It's Up to Us...

For some, the world has stopped.  For a community the processing of an unfathomable evil, that will shape their future, has just begun.

For the rest of us ~ we cry, we pray, we care from the bottom of our hearts.

I believe the tragedy of Newtown is a clarion call to the watchmen.  Be alert, be vigilant.  Pray for families, schools, churches, and your city.  Prayer walk your neighborhood and your school yards and set a hedge of protection around them.

Make Psalm 91 your address and your declaration.

Counting My Blessings

xo Susy

you can find Spiritual Sundays here

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit

Psalm 34:18

Lammiekins

Lammiekins is new to the Nativity this year.

He came all the way from Hopi House at the Grand Canyon to be a part of the team. 

The first day on the job this week was a little stressful.

There were already three little lambs on the set, and he felt a little out of place.  

They were lambs, he's a sheep.

 He was fuzzy ~ they weren't

His ears stuck up ~ their's didn't

But he did his very best to fit in.

He found his mark

and was verrrry still and quiet

Everyone thinks he did great

and I agree.  good job Lammiekins.
You're my favorite thing this week!

 bahhhh

Counting My Blessings,

xo Susy

I'm joining the flock over at Claudia's house.

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

 She has a new sheep too!

Footnoot:  Like many of you, I'm sure, I've cried and prayed today

 for the families, friends, school mates and staff
  that tragically lost their precious children today.

My heart goes out to all of them.

A Splash of Christmas

Who doesn't love bubble baths?

It's my favorite thing this week, and boy have I been getting some mileage out of this ol' tub.

Yesterday I spent several hours helping set up

 for our church's  Women's Christmas event. 

 At the end of the day,

a long soak was the perfect remedy for my aches and pains. 

 

I had fun recently, decorating the shelf that

hangs over the tub.

As I pulled out the decorations for the Christmas tree, 

I set aside a few things for the shelf.

I already have red walls, so it doesn't take much

to make it Christmas-y.

 (he looks unhappy)

my cute li'l Make A Wish snowman

this vase and flowers were already there,

all by their lonesome.  

I just added some artificial eucalyptus

(spell check please)

btw, everything is tacked down with 

Quakehold (**  this is California after all

I hope the season has been merry and bright for you so far!

Counting My Blessings

xo Susy

You can read more about my TUB LOVE here
and a gift-from-the-heart idea

I'm linking to

Debra @ Common Ground for

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Claudia @ Mockingbird Hill Cottage for

A Favorite Thing Saturday

December Blessings To You

I'm lovin' this picture.

We enjoyed a family dinner last night, Norman Rockwell style: twelve of us crowded around the dining room table to celebrate three birthdays.

 I broke out the fancy stuff.  Happily no one complained.

After everyone left Pizza Man put another log on the fire and I lingered in the living room with just the Christmas tree lights, the fire and Earl Grey.  Ahhhh.

I'm determine to make this a month of blessing by giving of my 

time, talents, and treasure.

Counting My Blessings,

xo Susy

Gratitude

As this month of thanksgiving and grateful hearts comes to a close,

I came across this video.

It's a breathtaking reminder that every day is

a gift for which we can be thankful.

Today is my favorite thing.

Counting My Blessings,

xo Susy

I'm joining 

Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage

and Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays

APPLES B&B

We spent Thanksgiving in the local mountains at a B&B with family ~ and it was perfect.

Day temps were in the upper 50's, crisp and clear.  Nights dipped down into the 30's, but we were bundled up and comfy.

No snow.

 The Innkeeper makes a fabulous traditional Thanksgiving dinner for all the guests, 

and then matches it with a huge breakfast the next morning.

We learned our lesson last year,

and forced ourselves not to eat every single thing

on our plate!

 

The wooded grounds are rustic and chippy,

dotted with whimsy

 During the day the kids "tubed" down the mountain on 

 man-made snow.

Evenings were spent in the village

for the tree lighting and arrival of Santa on a sleigh,

 dinner out, a movie and a bit of shopping

our adorable nephews (10 and 7)

 (this little guy is never without a hat)

 even the pooches were in festive attire

It was a wonderful way to officially start 

the holiday season

Counting My Blessings,

xo Susy