Need some gift ideas?

In a year where handmade gifts have made a comeback, my first choice is always to make it personal and crafty. But you don't have to be a crafty person to make these gifts. Most of the work is done for you - if you'd like it to be. We have digital software programs, traditional scrapbooking products and tools, we have storage solutions, a photo printing center and even a variety of frames. We have products that range from quick and easy to skilled and crafty. And I can help you figure it all out...

Not sure what to make? Well, I might have just the thing for you.

I am a Creative Memories Independent Consultant .

I help people like you make memorable gifts for yourself, your friends and family,

many high quality projects that bless homes with smiles around the world.

And you can find these and other photo projects

and holiday craft ideas on my website.

Be sure to visit the project center! You can always contact me for help with your specific project, photo preservation questions or anything of that nature. You can order online from anywhere, and it will be shipped to your doorstep in just a week or two! [Order this week to guarantee Christmas Delivery.]

Scrapbooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and it might just become one of yours - that is, if you're not already hooked! :)

You can visit my website, or contact me:

Melissa Michalek

Creative Memories Ind. Consultant

scrapper03@clearwire.net

www.mycmsite.com/MelissaMichalek

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Thankful MEME

Sarah has tagged me for this meme.

According to the rules, I have to post six things that make me really happy
... and pass it on to give six more people a reason to be thankful!

1. I am happy that the Lord showers me with Graces to help me through each day and each trial.

2. I am thankful for my husband who loves me so much, he is always giving of himself and making sure me and the kids are happy before his own happiness. Even if it means sleep depravation!

3. I am happy for the life within me, that reminds me of God's great mysteries and the preciousness of life from as early as conception.

4. I am thankful that we have such a beautiful home in which we foster faith, hope and love.

5. I am happy with my life thus far, even though it has taken quite a few unexpected turns.

6. I am thankful for all my blogger friends who for some reason still read my ramblings, care for me, and encourage me to pray and remind me to simply TRUST in God.

I tag:
anyone who wants to give this one a shot.

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Chasing Fireflies

I've been holding onto this magazine for awhile because I really wanted to blog about this fabulous company that caught my eye. Ever heard of Chasing Fireflies?

They have very expensive clothing, toys, furniture, etc. Kind of like Pottery Barn quality. But they are running a 50% off sale on some of the things I had my eye on. I'd try to sew some of them, but I can't find the right fabric or pattern. I am not sure if I'll be buying any of them, but here are some of my favorites!

Cozy Cube School Desk:

Toadstool Chairs & Table Set:

Snowballer:

"If I were a rich [girl]....." - from Fiddler on the Roof

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An announcement!

For those who visit this blog before you see my family's blog, I want you to see my newest post on our family blog. I have an announcement to make and we are in need of prayers!

God Bless!
Melissa

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Holiday Cheer-up

Okay - feeling a little bit better. Watched the movie ELF with the family, vented a bit, and thought more about Christmas! Thought about what I'd like to sing this year with my family.


(Jessica & Nick's version here)

While searching for old christmas songs for my ipod to lead a sing along, I came across this incredible new music cd by an actress and now christian singer... Kristin Chenoweth.

The big deal was that I wanted the song "Come on ring those bells." Because we have played that every christmas while decorating the tree since I was a little girl, but I no longer have a turntable to play it. When I looked it up as a CD by Evie on ebay and amazon, the current bid was $32 and the buy it price was a minimum of $65. So needless to say, when I could buy this Kristin's CD with the same song and sound - the whole CD "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas," not a single - for $10, I was thrilled!

Here she is singing "The Christmas Waltz"


and singing I'll be home for Christmas

Gets you in the mood, doesn't it!?

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Revealing Myself

The Simple Woman's Daybook
~ Nov 17, 2008


FOR TODAY - I am sharing something really real. Most people have a hard time with hearing such raw thoughts from me. If you are not able to handle reading feelings related to depression, this post is not for you. If you are looking to "save" me somehow, this is not why I am writing. Only a miracle from God can save me today.


I have mostly good days, today is just not one of them.

Outside my window... is sunny skies that are decieving. It's really cold out there.


I am thinking... that life is monotonous and inreconciably disheartening. I'm in a reality slump, and wouldn't mind checking out for awhile.


I am thankful for... television and music that can distract me from this lonliness. Right now I am listening to my playlist on my Myspace. The song that gets me the most is "When I see you smile" by Firehouse.



From the learning rooms... there is not a sound, because the kids would rather play today, and I'd rather not.



In the kitchen... you can see piles of dishes undone, an old bowl full of apples that will never be baked, and a to do list I can't bear to look at again.



I am wearing... my coziest lounge outfit, blue with butterflies. Mostly because it's the only thing that really fits me nicely since my weight continues to go up. And I can't bear to buy anything larger or more of this size - which admits I'm stuck like this.



I am creating... nothing, because it would be a waste of time and money. I am surprised I am creating this post. I am not looking for pity or advice. I just want to be REAL.



I am going... back to bed or on a solitary walk as soon as Tom gets home.



I am reading... other blogs in hopes to find something that doesn't make me feel like such a failure.



I am hoping... for a godsend, a miraculous change in my day without any effort exerted from myself.



I am hearing... my children entertain themselves peacefully, knowing mommy's not "with-it" today.



Around the house... are piles of unfinished tasks, hobby projects waiting to be started, and toys strewn about the floor.



One of my favorite things... to do is watch movies that portray the life I'd like to have. Movies like Dan in real life, Emma, Ever After, Cheaper by the Dozen, White Christmas, Sound of Music, Mona Lisa Smile, Mr Deeds, Fireproof, French Kiss, etc...



A few plans for the rest of the week: I really hadn't thought that far. I'm just trying to get through today. I guess homeschool, go to the gym, homeschool co-op. My uncle's mother died, so I may be going to her funeral if I'm feeling better.



Here is picture thought I am sharing...
a moment I want to relive right now!

For heaven's sake, I am such a mess today. Since my birthday last week (which was a great day thanks to my mom and Jamie), I've been biting my nails again (haven't in over 10 years), I've cried every day and night, I feel embarrased and ashamed of myself, and can't help but wonder what everyone REALLY thinks of me, and at the same time afraid to find out.

If given the chance to hear what other people think of you, would you want to listen?

If given the chance to start your life from scratch, would you?

If you could chose between taking drugs and being numb to your internal feelings, or stay natural and have to fight every day to keep yourself going, which would you chose?

How would you act if you knew who you really were, but being that person would mean living a lonely life, would you chose it or fake who you are to be accepted?

For those who consider themselves very opinionated, do you keep it to yourself or risk alienation by speaking your mind inorder to be honest with your true self?

Update: feeling better, but got a long ways to go to best.

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Advent Conspiracy

I was impressed when I saw this video and wanted to share it with you immediately. I'm going to change my ways this year too. It does make a difference that we're really poor this year compared to others, but I'm more motivated now than before I saw it...

HT: Keeper of the Keys

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We All Need A Tree

I am posting this great story in dedication to all those who are spending many quiet hours up in trees this hunting week. May they use this time to pray and be consoled by God. You may get more than you went out there for.

The Trouble Tree

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job - a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied

'I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them'.

'Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is', he smiled, 'when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.'

h/t: my mom emailed this story to me - I just added pictures I had.

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