Too Cute Not to "Toot"

Isn't it amazing that Christmas is just a few days away?  I love the holidays and work each year to try and make them relaxing and enjoyable.  I started out strong this year but the last week has been down right crazy and out of control.  Making notes on how to not let that happen next year!

I thought I would start this episode of "Too Cute Not to "Toot"with a great new food blog that I found recently. What Megans Making has some great looking recipes  such as:

Cranberry Relish

Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

She offers tons of cookies and "sweets" recipes plus many others.  I don't often hook up with food blogs but she seems to have a lot of ideas we would actually enjoy.

Since I started out with food . . .how about this great recipe for Chicken Pot Pie from craftomaniac.

I really like these tree picks that A Glimpse Inside shared this week.  They look so pricey but are so easy to make.  I think they will make a great addition to my tree next year!

This is such a cute idea for a little Nativity set - I think it would make a fantastic gift for a Sunday School Teacher or a Pastor's family.  Craftily-ever-after gives a great tutorial.

I never did post pictures of my porch, mostly because it didn't turn out like my vision and a little because I never get a chance to get pictures!  With that said, I do already have ideas for next year to make it better and it includes some crafts.  I saw this recently at That Village House that would look awesome with the other ideas I have - now my mind is working on how to make it waterproof (she used cardboard boxes and wrapping paper . . )

That is it this week.  I've seen tons of ideas but with holiday things as well all of the latest with my sister-in-law I haven't had as much time to search blogs as I normally do for great ideas.  I'm looking forward to things slowing down a little come January, as they usually do, so I can catch up on lots of things and get back into a more normal routine!

Update on Nora

I thought in this post, I would copy info from my brother Jeff, my sister-in-law Nora and my niece and nephew - all who have written some informative and even encouraging posts as they walk this journey. 

First, from Brittany, my niece:

Today we found out that my mom, Nora McMaster, has stage three lung cancer. She has never smoked in her life, so you can imagine this was a shock to our entire family. On December 29 she will meet with her cancer specialist and her surgeon ...who will be responsible for removing part, if not all, of her left lung. We know that God is in control, but we also know that this will be a hard battle for all of us to face. We ask for your continued prayers and support throughout this time. Any comments of encouragement you wish to leave on this wall for Nora would be greatly appreciated and I know would help her get through the rough days ahead

Than, my brother has posted the following:

Thank you all for your prayers. Nora had her biopsy on the mass in her left lung, and the doctor told us after the procedure that she has stage 3 lung cancer (we are still dealing with the shock that, of all places, its in her lungs when she has never smoked). Next week, on Wednesday, Dec. 29, we have our first appoi...ntment with both the oncologist and the thoracic surgeon so they can prepare the plan of attack

as well as this

 Looks like treatment will involve chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of at least part of a lung. God has been wonderful in directing us to good doctors who are being proactive and thorough, and He is continuing to do so by giving her the same oncologist that treated Lance Armstrong. Our God is awesome and is gi...ven her the best that there is! Please continue to pray that God is glorified as we walk this road

And Nora wrote this:

 just got home from the biopsy (still loopy from drugs)....The dr has informed us I have stage 3 lung cancer. They have made an appointment with a thorastic surgeon and an oncologist(one of the best in the world, he was lance armstrong's dr) next wednesday..I know God is in control, thank you for your continued prayers

And finally from my Nephew Brandon

 For those who dont know, my mom cancer is stage three, and will know have to be endure chemo, radiation, and eventually surgery to remove part of, if not all of her left lung.........

I felt the need to share each of those so that you have the "story".  Pray for each one of them as they walk this road.  I will continue to post updates as we learn more after her next appointment.

Again, if you would like contact info for Jeff and Nora please feel free to let me know.  I know that they would appreciate prayers, cards, and any other encouragement.  Nora enjoys reading, decorating (so magazines she would enjoy!), and Coffee

Thank you!