
• Allison Strine's "Whimsical Art that Speaks to Your Heart". {I'm the lucky owner of both the "She Keeps Her Guardian Angel Busy" and "She Loves Being a Mom" pendants.
• The "wear anywhere" link necklace from Laundry. {And believe me, I did!}
• "The Journey Is the Reward" necklace.
• James Avery everything! {The Joy pendant in particular.}
• Recycled typewriter jewelry + Recycled spoon jewelry.
• Custom silver rings from Nelle & Lizzy. I love the Mama rings and think the "Marry Me?" ring is the most delightful thing ever.

2007 Rewind: Chris Edition

Chris had a great 2007! He busied himself as a fantastic Daddy, a super-supportive {& superstar} husband, and all around fun guy. Some highlights:

In 2008, Chris...

• Did little more than wave hello to his girl Ruby as he passed her in the garage. Next year. 2008 will be the year of the VW Bus!
• Spent some quality time with the Cottam boys.
• Won the Austin Ice Cream Eating Contest!
• Caused glee to ensue whenever he came home.
• Outed himself as a shampoo snob.
• Spent countless hours as the Daddy Train.
• Tossed Mason higher into the air than Natalie might like.
• Had 2 kiddies madly in love with him.
• Took his share of quality Sunday naps.

• Scared the crap out of everyone at Halloween.
• Coached Maya's Thunder Sharks soccer team.
• Painted one gigantic Hello Kitty.
• Got his braces off.
• Busted some serious moves at the roller rink.
• Got creative with his snoring.
• Proved himself as a quality husband by cleaning out the refrigerator.
• Did a stellar Axl Rose impression.

Chris has a way of making everyone smile. He's just one of those super-nice, super-cool guys. His kids adore him. And I think he's pretty darn wonderful. I have no doubt Chris will be amusing us all in 2008.

Because I See No Good Reason To Act My Age...

I bring you my favorite funny products of 2007:

• Vintage humor greeting cards {as seen above} from Anne Taintor. These crack me up endlessly.
• Big Feet - footed jammies for grown-ups. {You'd look cute in these!}
• Every every everything from Wry Baby. Especially the wheel of responsibility.
• Lots o' fun things at Fred Flare. Such as the Holly Golightly sleep mask.
• The Notes to Self and Others collection at Rosebud Design Studio.
• A huge pink telephone handset attachment for your cell phone.
• Everything over at Knock Knock - especially their "Self Hurt" book series.
• File Folders for Procrastinators.
• Granny Racers.

{These should keep you laughing all the way thru 2008!}

2007 Rewind: Maya Edition

In 2007, I'd say that Maya didn't change tremendously - she just became even more herself. {If that makes any sense.} Here are some highlights:

In 2007, Maya:

• Was her Mama's fashion icon, here, here, here + here.
• Acted like a crazy-woman here
• Rocked the microphone. And a harmonica. And "You've Got a Friend in Me."
• Was just so purty, here.
• Watched a romantic comedy with robots.
• Swore that she would never, ever kiss a boy.
• Learned to swim. Sort of.
• Had imaginary friends named Shyla Brown and Puber John. {Yowzers.}

• Was finally 100 percent potty trained. Most of the time.
• Cracked her Mama up with her cleverness, here + here.
• Predicted the weather.
• Had a love/hate relationship with an Edwardian Butler.
• Wore more cookie on her face than she ate.
• Hijacked a Cowboy Variety Show.
• Accused her Mama of being cranky all day long.
• Took dance class.
• Went bowling for the first time.
• Had a Breakfast at Tiffany's moment.
• Was shamelessly herself at all times.

• Met her hero, Arthur! What a wonderful kind of day, indeed.
• Had a meltdown at Disneyland.
• Met the Princesses. Then proceeded to become one herself.
• Started preschool.
• Was a sassy, sassy woman. Really sassy.
• Had a makeover.
• Turned 4 and had a huge Hello Kitty luau to celebrate!
• Grew magic lollipops.
• Dressed up as Minnie Mouse for Halloween.
• Was the very definition of exuberance.
• Choosed the right.

This girl is such a blessing to me. She is so unique - so very Maya, and so proud to be herself. I love that she's sure of herself - I don't think failure is an option that has ever occurred to her. I hope she never loses that. I hope she just continues to become more and more Maya.

2007 Was a Sensational Year! {So Says The Queen of Hyperbole}

I love blogging. It’s my spot where I can say whatever I want to say. I can ponder about things that are completely pointless, and on the really worthwhile things. And sometimes people read my blather and give me their feedback. And I love that. I certainly had a lot to say in 2007. Here’s a recap of the things I waxed {not-so} eloquent on in the past year…

In 2007, Natalie wondered:

• Why Cottams aren’t capable of changing lightbulbs in a timely manner.
• Why people are so anxious to put on a happy face when things aren’t so great.
• If the reason she kept such extensive journals in high school was to make her cringe when she re-read them 10 years later. Yikes. {Natalie is happy she’s grown up since then.}
• If that real Natalie is in there somewhere.
• Why toys are so blasted hard to open.

Natalie declared:

• That her religion isn’t just her beliefs – it’s who she is.
• The importance of looking for the blessings in trials.
• That she’s learning to be content with who she is. {Even when she speaks in the third person, which is really annoying.}
• That fluffy clouds help her feel closer to God.
• That sometimes we don’t know why we’re on the path we’re on. Even if we think we know, we’re probably wrong. But not to worry. It will all make sense later.
• That we’re all on a great adventure! And we’re surrounded by miracles!
• That God speaks to all of us in lots of ways. Sometimes through hymns.
• That focusing on the positive is the only way to make any relationship work. Because we’re all annoying in some way or another. {Some of us more than others…}
• That you never know what’s going on behind closed doors. So it’s best to always be as kind and forgiving as possible.
• That you should look for pie in your path. Because there are miracles all around us. {Did I already say that?}
• That putting pen to paper and letting it all out is a lovely and important thing.
• That God has happy endings in mind for all of us. He has other, specific things in mind for us, too.

Natalie pondered on:

• Letting go of our embarrassing moments.
• The fact that we’re all connected and intertwined – that we all have a story that is unique – but the same. And none of us go our way alone.
• The proper use of the snooze button.
• The big picture. And having faith that God sees it even when you don’t.
• Traditions. And what she’s willing to do to keep them going.
• Getting older. And why it’s better than the alternative.
• Priorities. Doing a million different things at once. The good/better/best situation.
• The birth of Jesus Christ. That it really happened. And that we’re beyond grateful for that. {She also felt the Christmas spirit, and not a moment too soon!}

{Thanks for being here thru all of that! And here’s to an even sensational-er 2008!}

2007 Rewind: Mason Edition

This boy has grown like crazy in 2007! Here are some of my favorite pics & posts of my Mason in this past year...

In 2007, Mason:

• Was a champion nap taker.
• Was given terrible nicknames.
• Threw things into the toilet. {And was "proud of his-self, per Maya.}
• Was in love with his blankie {here, here, + here}.
• Had crazy hair {here + here}.
• Made messes with chocolate + popcorn.
• Went on vacation to Estes Park, Colorado.
• Made important phone calls + surfed the web.
• Drove his Mama crazy {here, here, + here with that blasted scream of his}.
• Had his Mama wrapped around his finger {here, here, here, here + here}.
• Ran around buck naked. {Again, proud of his-self.}
• Experienced a Croc miracle.
• Gave his Mama a heart attack.
• Participated in non-Mama approved flying.
• Indulged his sweet-tooth.
• Laughed so hard his head almost exploded.
• Made Daddy proud just by being tall.
• Wore multiple shiners with pride.
• Was Mickey Mouse for Halloween {and adored his Mickey tee}.
• Suffered the indignity of a first haircut.
• Covered himself in poop.

All in all, not a bad year for a 1-year-old! He went from crawling to running at top speed, grunting to "Bye bye, Mama" and "I want BaBa". That boy brings so much joy to my life. I just cannot imagine my world without him in it. I can't wait to see what 2008 will bring for my little boy...

{The terrible 2's, perhaps?}

It's Ain't Easy Being Green

Banana Republic's new arrivals include lots o' gorgeous things in my absolute favorite shade of green. I'm drooling. Of course, I'm going to have to start saving my green if I want to get my hands on any of these lovely green things...

{Banana Republic isn't exactly Target priced, don't you know...although I'm hoping this means that green & navy is the color combo for spring. Which would mean that Target will be in on the fun, too.}

{Get these looks here, here, here & here.}

Mickey On Sale!

We picked these up for Mason's bare walls at the Disney Store today - on sale for $15! He's been standing in his room doing his boogie dance ever since Chris hung them up.

{Is it just me, or are these pics the ultimate illustration of my childrens' dispositions?! I'm just saying...}

Un-Decking My Halls

Is it just me, or is un-decking the halls just as joyous {if not more} than decking them in the first place? Not to be Scrooge-y. Because I love Christmas. Love it! But. The time has come for all of this stuff to be up in my attic and my home needs to return to our version of not-so-normal.

In other news, this house is getting its butt kicked tomorrow. I am serious. Everything will be dumped out and dusted, organized, put away, thrown away, scrubbed down, tidied up etc. etc. I can't wait. This mess is making me nuts. Tomorrow, we clean all day.

{Tomorrow. It's always tomorrow with me, isn't it?! Procrastinate much?}

Christmas Stocking Collection

A highlight of every Christmas for me is the handmade stockings Chris' Mama does for the kids. Each year they're different - and they're always awesome. And we're building up quite a fun collection! Here's what we've got...

Maya's 2003 & 2004

2005 & 2006

2007

Mason's 2006 & 2007

Are those fun, or what? Thanks, Susie!

What's Your Story?

I've been making googly eyes at this Storybook Publisher. Because it's just the sort of thing I would have been in love with as a kid. I was always creating books and newspapers, complete with my terrible shot at illustrations. So the kit: you draw the pictures. You write the words. You send it in. And you get a hardbound book in return! What a fun project!

I don't think Maya is quite ready for this, but it did give me another brainstorm. I'm sure I'm not the only one with stacks of artwork from this year. I love Maya's drawings - they're so Maya. And I'm sure she'd love to have a book of her artwork to look through. Hence, the brainstorm. I think I'll scan some of my favorites, upload them to Shutterfly and make her a fun little book of her 2007 artwork. Because I'm so pleased the has the artist gene...

{Because she didn't get it from me!}

Things I Love Today...

• Horns win the Holiday Bowl! I especially love all of the hullabaloo over "Mack Brown's stepson". Did he touch the ball? Did he?! Either way, Hook 'Em Horns!
• Going to dinner at the Melting Pot with 3 other couples. Which meant 3 fondue burners. Which meant 3 cheeses {cheddar, artichoke + spinach & swiss} and 3 chocolates {peanut butter + chocolate, milk chocolate + white chocolate & "flaming turtle"}. Mmm mmm mmm. {Birthday shout out to Naomi! Thanks for the fun.}
• Target still has some Chocolate Mint Milk. So the holidays can go on a little bit longer...
• Maya loves her tire swing! Whee! I love her enthusiasm.
• Looking back on 2007. {I've been compiling my Best of 2007 List - to debut in the next few days...}
• Rewatching some Arrested Development DVDs. And it just gets funnier the more I watch it.
• Free ice cream cones at Jason's Deli.
• Feeling like a teenager working at the mall again when I came across the Smashing Pumpkins song "Christmastime" today. I made the kids listen to it over and over and over. Then I realized...um...that I have kids. And I'm in my 30s now. Eeks! How did that happen?

Things I don't love so much...

• My house. Still a mess. HUGE mess.
• Voice. Still gone. Although I do sound rather sultry...
• Mama goes in for round #2 of foot surgery tomorrow. Not a life or death thing, luckily, but say an extra prayer for her just in case, won't you?

I See Custom Fortune Cookies In Your Future

Wouldn't these giant {or regular-sized} fortune cookies be great fun for a New Year's party? They even come with your personalized fortunes tucked inside. I can think of a million fun ways to use these...as New Year's party favors with "All of your dreams will come true in 2008" inside. To announce a pregnancy: "I predict you will become a father in approximately 9 months.". Or how about a really unique proposal? Cracking up a gigantic cookie and finding "Marry me?" inside would be pretty darn cool. Or a fun birthday gift - who wouldn't want a pile of cookies with thoughtful predictions inside?

The giant cookies start at around $18 bucks, or get a dozen regular-sized cookies starting under $10 bucks!

{I predict you will love them...}

Giddy Over: Marker Apron

Chris' Mom is the most clever lady. She can really whip up anything on that sewing machine of hers. {I really need her to teach me some lessons...} This year she made Maya a marker apron {similar to, but better than the crayon apron I blogged about a while back...}.

How cool is that? She's got all the colors at her finger-tips, + 2 huge side pockets for scissors, glue-stick, stuffed animals - you name it! This is bound to become the ultimate Maya accessory. I just love it.

Spoiled!

Thought I'd do a round-up of my Christmas haul - I'm such a lucky girl!

First, a side-note. Silly to/from tags are Mason tradition. And no one has embraced it more than the in-laws. Chris is downright masterful with his. For example, a new pair of jammies were marked "To: Sleep In Girl, From: Get Up Early Boy". His silliest one was "To: NBC, From: Michael Scott". Because my initials are NBC and The Office airs on NBC, I guess. I always use my brother's most hated nicknames, so that they have to 'fess up to them in order to get their gifts. "To Stir Pee. Anyone here go by Stir Pee? Oh, too bad. Guess I'll keep this gift for myself." My sister-in-law Tara is rather good at it, too. Chris' gift card to Ritz Camera was "To: The Brack, From: The Paparazzi". It's silly but fun. Anyway, on to the gifts...

From my hubby...

• Not one, but 2 polka dot dresses. {Yes 2! A girl can never have to many polka dots in her wardrobe!}
• Silky, stripey jammies
• New iPod adaptor {My old one is kaput!}
• Target $$$
• A sweater...that I returned. As long as we've been married we should know not to shop clothes for one another. Neither of us can ever get it right... It's nice that he tries, though.
• The "She Keeps Her Guardian Angel Busy" necklace
• My self-bought gifts - plates, journal & crazy stripe sweater

From my Mama & Daddy

• Butt kicking boots. Tall, black patent leather pointy toes. They ROCK!
• The Erin Featherston heart coat
• Flannel jammies
• A new hoodie for my collection {this is the year of the hoodie!}
• A tool set {!}
• A big ol' box of See's candy
• The "She Loves Being a Mom" necklace
• + lots of other random items - they're big-time spoilers, those 2!

Not to mention an adorable Santa apron that Chris' Mama made {Maya got one, too!}, + a very cool mantle clock from Chris' parents, Target $$ from my brother Chris & his fam', Mad Libs + a Low CD from my brother Matt...etc, etc. etc. I feel so spoiled, really. And I just love all my gifts.

{Thanks, guys!}

Good News + Happy Endings

Today has been a day filled with good news. Man, I love days like that. I got a phone message from a friend telling me she wanted to "chat with me for a sec", very elusive. I had my fingers crossed for good news. And indeed. Good news. She is engaged. She's one of my many friends who has recently gone through some tough stuff. The end of a 10-year relationship that had been going nowhere for quite a while. In fact, the end was more of a relief than something painful. A new chapter, finally beginning. And it has been a whirlwind. Right off the bat, she met the man of her dreams, really and truly the one she'd been searching for. They're perfect together. She's giddy in love. And now they're getting married. I'm so, so thrilled for her.

And in the mail. Two Christmas letters bearing good news. One friend whose wedding I attended about 4 years ago sent word that she and her husband had been sealed in the LDS temple. {Mormon temple weddings are "sealed" for eternity, not "'til death"; if you don't do it that way to begin with, you can go back and have it done later.} I'm so happy for her. What a blessing to be able to be with your spouse not only in this life, but in the next life, too.

And then. More good news from a former neighbor. We moved in next door to one another within a month of each other. She was my age, and a single Mama, recently divorced. I was not yet a Mama, struggling to get pregnant with the future Miss Maya. We spent a lot of time talking. I so admired her. She was a school teacher, the president of the Young Women youth organization at our church congregation, and an amazing Mama. I never understood how she did it all. A year or 2 after we moved, she remarried. And this year, their Christmas card included the announcement of a brand new baby boy, born just this month. I love it. I just love it when things work out for the best. {Which, in time, they always seem to...}

All of this happiness brings to mind one of my favorite sayings: "Everything is okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." I think back on that quote any time I'm struggling with this or that. If it's not okay - I don't need to worry about it. In the end, it will all be okay. And seeing my friends pass through trials and come out the other end all the better for it, and so much happier just reaffirms my faith in God. Faith that He truly is watching over each and every one of us, guiding each of us along our path to the things that are best for each of us. He has happy endings in mind for all of us!

{This Irene Suchocki print is titled "The Future Begins Now", which I think is absolutely perfect. We all pass through those "narrow passages" or those trying times, and then, suddenly, we're at the end, into the great wide open, beginning the next stage - the future. As always, her work amazes me.}

Christmas Hangover

I know I'm not the only one this happens to. The weeks leading up to Christmas are like a marathon. You go and go and go, trying to get everything done that needs to be done. You eat little more than candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner for days at a time. You don't sleep nearly as much as you should. Then you relax for one day, and boom - you're sick! It happens to me every year, my Christmas cold. Of course, it is just a cold, nothing major, nothing to fret about. It's just sort of annoying.

And. I have little motivation to get off the couch. And by "little" I mean yes, I made it out to Target today. But the grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning up this mess - well, that ain't gonna happen! Instead, I'll be laying on the couch finishing up the Christmas candy. Because it's "feed a cold", right? And there's not a vegetable to be found in this house. At least not until I get up off this couch and get my biscuit to the grocery store.

Later. I'll do it later.

Christmas Day Fun...

All the gift unwrapping and eating eating eating was followed up by some marathon karaoke sessions {after which I am almost 100 percent hoarse today...for real!}. I was thrilled that I even got my Mama and my sister in law Tara to take the mic. The latest converts to the church of karaoke. How it pleases me! :) And Chris and I found a couple of new songs to duet on...can't wait to debut those on our next karaoke night out!

We got my Dad the domino race set as his gift, and he and the kids had quite a blast setting that thing up and knocking it down over and over and over...

We also went down to the park for a while. Because no matter how many new toys they have to play with, my kids cannot stand to be cooped up inside all day. My Daddy & I took a turn on the swings and were seasick for the rest of the day. Man, getting older can be a bummer sometimes!

Tents & Tire Swings

We were, each and every one of us, extremely spoiled by Santa Claus & our lovely families this Christmas! Mercy me. The generosity + thoughtfulness always blows me away. For the kids, the big hits were the tents & tire swings. They both got one of each - Cars play tent/sleeping bag + a longhorn tire swing for Masey & a Princess play tent/sleeping bag + a horse tire swing for Maya. When they weren't on their swings, they were in their tents. And best of all, I think both gifts have some staying power, and they'll be playing with them the whole year thru... {I hope!}

Gloria In Excelsis Deo!

Last year in her Christmas letter, my friend Juila wrote the most wonderful, beautiful words about the role of Jesus Christ in her life. I could never say it so eloquently, but I agree enthusiastically and wholeheartedly with her, and am thankful to be able to share her inspiring words with you this Christmas...

"We are grateful for Jesus Christ, whose birth still inspires love and good will 2000 years later, which is pretty impressive. His birth, life, death and resurrection inspire us and are foundational to our lives. To say we are grateful is an understatement. We praise and worship Him with all our hearts and want you to know that he is the source of joy, light, love, peace, direction, vision, understanding, progression and everything good in our lives. Gloria in Excelsis Deo!"

~ Julia Bernards

{Indeed, Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Merry, merry Christmas! Peace on Earth, good will to men. And all that good stuff...}

{Art by Morgan Weistling.}

"Dear Santa..."

Our letter to Santa, as told to me by Maya, reads...

Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl this month {& year!}. I've helped my Mom. I've left carrots out for your reindeer, and I've left you some cookies & treats.

Have a safe trip getting to Austin, Texas. Say hello to Rudolph and Clairlese, and bring them into my room. I want to wake up and see them.

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas, Santa!

Love,

Mom, Maya, Mason & Dad

Christmas Eve-stravaganza 2007

{Anyone care to guess which of the 11 of us refused to smile?! Grrr!}

We spent Christmas Eve grubbing down like crazy people. The spread was rather amazing - and tasty! Of course, every Christmas Eve we have the pajama race - new PJ's for everyone and a race to see who can change the quickest {plus free peepshow from my Mama, who can't be bothered to leave the room to change and still loses every time!}. Maya won for the kids, Chris won for the boys and I won for the girls. Okay, so there is no girls/boys categories, but whatever. The point is that Cottams are FAST! Maya & I got matching panda jammies, Tara got sock monkeys, Mama got pink flamingos, the little boys all got cowboy jammies, and the big boys got Austin-ish tees and fleece pants. Oh, and my brother Matt got a bonus pair of "suit up's" as we call them, feetie-jammies, blanket sleepers, whatever. My oh my, how funny he looked lounging around in them. He's hilarious.

We like to follow up the pajama race with a lil' sing-along around the piano. Always a favorite of mine! And we finish up with the Christmas story, told by the light of the Christmas tree by my Daddy...

{"And in those days..." You know the one...}

It Really Happened...

Something that struck my mind & heart at some point in our Church Christmas program today was that all of this...the miraculous conception, the birth in a barn, the manger for a bed, the new star in the sky, the perfect life, the atonement for the sins of all mankind, the death and resurrection...really happened. It's not just a great story {although it is a great story!}. It really and truly happened, to real people. Yes, a long time ago. But it really happened. A poor, pregnant woman really did have to give birth in a barn. Jesus Christ really did live a perfect life, never committing sin. And he really did give up his life for us. And then the best part - he really was resurrected and lives again. Really. It really happened. Wow. And because of that, all things are possible.

I love this scripture in 2 Peter 1:16:

"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. "

In other words, these are not just neat stories that we're telling you. They're real. And although I'm not a eyewitness, like Peter was, I am a witness - because I do have faith that it's real - and it really happened.

And with that, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

{Picture via Del Parson.}

Merry Christmas To Me!

Chris cleaned out the refrigerator for me! {And it was really quite a mess, if I do say so myself...} He even took the shelves and drawers out and washed them, threw out all the gross stuff and organized it from top to bottom.

I'll say this about Chris: he knows the way to my heart. He's a good man, for sure!

Also. Quite handsome.

Christmas Sunday

We tried our best to get a family snapshot with us all gussied up for Christmas Sunday. I'm not sure which, if any, is workable...

Option 1 isn't bad, aside from the blankies. Option 2 is even worse, blankie-wise. We ditched the blankies for Option 3, which features despondent Maya {"Why oh why are they doing this to me?!"}. In Option 4, I'd offered them candy, but we have fingers-in-mouth {Mason} and a very sad girl {guess who?}. Option 5 has the best smiles from Chris, Mason & I, and the best shot of Maya's red sparkle shoes. Of course, I like Option 6, where I've done a little cropping. Smiles all around!

Luckily, Chris captured a few smiles from Maya {and a weird look from Mason} out in the yard.

Note to kids: we will continue doing this every Sunday until you cooperate. Or until I lose my marbles completely.

Whichever comes first...

Last Minute Do-Gooding

Here's a site worth falling in love with: OxFam America Unwrapped. The gist? Browse through their selection of "gifts" for people in 26 developing countries around the globe. Things like a pair of school uniforms {$20}, irrigation for a farmer's land for 2 months {$20}, a sheep {$45}, or a dozen chicks {$40}.

In reality, a sheep or chicks won't actually be delivered on your behalf. Instead, the items represent the sort of things the money is used for - and your money is used for whatever need is greatest at the time of your purchase.

But what a great way to make a difference. And a great gift for the person that truly has everything and doesn't want anything else. Browse through the gifts and find something that is near and dear to their heart. You can even send an e-card, if you're pressed for time.

The best part is that there's opportunities for giving at any level. From $18 mosquito nets to planting 100 trees for $60 all the way up to a house on stilts for $10,o00. I really like the fact that even though I can't do everything, I can do something. That's something I want to teach my kids. Every little bit helps...and even I can make a difference.

Once Upon A Time In The Wal Mart Parking Lot...

...a bird pooped on my head. Yes, that would be today. Now that's a Merry Christmas to me, is it not? Mercy. I have to say, I've never been pooped on by a bird before. {I have, sadly, been pooped on by human children more times than I care to remember...}

It happened just as I was returning my cart. There were birds everywhere, and suddenly, PLOP. Nice. "I think a bird just pooped on my head", I shrieked to the guys rounding up the carts. After assuring them I was serious, one of them took a look and verified that I had, indeed, been pooped on. Then the other one asked if he could look. "You can clean it off", I replied, handing him a baby wipe. And he did. What a nice guy.

I ran next door to have dinner with my parents on their anniversary, and when I returned to my car, the same guys were back again, collecting carts. "Are you back for more?" they asked. I warned them that they were next! And we had a good laugh. Then I dug $2 bucks, the only cash I had, out of my pocket and gave it to the one that cleaned me up with my apologies that I couldn't thank him more appropriately {didn't have a tin of popcorn on me, Mama!}.

So the good thing about being pooped on is that I realized again that I really, really like people. Really. Most people. These funny guys that would normally be nameless and faceless to me are now real people that I shared a laugh with. That were kind enough to clean poop off my head. Because, really, most people are pretty cool.

{The other good thing? It was pretty funny. And I'm all for funny, even if it means that I have to shower twice in one day. Turns out such a thing won't kill you...}

{Photo via.}

Holiday Menus {The Secret Ingredient Is Resentment}

{Shout out to Sharla for that line. It's been cracking me up all week & I've been dying to use it...}

Our Christmas Eve tradition is to do a big ol' buffet of our favorite party appetizers and treats and just graze all afternoon and evening. Everyone pitches in with something. And it's always delicious. Here's what I'm bringing...

Milk Chocolate Fondue

I'll be using the good ol' Betty Crocker recipe: 2/3 cup half & half + 1 bag milk chocolate chips + a tablespoon or so of vanilla. Melt & serve. For dipping, we'll have pineapple, strawberries, bananas, pretzel rods, pound cake and brownies. Mmmm. Always a favorite.

Saltine Toffee

Ooh, this is such a guilty pleasure. Get the recipe here...

Shrimp Cocktail

I usually swing by Whole Foods for the big ol' shrimp + a good cocktail sauce with a kick!

Sausage Balls

From the Holiday Cookbook, courtesy of my cousin Rebecca...

Combine 1 1/2 cups Bisquick + 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese + 1 pound fresh ground pork sausage. Mix by hand; roll into walnut-sized balls & bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes.

Chris is in charge of the stuffed mushrooms, but I don't have a killer recipe for this. Anyone care to share?

As for Christmas day, I'm in charge of my same ol', same ol' - rolls, sweet potatoes & creamed corn. Mmmm. I can't wait for the overindulgence to begin...