Our Year ~ 2010

2010 has been a fantastic year.

Greg and I have grown closer to each other and to our Lord.  The Lord is showing us things we have never heard or seen before, he is convicting us of things we should do and others we shouldn't do, and he is opening some excited doors for our family.  Greg & I are reading through the bible in a year, our starting month was Sept., so the plan is to be finished by next September.  We discovered Sermon Audio and have listened to some great preachers.

Greg is entering the ending phase of his graduate work for his Masters Degree in Engineering.  He is helping us all with Catechism & memorizing Bible Verses.  He is a great provider for our family and a fantastic Daddy.  He plans lots of field trips around our travels and keeps us accountable in schooling.  

I helped start a girls group called "Keepers at Home" to encourage our girls toward being wives and mothers.  Then our Keepers group started a new homeschool group.  This year I have learned how to crochet, can green beans, care for chickens, and many others.  I love to cross stitch, crochet dish cloths, and sew. 

Our family has grown by 3 dogs ~ Skittles, Chip & Licorice.  C & L are spoiled rotten at the tender age of 3 months and we all love to watch and play with them.  We've got 4 chickens that supply us with 3-4 eggs every day (they taste so much better than storebought.)  We also own 3 pigs with our friends Marie and Gregg.  James is our pig farmer and I think he really loves that responsibility.  He named them Ham, Pork Chop & Bacon and is looking forward to eating the "fruits of his labor".

The Lord led us to a new church and church family & its been a blessing.  The church is small and its easy to get involved and feel needed.  Our family is cooking the Wed. night dinner at church once a month.  We are cooking for the Discipleship Now weekend for the youth, and hosting a bible study for the youth.  Katie is helping in a childrens class on Wed. nights.  And all 3 are working in the nursery on Sunday mornings,  We are thrilled they are learning to be servants and not just sitting waiting to be entertained.

James is working for the vending company and enjoying driving his own route.  He has pursued and been accepted into the Welding program at the local Community College.  He is waiting for an opening in the program...hopefully in the fall.

Andy is back at College and the grades are going really well.  We are glad he is back and taking his education seriously.  I'm not sure when graduation will happen but he is moving forward.

Rob is in his last year at MSU and will graduate the end of April with a music degree.  He is applying at graduate schools to pursue his Masters.

Allen moved back to GA and lives about 15 minutes from his Granny.  He's got 2 jobs and just got another today, so one of the previous ones will be history.  He is talking about going to a trade school in the fall for either electrical or construction.

Katie graduated from our homeschool high school last spring.  She is doing college studies through College Plus and has 12 credit hours.  She is also working on homemaking skills with the goal of being a home keeper, help meet, and mom.  She is learning canning skills, embroidery, cooking, menu planning, cross stitch, jelly making, etc.  She likes working on projects she can enter in the State Fair.  She is also my daytime computer "geek" and makes me charts, menus, grocery lists & check off sheets.

Will is our chief garbage collector and food/water provider for our dogs & chickens.  He also takes some of the pool cleaning/maintaining responsibilities.  He is working on 10th grade work in our homeschool and is starting with driving lessons with his Dad.  He is our tinkerer, tool guy and lego builder.  He learns lots of practical skills while working with Greg.

Amy is our 9th grade bundle of energy.  She likes to get her school work done so she can do "fun stuff" baking, crocheting, cross stitch, dog training, etc.  She loves to crochet and is good at it.  Working on projects to enter in the State Fair is a passion of hers.  She is also an avid reader and has discovered Beverly Lewis books this year.  This has led her, Katie and I to some interesting discussions about the Amish and their lifestyle. 

This Miss. Mama will be back in a week!  Happy New Year everyone!

Daybook

 

  For today...

Outside my window...cold, sunny, dry

I am thinking...about how much fun we had for Christmas

I am thankful for...fun family times, wish all 7 kids had been here

From the learning rooms...its vacation time for 2 more weeks...lots of new crafts to work on

From the kitchen...nothing...headed to Mama's

I am wearing...denim skirt, blue knit shirt, slip on tennies

I am creating...a crocheted scarf & dishcloths, will start working on my 23rd Psalm cross stitch kit from Greg

I am going...to Moms

I am reading..."Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" and the Bible

I am praying...for a family whose daughter was killed in a car wreck Sunday night

I am hearing...dogs breathing, kids talking, fingers typing, cars driving

Around the house...its back to normal, all the undecking of the halls is done and stored away till nest year

One (lots) of my favorite things...seeing the excited, incredulous, grateful looks of my older boys with their gifts (Its hard to impress young men in their 20's, but we did it this year).  Watching K, W, & A open their gifts and be excited over everything!  Surprising Greg with gifts.  And lets keep it real, I love gifts too!  

A few things for the rest of the week...(hold onto your hats...here goes) driving to Mom's, shopping for thread for my new serger, Christmas with Allen on Wed. and my sister on Thursday, driving to Charleston on Friday, board a cruise ship with my beloved and set sail on Sat.  I am so looking forward to a week with Greg ~ no dogs, no beloved children, no cooking, no cleaning, no laundry ~ lots of good food, picture taking, and relaxation!

A few goals for next year...

1.  Make more gifts for presents

2.  Simplify a little bit more

3.  Contentment

4.  keep walking closer with the Lord

5.  Count my blessings

God Bless each of you in the coming year!

Christmas 2010

When Greg and I got married, we tried to blend our families traditions together.  Some worked and some did not.  We decided to stay in Miss. for Christmas and do our visiting afterwards, which is the best for us (especially now that we have girlfriends of the boys in the mix).  This was our 3rd Christmas at home...the 1st one was rough, I had never not seen my Mom on either Christmas Eve or Day.  The last 2 years we've been at our house and its worked out great.  It is much less stressful than trying to pack everything plus 7 kids in the car(s) and travel to GA. 

Christmas Eve we all got up (Katie, Will and Amy + Rob) and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  We weren't the only people who thought it was a good idea ~ the place was packed.  Then we ran into the hardware/whatever store on the way home for 2 gifts ~ that we decided that morning we needed to purchase.  And then headed to Kroger for a few last minute things...giving 6 folks different items to find is a quick way to shop.  James joined us late afternoon and the kids hooked the Wii up for several hours of "games".  James gave Katie a Winter Sports game and watching them play this was funny.  We had a 27, 23, 17, 16, & 14 year old all playing and having a great time.  Dinner was egg rolls, meatballs, jalepeno poppers, pigs in a blanket  & pizza rolls.  A delicious, easy, heat and eat dinner of snack foods.  Then we watched "The Christmas Story" ~ the first time Greg had ever seen it from beginning to end.    Bedtime was late and Greg & I got out all the stocking stuffers and gifts for the tree.

I had told the kids not to wake up before 8 (I am the mean mom ~ I like to sleep).  At 8:10 there was a knock on the door from Amy informing me of the time ~ a polite way of saying...Get out here so we can open gifts (everything is wrapped and no peeking till the parents and the camera are there).  Greg's rule is 1 gift at a time, which I have come to love.   They open, can thank the person, and really appreciate the gift.  Under the tree was packed between the gifts from us and theirs to each other (lots with 7 kids).  Some are little, some are big, all are appreciated.  Amy's big gift was a computer program for her Cricut diecut machine,  Katie's was a camera, and Will's was a robot building kit.  The girls also got lots of arts and crafts supplies for fair projects and keeping hands busy.  Will got tools and models.  The big boys all got different stuff and some money.  Their stuff was car jacks, tools, or whatever ~ all needed.  Greg and I shop all year long and love the Belks "lets get rid of stuff sales ~ 50-75% off the clearance prices" ~ so all the kids got shirts and the girls got new skirts also.  Greg bought me books & DVD's from Vision Forum and a Serger ~ I've got a new toy to learn how to use!  He got a blu ray player and a new toy for the outdoor kitchen he is building this summer.

James cooked breakfast for all of us ~ a casserole with eggs, hashbrowns, onions, bacon & sausage in it...sure was good.  Then we had shrimp & grits, steaks, and potatoes for lunch.  Andy & AmyKate got here in time for lunch after being with her parents all morning.  As soon as lunch was over and the kitchen cleaned, the Wii came out again for more game playing.  The afternoon was spent playing games, reading, watching videos, and having fun together.  I declare dinner was fix your own and clean up after yourself...worked great!

Sunday morning we had an awesome service!  It was great for all the kids to be at church with us.  After lunch, it was "undeck" the halls time.  We have it all done and put up!

Tuesday, we are headed to Moms and Friday, Greg and I are driving to Charleston.

Sat. morning we board a cruise ship and head to the hopefully warm, sunny Bahamas!

The ONLY depressing time during the holidays was Christmas day when Allen wasn't here.  He couldn't get off work on the 2 days surrounding Christmas.  He ate breakfast with some friends of ours in GA and then lunch at Mom's with the cousins.  I can't wait to see him on Wed. ~ he is gonna love his gift!

The Good News of Jesus Birth from Luke

Luke 2: 7-14

7. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn..

8. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid.

10. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

11. For there is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

12. And this will be a sign unto you: You will find a Babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14. "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH, PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN."

Our Week

Our week has been full of cooking, wrapping, more cooking, planning, sewing, more wrapping, prayer, listening, eating, talking......

Rob & Andy were here for the weekend and then they headed back to Starkville on Monday.  Today, they came back and then Andy headed to Hattiesburg for Christmas Eve & Christmas morning with his girlfriends family, then they come to our house.

Greg worked Monday & Tuesday and is taking off the rest of the week.  I love him being home to help, eat, frame, listen with me, pray, etc.

On Tuesday night, I got a phone call that a friend had Venison for me at the butcher.  FINALLY, someone took my whining for venison seriously.  I've been telling folks for 16 years that I would love some...most just laughed or ignored me or both.  So, we paid the butcher and came home with about 30 pounds.  It went in our Chili tonight and was wonderful!

Wed. night was our monthly church dinner.  It was so great for Greg to spend the day with us and be able to help all day with the dinner.  It certainly made the time less stressful for me.  The December Fellowship Meal started in the sanctuary with the Lords Supper. Scripture reading, examining our hearts, prayer and then the Lords Supper.  Then we all met and ate yummy food ~ we prepared the meats and everyone brought sides and desserts.  The Pastor told us to clean out the freezer and we took him at his word.  We fixed barbeque chicken, a white chicken spaghetti (Greg made up the recipe yesterday and everyone loved it), chicken strips, spaghetti, and pigs in a blanket.  An eclectic mix but it was all in the freezer!

Today I finished stitching my last 3 gifts!  Hooray!  I've gotten most everything wrapped.  Listened to 4 sermons on Sermon Audio.  Gotten lots of pictures framed and hung.  Its time to rest! 

We found a guy on Sermon Audio named Jeff Lyle, he is a Pastor in Lawrenceville, GA.  I've listened to one of his sermons on Christmas and today I listened to 2 on young men & young women.  They are listed on his 2nd page under his name.  Both were excellent on young people concentrating on what the Lord is leading them to do, how to act, etc. and less of what the world wants.  Excellent messages.  Then we listened to Paul Washer ~ he is a young man with a Passion for the Gospel and he holds nothing back.  His sermons are straight from the scriptures and don't contain "touchy feeley, lovey dovey" non-condemning messages.  He shoots straight and tells it like it is.  The 4th was Voddie Bauchum ~ straight forward, straight talking, plain Gospel.  Something that I feel is lacking in a lot of todays messages.

Our own Pastor does an awesome job of systematically preaching through a passage of the Scriptures, tying the Old & New Testament together, and doesn't "pussy foot" around.  When you leave the service or Bible Study ~ God has been there and you know what's what.  I've left many services at other places and wondered what in the world the Pastor was talking about.  Or, left feeling like they didn't attack sin as SIN, and tried to make everyone feel good. 

I really didn't start this post as a rant...but it turned into one!

We are praying for several folks...Our sweet friend Izzy tripped and fell yesterday and broke her arm.  A family at church had a grandmother die this week and then one of their sons was rushed to the hospital yesterday ~ I don't know many details about him but his condition is complicated by the fact he is also diabetic.  My friend Rosana brought a neighbor girl to church with her last night and the girl is seeking the Lord and asking questions ~ she has a 1 year old little boy and a family that is evidentally anti-God and mocking her seeking. 

Christmas is in 2 days.  We've waited all year for the celebration, fun, gifting, etc.  I hope you enjoy the season with your family and friends!

Daybook

For today....December 21 (4 days till Christmas!)

Outside my window...cloudy, dreary, drizzly...we are keeping the outside lights on to brighten up our yard

 and to be cheery to folks driving by

I am thinking...how blessed I am through the Lord, my husband, my children, my family & my friends

I am thankful for...family times

From the learning rooms...crafts & gifts

From the kitchen...strawberry jelly, maybe grape jelly, remaking some of Katie's Dill Pickles 

I am wearing...red snowman shirt, denim skirt, slip on tennies, ponytail

I am creating...a new Christmas stocking for Will, machine embroidered snowflakes, finishing a quilt for a gift

I am going...to enjoy this week

I am reading...the Bible, and re-reading for the upteenth time "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Stacy McDonald & Jennie Chancey

I am praying...for many acquaintances & family members to develop a personal Relationship with Jesus Christ.  

I am hearing...a sermon on Sermon Audio on being a "Keeper at Home", cars driving up & down the road, dog food being dumped into the dog dish

Around the house...children excited about finishing and wrapping their gifts for their sisters & brothers, cooking, reading, crafting, praying, loving

One of my favorite things...Greg!

A few things for the rest of the week...Rob & Andy turn 23~ cooking for the church fellowship meal~ Greg being off work~ making, baking, & eating goodies for Christmas~ giving & receiving~ Praising the Lord for humbling himself to come to earth as a tiny baby 2000+ years ago

You can read other daybooks & "visit" with other Christian women at~

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

No Virginia, There isn't a Santa Claus

There is no easy way to start this that will keep you from shaking your head and rolling your eyes, so to be blunt, we have removed Santa Claus from our home.

Ok, now that your eyes have finished the ring around the room and refocused, please give me a few minutes to tell you why we came to this decision for our home. Anything that tries to take the place of Jesus is an idol. Many of the attributes of SC were stolen from Jesus. Satan is the father of all lies. To tell the story of SC, we lie to our children until they are old enough to know the truth. That is way too blunt, and it does not take into account the fantasy life and imagination we want our young ones to grow up with. I do think we can say, “This is a true story of the birth of Jesus”, or “This is a story about Narnia that isn’t true, but it is fun to imagine.” As an aside, I think a story about witches {HP} or vampires {twilight} is both untrue and un-Godly.

My first time to “play” Santa was the Christmas of 1986. My boys were 3 days old and in intensive care. I wasn’t prepared. How I wish I had known then how to celebrate Jesus’ birth in scripture and in truth. As parents, we want to replicate the magic and wonder that we remember from those days when we could hardly sleep all night, wondering what kind of toys and gifts we were going to get. Can we change now and put SC away, put the Glory on Jesus, give Him thanks for all that He has blessed us with, and love our family members; showering them with CDs, gift cards, and crafty creations?

Here are some Biblical attributes of Jesus. He bids children to come to Him.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for hof such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, iwhoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will jby no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Jesus gives us spiritual gifts.

7 But ito each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:
j“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”
9 k(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also 4first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One lwho ascended far above all the heavens, mthat He might fill all things.)

Jesus is omniscient, He knows everything. He also calls naughty what it is, sin.

13 lAnd there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are mnaked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Jesus’ garments are red.

Who is this who comes from Edom,
With dyed garments from Bozrah,
This One who is 1glorious in His apparel,
Traveling in the greatness of His strength?—
“I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
2 Why ais Your apparel red,
And Your garments like one who treads in the winepress?

Jesus has white hair.

14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow,

Santa wears a red suit, white hair, keeps a list of naughty and nice, brings us gifts, gathers children, and sits on a throne. He is an imposter trying to steal the Glory that belongs to Jesus. He steals the gratitude of children that should be given to Jesus and parents for the gifts on Christmas morning. It hurts to not get the deserved thanks when you give gifts. SC is based on a lie, a myth. He is called the jolly old elf. From the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, an elf is a spirit, the night-mar; a ghost, hag or witch. Santa was not a word in 1828.

Note from Donna: Greg and I both celebrated Santa when we were children and with each of our 7 children. I never felt lied to or betrayed by my parents when I found out “the truth” about Santa, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. I knew what the holiday was celebrated for ~ the fantasy was added on.

After having children, when friends would tell me they “didn’t do Santa” they never could tell me why ~ just they didn’t like it ~ which to me was a cop out explanation. My friend, Kathryn, told me the Lord had blessed them. And they wanted their children to know they were passing on the blessings to them and didn’t want someone imaginary taking the credit for it. Now that is a reasonable explanation. I do remember feeling let-down on Christmas morning after my children got their gifts, and someone else got credit; especially when I was a single mom & worked hard for the gifts.

Another friend's 9 year old asked, "Why are we buying gifts for poor kids to take to the Angel Tree? Doesn't Santa visit them too?" Her mom, not wanting to lie told her the truth. She responded with, "Well, why didn't you just tell me that to begin with?"

The clincher for me on this exploration of the history was finding out that in most of the world the name “Old Nick” as he is sometimes called means devil or Satan. And in German the name “Kris Kringle” means Christ Child. There is only 1 Jesus and he doesn’t live in the N. Pole or ride on a sleigh one time a year. Amy packed up all our Santas in boxes and they are in the garage.

h [1 Cor. 14:20; 1 Pet. 2:2]
i Matt. 18:3, 4; 19:14; Luke 18:17
j Luke 13:28
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Mk 10:14-16
i [1 Cor. 12:7, 11]
j Ps. 68:18; [Col. 2:15]
k Luke 23:43; John 3:13; 20:17; [1 Pet. 3:19, 20]
4 NU omits first
l Acts 1:9
m [Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:23]
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Eph 4:7-10
l 2 Chr. 16:9; Ps. 33:13–15; 90:8
m Job 26:6; Prov. 15:11
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Heb 4:12-13
1 Or adorned
a [Rev. 19:13, 15]
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Is 63:1-2
g Dan. 7:9
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Re 1:14

The Lord is working in the Hearts of our Youth Group

I've heard lots of people complain about the selfish "teen-age" generation of today.  How they only care about themselves and won't go out of their way to help others.  There is a special group of young adults at our church who have banded together to bring Joy, a little Happiness, and a lot of friendship to a young man in our community who has Leukemia.

Here is his story...

J was diagnosed with Leukemia about 2 years ago.  He is the youngest of his parents children.  The parents have taken him all over the country for treatment.  He's had 2 major surgeries and the last surgery removed over 700 tumors from his body (not a typo...seven hundred).  The doctors told his parents about 3 weeks ago, there is nothing more they can do except make him comfortable & manage his pain, as much as they can. 
While this family was in Houston, TX at a hospital, they got word their house had burned down.  The house also contained the fathers workshop/tools etc.  They are back from TX and living in their RV. 
The parents are devastated.  Their home is gone and their youngest son is dying from a horrible, painful disease.

When we heard about their "plight" our young people took action and started planning...fundraisers, fun times for J, etc.  As parents, we didn't know how this would work out or how they could handle this.  Its a good thing we stepped out of the way and let the Lord work through these teens.

Their first fundraiser was selling little paper hearts for donations...folks could buy a heart, write the family a message and donate some money.  In one Sunday, with no advance notice, they raised $600.  The money and heart messages were delivered to the family.

They learned that one thing J wanted to do when he came "home" was to have fun.  They had planned a bowling outing but J is not able to participate.  Plan 2 happened last night...

About 25 of our "teen generation, that cares only about themselves" decided to have a Christmas Party for J.  They planned everything and only needed adults for drivers/chaperones.  At 4:30 yesterday, they headed to his parents property (there is a small store on the property where Dad can sell his crafts ~ knives, swords, etc) armed with sweets, salty snacks, drinks, games, and good intentions.  The little store was packed, the kids had fun, J was blessed, the Lord granted happy times to all!  The mom told one of the adults that when J first got sick, he had lots of visits from his friends ~ as this has progressed the visits were less & less and farther & farther apart.  Even his best friend has stopped visiting.  My 3 got home last night at 8:00, full of stories of fun times & fellowship.  They want to go back.

Now here is part of the story, I haven't told yet.....no one in our group had met this young man till last night.  They are not members of our church.  This was the Lord bringing this 16 year old young man together with our young people.  I pray he was as blessed as our kids were.

The doctors have said there is nothing more they can do.  The Lord holds this young mans life in his hands.  He may choose to glorify himself by completely healing J, and thus letting our children witness this miracle.  Or he may choose to glorify himself by taking J to his heavenly home ~ earlier than his parents are prepared for.

We have all been touched by his courage, determination, and strength.  He touched 25 peoples hearts last night.  There are 3 teens at my house that will probably never forget last night!

Daybook

 For today.....

Outside my window...Sunny ~ don't let that fool you, its not warm!  Temps are in the teens & 20's in Miss.

I am thinking...about a phrase I've heard in a sermon ~ "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" ~ definately something to ponder

I am thankful for...The Lord Jesus Christ humbling himself to come to earth as a tiny baby.  Then after living a perfect & sinless life, he took all of our sins upon himself and died on the cross for Us.

From the learning rooms...cooking & crafting

From the kitchen...Dirty Rice tonight for dinner

I am wearing...a denim skirt, red snowman shirt, slip on tennies, hair in ponytail

I am creating...Christmas Cards & finishing gifts

I am going...to take the puppies for shots at the vet today & today a dinner out with our Homeschool Leadership tonight

I am reading...The Bible, "the Christmas Bride" by Grace Livingston Hill

I am praying...about family situations

I am hearing...dogs, children, ice in cups, cars driving

Around the house...Christmas!

One of my favorite things...our Keepers meetings

A few things for the rest of the week...Vet appt., dinner out, errands, sewing class, hosting desserts for Youth Progessive Dinner, my oldest sons 27th birthday on Sat.

Pictures to share from our Christmas Program at church this past weekend...

Katie, Greg, Amy & Will...The Inn Keeper & Villagers

Sweet Friends...Amy, Katie, Emmalyn, Morgan, & Leigh Catherine

Multitude Monday 721-745

721. 12 Days till Christmas

722.  Fudge

723.  Lights

724.  Truth

725. Communication

726.  Fellowship

727.  Sweet babies

728.  Christian friends

729.  Our Keepers at Home group

730.  the continued blessing of our new Homeschool Group

731.  convictions we should change somethings in our lives & celebrations

732.  my handsome "innkeeper"

733.  18 days till our cruise

734.  great phone calls from Allen (his 2nd job will continue after Christmas, and he is scheduled 5 days this week!)

735.  the news Allen wants to pursue a "trade" school either in construction or electric in the fall

736.  finishing gifts

737.  a tree with wrapped gifts underneath it

738.  surprises thought of

739.  My children giving

740.  smiling faces

741. an almost completed crocheted scarf

742.  my little friend KB who wants me to make her a scarf & bring it to her at Keepers today (she just told me last night...today isn't happening for her!)

743.  puppies that will get their own kennels this week

744.  warm covers on these frigidly cold nights (in the 20's last night, high teens tonight)

745.  a crafty day with friends this week!

I've been told to Blog

My children told me this morning that I needed to blog...

Our week has been very busy...

Sunday was Sunday School & Church at Grace, then lunch and Christmas gifts with Mom, followed by 2 performances of the Living Tree at Park Place and their dinner.  The girls danced beautifully and got many nice compliments from everyone.  Its really a blessing to be able to use ballet to glorify the Lord.  And I only cried during 1 of the performances instead of all 3!

Monday morning we got all the laundry going and straightened up the house.  It needed a bunch of junk put away.  And many piles taken care of.  After lunch we headed to Michaels and Hobby Lobby cause you just can't have too many craft supplies.

Tuesday morning, Mom decided it was time to head back to GA.  But first we feasted on scrambled eggs from our chickens and wheat toast from our bread.  Its quite a satisfying feeling to know where these things came from and under what conditions they were grown.  And its beats store bought all to pieces! I embroidered a set of towels for a wedding gift and 2 lace snowflakes with my emb. machine. The girls had ballet in the afternoon.  Tues. night Greg had a business meeting to go to.  I went to a blog party.  

My friend Marie invited the local bloggers over to make apple pie in a jar (the filling), feast on goodies we all brought and then visit.  But my coughing decided that talking was not a good thing and I left about 10:30.  Marie, Dawn, Betsy, Jennifer, & Stephanie (hope I didn't leave anyone out) sat in Rie's living room and talked till 1:20 am.  Even without coughing, I wouldn't have made it that late!

Wed., I decided a visit to the dr. was in order.  And I was diagnosed with...a cough (duh).  I got 2 prescriptions & orders to keep using the inhaler.  The cough med. is a little tiny round capsule called a Perle.  And it works.  The cough isn't completely gone, but its a lot better. I came home and started embroidering again on ornaments to use on our Christmas Cards.  After Will and I took the girls to Jazz class, he helped me at Kroger with the stuff on our list.  We took the easy was out for dinner and had Stouffers Lasagna.  The bible study and choir/drama practice.  We didn't leave there till 9.

Thursday was our Gingerbread House Making Party with our homeschool group.  It looked like Willy Wonka's candy factory had exploded and the candy landed on our tables.  24 adorable houses were constructed with lots of candy, loads of icing, an abundance of creativity, and fun & laughter.  I kept the leftover candy to freeze and pull out for next years gingerbread party.  Everyone helped clean up and set the chairs back up for Sunday School, which was a huge blessing to me.  Many, many thanks to Katie & Amy for making all our houses!  Last night we listened to some sermons on Sermon Audio and I downloaded a lot of embroidery designs off the internet.

So now its Friday...Katie is baking bread, Will is vacuuming all the leaves out of the pool, Amy has cleaned up puppy puddle spots on my bedroom carpet,  Amy & I rearranged some Christmas decorations, I've wrapped some gifts, and am embroidering some more ornaments.  Tonight, we have play practice for the performances at Grace this weekend.

I've got pictures to share when I can find the cord to download them off my camera.

I hope everyone has a blessed, happy Christmas season.

Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window...clear, sunny, 25 degrees

I am thinking...about how much fun we had with Mom's visit

I am thankful for...fun family times

From the learning rooms...lots of crafts & fun Christmas activities

From the kitchen...pigs in a blanket for get together tonight

I am wearing...denim skirt, blue snowman shirt, slip on tennies

I am creating...a wedding gift, Christmas gifts, crocheted coasters

I am reading...the Bible & "The Christmas Bride" by Grace Livingston Hill

I am praying...for my sons ~ specifically for jobs

I am hearing...Kevin Swanson talking about Bill 510, water running in the pipes upstairs, cars driving by

Around the house...straightening up all of our crafting fun ~ it kind of spreads everywhere

A few plans for the rest of the week...Christmas party tonight, Bible study, play/choir practice, church young adult class party at our house,  gingerbread house party with homeschool group,  ballet/jazz classes, Christmas shopping

Please join Peggy at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

to read other daybooks

Multitude Monday 701-720

701. 19 Days till CHRISTmas

702.  my beautiful ballerinas

703.  fun "Granny" visits

704.  Beautiful music, especially CHRISTmas music

705.  worshipping our Lord as a family

706.  hearing straight from the scriptures...nothing held back preaching

707.  a pleasant weekend

708.  buying & preparing Christmas gifts for 2 young boys we will never meet

709.  the completion of one huge Christmas production

710.  packing away computer equipment that won't be needed till next year

711.  "doing it all" for the glory of God

Now to switch gears...

712.  attempting, learning and accomplishing a new crochet technique

713.  finding out from a dear friend that my new crochet technique doesn't look quite right

714. re-reading the instructions, following the pictures and finding out she was right

715.  rejoicing in the fact that the new "doing it right this time technique" is so much easier

716.  2 completed coasters

717.  being able to teach Amy how to do the coaster

718.  her completed coaster

719.  Christmas gifts from Mom

720.  Christmas gifts for Mom

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Crochet

Christmas Colors Dishcloth

Variegated colors Drink Coaster

I would love to hear lots and lots of oohs and aahs!  Please!

My dear grandmother "MaMa" crocheted all the time.  She made beautiful afghans, baby sweater sets, ornaments, vests, hair do-dads, etc.  I kind of tried to learn to crochet once or twice from her, but was never very successful.  So I gave it up for cross stitch ~ which I love.

However, when our Keepers group of girls was going to learn to crochet a dishcloth, I was determined to learn with them.  I gritted my teeth and suffered through the first ones I did.  Now,I can make a dishcloth easily.

So, I decided to learn how to make a coaster (there is a coaster set category for the State Fair).  I sat down with Amy's crochet book and started teaching myself yesterday.  I learned the single stitch and did 6 circular rows of it (I was to the teeth gritting stage with the single crochets and all the counting), then the book directions ended so I started improvising.  I added a row of half double crochets and then 2 rows of double crochets.

I am very pleased with the result.  Actually, if I made it a couple of rows bigger ~ it could be a bun cover for Amy's ballet bun.

Can't wait to show Rosana and Angela before church tomorrow!

Next,  I would like to be able to make those little crocheted daisies!

Maybe my "inner Mama" is slowly emerging...about 9 years after she went to live with Jesus!

Good Times

Mom's visit has been loaded with fun things to do and lots of activity. 

Since Wed. afternoon we have...

been to Bible Study & choir practice

gone to see "The Best Christmas Pagent Ever" at Miss. College

gone out to eat with Angela and her girls

been to 3 rehersals for a Christmas productions the girls are dancing in & Greg programmed the lights for

went Christmas shopping & out to eat our yummy desserts

bought gifts for our Angel Tree children

done one performance of the Living Tree production

Now we have church and 2 more performances for Sunday

My asthma is acting up and Mom's now got the crud.  She is starting on antibiotics tonight.

A friend brought me his Camera with the Mega-lens, so I was able to get some great pictures of the girls dancing tonight.  I was taking them from the church balcony, and can't use the flash, so they are just a little dark but I am still pleased with the results.  

I love the lights, the music, and the excitement of Christmas.

But most of all, the joy & excitement of the season is because the Lord sent his Son Jesus ~ to live & to die, and conquer death for us.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!!

Chocolate Calculator

Just scroll down and do the math



 

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH

Don't tell me your age; you'd probably lie anyway-but the Hershey Man will know!
  

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH

 

This is pretty neat.
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute ...
Work this out as you read ...
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.


1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1760 ..
If you haven't, add 1759..

6... Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.



You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).



The next two numbers are




YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)


THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2010) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.
Chocolate Calculator. 






 

I got this in an email from my friend Rosana.  Don't ya want some chocolate now?  

Happy Our Home When God is There

Happy our home when God is there, binding our hearts in love,

Blessing each day with moments shared.  Drawing our thoughts above.

Happy our home when daily prayer bears every daily need:

When parents share God's Holy Word and daily let him lead.

Happy our home when children praise, lifting our Saviour's name;

When parent's speak and show His love, Faithful each day the same.

Father of all, our God of Peace, We look to You alone:

Come with your precious gift of love and make our house Your home.

Taken from the Baptist Hymnal #453

Written by Ken Bible

Virtual Cookie Exchange

I am joining my buddy, Deanna over at http://plainhonesteading.blogspot.com, for a Virtual Cookie Exchange.  That means everyone that joins in gets new recipes for Christmas (or everyday) treats.  I take no responsibility for you making the treats and possibly gaining any pounds...no one is twisting your arm to indulge!  

My first 2 treats are more candy than cookie...but you can handle a little diversity!  (just treat diversity!)

Quick Fudge

1 pound powdered sugar (sift, if its lumpy)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 stick butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Blend powdered sugar and cocoa in a microwave bowl.  Then add salt, butter, & milk ~ do not mix.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Remove from microwave and stir thoroughly (quickly, it starts to thicken).  Stir in vanilla.  Pour into a wax paper lined 8x8x2 inch pan.  Freeze for 20 minutes or put in fridge for 1 hour.  Cut into squares and enjoy!

You can also add nuts if you are in a nutty mood.

If you need more than one pan, its easier to make individual batches.  Its really tough to mix up more than one batch at a time.

The fudge makes great gifts!  You can buy cutesy inexpensive containers at the $1 store, fill with yummy fudge and deliver!  

Christmas Crunch

 16 ~ 2oz. squares vanilla candy coating

6 cups Rice Chex

3 cups regular Cheerios (yellow box)

2 cups pretzel sticks broken into small pieces

2 cups cashews

1 3/4 cups mini M & M's (located in the baking section)

Microwave vanilla candy coating in a microwave safe bowl on high for 3 minutes, or until melted, stirring mixture after 2 minutes.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Pour candy coating over cereal mixture, stirring to coat well. Add m & m's at the very end...or you will have rainbow colored candy crunch.  Spoon cereal mixture onto 2 wax paper lined jelly roll pans.  Refrigerate about 20 minutes or until firm.

Break candy into bite size pieces, and store in air-tight container.

 Yield: 4 pounds 

This is an easy, yummy mix.  I've used name brand cereals & store brand cereals...there is no noticeable difference in the finished product.  My family doesn't like nuts, so there are no cashews in ours.

Hope you enjoy!

 

Daybook Nov. 30

 For Today....Nov. 30

Outside my window...cloudy, drizzly, very cool

 I am thinking...about how much there is to do this week

I am thankful for...a great week last week celebrating our blessings with our family

 From the learning rooms...1 or 2 algebra problems a day, lots of crafting

From the kitchen...leftovers for dinner ~ turkey & dressing, adding squash casserole & peas...also baking cookies and muffins this week

I am wearing...red snowman t-shirt, denim skirt, slip on tennies

I am creating...goodies & surprises for the Christmas holiday also a new sweatshirt

I am reading...the Bible & some Grace Livingston Hill books

I am praying...that Mom has a safe drive to Miss. tomorrow

I am hearing...not a lot, the doors to the living room are shut to corral the puppies

Around the house...enjoying the decorations, cleaning and finishing laundry

A few plans for the rest of the week...dance class today, Mom comes tomorrow, bible study & choir, play at Miss. College, shopping with Mom, rehersals and performances for a church this weekend

Pictures to share...

Katie & Amy's first turkey!

beautiful!

Katie's Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Bell Peppers I picked on Friday before the freeze!

Decking the Halls ~ 2010

 The Yard all lit up

Santa Amy & Santa Licorice

 the Stockings were hung down the bannister with care (too many for the mantle)

The tree!

 Kitchen tree

 Bakers Rack in the front hall

Christmas China and 45 (?) year old Santa

 My "MaMa" tree with ornaments my grandmother crocheted many years ago

Snowman tree in dining room