Welcoming the New Year

Tonight, we will go to my friend Katie's house for a couple of hours for food and fellowship. I am glad we can go as a family.

Earlier today I played for a New Years Eve wedding. That was different..but it went well.

Tomorrow, we plan on eating at Rich's parents' house, and I am sure we will have a wonderful time there.

A post here shows some of my goals... I should also mention that Rich and I would very much like to record another cd, but it will take hours of practice time, which is hard to come by here, with two very active kids. Actually, if we could create a more upbeat cd and then a Christmas one at the same time, that would be even better. We have a list of songs already for each cd...now, prayer for the means to produce them is a vital thing!

Christmas at the Russells

We had the Snyder families over at our house for breakfast Christmas morning. It was a wonderful time! Everyone pitched in with the food, so it was not stressful for me. What a yummy meal we had!

Then, Richard had to go off to work..a sad thing but we knew this was his holiday to work.

The kids and I then went over to the Simplican grandparents' house, where we proceeded to have more food and more gift opening..and the beloved coffee punch!

I will have to journal more about this wonderful day later, but so much happens on these special holidays, I need a quiet time to post.

Christmas Eve was a tender time...I enjoyed playing a classical style piano prelude at our church, and then truly enjoyed sitting with my husband and kids during the service. I decided not to play the piano during the service and it was fine with the other music people. Someone else was able to fill in, thankfully.

The most special thing for me was singing Silent Night, and having Ella right beside me, with her face sweetly looking at the lit candle I held..

Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful and calm Christmas. It was truly a blessing. Last Christmas was not a delightful one, as some depression settled in fiercely on that day, but with many prayers, I believe, it was different this year.

Ohhh I forgot to mention our wonderful time with my brother and his family on Saturday. The girls (cousins) played and were having so much fun. Philip was a hit with his hair again. I will not cut those curls yet!

My mom had prepared a fine meal and we feasted like royalty!

Even Megan and Molly were there to join in on the Christmas celebration. They are such sweet girls. I wish we could see them more often.

Color Wheel

My recent scrapbooking magazine had an article about colors. It was very enlightening. I just have to comment!

First, I will state what my family members' favorite colors are.

Richard's favorite color is green.

Mine ARE browns and tans, and cream.

Ella loves yellow with a passion!

Philip, I think, loves orange. He really takes to anything orange, especially a few of his favorite outfits.

So, Green, according to this article, represents a balanced metabolic system.

Neutral colors are comforting, stable, prtective, and reliability...even going into sophistication, if they are darker.

Yellow is for self confidence and optimism.

Orange represents joy, more than any other color. Also, playfulness and stimulating.

Interestingly, these colors really fit our personalities. Green was my former favorite color..through high school and college. It change after having kids, which I am assuming, after reading this article, that I am not metabolically stable..and this is no suprise! On the otherhand, my husband is so level headed and even keeled, I think it is such an interesting match!

Ella is so energetic and loves life. She is a leader..yellow fits her perfectly.

Philip is an "old soul." He is comforting and very much a joyful child as well. But yes, playful. And sweet.

Other colors in a nutshell: red is fiery and bold; pastels/white are pure, clean, and innocent...and tender. Purple is associated with royalty and wisdom..and the angelic nature of children.

Chop Went the Ax, Down Came the Tree!

Oh how sweet was our little girl's preschool program today!

She sang right along to most everything and had so many adorable expressions. The funniest thing for me (and believe me, the row I was in laughed A LOT) was the song about 5 Lonely Christmas Trees. When I was Ella's age, I cried when my brother sang that song for HIS Christmas program! And here Ella was, seeing with a mighty gusto I never saw her use with any song she has every sung! How sweet!

Grandpa came to see her program, as well as mommy, daddy, and great grandparents' Snyder.

We loved it and were truly proud of her. And were so impressed again by her teacher and assistants. Each child received a present from the school...the girls got a Dora doll! This is Ella's first Dora doll..well, wait that's not true...she has a miniature one, but this is a soft one, and came with a comb and her backpack, of course! A wonderful little gift for the preschool girls! The boys all received a neat noisy car....so glad we got a silent doll!

Monday's Events

...were pretty good. Ella enjoyed her evening at the Movies for the first time!

Daddy had the day off!

And Buddy got to play outside!

Mommy got to sleep in!

Kodak got some attention!

Jingle Bells

New Christmas Card

Photograph taken today at Williamsport Chapel...I think our son's hair got a little too much wind!

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree, where art thou lovely branches?

Still no tree here...

Oh, except for Ella and Philip's little table top tree in the living room.

What an odd thing to do..have no tree...well, hopefully we'll have one up tomorrow, during Rich's day off!

God surely answered my prayer for positive thoughts on my pictures, or at least smooth transition for returning photos to customers. Thank you, Lord!

I hope to concentrate on more digital scrapbooking for Christmas the next couple of days, and work up a nice little book for next weekend.

I recently purchased a gingerbread house kit, on behalf of Aunt Marsha, for Ella. She is so excited to create her house, but she is going to have to wait until later this week....teeheee!

Our friend, Joe, just gave me one of the sweetest gifts..the Father/Son willow tree figurine, for my birthday and Christmas. I could not believe it...I told Rich..see, he really does think highly of you although he teases you like a brother! What a thoughtful gesture...

Well, tomorrow I plan on taking Ella to see Charlotte's Web..with our friend, Kimmy, too.

Yesterday, we went to see Disney On Ice, with a few other families. All our tickets were purchased by someone from our church! We saw a bit of Pinnochio, 101 Dalmations, Lilo and Stitch, and best of all, the Little Mermaid. Ella was enthralled with the Little Mermaid...she is one of her favorites.

Today, Rich and I played at my parents' church again. The blessing always remains there for us. What a welcoming group of people and welcoming chapel! My dad preached on the "magnification" of the birth of Jesus, and how all the events leading up to His birth magnified the Lord. What a refreshing sermon!

Post Birthday Thoughts

I am loving the Psalms these days. Some things have been putting me under a lot of pressure and burdening my heart and mind. God's word truly helps. And prayers.

Ella and Grandma made Mommy cupcakes for her birthday. Richard purchased a willow tree angel for me...the love of learning...I love it and was so suprised.

Philip is speaking more sentences and words than EVER. It is truly amazing.

The little kids' (aka 3 year old special) on Sunday went well. I was so nervous to lead it, but it worked out well and we had plenty of younguns!

My photoshoots on Saturday were interesting. I did not totally please the one family, and I am praying desperately, yes desperately, that their photographs are miraculously blessed by the Lord when they return to me. I am afraid of my mail right now. I believe that it was just a tough photoshoot and you'll have those. I am trying not to take it personally.

Every other photoshoot I have had, including three to four of them this past week, have been great. It's hard to learn, and be positive.

I thank the Lord for Richie, who has been truly supportive through this weekend and through even today, when I have emotionally lost it over several stressors.

Thank you Lord, for family, friends, and dear children and a dear husband!

Cards and Pages

Friends' Pics

3 Month Old Autumn Grace

Elijah from church

Katie and Anthony's Autumn Grace!

Focus...

This post is a reminder to focus on the season's most wonderful gift...Jesus.

Lord, let us remember who you are, and what was given to us on Christmas day, as we celebrate Jesus' birth. Let it be apparent to our children and children's friends the reason for the season..through us.

And, Lord, give us wisdom to focus on what is right and true and peaceful during this month of December.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Festivities

Megan and Molly

Buddy's Apple

Digital Scrapbooking

What a wonderful new hobby. The results are just astounding, and it is a delight to see your pages on the computer!

First Digital Pages

New Week, Into the Season

Ella returned to school today. She was excited...to tell her teacher about mommy's Strawberry Shortcake hair.

My mother treated me to a new "do" and I really appreciated it and love the result. Philip did not even bat an eye when I got home...I am glad. I was worried he'd be upset. He just gets upset when I put my hair in a ponytail or "up." I can't figure that one out.

Richie had several days off, not Thanksgiving Day, but the following three. How wonderful was that! An added blessing was the warmer weather. Even today, Philip got to play outside a bit. Hopefully tomorrow I can take both kids out for a little walk in the woods.

A new friend of mine is stopping over tomorrow with her little baby boy. He is only about 6 weeks old. So sweet...they've been serious picture customers lately, so that was a blessing, too!

I am thankful for those that put up with me, friends and family alike. These few days have been rough, and I need to remain thankful and plugged in with friends, especially.

Ella brought home a gorgeous picture of an owl and a moon....can't wait to show it to her "papa." And again, show her granmda the Crippled Lamb Book, by Max Lucado. What a sweet story..it had both Rich and I in tears when we read it separately to the kids.

This Saturday is my jewelry party, and I better get on the ball. Who knows how many will show up since I forgot to ask people and forgot to hand out inviations until the last possible moment! Right now, it just seems like to much, but I guess I need to go through with it. I like to support people, especially when they've helped me out so much and have encouraged me.

We're looking forward to many music events this month of December. And, I am especially looking forward to making snowglobes with Ella and ginger bread cookies. Maybe we'll make a gingerbread house, but we'll see. I can't put to many things on my to do list. I am overwhelmed already.

Black Friday shopping, yes, I must write about that, was successful. I was out of my house by 5:30 and home by 10 ish. I ordered Adobe PSE 5.0 online so I wouldn't have to go into yet another crazy store. I found a sweet charm watch bracelet with horses on it for you know who, and Veggie Tales playdough set for the other you know who.

Whew...don't know if I am ready for BF ever again! HA!

I took some more family pictures over the weekend and am so delighted with them. Plus, my friend Katie just hired me to do her little baby girl's three month pictures. That made my day.

Grandma Snyder needs prayer...she is in pain. It breaks my heart.

Dear Lord, please bless her body, her health, her spirit. May this time of pain pass quickly. We ask you to heal her, with confidence that your will be done, and your peace be brough upon us, as her family. Thank you, Dear Lord, Amen.

Thanksgiving Photo Preview

It's A Bright Day Out There

What sunshine is outside today! It is helpful to me, as I am weary emotionally and physically.

Ella and Philip played well today. Ella helped me in the kitchen as we made pumpkin cookies for family gatherings tomorrow! A trip to the library ensured Philip and Ella a couple more movies to watch and a new book to read. Although, we have been getting books periodically through Scholastic. I really love that company, and am quite excited that Ella's class is offered to order from them!

Yesterday was a tough day as there was a major messup concerning a mortgage payment...how in the WORLD does a company debit your account TWICE for ONE payment? Today it looks like it was taken care of, thankfully. Plus, family helped us out so we would not have MORE problems. I kept calling yesterday to make sure their "two to three days to wire money back in" did not take until next Monday. We have Thanksgiving Day plans here, among other things!

Tonight Richard will get off a little earlier. We are playing special music for a local community Thanksgiving service at a church. We're excited about the opportunity and just feel like it is a blessing to share our music.

Thanksgiving Day the kids and I will go to all the houses by ourselves. Rich will work, but I am sure we'll meet up at his mom and dad's later in the evening. Friday, here I come, shopping for a couple of things. I am already praying for a smooth trip to the hubub. Things can be incredibly crazy. I plan on leaving quite early, as the kids usually wake me up early anyhow. No kids, though...Rich will be off! Yeah! Through Sunday, so that is a wonderful blessing for him and us, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!