It's Christmas...

This is such a wonderful time of year. I find myself feeling reflective as I wrap my last minute gifts and make a few last minute goodies.
My life has always been blessed. Even now, during a particularly difficult time, I am being blessed.

 Consequently, I find myself hoping that what I have accomplished this year is enough; that it is acceptable to the Lord.
I look forward to spending some time reviewing last years goals and setting some new ones.
What are you aiming to accomplish in 2010?

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. 

And "may your days be merry and bright".

See you next year!

Joy.

the emotion of great delight or happiness 

caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; 

keen pleasure; elation

 Find this definition here.

What brings YOU joy?

Not just at this joyful time of year, but all year through.

What brings ME joy?

Going by the definition I gave above,

the exceptionally good or satisfying things in my life are:

My knowledge that God is my Heavenly Father and that his Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior.
The words from my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night, say it beautifully.

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!

The hope that comes from the knowledge that my family, your family, can be together forever.

My sweet husband and daughter. 
The joy these two bring me is something that can't be put into words.

The beauty of the Earth.

Reading a good book. I recommend this one to you. It is a daily read for me.

Hearing beautiful music fills my soul. That might be one of the main reasons I love Christmas. And Easter. And the 4th of July. And even Thanksgiving. The music is inspiring!

My strong, although overweight, body. I am healthy. My body does what I want it to, when I want it to. No major injuries or diseases. What a blessing!

Now, pass me the peppermint bark from Costco!

So, as I asked above, what brings YOU joy? What fills your soul and is exceptionally good or satisfying in your life?

Please share!

Let's inspire each other!

For a free Christmas movie, one that brings me JOY, click here. Consider it my gift to you. Merry Christmas.

Hottest 2009 Christmas Toy: Zhu-Zhu Pets

I have been aware of the Zhu-Zhu Pets phenomenon for only a little while now. Because I have yet to see one live and in person, I am still trying to understand the draw to them. Each character is kinda cute, but still imitating a rodent, in my honest 'rodent disliking' opinion.

I looked at Pipsqueak. I looked at NumNums. I looked at Chunk. I looked at Squiggles. I looked at Patches.

All rodents.

Now, if your kids are wanting a pet and you are hesitant to oblige, these guys would fit the bill. They are artificially intelligent creatures that talk and move around in their little playsets. You would definitely save on food, care and replacement (hamsters tend to die).

BUT....

What's all the fuss about? Why are they SOLD OUT in every store, even online? Did you know, they even have their own blog?!

What did I miss?

The real question, Zhu Zhu Pets aside, is what drives these things? Who decided this toy would be the must-have this season?

Wish List Meme

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

•  iLife 09
• Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom lotions, sprays, perfumes
• a new pair of cute shoes (love the Zebra stripe bow flats at Boden)
  
• a necklace by r house couture (also supports a GREAT cause)
• two date nights a month for an entire YEAR! (we struggle with this one)
  

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

• a lovely quilt by my mother-in-law
  

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

• a shadow box
  

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

• my 10-speed bike
  

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

• a jump rope
• the Disney movie Up 
• "The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton
• a kite
• Candy Land
• Mrs. Goodbee Interactive Dollhouse
  

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

• my family makes a dip we call Christmas Dip. It's a mix of cream cheese, green bell peppers, pimentos, and a blend of seasonings. You eat with Townhouse cackers. It's a FAVORITE!
  

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

• an Olivia quilt (with the help of my Mom)
  

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  

9. Favorite holiday song?

• Oh Holy Night (this is an amazing performance by Josh Groban)
  

10. Favorite holiday pastime?

• Hands down, my favorite thing to do during the holidays is sit around by the light of the Christmas tree and talk with my family.

This was a fun meme to participate in! I would like to tag Becca I. and Kamie A. to join in the fun! Pass along the holiday cheer ladies!