Christmas Eve

OK I have achieved my first goal to blog 24 days. Christmas night we leave on a trip of a lifetime. It comes with some disappointment, though. My mom who was instrumental in planning this trip has bronchitis will not be joining us as planned. I am not feeling right about this but there is nothing I can do. I did take her to the doctors and I'll bring food over, but the feeling of missing her on this trip is heavy on my mind.
The trip will be wonderful for my immediate family. I will miss blogging, I am addicted after 24 days straight. I am also addicted to making those smilebox videos---they are fun to make. Anyway, I am hosting my first giveaway, Please leave a comment of a guess where my family and I are on vacation. One lucky winner will receive a set of postcards of my favorite artwork of the museums I visit. That is a hint. I am thanking my mom and all the lucky stars up there for this wonderful adventure. Wishing you all wonderful adventures this holiday season!!!! See you next year!!!! I can't wait to show you my inspiration board full of my new souvenirs.

Hope--Merry Christmas Baby

This was our view of Springsteen this summer. I was lucky to share the experience with my children. Last night we were in the 20th row-----Yes, Glen you did good.
Not too much insight here as far as hope goes. It went like this......It is called the Hope Concert. I love Bon Jovi. Southside Johnny and Bobby Bandiera, but is Springsteen goiing to show up.......I HOPE ao. Glen made me so happy buying these tickets. He kept on saying what could be better.....all the proceeds go to charity. I know but is Springsteen going to show up?????? I feel a little guilty about this, but in High School I used to think the same way. I never could afford or have the timing to get a Springsteen ticket. Last night though as the show went on it was bringing back all those memories. Tim Mcloone ended his set with "Your love keeps lifting me". I saw Springsteen perform that song in the same theatre 30 years ago. He dedicated the song to the audience. By the end of the song he was on top of the piano.....It still to this day the best performance I have ever seen in my whole life.....Last night came real close to that night.
All the performers were in the Christmas spirit. Southside and Bon Jovi sang three songs each.....Southside sang "I don't want to go home" very early.........Should we bring out the big man?????????????more teasing............the crowd sounds like they are booing.....no they are yelling..............Bruce!!!!!!!!!!!!He doesn't disappoint. Out he comes and sings "Tenth Avenue Freezeout" My most favorite Springsteen song.....made me feel like it was 30 years ago (now that's a gift). Then he sang Santa Claus is coming to town and Merry Christmas Baby. The encore was everyone on stage singing "We're having a party"!!!!!!!!!! In my wildest dreams when I think back to High School I felt I was in a place,,,,,,maybe the best place on earth at the time. I never thought 30 years later I would have that same feeling again. There is nothing I have ever experienced as all of those great peformers on stage at the same time..............especially the horn players...........they are the best.

Christmas Cheer

Here is a toast of Christmas Cheer to you all. May you take the time to really enjoy this beautiful season. I think sometimes just that thought might take the most effort this year. I really appreciate this opportunity to share my life with you all. My life is not picture perfect--it is a roller coaster. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful things that happened this season. I also know these blogs are edited and I try to stay on a positive note. My biggest wish for you this holiday season is serenity, peace and joy!

Zandra's Cookie Swap

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Good Things

     Lots of good things happening here in the Gray household--too much to even start to go into on the internet.  Christmas is 5 days away.  We are all in the Christmas Spirit here.  I have my cookie swap tonight.  My husband said if I made veal parmesan for dinner he would make shortbread for my swap.......I said DEAL!!!!  

     Last night I bid on something on ebay for the first time.  I don't know why it took me so long.  When we get back from out trip I want to list some things to sell and give it shot.  I always thought this time of year went so fast because I had to work 6 days a week before Christmas.  That would normally give me 3 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get my errands done let alone rest.   Well..............this has gone so so fast every day it seems like I have a ton to do and I haven't done laundry in 5 days.   Can't blame work anymore---nope It is just the way it is--I guess.

Day 19

     I went to pick up ornaments from a Craft Show I was in.  I sold about 26 ornaments.  I am happy with attempting something I have always wanted to do.  I would like to give it a try again next year.   Most of all, it was nice to hear positive feedback.  When you are used to working, you really do miss customers who could really make your day by being appreciative.  I just have to figure out what to make year round that people will buy.  Many mornings I wake up with ideas.     

     I am caught up with my 24 days of Christmas journal.  I also finished a cookbook of recipes from a cookie swap I go to every year.  I'll share pictures later, since I don't want pictures of the book in my book.  Does that make sense????  For the first time I am having trouble posting.  Lately I have been posting when I wake up.  I am going to have to go back to that.

Look what I made....

     I started thinking about making this wreath probably about 10 years ago.  Where I worked started to sell Radko ornaments.  I love the whole idea of how Christopher Radko started to make ornaments in Europe again.  I was able to get them at a pretty good price with my employee discount, but it still was a big investment for me.  I remember getting the Madonna ornament and I really couldn't afford it at that time.  Then one Christmas it broke.  I took special care with these ornaments.  I couldn't throw it away.  Last year at the after Christmas sale I purchased the wreath 75% off.  When I put all the ornaments away last year I pulled all the blue ornaments together.  I have looked at the bowl or ornaments and wreath thinking all you have to do is just glue it together......just do it.  So, the night before last I finally finished with it.  I love the way it turned out.  I hope it can take the wear and tear of the front door.

     Kaylyn's holiday concert was beautiful, full of Holiday Spirit.  Her friend that took her to her Junior Prom last year sang the most touching "Ave Maria" I have ever heard.  All the alumni join the chorus for Messiah Hallelujah.  It is my best Christmas gift.......I really don't need anything else but that night.  These are beautiful moments and times in our life I will cherish always.

Momma gonna make some shortbread shortbread

     This my husband's mother's recipe for shortbread:

Kay's Shortbread

1 cup soft butter

2/3 cup super fine deluxe sugar

2 1/2 cup sifted flour

In a bowl cream the butter and gradually add sugar until the sugar is disolved.

Work in flour gradually until mixture is crumbly.  Divide mixture into 2 8x8x2

cake or pie pans.  Pat down firmly.  Flute the edges with a fork and divide each

pan into 16 wedges with a knife.  Bake at 300' for 45 minutes or until golden

brown.  Recut wedges and let cool in pan.

    This is a great tradition in our house.   Glen made the batch pictured.  I have to

make some more for tonight's holiday chorus concert.  Our favorite tradition is to

fill a tin of shortbread.  We all jump into the car.  Crank up the Christmas music

on the radio.  Sing along and look at the Christmas lights and pass around the 

shortbread.

Jazz to the World

     Last night the Manasquan Jazz Band played in Convention Hall in Asbury Park.  Luckily it was a warm night.  It was a beautiful night.  Asbury Park is in the beginning stages of a revival.  So, it looked good, but there really wasn't many people there to enjoy it, mainly parents.  They sounded great and it was a really beautiful setting.  

     Today I plan on baking and crafting.  Tomorrow I should have pictures of how my album has been coming along.  It really makes for an easy goal.  The 24 days of Christmas is fun to keep track of because there always seems to be something happening.

Breathe

     OK just finished the cards.....Meaning I was able to take a picture yesterday.  So far home for the holidays means to me.....realizing again work isn't such a bad thing.  I have this fantasy of finishing all of these piles in my home.  I'll be caught up with laundry, finish Christmas cards so I don't feel pressured, organize photographs, cook and bake and enjoy it, and finally not have a dirty toilet.  Well, I have been home for 2 months and it still is a huge effort to keep on top of things around here.  I really have a hard time with this.  I actually can't wait to come home from our trip and find a full time job.  It has been a blessing to be able to attend all of the functions for the kids, but I still have that rushed feeling.  I think I'm getting old.  It seems no matter what there is just not enough time in the day.  So, I will appreciate getting some tasks done around here.  I am going to take a deep breath.....and see if I feel any more caught up tomorrow.

Why is the snowman smiling in the last post?

     I told Kaylyn and Ian yesterday if they didn't pose for a picture I would send this one out and they said OK----Wish me luck getting a picture today.
    Yesterday Mrs Snowman was smiling because her husband made scalloped potatoes for dinner...mmmmm.  Today she is smiling because she read that comment from Wendy which made her day.  Yes, I am the same Geralyn Gray.  Believe it or not there is someone by the same name in my doctor's office.  They have gotten our files mixed up a couple of times.  I hope Wendy we keep in touch and my family out in Seattle can share in our lives through this blog world.  The blog world  is remarkable!!!!!

     Today we are off to Ocean Grove a local historical town.  It will be nice to share the day with my children and husband.  I hope this happens because my husband and son just ran out the door for a fire call.  Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.

The thirteenth day of Christmas

OK--I said that the Nativity set was my favorite decoration.  This one is my favorite, too.  It is a lifesize snowman.  I had it on our porch, but with this weather it kept blowing down.   I remember one Christmas telling my daughter I liked this decoration.  She must have told Santa because that Christmas it was next to our Christmas tree.  I love when Santa listens to my wishes.  The sugar houses I started collecting last year.  I didn't realize how many I found this year, but I have a pretty good collection already.  Some are vintage and my best buy was a small vintage one for $3.00.  The tree was an engagement gift which after being married for 26 years I guess I could call it vintage.  Two different people made me trees for an engagement gift.  They mean the world to me, I know how much time goes into making something like that and when I put it out each Christmas I think of them.

     I don't have any pictures of a Christmas tree, because of traveling we decided not to put one up.  I do miss our long decision when we go out for the search for the perfect tree,  I miss the smell,  I miss plugging it in every night.  It is definitely worth it, though.  This trip is a dream come true.  I have to go work on Christmas cards.  

Serene Scene

     I sat next to here to post yesterday.  Yes, it creates a nice relaxing atmosphere.  I can't believe Christmas is two weeks away.   Tonight I will try to sit in that nice relaxing

spot and get my Christmas Cards going.  I can't get my two children together to take a picture.  I wanted to use the homecoming picture, but I'm not too good making copies from my computer, and they have red eye.  After sending Christmas picture cards out for every Christmas for the last 17 years,  I wonder what I'll send out next year.

     The nativity set on my mantle is my most favorite Christmas decoration.  About 24 years ago my father in law had won the set in a raffle and he gave the set to me.  I was really touched that he gave it to me.  He passed away about 23 years ago.  It's hard to think about it.  He passed away shortly after Halloween and I remember getting out all the thank you notes was hard to do.  By the time I got to sending Christmas cards out I just couldn't do it.  I just felt like who was I to wish anyone a Merry Christmas this year---I felt so rotten and sad---which overtook the feeling of guilt.  It was the only year since I have been married I didn't send  out cards.

     This is a closeup shot of a tree at the Water Club at the Borgata in Atlantic City.  This was the first time we stayed in this tower...all I can say is WOW.  It is very luxurious and new.  The best example I can give is when you walk from the jacuzzi to the lap pool someone is drying your footprints with a dry mop.  Kind of an uncomfortable feeling, but a good example of their attention to detail.

     So, I feel as shiny and brite as the tree above.  My husband and I had a very relaxing and rejuvinating two days away from home.  We did get the good news of my daughter receiving the part of Mayzie in Seussical before we left.  Remember how I said I was holding in the tears at her last concert--well, when she got into the car shaking and repeating I can't believe it.  She blurted it out and the floodgates opened for both of us.  I am so happy for her.  We had plans of having the cast party already in the works. My husband and I on the ride down to Atlantic City were exchanging ideas.  It looks like we'll be serving green eggs and ham.  These are exciting times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 10 Day of Waiting

     Last night I put the christmas lights on in the house and was ready to take some pictures.  The lights in the whole house dimmed and I thought what did I do now?  It ended up being some kind of transformer fire and two counties were without power.  We were lucky...but, I did run around unplugging all of the lights feeling shameful, like it was something I did.

     We are waiting to hear what part Kaylyn has or doesn't have in the Spring Musical.  We are prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best.  My husband and I are planning a little getaway, since we are both not working--but, I should be able to blog so I don't ruin my goal. OK--tomorrow it will be easier to post--it's hard to type with my fingers crossed.

9th Day

     The above picture is what the tree looks like at the Country Accents show in Bay Head.   The boutique will only be open until December 14th.  The postcard ones above are mine.  There are other vendors.  One vendor next to me I love and every time I go in there I end up buying one of her creations--they are ticketed with the cutest JOY tickets and they do bring me joy every time I buy one.  I hope the day comes when I just sell and stop buying. 
     I did get my decorations up last night, but pictures of them haven't happened yet.  The other day I did get to check out how my ornaments have been selling in local stores.  When I came back from Omaha I made sure they were stocked for Black Friday.  I get excited seeing my ornaments on the trees.  I have to admit  I like to hear people talk about them. too.  I didn't list too much on Etsy because most of my inventory are in the stores.  My husband did agree we should get rid of some stuff and give Ebay a try.  Wish me luck--the whole sizing the photo thing does throw me.  I should take some computer classes while I have the time.

Day 8 Unexpected Joy

     I went to AC Moore last night--this is the scene I walked in to.  Very intense--huh??  My son was helping  my daughter prepare for tryouts today.  I love it!!!  They'll even break into Christmas Carols,too.  I am one lucky Mom.
     Last night Kaylyn was asked to sing in a special Christmas Concert today.  Good thing or I would not have much to talk about.  Kaylyn is 4th from the right.  I would really get emotional

the first time I saw my children perform.  I thought I was getting much better.  The last song they sang was "All is Well".  Well, it got to me--tried to hold in tears real hard--and I did.  I walked out and thought  all is well.  My husband is a carpenter and his last day of work ended up to be today.  Nothing really new, just how the business is.  We'll be fine....we're pretty conservative, so we are prepared for these days.

     After I got home my husband called  with an early Christmas present---tickets for the Hope Concert starring John Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny, Gary US Bonds--This concert is in a theatre venue and will have a very festive and uplifting mood.  Just what we need--I am thrilled.  Then my daughter came running in--my thoughts were OMG What?  She just won  2 tickets to a radio station contest for the Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden......a concert with Everyone she loves  Jesse McCarthy David Archelleto and many other performers that I am not too familiar with.  She is on Cloud 9.                                                                                                                      She has tryouts tonight for the High School's performance of Suessical-- she wants a big part badly.  Put it this way freshman year she wanted to be Belle and she ended up being a gargoyle.   It's a tense wait until we find out what part she gets.  Once she finds out she is OK---even if she is a gargoyle she always finds  the positive.  I remember her being happy she was on stage for such a long time.  When I went to see the show, she was crouching in a gargoyle position for a very long time---she NEVER complained,  she has got the bug, for sure.!

One week day 7

     I haven't done any decorating in the house, yet.  I am still enjoying getting out of the house to be inspired.  The above scene in this picture has inspired me since I was little.  It is in my hometown and hasn't changed much.  The only difference is when I was little they put real animals in with the manger.  I always feel the spirit of Christmas when I see it.  I am so glad I finally took a picture of it.  You never know if it will still be the same next year.
            I did get to meet someone who since I have been home from Nebraska I wanted to meet.  She set up a table of her creations at a store called Sea & Green.  It was a really cool store.  Really nice people and it was fun to talk art talk for I think an hour went by.  The person I met is Kecia and she has a blog lemoncholy's flight of fancy.  Hopefully we will meet again and she will teach me how to link.  

State Champs

It was another great game for Manasquan,  We won 19-14.  My daughter had her SAT's,  We walked in right in time for the band to do half-time.  It was real impressive to see the band in a stadium.  I am so thrilled the football team won a championship for their Senior year.  These will be great memories for Ian and Kaylyn.  Dad and Mom were pretty happy too.  We are both alumni of this High School  and our Senior year the football team were champs too.

Day 5

This has always been an highlight of the Christmas season.  Our town does a Candy Cane Hunt and the High School Jazz Band performs.  I have always enjoyed this night.  The last couple of years it has been cold.  The music and the Christmas Spirit does warm you up.  My husband said we're coming next year---I don't know--no one I know will be playing in the band and no little hand to hold to look for candy canes.   Life will be different next year.  That's why I feel it is so important to document all of these great Christmas memories this year.

Day 4

This was the sign I saw that stopped me in my tracks............
This picture does not do any justice for all the prettiness in this inn.  I always saw  the ads for this and this was the first time I visited.  It is an open house in a B &B in Lake Como, NJ.  Her last day is DEC 7 from 1-5.  For 27 years they ran this as an inn.  This year she just opened to the public for Christmas.  I really needed some live in person inspiration and got it here for sure.
You noticed I couldn't leave without this sweet house.  I also purchased a pin pictured up against my 24 days of Christmas book and a glittered bird.  Oh what fun it is......and she 

put everything in the snowman  bag she drew and hooked a candy cane on the side.  I can't to

start setting up a little village of houses I have discovered this year.

Greeting Card Swap

      This was only the second swap I have participated in.  It was very exciting to open the package.  I love everyone's.  It is so cool to think there are people out there who love the same things I do.  On the bottom of the photo is an ornament swap I mailed out today.  I'll show a picture of the ornament swap when I receive mine.  Tomorrow I will post pictures of the holiday inspiration I found today.....not what I planned to do today.  

Day 2

     The page of the book I am making on the right I pre-numbered.  I just print out my blog on sticker paper and page 1 is done.  The book on the left is one of many I flipped through today.  I so appreciate a little thing like time to go through all the Christmas books I have accumulated.  I can't throw a Christmas magazine out either.  The pile of photos are what I was able to pick out of about 5 boxes of assorted pictures.

New Month New Goals

     Today I start my challenge of blogging everyday.  The book on the left I made to hold the printed version of the challenge.  Today I am always so inspired by Starbuck's.  I am always so impressed by all the graphics they use.  It really puts me in the holiday spirit.  What put you in the holiday spirit today?
     I feel pretty good going into December.  I was able to attend Silver Bella, attend and participate at my childrens' functions, open an etsy shop, set up a blog, apply and get accepted to be a lollishop, plan a Christmas trip, book flights for Disney in February.  I keep wondering why I am still tired even though I am not working full-time.......mmm.  OK I will not beat myself up, I will be proud.....and be real hopeful I find a job soon.  My goals for December are to blog everyday.  I made a book for the 24 days of Christmas challenge.  The book is Martha Stewart the stickers are from K & co and Making Memories.  The gingerbread house is from my friend Zandra.  I know saying that I will fill the book up everyday would be setting myself up for disaster.  So, I am going to print my blog everyday and attach it to the book--I think I will follow through with this.  My other goals for December are to craft as much as possible,  following along with Paper Bella's zine and Tim Holtz's tags.  I also want to gather all my Christmas pictures together and make a disc somehow with Christmas Music---Big Challenge.  I also want to spend a few days in my attic and basement and weed through all my decorations--time to simplify!  Of course baking, decorating and finding a job are on my list.  Since we are traveling for the Holidays --shopping is not really on my list.  What's on your list?