Good Thursday morning!
I have just one more Christmas pic to share in the Gallery today (as if you haven't seen enough). Tomorrow I have a very special photo to add...
The Hope Quartet - A long, long time ago, in a land far, far away, there were four friends who sang together. They called themselves The Hope Quartet. They were very, very good and they even cut an album. This Saturday, January 2, 2010, The Hope Quartet will be in concert at Lakeview Baptist Church in Oxford, Alabama at 7:00 p.m. (Feel free to break into our house during this time. WARNING: Copper and Sparkle aren't attending the concert, so they'll be watching... and waiting.) It has been 30 years since they performed together, so the Faulkner Five are really looking forward to this event. It will be good for the kids to see their Dad in "action." (There's also going to be pictures from their youth flashed across the screens. That's going to be fun for me.) If you're in the area, stop by. I'll bet Mikie would be glad to autograph something for you!
Special Guest - Just one more day until the Big Reveal. I have some more hints for you, and then tomorrow you will know if you guessed correctly, or not.
7. She loves to travel.
8. She loves to read.
9. Last month's Special Guest's husband (Dale Patrick) worked on staff with her husband at a former church.
10. She loves the beach.
11. She loves chocolate. (This confirms it. My Special Guest IS most definitely a woman.)
Guess away, folks. You'll know for certain tomorrow.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY - GOALS
I have many more "little" goals. I've shared some of them with you in past posts.
I want to go zip lining before I'm 90. I really should do this one sooner than later. Since I have to wear a harness across my backside, as time marches on, so does my bottom.
I still want to swim with dolphins. I now realize I'm going to have to put out big bucks to accomplish this, because standing waist deep in the ocean for hours waiting for dolphins to COME TO ME is not getting the job done.
I would like to create 500 scrapbook pages this year. I usually do between 350 and 400, but I would like to "up" this goal and keep up with the numbers... so I've started a check list.
Much like my "No car accident before I'm 50" goal (which was annihilated this past summer when the big gold van rear-ended a car), I still have the "No ticket before I'm 50" goal. I've been stopped on five different occasions over the years, but I've always gotten off with a warning. (I tend to cry very easily when I see blue lights in my rear-view mirror. And just so you know I'm not pretending, it really does upset me to the point of tears when a police officer gets out of his car to reprimand my driving skills. Those tears are real, people.)
Tomorrow I'm going to be a little more serious and share some thoughts and memories from the past year... and some hopes and dreams for the year to come. I love all the television shows on New Year's Eve showing the best pictures taken, the most bizarre news stories, etc. Anything called The Year in Review catches my attention and holds it for hours.
Check back tomorrow for "A Simple Life... Year in Review."
Blog Linkage - I think I'll be adding to this as the day goes on. I'll be keeping up with my favorite blogs, and I'm sure they'll have funny, meaningful, insightful thoughts about the year that was 2009. But for now, I have just one.
Click on Big Mama under My Blog List and read today's post. She's very candid and funny and thoughtful about this past year. It's a post worth reading.
Back to the Beginning Date
This date is for you and your spouse. Can you remember your very first date? Did you go out to eat? Did you see a movie? Did you go to a sporting event?
Whatever you did on your first date, plan to do again. Go to the same restaurant. Try to remember what you ordered and eat the same thing. If you went to a movie, go to the same theater. If you walked around a lake, or had a picnic or, double-dated with friends to relieve some of the awkwardness the first date can bring, re-enact those moments as much as you possibly can.
Spend a little time going down memory lane. The first date you had with your spouse was the beginning of a chapter of your life you may or may not have anticipated at the time.
It's also fun to see if your memory of the first date is the same as your spouse's. (Mikie got a lot of the minor details WRONG, but he definitely remembered the restaurant... Milo's.)
Oh, and one last thing. See if you can still fit into the outfit you wore on your first date. No? It was just a thought. Obviously, a pretty bad one.
Have a wonderful New Year's Eve. Come back tomorrow to meet our January Special Guest (and her family). Her pic will be with us all next week, and the interview will last until next Tuesday. I'll also have "A Simple Life... Year in Review," a few ramblings, as well as Weekend Happenings. Be safe tonight.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Quirky Belinda (I decided I didn't like the "Slightly Off" moniker, even though it is pretty dead on.)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Year's Eve Tradition Ideas (Old and New)
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Christmas with Mike's family. These photos will finish up the Christmas pics for this year. And everyone let out a big sigh of relief!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Believe it or not, they are still slowly, but surely, trickling in... 83 and still counting!
Special Guest - I have a few more hints for you today. I don't think they will help much. If anything, it will make the guessing even more difficult. See what you think.
4. I graduated from the same high school as Ruben Studdard (but not the same year).
5. I have been to Disney World eight times, including the first summer it opened.
6. I am an Alabama fan and have been to two Sugar Bowls. Bear Bryant coached both of these Bowl games.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW - GOALS
Since the year 2010 is in our very near future (FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY), I thought we might talk about goals. I'm not a big advocate of the New Year's Resolution. I never have been. I think it must be the word "resolution." It sets you up for failure. You can resolve to do change something beginning January 1 and ultimately fail by March 1 of the same year. Yuck.
In my way of thinking (Code for I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS WAY IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE), the word "goal" is so much better. I can set a goal and if it takes me two or three years to obtain the goal, I'm okay with that. I don't feel like a failure. I don't feel like I've let myself down. I just keep plugging away at my "long-term" goal and eventually, one day, I'll get there. (Or at least that's what I tell myself.)
Case in point, my Christmas Card goals. It took years to get 65 Christmas cards. It took years to get 75 Christmas cards. It's going to take years to get 100 Christmas cards. I don't care. Don't get me wrong. I do want 100 Christmas cards at some point, but I'll be just as thrilled in 2021 to meet that goal as I would be if I met the goal in 2010.
I've had several goals over the years. Mike says my goals make absolutely no sense and are therefore useless... but I enjoy them. I'm going to go against my better judgment and share a few with you today. Since I can't see you looking at me like I'm an idiot, it will make it easier.
I had a goal when the kids were little to NOT lock them in the car while it was still running, and they were buckled in their car seats. I know wonderful mothers who have done this. It's not a reflection on them. It's just something I wanted to shoot for... and I made it! (DO NOT ask me how many times I slammed my purse, hand and/or foot in the car door before it closed to help meet this goal!)
I had a goal my kids wouldn't have ear infections... ever. (I know you have that look on your face right now. You know the one. The "Belinda is an Idiot" look.) I realize this has nothing to do with my ability as a mother or nurse or whatever. I just thought it could be something to shoot for. And I thought I had made this goal... until one day when Josh was TEN YEARS-OLD.
"My ear hurts," he complained.
"Did you fall on it," I asked.
"No, it hurts when you pull on it and when I go to bed at night." Hmmm. What in the world could that be? I took him to the doctor.
"He has an ear infection," the doctor said, not even looking up.
"What? Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Well, what do you call it when a ten year-old has an... you know... ear thingy?" I couldn't even bring myself to say the words.
"An ear infection," he answered slowly.
"Is there another name for this "condition" when they are this old? Something in Latin perhaps?"
"It is an EAR INFECTION."
"Could it be swimmer's ear?" I tried again.
"It's January. Has he been swimming?"
"No. So for it to be swimmer's ear it requires him to have actually been swimming... recently?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem at all. But technically, if he isn't running a fever, we kind of caught it BEFORE it actually became an ear infection. Right?"
"He has an ear infection." Goal not met. It took me a long time to get over that one.
I wish I could say those were my only "idiotic" goals, but there are a few more. If you like, I could share some more with you tomorrow. All righty then. Tomorrow it is!
Wednesday Wisdom - I have New Year's Eve quotes for today, folks. Nothing too deep, I promise.
"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." Bill Vaughn.
"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas." Anonymous.
New Year's Eve Tradition Ideas (Old and New)
As the year comes to a close, the Haddads of Holt, Michigan, create a Year in Review list, recording the year's activities from A to Z. They decide what event best represents the letter "A" (astronaut costume), "B" (beach), etc. This is an activity for the entire family to do together. It will be fun to go back and remember what you thought you'd never forget! Taken from FamilyFun Magazine.
VARIATION #1 - If A through Z is too difficult for a Year in Review, you can try the Top Ten or Top Twenty version instead.
It's time for a New Year's Eve Sleep-Over! If your son or daughter is old enough for a sleep-over party, December 31 is the ideal time to host one. Since staying up late (or at least trying to) is de rigueur at sleep-overs anyway, why not coordinate it with the one night when everyone else on the planet is up, too? Add some simple decorations such as balloons, streamers, and sparkle-ribbon paper chains to make everything festive and enjoy your New Year's Eve. (You're going to be up anyway!) Taken from FamilyFun Magazine.
If you do not have a group of adults you celebrate New Year's Eve with each year, start a tradition with your family... even if the kids are very young. Here are some ideas to begin your own New Year's Eve Family Party:
1. Plan and have the same (or similar) meal each year (pizza by candlelight, soup and sandwiches, lasagna, etc.).
2. Plan an activity you can do each New Year's Eve as a family (movie night, game night, karaoke night, etc.)
3. You started the Christmas season sleeping under the Christmas tree. Start the new year by camping out in the den as a family.
Make it your own. As your kids grow, you may very well have created a tradition which will include their girlfriends/boyfriends, wives/husbands and grandkids. This is the best kind of tradition... a tradition which can grow with your family.
Have a fun Wednesday. I have a feeling this week is going to fly by. Plan something fun with family and friends. Write it in INK. Come back tomorrow for Thursday's date and some Blog Linkage. And, of course, I'll share a few more goals I've set for myself. Goals to inspire. Goals to encourage. (Actually, these goals will only make you feel much, much better about yourself as a human being.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Slightly-Off Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Christmas with Mike's family. These photos will finish up the Christmas pics for this year. And everyone let out a big sigh of relief!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Believe it or not, they are still slowly, but surely, trickling in... 83 and still counting!
Special Guest - I have a few more hints for you today. I don't think they will help much. If anything, it will make the guessing even more difficult. See what you think.
4. I graduated from the same high school as Ruben Studdard (but not the same year).
5. I have been to Disney World eight times, including the first summer it opened.
6. I am an Alabama fan and have been to two Sugar Bowls. Bear Bryant coached both of these Bowl games.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW - GOALS
Since the year 2010 is in our very near future (FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY), I thought we might talk about goals. I'm not a big advocate of the New Year's Resolution. I never have been. I think it must be the word "resolution." It sets you up for failure. You can resolve to do change something beginning January 1 and ultimately fail by March 1 of the same year. Yuck.
In my way of thinking (Code for I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS WAY IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE), the word "goal" is so much better. I can set a goal and if it takes me two or three years to obtain the goal, I'm okay with that. I don't feel like a failure. I don't feel like I've let myself down. I just keep plugging away at my "long-term" goal and eventually, one day, I'll get there. (Or at least that's what I tell myself.)
Case in point, my Christmas Card goals. It took years to get 65 Christmas cards. It took years to get 75 Christmas cards. It's going to take years to get 100 Christmas cards. I don't care. Don't get me wrong. I do want 100 Christmas cards at some point, but I'll be just as thrilled in 2021 to meet that goal as I would be if I met the goal in 2010.
I've had several goals over the years. Mike says my goals make absolutely no sense and are therefore useless... but I enjoy them. I'm going to go against my better judgment and share a few with you today. Since I can't see you looking at me like I'm an idiot, it will make it easier.
I had a goal when the kids were little to NOT lock them in the car while it was still running, and they were buckled in their car seats. I know wonderful mothers who have done this. It's not a reflection on them. It's just something I wanted to shoot for... and I made it! (DO NOT ask me how many times I slammed my purse, hand and/or foot in the car door before it closed to help meet this goal!)
I had a goal my kids wouldn't have ear infections... ever. (I know you have that look on your face right now. You know the one. The "Belinda is an Idiot" look.) I realize this has nothing to do with my ability as a mother or nurse or whatever. I just thought it could be something to shoot for. And I thought I had made this goal... until one day when Josh was TEN YEARS-OLD.
"My ear hurts," he complained.
"Did you fall on it," I asked.
"No, it hurts when you pull on it and when I go to bed at night." Hmmm. What in the world could that be? I took him to the doctor.
"He has an ear infection," the doctor said, not even looking up.
"What? Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Well, what do you call it when a ten year-old has an... you know... ear thingy?" I couldn't even bring myself to say the words.
"An ear infection," he answered slowly.
"Is there another name for this "condition" when they are this old? Something in Latin perhaps?"
"It is an EAR INFECTION."
"Could it be swimmer's ear?" I tried again.
"It's January. Has he been swimming?"
"No. So for it to be swimmer's ear it requires him to have actually been swimming... recently?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem at all. But technically, if he isn't running a fever, we kind of caught it BEFORE it actually became an ear infection. Right?"
"He has an ear infection." Goal not met. It took me a long time to get over that one.
I wish I could say those were my only "idiotic" goals, but there are a few more. If you like, I could share some more with you tomorrow. All righty then. Tomorrow it is!
Wednesday Wisdom - I have New Year's Eve quotes for today, folks. Nothing too deep, I promise.
"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." Bill Vaughn.
"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas." Anonymous.
New Year's Eve Tradition Ideas (Old and New)
As the year comes to a close, the Haddads of Holt, Michigan, create a Year in Review list, recording the year's activities from A to Z. They decide what event best represents the letter "A" (astronaut costume), "B" (beach), etc. This is an activity for the entire family to do together. It will be fun to go back and remember what you thought you'd never forget! Taken from FamilyFun Magazine.
VARIATION #1 - If A through Z is too difficult for a Year in Review, you can try the Top Ten or Top Twenty version instead.
It's time for a New Year's Eve Sleep-Over! If your son or daughter is old enough for a sleep-over party, December 31 is the ideal time to host one. Since staying up late (or at least trying to) is de rigueur at sleep-overs anyway, why not coordinate it with the one night when everyone else on the planet is up, too? Add some simple decorations such as balloons, streamers, and sparkle-ribbon paper chains to make everything festive and enjoy your New Year's Eve. (You're going to be up anyway!) Taken from FamilyFun Magazine.
If you do not have a group of adults you celebrate New Year's Eve with each year, start a tradition with your family... even if the kids are very young. Here are some ideas to begin your own New Year's Eve Family Party:
1. Plan and have the same (or similar) meal each year (pizza by candlelight, soup and sandwiches, lasagna, etc.).
2. Plan an activity you can do each New Year's Eve as a family (movie night, game night, karaoke night, etc.)
3. You started the Christmas season sleeping under the Christmas tree. Start the new year by camping out in the den as a family.
Make it your own. As your kids grow, you may very well have created a tradition which will include their girlfriends/boyfriends, wives/husbands and grandkids. This is the best kind of tradition... a tradition which can grow with your family.
Have a fun Wednesday. I have a feeling this week is going to fly by. Plan something fun with family and friends. Write it in INK. Come back tomorrow for Thursday's date and some Blog Linkage. And, of course, I'll share a few more goals I've set for myself. Goals to inspire. Goals to encourage. (Actually, these goals will only make you feel much, much better about yourself as a human being.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Slightly-Off Belinda
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are a few pictures from Christmas Day at my Mom's house with my sister and her family. It is now a house FULL of teenagers (only one of the six cousins is not a teen yet), and believe it or not, they are a lot of fun.
HAPPY NEW YEAR CARDS - I received something interesting yesterday. My very FIRST Happy New Year card. Okay. Do not get upset. Breathe. I am not going to start soliciting Happy New Year cards. But you've got to admit, it's a fun idea. Thanks to Joni Shankles for sharing a beautiful collage card of their family's 2009. I loved it. (And since I'm not going to start collecting Happy New Year cards, I'm going to let it join the count of the Christmas Card collection... 82, BABY!)
Special Guest - Well, it's that time of the month when I start giving you hints about our January Special Guest... who will be featured THIS FRIDAY, January 1, 2010. Can you believe it? Here are some fun facts for you. See if you can guess.
1. She is the wife of one and mother of three.
2. She has a wicked sense of humor, and it takes you all of three seconds upon meeting her to figure that one out.
3. She is a transplant to our area, but she grew up very close in proximity to this little town.
Not must info, huh? I'll give you a little more tomorrow.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - PASSION - Mike and I were watching Julie and Julia recently. I love that movie. The first time I saw it, I thought I loved it because it was about a blogger... who became famous... and wrote a book... which was turned into a movie... and the blogger had Amy Adams portray her in the movie. But watching it the second time, I realized I loved the movie because of a different reason entirely.
It was about two people struggling to discover what they were passionate about, and then pursuing their dreams.
Julia Childs was passionate about food and her husband. She poured herself into both, and was a hugely successful chef, teacher, television personality and a wonderful, loving, appreciative wife. And she was not a young thing when she started pursuing her dream. She was in her 40s. (I am in my 40s. Coincidence? I wonder.)
Amy Adams' charcter, Julie, was also struggling to find her passion in life. In the movie, she is portrayed as a woman who loves her husband very, very much. She's also a good cook in her own right, but she's meant to be a writer. When she discovers something (blogging) which puts two of her passions together (cooking and writing), her passion explodes... and so does her career.
This is not a religious movie. It does not talk about God's gifts or God's perfect will for your life. But if you think about it in those terms, God has given us gift(s). We even have classes at our church which help you find your God-given gift if you are struggling.
For some, it is obvious. Some people are natural teachers. It is their passion. It is what they pour themselves, body and soul, into doing well. Roxie has a math teacher who comes to mind. (Since I haven't asked his permission to use his name in the blog, I will just call him Mr. "R.") He is amazing. He is passionate about teaching math. And because he recognizes his passion, he is soooo good at making math enjoyable... even for non-math kids. He uses games, humor, music, etc. to make the subject he loves fun for his students. (He has other gifts, too.) By using his God-given gift of teaching in such a passionate, interesting, unique way, he is also inspiring would-be teachers (who are now only 12 and 13 years-old) to go the extra mile. He is not wasting his gift.
NOTE: He is not the only teacher I know of who uses his/her gift so well. We are blessed to have many such individuals in our schools.
What is your God-given gift? What is your passion? If you know the answer to those questions, that is great. Now you just have to figure out the best way to use your gift to the glory of God. If for some reason you haven't figured out what your gift might be, praying is always a good way to start... for all of us! But you can also ask your spouse or a close friend what they think. Sometimes what is obvious to others is invisible to us.
When you give someone a gift you spent time and effort looking for, you do not want to see them nonchalantly discard the gift. You want them to be excited about receiving the gift. You want them to use the gift, and enjoy themselves while doing so. God is no different. Each gift he has given us was given for a reason. And throwing it away is more than a waste. It will keep us from finding the joy God has in store for us in our daily lives.
What is The Enchanting Belinda's gift, you may ask? What is The Enchanting Belinda's passion? In a word, I would have to say "family." And that is not to say to every mother reading A Simple Life today you are NOT passionate about your family. No, sir. I don't know mothers who are not passionate about their families. But my purpose at this time in my life is to find and share ways to pour all that passion into spending purposeful, meaningful, Christ-centered time with our families.
Am I a perfect example of how to do this? Nope. Never have been, never will be.
Do I strive to do this? Yes, but not each and every day. I stumble and fall and make mistakes galore.
Are my kids perfect and my husband always happy because this is my passion? Oh, please! Give me a break. I think most days I get on their nerves more BECAUSE of my passion.
It is what it is. I'm a very broken vessel trying very hard to use God's gift. And every day I wake up and try, try again. Will I succeed? I'll have moments. Will I ultimately fail? Not as long as I am pursuing my passion (and God's perfect plan) for my life.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
I had another recipe planned for today borrowed from my friend, Melaney, but I'll share that next week (and hope I do not hurt her feelings by bumping her). Today, I'll share a recipe from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I'll share ONE recipe, and then I expect you to go out and buy the book. I'll be calling Friday to see how many of you have purchased said cookbook.
You will need:
5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
12 tablespoons butter, softened
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lowry's)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1. Bring a large pot of water to slow boil over medium-high heat.
2. Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, peel the potatoes and rinse in cold water. Chop the potatoes in halves and/or fourths. This helps the potatoes cook more quickly and evenly.
3. Add the potatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a full boil. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. The potatoes are ready when they pass the fork test. A fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not completely, fall apart.
5. Drain the potatoes in a large colander.
6. Return the potatoes to the pot and turn the heat on low. With a potato masher, mash the potatoes over low heat to allow much of the steam to escape. Continue mashing until all lumps are gone, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
7. Add the butter. Feel really guilty.
8. Add the cream cheese. Feel even more guilty.
9. Next, add the half-and-half and stir together.
10. Add the seasonings. Stir together until well combined.
11. Spread the mashed potatoes in a 2-quart baking dish, evening out the surface with a knife or spatula.
12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, cover the potatoes with foil or a lid, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until warmed through.
One of The Pioneer Woman's gifts is cooking... and teaching by using an easy step-by-step, beautifully photographed cookbook. There are some wonderful recipes in this book. Some more difficult than others. Some I have never heard of. Many I cannot wait to try.
You have until Friday. That is all I'm saying on the subject.
Have a wonderful Tuesday. I have a New Year's Eve Seasonal Tradition to share tomorrow, Wednesday Wisdom, a couple of hints to keep you guessing about Friday's Special Guest and so much more. I'd love for you to visit again.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are a few pictures from Christmas Day at my Mom's house with my sister and her family. It is now a house FULL of teenagers (only one of the six cousins is not a teen yet), and believe it or not, they are a lot of fun.
HAPPY NEW YEAR CARDS - I received something interesting yesterday. My very FIRST Happy New Year card. Okay. Do not get upset. Breathe. I am not going to start soliciting Happy New Year cards. But you've got to admit, it's a fun idea. Thanks to Joni Shankles for sharing a beautiful collage card of their family's 2009. I loved it. (And since I'm not going to start collecting Happy New Year cards, I'm going to let it join the count of the Christmas Card collection... 82, BABY!)
Special Guest - Well, it's that time of the month when I start giving you hints about our January Special Guest... who will be featured THIS FRIDAY, January 1, 2010. Can you believe it? Here are some fun facts for you. See if you can guess.
1. She is the wife of one and mother of three.
2. She has a wicked sense of humor, and it takes you all of three seconds upon meeting her to figure that one out.
3. She is a transplant to our area, but she grew up very close in proximity to this little town.
Not must info, huh? I'll give you a little more tomorrow.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - PASSION - Mike and I were watching Julie and Julia recently. I love that movie. The first time I saw it, I thought I loved it because it was about a blogger... who became famous... and wrote a book... which was turned into a movie... and the blogger had Amy Adams portray her in the movie. But watching it the second time, I realized I loved the movie because of a different reason entirely.
It was about two people struggling to discover what they were passionate about, and then pursuing their dreams.
Julia Childs was passionate about food and her husband. She poured herself into both, and was a hugely successful chef, teacher, television personality and a wonderful, loving, appreciative wife. And she was not a young thing when she started pursuing her dream. She was in her 40s. (I am in my 40s. Coincidence? I wonder.)
Amy Adams' charcter, Julie, was also struggling to find her passion in life. In the movie, she is portrayed as a woman who loves her husband very, very much. She's also a good cook in her own right, but she's meant to be a writer. When she discovers something (blogging) which puts two of her passions together (cooking and writing), her passion explodes... and so does her career.
This is not a religious movie. It does not talk about God's gifts or God's perfect will for your life. But if you think about it in those terms, God has given us gift(s). We even have classes at our church which help you find your God-given gift if you are struggling.
For some, it is obvious. Some people are natural teachers. It is their passion. It is what they pour themselves, body and soul, into doing well. Roxie has a math teacher who comes to mind. (Since I haven't asked his permission to use his name in the blog, I will just call him Mr. "R.") He is amazing. He is passionate about teaching math. And because he recognizes his passion, he is soooo good at making math enjoyable... even for non-math kids. He uses games, humor, music, etc. to make the subject he loves fun for his students. (He has other gifts, too.) By using his God-given gift of teaching in such a passionate, interesting, unique way, he is also inspiring would-be teachers (who are now only 12 and 13 years-old) to go the extra mile. He is not wasting his gift.
NOTE: He is not the only teacher I know of who uses his/her gift so well. We are blessed to have many such individuals in our schools.
What is your God-given gift? What is your passion? If you know the answer to those questions, that is great. Now you just have to figure out the best way to use your gift to the glory of God. If for some reason you haven't figured out what your gift might be, praying is always a good way to start... for all of us! But you can also ask your spouse or a close friend what they think. Sometimes what is obvious to others is invisible to us.
When you give someone a gift you spent time and effort looking for, you do not want to see them nonchalantly discard the gift. You want them to be excited about receiving the gift. You want them to use the gift, and enjoy themselves while doing so. God is no different. Each gift he has given us was given for a reason. And throwing it away is more than a waste. It will keep us from finding the joy God has in store for us in our daily lives.
What is The Enchanting Belinda's gift, you may ask? What is The Enchanting Belinda's passion? In a word, I would have to say "family." And that is not to say to every mother reading A Simple Life today you are NOT passionate about your family. No, sir. I don't know mothers who are not passionate about their families. But my purpose at this time in my life is to find and share ways to pour all that passion into spending purposeful, meaningful, Christ-centered time with our families.
Am I a perfect example of how to do this? Nope. Never have been, never will be.
Do I strive to do this? Yes, but not each and every day. I stumble and fall and make mistakes galore.
Are my kids perfect and my husband always happy because this is my passion? Oh, please! Give me a break. I think most days I get on their nerves more BECAUSE of my passion.
It is what it is. I'm a very broken vessel trying very hard to use God's gift. And every day I wake up and try, try again. Will I succeed? I'll have moments. Will I ultimately fail? Not as long as I am pursuing my passion (and God's perfect plan) for my life.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
I had another recipe planned for today borrowed from my friend, Melaney, but I'll share that next week (and hope I do not hurt her feelings by bumping her). Today, I'll share a recipe from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I'll share ONE recipe, and then I expect you to go out and buy the book. I'll be calling Friday to see how many of you have purchased said cookbook.
You will need:
5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
12 tablespoons butter, softened
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lowry's)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1. Bring a large pot of water to slow boil over medium-high heat.
2. Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, peel the potatoes and rinse in cold water. Chop the potatoes in halves and/or fourths. This helps the potatoes cook more quickly and evenly.
3. Add the potatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a full boil. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. The potatoes are ready when they pass the fork test. A fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not completely, fall apart.
5. Drain the potatoes in a large colander.
6. Return the potatoes to the pot and turn the heat on low. With a potato masher, mash the potatoes over low heat to allow much of the steam to escape. Continue mashing until all lumps are gone, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
7. Add the butter. Feel really guilty.
8. Add the cream cheese. Feel even more guilty.
9. Next, add the half-and-half and stir together.
10. Add the seasonings. Stir together until well combined.
11. Spread the mashed potatoes in a 2-quart baking dish, evening out the surface with a knife or spatula.
12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, cover the potatoes with foil or a lid, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until warmed through.
One of The Pioneer Woman's gifts is cooking... and teaching by using an easy step-by-step, beautifully photographed cookbook. There are some wonderful recipes in this book. Some more difficult than others. Some I have never heard of. Many I cannot wait to try.
You have until Friday. That is all I'm saying on the subject.
Have a wonderful Tuesday. I have a New Year's Eve Seasonal Tradition to share tomorrow, Wednesday Wisdom, a couple of hints to keep you guessing about Friday's Special Guest and so much more. I'd love for you to visit again.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Pick a Cookbook Party
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic this week is of Roxie and Brad. Nothing spectacular or earth shattering... just two of my favorite people in the world.
I'm dividing the Gallery Pics into sections this week. Today there are a few shots of Christmas morning and the ABCs of Christmas scrapbook. Tomorrow I'll have pictures of Christmas at Grandmother's, and I'll finish up Christmas on Wednesday with photos of Christmas at Grandma's. I didn't want to overwhelm you with too much on a Monday.
NOTE - It looks as if I'll be posting by 9:30 or 10:00 every morning from now on. With my evening schedule, it is much easier to get everything done in the morning, so if you're looking for NEW info on A Simple Life, it will still be here Monday through Friday... but not until 10:00 a.m.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - What an excellent year! The last count stands at 81! I'll let you know if any strays come in the next few weeks, but I am very, very pleased. It's official. Next year's goal is 100! (And thank you to everyone who went out of their way to send a card. I loved them all!)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - FAITHFULNESS
I wrote about this several months ago. I mentioned it while remembering an older gentlemen who attended my "home" church many, many years ago. When I remember this particular man who had served our church in different capacities throughout his lifetime, that is the word that comes to my mind... faithfulness. He was the custodian for our church when I was growing up. He was always the first one there to unlock the doors, turn on the air or heat, and make sure everything was ready for the services. At that time in his life, he was a background person... and he was always, always someone you could count on.
When I walked into service yesterday morning, and started up the stairs to the balcony where we ALWAYS sit, I saw an elderly man man sitting on the back row... where he ALWAYS sits. We go to a very large church, and while I know many, many people there, I do not know this man's name. What do I know about him? He looks like he may be in his late 70s or 80s. He sits alone, but he knows many of the people around him. He always, always has on a suit and a tie and shiny dress shoes. When he sings, he smiles, and he has a very sweet smile. I've seen him sing everything, too. The new "stuff," as well as the old.
His Bible is old and worn and used... just like a Bible should be.
Everything about him reminds me of the wonderful man from my "home" church years and years ago, but the word that comes to mind every time I see him is "faithfulness."
At 48, there are times I do not want to roll out of bed on Sunday morning, or run to church Wednesday nights after a busy day, or I want to stay home Sunday nights for a little more family time... but "faithfulness" is a lesson best taught to kids by example and NOT words.
I'm not as faithful as the gentleman I mentioned above. If for some reason I am not at church, I know he is sitting on the back pew, smiling as he sings the hymns (old and new) and holding his old, tattered Bible. He is teaching by example whether he knows it or not... and that is my favorite kind of teacher.
There's an old song I love... "Little is much, if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There's a prize, and you can win it, If you go in Jesus' name." If God is in it, faithfulness is by no means "little." It is HUGE... and I want to be remembered for being faithful when I'm in my 80s. Ahh. A goal!
Monday Mayhem - As I said Friday, our weekend was going to be very much like your weekend, I am sure. After opening the gifts Santa left Friday morning, we slowly got ready to go to my Mom's for Christmas lunch. A good time was had by all as we ate and played with the cousins, and we left Friday evening to go home and get ready for our Saturday Christmas celebration with Mike's family.
Saturday was very similar to Christmas morning except there were no gifts under our tree. We had a wonderful lunch and then, once again, opened more gifts. Of course, having an "almost" two year-old playing Santa Claus and passing the presents out (with a little help from Cousin Roxie) was too much fun. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner received a Wii, so as you can imagine, the rest of our day was spent Wii-ing.
The only negative on Saturday would have to be when I was bowling on the Wii and threw my arm back and whacked "almost" two year-old Matthew on the head. Not good. Not good at all. All was forgiven after his nap. We don't know if it was because he was just a babe, or it didn't bother him as much as it bothered me, or it was short-term memory loss which his Uncle Mike kept insisting was the problem, but he kissed and hugged me when I asked. There did not appear to be any hard feelings. (I'm giving him another present this coming Saturday for his two year-old birthday. That ought to patch up any lingering resentment. I know a gift usually works for me.)
Sunday was one of my favorite days because after church, I had lunch with three old friends... for three and a half hours. We see each other once a year usually, and even then it is rarely all four of us together. It was a sweet time of catching up. I miss them.
Sunday evening found the Faulkner Five and the lovely Melia enjoying "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (cute movie) at the RAVE. On the way to dinner, I started feeling a little "under the weather," so Mikie had to drop me off at the house, and I missed that part of the tradition. I was sad, but we'll survive. (I did have another gift waiting when I arrived home. The kids had folded and put away ALL the clean laundry. YEA!!! And just so you know we ain't perfect, Mikie "suggested" and "urged" them to perform this little task. They didn't offer to do it themselves... but I don't care. It's done!)
And that's it. Another lovely Christmas tucked away in our memories... and our memory cards!
Pick a Cookbook Party
I have a lot of parties to plan this coming year. Having received my new cookbook (The Pioneer Woman Cooks), and reading it cover to cover, I thought it might be fun to have a few girlfriends look through the cookbook, too. This is how I see it in my mind's eye.
1. I make a list of dishes to be served at this party (Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Side Dish, Side Dish, Dessert).
2. I let five girlfriends look through the cookbook (whenever I happen to see them... at church, at lunch, after walking, etc.) As each girl flips through the cookbook, she picks one of the things on the list to make and bring to the party (the date of said party will be announced at a later time).
3. Once the five girlfriends have picked a recipe from THE cookbook, I will copy the recipe for them, set the date and time for the dinner, and EVERYONE will bring a dish from my new favorite cookbook (The Pioneer Woman Cooks).
I know what you're thinking. "This is just another name for a potluck!" But it's a potluck with a little more "structure," don't you think? And it's a way for five different people to experience five new recipes at one time (without ALL the hard work).
I like this idea. I like it a lot. Oh, 2010 is going to be a very busy year!
Have a great Monday. Christmas is over and there is STILL NO SCHOOL! Yes! Spend some special time with your kiddos and family this week. There will be time to clean next week. (At least I hope there will be time to clean!) Tomorrow's recipe is very good, so stop by and check it out.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic this week is of Roxie and Brad. Nothing spectacular or earth shattering... just two of my favorite people in the world.
I'm dividing the Gallery Pics into sections this week. Today there are a few shots of Christmas morning and the ABCs of Christmas scrapbook. Tomorrow I'll have pictures of Christmas at Grandmother's, and I'll finish up Christmas on Wednesday with photos of Christmas at Grandma's. I didn't want to overwhelm you with too much on a Monday.
NOTE - It looks as if I'll be posting by 9:30 or 10:00 every morning from now on. With my evening schedule, it is much easier to get everything done in the morning, so if you're looking for NEW info on A Simple Life, it will still be here Monday through Friday... but not until 10:00 a.m.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - What an excellent year! The last count stands at 81! I'll let you know if any strays come in the next few weeks, but I am very, very pleased. It's official. Next year's goal is 100! (And thank you to everyone who went out of their way to send a card. I loved them all!)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - FAITHFULNESS
I wrote about this several months ago. I mentioned it while remembering an older gentlemen who attended my "home" church many, many years ago. When I remember this particular man who had served our church in different capacities throughout his lifetime, that is the word that comes to my mind... faithfulness. He was the custodian for our church when I was growing up. He was always the first one there to unlock the doors, turn on the air or heat, and make sure everything was ready for the services. At that time in his life, he was a background person... and he was always, always someone you could count on.
When I walked into service yesterday morning, and started up the stairs to the balcony where we ALWAYS sit, I saw an elderly man man sitting on the back row... where he ALWAYS sits. We go to a very large church, and while I know many, many people there, I do not know this man's name. What do I know about him? He looks like he may be in his late 70s or 80s. He sits alone, but he knows many of the people around him. He always, always has on a suit and a tie and shiny dress shoes. When he sings, he smiles, and he has a very sweet smile. I've seen him sing everything, too. The new "stuff," as well as the old.
His Bible is old and worn and used... just like a Bible should be.
Everything about him reminds me of the wonderful man from my "home" church years and years ago, but the word that comes to mind every time I see him is "faithfulness."
At 48, there are times I do not want to roll out of bed on Sunday morning, or run to church Wednesday nights after a busy day, or I want to stay home Sunday nights for a little more family time... but "faithfulness" is a lesson best taught to kids by example and NOT words.
I'm not as faithful as the gentleman I mentioned above. If for some reason I am not at church, I know he is sitting on the back pew, smiling as he sings the hymns (old and new) and holding his old, tattered Bible. He is teaching by example whether he knows it or not... and that is my favorite kind of teacher.
There's an old song I love... "Little is much, if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There's a prize, and you can win it, If you go in Jesus' name." If God is in it, faithfulness is by no means "little." It is HUGE... and I want to be remembered for being faithful when I'm in my 80s. Ahh. A goal!
Monday Mayhem - As I said Friday, our weekend was going to be very much like your weekend, I am sure. After opening the gifts Santa left Friday morning, we slowly got ready to go to my Mom's for Christmas lunch. A good time was had by all as we ate and played with the cousins, and we left Friday evening to go home and get ready for our Saturday Christmas celebration with Mike's family.
Saturday was very similar to Christmas morning except there were no gifts under our tree. We had a wonderful lunch and then, once again, opened more gifts. Of course, having an "almost" two year-old playing Santa Claus and passing the presents out (with a little help from Cousin Roxie) was too much fun. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner received a Wii, so as you can imagine, the rest of our day was spent Wii-ing.
The only negative on Saturday would have to be when I was bowling on the Wii and threw my arm back and whacked "almost" two year-old Matthew on the head. Not good. Not good at all. All was forgiven after his nap. We don't know if it was because he was just a babe, or it didn't bother him as much as it bothered me, or it was short-term memory loss which his Uncle Mike kept insisting was the problem, but he kissed and hugged me when I asked. There did not appear to be any hard feelings. (I'm giving him another present this coming Saturday for his two year-old birthday. That ought to patch up any lingering resentment. I know a gift usually works for me.)
Sunday was one of my favorite days because after church, I had lunch with three old friends... for three and a half hours. We see each other once a year usually, and even then it is rarely all four of us together. It was a sweet time of catching up. I miss them.
Sunday evening found the Faulkner Five and the lovely Melia enjoying "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (cute movie) at the RAVE. On the way to dinner, I started feeling a little "under the weather," so Mikie had to drop me off at the house, and I missed that part of the tradition. I was sad, but we'll survive. (I did have another gift waiting when I arrived home. The kids had folded and put away ALL the clean laundry. YEA!!! And just so you know we ain't perfect, Mikie "suggested" and "urged" them to perform this little task. They didn't offer to do it themselves... but I don't care. It's done!)
And that's it. Another lovely Christmas tucked away in our memories... and our memory cards!
Pick a Cookbook Party
I have a lot of parties to plan this coming year. Having received my new cookbook (The Pioneer Woman Cooks), and reading it cover to cover, I thought it might be fun to have a few girlfriends look through the cookbook, too. This is how I see it in my mind's eye.
1. I make a list of dishes to be served at this party (Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Side Dish, Side Dish, Dessert).
2. I let five girlfriends look through the cookbook (whenever I happen to see them... at church, at lunch, after walking, etc.) As each girl flips through the cookbook, she picks one of the things on the list to make and bring to the party (the date of said party will be announced at a later time).
3. Once the five girlfriends have picked a recipe from THE cookbook, I will copy the recipe for them, set the date and time for the dinner, and EVERYONE will bring a dish from my new favorite cookbook (The Pioneer Woman Cooks).
I know what you're thinking. "This is just another name for a potluck!" But it's a potluck with a little more "structure," don't you think? And it's a way for five different people to experience five new recipes at one time (without ALL the hard work).
I like this idea. I like it a lot. Oh, 2010 is going to be a very busy year!
Have a great Monday. Christmas is over and there is STILL NO SCHOOL! Yes! Spend some special time with your kiddos and family this week. There will be time to clean next week. (At least I hope there will be time to clean!) Tomorrow's recipe is very good, so stop by and check it out.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning AND Merry Christmas!
The Gallery Pics are from the Christmas Eve Service last night. It is one of my family's favorite Christmas activities, and it did not disappoint.
Of course, after the service, the Faulkner Five bought our traditional Chinese Chicken dinner and enjoyed Chinese take-out for our Christmas Eve dinner. The opening of sibling gifts, (I've included a couple of those pictures, too), a Christmas movie and the evening was considered a Christmas Eve success.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Thanks to Evelyn for a hand-delivered card, Robin for a wonderful musical e-mail card AND four cards in the mailbox yesterday, my total is 79!! Can you believe it? I have 79 Christmas cards! YEA!!!
So I guess my new goal for December 2010 will be... 100! I think we can do it! If not next year, then maybe the next. I don't mind if it takes more than one season to meet my goal. Not a bit!
And would the sweet family who sent me at least FOUR cards please step forward. I would like to thank you in person. Who knows? I might even bake you an eggnog pound cake to show my sincere appreciation!
Weekend Happenings
This weekend will be much like your weekend, I am sure. Last night found me in the floor working on Matthew's (my great-nephew) ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook. I am almost finished. (Thank goodness we see him Saturday instead of today!)
The kids will open their "Santa" gifts this morning. We can practically fit all of their gifts in a shoebox these days... but the price tag is not what it used to be when they were younger!
We will be at my Mom's for Christmas today, and Saturday we will celebrate with Mike's family (and my great-nephew). I'm trying a new recipe for Saturday's get-together, and I'm planning on posting it next Tuesday. (My friend, Melaney, shared it with me, and it sounds very good.)
Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, I will have lunch with three of my oldest girlfriends Sunday after church. (Not old in age, but old in length of friendships. I don't want to start off a great lunch having to apologize.) We usually have three out of four of us attend, but this year we are trying very hard for 100 percent. It's difficult since one of our group lives in Atlanta, but we work around her very busy family schedule when she comes home to visit to squeeze in a couple of hours of "girl time." We'll see.
Sunday night, the Faulkner Five (along with the lovely Melia) will be attending our annual Movie After Christmas. As of this minute, it is still up in the air which movie we'll be attending. I'll have to let you know for sure Monday.
As always, I'll see how everything I've carefully planned and orchestrated turns out. It's always interesting to see what REALLY HAPPENS.
Books - These are a few more Christmas favorites. (You can also look back in the December 2008 archives for more Christmas book ideas. There are more religious books in the 2008 posts.)
1. Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It will make your children really, really think about what is important at Christmas time, and to be happy with blessings such as God and family.
2. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren and David Hohn. It's the book with the two polar bears on the cover. Excellent.
3. I Spy Little Christmas by Jean Marzolla and Walter Wick. My kids always loved the I Spy books, and this one is more of the same. If you have car traveling this season, this will occupy the guys for quite a while.
4. The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa by Stan and Jan Berenstain. What can I say? A classic.
5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. This probably goes without saying, but it is one of the BEST secular Christmas books ever. Beautiful illustrations and beautiful story. Love it.
If you have favorites, share them in the comment section. You can never have enough Christmas books.
Have a wonderful, safe, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Take 1,000,000 pictures, tons of video and memorize as much of this special time with your little ones and other family members as you can.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Very Merry Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from the Christmas Eve Service last night. It is one of my family's favorite Christmas activities, and it did not disappoint.
Of course, after the service, the Faulkner Five bought our traditional Chinese Chicken dinner and enjoyed Chinese take-out for our Christmas Eve dinner. The opening of sibling gifts, (I've included a couple of those pictures, too), a Christmas movie and the evening was considered a Christmas Eve success.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Thanks to Evelyn for a hand-delivered card, Robin for a wonderful musical e-mail card AND four cards in the mailbox yesterday, my total is 79!! Can you believe it? I have 79 Christmas cards! YEA!!!
So I guess my new goal for December 2010 will be... 100! I think we can do it! If not next year, then maybe the next. I don't mind if it takes more than one season to meet my goal. Not a bit!
And would the sweet family who sent me at least FOUR cards please step forward. I would like to thank you in person. Who knows? I might even bake you an eggnog pound cake to show my sincere appreciation!
Weekend Happenings
This weekend will be much like your weekend, I am sure. Last night found me in the floor working on Matthew's (my great-nephew) ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook. I am almost finished. (Thank goodness we see him Saturday instead of today!)
The kids will open their "Santa" gifts this morning. We can practically fit all of their gifts in a shoebox these days... but the price tag is not what it used to be when they were younger!
We will be at my Mom's for Christmas today, and Saturday we will celebrate with Mike's family (and my great-nephew). I'm trying a new recipe for Saturday's get-together, and I'm planning on posting it next Tuesday. (My friend, Melaney, shared it with me, and it sounds very good.)
Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, I will have lunch with three of my oldest girlfriends Sunday after church. (Not old in age, but old in length of friendships. I don't want to start off a great lunch having to apologize.) We usually have three out of four of us attend, but this year we are trying very hard for 100 percent. It's difficult since one of our group lives in Atlanta, but we work around her very busy family schedule when she comes home to visit to squeeze in a couple of hours of "girl time." We'll see.
Sunday night, the Faulkner Five (along with the lovely Melia) will be attending our annual Movie After Christmas. As of this minute, it is still up in the air which movie we'll be attending. I'll have to let you know for sure Monday.
As always, I'll see how everything I've carefully planned and orchestrated turns out. It's always interesting to see what REALLY HAPPENS.
Books - These are a few more Christmas favorites. (You can also look back in the December 2008 archives for more Christmas book ideas. There are more religious books in the 2008 posts.)
1. Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It will make your children really, really think about what is important at Christmas time, and to be happy with blessings such as God and family.
2. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren and David Hohn. It's the book with the two polar bears on the cover. Excellent.
3. I Spy Little Christmas by Jean Marzolla and Walter Wick. My kids always loved the I Spy books, and this one is more of the same. If you have car traveling this season, this will occupy the guys for quite a while.
4. The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa by Stan and Jan Berenstain. What can I say? A classic.
5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. This probably goes without saying, but it is one of the BEST secular Christmas books ever. Beautiful illustrations and beautiful story. Love it.
If you have favorites, share them in the comment section. You can never have enough Christmas books.
Have a wonderful, safe, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Take 1,000,000 pictures, tons of video and memorize as much of this special time with your little ones and other family members as you can.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Very Merry Belinda
Breakfast/Manicure Date
Good Thursday morning!
This will quite possibly be my shortest post EVER. I know most people will be too busy today and tomorrow to read blogs, but I'll be here just the same.
The Gallery Pic is of my MamMa's dining room table. It is filled with Christmas cards. (She has 49 as of yesterday.) Not quite as many as me, but she doesn't go around soliciting holiday greetings either... unlike her eldest granddaughter.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - You are not going to believe this. I couldn't believe it myself. As of yesterday, December 23, I have 74 Christmas cards. Only ONE card away from my goal of 75. It is 8:27 a.m. and I've already checked twice to see if the mail lady has come by... four hours early. Surely there will be one Christmas card in my mailbox today. Don't you think? I still haven't my received my annual greetings from my Virginia, California and Georgia friends (although I have called).
It's going to be a long morning. I will post my final Christmas Card Count tomorrow, Christmas Day, 2010. Wish me luck!
Blog Linkage - I have only one for you to read today, but it is an important post. Once again, I will refer you to Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List, and ask that you read Jody's post dated December 19. It is entitled "When the Holidays Hurt."
If you and your family are having a Merry Christmas this year, I am genuinely thrilled for you. I want you to enjoy every precious moment. I truly want you to be happy and have the best time of your life with your loved ones.
But if you are hurting this year, for whatever reason, and this "happiest season of all" is only making the hurt more unbearable, I want to offer you my deepest sympathy and prayers.
And I want you to read Jody's post.
Breakfast/Manicure Date
I think this appeared somewhere in last December's posts as a Seasonal Tradition, but today, it is a reminder and a date.
If you are blessed to have a daughter, niece or other female member of your family nearby, take them to breakfast and then for a Christmas Eve manicure! Yes, there is much to do on Christmas Eve... cooking, cleaning, wrapping, (hopefully not shopping), visiting, Church services, etc., etc. AND having breakfast and getting a Christmas manicure with your daughter.
It's fun, festive and something you can do with your daughter when you're 60 and she's 25. (Oh, my! I'll be 60 when Roxie is 25. More unbelievable numbers!) And you can also add the granddaughters as time marches on.
Have a very productive Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, I'll be back with a list of my favorite Christmas books EVER, and a short and sweet Weekend Happenings post. I'll also reveal my final Christmas Card Count number. You know you want to know!
Reach out to someone hurting today. If you call and they are not at home, leave a message. I've received much needed kindness and encouragement from listening to a message on my answering machine. You never, ever know.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
This will quite possibly be my shortest post EVER. I know most people will be too busy today and tomorrow to read blogs, but I'll be here just the same.
The Gallery Pic is of my MamMa's dining room table. It is filled with Christmas cards. (She has 49 as of yesterday.) Not quite as many as me, but she doesn't go around soliciting holiday greetings either... unlike her eldest granddaughter.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - You are not going to believe this. I couldn't believe it myself. As of yesterday, December 23, I have 74 Christmas cards. Only ONE card away from my goal of 75. It is 8:27 a.m. and I've already checked twice to see if the mail lady has come by... four hours early. Surely there will be one Christmas card in my mailbox today. Don't you think? I still haven't my received my annual greetings from my Virginia, California and Georgia friends (although I have called).
It's going to be a long morning. I will post my final Christmas Card Count tomorrow, Christmas Day, 2010. Wish me luck!
Blog Linkage - I have only one for you to read today, but it is an important post. Once again, I will refer you to Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List, and ask that you read Jody's post dated December 19. It is entitled "When the Holidays Hurt."
If you and your family are having a Merry Christmas this year, I am genuinely thrilled for you. I want you to enjoy every precious moment. I truly want you to be happy and have the best time of your life with your loved ones.
But if you are hurting this year, for whatever reason, and this "happiest season of all" is only making the hurt more unbearable, I want to offer you my deepest sympathy and prayers.
And I want you to read Jody's post.
Breakfast/Manicure Date
I think this appeared somewhere in last December's posts as a Seasonal Tradition, but today, it is a reminder and a date.
If you are blessed to have a daughter, niece or other female member of your family nearby, take them to breakfast and then for a Christmas Eve manicure! Yes, there is much to do on Christmas Eve... cooking, cleaning, wrapping, (hopefully not shopping), visiting, Church services, etc., etc. AND having breakfast and getting a Christmas manicure with your daughter.
It's fun, festive and something you can do with your daughter when you're 60 and she's 25. (Oh, my! I'll be 60 when Roxie is 25. More unbelievable numbers!) And you can also add the granddaughters as time marches on.
Have a very productive Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, I'll be back with a list of my favorite Christmas books EVER, and a short and sweet Weekend Happenings post. I'll also reveal my final Christmas Card Count number. You know you want to know!
Reach out to someone hurting today. If you call and they are not at home, leave a message. I've received much needed kindness and encouragement from listening to a message on my answering machine. You never, ever know.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Swap Till You Drop
Good Wednesday morning!
I have one more picture from the weekend in the Gallery today. Tomorrow, I'll have pics from different places and activities, but I wanted to share just one more.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Are you ready for this? I have 72 cards! I only need THREE MORE CARDS! Do you feel the excitement in the air? Is it just me, or is this one of the MOST EXCITING THINGS TO EVER HAPPEN... TO ME? I cannot wait until the mail lady comes today. It's going to be a very long morning. And to the family who has sent me four anonymous Christmas cards, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You and yours truly know how to make someone's Christmas merry! Keep up the good work!
I hope tomorrow I will be able to share the news I met my goal. I hope I can sleep tonight!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER - This is it, guys. There are 24 (mostly inexpensive or free) ideas for each and every day in December. If you have any others to share, feel free. Ideas are ALWAYS welcome on A Simple Life.
DAY 17
23. Plan a luncheon or breakfast with a group of friends. And here is a little Christmas twist. Don't exchange gifts. Make it a truly simple, relaxing, stress-free time of visiting and catching up. Most women do not need one more present to wrap, or one more ornament to buy, or one more cookie to bake. And guess what... that's okay. Give the gift of time and spend it with some of the people you love most this holiday season. Enjoy.
24. As I receive Christmas cards from some of my oldest friends who now live all over the United States, I call them the day their card arrives in the mail. It only takes a few minutes, and it is a fun time to catch up. Don't be someone who says, "I need to call them one day." Be someone who says, "Hi, ___________! I just got your Christmas card and I wanted to say Merry Christmas in person. How is everyone doing?" It is so much fun, and because I wait until the mail lady brings the mail, I never know who I'll be calling that day! (Today I called some friends in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Tomorrow, it might be Huntington Beach, California. You just never know!)
Wednesday Wisdom - I wanted to share three quotes about Christmas today... all of them focus on Jesus and the real reason Christmas should be celebrated each and every year.
"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." George Matthew Adams.
"The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son." Robert Flatt.
"This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ." Frank McKibben.
Swap Till You Drop
I read this in the January 2010 Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and I thought it would be a great thing to plan each year (AFTER Christmas) with a few friends.
The idea is to invite some friends over and have them bring a certain number of items to swap. Lay everything out in your dining room, living room, and/or den, allow browsing time and then take turns choosing one new item for each item you brought. The only rule is everything up for swap is clean and in good condition.
1. Invite guests and let them know how many items they can bring. Five guests, each with ten items in tow, is a good size for a swap meet. The invitation is a large cardboard tag dressed up with decorative paper and a print-out of the party details.
2. Tag each item as it arrives. Have a stash of tags ready and invite the guests to write a description and a "selling point" for each item. The tags are cut from cardboard, hole-punched at the top, and topped with an adhesive mailing label with the information written there.
3. Set up a "claim system" by giving each guest a set of clothespins monogrammed with stick-on letters. (My clothespins would have a letter "B" on the top of them.) To claim an item, clip a pin to its tag. If multiple people want the same item, put all the clothespins in a hat and draw a winner. (Much like Dirty Santa!)
4. Box up the leftovers at the end of the party (recruit guests to help), and donate them to a local charity or shelter.
5. Have coffee, soft drinks and a cake or cookies ready to serve after the swap meet so you can have some time to visit.
This sounds like a lot of fun, and an easy way to get rid of something (albeit nice) you no longer use or need. The thing I like best about this tradition is you do not HAVE to claim ten items. You might only want one or two things from the swap meet, so you end up getting rid of some clutter without having to replace everything.
Also, the set up and the planning would be much easier (and a lot more fun) than a yard sale. Even though you wouldn't have money to show for your efforts at the end of the day, you might have a few new items to show for your work... and some sweet fellowship with your friends.
I'm thinking about trying this in February!
A Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us remember
the birth of Jesus, that we may
share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds
and the wisdom of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open
the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings, and teach us to
be merry with clean hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be Thy children,
and the Christmas evening bring us
to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus' sake. Amen.
This prayer written by Robert Louis Stevenson was enclosed in one of my Christmas cards, and I thought it was a perfect prayer to share this season.
Have a lovely Wednesday. Tomorrow it will be Christmas Eve, but I still have a date to share and some wonderful Blog Linkage for you to read.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and ALMOST FINISHED WITH HER SHOPPING Belinda
I have one more picture from the weekend in the Gallery today. Tomorrow, I'll have pics from different places and activities, but I wanted to share just one more.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Are you ready for this? I have 72 cards! I only need THREE MORE CARDS! Do you feel the excitement in the air? Is it just me, or is this one of the MOST EXCITING THINGS TO EVER HAPPEN... TO ME? I cannot wait until the mail lady comes today. It's going to be a very long morning. And to the family who has sent me four anonymous Christmas cards, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You and yours truly know how to make someone's Christmas merry! Keep up the good work!
I hope tomorrow I will be able to share the news I met my goal. I hope I can sleep tonight!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER - This is it, guys. There are 24 (mostly inexpensive or free) ideas for each and every day in December. If you have any others to share, feel free. Ideas are ALWAYS welcome on A Simple Life.
DAY 17
23. Plan a luncheon or breakfast with a group of friends. And here is a little Christmas twist. Don't exchange gifts. Make it a truly simple, relaxing, stress-free time of visiting and catching up. Most women do not need one more present to wrap, or one more ornament to buy, or one more cookie to bake. And guess what... that's okay. Give the gift of time and spend it with some of the people you love most this holiday season. Enjoy.
24. As I receive Christmas cards from some of my oldest friends who now live all over the United States, I call them the day their card arrives in the mail. It only takes a few minutes, and it is a fun time to catch up. Don't be someone who says, "I need to call them one day." Be someone who says, "Hi, ___________! I just got your Christmas card and I wanted to say Merry Christmas in person. How is everyone doing?" It is so much fun, and because I wait until the mail lady brings the mail, I never know who I'll be calling that day! (Today I called some friends in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Tomorrow, it might be Huntington Beach, California. You just never know!)
Wednesday Wisdom - I wanted to share three quotes about Christmas today... all of them focus on Jesus and the real reason Christmas should be celebrated each and every year.
"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." George Matthew Adams.
"The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son." Robert Flatt.
"This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ." Frank McKibben.
Swap Till You Drop
I read this in the January 2010 Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and I thought it would be a great thing to plan each year (AFTER Christmas) with a few friends.
The idea is to invite some friends over and have them bring a certain number of items to swap. Lay everything out in your dining room, living room, and/or den, allow browsing time and then take turns choosing one new item for each item you brought. The only rule is everything up for swap is clean and in good condition.
1. Invite guests and let them know how many items they can bring. Five guests, each with ten items in tow, is a good size for a swap meet. The invitation is a large cardboard tag dressed up with decorative paper and a print-out of the party details.
2. Tag each item as it arrives. Have a stash of tags ready and invite the guests to write a description and a "selling point" for each item. The tags are cut from cardboard, hole-punched at the top, and topped with an adhesive mailing label with the information written there.
3. Set up a "claim system" by giving each guest a set of clothespins monogrammed with stick-on letters. (My clothespins would have a letter "B" on the top of them.) To claim an item, clip a pin to its tag. If multiple people want the same item, put all the clothespins in a hat and draw a winner. (Much like Dirty Santa!)
4. Box up the leftovers at the end of the party (recruit guests to help), and donate them to a local charity or shelter.
5. Have coffee, soft drinks and a cake or cookies ready to serve after the swap meet so you can have some time to visit.
This sounds like a lot of fun, and an easy way to get rid of something (albeit nice) you no longer use or need. The thing I like best about this tradition is you do not HAVE to claim ten items. You might only want one or two things from the swap meet, so you end up getting rid of some clutter without having to replace everything.
Also, the set up and the planning would be much easier (and a lot more fun) than a yard sale. Even though you wouldn't have money to show for your efforts at the end of the day, you might have a few new items to show for your work... and some sweet fellowship with your friends.
I'm thinking about trying this in February!
A Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us remember
the birth of Jesus, that we may
share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds
and the wisdom of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open
the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings, and teach us to
be merry with clean hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be Thy children,
and the Christmas evening bring us
to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus' sake. Amen.
This prayer written by Robert Louis Stevenson was enclosed in one of my Christmas cards, and I thought it was a perfect prayer to share this season.
Have a lovely Wednesday. Tomorrow it will be Christmas Eve, but I still have a date to share and some wonderful Blog Linkage for you to read.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and ALMOST FINISHED WITH HER SHOPPING Belinda
Lemony Christmas Cake
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pic this morning is another photo from Saturday night with my extended family. It's our biggest party of the season, so naturally, I would take 1,023 pictures of the event!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - I'm at 66. I am so close to my goal, I can actually imagine setting a new goal. Do you want to know what the new goal would be? Do you? I will let you know Friday... after I reach my goal of 75!
Christmas Card Story - I have a little Christmas Card Story to share this holiday season. Forgive me if you've already heard this... I tend to repeat myself. Forgive me if you've already heard this... I tend to repeat myself. (See?)
A few years ago, I met a friend at Cracker Barrel for Christmas breakfast. I must have been excited because I parked the big gold van a little crooked. Actually, I don't have to be nervous or excited to park the big gold van a little crooked. It comes very naturally. That is why I park at the end of any and all parking lots. I tell people I do it to get more exercise, but Mikie and I know (and now you know, too) it's all about the parking.
But on with the story. I came out of Cracker Barrel a couple of hours later and noticed a fairly large brown paper bag square under my windshield wiper. Intrigued, I pulled the square out from under the wiper and read a handwritten note... left by a person who obviously did NOT know of my penchant for collecting Christmas cards.
In actuality, it was a angrily written note about how to park properly, and how some people should NOT be allowed to drive a vehicle, must less a behemoth like the big gold van. There were even two expletives (Code for BAD, BAD WORDS) in the note.
But, being the "half-glass full" type person I am, I saw the good in the note. Not the "advice" part, but the way the person signed off. "Merry Christmas, you idiot."
Ahh. A Christmas card!
As soon as I arrived home, I took my Fiskars cutter and made the torn square neat and pretty. I then took my black Sharpie, and removed some of the more offensive words from the Christmas greeting. Lastly, I took a piece of tape, and proudly displayed my new handmade Christmas card along with the rest of my collection.
To quote a famous Christmas character, "A card is a card, no matter how harsh." (I know the Grinch would have made it rhyme, but you get the idea.)
I didn't meet my goal that year, but I'm so close now, I may be parking crooked all over town to see if I can get my "friend" to leave another little note.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 16
22. On Christmas Eve morning, leave a small gift on the bed of each of your children. It could be a wrapped candy bar, Christmas socks, a "No Chores Today" coupon, etc. Just make sure it is wrapped! Everyone in the family (even adults) will love getting a gift the day BEFORE Christmas (no matter how inexpensive). It will be a REAL surprise.
Carpooling Article - Part Two - Today I'll share the second half of this article. This is the part which will stay with you and make you think, think, think. Read yesterday's post for Part One.
Years before, I'd prayed that God would give me a grand purpose in life. He answered by giving me two daughters and a set of car keys.
"Drive," He said.
So drive I did... and became known among the other moms as Transportation Central. And I loved every minute of it.
It actually proved to be quite educational. I learned I could be invisible. The girls would all pile into my car and start talking about stuff girls talk about, which meant boys and other girls. As if I wasn't even in the car (hence the invisibility factor) they would start dishing the dirt.
You can learn a lot by being invisible, and as I listened to their conversations, you can bet I prayed as I drove!
During my years of driving girls, my car was used as a cafeteria, a beauty parlor, a dressing room, a last-minute study hall, a laundry hamper and a place to take a nap.
It was also at times a confessional and a sanctuary. Something amazing happened when my little red Tempo filled with girls.
God entered.
Sometimes I wondered if those girls in the backseat realized His presence. I think maybe they did, because every once in a while (when they would acknowledge my presence) they would ask me questions about Buddhism, paganism and Marilyn Manson. Sometimes I was able to pray out loud for them.
It was all so very natural. It was mundane and ordinary, yet incredibly holy. Now that my daughters are grown, I actually miss those days.
At one time I'd wanted to be somebody important, to do great and grand things. I ended up driving girls. It wasn't what I'd envisioned, but for a good portion of my life it was what I'd been created and called to do.
As I talked to Kelly's mom, I remembered that Kelly was one of the girls I not only drove places, but listened to, prayed for and loved. God used me to share Christ with her... and she died loving Jesus. I realized that for all those years behind the wheel of my car, I had no greater purpose.
I had asked God to give me a grand purpose, and He did.
While driving girls all over central Florida wasn't lofty, it was heavenly. And although it wasn't what I would have chosen, it turned out to be what I will always cherish.
Isn't that an amazing article? Food for much thought. As I said yesterday, this article was taken from Today's Christian Woman and was written by Nancy Kennedy... a very wise mom.
Lemony Christmas Cake
This recipe was borrowed from the Fall 2006 edition of the Taste of the South magazine. (An excellent magazine, by the way!) It is an easy, moist, less expensive and better version of the original Christmas Fruit Cake, I think.
You will need:
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 cups self-rising flour (divided)
6 eggs, separated
5 tablespoons lemon extract
4 cups chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce) container candied red cherries
1 (8-ounce) container candied pineapple
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 10" tube pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon extract, beating until combined.
3. Gradually add 3 cups flour, beating well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, pecans, cherries and pineapple. Stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon until well combined. (Batter will be very thick.)
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Stir into batter with a wooden spoon until well combined.
6. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
I'm baking this cake for our Christmas get-togethers this weekend. Anything with that much butter has to be good. (That is just my humble opinion!)
Have a totally terrific Tuesday. Tomorrow I'll have another December Seasonal Tradition, Wednesday Wisdom, another idea for Christmas Every Day in December and maybe, just maybe, a little Christmas poem! (Copied... not an original.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic this morning is another photo from Saturday night with my extended family. It's our biggest party of the season, so naturally, I would take 1,023 pictures of the event!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - I'm at 66. I am so close to my goal, I can actually imagine setting a new goal. Do you want to know what the new goal would be? Do you? I will let you know Friday... after I reach my goal of 75!
Christmas Card Story - I have a little Christmas Card Story to share this holiday season. Forgive me if you've already heard this... I tend to repeat myself. Forgive me if you've already heard this... I tend to repeat myself. (See?)
A few years ago, I met a friend at Cracker Barrel for Christmas breakfast. I must have been excited because I parked the big gold van a little crooked. Actually, I don't have to be nervous or excited to park the big gold van a little crooked. It comes very naturally. That is why I park at the end of any and all parking lots. I tell people I do it to get more exercise, but Mikie and I know (and now you know, too) it's all about the parking.
But on with the story. I came out of Cracker Barrel a couple of hours later and noticed a fairly large brown paper bag square under my windshield wiper. Intrigued, I pulled the square out from under the wiper and read a handwritten note... left by a person who obviously did NOT know of my penchant for collecting Christmas cards.
In actuality, it was a angrily written note about how to park properly, and how some people should NOT be allowed to drive a vehicle, must less a behemoth like the big gold van. There were even two expletives (Code for BAD, BAD WORDS) in the note.
But, being the "half-glass full" type person I am, I saw the good in the note. Not the "advice" part, but the way the person signed off. "Merry Christmas, you idiot."
Ahh. A Christmas card!
As soon as I arrived home, I took my Fiskars cutter and made the torn square neat and pretty. I then took my black Sharpie, and removed some of the more offensive words from the Christmas greeting. Lastly, I took a piece of tape, and proudly displayed my new handmade Christmas card along with the rest of my collection.
To quote a famous Christmas character, "A card is a card, no matter how harsh." (I know the Grinch would have made it rhyme, but you get the idea.)
I didn't meet my goal that year, but I'm so close now, I may be parking crooked all over town to see if I can get my "friend" to leave another little note.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 16
22. On Christmas Eve morning, leave a small gift on the bed of each of your children. It could be a wrapped candy bar, Christmas socks, a "No Chores Today" coupon, etc. Just make sure it is wrapped! Everyone in the family (even adults) will love getting a gift the day BEFORE Christmas (no matter how inexpensive). It will be a REAL surprise.
Carpooling Article - Part Two - Today I'll share the second half of this article. This is the part which will stay with you and make you think, think, think. Read yesterday's post for Part One.
Years before, I'd prayed that God would give me a grand purpose in life. He answered by giving me two daughters and a set of car keys.
"Drive," He said.
So drive I did... and became known among the other moms as Transportation Central. And I loved every minute of it.
It actually proved to be quite educational. I learned I could be invisible. The girls would all pile into my car and start talking about stuff girls talk about, which meant boys and other girls. As if I wasn't even in the car (hence the invisibility factor) they would start dishing the dirt.
You can learn a lot by being invisible, and as I listened to their conversations, you can bet I prayed as I drove!
During my years of driving girls, my car was used as a cafeteria, a beauty parlor, a dressing room, a last-minute study hall, a laundry hamper and a place to take a nap.
It was also at times a confessional and a sanctuary. Something amazing happened when my little red Tempo filled with girls.
God entered.
Sometimes I wondered if those girls in the backseat realized His presence. I think maybe they did, because every once in a while (when they would acknowledge my presence) they would ask me questions about Buddhism, paganism and Marilyn Manson. Sometimes I was able to pray out loud for them.
It was all so very natural. It was mundane and ordinary, yet incredibly holy. Now that my daughters are grown, I actually miss those days.
At one time I'd wanted to be somebody important, to do great and grand things. I ended up driving girls. It wasn't what I'd envisioned, but for a good portion of my life it was what I'd been created and called to do.
As I talked to Kelly's mom, I remembered that Kelly was one of the girls I not only drove places, but listened to, prayed for and loved. God used me to share Christ with her... and she died loving Jesus. I realized that for all those years behind the wheel of my car, I had no greater purpose.
I had asked God to give me a grand purpose, and He did.
While driving girls all over central Florida wasn't lofty, it was heavenly. And although it wasn't what I would have chosen, it turned out to be what I will always cherish.
Isn't that an amazing article? Food for much thought. As I said yesterday, this article was taken from Today's Christian Woman and was written by Nancy Kennedy... a very wise mom.
Lemony Christmas Cake
This recipe was borrowed from the Fall 2006 edition of the Taste of the South magazine. (An excellent magazine, by the way!) It is an easy, moist, less expensive and better version of the original Christmas Fruit Cake, I think.
You will need:
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 cups self-rising flour (divided)
6 eggs, separated
5 tablespoons lemon extract
4 cups chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce) container candied red cherries
1 (8-ounce) container candied pineapple
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 10" tube pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon extract, beating until combined.
3. Gradually add 3 cups flour, beating well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, pecans, cherries and pineapple. Stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon until well combined. (Batter will be very thick.)
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Stir into batter with a wooden spoon until well combined.
6. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
I'm baking this cake for our Christmas get-togethers this weekend. Anything with that much butter has to be good. (That is just my humble opinion!)
Have a totally terrific Tuesday. Tomorrow I'll have another December Seasonal Tradition, Wednesday Wisdom, another idea for Christmas Every Day in December and maybe, just maybe, a little Christmas poem! (Copied... not an original.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas Party Game
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is from the 12 Teas of Christmas which I celebrated with some friends this weekend. This was our 11th tea, and each year we pick a new tea room to take our little crew. This year, we enjoyed hot tea and lunch at Butterflies which is very close to our little town and is located in Fultondale. It was excellent. We had wonderful service, good food, and a "Christmasy" atmosphere. A must at any Christmas Tea! If you haven't had tea at Butterflies yet and you live in the area, it is time!
The Gallery Pics are from our big family party Saturday night. We have nine great-grandchildren on my side of the family, and we're blessed to have my grandmother (a/k/a the GREAT-grandmother of this clan) enjoy this time with us in front of a roaring fire each year.
CONTEST! - I haven't heard from all the winners yet, but Miss Ann had to relinquish her prize. I drew a new name, so as of today, the winners of the 300th Post Contest are:
EVELYN CRENSHAW
PATTI FLIPPO
DANA SORENSON (She took Ann's place.)
ANGIE COBURN
LEANNA BROWN
JONELLA WOODS
Patti and Evelyn... I need to talk to you about your band commitment. Dana and Jonella... I need to know if the date for the party is good for you. Let me know!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Everyone can breathe a little easier. I'm up to 64 Christmas cards. I only need 11 more cards in four days to meet my goal. I can do this... with a little help. So... HELP!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 15
20. People sometimes wait until the day AFTER Christmas to buy new Christmas decorations for the next year. However, many stores already have their Christmas decor marked down 40% to 50% a few days BEFORE Christmas. If you need a picture frame, wreath, ornaments, etc., while you're still in the Christmas mood, do some of this shopping now instead of the day after. (If you're like me, when Christmas is over, and you have to pack up all the decorations, you really don't feel like buying NEW stuff to pack away. Buy it while you're in the MOOD, and still get the discount prices.)
21. Buy a new Christmas book for your Christmas Book Basket. Go to your local Books-A-Million or Christian book store to find the classics and the newest Christmas lit. Again, many of these books are already on sale, and you and your family can enjoy a new Christmas book this year before bedtime.
Carpooling Article - My Mom gave me a copy of Today's Christian Woman which contains an article she wanted me to read. I loved it, and I wanted to share it with you in two parts this week. It is called A Purpose-Driving Life by Nancy Kennedy. I'll warn you... it's an eye-opener!
Years ago someone asked me what I wanted on my tombstone. I replied, rather flippantly, "She drove girls."
At the time, I had a 1989 red Ford Tempo with 189,000 miles on it, of which I was sure 188,000 of those miles had been used to drive girls... to the mall and volleyball practice. To softball games and the mall. To the mall and church youth group. To the beach. To Taco Bell. To school. To the mall.
It was either drive them or risk them finding rides with someone's sister's boyfriend. As long as my daughters and their myriad of close, personal friends were in the backseat of my car with me at the wheel, I knew where they were. It's a control thing, but a common sense thing, too. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was also a ministry thing.
Not too long ago, Kelly's mother called to thank me for what I'd done for her daughter, Kelly, who had died from leukemia at age 21, and had been my daughter Laura's childhood best friend.
At first I thought she was thanking me for reading something I'd written for Kelly's funeral, but I realize now she'd meant something else, which brings me back to my purpose-driving life.
As Paul Harvey would say... "Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story."
Monday Morning Mayhem - Friday night Roxie's basketball team claimed victory not once, but TWICE, in the Christmas tournament. It was thrilling, and we ended that fun night with a trip to Krispy Kreme with the team. Doughnuts are good for losses, too, but they taste especially sweet eaten after an amazing WIN!
Saturday I hosted my tea. It started 11 years ago with ten women. It is now down to six or seven each year. Three of the women have moved to different parts of the country over the years, but the rest of us are hanging in there! Eleven years ago, I unknowingly said, "Anyone who comes to all 12 of the teas will receive diamond earrings." Little did I know four of the girls really, really wanted diamond earrings. The only way I'm getting out of this is by telling them we're having the tea in one place... and then me having tea (BY MYSELF) at a different location. That, or Cubic Zirconium!
Saturday evening was spent with extended family enjoying everything that makes Christmas "fun." Kids, gifts, fireplace, good food, millions of Christmas lights, etc.
Sunday was simply Sunday! We did our most "Christmasy" thing yet! We watched the three-hour finale of Survivor... wearing Santa hats... drinking hot chocolate... humming Christmas carols during commercial breaks. You know. The typical Christmas celebratory "stuff."
Just so you know, we all picked who we thought would win the $1,000,000 the first show... just by looking at the contestants. You will not believe this, but the underdog, Natalie, WON. And guess who picked her the very first show? That's right. Mikie. Who would have thought? However, we all did very well. Two of the people picked (by me and the brothers) were in the jury, and the guy Roxie picked (Mick, the doctor) was in the final three. We're a pretty uber-smart family, aren't we? I was very impressed with us. (And that's why I could never be on Survivor. The really cocky, boastful people tend to get voted off the first week!)
(And just so you know, Roxie and I went "Christmas Light Lookin'" before Survivor began, so we absolutely did something festive Sunday evening.
Christmas Party Game
I'm not sharing an entire party with you today, but I am going to share an activity to use at a party. We had a Gingerbread House Building Contest.
The Gingerbread House kits (with the pre-made gingerbread walls, roofs, etc.) were on sale ($7 instead of $9). We have nine great-grandchildren with the oldest two being 17 and 18. I bought three houses, and the moms divided the kids into three different "workable" groups. We put Austin, Brad and Tyler (the oldest and the youngest) in Group One. Roxie, Katie and Josh made up Group Two (they work well together). And finally, Monica, Abbie and Zac were the members of Group Three.
There wasn't a specific time limit, but I had bought six boxes of candy from The Dollar Tree (giant gum balls, jelly beans, gummy bears, lemon drops, etc.). Those candies were put in individual bowls.
To keep all the houses from looking almost the same, the kids had to use at least one of each of the different candies on their house. The kids were amazing. It took almost an hour for them to finish the houses, and they were very imaginative.
The judge for the evening was my brother-in-law, Tommy, who had a child in each group. Pressure... yes. But we knew he would be the most "objective."
The winning team received $1 apiece (which they gladly put with their Christmas money stash). Will we do it every year? No. It was a one-time thing, but it was different and fun. Could you do it with college students, young adults, as well as older adults (like me)? I think you could... especially if you chose the groups ahead of time and "talked it up." It was just something different to try.
Have a magnificent Monday. I hope you complete everything on your "To Do" list. (I know you have one!) Come back Tuesday for a great recipe to add to your collection. I'll also have another idea for Christmas Every Day in December. I'll finish sharing the Carpooling Article with you, too. It will change your perspective on this "chore" forever.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic is from the 12 Teas of Christmas which I celebrated with some friends this weekend. This was our 11th tea, and each year we pick a new tea room to take our little crew. This year, we enjoyed hot tea and lunch at Butterflies which is very close to our little town and is located in Fultondale. It was excellent. We had wonderful service, good food, and a "Christmasy" atmosphere. A must at any Christmas Tea! If you haven't had tea at Butterflies yet and you live in the area, it is time!
The Gallery Pics are from our big family party Saturday night. We have nine great-grandchildren on my side of the family, and we're blessed to have my grandmother (a/k/a the GREAT-grandmother of this clan) enjoy this time with us in front of a roaring fire each year.
CONTEST! - I haven't heard from all the winners yet, but Miss Ann had to relinquish her prize. I drew a new name, so as of today, the winners of the 300th Post Contest are:
EVELYN CRENSHAW
PATTI FLIPPO
DANA SORENSON (She took Ann's place.)
ANGIE COBURN
LEANNA BROWN
JONELLA WOODS
Patti and Evelyn... I need to talk to you about your band commitment. Dana and Jonella... I need to know if the date for the party is good for you. Let me know!
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Everyone can breathe a little easier. I'm up to 64 Christmas cards. I only need 11 more cards in four days to meet my goal. I can do this... with a little help. So... HELP!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 15
20. People sometimes wait until the day AFTER Christmas to buy new Christmas decorations for the next year. However, many stores already have their Christmas decor marked down 40% to 50% a few days BEFORE Christmas. If you need a picture frame, wreath, ornaments, etc., while you're still in the Christmas mood, do some of this shopping now instead of the day after. (If you're like me, when Christmas is over, and you have to pack up all the decorations, you really don't feel like buying NEW stuff to pack away. Buy it while you're in the MOOD, and still get the discount prices.)
21. Buy a new Christmas book for your Christmas Book Basket. Go to your local Books-A-Million or Christian book store to find the classics and the newest Christmas lit. Again, many of these books are already on sale, and you and your family can enjoy a new Christmas book this year before bedtime.
Carpooling Article - My Mom gave me a copy of Today's Christian Woman which contains an article she wanted me to read. I loved it, and I wanted to share it with you in two parts this week. It is called A Purpose-Driving Life by Nancy Kennedy. I'll warn you... it's an eye-opener!
Years ago someone asked me what I wanted on my tombstone. I replied, rather flippantly, "She drove girls."
At the time, I had a 1989 red Ford Tempo with 189,000 miles on it, of which I was sure 188,000 of those miles had been used to drive girls... to the mall and volleyball practice. To softball games and the mall. To the mall and church youth group. To the beach. To Taco Bell. To school. To the mall.
It was either drive them or risk them finding rides with someone's sister's boyfriend. As long as my daughters and their myriad of close, personal friends were in the backseat of my car with me at the wheel, I knew where they were. It's a control thing, but a common sense thing, too. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was also a ministry thing.
Not too long ago, Kelly's mother called to thank me for what I'd done for her daughter, Kelly, who had died from leukemia at age 21, and had been my daughter Laura's childhood best friend.
At first I thought she was thanking me for reading something I'd written for Kelly's funeral, but I realize now she'd meant something else, which brings me back to my purpose-driving life.
As Paul Harvey would say... "Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story."
Monday Morning Mayhem - Friday night Roxie's basketball team claimed victory not once, but TWICE, in the Christmas tournament. It was thrilling, and we ended that fun night with a trip to Krispy Kreme with the team. Doughnuts are good for losses, too, but they taste especially sweet eaten after an amazing WIN!
Saturday I hosted my tea. It started 11 years ago with ten women. It is now down to six or seven each year. Three of the women have moved to different parts of the country over the years, but the rest of us are hanging in there! Eleven years ago, I unknowingly said, "Anyone who comes to all 12 of the teas will receive diamond earrings." Little did I know four of the girls really, really wanted diamond earrings. The only way I'm getting out of this is by telling them we're having the tea in one place... and then me having tea (BY MYSELF) at a different location. That, or Cubic Zirconium!
Saturday evening was spent with extended family enjoying everything that makes Christmas "fun." Kids, gifts, fireplace, good food, millions of Christmas lights, etc.
Sunday was simply Sunday! We did our most "Christmasy" thing yet! We watched the three-hour finale of Survivor... wearing Santa hats... drinking hot chocolate... humming Christmas carols during commercial breaks. You know. The typical Christmas celebratory "stuff."
Just so you know, we all picked who we thought would win the $1,000,000 the first show... just by looking at the contestants. You will not believe this, but the underdog, Natalie, WON. And guess who picked her the very first show? That's right. Mikie. Who would have thought? However, we all did very well. Two of the people picked (by me and the brothers) were in the jury, and the guy Roxie picked (Mick, the doctor) was in the final three. We're a pretty uber-smart family, aren't we? I was very impressed with us. (And that's why I could never be on Survivor. The really cocky, boastful people tend to get voted off the first week!)
(And just so you know, Roxie and I went "Christmas Light Lookin'" before Survivor began, so we absolutely did something festive Sunday evening.
Christmas Party Game
I'm not sharing an entire party with you today, but I am going to share an activity to use at a party. We had a Gingerbread House Building Contest.
The Gingerbread House kits (with the pre-made gingerbread walls, roofs, etc.) were on sale ($7 instead of $9). We have nine great-grandchildren with the oldest two being 17 and 18. I bought three houses, and the moms divided the kids into three different "workable" groups. We put Austin, Brad and Tyler (the oldest and the youngest) in Group One. Roxie, Katie and Josh made up Group Two (they work well together). And finally, Monica, Abbie and Zac were the members of Group Three.
There wasn't a specific time limit, but I had bought six boxes of candy from The Dollar Tree (giant gum balls, jelly beans, gummy bears, lemon drops, etc.). Those candies were put in individual bowls.
To keep all the houses from looking almost the same, the kids had to use at least one of each of the different candies on their house. The kids were amazing. It took almost an hour for them to finish the houses, and they were very imaginative.
The judge for the evening was my brother-in-law, Tommy, who had a child in each group. Pressure... yes. But we knew he would be the most "objective."
The winning team received $1 apiece (which they gladly put with their Christmas money stash). Will we do it every year? No. It was a one-time thing, but it was different and fun. Could you do it with college students, young adults, as well as older adults (like me)? I think you could... especially if you chose the groups ahead of time and "talked it up." It was just something different to try.
Have a magnificent Monday. I hope you complete everything on your "To Do" list. (I know you have one!) Come back Tuesday for a great recipe to add to your collection. I'll also have another idea for Christmas Every Day in December. I'll finish sharing the Carpooling Article with you, too. It will change your perspective on this "chore" forever.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, December 18, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I won't keep you wondering any longer. On this rainy, cold December morn, I know six of you need cheering up a bit!
AND THE WINNERS OF THE 300TH POST CONTEST OF A SIMPLE LIFE ARE...
PATTI FLIPPO
LEANNA BROWN
JONELLA WOODS
EVELYN CRENSHAW
ANGIE COLBURN
ANN GRABER
Congratulations! Our Mystery Bag Party is scheduled for Saturday, January 30 and will begin at 11:30 a.m. It will end by 2:30 p.m. that same afternoon. Do NOT worry if you do not know everyone in your party. If that is the case, by the end of the afternoon, you will have several new friends.
I will be mailing the invitation to each of you Monday with instructions (where to meet, etc.).
If for any reason, you are unable to attend the party, let me know as soon as possible. You will not go away empty-handed (you'll still receive a small gift), but I will need to make sure there are six in attendance for the party to "work."
For those of you who were not picked today, if anyone is unable to go, I will continue drawing names out of the bowl until I have six confirmed attendees.
We're going to have the best time! (I promise.) I may have some of the girls from the first party give "testimonials" next week to help you "get excited."
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - I'm going to list the ways they suggest to share your faith IN CLASS today...
8. Seek ways to bring Jesus into the conversations and discussions in class. If you are free to write a paper on any topic, choose your faith.
9. Be a good student. Remember, professors need Christ, too. Never burn a bridge to Jesus because you are being lazy or disrespectful.
10. For group projects, choose groups with few or no Christians. You'll have hours to build relationships and share about Jesus.
11. Pray before each test, but study too.
12. Try to engage people in spiritual discussions. Many class topics can be turned to point people toward God and questions that will lead them to Him. (Do not be confrontational or argumentative.)
As always, as you are spending more and more time with non-Christians, do not forget to be faithful to church and Bible study. You will need fellowship time with your Christian friends, as well.
If you are interested in getting this small booklet for your child, call 1-800-264-1225, extension 276. It's a great little book.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 14
19. Being a life-long Alabamian, a white Christmas has always been a dream... a dream not yet obtained (even after 48 years), but still a dream! One of the little things you could do to get that winter buzz going is take the family ice skating. In our little area of the world, we're fortunate to have a wonderful ice skating rink about 35 or 40 minutes away.
Call Pelham Civic Complex (620-6448) and ask for their public skating times, bundle up and enjoy an hour or two of skating. End the outing with pink cheeks and hot chocolate and a Christmas sing-along on the drive home. Have fun!
Weekend Happenings
Friday will find the Faulkner Five attending Roxie's basketball tournament. Not very "Christmasy," but we're all going to take turns wearing the big red hat Mikie won playing Dirty Santa Tuesday night to give the evening a festive feel... or not.
Saturday will truly be a busy, fun day. Roxie will be playing one more game in the tournament. I will be hosting my annual 12 Teas of Christmas (big number 11), and Saturday night will be spent with my side of the family in Oneonta for our annual Christmas get-together. (Lots of pictures next week, folks!)
Sunday we will go to church, and... and... That's it! No school projects! No studying for finals! No running hither and yon! I think a celebratory candlelight dinner will be in order. I think a Christmas movie or game will be next! I may even begin reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud. (I hope someone else will be in the room.) Oh, the possibilities!
Have a GREAT weekend. Reach out to someone who may be hurting this holiday season. Spend time with your loved ones. Make a million memories! Come back next week for so much good stuff I can't even begin to describe it all!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I won't keep you wondering any longer. On this rainy, cold December morn, I know six of you need cheering up a bit!
AND THE WINNERS OF THE 300TH POST CONTEST OF A SIMPLE LIFE ARE...
PATTI FLIPPO
LEANNA BROWN
JONELLA WOODS
EVELYN CRENSHAW
ANGIE COLBURN
ANN GRABER
Congratulations! Our Mystery Bag Party is scheduled for Saturday, January 30 and will begin at 11:30 a.m. It will end by 2:30 p.m. that same afternoon. Do NOT worry if you do not know everyone in your party. If that is the case, by the end of the afternoon, you will have several new friends.
I will be mailing the invitation to each of you Monday with instructions (where to meet, etc.).
If for any reason, you are unable to attend the party, let me know as soon as possible. You will not go away empty-handed (you'll still receive a small gift), but I will need to make sure there are six in attendance for the party to "work."
For those of you who were not picked today, if anyone is unable to go, I will continue drawing names out of the bowl until I have six confirmed attendees.
We're going to have the best time! (I promise.) I may have some of the girls from the first party give "testimonials" next week to help you "get excited."
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - I'm going to list the ways they suggest to share your faith IN CLASS today...
8. Seek ways to bring Jesus into the conversations and discussions in class. If you are free to write a paper on any topic, choose your faith.
9. Be a good student. Remember, professors need Christ, too. Never burn a bridge to Jesus because you are being lazy or disrespectful.
10. For group projects, choose groups with few or no Christians. You'll have hours to build relationships and share about Jesus.
11. Pray before each test, but study too.
12. Try to engage people in spiritual discussions. Many class topics can be turned to point people toward God and questions that will lead them to Him. (Do not be confrontational or argumentative.)
As always, as you are spending more and more time with non-Christians, do not forget to be faithful to church and Bible study. You will need fellowship time with your Christian friends, as well.
If you are interested in getting this small booklet for your child, call 1-800-264-1225, extension 276. It's a great little book.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 14
19. Being a life-long Alabamian, a white Christmas has always been a dream... a dream not yet obtained (even after 48 years), but still a dream! One of the little things you could do to get that winter buzz going is take the family ice skating. In our little area of the world, we're fortunate to have a wonderful ice skating rink about 35 or 40 minutes away.
Call Pelham Civic Complex (620-6448) and ask for their public skating times, bundle up and enjoy an hour or two of skating. End the outing with pink cheeks and hot chocolate and a Christmas sing-along on the drive home. Have fun!
Weekend Happenings
Friday will find the Faulkner Five attending Roxie's basketball tournament. Not very "Christmasy," but we're all going to take turns wearing the big red hat Mikie won playing Dirty Santa Tuesday night to give the evening a festive feel... or not.
Saturday will truly be a busy, fun day. Roxie will be playing one more game in the tournament. I will be hosting my annual 12 Teas of Christmas (big number 11), and Saturday night will be spent with my side of the family in Oneonta for our annual Christmas get-together. (Lots of pictures next week, folks!)
Sunday we will go to church, and... and... That's it! No school projects! No studying for finals! No running hither and yon! I think a celebratory candlelight dinner will be in order. I think a Christmas movie or game will be next! I may even begin reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud. (I hope someone else will be in the room.) Oh, the possibilities!
Have a GREAT weekend. Reach out to someone who may be hurting this holiday season. Spend time with your loved ones. Make a million memories! Come back next week for so much good stuff I can't even begin to describe it all!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Christmas Shopping With Daddy Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pic is the photo I described in YESTERDAY'S post. I'm posting on Austin's computer since mine is broken, and I had a little technical difficulty!
CONTEST! - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY, FOLKS! You have until midnight tonight to enter the contest to win a chance to participate in Mystery Bag Party 2. I will draw SIX names out of the bowl tomorrow morning and announce the winners at 10:00 a.m.
If you haven't entered, leave your name with the word "CONTEST" beside it in the Comment Section, e-mail me or leave me a note on Facebook. (I'm not above taking a phone call or two, either.) Hurry, hurry, hurry. There's no time to lose!
NEXT WEEK - I have the neatest article to share with you the first two or three days of next week. If you're like me (and I know most of you are thankful you are not), it will change your perspective greatly regarding your role as Chauffeur to your kids and their friends. You'll never crawl into the driver's seat with a bad attitude again after reading this woman's take on that chore/privilege. It will be worth your time!
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - Four more ways to share your faith with others... on campus or at home:
4. Host a Bible study in your dorm or apartment. Ask a Christian friend to help. (Also, attend the weekly BCM Bible Study held on your campus. Make it a priority... just like English class.)
5. Be positive with the people you are around. Choose to look at the possibilities in life. (They will notice.)
6. Put scripture verses and posters on your wall that will help make people curious. Put a prayer request marker board on your door. Let people write requests and follow up with them after you pray for them.
7. Invite people to join you for BCM or church group meetings. Introduce your non-Christian friends to as many of your friends as possible.
Tomorrow I'll post the ways you can share in the classroom. I have to admit. Some of these things would be hard to do in a public setting... especially if you are in the minority. I guess all of the moms of college-age kids should add "BOLDNESS" to their prayer list for their kids. That, and "Let me lead by example." Not easy, but vital! (And just so you know, I'm adding it to my list of things I pray for, too.)
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 13
18. Take an hour for yourself. Buy one or two Christmas magazines and find a nice, comfortable chair beside the Christmas tree. Fix a glass of Winter White Hot Chocolate. Tell the kids to entertain themselves until they hear the "buzzer." (I use the timer on the stove.) Sit back and just relax, breathe, read and look at the beautiful pictures and stories. (Southern Living is my favorite to just sit and enjoy.)
Blog Linkage - I have three links to share today. One useful, one which has a neat Christmas tradition attached to the Elf phenomena, and one which has a challenge for each of us. It will definitely tug at your heart and make you so thankful for this time with your kids and family.
1. The old, familiar http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/ has TONS of coupons and gift ideas these last few days before Christmas. Check it out. It might help with finishing your Christmas shopping! Every woman's dream! (Remember back in the day when your dream was Tom Selleck knocking on the door to take you to dinner? That was my pre-Mikie dream... Boy, have my dreams changed!) LET'S FINISH THAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! YEA!
2. Please go to "tara whitney photography" under My Blog List. She has a tradition which includes an elf AND family activities counting down each day until Christmas. LOVE IT!
3. Under My Blog List, click "Lisa's Blog." She knows a little boy who will only be on this earth a few more days. She is asking everyone to send him a card with $1 enclosed. Read the information carefully. She asks you do NOT say "Get Well Soon" because of the time he and his family know he has left. But as always, prayers are welcome and miracles are hoped for. We may not say "Get Well Soon," but we know as Christians if God says it, this little boy's life can be saved.
Christmas Shopping With Daddy Date
That's right. It is pretty self-explanatory. Let Daddy take one child at a time to look for that perfect "Mommy" gift. Finish the one-on-one time with a milkshake, hot chocolate and a ride around town to look at Christmas lights with Christmas music blaring. Make an event some men think of as a "chore" a "joy."
Moms, you can help by having a very specific list for the child to use to choose your gift. Also, limit it to one or two stores instead of a mall. There's no sense making your hubby have a melt-down in front of the little one. Make it as easy and enjoyable for the "daters" as possible.
And later... enjoy the fruits of THEIR labor!
Have a terrific Thursday. Tomorrow I'll end with Weekend Happenings, more ways to Share Your Faith on Campus, more ways to celebrate Christmas Every Day in December, and I'll ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS FOR THE MYSTERY BAG PARTY 2 CONTEST!!! I'll also quietly be celebrating the 300th post of A Simple Life. (I'm planning on turning on a buzzer, reading two Christmas magazines by the tree and sipping some Winter White Hot Chocolate. I'm a firm believer in "practicing what I preach.")
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow (around 10:00 a.m.).
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is the photo I described in YESTERDAY'S post. I'm posting on Austin's computer since mine is broken, and I had a little technical difficulty!
CONTEST! - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY, FOLKS! You have until midnight tonight to enter the contest to win a chance to participate in Mystery Bag Party 2. I will draw SIX names out of the bowl tomorrow morning and announce the winners at 10:00 a.m.
If you haven't entered, leave your name with the word "CONTEST" beside it in the Comment Section, e-mail me or leave me a note on Facebook. (I'm not above taking a phone call or two, either.) Hurry, hurry, hurry. There's no time to lose!
NEXT WEEK - I have the neatest article to share with you the first two or three days of next week. If you're like me (and I know most of you are thankful you are not), it will change your perspective greatly regarding your role as Chauffeur to your kids and their friends. You'll never crawl into the driver's seat with a bad attitude again after reading this woman's take on that chore/privilege. It will be worth your time!
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - Four more ways to share your faith with others... on campus or at home:
4. Host a Bible study in your dorm or apartment. Ask a Christian friend to help. (Also, attend the weekly BCM Bible Study held on your campus. Make it a priority... just like English class.)
5. Be positive with the people you are around. Choose to look at the possibilities in life. (They will notice.)
6. Put scripture verses and posters on your wall that will help make people curious. Put a prayer request marker board on your door. Let people write requests and follow up with them after you pray for them.
7. Invite people to join you for BCM or church group meetings. Introduce your non-Christian friends to as many of your friends as possible.
Tomorrow I'll post the ways you can share in the classroom. I have to admit. Some of these things would be hard to do in a public setting... especially if you are in the minority. I guess all of the moms of college-age kids should add "BOLDNESS" to their prayer list for their kids. That, and "Let me lead by example." Not easy, but vital! (And just so you know, I'm adding it to my list of things I pray for, too.)
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 13
18. Take an hour for yourself. Buy one or two Christmas magazines and find a nice, comfortable chair beside the Christmas tree. Fix a glass of Winter White Hot Chocolate. Tell the kids to entertain themselves until they hear the "buzzer." (I use the timer on the stove.) Sit back and just relax, breathe, read and look at the beautiful pictures and stories. (Southern Living is my favorite to just sit and enjoy.)
Blog Linkage - I have three links to share today. One useful, one which has a neat Christmas tradition attached to the Elf phenomena, and one which has a challenge for each of us. It will definitely tug at your heart and make you so thankful for this time with your kids and family.
1. The old, familiar http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/ has TONS of coupons and gift ideas these last few days before Christmas. Check it out. It might help with finishing your Christmas shopping! Every woman's dream! (Remember back in the day when your dream was Tom Selleck knocking on the door to take you to dinner? That was my pre-Mikie dream... Boy, have my dreams changed!) LET'S FINISH THAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! YEA!
2. Please go to "tara whitney photography" under My Blog List. She has a tradition which includes an elf AND family activities counting down each day until Christmas. LOVE IT!
3. Under My Blog List, click "Lisa's Blog." She knows a little boy who will only be on this earth a few more days. She is asking everyone to send him a card with $1 enclosed. Read the information carefully. She asks you do NOT say "Get Well Soon" because of the time he and his family know he has left. But as always, prayers are welcome and miracles are hoped for. We may not say "Get Well Soon," but we know as Christians if God says it, this little boy's life can be saved.
Christmas Shopping With Daddy Date
That's right. It is pretty self-explanatory. Let Daddy take one child at a time to look for that perfect "Mommy" gift. Finish the one-on-one time with a milkshake, hot chocolate and a ride around town to look at Christmas lights with Christmas music blaring. Make an event some men think of as a "chore" a "joy."
Moms, you can help by having a very specific list for the child to use to choose your gift. Also, limit it to one or two stores instead of a mall. There's no sense making your hubby have a melt-down in front of the little one. Make it as easy and enjoyable for the "daters" as possible.
And later... enjoy the fruits of THEIR labor!
Have a terrific Thursday. Tomorrow I'll end with Weekend Happenings, more ways to Share Your Faith on Campus, more ways to celebrate Christmas Every Day in December, and I'll ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS FOR THE MYSTERY BAG PARTY 2 CONTEST!!! I'll also quietly be celebrating the 300th post of A Simple Life. (I'm planning on turning on a buzzer, reading two Christmas magazines by the tree and sipping some Winter White Hot Chocolate. I'm a firm believer in "practicing what I preach.")
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow (around 10:00 a.m.).
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Stuff a Stocking
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of Josh wearing Mikie's Dirty Santa gift. I thought Roxie would be the one to proudly display our new hat, but surprisingly, Josh grabbed it while Roxie declared it to be "not cool." I give up! But I do like the hat. Very, very festive.
CONTEST! - Time's running out! Read Monday's post for details. You have until midnight Thursday, December 17 to enter. (Just put your name and the word "Contest" in my Comment Section, send me an e-mail or put it on Facebook and you will be considered "entered.")
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - I mentioned this little book I found while driving Austin's truck this week. It's a great "How-To" book, not only for campus, but for anywhere and everywhere. I'll share a few of the ideas today, tomorrow and Friday:
1. Pray for a real burden for lost people around you. Pray for the students around you that don't have a relationship with Jesus and for those who are walking away from Him.
2. Commit to pray for two lost friends or acquaintances on campus. Pray for them every day and ask two Christian friends to pray with you.
3. During your time with God, ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of your non-Christian friends and pray they will become curious about Jesus.
These first three steps are preparing you to share.
After attending orientation and listening to most of what "they" had to say (I tried to listen to all of it, but they just kept talking and talking and talking and at 48 I have the attention span of a two year-old), I came away with these three phrases stuck in my head:
1. "Back off and let your child embrace diversity." A lot of things listed under the category of "diversity" could also be described as "sinful" and "worldly." After 18 years of trying to teach Austin to "flee" from temptation and other dangerous situations, why on earth should we now encourage him to "embrace" these things? (I know all diversity is not bad. You had to be there. This chick was talking about some of the bad stuff, too.)
2. "Let your child experiment and experience life." Experiment what? Are they talking about chemistry, biology, nuclear physics? Nope. After talking to a lot of moms of kids attending our local universities and Austin, much of the experimenting has to do with drinking, smoking, profanity, etc. Guess what? Experimenting with these kinds of things do not a man (or woman) make.
3. "Do NOT be a hovering helicopter parent." After one semester under our belt, I will admit the Faulkner Helicopter has been fairly active. Have we flown up there every single day? No. But we've swooped in now and again to answer questions, offer advice and encouragement and remind Austin the commitment he made at seven years of age is not null and void for four years. It was a life-long, eternal commitment... and it most definitely includes the next four years.
That's why I like this little book so much. It's practical. It's Biblical. It's "doable." It encourages him to reach out to other Christians, as well as non-Christians.
If you're interested in getting a copy of the book for your high schooler or college kid, you can call 1-800-264-1255, extension 276. Your child can also check with the Baptist Campus Ministries on their campus for a copy.
DISCLAIMER: Austin isn't perfect. I'm not with him all the time. I don't know what he does every minute of every day. The things I mentioned above are things I am praying for him and reminding him of... a lot.
And I don't have all of this stuff figured out. I'm just a Freshman, you know! (And right now, I've got to gas up the helicopter! Austin may be home, but Josh is driving today... and you can guess the rest of THAT story!)
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 12
17. One day while the kids are out of school, set up blankets under the tree. Have a breakfast picnic with Christmas music playing softly in the background. A 15-minute breakfast will become a fun memory. (If everything is going smoothly, it would be a great time to read one of your Christmas books, too.)
Wednesday Wisdom
"Blessed are those who give without remembering. And blessed are those who take without forgetting." Bernard Meltzer. Simply stated. Simply beautiful.
Stuff a Stocking
This idea was shared by my friend, Robin O., and it sounds like a lot of fun.
When my sisters and I got "older" and we married, Mom came up with the idea for everyone to have a filled stocking on Christmas morning. Stockings were made for everyone in the family (moms, dads, sisters, husbands, kids, etc.). These were hung at my Mom's house, and some time before Christmas morning everyone had to visit her home and put an item in each stocking.
On Christmas morning after we exchanged gifts, everyone received their stocking and "unloaded" it!
This has become a great tradition and continued after the grandchildren came.
It is a lot of fun to find just the right gift for everyone. We try to keep it at $1 or less. Sometimes throughout the year I'll find something just right and buy it to save for a stocking. Sometimes life is busy and I give everyone their favorite candy bar or soda. When the kids were little they would make bags of mini marshmallows and label it "Snowman Poop," or bake cookies, or give oranges.
Doesn't that sound fun? I love the idea of stuffed stockings and everyone visiting Grandmother's house during the Christmas season at different times to deliver the goodies. Thanks for sharing, Robin.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Tomorrow I have a little Blog Linkage, a fun date and some more practical ways for your child to share his/her faith on campus. I also have another unbelievably CHEAP (Code for COSTS NOTHING) Christmas experience to share with your family.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of Josh wearing Mikie's Dirty Santa gift. I thought Roxie would be the one to proudly display our new hat, but surprisingly, Josh grabbed it while Roxie declared it to be "not cool." I give up! But I do like the hat. Very, very festive.
CONTEST! - Time's running out! Read Monday's post for details. You have until midnight Thursday, December 17 to enter. (Just put your name and the word "Contest" in my Comment Section, send me an e-mail or put it on Facebook and you will be considered "entered.")
28 REAL WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH ON CAMPUS - I mentioned this little book I found while driving Austin's truck this week. It's a great "How-To" book, not only for campus, but for anywhere and everywhere. I'll share a few of the ideas today, tomorrow and Friday:
1. Pray for a real burden for lost people around you. Pray for the students around you that don't have a relationship with Jesus and for those who are walking away from Him.
2. Commit to pray for two lost friends or acquaintances on campus. Pray for them every day and ask two Christian friends to pray with you.
3. During your time with God, ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of your non-Christian friends and pray they will become curious about Jesus.
These first three steps are preparing you to share.
After attending orientation and listening to most of what "they" had to say (I tried to listen to all of it, but they just kept talking and talking and talking and at 48 I have the attention span of a two year-old), I came away with these three phrases stuck in my head:
1. "Back off and let your child embrace diversity." A lot of things listed under the category of "diversity" could also be described as "sinful" and "worldly." After 18 years of trying to teach Austin to "flee" from temptation and other dangerous situations, why on earth should we now encourage him to "embrace" these things? (I know all diversity is not bad. You had to be there. This chick was talking about some of the bad stuff, too.)
2. "Let your child experiment and experience life." Experiment what? Are they talking about chemistry, biology, nuclear physics? Nope. After talking to a lot of moms of kids attending our local universities and Austin, much of the experimenting has to do with drinking, smoking, profanity, etc. Guess what? Experimenting with these kinds of things do not a man (or woman) make.
3. "Do NOT be a hovering helicopter parent." After one semester under our belt, I will admit the Faulkner Helicopter has been fairly active. Have we flown up there every single day? No. But we've swooped in now and again to answer questions, offer advice and encouragement and remind Austin the commitment he made at seven years of age is not null and void for four years. It was a life-long, eternal commitment... and it most definitely includes the next four years.
That's why I like this little book so much. It's practical. It's Biblical. It's "doable." It encourages him to reach out to other Christians, as well as non-Christians.
If you're interested in getting a copy of the book for your high schooler or college kid, you can call 1-800-264-1255, extension 276. Your child can also check with the Baptist Campus Ministries on their campus for a copy.
DISCLAIMER: Austin isn't perfect. I'm not with him all the time. I don't know what he does every minute of every day. The things I mentioned above are things I am praying for him and reminding him of... a lot.
And I don't have all of this stuff figured out. I'm just a Freshman, you know! (And right now, I've got to gas up the helicopter! Austin may be home, but Josh is driving today... and you can guess the rest of THAT story!)
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 12
17. One day while the kids are out of school, set up blankets under the tree. Have a breakfast picnic with Christmas music playing softly in the background. A 15-minute breakfast will become a fun memory. (If everything is going smoothly, it would be a great time to read one of your Christmas books, too.)
Wednesday Wisdom
"Blessed are those who give without remembering. And blessed are those who take without forgetting." Bernard Meltzer. Simply stated. Simply beautiful.
Stuff a Stocking
This idea was shared by my friend, Robin O., and it sounds like a lot of fun.
When my sisters and I got "older" and we married, Mom came up with the idea for everyone to have a filled stocking on Christmas morning. Stockings were made for everyone in the family (moms, dads, sisters, husbands, kids, etc.). These were hung at my Mom's house, and some time before Christmas morning everyone had to visit her home and put an item in each stocking.
On Christmas morning after we exchanged gifts, everyone received their stocking and "unloaded" it!
This has become a great tradition and continued after the grandchildren came.
It is a lot of fun to find just the right gift for everyone. We try to keep it at $1 or less. Sometimes throughout the year I'll find something just right and buy it to save for a stocking. Sometimes life is busy and I give everyone their favorite candy bar or soda. When the kids were little they would make bags of mini marshmallows and label it "Snowman Poop," or bake cookies, or give oranges.
Doesn't that sound fun? I love the idea of stuffed stockings and everyone visiting Grandmother's house during the Christmas season at different times to deliver the goodies. Thanks for sharing, Robin.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Tomorrow I have a little Blog Linkage, a fun date and some more practical ways for your child to share his/her faith on campus. I also have another unbelievably CHEAP (Code for COSTS NOTHING) Christmas experience to share with your family.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Winter White Hot Chocolate
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pic is from last night's Football Banquet. Josh took his friend, Brittany, and I took their pic before they slipped out. (More pictures taken with the "good" camera, I promise!) Aren't they handsome and pretty (respectively)?
JUST A THOUGHT - Did you know there's a section of clothing in Ross' Dress For Less called "Active Bottoms?" I just thought that was so funny yesterday. I will never buy anything with a tag that says "Active Bottoms" because I feel there is a commitment which must go with such a purchase. You know... "Because I'm wearing 'Active Bottoms' I must never sit. I must be walking, running, bouncing, etc. at all times." That's probably why a lot of my clothing comes straight off the "Leisure Wear" rack. No commitment whatsoever.
JUST ANOTHER THOUGHT - I read this in a book called The Gospel Truth About Money Management by Judy Woodward Bates (who goes to our church, by the way). It is hilarious, so I wanted to share it with you today. "There's a thin person inside of me trying to get out, but I keep her sedated with chocolate." Seen in a shop window in Fairhope, Alabama. I love it! (See! If I were wearing Active Bottoms, I probably wouldn't be the kind of person who would see the humor in that little quote.)
COMING UP - I've been driving Austin's truck this week for various reasons, and he had a small booklet in the passenger seat called 28 Real Ways to Share Your Faith on Campus. I love it, and I want to share some of the ideas with you Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week... along with some thoughts about campus life as seen through the eyes of a 48 year-old mom. These are really good ideas for sharing your faith anywhere.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - I'm at 28. I'm having to spend a great deal of time on the phone soliciting Christmas cards, but I've found that it is worth it to reconnect AND encourage people to NOT give up this wonderful holiday tradition. As always... I'm just doing my part!
I have a little story to share this morning. It falls under the categories of "Things that happen two nights in a row," "Why the laws should be changed and people under 18 should not be allowed to drive alone," and "Why I need a fireman's pole in my house." (Not necessarily in that order.)
Last night, Josh took Brittany home. I prayed and prayed. I received a call from Josh asking if he could stay a little longer to study Chemistry (the school kind), and Mike and I said, "Yes. But only until 9:30, and then you need to head home to study for your other exams as well." Agreed.
At 9:37 I receive the following phone call. "Hi, Mom. It's me... Josh."
"Yes. I recognize the voice," I replied uber calmly.
"Yeah. Well. I'm kind of in a ditch," he said. He was uber calm, too.
"What exactly does that mean?" I asked.
"I'm not really sure it's a ditch. I can't back out and I can't go forward. I'm sort of stuck."
"Did you run off the road?" I was trying to get a clear picture in my head.
"No. Nothing like that. I'm not exactly sure what happened."
"Did you have a wreck? Were you going too fast? Did you lose control of the car?" I still wasn't getting a good picture, you see.
"No. I'm on a curve and my tire went off the road a little and now I'm stuck. I was going the speed limit. I promise."
"Okay. Your dad and your brother will be there in a few minutes." I quickly explained the situation to Mike and Austin, and since they had gotten our neighbor out of the mud and muck the night before, they had all of the supplies ready to go... rope, boards, muddy clothes, etc.
Just as they were about to leave on their rescue mission, I received another call.
"Hey. I'm out."
"What does that mean?" And why do I not understand what my kids tell me 99 percent of the time?
"It means I put on the emergency brake, gunned it, popped the emergency brake off and shot out of the mud... and I'm on my way home."
Now there were several words and/or phrases I didn't like in that last sentence... "gunned it," "popped," and "shot out of." But I will say the end result was very, very good.
When he arrived home, Mike, Austin and I were standing in the front door, arms crossed and waiting. Grinning sheepishly, he said, "It's been a pretty eventful night, huh?" And with that he patted Mike and Austin's shoulders, gave me a hug and a kiss, and went upstairs to study.
Mike looked at me and without speaking any words I knew what he was thinking... "And you wanted four!"
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 11
15. Ask four or five of your child's friends over to go caroling. Have flashlights ready and make sure they are dressed appropriately. Call your neighbors ahead of time to make sure they will be home and expecting you and the carolers. Practice a few of the basic carols before you leave (Jingle Bells; We Wish You a Merry Christmas; O, Come Let Us Adore Him; Rudolph; etc.). Sing two or three at each home (on the outside steps) before moving on to the next home. Finish with hot chocolate and cookies at your house before loading the kids in the van to take them home. (If you have time, turn on the Christmas music and drive through a neighborhood or two to look at Christmas lights.) It takes about an hour, but the memory will last much, much longer.
16. Make a stocking for an elderly neighbor. Go to The Dollar Tree and purchase all of these items for $1 apiece (including the stocking):
2 or three cards (birthday, sympathy, get well, etc.)
Stamps for cards
Bag of peppermints
Fingernail files
Bic pens
Word search or crossword puzzle book
Hand lotion
Small tissue packs
Hot chocolate packs
After you fill the stocking, make a time to deliver and spend a little time visiting. Again, take your child/children shopping with you AND they should be with you when you deliver it, too.
Winter White Hot Chocolate
You will need:
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 cups fat-free milk
3/4 cup white-chocolate morsels
1/4 cup Splenda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Bring half-and-half and milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chocolate morsels and Splenda, stirring until morsels melt.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Serve in glass mugs and garnish with whipped cream and peppermint sticks.
5. Serves four.
Sounds good, doesn't it? I'm trying it later this evening. Oh, and the Peppermint Stick Pie I posted last week was a huge hit. Very easy and very, very good!
Have a fabulous Tuesday! So much to do... and very little time to finish! If you're shopping, I hope you find everything you need in one store! If you're baking, I hope nothing burns or sticks! If you're taking Christmas card pictures, I hope everyone's eyes are open and their smiles are perfect! If you're cleaning house, I hope... Well, I hope your house doesn't need much cleaning!
Tomorrow I have a Seasonal Tradition (borrowed from a friend) that looks like a lot of fun. I'll also share some Wednesday Wisdom, inexpensive ideas for Christmas Every Day in December, and much, much more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is from last night's Football Banquet. Josh took his friend, Brittany, and I took their pic before they slipped out. (More pictures taken with the "good" camera, I promise!) Aren't they handsome and pretty (respectively)?
JUST A THOUGHT - Did you know there's a section of clothing in Ross' Dress For Less called "Active Bottoms?" I just thought that was so funny yesterday. I will never buy anything with a tag that says "Active Bottoms" because I feel there is a commitment which must go with such a purchase. You know... "Because I'm wearing 'Active Bottoms' I must never sit. I must be walking, running, bouncing, etc. at all times." That's probably why a lot of my clothing comes straight off the "Leisure Wear" rack. No commitment whatsoever.
JUST ANOTHER THOUGHT - I read this in a book called The Gospel Truth About Money Management by Judy Woodward Bates (who goes to our church, by the way). It is hilarious, so I wanted to share it with you today. "There's a thin person inside of me trying to get out, but I keep her sedated with chocolate." Seen in a shop window in Fairhope, Alabama. I love it! (See! If I were wearing Active Bottoms, I probably wouldn't be the kind of person who would see the humor in that little quote.)
COMING UP - I've been driving Austin's truck this week for various reasons, and he had a small booklet in the passenger seat called 28 Real Ways to Share Your Faith on Campus. I love it, and I want to share some of the ideas with you Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week... along with some thoughts about campus life as seen through the eyes of a 48 year-old mom. These are really good ideas for sharing your faith anywhere.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - I'm at 28. I'm having to spend a great deal of time on the phone soliciting Christmas cards, but I've found that it is worth it to reconnect AND encourage people to NOT give up this wonderful holiday tradition. As always... I'm just doing my part!
I have a little story to share this morning. It falls under the categories of "Things that happen two nights in a row," "Why the laws should be changed and people under 18 should not be allowed to drive alone," and "Why I need a fireman's pole in my house." (Not necessarily in that order.)
Last night, Josh took Brittany home. I prayed and prayed. I received a call from Josh asking if he could stay a little longer to study Chemistry (the school kind), and Mike and I said, "Yes. But only until 9:30, and then you need to head home to study for your other exams as well." Agreed.
At 9:37 I receive the following phone call. "Hi, Mom. It's me... Josh."
"Yes. I recognize the voice," I replied uber calmly.
"Yeah. Well. I'm kind of in a ditch," he said. He was uber calm, too.
"What exactly does that mean?" I asked.
"I'm not really sure it's a ditch. I can't back out and I can't go forward. I'm sort of stuck."
"Did you run off the road?" I was trying to get a clear picture in my head.
"No. Nothing like that. I'm not exactly sure what happened."
"Did you have a wreck? Were you going too fast? Did you lose control of the car?" I still wasn't getting a good picture, you see.
"No. I'm on a curve and my tire went off the road a little and now I'm stuck. I was going the speed limit. I promise."
"Okay. Your dad and your brother will be there in a few minutes." I quickly explained the situation to Mike and Austin, and since they had gotten our neighbor out of the mud and muck the night before, they had all of the supplies ready to go... rope, boards, muddy clothes, etc.
Just as they were about to leave on their rescue mission, I received another call.
"Hey. I'm out."
"What does that mean?" And why do I not understand what my kids tell me 99 percent of the time?
"It means I put on the emergency brake, gunned it, popped the emergency brake off and shot out of the mud... and I'm on my way home."
Now there were several words and/or phrases I didn't like in that last sentence... "gunned it," "popped," and "shot out of." But I will say the end result was very, very good.
When he arrived home, Mike, Austin and I were standing in the front door, arms crossed and waiting. Grinning sheepishly, he said, "It's been a pretty eventful night, huh?" And with that he patted Mike and Austin's shoulders, gave me a hug and a kiss, and went upstairs to study.
Mike looked at me and without speaking any words I knew what he was thinking... "And you wanted four!"
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 11
15. Ask four or five of your child's friends over to go caroling. Have flashlights ready and make sure they are dressed appropriately. Call your neighbors ahead of time to make sure they will be home and expecting you and the carolers. Practice a few of the basic carols before you leave (Jingle Bells; We Wish You a Merry Christmas; O, Come Let Us Adore Him; Rudolph; etc.). Sing two or three at each home (on the outside steps) before moving on to the next home. Finish with hot chocolate and cookies at your house before loading the kids in the van to take them home. (If you have time, turn on the Christmas music and drive through a neighborhood or two to look at Christmas lights.) It takes about an hour, but the memory will last much, much longer.
16. Make a stocking for an elderly neighbor. Go to The Dollar Tree and purchase all of these items for $1 apiece (including the stocking):
2 or three cards (birthday, sympathy, get well, etc.)
Stamps for cards
Bag of peppermints
Fingernail files
Bic pens
Word search or crossword puzzle book
Hand lotion
Small tissue packs
Hot chocolate packs
After you fill the stocking, make a time to deliver and spend a little time visiting. Again, take your child/children shopping with you AND they should be with you when you deliver it, too.
Winter White Hot Chocolate
You will need:
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 cups fat-free milk
3/4 cup white-chocolate morsels
1/4 cup Splenda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Bring half-and-half and milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chocolate morsels and Splenda, stirring until morsels melt.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Serve in glass mugs and garnish with whipped cream and peppermint sticks.
5. Serves four.
Sounds good, doesn't it? I'm trying it later this evening. Oh, and the Peppermint Stick Pie I posted last week was a huge hit. Very easy and very, very good!
Have a fabulous Tuesday! So much to do... and very little time to finish! If you're shopping, I hope you find everything you need in one store! If you're baking, I hope nothing burns or sticks! If you're taking Christmas card pictures, I hope everyone's eyes are open and their smiles are perfect! If you're cleaning house, I hope... Well, I hope your house doesn't need much cleaning!
Tomorrow I have a Seasonal Tradition (borrowed from a friend) that looks like a lot of fun. I'll also share some Wednesday Wisdom, inexpensive ideas for Christmas Every Day in December, and much, much more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, December 14, 2009
Pick a Carol Devotion
Good Monday morning!
Today's Showcase Pic is of Mikie and Roxie after the Pageant. Pageants obviously wear her out, but Dad's shoulder was very, very comfortable.
The Gallery Pics are from our church's Christmas Pageant last night. It was excellent, uplifting, celebratory... in a word "GOOD."
CONTEST! - Okay. We're down to the last week. I will draw SIX names this Friday, December 18. These women will be accompanying me on Mystery Bag Party 2 in January. If you haven't entered, please do not put it off any longer. Hark! The time is nigh! (For those of you counting... that's TWO Christmas words in one paragraph.)
Just leave your name and the word "CONTEST" in my Comment Section of the blog, my e-mail OR on Facebook. I will let you know when I receive your name so you will know you are entered. Don't miss out on a fun party. (It's such a bonding experience, the Mystery Bag Party 1 Girls are planning a cruise together! Just kidding. At least I think I'm kidding. I haven't been invited yet. Hey, Girls! Call me! Okay?)
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - My calls are working! I'm up to 26 Christmas Cards received. I even had some hand delivered, and I picked up a few while I was driving by some of the homes this weekend. (NOTE: It's not stalking if you give the kids a couple of candy canes while you're waiting for Mom to bring your card to you at the door!) I'm expecting 50 this week alone! Or people were just trying to get me off the phone. I can't be sure until my last mail delivery next Saturday. Stay tuned.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 10
14. For teachers' gifts this year, bake cookies with your child. If baked goods aren't enough, attach a gift card to Chick-Fil-A or Movie Gallery. Always, always let your child participate as much as possible in the Christmas festivities. I have the world's simplest cookie recipe I'm going to share with you on a Monday (not the usual Tuesday). I found this recipe on Becky Higgins' blog months ago, and it never fails.
Cake Box Cookies
1 box favorite cake mix (Red Devil's Food, Funfetti, Yellow, Chocolate, etc.)
1 cup chips
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Make sure to match the chips with the cake mix. For example, Red Devil's Food - white chocolate chips; Funfetti - white chocolate chips; Yellow - milk chocolate chips; Chocolate - peanut butter chips; etc.
3. Mix all ingredients.
4. Use a melon ball scooper (I don't know the official name) to place cookie dough on greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes.
6. This recipe makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies... and they are delicious.
Bag 'em, tag 'em and let the child deliver his/her homemade (and useful) gift to the teacher!
Monday Mayhem
I'm going to have to change the name of this segment to "Sunday Mayhem." We had the quietest Friday and Saturday in the history of mankind, but Sunday kind of fell apart. (But I didn't! Thanks to my Austin is in College, Josh is Driving and Roxie is a Teenager medication, I was amazing!)
Mike had to spend the weekend at work (even Sunday) so we had late night suppers, watched movies, etc. But Sunday... Well, Sunday was a whole different story.
Mikie took my van to work at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Austin drove his truck, and Roxie and I were left in what will soon become Josh's truck. After church, it broke down in front of The Dollar Tree. (NOTE: Broken down cars and trucks are usually my downfall, but I think I handled it fairly well.)
For once, Austin's phone was actually on vibrate! Hallelujah! (By the way, that's my third Christmas word in this post alone. I'm doing great!) He rescued us, we ordered pizza, and the four of us shared Austin's truck for the remainder of Sunday afternoon.
Josh went to a study group from 3:00 to 4:00, and then went to a friend's house to study until I picked him up for the Pageant. While I had the street name, I did not have the house number. And, TOTALLY UNLIKE JOSH, his phone was turned OFF. I had to stop and knock on doors looking for him. (I found him in the third house... but I also met two new nice families and got a couple of Christmas cards out of the deal.)
I picked him up and off we flew to save seats at the Pageant for the rest of the family.
But first, let's back up a little. When I left the house to pick up Josh, I walked outside to find the lovely Melia standing in my yard staring at my neighbor's van... which was stuck in the mud next to my mailbox. There appeared to be someone helping my neighbor, so I told Melia to come inside out of the mist. (For the record, it is very UNLIKE Melia to stand and stare at someone's misfortune. She's not that kind of chick. On the other hand, Roxie and I are definitely those kinds of chicks, but we were on a time clock to get to the church to save seats for the Pageant!)
"What's going on?" I asked when she came inside.
"Your neighbor is trying to get her little girl to the doctor and she's stuck."
"But someone is helping her, right?" I asked.
"Yes. Austin's out there and someone is coming to pick her up to take her to the doctor. They'll be here in a minute."
"Okay." That made me feel much better. For one thing, it explained why she was standing outside staring at my poor neighbor. She was watching Austin's futile attempts to get the van out of the mud. Secondly, it explained why Austin wouldn't answer when I kept telling him we had to leave. He was outside in the mud.
This changed my plans a little, so I asked her if she could use her car and bring Austin and Roxie to the church where Josh and I would meet them. She agreed.
I started out the door again, and in the dark I could make out another figure trying to help... Mikie was home! It would be a matter of minutes before the van was out of the mud. GLORY! (That's the fourth Christmas word used in proper context... kind of.)
As I was leaving, I opened my window and talked to the young mother with the crying baby who needed to go to the doctor. "Can I take you to the doctor right now?" I asked, since it was obvious her ride hadn't arrived.
And then, out of the mist and fog, a car appeared... the ride! And a host of heavenly... Okay, I know I'm pushing it now.
Five out of seven of us arrived at church in time to save seats for Grandmother and Mikie... which is excellent for the Faulkner Five!
And as the Christmas Pageant began, I could feel the tension of the day drain out of my body. I watched the Christmas story (again), and loved it (again), and reminded myself (again) of what the month of December and especially, December 25, is really all about... the birthday of our King!
So for this Half-Empty Glass Gal, I left the building last night with my glass pretty full. And I can say... Sunday was a good day!
Pick a Carol Devotion
Pick a carol... any carol. (Hark, the Herald Angels Sing; Away in a Manger; Silent Night; The First Noel; etc.) Take a little time to research the words you may not know how to explain to your child or children.
Sit down with the kids under the Christmas tree and read the hymn (all of the verses), and explain to them how the carol tells either a part or all of the Christmas story. After you have read and explained the meaning of the carol, sing the song with the kids. If they don't already know the song by memory, make it a goal to know the carol (at least the first verse and the chorus) by the end of the week.
It will be another way to make the Christmas story come alive to your child. And while I am a huge proponent of AWANAs and children (and adults) knowing as much scripture as possible, I believe the old hymns and carols offer Biblical truths and comfort at different times in our lives, too.
You can never know TOO much about God.
Have a glorious Monday (if there is such a thing)! Tomorrow's recipe is a beverage, so it's a little different from the normal recipe shared on A Simple Life, but it is perfect for this time of year. I'll have two more CHEAP Christmas activities to do with the family, and maybe a musing or two. We'll see. We'll see.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Today's Showcase Pic is of Mikie and Roxie after the Pageant. Pageants obviously wear her out, but Dad's shoulder was very, very comfortable.
The Gallery Pics are from our church's Christmas Pageant last night. It was excellent, uplifting, celebratory... in a word "GOOD."
CONTEST! - Okay. We're down to the last week. I will draw SIX names this Friday, December 18. These women will be accompanying me on Mystery Bag Party 2 in January. If you haven't entered, please do not put it off any longer. Hark! The time is nigh! (For those of you counting... that's TWO Christmas words in one paragraph.)
Just leave your name and the word "CONTEST" in my Comment Section of the blog, my e-mail OR on Facebook. I will let you know when I receive your name so you will know you are entered. Don't miss out on a fun party. (It's such a bonding experience, the Mystery Bag Party 1 Girls are planning a cruise together! Just kidding. At least I think I'm kidding. I haven't been invited yet. Hey, Girls! Call me! Okay?)
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - My calls are working! I'm up to 26 Christmas Cards received. I even had some hand delivered, and I picked up a few while I was driving by some of the homes this weekend. (NOTE: It's not stalking if you give the kids a couple of candy canes while you're waiting for Mom to bring your card to you at the door!) I'm expecting 50 this week alone! Or people were just trying to get me off the phone. I can't be sure until my last mail delivery next Saturday. Stay tuned.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 10
14. For teachers' gifts this year, bake cookies with your child. If baked goods aren't enough, attach a gift card to Chick-Fil-A or Movie Gallery. Always, always let your child participate as much as possible in the Christmas festivities. I have the world's simplest cookie recipe I'm going to share with you on a Monday (not the usual Tuesday). I found this recipe on Becky Higgins' blog months ago, and it never fails.
Cake Box Cookies
1 box favorite cake mix (Red Devil's Food, Funfetti, Yellow, Chocolate, etc.)
1 cup chips
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Make sure to match the chips with the cake mix. For example, Red Devil's Food - white chocolate chips; Funfetti - white chocolate chips; Yellow - milk chocolate chips; Chocolate - peanut butter chips; etc.
3. Mix all ingredients.
4. Use a melon ball scooper (I don't know the official name) to place cookie dough on greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes.
6. This recipe makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies... and they are delicious.
Bag 'em, tag 'em and let the child deliver his/her homemade (and useful) gift to the teacher!
Monday Mayhem
I'm going to have to change the name of this segment to "Sunday Mayhem." We had the quietest Friday and Saturday in the history of mankind, but Sunday kind of fell apart. (But I didn't! Thanks to my Austin is in College, Josh is Driving and Roxie is a Teenager medication, I was amazing!)
Mike had to spend the weekend at work (even Sunday) so we had late night suppers, watched movies, etc. But Sunday... Well, Sunday was a whole different story.
Mikie took my van to work at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Austin drove his truck, and Roxie and I were left in what will soon become Josh's truck. After church, it broke down in front of The Dollar Tree. (NOTE: Broken down cars and trucks are usually my downfall, but I think I handled it fairly well.)
For once, Austin's phone was actually on vibrate! Hallelujah! (By the way, that's my third Christmas word in this post alone. I'm doing great!) He rescued us, we ordered pizza, and the four of us shared Austin's truck for the remainder of Sunday afternoon.
Josh went to a study group from 3:00 to 4:00, and then went to a friend's house to study until I picked him up for the Pageant. While I had the street name, I did not have the house number. And, TOTALLY UNLIKE JOSH, his phone was turned OFF. I had to stop and knock on doors looking for him. (I found him in the third house... but I also met two new nice families and got a couple of Christmas cards out of the deal.)
I picked him up and off we flew to save seats at the Pageant for the rest of the family.
But first, let's back up a little. When I left the house to pick up Josh, I walked outside to find the lovely Melia standing in my yard staring at my neighbor's van... which was stuck in the mud next to my mailbox. There appeared to be someone helping my neighbor, so I told Melia to come inside out of the mist. (For the record, it is very UNLIKE Melia to stand and stare at someone's misfortune. She's not that kind of chick. On the other hand, Roxie and I are definitely those kinds of chicks, but we were on a time clock to get to the church to save seats for the Pageant!)
"What's going on?" I asked when she came inside.
"Your neighbor is trying to get her little girl to the doctor and she's stuck."
"But someone is helping her, right?" I asked.
"Yes. Austin's out there and someone is coming to pick her up to take her to the doctor. They'll be here in a minute."
"Okay." That made me feel much better. For one thing, it explained why she was standing outside staring at my poor neighbor. She was watching Austin's futile attempts to get the van out of the mud. Secondly, it explained why Austin wouldn't answer when I kept telling him we had to leave. He was outside in the mud.
This changed my plans a little, so I asked her if she could use her car and bring Austin and Roxie to the church where Josh and I would meet them. She agreed.
I started out the door again, and in the dark I could make out another figure trying to help... Mikie was home! It would be a matter of minutes before the van was out of the mud. GLORY! (That's the fourth Christmas word used in proper context... kind of.)
As I was leaving, I opened my window and talked to the young mother with the crying baby who needed to go to the doctor. "Can I take you to the doctor right now?" I asked, since it was obvious her ride hadn't arrived.
And then, out of the mist and fog, a car appeared... the ride! And a host of heavenly... Okay, I know I'm pushing it now.
Five out of seven of us arrived at church in time to save seats for Grandmother and Mikie... which is excellent for the Faulkner Five!
And as the Christmas Pageant began, I could feel the tension of the day drain out of my body. I watched the Christmas story (again), and loved it (again), and reminded myself (again) of what the month of December and especially, December 25, is really all about... the birthday of our King!
So for this Half-Empty Glass Gal, I left the building last night with my glass pretty full. And I can say... Sunday was a good day!
Pick a Carol Devotion
Pick a carol... any carol. (Hark, the Herald Angels Sing; Away in a Manger; Silent Night; The First Noel; etc.) Take a little time to research the words you may not know how to explain to your child or children.
Sit down with the kids under the Christmas tree and read the hymn (all of the verses), and explain to them how the carol tells either a part or all of the Christmas story. After you have read and explained the meaning of the carol, sing the song with the kids. If they don't already know the song by memory, make it a goal to know the carol (at least the first verse and the chorus) by the end of the week.
It will be another way to make the Christmas story come alive to your child. And while I am a huge proponent of AWANAs and children (and adults) knowing as much scripture as possible, I believe the old hymns and carols offer Biblical truths and comfort at different times in our lives, too.
You can never know TOO much about God.
Have a glorious Monday (if there is such a thing)! Tomorrow's recipe is a beverage, so it's a little different from the normal recipe shared on A Simple Life, but it is perfect for this time of year. I'll have two more CHEAP Christmas activities to do with the family, and maybe a musing or two. We'll see. We'll see.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, December 11, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are of the third (and final) tree in our home this season. This is our "kid" tree, and placed on the top is Santa's hat so he'll always know where to leave the gifts. (Heaven forbid he leaves all the gifts under Roxie's tree!) This tree is full of handmade ornaments, as well as the ornaments the kids receive each year which represent something major that has happened in their life during the past 12 months (dance, football, graduation, first fish, etc.). My friend, Lori Burrows, does this with her children, too. (I read that on Facebook, Lori!) It's a fun tradition for the moms.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The Contest winners celebrating my 300th post of A Simple Life will be awarded their very own Mystery Bag Party. That's right! We had such a good time in October, I have decided to have another Mystery Bag Party in January... and the six women who will accompany me on this "journey" will be selected from the women who enter the contest.
Just leave your name under my Comment Section, on Facebook or my e-mail with the word "CONTEST" beside it, and I will put your name in the bowl. I will draw SIX NAMES December 18... the day of my 300th post. You have less than two weeks to enter. It will be a very fun party! I've also changed things a little from the first party, so it will be an unique event. I'll be reminding you once a week or so until December 18, so go ahead and get your name in today! A good time will be had by all who win!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 9
12. Take a little time and go to a "girly" place for tea or lunch with friends, family or just your daughter. Most tea rooms are decorated with twinkly lights and have wonderful Christmas music playing in the background this time of year. It doesn't have to be a "gift exchange" or anything elaborate. It can be a time when you sit back and enjoy being with a loved one... stress-free! (You don't hear those words often during the month of December, do you?)
13. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus for your dessert some time during the month. Let the kids help decorate and make it very festive. Use plenty of candles and enjoy singing, "Happy Birthday To You" before letting the kids blow out the candles. While everyone is enjoying a piece of cake, take this opportunity to read one of your Christmas books around the dinner table. (The Crippled Lamb, Small One, etc.) Simple, simple, simple!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK (FINALLY!) - JOSEPH
Yes, Christmas always makes me think about Mary and how she must have felt because I'm a mom... but having two sons definitely makes me think about Joseph and the kind of man he must have been.
No one is really sure how old Joseph was when Jesus was born. He could have been anywhere between 25 and 90, but the majority of people in the know put him in the 25 to 30 year-old range. If he was indeed in his late 20s or 30s, he was an older, more mature man. By that age, he may have thought his life was pretty much planned out. He may have been "set in his ways" a bit. So when he received the news of what was going to happen instead of turning and walking away, he stepped up. He did the right thing. No one in his social circle would have blamed him if he had turned his back on Mary. In fact, when he stood by his commitment to become her husband I'm sure most were shocked.
He was protective and faithful. He was supportive. He was a man of good character. But do you ever wonder how frustrated he must have been that night in Bethlehem when he couldn't provide for his wife and the child she was carrying the very basic necessities... a bed, a clean environment? Do you ever wonder if he was frightened when Mary began having contractions? I don't care if you're 20 or 90, childbirth can be more than a little scary. (Mikie would probably admit to at least being nervous, and we had doctors and nurses doing all the hard work.) How intimidating would it be to know you were going to be the earthly father of the Son of God? (Again, no matter how old you were, this was huge.) I cannot begin to imagine.
I want to be a mother of sons who are protective, faithful and supportive. I want to be a mother of sons of good character. But I think of all the things I admire about Joseph, the one trait that stands out above the rest is his willingness to follow God's plan for his life. And let's face it. Could Joseph have ever imagined the journey God had planned for him? His journey changed in such a miraculous, extraordinary manner, and as far as we know, Joseph was a very ordinary man.
I want to be a mother of sons who follow God's plan for their lives, whatever the plans may be. (And being a control freak of a mother, that was not an easy sentence for me to type.)
But I truly do want that for them... because if I could pick an earthly man from the Bible for them to emulate, what I know about Joseph would definitely make me want to put him on the list.
ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook
If you're just joining us, go back two posts to see the beginning of the ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook instructions. Today, I'll be giving you S through Z.
S is for Shepherds
who first saw the star,
over Bethlehem manger
and followed it far.
(Shepherds)
T is for Trees
we decorate so gay,
then wait for old Santa
to hurry our way.
(Christmas Trees)
U is for Universe,
the whole wide world,
where Christmas brings joy
to each girl and boy.
(Globes, World Maps, Children Around the World)
V is for Vixen,
another reindeer,
he also helps Santa
deliver each year.
(Deer Scenes)
W is for Wise Men
who came from afar,
and worshipped the Christ Child
born under the star.
(Wise Men)
X is for X-Mas
a short way to say,
Merry, Merry Christmas,
but I like to say it this way!
(Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays, etc.)
Y is for Yule Logs
that burn so bright,
and give a warm welcome
to all in the night.
(Old-Fashioned Fireplaces, Logs Pulled Behind Sled, etc.)
Z is the last of the letters and yet
it's the only one in the whole alphabet
that doesn't stand for something you see
and usually find on a green Christmas tree.
But as old Santa said as he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all... "
(Santa in Sleigh with Reindeer Flying Away)
LAST PAGE
"...and to all a
Good Night!"
(Bed Pictures)
Start collecting old Christmas cards from anyone and everyone who will share, and make an ABC book for your children, grandchildren, great-nephews, etc.
Weekend Happenings
I'm not really sure what has happened this year, but so far we haven't had any event overlap with another event. Highly unusual. Many of our Christmas happenings have occurred during the week (Christmas Band Concert, Christmas Parade, etc.), so the weekends have been pleasantly uncrowded... so far.
Tonight, Austin will be on date with Miss Melia, and I think the rest of the Faulkners will curl up and relax a little bit after a busy week to watch a Christmas movie and drink some hot chocolate... with thousands of marshmallows. (It sounds good in theory. Let's see if it really happens!)
Saturday, Austin will be working at the Chick, Josh will be working with his group finishing his Geometry project and Roxie's plans are still up in the air. (That can be very dangerous!)
Sunday, we're planning on attending the Gardendale First Baptist Christmas Program as a family. See! It's almost eerie. That's why Monday's segment is always called Monday Mayhem, because even the calmest of plans can get a little crazy as the weekend progresses.
Have a wonderful weekend! Reach out to someone who is hurting today, tomorrow and every day. The time it takes will not hinder your enjoyment of the Christmas season... it will enhance it, I'm sure. Next week, I have several new ideas to share. As always, I'd LOVE for you to share your ideas, traditions, recipes, etc. (Sharing is a very good thing!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Merry Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of the third (and final) tree in our home this season. This is our "kid" tree, and placed on the top is Santa's hat so he'll always know where to leave the gifts. (Heaven forbid he leaves all the gifts under Roxie's tree!) This tree is full of handmade ornaments, as well as the ornaments the kids receive each year which represent something major that has happened in their life during the past 12 months (dance, football, graduation, first fish, etc.). My friend, Lori Burrows, does this with her children, too. (I read that on Facebook, Lori!) It's a fun tradition for the moms.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The Contest winners celebrating my 300th post of A Simple Life will be awarded their very own Mystery Bag Party. That's right! We had such a good time in October, I have decided to have another Mystery Bag Party in January... and the six women who will accompany me on this "journey" will be selected from the women who enter the contest.
Just leave your name under my Comment Section, on Facebook or my e-mail with the word "CONTEST" beside it, and I will put your name in the bowl. I will draw SIX NAMES December 18... the day of my 300th post. You have less than two weeks to enter. It will be a very fun party! I've also changed things a little from the first party, so it will be an unique event. I'll be reminding you once a week or so until December 18, so go ahead and get your name in today! A good time will be had by all who win!
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER
DAY 9
12. Take a little time and go to a "girly" place for tea or lunch with friends, family or just your daughter. Most tea rooms are decorated with twinkly lights and have wonderful Christmas music playing in the background this time of year. It doesn't have to be a "gift exchange" or anything elaborate. It can be a time when you sit back and enjoy being with a loved one... stress-free! (You don't hear those words often during the month of December, do you?)
13. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus for your dessert some time during the month. Let the kids help decorate and make it very festive. Use plenty of candles and enjoy singing, "Happy Birthday To You" before letting the kids blow out the candles. While everyone is enjoying a piece of cake, take this opportunity to read one of your Christmas books around the dinner table. (The Crippled Lamb, Small One, etc.) Simple, simple, simple!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK (FINALLY!) - JOSEPH
Yes, Christmas always makes me think about Mary and how she must have felt because I'm a mom... but having two sons definitely makes me think about Joseph and the kind of man he must have been.
No one is really sure how old Joseph was when Jesus was born. He could have been anywhere between 25 and 90, but the majority of people in the know put him in the 25 to 30 year-old range. If he was indeed in his late 20s or 30s, he was an older, more mature man. By that age, he may have thought his life was pretty much planned out. He may have been "set in his ways" a bit. So when he received the news of what was going to happen instead of turning and walking away, he stepped up. He did the right thing. No one in his social circle would have blamed him if he had turned his back on Mary. In fact, when he stood by his commitment to become her husband I'm sure most were shocked.
He was protective and faithful. He was supportive. He was a man of good character. But do you ever wonder how frustrated he must have been that night in Bethlehem when he couldn't provide for his wife and the child she was carrying the very basic necessities... a bed, a clean environment? Do you ever wonder if he was frightened when Mary began having contractions? I don't care if you're 20 or 90, childbirth can be more than a little scary. (Mikie would probably admit to at least being nervous, and we had doctors and nurses doing all the hard work.) How intimidating would it be to know you were going to be the earthly father of the Son of God? (Again, no matter how old you were, this was huge.) I cannot begin to imagine.
I want to be a mother of sons who are protective, faithful and supportive. I want to be a mother of sons of good character. But I think of all the things I admire about Joseph, the one trait that stands out above the rest is his willingness to follow God's plan for his life. And let's face it. Could Joseph have ever imagined the journey God had planned for him? His journey changed in such a miraculous, extraordinary manner, and as far as we know, Joseph was a very ordinary man.
I want to be a mother of sons who follow God's plan for their lives, whatever the plans may be. (And being a control freak of a mother, that was not an easy sentence for me to type.)
But I truly do want that for them... because if I could pick an earthly man from the Bible for them to emulate, what I know about Joseph would definitely make me want to put him on the list.
ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook
If you're just joining us, go back two posts to see the beginning of the ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook instructions. Today, I'll be giving you S through Z.
S is for Shepherds
who first saw the star,
over Bethlehem manger
and followed it far.
(Shepherds)
T is for Trees
we decorate so gay,
then wait for old Santa
to hurry our way.
(Christmas Trees)
U is for Universe,
the whole wide world,
where Christmas brings joy
to each girl and boy.
(Globes, World Maps, Children Around the World)
V is for Vixen,
another reindeer,
he also helps Santa
deliver each year.
(Deer Scenes)
W is for Wise Men
who came from afar,
and worshipped the Christ Child
born under the star.
(Wise Men)
X is for X-Mas
a short way to say,
Merry, Merry Christmas,
but I like to say it this way!
(Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays, etc.)
Y is for Yule Logs
that burn so bright,
and give a warm welcome
to all in the night.
(Old-Fashioned Fireplaces, Logs Pulled Behind Sled, etc.)
Z is the last of the letters and yet
it's the only one in the whole alphabet
that doesn't stand for something you see
and usually find on a green Christmas tree.
But as old Santa said as he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all... "
(Santa in Sleigh with Reindeer Flying Away)
LAST PAGE
"...and to all a
Good Night!"
(Bed Pictures)
Start collecting old Christmas cards from anyone and everyone who will share, and make an ABC book for your children, grandchildren, great-nephews, etc.
Weekend Happenings
I'm not really sure what has happened this year, but so far we haven't had any event overlap with another event. Highly unusual. Many of our Christmas happenings have occurred during the week (Christmas Band Concert, Christmas Parade, etc.), so the weekends have been pleasantly uncrowded... so far.
Tonight, Austin will be on date with Miss Melia, and I think the rest of the Faulkners will curl up and relax a little bit after a busy week to watch a Christmas movie and drink some hot chocolate... with thousands of marshmallows. (It sounds good in theory. Let's see if it really happens!)
Saturday, Austin will be working at the Chick, Josh will be working with his group finishing his Geometry project and Roxie's plans are still up in the air. (That can be very dangerous!)
Sunday, we're planning on attending the Gardendale First Baptist Christmas Program as a family. See! It's almost eerie. That's why Monday's segment is always called Monday Mayhem, because even the calmest of plans can get a little crazy as the weekend progresses.
Have a wonderful weekend! Reach out to someone who is hurting today, tomorrow and every day. The time it takes will not hinder your enjoyment of the Christmas season... it will enhance it, I'm sure. Next week, I have several new ideas to share. As always, I'd LOVE for you to share your ideas, traditions, recipes, etc. (Sharing is a very good thing!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Merry Belinda
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Friday...
Finally, some new basketball action shots.
The JV team had two 40-minute games Friday, so I thought I would just go ahead and start filming now!
And here's the obligatory Bryant Tuggle pic. He's a HUGE supporter of our baskeball team. Always has been... always will be. Well, until he gets his own driver's license!
Saturday...
We spent the day with the cousins Saturday. Monica, Amy, Roxie and I shopped at Brookwood, ate at Yolo's and went to the movies (Pirates 4). It was a great day, but the best part was our celebrity sighting...
That's right! Will Ferrell! (Please feel free to use your imagination. I know we did!)
Sunday...
Mikie's 50th Family Birthday Celebration! Everyone knows 50 year-old men LOVE the Green Lantern...and their wives really like Ryan Reynolds! (How cool would it be to have your picture on a birthday party plate package? Another goal, perhaps?)
What do you give a 50 year-old guys for his birthday? Cards... filled with money, Ricky Skaggs' concert tickets, a True Grit DVD and a Red Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Icing (from his Mom). It was a very good day!
Lovely Melia gave him the True Grit DVD. (I LOVE that movie!)
And it wouldn't be a birthday without a hug from Roxie!