The Good News of Little Drummer Boy

This week, one of my favorite music groups brought out an amazing version of the song Little Drummer Boy.  And I have been listening to it fairly regularly...ok, it's been on repeat but details.

And then my rough morning started today.  Corby had an emergency at work that meant he had to leave the house suddenly, Sophia was getting tired early, and Hito did not want to play by himself.  My sore throat and suspiciously pink eye were bothering me this morning and the list of things to do before Thanksgiving was growing this morning.

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum...
So to meet Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Come, see, gift.  And then it started to sink in...

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy to, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give a king, par rum pum pum
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

The gifts we bring don't make us better or worse because really, we have no gifts fit for a king.  The thing that we bring is that little question and the determination to do it: can I play for You?  Can I work for You?   Can I clean my house for you?  Can I live my life for You?...

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
We often fail at our drum playing...like my morning...and I certainly was not doing my best this morning.  But I come again, to the throne of grace, and ask if I can play for you.  Trembling hands grasp the sticks and try to drum out a life that is worthy to bring the King.  

And I see the baby Jesus smile.

currently

Wishing my dear blogging friends, Megan and Sandy, happy birthdays!  

(I know I'm a little late but I do sincerely hope you both had wonderful days!)

via Julie Ann Art

Celebrating my birthday with family

From phone calls to texts to sweet gifts, it was a lovely day.  Also, my husband is the best.

Getting the new shop stocked and ready for all the holiday shopping that is coming up!

If you follow me on Instagram, some of the pictures I've been sharing of jewelry were for Aime Jewelry.  If anything caught your eye, go check it out because some pieces are limited!  (P.S. Stay tuned here or follow Aime Jewelry on Facebook & Instagram for some holiday goodies that will be coming up!)

Enjoying a good bowl of ramen

That picture over in my Instagram feed on the side?  Yeah, that amazingness.  Egg, pork, bean sprouts, nori, and the most amazing broth.  It has heavenly.

Getting my holiday shop on!

Aren't these cards from Julie Ann Art the greatest?  Kind of love them.  =)

Already have some cards, some gifts, and lots of ideas!    And I actually have ideas for guys this year!  If you need ideas, I am thinking of posting a guys gift guide.  Would that be helpful to anyone?

Have a beautiful day!

Birthday Boot Wishlist!

Birthday Boot Wishlist! by snsnsnsibility featuring sam & libby boots

So birthday is coming up tomorrow and I have been keeping an eye out for a few different things.  =P  But one of the biggest things on my wish list (besides my sewing machine) has been a pair of boots to add to my closet.  My old brown ones bit the dust last winter and I have been looking since to get another pair.  I love the bootie style but am also partial to the classic riding boot style.  So I am putting this out there for you, my readers, to give me some help.  

What should I get?!  =)

Have a beautiful day!

October - so far...

Life has once again gotten filled up with so many things that I have not had a chance to sit down and blog in a while.  So in a few pictures, here is our month so far!

~a talking toddler with an increasing affinity for the camera~

he managed to get himself into these positions himself...it makes for a lot of laughs in our house. =)

~a weekend in San Diego at the historic Hotel Del Coronado~

(I did not edit this photo at all - it really was that pretty)

~a super smiley baby girl~

you can tell that Southern California cannot make up its mind about whether to be warm or cold =)

~and kind of most importantly, a new Etsy shop and jewelry line!~

www.aimejewelry.com

After much thought, prayer, and counsel, I have opened a new Etsy shop with a different focus than my current one.  I was finding myself trying to be like a lot of other designers who were/are successful and was losing my vision and personality in that desire to imitate the good practices I saw other people doing.  Sense and Sensibility is not closing, I will still be blogging here, but I will be focusing my designing energy on this new endeavor.  And check back here for new products, holiday specials, and other deals that will be coming up as we launch this new shop!

Have a beautiful day!

Wine Wednesday :: 2009 Dierberg Chardonnay

It has been a while since I have done a Wine Wednesday post but this week the hubby and I needed a bottle of wine (it was a long day) and decided to open this one.  So I thought I would share it with you.

What wine is it: 

2009 Dierberg Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley

What I ate with it: 

cod (or any mild white fish) steamed with butter, lemon, and garlic and a side of grilled eggplant

How much is it: 

starting at $22

Where to shop for it: 

Wine Exchange (for the 2010 vintage) & Wine Searcher (for the 2009 vintage)

Point of clarification: the bottle I drank this past week was the 2009 vintage.  That is what we had in the house.  You can still get the 2009 vintage but may have to do a little hunting.  My favorite wine shop is out of it and only carries the 2010 now.  I did include the link above for Wine Searcher's 2009 vintage results. 

Whatever you can get, get it.  It is really good.  The nose was crisp, slightly apple-y, and mild sweetness.  Sipping was an even more pleasant experience.  It was not too acidic and drank well by itself but also paired with the cod very well.  It highlighted the sweetness of the fish and compensated with the light fruity-ness that was left.  

It would be perfect for a girl's night in, after a long day with the kids, or even to have in the house for those up-coming holiday events!

Find a bottle and enjoy!  Have a beautiful day!