It's a Tradition...Craft Boutique's, Jewels and Marshmallow Caramels

Hello Friends, Happy Thursday to you...When I was a little girl, my mom used to take me to this craft fair called Grandmother's House.  They held it every year in Denver in model homes.  It was pretty fun...Fast forward many  years later...too many to count, and my mom (who coincidentally is a grandma) is a crafter in a similar Craft Bazaar.

If you live in the South West Idaho area, you might want to check out the Holiday House Boutique...My mom has lovely handmade jewelry.  Just look for the Simply Sassy designs by Cindy.  Cute, cute, cute...Another favorite of mine are the Marshmallow Caramels...However, I'm not sure if in my post back surgery weight loss plan that is allowed.  Ah heck!  What's life without a little treat...

So, I will be taking my daughter, Ladybug, to this here craft boutique...It is tradition:

See you there!  And save me some caramels.  

Faith, Food and Shopping

With the afternoon sun overhead, we piled in the Honda, four of us on a journey of faith, food and shopping.  Faith, food and shopping.  A dichotomy, yes?  Yet, in the same weekend all were fulfilled.  We were fed both spiritually and temporally.  You see we were going to Salt Lake City, a Mecca of sorts for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Twice a year, leaders from our faith speak of Christ, his life and how we can embrace Him more fully in what is called General Conference.  We were lucky enough to be in possession of four tickets, otherwise, we would just sit at home and watch it on BYU-TV, which is totally okay with me, too.

Our first stop in reaching the outskirts of Salt Lake was

Because you just can't get them in Idaho.

The next day found us shopping and visiting a different kind of Mecca

Yeah, it was my birthday weekend.  Let me just say that I have never been to IKEA.  I was overwhelmed and in awe as I wandered around that maze of a store.  I could have gone through a second time once I took it all in, but I had two males in tow, and a good woman should know their limits.  

Sunday found us here

and here

How overwhelming it was to be amongst so many fellow Latter Day Saints all filled with the excitement and anticipation to hear the good words about Jesus Christ from these amazing and inspirational men.

Yes, our hearts were full, our belly's were sated 

and my checkbook a little bit lighter.  

A Confession

Source

I have a confession to make:   I am a homebody.  

It's true!  I know you are SO shocked...I love being home.  I love cleaning my house, or baking something yummy.  I even love doing laundry.  I love the smell of the fresh clean clothes and the warmth of the soft garments as my hands fold them.  The allure of being home and creating seems to supersede all other needs.

In fact, as I write this I should be going to the grocery store.  I have my list all made out, but the drive to go just isn't' there.  Sometimes my family has to suck on dried beans just to get the nourishment they need.  Well, okay, that's an exaggeration, but I can get creative with food.  

I saw a quote the other day by Jane Austen, "Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."  I found a pretty cool free printable the other day at Becky Higgin's blog.  (the cute one at the top of this post) You can down load it here.  You are welcome.  ;)

It is Enough

As I sit in the warmth and comfort of my home, I am so grateful, today and everyday, because it is enough.  I am truly blessed.  Watching videos like the one below reminds me of the greed that is so prevalent in our society these days.  I'm not saying that shopping is bad, but look how these people treat each other to save $10, $15, $20 bucks.  No thank you, today is a "White Friday" for me, the opposite of "Black Friday".  Today I will be at home with my family enjoying each other's company and Thanksgiving leftovers.  May you be safe in your Black Friday endeavors.