At 12:01 a.m. we will be celebrating a New Year. We think of a baby when a new year arrives. I have posted a couple of baby pictures to see if you can put a name to the pictures? I'll be checking comments to see if you can identify the two babies. Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

MY FAVORITE SANTA

Let me tell you about my favorite Santa.
First of all, he lives with me. He’s such a fun loving fellow!
He makes his children and grandchildren laugh, he even makes me laugh when I am trying not to.

The Santa in him came out about 20 years ago. I suppose he saw how much fun Santa was having because the next thing I knew he had bought himself a Santa suit and some sleigh bells. At the time he had a jelly belly and fit into the suit perfectly.

Each year as Christmas approached, My Santa would don his red suit, white beard and western boots. Then instantly, before my eyes, Santa would appear! Off he would go to the homes of friends having their Pre-Christmas parties. He would arrive at the scheduled time; they would listen for the jingle of his bells & then welcome him into their homes.

Santa loved visiting with the children and passing out the supplied gifts along with his candy canes.
Other times he would be Santa for a church party or show up at his 3 year old grand-daughter’s play group. We looked forward to these events.
I had the privilege of driving Santa to his various events, (though I never did get my Mrs. Claus suit). As we drove, people young & old would spot Santa sitting in my car, & they would smile or laugh as they returned Santa’s wave.

Santa quickly discovered that the elderly people loved him too. He enjoyed visiting with them, brightening their day, then leaving them with a plate of cookies.

These days, Santa is older and a lot thinner. He doesn't go calling anymore, however, Santa and I share the memories of those days. He still is and always will be My Favorite Santa. Brandi & Grandma Criswell (my mom)
Santa with baby David.

Santa with granddaughter Victoria.

Christmas in Utah

We did a little shopping, browsing and eating with our youngest grandchild, Boo and her Mama, today. It was cold, but we had fun. Boo bought herself a few reindeer with her own money.

I Am A Shoemakers Daughter

The smell of fresh cut leather and shoe polish give me wonderful feelings of joy, love, warmth and safety.
You may think that's a little weird, but you wouldn't, if like me, you were raised in an apartment behind a Shoe Repair Shop.

Yes, my father repaired shoes for a living. He, along with my mother who often worked beside him, loved me, cared for me, provided for my needs and comforts. Our little four room apartment was cozy, warm in the winter, and a place of happiness.

Now years later, when I walk into a Shoe Repair Shop. I smell “Home”
And feel proud because I am a “shoemaker’s daughter”.

#4

I wanted to try out in high school for the Cheerleader Squad, but I was stage shy. Actually, more than just stage shy, I was too terrified to get up in front of the whole student body and do my thing so I didn't try out. Too bad for me because I really think I could have made it.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

#4. I enjoy going outside, digging in the dirt & leaving an area of earth more beautiful than I found it. Even when I worked full time, I always found a bit of time to go out back, get my hands dirty, pull weeds and plant and grow various flowers, herbs and vegetables. I find it relaxing and therapeutic.
Years ago, one could find in my back yard a small vegetable garden, fruit trees (peaches, oranges & figs) along with tomato & grape vines, sweet pea's and snap dragons and several varieties of rose bushes.
As I have grown older, I don't have the energy to do as much gardening as before, but I continue to enjoy doing what I can, often going out in the yard in the early mornings of the summer and throughout the fall and springtime. I enjoy decorating my yard with furniture, bird feeders, flowers, stepping stones and anything else that that may add beauty and serenity to the outside of my home.

CARD CRAZY

#2. Another thing about me. I love to look for just the perfect card for people. I can spend literally hours in a Hallmark store or the card isle at the grocery store. I don't just settle for any ol', Happy Birthday, Anniversary or Get Well card, I make sure it says how I feel, that it is sent from the heart, conveying a message that is sincere. Yes- sir- E, I like a good card!

Something You Didn't Know

I've been what is called, Tagged, by Sheila.
I am supposed to tell somethings that are odd about myself or that maybe not everyone knows.
It takes me forever to blog -and half the time it ain't really me -OK, 95% of the time it ain't me, like now for instance, it's my determined blog addict daughter, ghost writing for me. There, bet you didn't know that.

Me and my Ghost will be periodically be listing other things, one by one, that may surprise you, about, ME!!

Santa Memories

Norman Rockwell has always been one of my favorite artists.

I love his work. This particular picture reminds me how,

for many years, Gramps would dress up as Santa and go around spreading cheer. Those are happy memories.

Mama Mia

Each year I always make Lasagna for our family Christmas dinner. We enjoy it along with garlic bread, green salad, jello mold and lots of desserts. Yumm.