The sky's...

...the limit.
As I sit here staring at my screen, typing, deleting, re-typing, my mind is racing with what I want to say today in as few words as possible-which is practically impossible as I'm a very expressive & wordy girl...Just ask Frankie!
I've gained so much from this past year that I'm excited to take it with me into 2012. I don't make a big thing out of New Year's-Too many past resolutions made & broken & feeling deflated soon after making them. I couldn't tell you when I decided to (it's been years), but I make life style changes. Small ones over the course of time. They are perpetual & I'm never left with that sinking feeling of failure. It's really the greatest gift you can give yourself.
2012 has so much going for it already. Our daughter, Jamie will be getting married, our son, Justin goes to Kuwait shortly, & Austin applies to the A.F. Academy. Frankie & I are going strong after  20+ amazing years together & we just get better with time. I've loved dipping my big toe into the blogging world & "meeting" such witty, wonderful & inspiring bloggers/photographers. Thank you~each of you~who come to visit & take time out of your busy day to leave me such nice comments. I'm truly grateful. So here's to an amazing year of endeavors. I'm so happy to be a part of yours!
Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

The Gift of...

...giving.
Today, over at the
Shutter Sisters -
Tammy prompted us to post pics of presents that remind us we are loved.
I'm gonna deviate a bit from that & share a photo of the gift we LOVE to give. In Judaism, we have what's called Tzedakah~which is Hebrew for "charity." Every Sabbath for a year, we feed the tzedakah box-which has outgrown the little one Austin decorated when he was 5! I dump my change all weekend until the Sabbath ends & we give all our pennies. It really adds up. Then, when Hanukkah is over, we decide as a family what charity will receive the donation. This year we're splitting it. Being that Austin wants to be a soldier, he's partial to a wounded veterans charity. And we all know cancer is horrible enough for anybody, but Frankie & I think cancer in children is especially cruel so the other half will go to St. Jude's. We're so blessed & enjoy presents as much as anyone...but this one gets to me every time.

Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

A diamond in the...

...rough.
"Someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd."
This is so me!
 I've set my mind that 2012 is the year that I find that potential to help me stand out. I'm close to choosing
 "my word" for the year. I've whittled it down between two words...but I have a few more days to mull it over before I decide. It's very important...this word. It has to pick me up when I'm down, it has to keep me inspired when I need inspiration, it needs to represent me & what I want to achieve, it has to be positive when some days are "blah". It has to realistic to keep goals attainable....I'm close, I can feel it!

Happy Snapping!
xo
Kelly

These are...

...the only "snowballs and snowmen" we get 'round here!!!

Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

Happy Holidays...

...from our home to yours.

Here's to family traditions old and new-traditional and not,

To memories past, and new ones to come,

To thank those who serve our country with pride,

To new friends and old friends,

To health and happiness...

Happy Holidays to you all...

Happy Snapping!

xo

Kelly

One in a million...

...that's what "she" said~
even though it's me that thinks "she's" a hoot...
Amber~
You made an ordinary day extraordinary with your unexpected gift. I can't help but smile when I look at this little treasure that reminds me HOO is really one in a million.
Amber is the 1st on-line buddy I've met in real life. I flew to her hometown for 33hrs...JUST to have lunch with her. It was pretty dang cool. She was the same funny,  spunky girl I "knew" for a year on-line.

We get to hang out in the beginning of 2012 where our photo will go here
<-----------
Oh yeah, she's a damn fine photographer to boot!

Happy Snapping!
xo
Kelly

Happy...

...sigh!
Linking up with KK over at her cafe for 12-days-of-textures
She's just given out some "magic" textures and they are pure joy to work with. I wonder if she names these textures "magic" cause that's what happens when you apply them...Magic!
Thank you for all your well wishes on my earlier "I've got the crud" post. I still have bronchitis but after 4 days~my voice is slowly returning. I fell behind in everything from taking care of the house to finishing my holiday shopping. I've had to tell myself 100 times to let it go, it's ok, the world goes on & taking care of myself is far more important than ending up worse than how I started.
Are you too hard on yourself? Do you find that if you forgive yourself it all works out anyway? Be gentle on yourself, it's ok....really!

Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

It's simple...

...Really
We all want it.
I know I do.
I wish for it everyday.
I wish there wasn't hatred
toward each other~fellow human beings-
I just know that if one day, every single person on this planet did a kind gesture toward another fellow being~
there would be this lightbulb moment that overcomes us & we could have it...finally
shhhhhhh...do you hear it?
That's Peace on Earth.
Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

Sealed with a...

...kiss!
I've been sick with bronchitis, laryngitis & sinusitis but today I was bound and determined to get something productive done. My boys have their cookie favorites so today i made Austin's favorite...
Peanut Blossoms.

...MMMMM
:-)
Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

Danbo is all excited...

...to play in the "snow". He doesn't mind hamming it up for the camera especially when he knows the prize is something sweet to eat!  But I found out that even Danbo has a limit! 

A bribe payment of candy was not worth wearing a traditional, hand knitted sweater. 

He decided to play nake-y!

Defiant huh?

I have an angel...

...She came today!
Geri, over at My Heart Art
had a contest and I won! My angel came today and she is more beautiful than I can find words for. I can't stop staring at her & all the little details hidden like little treasures waiting to be found. Geri is an amazing artist & I just have to smile to think "how lucky am I".
My Angel came at a perfect time as we found out today, our son, Justin, got orders for temporary deployment to Kuwait in Jan.  It was between there & Afghanistan. I don't have to tell you, I was more than a tad relieved it wasn't the latter. So my angel has a special meaning to me on this day. Thank you Geri.
For my son~Justin...my 1st born. Safe Journey to you & your squad. I will have a YELLOW RIBBON tied up front till you come home...safe. I love you, Mom xo

AND...it's Texture Tuesday over at Kim Klassen cafe - 

She has some delicious textures for you to try, so if you haven't signed up to get them...RUN!

Happy Snapping

xo

Kelly

I've got the "crud"...

...I'm in between naps at the moment. I've been sick with body aches & a sore throat & had to call in sick. I HATE being sick and I hate calling in sick even more. Do you all feel guilty when you have to do that? Why is it we don't put enough self worth when it comes to taking care of ourselves? Can anyone please answer me that? Anyway...
 I wanted to give you all a present for the holiday's and this is what I've come up with...the LAST Sugar Cookie recipe you will ever need...Honestly! Even after refrigerating it-I leave it out until it's rollable.

SUGAR COOKIES

CREAM TOGETHER:

1 C Unsalted Butter

2/3 C. Sugar

BEAT IN:

1 Egg

COMBINE & ADD:

1 tsp Vanilla

2 1/2 C. Sifted Flour

Mix until ingredients are well-blended. Chill dough 3-4 hrs. before rolling. 

Pre-heat oven to 350*

Roll out on lightly floured surface & cut. Bake for about 8~10 min.

or until barely colored.

FROSTING

3/4 C Powdered Sugar

1TBSP Unsalted Butter

1 TBSP Milk, 1/2 tsp Vanilla, 1/4 tsp fresh Lemon Jce

a tad of Lemon Zest

Melt butter, stir all ingredients to combine until smooth.

(I stir ingredients in a mixing cup & place cup in a bowl of HOT water to keep frosting spreadable)

***

Enjoy!

I'm going for a cat nap now!

Happy Snapping

xo

Kelly

Please join me...

...over at
 Mist and Lilies

Where Shaunna has invited me to be a guest on her blog!!!

Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

10 things I LOVE...

...about this season~In no particular order:
 1. Bokeh lights
 2. Baking cookies
 3. Finding that perfect gift
 4. Thinking about holidays past
 5. Holiday music
 6. Winter vacation
 7. Watching the SOUND OF MUSIC
 8. Getting together with loved ones
 9. Receiving Christmas cards

10. Wishing YOU~Peace & Joy to last.

Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

How much do I love...

..creating winter scenes?
Outstretch your arms to your sides as far as they'll go~yeah...THAT much! How fun to get my fake snow out and "play". I hope you all enjoy my December "winter"!

Do you like contests? Please go visit my friend, Geri and see some of the amazing art she creates.

My Heart Art

Linking up with Kim Klassen cafe 

Silent Night is under there!

Can't have a holiday without a candy cane or two to help celebrate!

Happy Snapping!

xo

Kelly

                                                                         

Sunday means...

...Scavenger Hunt!
I really had fun with these prompts this week. I like stretching that box a bit to see what comes out of it. I'm really excited about posting. You might want to hop over to Ramblings and Photos
to see some great interpretations. Here are mine:

PORTRAIT
I posted this shot of our son, Austin the other day over at the Shutter Sisters...but it IS a portrait-& he's so cute!

NOSTALGIC
I'm officially a crazy woman! YES, I made over 75 Lego people. Lego was a HUGE part of Austin's growing up. He'd sit for hours building. Often times I'd sit with him finding the exact piece he'd need among the 10's of thousands of pieces he has...yes-you read that right! I didn't mind as there was something soothing about running my hands through those pieces. Austin's past & my grandchildren's future playtime are tucked away in those plastic bins.

TIME
...in a bottle...jar
You get the idea!

FULL OF LIGHT
I was taking down my fall decorations & love the east facing light that pours into the house. I hooked up this strand of beads/leaves between the french shutters and took the shot in full light. I wanted that over exposed look...added a texture...viola!

MOTION
That is my 4 year old niece making a basket!! She's awesome!



Happy Snapping
xo
Kelly

December is here...

...Like it or not!
Over at the Shutter Sisters ,
the ONE WORD for December is Savor...       Savor~to appreciate fully; enjoy or relish

Meet our son, Austin. He's 16, a Jr in High School and will be applying to both the A.F. & Naval  Academy in March. He's the youngest of our three & I have been "Savoring" every moment he's home with us before he goes off to school. It's a double edged sword rearing children-excited that you are raising your kids to be viable, self sufficient adults, but sad that they leave because your "job" as mom shifts. I'm trying real hard to wrap my head around that concept...

Happy Snapping

xo

Kelly