Sunrise.

Caught this sweet shot the other morning as 

the sun was coming up and the trees swayed.

A Prince Gift.

Our grandson is a big Star Wars fan.

We were thrilled to find this Darth

Vader Mr. Potatoe Head toy. Hard to

wrap, so we took it apart, placed it in

a random box to wrap and had such a

good time on Christmas morning while

he put it together, trying to guess what it

was. He finally got it and was so thankful.

Homemade.

We also made homemade chocolates this

year to go along with the lavender bath salts.

A sweet way to thank so many people

when we have a frugal budget to work in.

Frugal does not have to mean we don't

care, just that we have so many to gift.

The little card we include with each bottle.

The feedback has been lovely and heartfelt.

Gifts of Lavender.

 I had a couple of special families to

thank at our Annual Candlelight Service.

So I made these tiny bottles of organically

grown, in our garden, lavender bath salts.

For those who are grieving at this time

of year, a lovely way to relax and reflect.

More Gifts.

For my other staff, I gave gifts that were handmade

and fun to create. I'll write another post but wanted

to show how pretty they looked all wrapped up and

ready to be presented. Another activity I love.

Final Shopping.

I have truly, never in my life, you may

not believe, not shopped the day before

Christmas Eve. But this year, I woke up 

that morning feeling a cold was brewing.

That is how I found myself at the grocery

store on the 23rd of December. I was a

bit worried that there would be lineups

but it was very quiet and I was in and out.

A staff member told me that by lunch,

there would be long line ups. Glad I

drove into town mid morning. It was

a lovely snowy drive but worth it. In

my shopping basket, ingredients for a

soothing soup, dip for New Year's, more

oranges for Christmas morning, pickles

for Christmas dinner, cheese buns for

soup, lemonade for a festive punch

and a lemon for my sore throat. Yum.

The beginnings of a hearty soup. Our

house smelled heavenly all afternoon.

Cheesy broccoli soup carrots, onions

and a very tasty chicken broth.

Blended and simmering. I truly couldn't

wait to curl up with a book and my soup.

The finished product. My dh asked for some with

dinner and he loved it too. On our list for future meals.

Staff Gift.

One of my staff members moved into

her first home in the Fall. I found this

sweet tea light holder for her fireplace

and then added an item she asked for.

Yes, she asked for a whisk. Always

wanting my staff to be happy, I had

fun trying to find just the right one.

She laughed and was so thankful.

Friendship Gift.

Although I am a giver, a giver without

any strings attached, I am always so

touched anytime I receive a gift. I give

to show gratitude for those in my life.

I was presented with this amazing gift

just before Christmas from a new friend.

The card made me cry. Such touching

words and ones I will always cherish.

And the gift was amazing! I've never seen

anything like this and truly it is beautiful.

I am so fortunate to have this lovely friend

in my life and I hope she feels the same.