Where Have I Been? What Have I Been Doing?

The Ballerina Tree in my Sitting Room

The Strawberry Shortcake Tree

The vintage Santa Tree

The HUGE tree in the living room.

All of my trees look SO much better in real life. It's very difficult to take a decent picture with my digital camera and capture how pretty they are. I tried to take this one with the lights on.

(The picture is of me with my Uncle Lawrence. I really consider him my grandfather, more than an uncle.)

Let's see... I traveled to Parkersburg to see my family. That was a great time. I miss my family so much and it was really cool to hang out with them. My mother, sister, and myself made our annual bargain hunting pilgrimage on Black Friday. At Ollie's, I scored a TON of K&Company embellishments for $1 per pack. I also went to the Crafts2000 store. Do you live near a Crafts2000? It's a fantasticly huge crafts store with incredibly great prices. I can't post about what I purchased there because most of my purchases were Christmas gifts. ;)

..... which brings me to the next thing that's been keeping me busy. The Christmas holiday seemed to creep up on me this year. Last weekend, I found myself doing everything that I would normallys spend two to three weeks doing. I cleaned the entire house, decorated, went shopping, attended two holiday parties, wrapped gifts, put up four Christmas trees (yes, I'm nuts!), and hosted a big dinner party at my house. ALL OF THAT IN ONE WEEKEND. Whew.

..... Then there is work. For anyone who is reading and doesn't know, I'm a middle school teacher. I have been staying after school until 4 or 5 p.m. every night just to get everything finished. I'm teaching a new program this year, and although I love it, it's kickin' my booty. So, by the time I come home, change clothes, make dinner, do a load of laundry, wash the dishes, read the mail, and return my phone messages, it's time to go to bed.

This week, my church held an indoor rummage sale to benefit missions. It was a great success and I volunteered to help all three evenings (4:30-8:30 p.m.). Although I had a great time, I think I over extended myself just a bit *hee hee*

I haven't made a card or scrapbook page in over a month.

Now, I'm not whining about it. My life has just been full of other things lately. There are times when I have to put papercrafting to the side and focus on other aspects of my life wholeheartedly. My cardstock and ribbon will be waiting for me when I'm willing and able. :)

In fact, I've spent a lot of time reading The Bible, memorizing scriptures, praying, writing in my prayer journal, and generally growing in my relationship with The Lord. I've seen many prayers answered in this past month for family and friends.

Tonight, before I slumber, I hope to make two cards for friends that are going through rough times right now. Although my blog has been a total snore fest for the past few weeks, I hope that you'll check back for pictures of those cards.

May you simplify the season and remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON.
Love to all!