The Good I've Found (TGIF): sunshine

Two days before Christmas and all through the windows
Came streaking and shining with jubilant fun
These bright rays of light, shimmering and dancing
Proclaiming that summer's not the only season for sun.

alright, so it's a bit rough...but you get the idea.

Maybe it is just because I've only lived back in sunny, SoCal for a year and a half, after being away in rainy Washington for almost 11 years...

maybe.

Or maybe it is that scientifically proven fact that sunshine makes you happy.  ---or something like that, Vitamin D and all... (no, I'm not a scientist...but those who have the special lamps in their houses or go for light therapy treatments can back me up on this one, right?!)

hey! that one song by that one guy proclaims the fact..."...sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy...) 

No matter the reason, the fact is... I don't miss the snow this year. Nope. Not one bit. ok, that's extreme --I do miss the beauty of it.  But you know what? Fake snow is really beautiful, too ;) And my favorite place has lots of fun, fake snow.

my Evie in her winter wear :)

I know, I know. It's not the same. You are right. It is not cold. It is not damp. It is not messy. Yeah. I think I can deal with that.

My TGIF for this week is that I am, unashamedly, in love with this Southern Californian Christmas.



May your Christmas be as wonderful, wherever, however and with whomever you celebrate it !

"It's beginning to look a lot like"...every other day!



going to have to hunt some of this white stuff down!

 Thank goodness for Christmas lights and trees (yes, even the fake, plastic ones!) ~ without them, I wouldn't believe it was that time of year! Because (to paraphrase another song)...

"Oh the weather outside is"...lovely!

This return to Southern California living does not take much getting used to in the weather department--every day is quite nice. We are planning a trip to nearby mountains, though, to experience some of the chill that really SHOULD accompany December ;)
Truly, the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas make my heart glad. I am happy to have a staircase, once again, in our current house to wrap with garland and lights. There is just something special about ascending a softly, glowing staircase at night as I head to bed.

Which is where I am headed now. *yawn*

I just wanted to make sure a Christmas"y" greeting awaited you here on my blog.  (in case you are here for the first time--welcome! if you are a return visitor, well--you know I love you and welcome you, too!)

I would promise to get back with more photos and such, but I say that all of the time---and then I usually (eventually) do--- but for now, I am enjoying just posting when I can, and reading other blogs when I can, and living life on the 'outside' with intention :)

Merry Christmas to all!  (and of course,... to all, a good night!) 

Christmas 2009

all dressed up in their Christmas outfits for Christmas Eve service at church.


I am so blessed :)


may your Christmas be filled with joy and love.

Merry Christmas!

to any friends and family visiting this site for the first time because of this web address being listed on our Christmas card: welcome! I am not writing an 'official' family-year-end letter, but if you would like to see what we have been up to--please stay a bit and browse around! I would love to hear from any and all of you, as well--so please leave a comment and let me know you were here :)

A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to you !!!!!!

Found: Our Christmas Tree!

Like in so many years past, we were able to go to the tree farm with our friends, The Loughs. (Heather's blog can be linked to in my sidebar--she captured many of these same moments today--can't wait to compare posts!) The weather was lovely and mild...not even raining! and the fog provided a beautiful, white backdrop to all the greenery.

oh my, it is not even December yet, and I already have my tree and I have done some present shopping...now, for many of you that may seem like the norm, or I might even be a bit behind--but for ME--this is huge!!! I am actually excited for it to be December tomorrow--rather than dreading it because I am usually so behind in preparations for the holidays. Bring on the season--and may it be filled with JOY!

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

I know, I know, two posts in one day--step away from the computer, lady, and go enjoy the holiday with your family...

just wanted to share a few more photos with you from tonight--hey! they are proof that I DO actually spend time with them! (have to do something in order to have something to blog about, right?!)