The Stone Rabbit

Circle Journal. . . Part IV. . .just a bit of PINK!

 

The time is just flying by. . . .I can't believe our Circle Journal group has just finished creating:  our own journal basics and two-page spread (HERE  )  PLUS two pages for three other participants (click  HERE to see  Kathy's of Writer's Reverie) and  (HERE for Grace's of Pink in the City) , and here today...the one I'm sharing NOW. . .   belongs to our very own Queen of Pink. . . Beverly, of How Sweet the Sound!

Just like me, THE STONE RABBIT is a real Christmas nut, so he was super excited when Beverly's journal arrived.  He thought he would "inspire" me if he put on his Santa hat and beard. . .and I do believe he did just that!!

The theme of her journal is CHRISTMAS PAST!  We were to "tell a story, share photos" that represent our Christmas Past.  Since I don't have old photos of my childhood Christmas times, I decided to represent some of my memories through vintage Christmas images.

I started by writing a "story" to Beverly of some of the memories that I cherish of Christmas time and events when I was small.  Of course, being the wordy gal I am, my story was reaching novella length when I realized I needed to "edit". . . a lot, because if I didn't, she would have a journal full of ME and, while I'm sure she would find that fascinating, I'm certain the others, who still needed room to share their own Christmas Pasts would not!  :)

SOOOO. . . I just took a few of the special moments I treasure about Christmas and shared them in  little snippets. . .illustrated, somewhat, by the graphics I'd gathered.

 

 

This process of really thinking about past Christmas times was truly a great journey, Beverly.  I knew I had always loved that season. . . and now I realize it was because my parents seemed to make it so magical for us.  Even though we did not have a lot of material wealth, we were taught to enjoy the spirit of the season through church activities and family time and communtiy events.

Creating with our hands kept us busy and brought us closer as a family unit. . .we prepared special decorations, gifts, and food.  Both of our parents were always "making something". . .so they instilled that "love for creating" through example.  Particpation in programs in school and church was a given.  I count my blessings to have been in that environment during my younger years.

 

I didn't add a lot of "embellishment" to my pages. . .maybe it was the lack of room because of all  of my words.  However, I think I held back because of the simplicity of my pages.  They just represented a really simple and sweet time in my life.  

Of course, I did glitter up the pictures a bit, because my mom (who was way ahead of Martha Stewart in that department) would have liked that.  Also, I added a few old buttons here and there.  They are from her button tin.

 

Then when I took a long, hard look at my pages I realized something HUGE was missing!  I hadn't PINKED them up. . .at all!  SOOOOO. . . 

 

 

I just HAD to put a little PINK sequin on the gift tag I placed on the second page! :)

Working on these individual jounals has been such a great experience.   With no two alike. . .it's a totally new start each time. . . taking me on such a surprise trip from beginning to end.  I am in awe of the creations the other journal members have shared and how incredible each book will be the time they are finished in October!!

 

You will also be on an incredible journey when you visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, this weekend.  There you will find lots of bloggers who are ready to share their PINKS this week.  You never know what you will find. . .just a click away!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

 

DANA

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation. . . .

 

On Christmas Eve,

 

the mouse was ready. . . . 

 

our fake tree, loaded with vintage and precious handmade decorations, was ready. . . .

 

 

the old Santas were ready. . . .

 

Frankie and Twiggy were ready. . .

the manicotti was ready. . .

the pumpkin cake roll was ready. . . 

the stockings were ready. . .

and the fresh cut Christmas tree stood ready over the presents. . . and they were ready, too!!!

 

On Christmas morning, the Grand Girl and Grand Boy checked out the gifts in their stockings and then. . . .

 the exchanging and opening of the gifts started!!!

The Grand Girl received some dolls. . . 

and the hubby received lots and lots of Gold Toe socks. . . cuz that's what he told everyone he wanted for Christmas when asked!!!

We dined on our tradional menu of breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and orange juice and coffee.

After  a bit, some of us took a little nap (me included!!), then we prepared for my niece, her hubby and her mother-in-law to come join in the Christmas fun!

This year, the Grand Girl received a kids camera and was all into taking photos.  It was her idea to "pose" us using the props on hand. . . Christmas stockings, Gold Toe socks and candles!!  My hubby took this picture with his camera...using the timer.  

Now, back to the "ready" part of Christmas this year. . . do you see my DIL standing next to me?  Ooops, in case this is your first time reading my blog, I'm the one in the back row, far right.  My DIL is the very pregnant one next to me!!

Anyway. . . she was very ready to have their baby!!!

In fact, on the day after Christmas, she was scheduled to head to the hospital that evening to have that little baby boy, but first, she and I headed to Penney's and Target to hit the sales!  :)

Then, around 4:02 a. m. on December the 27, the little boy came into this world. . . weighing in at 9 lb. 5 oz. and 20 inches long!!!

Mom and dad. . . .over joyed with their newest addition.

 

I made it to the hospital right after he was born.....no cracks about the hair do.

My hubby and I brought Big Sister and Big Brother to the hospital to meet their Little Brother later that afternoon. . .what a precious time!!!

Grandpa holding his newest grand child for the first time.  

I have had the honor of putting a little heart on the foot of each of my newborn Grands. . . and this time was no different. . . .

except, I did add a heart to the Grand Girl's foot and she drew one on her mom's foot.  Grand Boy #1 didn't want to have anything to do with that!!!!  

 

Where did the week go?  Christmas came and went, the new grand boy arrived, the other two grand kiddos stayed here until yesterday....and now they are gone, too!  

THE STONE RABBIT says it's too quiet around here for him. . . and I have to say, I agree!

 

 

I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and I wish you the best New Year ever.

 

Please visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND for a long list of bloggers ready to share their posts with you!!

DANA

Merry Christmas 2011. . . .

 

 THE STONE RABBIT and I wish you a very Merry and Bright Christmas.  May it be filled with festive moments with family and friends. . . and lots of time focusing on the reason we celebrate this very important time of the year.

 

Grandbaby update:  At the time of writing this post,  our DIL is still very great with child....and is trying to remain in good spirits inspite of feeling very uncomfortable.  I'd appreciate it if you could keep her, the new baby and the entire family in your prayers.

Thanks to our hostess, Beverly, for keeping our Pink Saturday group up and going strong for another awesome year!!!

 

Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, to find a long list of other participants who are ready to share their special holiday or PINK posts with you this week!!  

DANA

PAULA DEEN TO THE RESCUE!

 

I wanted to give a  special little gift this year to friends and family, but couldn't find just what I had in mind until. . .

 I stumbled upon Paula's Christmas magazine.

While thumbing through the magazine at the store, I came across this great recipe called:  ZESTY SNACK MIX!!

SO....with the magazine in hand, I grabbed the ingredients, then returned home to check out my plan with THE STONE RABBIT!  He also likes to give little handmade gifts. . . and I have to say he FLIPPED over this super easy and delicious treat!!

 

 

 

 We had the recipe cranked out in no time at all. . . and packaged in quart jars just as soon as the mixture cooled!

While the title of the mix is "zesty"...it's still very, very mild......so if you want something with a bit more "bite", you can add your own little touches to this really great basic mix!!

(Note:  I don't know why this recipe isn't posting correctly at the moment...and I don't have time to fix it.  I think you get the idea..I hope.  I will work on it later.)

               Zesty Snack Mix

2 (9 ounce) packages oyster crackers

1 (1 pound) package cheese-flavored fish shaped 

    crackers

1 (1 pound) package miniature pretzel twists

1 cup butter, melted

2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix

      Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

      In a LARGE roasting pan, combine crackers and 

   pretzels.

     In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon                pepper seasoning, dill, ground red pepper, and                ranch dressing mix.

   Pour over cracker mixture, tossing gently to coat.

      Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.              Remove from oven,  and cool completely.  Store              mixture in air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

   Makes 8 quarts. 

 

We had such a grand time making this first batch of Paula's snack mix. . .  the newest Dancing Santa  was involved in the preparations, too, and was twirling all over the place with excitement !!

Please visit our fantastic hostess, Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of bloggers who are ready to share their posts with you this weekend!!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

 

DANA

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF CHRISTMAS

 

You can't beat a preschool Christmas program for putting the spirit of the season into our hearts.

 

The Grand Girl's program was held this week.

We were pretty far back in the audience. . . and inspite of everyone (us included) moving their heads back and forth, trying to catch a glimpse of their own little "stars". . .we were able to see her performance fairly well.

 

 

My little "point and shoot" has a mighty fine  "zoom" function,  so I was able to get some cute close ups of her. . . and even a great video of them singing "Away in a Manger" !

 

 

While this part of the program was extremely sweet, and brought giggles from all of us, it truly is at the center of our Christmas celebration.

We must have room in our hearts at all times for Him.

 

 

THE STONE RABBIT and his yard buddies welcome Him. . .now and  every day of the year.

 

Please visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of bloggers who are ready to share PINKS or special posts about the season!

 

Happy PINK SATURDAY!

 

DANA

BLESSINGS. . . .

 

My life overflows with blessings.

*My husband arranged to have flowers on our table when we dined out to celebrate our 43rd anniversary last summer.

*He surprised me with an iPhone for an anniversary gift and  let me practice using the camera . . .on him.  THEN. . . 

 

he practiced using it on me, too!

 

 

 *Our daughter and our son and his family live  close by, giving us the amazing opportunites to spend lots of time with them. . .such as our annual outing to "tag" our Christmas trees. . . 

which was a tradition we started when our two children were very young. . . 

and one that our son and his family are doing with their family, too.  

Or attending the annual Sugar Creek 4th of July Parade with our family (me and my girl!) and friends. 

*It is a blessing that I had a mom who taught me so many things. . . including how to sew.....because years and years later, I was able to make the Grand Girl's Annie costume and . . . 

 

the Grand Boy's Charlie Brown shirt!

*It is truly a blessing that, we have had the good fortune to be a part of their  celebrations,  as well as. . . 

 

peacful times of just connecting with them. . . and simply enjoying their company and watching them grow.

***And now our family anxiously awaits the arrival of Grand Boy #2. . . sometime very soon.  What an amazing blessing, indeed!!

*I never in a million years thought I would say that I consider my abiltiy to "run" a blessing, but it truly has been.  It has allowed me the chance to set goals for myself,

 

spend quality time with my family. . . 

 

 

 

and make new friends who also enjoy running!

*However, one of my biggest blessings would be that of my "old friends".    

"Old"  not measured in our years on this earth, but in the years we've spent together and the experiences we've shared. 

My friends bring great joy and fun into my life. . . 

 they prove their loyality by humoring me when I said I'd like to "go bowling" on my birthday. . . 

 

they  are always prepared to play around and have fun . . . 

and have come to accept that I will probably pull out my camera and imortalize those moments !

 

* My furbabies.

They are blessings beyond belief.  Little Twiggy on the left (the one rescued 3 years ago. . . so sick at the time) and Frankie. . .the older and wiser  "big brother". . .

and Izzie. . . the Grand Dog who spends a lot of time "jogging" with me!!

* I was blessed the day I found THE STONE RABBIT in a local garden shop and decided to bring him home with me.  He  has been a constant fixture at our house for over thirty years. . . always eager to welcome our guests, keep a watchful eye out on our yard, and has demonstarted time after time that he is indeed a loving and wise fellow.

*Finally, I feel so blessed to be a part of the weekly event called "PINK SATURDAY" for over three years .  I now call so many of these bloggers "friends" even though I have not met them in person....yet!!

I thank my lucky stars for finding Beverly and her Pink Saturday!!

Please visit her at HOW SWEET THE SOUND where she will have so many other bloggers ready for you to visit.  They have prepared posts featuring their blessings and/or PINKS.

Happy PINK Saturday. . . .DANA

Twas the Night Before Christmas. . . .

As I write this post, I find that nearly every muscle in my body is screaming at me.  After three and one half days, I finally finished my Christmas shopping!  And after five hours in the kitchen tonight, I have most of the dishes I will be serving here on Christmas Eve made and in the fridge.  

What's not ready?  I don't have gifts wrapped and my home is in need of spiffing because we have family coming over tomorrow evening for our annual Christmas Eve Celebration!

Actually, we did have a bit of a party here last Saturday. . . our daughter had just completed the coursework for her RN and we had family and friends over to celebrate that wonderful time.  The Grand Girl was in charge of candle placement! 

 

Because of that event, I did have my decorating as finished as it was going to be and things were pretty clean and in order.  However, after this week of crazy shopping and being in and out so much, the clutter started to appear again.  So, tomorrow, I have to "spiff" and "wrap" and prepare for our family to come over and celebrate another wonderful Christmas Eve together!

 Last Christmas we had a blizzard in Kansas City.  It started on Christmas Eve. . . and continued through Christmas Day.  We were able to attend Christmas Eve services and drive to my BIL's home for our annual gathering, but we didn't get to our son's until late on Christmas Day. . . then had to leave fairly early because the roads were so horrible.

 

 

 

Sooooo.....this year it's make up time!  I hope.  

Tonight, they're forecasting freezing rain.......and some snow for Christmas Eve.  However, it doesn't seem to be super bad, so I hope the weather won't hamper our merriment again this year!

If all goes according to plan, we will gather here with my husband's side of the family on Christmas Eve.   We will enjoy our traditional strawberry daiquiri toasts, lots of great food, and the joy of just being together on such a wonderful evening.

 

 

 

Our son and our DIL, along with the grands,  will be spending Christmas Eve night with us!  How wonderful it will be to see the Grand Girl and Grand Boy on Christmas Morning. . . watching them open their presents and checking out their stockings and playing with their new toys!   Our daughter will be here, too.  What a Christmas Gift!

 

THE STONE RABBIT and I wish you a wonderful Christmas. . . . and reminder to visit Beverly's blog. 

 

 
 HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of others who are waiting for your visit!

 

DANA

HOLIDAY MUSIC . . . So Many Wonderful Songs!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beverly, our Pink Saturday hostess, thought it would be fun if we shared our favorite holiday tunes.  Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a list of others who have favorite holiday songs or special Pinks for you to enjoy!

 

 

 

It's so hard for me to narrow it down to one favorite song. . . I am so fond of almost all holiday music.  However, I have to say that these stand out for me:

"Hark, How the Bells".  I can clearly recall singing that in our high school choir as part of a  Christmas program.  I especially loved the "Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong" parts.  I remember how our vocal teacher made sure we were very precise on each of those words. . . just like the sound ringing bells would make. 

"The First Noel".  When I hear that song, I think of singing it at our church as part of the choir there, too, and while out caroling in the tiny town where I grew up.

 "Frosty the Snowman" is up there on my top ten as that's one The Grand Girl especially loves to sing. 

 

THE STONE RABBIT says he has many songs he enjoys during this time of year, too.  In fact, the title of this book is also the title of one of his favorite holiday tunes.  

 

 

Recently, our breakfast group met for our annual Christmas Brunch.  Since I was taking our group shot (had the timer thingy going on here) . . . . .

 

 

 

I also asked if they would like to do something special for this week's post.

 Of course, they cheerfully agreed!!  :) 

 

A free digital ecard by Smilebox

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIES

 This week, our Pink Saturday assignment was to share our favorite holiday movies.

I have to admit, I pretty much love most all of them.  In fact, I really look forward to November and December and the onslaught of holiday movies.  I've been watching the Hallmark Channel whenever I can. . . they have some of the best movies around, especially this time of the year. Many other stations are also showing holiday movies.  However, I have to say that hands down, I have two favorites that I love above all the rest.

First, I adore "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS".  I recall living for the cartoon version to make it's appearance on TV each season.  It was made in the sixties for television!! When it was later released on VHS I asked for a copy of it as a Christmas gift so I could watch it whenever I felt like it!

I am enthralled with the voice of Boris Karloff, the narrator. . . and the evilness of The Grinch as he takes his hatred of Christmas out on the Whos in Whoville.  On Christmas Eve, when he took the material parts of Christmas away from them, he thought he was also taking their happiness and spirit, too.  

 

 

 

On Christmas morning, he was amazed to hear the Whos as they gathered around the big town tree, holding hands and singing. . . .

                                         WELCOME CHRISTMAS!

 Fah who for-aze! 
Dah who dor-aze! 
Welcome Christmas, 
Come this way! 

Fah who for-aze! 
Dah who dor-aze! 
Welcome Christmas, 
Christmas Day. 

 

He realized the Whos held Christmas in their hearts and he couldn't take that from them!!  

The Grinch's heart "grew 3 sizes that day" when he heard the Whos singing  . . . .and he returned everything to them. . . right down to their cans of Who Hash!

In the end he was loved by the Whos and "he even carved the roast beast" at their Christmas meal.

 

 

 My second all time favorite movie is the 1938 version of "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" starring Reginald Owen.  I first watched this movie alone at our house when I was pretty young.  Typically we weren't allowed to watch TV when mom and dad deemed it time to turn it off, but for some reason I was able to that night. The house was dark and quiet as I watched it for the first time. . .  I remember being very  scared, but I loved it at the same time.

 Ebenezer Scrooge was filled with hatefulness and stinginess ...

and certainly needed some Christmas Spirit intervention.  That's when his long time (and deceased) business associate, Jacob Marley, visited him while he slept, as did three Christmas ghosts.  Here is my favorite one. . .the "Ghost of Christmas Present".   

During the movie it was revealed why Scrooge had such an outlook on life.  His early years were impacted by a less than kind father.  While he later met and fell in love with  Belle, greed took over him and became his "lover" from then on.  During his visits from the other spirits, he was shown what people in his life thought of him and what his future would bring if he continued on his current path.  He didn't want to be wearing the chains he saw on Jacob Marley!!   When he awoke, he realized he had a second chance to make an impact on those around him by doing good !  

He helped Tiny Tim and his family. . . 

and surprised others by happily giving to the poor and needy. 

 

He no longer felt the need to shout "bah humbug", but instead. . . . 

 

found the meaning of Christmas. . . as did the Grinch!  It was in his heart!

Below, THE STONE RABBIT shares how Scrooge lived the rest of his life. . . . . . 

 

 

I am so excited, because in a few days, I will be seeing the KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE'S  30th production of :

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't seen it in a few years.  What makes it even better . . I will be seeing it with my daughter, DIL, and my niece and her family!!  If you live in the Kansas City area, this is truly a special Christmas event you will thoroughly enjoy!

 

The wonderful prints THE STONE RABBIT shared with you were ones I recently purchased at a local handcrafted Christmas sale.  They are letterpress print creations of Diane and Madeline Tompkins of "TAG TEAM TOMPKINS".  You can visit their etsy shop (HERE) to view their amazing designs.  Mine are 5" x 7" and will soon be framed!!

 

 

Don't forget to visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND.   You will find LOTS of other bloggers who are eager to share their favorite holiday movies, too!!

 

DANA

WE LOVE. . . . DANCING SANTAS!!

 

 Today I'm linking with Jillian of BELLA ROSA ANTIQUES for her Second Chance Tuesday!

 

As I said in the title of this post, we LOVE dancing Santas at our house.  I have been collecting them for a few years. . . and only buy them if they are inexpensive or if they can give me a good reason why they need to join "the collection".

Recently, this little one caught my attention at a Christmas Open House in Greenwood, Missouri.   This little guy was cheap and was in the antique booth of a vendor friend of mine.  ALSO. . . it actually plays music when you twist him around!!!  Yes, he met the guidelines!

 

THE STONE RABBIT thought he made the perfect new addition!

 

 

 

In fact, he and the other Santas could hardly wait for the "new guy" to join in the fun this year!!

 

If you'd like to read a post I wrote a couple of years ago about the Dancing Santas who live at our house, click HERE!

I hope you're having a great Holiday Season and don't forget to dance a little!!  

DANA