Hi!! I am so excited about this time of year! Even though all my children are grown and I still am feeling that empty nest syndrome --which I don't think I will ever get over --- I LOVE this time of year with all the excitement! Especially the MUSIC! I love it when they start playing Christmas music. Doesn't it just put you in the mood and take you right back to your childhood. I remember growing up when it seemed there was a Santa Clause on every corner in our downtown. Now we don't shop in downtown any longer...just shopping malls and it doesn't seem as exciting as walking the streets of the city with all the lights where the Santa's were ringing big bells and in the BIG stores children were lined up just waiting to sit on his lap. Of course, that isn't the real reason we are to celebrate Christmas because it is Jesus Birthday. Even though this "Free Chart" I have done for you does have a Santa Clause on it....please remember the true meaning of what this season is all about and what we are truly celebrating....the Birth of our Lord. Without Him we wouldn't be able to give those wonderful presents to our loved ones and friends or have any wonderful things. So as the season approaches, I hope you will take time to step back and not get caught up so much this year in what you can spend on each other but more in what you can give from you heart. Those things that are truly remembered. For memories are really one of the only things we can call our own.

Be Blessed as Always,

Nancy

Hi,

Is everybody getting ready for Thanksgiving! Well, I know everyone isn't because lots of you aren't from America but if you are...then you are thinking about what you are going to do for dinner in the next couple of weeks and who you will be eating with and where and what and all that good stuff! Trying to please everyone is a chore sometimes especially in this day with blending families. I know we have that in our household. Not that it is a problem but it is just trying to arrange the dinner(s) so that it doesn't interfere with everyone else's dinner(s) and especially since the children are grown and all have their own families and such. WOW...is that enough to make you tired without even cooking and cleaning...just thinking about it!!! lol We have 5 children...my husband had 2 when we got married and I had 3 so we are blending!!! Now we have 6 grandchildren.... WE LOVE them all and they are all wonderful! We have a house full here and I absolutely am in heaven when they are all here....I wouldn't have it any other way! I only wish they would stay longer when they are here. I get soooo excited before they get here I can hardly stand myself. Is that silly or what and they all live in town and I see them all the time! You would think they had come from far away. I just love it when they are all here. I think I still have empty nest syndrome to tell you the truth. I tell my husband that all the time. There is nothing like having children around....big or small to keep you alive! Anyway, I LOVE this time of year...it just seems to bring life back into people, don't you think? I hope you are taking this time of year to really think about all the wonderful things you DO have to be thankful for....we are SOOOO blessed! You know, regardless of how bad things are in our lives sometimes....if we look around, there is always someone that has it worse and we can be thankful that we are who we are and where we are and that the Lord has given us what we have. Because things could be worse for us. The most important thing in this life is family....love yours today.

I have a little sampler for Thanksgiving to give you called "Give Thanks"....hope you enjoy! Governor Bradford celebrated the first harvest in 1621 -the first Thanksgiving for the Pilgrims. Please add your own initials anywhere you please.

Be blessed as always and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

God Bless You Always,

Nancy

Hi!

Hope everyone is doing well!! I cannot believe it is already November...only 51 days til Christmas!!! WOW....have you started your shopping. Some of you are probably so organized that you are already through. I have bought ONE present. I guess that means I have begun....hehe I have a LONG way to go with 5 children and 6 grandchildren and their spouses and such! On me...it will get done because I LOVE this time of year. But not because of all the presents but because of who's birthday we are celebrating!! Our Lords. With all the hustle and bustle it is so easy to get busy cooking, cleaning, decorating and doing all the really fun things and not so fun things around this time of year but still forget from Thanksgiving til Christmas what we are really supposed to be grateful for. Not only our great Nation and all we have here...even though we are going through a hard time right now...somehow, with the Lord's help, our Nation will overcome. We need we get on our knees and thank the Lord for what we do have! Just look around...you will see. It isn't that far away from you. Blessings are everywhere....you just have to open your eyes and see them.

Here is a Free Chart for you....."Good Tidings Mini Christmas Sampler". I hope you enjoy it. I will have more later...Do come back soon.

Be blessed,

Nancy