Inspired by a Quilt

My current knitting project was inspired by a quilt Mom is making. While Mom chose Dad's old blue, tan, pink, etc. dress shirts and off-white muslin for her quilt's color palette, I stuck with a soft and cozy grey. What is it and who is it for? I can't tell you yet... but it is a surprise for someone!

J.

J. the orchid brightly bloometh.

"Some children see him lily white,

The baby Jesus born this night.

Some children see him lily white,

With tresses soft and fair.

"Some children see him bronzed and brown,

The Lord of heav'n to Earth come down.

Some children see him bronzed and brown,

With dark and heavy hair.

"Some children see him almond-eyed,

This savior whom we kneel beside.

Some children see him almond-eyed,

With skin of yellow hue.

"Some children see Him dark as they,

sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.

Some children see him dark as they,

and, ah! they love Him, too!

"The children in each different place

will see the baby Jesus' face

like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace,

and filled with holy light.

O lay aside each earthly thing
And with thy heart as offering,
Come worship now the infant king.
'Tis love that's born tonight!"

Alfred Burt, 1951

Birthday Time

I have always loved having a December birthday. Snow, special decorating (Christmas tree!) and cozy winter evenings do make me happy. Best of all I get to share my birthday month with several people I love - most of all Jesus. (Okay, so Jesus was likely born at a different time of year, but tradition is tradition... and I like it!)

 Sweet and Sour meatballs! The leftovers will come out of the freezer for Christmas Eve.

 Joey's creative gift wrap

Another birthday with my family was the best gift of all. Our semi-yearly Mexican Train marathon has begun!



Dad and Orchid

Joey got a great shot while she was here of our serious photographer.

Looking Back: Joey's Birthday

Looking Back: Parade of Lights

My family and I have tried the Black Friday thing only once in my memory. Avid shoppers we are not. Instead we like a quiet day at home and an evening taking in the nearby horse drawn parade of lights. A cold but oh-so-festive evening!

Thanksgiving

Seven made up our Thanksgiving table this year, thanks to the addition of Joey, our fake big sister. Joey and a few other fake siblings round out our family very nicely, I think!

The afternoon and evening were spent at my uncle's home with twenty-some relatives. A small group for us, really. We are blessed with family - real and otherwise.

 "Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low He saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you... I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord."

Psalm 116:5-7, 17