Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

 A peek at our outdoor decorations this 2019 Christmas season.

The front deck.

  

Mr. Slim the snowman is ready to greet those who come to the backdoor.

 Finding the perfect Christmas tree.

O Christmas Tree!

 

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches

Wishing you a lovely Christmas my friends.

Thank you for all the support and reading The River. 

  I will be taking a short break to celebrate this special season with family and friends.

Praying that you all have a special holiday.

 

  ♥

Carla

  I spotted Santa in a wee bit of trouble in Madison, Wisconsin.

Merry Christmas!!

  ♥ ♥ ♥

On the Road Friday ~ to the Wisconsin Executive Residence ~

Last week Thursday my husband, I and our son Atticus headed South to Madison. Our destination was the Executive Residence.

Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers announced that they will continue the  tradition of remembering Wisconsin's deployed service members and veterans with a "Tribute to our Troops." holiday tree in the Executive Residence.

The governor and first lady invite family members of Wisconsin's service members - past and present, in Wisconsin and abroad - to send a holiday ornament dedicated to their loved one. The ornaments will be displayed on one of the large evergreen trees on display at the Executive Residence during its holiday tours.

We created the following ornaments.

My Grandpa Sam .. WWII Veteran

 Our son Sam.. currently Wisconsin National Guard

 

The invitation is open to families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members. Ornaments can be plain, fancy or personalized to honor our fallen service members, those who are deployed overseas this holiday season, and all who wear the uniforms of our nation's armed forces.

" I am pleased to be able to offer families an opportunity, especially during the holiday season, to recognize the brave folks who serve in our armed forces." Governor Evers said. " I think it is as important for family members as it is for the service members being honored in this way."

Governor Evers

 

 We met the First Lady Kathy Evers. She was interested in our family story and where in Wisconsin we lived. She had to chuckle at how far North we live from Madison.

We got to hang our ornaments on the Tribute to our Troops tree.

 It was a special day for us. 

Thank you for coming along with me today, On the Road Friday, to Madison, Wisconsin to see a very special tree at the Executive Residence.

 ♥

Carla

 

 

Gingerbread House 2019

While having lunch with my son one day in November he shared with me he wanted to build a gingerbread house this year as part of our Christmas decorating.

When my boys were younger we had a gingerbread house making party with some of our dear friends. All being boys, it was great fun to see what designs they came up with and  how much frosting, candy and more they could eat while creating.

When I mentioned the idea to my husband we thought we would try one of the kits we see at the local markets. My husband picked out the Reindeer Barn. 

 Everything you need comes with the kit.

 You have to cut the fondant to the way you want to create the house.

 Atticus is busy starting to create the red barn.

 Using a gumdrop and red frosting I created the wreath.

 Working to make the barn look just like he wanted.

 Starting to put on the finishing touches.

 The icing sets up fast. You do have to work quickly.

 We placed the barn on a tray and made some more icing to create our snow yard for the reindeer.

We had so much fun creating this gingerbread house, that we plan to make this a new family tradition.

 

Hit Where It Hurts

Hit where it hurts.. this does not sound very Christmas like I know. And this will be a post that my heart will break open in all honesty. I have been struggling with a VERY negative person at my work. I work part time, two days a week at Daybreak. I shared about my new job here.

Early November I had it with the co worker. I called my supervisor and explained the situation. She was caring, listened and understood what I was saying because there have been other complaints about this co worker. I shared with my supervisor I will give it another two weeks. 

Well, here I am. 

Things have gotten worse. 

I went to my supervisor again.

Because it is the holiday season, we have so many fun activities planned and I have come to love and care for the participants. It is not easy for me to say "I am hanging it up!"

At the same time, I am not sure I can handle anymore of the negativity that comes with each day.  I have never been in such a situation before in all my years of working. 

I am at a crossroads. 

And I share this all with you because you have been with me during my dad's heart attack, my son's basic training , the passing of our dog and so much more. 

Thank you my friends for any words of wisdom. If any of you have walked this road before. How did you handle it? How did you decide on what to do?

 This week our family received some very difficult news.

A dear friend of ours has been diagnosed with cancer.

I have cried often this week. Confused, sad and disappointed. 

My prayer is to be the friend she needs me to be. For my boys to be the friends they need to be and that we can shine light during this very difficult time.

 I know I have to play on the one string that we have and that is our attitude.

Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

Be Love!

Be your own Elf!

I recently read a post by Susan Branch. She shared some advice she received from her dad.

I wanted to share it with you during this Christmas season.

As you know, there is a lot of worry in the world these days ~ but you can help!

Do what my dad told me.

"Be an elf.

Wear a cute hat, a colorful sweater, smile at strangers, cheer people up." 

You are your own best gift!