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I made for her a little star-bearer table doll, a Celtic sun spiral tapestry, a beeswax votive, and a straw star ornament. You can read a more detailed description on my flickr site here.
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Our cutie Lucy attended a formal 16th birthday party for a friend last weekend. She was so beautiful in her sparkly dress and makeup with her hair all done up in ringlets!
This is our advent wreath inspired by Tasha Tudor. I actually just made it on Friday! I hadn't thought I would, but I sat down Friday afternoon to have a cup of tea and the last piece of Panettone I made for homeschool the day before, and decided to watch the Tasha Tudor video "Take Peace". It was a very sweet and calming moment. In the video, Tasha digs in the snow to find the last green branches of boxwood and brings them inside to make her advent wreath. I suddenly realized that I have a boxwood bush that is sprouting like crazy and needs to be trimmed anyway...so I went outside in the 72 degree gentle afternoon and cut some branches and wove them into the beautiful wreath seen above. I had two candles from my swap, and just happened to have two more sheets of beeswax. Elsa helped me carefull roll them into candles and we hung our beautiful wreath with plaid ribbons in tribute to our Scottish heritage. I think we have come upon a new holiday tradition!
One of the most meaningful experiences I have had this season was crafting an ornament for a special lady in need. When Nicole (gardenmama) contacted me about this project I was so touched that she would think of me and so grateful to be included. Sometimes service for others is hard to do, but then again, sometimes we need to let go of our feelings of being overwhelmed by our busy lives and reach out to those around us. Perhaps it is time to bring our thoughts inwards, simplify our lives, listen to the spirit and then extend ourselves to those in need.
There is a beautiful quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the LDS First Presidency: "In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but he number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers."
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We fed the missionaries this week and one is from your city. Elder Taylor. You don't happen to know him do you?
ReplyDeleteI love your posts! I got a big smile on my face and a tear in my eyes when I saw the adorable photo of Jared and your kids!!! By the way, Happy Birthday this week!
ReplyDeleteI love the sweet mouse that you made nestled in to the walnut shell : ) What you wrote about the wellness tree project for Kelly was so touching, your ornament truly exuded such peace and love it was very much so evident that you poured your heart into making it. Thank you for sharing this love xo
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes to you and your family in this season!
hi. i came here via the wellness tree after seeing your sweet ornament. your words about sharing with one in need just captures the meaning of giving. i'm sure your gift will be received with as much love as you poured forth while creating it.
ReplyDeletei admired all the work you do with your children and i've enjoyed learning about you through your blog.
wishes for a wonderful holiday season. very fondly, a new reader. xx
Beautiful post Beth. All very heart stirring.
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