Terrible and Beautiful

Christmas in Zion

2009-12-24T11:23:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas to you

from the Zion National Park

U-pick Christmas tree lot!

Good News of Great Joy

2009-12-10T14:30:00.005-07:00

Great little One!

Whose all-embracing birth

Lifts Earth to Heaven,

stoops Heaven to Earth.

- Richard Crashaw

Sure, this isn't an actual photo of Jesus (it's baby Nick!), but it does remind me of the Christmas story. Beneath all the Christmas trees, frenzied shopping expeditions and flowing eggnog of the season, it's vital for us who celebrate the birth of Christ to pause for a moment. This picture says it all - imagine, God himself come to earth in the mysterious disguise of an infant born in a stable and wrapped in rags.

The angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." - Luke 2: 10-12 NIV

Can you imagine gazing upon the Savior as a newborn baby unable to support even the weight of his own head? If you were there in the stable, would you reach out your hand to let his petal soft fingers wrap around yours?

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles... - Isaiah 42:6 NIV

This is my Christmas prayer for your blog readers: that you would know the touch of his hand.

With warm affection,

Lorri

The blog will on sabbatical for the rest of the month.

See you in 2010.

Help Wanted: This photo desperately needs a caption!

2009-12-10T09:11:00.001-07:00

A million points and bragging rights to the winner!

Doesn't it just take your breath away?

2009-12-09T16:48:00.003-07:00

My friend Chrissy with her brand new baby boy!

Simply breathtaking!

What 12 degrees below zero looks like

2009-12-09T09:00:00.005-07:00

Like this...

...and this...

...and a thin sheet of ice on a double pained window INSIDE the house!

If I see elves I'll know it's true

2009-12-09T07:39:00.003-07:00

...that we are indeed living at the NORTH POLE and not Colorado as I was lead to believe. The crazy dogs woke up at 5 am and it was NEGATIVE 12 (Yes, as in degrees.) By 7 a.m., it had warmed up to a toasty negative 11. At 7:30, according to our backyard thermometer, it's again 12 degrees below zero.

There was SNOW on the doormat INSIDE the house this morning - time for more weatherstripping!

On the news last night, the weather man showed us an experiment you can try when it's below zero (yes, degrees California friends! ) You take a cup of nearly boiling water and toss it up in the outside air. It forms a snow cloud and the droplets turn to ice before hitting the ground. We tried it and it worked! Wow, just wow!

Yesterday we finished our WILD Bible study which was bittersweet. The reminder to "remember the sparkle [of Christmas]" was timely and sage advice from a dear woman who passed of cancer some years ago.

Today, I get the exciting privilege to go meet a very brand new darling boy named Nicholas. He's an early Christmas gift for my friend and her husband at 5 pounds 11 eleven ounces (the baby, not the husband to clarify.) My camera and I have been invited to come visit and I can't wait! Newborn Baby Sweetness! Congratulations to Chrissy and Ivan!

Scott's been traveling again and returns tonight. John Deere and I have been missing him and his manly snow plowing abilities. Meanwhile, my twin and her husband hold coconut shell drinks with little paper umbrellas in Blue Hawaii. Wonder Twin Powers activate - twins should be together and I'm starting to think one of us is in the wrong place!

Flocking Christmas Trees the Eco Friendly Way

2009-12-07T09:46:00.004-07:00

Last night on the front range. I was trying the night photo button on my camera. You should have seen the trees in the yard with outdoor lights and falling snow - so pretty. The photos don't do it justice.
It's another 12 degree day but I hear you California friends had your own dusting overnight. Posers.

In other news: must clean out refrigerator. How very strange it's warmer in there than outside.

And that, my friends, was another stunning post by your favorite blogger. I hope all the excitement isn't too much for you!

Ever wonder where common phrases come from? Here's one -

2009-12-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

Dog Pile!

goodnight

2009-12-05T20:09:00.004-07:00

After a very full day

that started with our Ladie's Tea,

it's time for early bed for me!

Tonight while fresh snow blankets the ground,

I'll be sleeping sounding:

contently exhausted

and glad.

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

Boulder Nut-

2009-12-04T10:11:00.005-07:00

-Cracker that is! I found this little gem to add to our nutcracker collection last year or so. Each Christmas, I empty out the china hutch and replace the family photos with our ever-growing nutcracker collection. No, they aren't the real nutcrackers made in Germany, but after a few years, even the cheap ones look fun all together in a display.

We try to find symbolic or unique ones as you can see above.

I just added this guy last week - we had quite a few Santas but no elves! He's from Target (the Target ones are usually dated which is fun and cost about $12.00) He's been dubbed "Scary Elf." Scott thinks he looks a little shifty like he's up to something. What do you think?

Up on the plantshelf reindeers pause (or is it paws?)

2009-12-03T09:35:00.013-07:00

At the midpoint of our stairs there is a plant shelf that usually homes a sole hand me down fake ficus tree. But at Christmas time? This little unreachable nook becomes the display area for all soft toys and ornaments. Reminds me of the song we sang in the kindergarten music program all those years ago in our nightgowns, "Up on the Housetop" or "Up on the Plant shelf" as the case may be.

...Out jumps good ol' Scary Claus

Down through the chimney with lots of toys

All for the little ones, Christmas joys

Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?

Up on the plant shelf, click, click, click

Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick.

[or Scott's old Scary Santa and my cute jingle elf as the case may be...]

From the time we were born, my mom always made a felt ornament for me and Sarah. As I have had my girls, they each have received a replica of their own (Gingerbread man for the first year, Triangle 1970's Santa for the second and so on.) The one's above are the newer copies but just as treasured as the original.
This toy chest is also special to me. My grandfather made one for me and one for my sister when we were small. I love seeing it on display with our Christmas characters.
Ew. There he is - Scary Claus (Darling Jingle Elf is on the left.) They could seriously make a Christmas horror movie in the vein of Chuckie using that Scary Claus. It's like his eyes follow you around the room...

Next comes the stocking of little Lor

Oh, dear Santa, fill it well

Give her a dolly that laughs and cries

One that will open and shut her eyes

Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?

Up on the plant shelf, click, click, click

Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick!

[not Scary Claus...]

This stocking was what determined my nickname. My full name is Lorraine but when I was a baby, a family friend made each of us twins a stocking. There was room for "Sarah" but not for "Lorraine." Thus, my official nickname was born and stuck, spelled just so: LORRI. I still love the feel of the angora beard.

Next up? I'll show you some of my favorite details around the house.

Welcome to the Christmas Home tour!

2009-12-02T13:12:00.006-07:00

Thanks for your patient waiting all 4 of you who are still reading the blog after such boring or non-existent posts this week. Your waiting paid off - You are first in line for the Christmas at the Steer's House tour (please watch where you step - the puppy has a knack for camouflage pooping on the oriental rugs.) We'll start in the kitchen where I have created something new this year: a family tree.

Right in front of my sink, I placed a Charlie Brownish little tree. No lights. No glamorous glass balls. Just humble reminders of family like dime store personalized jingle bells and tiny family photos taken through the years. If you click on the photo, you should be able to see the details a bit better. At the base, I placed four snow flocked blocks that spell out L-O-V-E. That's where I'm keeping my eyes this season. How about you? I'm afraid if I look around too much, I might see Scary Santa.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

- John 3:16 AMP

My mom made this simple Nativity for the girls when they were little. Isn't it darling? More of the tour coming soon...

Baby Jesus Shower in Longmont, Saturday

2009-12-01T09:09:00.002-07:00

This Saturday, December 5th, is White Fields Community Church's Baby Shower for Jesus from 10:00am to 12:00 noon at the Steer's house. We would love to have you join us for music, fellowship, and celebrating our Savior. Please feel free to invite your friends and family who may be interested in a Christmas women's get together for ages 12 years old and up.

Light food and drink will be provided. If you would like to bring something, please contact Bronwen at wbka4ATmsnDOT com . Also, if you have a tea pot you'd like to 'show off' (and use), please feel free to bring that as well!

There is a $10/person suggested donation which will all be used to buy grocery cards for people in need at the holidays. (This can be given at the door or in advance.) Again, this is a suggested donation. Please don't let it stop you from coming.

Please let us know by posting here or emailing Bronwen if you'll be reserving a spot by this Thursday, December 3rd, 12:00 noon so we will have enough place settings and food.

Thank you, and hope to see you there!

He's back

2009-11-30T08:45:00.003-07:00

Scary Santa. Who remembers him? One more day of writing Christmas cards and mailing boxes then I'll be back. Have a great day. Photos coming soon.

Love, Lorri

Just because I love ya so much

2009-11-29T08:36:00.002-07:00

Turn up your volume

because

it just doesn't get any better than

John Denver

unless it's

John Denver and the Muppets.

First the blog

2009-11-27T08:36:00.002-07:00

...and then the house.

Signing off again

for a while

to transform sticky post-Thanksgiving house

into

charming, sparkly Christmas home.

Rocky Mountain Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T21:13:00.012-07:00

Yes, this is Colorado in November. Yes, Emma is barefoot and Livi is wearing shorts. Were they pushing it a bit? Perhaps, but it was unseasonably warm and crystal clear today.
Still a little snow in the shadows and finally, all the Steers together in the same photograph - thanks to my friend Amie whose here to celebrate with us!
Skating on thick ice (with tennis shoes!) Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's Aim in front of the camera enjoying the stunning scenery.
Our friends the Nelson's...Christmas photo anyone?!
Pumpkin, peach and apple were okay...but chocolate cream? Not one drop left!
Clark, I mean Scott, smoked the turkey. Mmmmm...very good!
Livi lost the wishbone wish but it was still super fun!
My favorite personal thankful-thing of the day? That after 2 long years, my hair is finally long enough to put up again! I just realized it this week! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thankfulness in equality to a thousand words

2009-11-25T08:22:00.012-07:00

and that's just the smallest sliver of people, places and things that I'm thankful for this year. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. I will return in a few days. For now, I thankfully have a house to tidy and pies to bake.

How many dogs do you see?

2009-11-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

I only see two.

In loving memory

2009-11-23T19:10:00.005-07:00

This is what I have been working on the past few days. It was a display board and a scrapbook for my friend Candace's mother, Naomi Ashcraft. Today we remembered her life and laid her to rest.
Patches of snow covered the ground at the cemetery this late autumn day. The dying tree on this side of the river was a sharp contrast to the evergreen tree on the other bank. It was the perfect illustration for the day - the hope of eternal life compared to our temporary time on earth.
Flowers graced the day - soothing gifts to say we remember and we are with you.

days that past quickly by

2009-11-22T18:31:00.009-07:00

Since Thursday: Livi built more snowmen in the yard. They finally melted yesterday with a little help from some friends. And their karate kicking feet.
Thursday night was the first grade music show. They got to wear jammies so you know Livi was thrilled to death. I'll spare you the audio but for $19.95 you can order your own professional copy. Like I'm going to do for Scott.
Yes, Daddy had the misfortune of missing this event, but not to worry: he'll be able to watch it over and over and over again. :)
He also missed crazy hair day on Friday. To style your hair this way, the secret is a cardboard tube (we used one from a gift wrap roll.) Scott finally returned home Friday during the day from his 12 day business trip. Yes, 12 days. No, I didn't mention it here (remember we are under heightened security as we foster these two fine show creatures.) Speaking of whom...Mia welcomed Scott home with a 15 minute killer barking spree. She had no idea he was suppose to be here since he had been gone when she arrived. Needless to say, they had some bonding to do, and were making nice progress until Mia pooped on the carpet. Sigh.
Saturday was Ellen's birthday. She turned 17 and requested this flash back cake like the one that I had made when she was in fifth grade.
Ellen with her friend Steven.
Ellen and Livi ready to open presents.

I've been busy working on a memorial board and scrapbook for my friend Candace's mother's service which is tomorrow. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

We're also prepping for Thanksgiving with a few guests and are looking forward to a restful week. At church this morning (before I fell asleep - so humilating...nothin' personal Pete! Stayed up too late and no coffee, I'm sure he'll understand.)...as I was saying, at church this morning we had communion. Olivia said she would like to participate as she had done before. Wanting to be sure she understood what she was doing, I asked, "And do you remember why we do this?" She replied quite confidently, "Because Jesus shared a snack with his friends." I liked her answer.

crazy hair day

2009-11-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Longmont area friends - a secret to help your Thanksgiving meal be extra delicious!

2009-11-20T15:34:00.001-07:00

With less than a week until Thanksgiving, Stone Table is all kinds of excited. Food, Food, and Food!! How would you like a little something special this year. We are trying out a new option this year. We will be delivering items up until Wednesday the 25th to help you make Thanksgiving a little different this year. So look over the list and place an order through our website.

9" Rocky Mountain Brown Betty (apple pie with streusel and caramel)
$12.00

Caramel Apple Blossom ( 6 per order)
$30.00

Cranberry/Orange Relish - an alternative to sauce and so tasty with fresh cranberries and oranges
$5.00/pint

Salsa De Vida - Award winning medium salsa for appetizers
$5.00/pint or $8.00/quart

Gluten Free Stuffing - You won't believe it, but it is 100% gluten free!!
$7.00/pint

Margherita Puffs - Bite sized pastry filled with delicious cheese, basil, sun dried tomatoes, and italian flavors!
$20.00/platter ( 2 dozen per platter)

Give Stone Table the opportunity to bring something new to the table and ease your cooking pressure this year.

www.stonetablecatering.com
email @ stonetablecatering . com

Good to the Bone!

2009-11-19T09:11:00.006-07:00

"There is no evidence of sclerotic metastasis found in the bones."

That's fancy doctor talk for no cancer

in my spine or other bones!

Breathing a HUGE sigh of relief.

Great way to start the day!

Thanks for your prayers and good wishes!

And I was all ready for the topless protest in DC

2009-11-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

No Change in U.S. Mammogram Policy

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 18, 2009
Filed at 2:39 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal policy on who should get breast cancer screening has not changed, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday.

Sebelius issued a statement aimed at easing confusion over a government panel's recommendation, on Monday, that said most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50.

That recommendation was a break with the American Cancer Society's long-standing position that women should get screening mammograms starting at age 40.

The task force does "not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government," Sebelius said.

Sebelius noted that there has been debate about the age at which routine mammograms should begin, and how often they should be given.

"The task force has presented some new evidence for consideration but our policies remain unchanged," she said. "Indeed, I would be very surprised if any private insurance company changed its mammography coverage decisions as a result of this action."

"My message to women is simple. Mammograms have always been an important lifesaving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today. Keep doing what you have been doing for years -- talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions and make the decision that is right for you," Sebelius said.

In the meantime, she added, it is clear that more research is needed into ways to help women prevent and fight breast cancer.

The recommendations from the task force have left women across the country confused about which advice to take. It also quickly led to charges from opponents of changing health care policy that it is an example of what could be expected from government-managed care.

In its report the panel of doctors and scientists concluded that such early and frequent screenings often lead to false alarms and unneeded biopsies, without substantially improving women's odds of survival.

But their recommendation was loudly criticized by breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed at a young age.