Year in Review

Good Friday morning and Happy New Year's Eve!

As promised, the Gallery Pics are from yesterday's paintball battle. I have "wound" pictures in the mix, so if you have a weak stomach look away.

Because of the length of today's post, I'll be skipping Weekend Happenings. (Just call me if you want to know what we're going to be doing!)

Faulkner Five Year in Review 2010

As promised, I will now give you, the reader, a brief, honest review of our 2010. I've tried and tried to come up with the best way to do this. Top Ten List? Go through the year month by month? Hit the highs and skip the lows? Just list our favorite movies of the year and be done with it? It's a difficult decision, I tell you.

After much consideration, I have decided to review 2010 Faulkner by Faulkner...

Mikie - I've said it before, and I will probably say it again... Mikie is our constant. He changes little from year to year. If he got rid of the gray in his hair, he would probably look exactly as he did 20 years ago. (But I love his gray hair, and I would kill him if he changed anything... and not just because it would make him look even younger than he does now!)

He still enjoys his work. Thankfully, he still likes to come home at the end of the day. He seems no closer to a mid-life crises at 49 than he did at 39. He has always looked forward to the time when he can get the Senior discount for coffee at McDonald's... and he can now see the light at the end of THAT tunnel!

He is the first person I run to when I need help being a "mom of teenagers" because that role doesn't come naturally to me... and he is SO much better at keeping things in perspective than I have ever been.

What can I say? I love Mikie!

Austin - This has been a year of "open doors" for Austin. He's a sophomore at JSU, and continues to march with the Southerners... and continues to love it!

He finished his last segment/interview for the nationally-syndicated radio talk show he was asked to join this fall (as a college football game predictor) this morning at 1:45. (The show is based in Los Angeles, so his interview times have always been in the wee hours. His voice is very low at 1:45 a.m., so he sounds more knowledgeable and wise.)

As that door closes, he will begin hosting his own sports radio talk show at JSU in two weeks. He named his new show "The Red Zone." I know nothing about radio, but I thought it sounded pretty cool. (I should have gotten him to name my blog two years ago, but who knew he had a gift!)

He still faces the temptations all college kids face, but this past year he was blessed with a handful of friends of like mind and faith. Time continues to pass more and more quickly, and he will soon be 20. Unbelievable.

Fun fact for you... He, too, is looking forward to the time he gets his Senior discount on McDonald's coffee. Like father, like son.

Josh - We recently reached the five-year mark of Josh's diagnosis. The OCD shows itself in totally different ways today than it did when Josh was 12. However, if this illness has taught our family anything, it is to take one day at a time. It is a part of Josh, but it does not define him. It makes his life's journey more difficult, but not impossible.

Josh continued the lawn care business this past year (five lawns), but looked for a "real" job for several months. He found a seasonal job at a Christmas tree farm, and thoroughly enjoyed the work. He has begun looking for another "real" job over the holidays, and hopefully something will open up soon.

He is a Junior this year, which is so hard for me to grasp. He is extremely independent and determined. His 2010 wasn't easy, but he made it through... one day at a time.

I greatly admire his tenacity.

Roxie - Roxie is now 14 years-old. The past year has been a mixture of sports, friends, church, school, friends at school, friends at church and family. Volleyball and basketball continue to be her sports of choice.

She has grown physically taller in 2010, and she has grown inside, too. This year will be remembered as the year she decided she didn't like small talk, she picked out her car, she picked the destination for her senior trip, she picked her college of choice and she decided on a major. As you can see, Roxie doesn't live one day at a time. She's all over the place!

Roxie has had a good year, and she's learned many life lessons... but there are still so many to learn.

She's a fun chick, and she keeps us on our toes. This past year would have been very boring had it not been for Roxie and her "interesting" outlook on life.

The Enchanting Belinda - This has been my fourth year dealing with panic attacks... and my worse. A new doctor hasn't seemed to have helped yet, but I'm still praying and hoping 2011 will be a better year.

I continue to struggle with my ever-changing role as "mother of kids who are determined to grow up." I'm afraid I will never be very good in that role, but I hope I can at least fool the kids.

I still like simple things... dinner with the Faulkner Five, road trips, date nights with Mikie. The year 2010 had as many of those simple things included in it as I could squeeze in working around everyone's school, work, sports and "just life" schedules.

I don't think I've changed very much this past year, except maybe to become a little more aware of some things I need to work on in my life. I don't know if that is considered wisdom because I'm almost 50, or stupidity because it took me almost 50 years to decide I needed to work on those things. (You can decide, and let me know later.)

All in all, 2010 was a pretty good year. There wasn't a single defining moment, but I think that's okay. We've had good times and bad times. We've all made mistakes (some of us more than others). But good or bad, mistakes and all, we have been beyond blessed this year. God continues to be there for the Faulkner Five, and we continue to be thankful for His daily presence in our lives.

For all my blog-reading friends out there, I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Home Video Date

Good Thursday morning!

The Gallery Pics are of the COMPLETED Faulkner Family/Friend Christmas Puzzle 2010! Josh isn't a puzzle guy, but since we (Code for I) wanted 100 percent participation from the Faulkner Five, he cheerfully agreed to put the last puzzle piece in place. (His hair was a mess. Thus, the hoody.)

Roxie has requested a Faulkner Family/Friend New Year's Puzzle, so I'll be puzzle shopping today and/or tomorrow.

ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - I will be posting my annual Year in Review tomorrow. You don't want to miss that. It will be the Faulkner Five 2010 in a nutshell. A big, long nutshell, but a nutshell nonetheless!

RANDOMNESS #1 - All of my guys received Fort Red Rock Paintball gift certificates for Christmas, and today they will all be shooting at each other having the time of their lives. Since Roxie had basketball practice, I was unable to watch the fun... but fun I know they will have!

NOTE - It's a FANTASTIC paintball venue, and gift certificates make a great birthday/graduation/Christmas present. You need ten people for a group rate, and we found another family whose boys were up for the paintball challenge. If you are interested, go to www.fortredrock.com for more info.

RANDOMNESS #2 - Roxie and I are helping with a friend's birthday party today. The young lady is having a Spa Party.

Semi-Funny Story - When her older sister had a Spa Party a few years ago, I was in charge of the "Sparkle Make-up" Station. One by one, the little girls sat down and told me exactly what shade of eye-shadow, blush, etc. they wanted on their pretty little faces. Well, except for one young lady.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"I am Miss Belinda. Now, what color would you like today?" I asked.

"No. I already know your name. I mean WHO ARE YOU?"

I had obviously not given her the answer she wanted. "I am Miss Nancy's friend, and I told her I wanted to help with Mary Elizabeth's party," I replied. "Now, what color would you like today?"

"So you don't even have a kid here?" the little girl persisted.

Busted! "Uh, no."

"But you're helping anyway?"

"Yes. Now, what color would you like today?" I had flop sweat from all the questioning.

After one final LONG look, she allowed me to apply sparkle make-up ALL OVER her dainty face.

Nancy later told me the same little girl went home and told her mother, "Miss Nancy had professionals at the party today."

"What do you mean 'professionals,'" her mother asked.

"The lady who did my make-up wasn't a helping mom. She was a professional make-up lady."

I have to tell you, I was more than a little flattered from that seven year-old chick's expert opinion... which once again proves I need to get out more!

Blog Linkage - I hope y'all have had time to go through some of the homes on the Nesting Place Christmas Home Tour. I'm still looking at about a dozen a day. I've also jotted down some of my favorite new blogs from looking at the homes. I'll share four with you today.

1. Go to www.designingdomesticity.blogspot.com.

2. Next, visit www.thisblessednest.blogspot.com. (Cute, cute name, but I love the blog, too.)

3. Ready? Now type in www.hookedonhouses.net. Absolutely beautiful.

4. And I love this one. It's a mother/daughter blog and they show you how to design on a dime, and they do it very elegantly. Go to www.twocarolinanesters.blogspot.com.

Enjoy!

Home DVD Date

Since New Year's is a time when many people reflect about the past year, break out the scrapbooks, pictures and home DVDs.

Take one child at a time, make a big bowl of popcorn, snuggle under the blankets and spend one-on-one time looking at the scrapbooks, watching the home DVDs and talking, talking, talking about the past year.

Vacations, birthday parties, baseball games, etc., etc., etc. Spend an hour or so reminiscing about all the good times your family had that year. Talk about God's many blessings bestowed on your family in 2010.

And it's more than okay to talk about the sad times, too. The sad times can make family even stronger, and that's a very good lesson for your child to learn at any age.

Have a wonderful Thursday. Don't forget to visit again Friday. I'll have Weekend Happenings, the Faulkner Five Year in Review 2010 and maybe, just maybe, a picture of our NEW YEAR'S FAULKNER FAMILY/FRIEND PUZZLE! I know. It's almost TOO exciting, isn't it?

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

New Year's Traditions in Other Countries

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pics are of Tuesday's Cheese Rice Soup. Easy and delicious... as promised. I wanted to serve the soup with different colored tortilla chips, but I couldn't find any. You know me... presentation, presentation, presentation!

RANDOMNESS - I'm not a coffee drinker. I never have been. I've tried over the years to become a coffee drinker because it seemed like the grown-up thing to do, but I ultimately fail, time and time again. I even tried to convince myself that drinking Caramel Frappe's from McDonald's was the same thing as drinking coffee... but, in reality, it is more like eating a large slice of mocha cheesecake with caramel drizzled ALL over it.

I was reading my new Southern Living Magazine, and I came across this list. (You know how much I love lists.) It is called "Coffee's 5 Best Perks."

1. It may reduce your chance of developing diabetes. (I could just kick myself!)

2. It helps reduce muscle soreness after workouts. (I desperately NEED something to help with this after Body Pump.)

3. It's a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body from heart disease, stroke, and a slew of other diseases. (Hello!)

4. It's a brain booster. It increases short-term recall. (I currently have no short-term recall.)

5. It may reduce your risk for developing certain cancers.

This post is going to be a little late today. I'm going to make a pot of coffee right now... and I'm going to drink the whole pot before continuing with the post.

Wednesday Wisdom - Last night, Mikie and I went on a mini-date to Books-A-Million, and I found a little book called Poisonous Quotes. It had some interesting insights, so I thought I'd borrow some for today's Wisdom.

"Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, an acquaintance, or a friend." Franklin P. Jones (This quote is so "me," it isn't even funny.)

On miniskirts - "Never in the history of fashion has so little material been raised so high to reveal so much that needs to be covered so badly." Sir Cecil Beaton (1969)

"A bad review is like baking a cake with all the best ingredients and having someone sit on it." Danielle Steel

I either thought they were funny or painfully true... especially the "miniskirt" quote. Ouch!

New Year's Traditions in Other Countries

It might be fun to try one or two of these customs on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. It would be a "teachable" moment for your little ones, and a new, fun way to bring in the New Year!

Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year.

It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man. (I'm thinking Tom Selleck!)

The Netherlands - Many cultures believe that any food in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating doughnuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune. (Did you know I'm half Dutch? Not really. Did you know I want to be half Dutch?)

NOTE - A family/friend run to Krispy Kreme around 8:00 or 9:00 on New Year's Eve would be fun. Each person could pick out their favorite doughnut, and at the stroke of midnight you could bring in the New Year with doughnuts and milk.

United States - Many parts of the United States celebrate the New Year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity.

Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. (Don't put all of your Christmas candles away. You're going to need them if you participate in this custom.)

Greece - St. Basil fills the children's shoes with presents at midnight. (I wouldn't necessarily fill the shoes with presents, but a few pieces of candy would be fun to find the next morning.)

Denmark - It is a good sign to find your door heaped with a pile of broken dishes on New Year's Day. Old dishes are saved year round to throw them at the homes where their friends live on New Year's Eve. Many broken dishes were a symbol that you have many friends! (This custom is interesting. I am not suggesting anyone do this. As I said, it was simply interesting.)

Spain - When the clock strikes midnight, the people eat 12 grapes. One grape for every stroke of the clock to represent each month in the year. Each grape is said to bring good luck in the New Year.

Switzerland - The Swiss believe good luck comes from letting a drop of cream land on the floor New Year's Day. (I could certainly handle this tradition.)

France - People eat a stack of pancakes for luck and good health. (Did I mention my other half is French?)

I think we are going incorporate the Dutch and French traditions into the Faulkner Five festivities this year. Yep. I'm pretty sure we're going with the Dutch and French!

Have a fantastic Wednesday. Enjoy the time off from school with your kiddos. As always, Blog Linkage and a fun date will appear on Thursday's post.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Cheese and Rice Soup

Good Tuesday morning!

The Gallery Pic is of the Christmas Puzzle... which must be completed by December 31, 2010. I think we may have a shot at reaching this goal! Very exciting! (It takes so little to make me happy these days. It's rather sad.)

TOPIC OF THE DAY - RESOLUTIONS - I wrote this last year (almost to the day). I'm going to re-post it this year because I still feel the same way about New Year's Resolutions!

Since the year 2010 (or 2011) is in our very near future, 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 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 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 (or 2011... the count stands at 71 in case you're wondering).

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.

Here are a few more goals I've talked about (at great length) on A Simple Life. Let's see where I stand in meeting these goals.

1. I want to go zip lining. (Nope. Not yet!)

2. I want to swim with dolphins. (Hmmm. I'm sensing a pattern here.)

3. I would like to create 500 scrapbook pages this year. (Wow! According to my checklist, I've only created 130. However, there are still a few days left in 2010. Don't call me! I'm SCRAPPING!)

4. 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 me for my sub-par driving skills. Those tears are real, People. (So far, so good. I'll be 50 in August, and still no ticket!)

I'll probably get one today because I put an exclamation point behind that last sentence. I don't think I'll ever be accused of being too cocky. Thanks to the local Police Department, I stay pretty humble.

Cheese and Rice Soup

I received an e-mail from Roxie's basketball coach, Coach Murray, with an attachment. A wonderful attachment! Mrs. Grissom, the home economics teacher, brought this soup to a school function and gave Coach Murray the recipe. If you're like me, you may be a little tired of Christmas food (turkey, ham, dressing, etc.). Also, if you're like me, this soup will be bubbling in your slow cooker this evening.

You will need the following:

1 box of Zatarain’s Long Grain and Wild Rice
1 can Campbell’s Select Potato Soup
1 small block of Mexican Velveeta cheese
1 quart half and half
Real bacon bits in a jar

1. Cook rice according to directions.

2. Put rice and all other ingredients into a crock pot.

3. Cook on low until cheese is melted about 1-2 hours.

When Coach Murray made this soup, she used Hormel Real Bacon Bits and Campbell's Select Harvest Creamy Potato with Roasted Garlic in the 18.8 ounce can. She said it was delicious, so I plan on doing the same! Pictures tomorrow!

Have a delightful Tuesday. I know many of you have already put away Christmas decorations and cleaned your homes. It takes me several days to decorate... and it takes me several days to un-decorate. I'm just kind of puttering!

Wednesday Wisdom, a New Year's tradition and some randomness awaits you tomorrow on A Simple Life. Don't miss out!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Mindless Monday

Good Monday morning!

It's Mindless Monday. All of the pictures in the Gallery tell the story of the past weekend... like a child's picture book. Unfortunately, this picture book tells the story BACKWARDS! I messed up a little bit. Forgive me. Christmas Eve pictures are toward the bottom, and they should be at the top. Christmas Day is in the middle... where it belongs. But the Day After Christmas Movie should be at the bottom.

I have totally made Mindless Monday complicated... and it is supposed to be the total opposite of complicated. It is supposed to be SIMPLE!

I would fix it, but I have to run. I have to put some major concealer on this face before I see my friends for brunch. Lots and lots of major concealer.

THE NOT-SO-FINAL COUNT! THE NOT-SO-FINAL COUNT! THE NOT-SO-FINAL COUNT! The Christmas card count stands at 70. However, that number means nothing. I'll give you another FINAL COUNT this coming Friday. I always have a few stragglers... and that's fine with me. I like Christmas cards anytime!

It was a whirlwind Christmas weekend, but so many memories were made. Can you believe we had a white Christmas? Not just flurries, but snow on the ground all day long! So much fun.

Have a lovely Monday. Tomorrow I have a new soup recipe for you. I know everyone is a little tired of Christmas food, and this should hit the spot. I'll also start cramming New Year's Eve and New Year's Day ideas and traditions into just one week of posts. I hope you'll visit Tuesday!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning! Good Christmas Eve!

The Gallery Pic is of my most favorite book, The Twelve Teas of Christmas by Emilie Barnes. I'll be sharing a few tidbits out of the book today.

I was unable to say the magic word when my head hit the pillow last night... "DONE!" But thankfully, I was able to say, "EVERYTHING CAN DEFINITELY BE COMPLETED WITHIN A 16-HOUR PERIOD TOMORROW!" Can you tell I'm trying to be a "glass-half full" person the day before Santa visits? Can you?

RANDOMNESS #1 - The Christmas card count stands at 69. I will receive mail today, and I have no doubt I will receive late cards next week. However, I doubt if I will reach my goal of 100 cards this Christmas. And that's okay. It gives me something to look forward to next year!

I'm fine. Really, I am!

RANDOMNESS #2 - This little poem is found in the back of Ms. Barnes' book.

There's more, much more, to Christmas
Than candlelight and cheer;
It's the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all the year.
It's thoughtfulness and kindness,
It's hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding,
And for goodwill to men!
Author Unknown.

RANDOMNESS #3 - Another excerpt...

"Ain't it nice," old Ann was saying, "dat it should go on and on -- Christmas lights and Christmas trees and Christmas spirit? All over town, no matter who lives in 'em, de nice Christmas candles burn on. In yours; in mine." Bess Streeter Aldrich.

I agree with Old Ann. It should go on and on and on.

RANDOMNESS #4 - Last, but not least... The story of "Silent Night."

There's a charming story behind the favorite carol "Silent Night." It was December 23, 1818, and the setting was the village of Oberndorf, Austria. Franz Gruber, a church organist, and Father Mohr, the priest, discovered a hole gnawed by a mouse in the leather bellows of the church organ. The thought of a Christmas service with no music saddened them both, but there was no way to fix the organ. Franz, thinking quickly, handed the priest a simple poem he had written and asked Father Mohr to set the words to music. On Christmas Eve, Father Mohr strummed his guitar while a choir of twelve boys and girls sang in clear, innocent voices the words to "Silent Night," filing the air with quiet reverence.

Weekend Happenings

I imagine our family will be celebrating in much the same way as you and yours.

This afternoon we will go the Christmas Eve service at our church. Most definitely one of our favorite activities during the Christmas season. After the service, we will have our traditional Chinese take-out dinner on Christmas china... and we'll sing "Deck the Halls" EXACTLY like the Chinese waiters sing it in the movie Christmas Story.

Tomorrow we'll celebrate with family... perhaps we'll have a snowball fight!

Sunday, we'll attend church as a family (I love the few times during the year we sit together and worship as a family... LOVE IT), and later in the day we'll go to a local theater and watch the new Chronicles of Narnia movie.

Have a sweet Christmas Eve! Remember the people who are just trying to get through the holidays this year. Reach out to them. Love on them. I'll be back Monday with New Year's Eve ideas, of course.

Until then, Selamati Hari Natal! (Merry Christmas in Indonesian.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Indonesian-Speaking Belinda

After Christmas Shopping Date

Good Thursday morning!

There are more Christmas pics in the Gallery this morning, and a new inflatable added to The Twelve Days of Inflatables. I've gotten more "tips," so I'll be out and about today and this evening trying to catch a few of them inflated.

RANDOMNESS #1 - My phone is ringing off the hook with people asking me, "What is the count? What is the count?" I was going to wait a couple of days before updating, but since EVERYONE is so interested, I'll just go ahead and tell you... 65!

The rules concerning the Christmas cards are pretty flexible. I will continue to accept cards and add them to the final count until Easter. I have no problem with this. (If I receive an Easter card which has the color red anywhere on the front, inside or back, it will count as a Christmas card.)

Over the years, I have found having too many rules can hinder a person from reaching their goals. That is just a personal observation. Feel free to disagree.

RANDOMNESS #2 - I'm sharing a blog link with you today which will give you several easy, inexpensive and last minute ways to decorate your home. I actually tried one of them yesterday.

The blog tells you to use articles of bright Christmas clothing and hang them in special places to add to your home's holiday cheer. The writer even shows a picture of a baby's red sweater displayed in such a cute, cute way.

I tried this with two of my Christmas sweatshirts, but Mikie asked me why my laundry was hanging in the living room window for all to see. He absolutely didn't get it, but I'm sure you'll do a much better job after you read her blog.

RANDOMNESS #3 - Since "Holiday Diets" are the topic of almost EVERY talk show this week, I found a little "funny" to share regarding that subject.

David was terribly overweight after Christmas, so his doctor placed him on a strict diet.

"I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least five pounds," his doctor assured him.

When David returned, he shocked his doctor by having lost almost twenty pounds.

"Why, that's amazing," the doctor said, greatly impressed. "You certainly must have followed my instructions."

David nodded. "I'll have to tell you... I thought I was going to drop dead on the third day."

"Why? From hunger?" asked his doctor.

"No. From all that skipping."

Did you get it? Don't worry about it. It took me a few minutes.

Blog Linkage - I know how busy you are right now, so don't try to read everything today. Spread it out over the next week or so.

1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List. Read (and look at) "12 Easy and Free Last Minute Christmas Decorating Ideas" dated December 21. This is truly a beautiful blog.

2. Go to Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List. Read "Happiness is buttercream today" dated December 20. Jody reminds us again and again to live for today... not tomorrow or yesterday. It's a great reminder during this busy time of year.

3. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List. This is a new website I have fallen in love with. They have tons of great ideas. Scroll down to "hand print snowman ornaments" dated December 18. This would be fun and easy to try at home, or if you're a preschool teacher, it would be an art project to try with your class next year.

After Christmas Shopping Date

I know for most moms, a "shopping" date is the last thing on our minds right now. However, many kids, tweens and teens receive some money during the holidays as gifts.

A few days after Christmas, take ONE child on an outing to a local mall or store of choice, and LEISURELY let them shop using their Christmas money. No hustle. No bustle. Just a little one-on-one "no pressure" shopping time with one of your kiddos... using THEIR money.

If you were fortunate enough to receive a Chick-Fil-A calendar or other restaurant gift card, take your date to lunch after the shopping excursion. If you didn't receive any of these items as Christmas gifts, a milkshake will do just fine!

Do you have more than one child? That's okay. Wait a day or two, and repeat the date with the second child.

It will not be expensive... Especially if you take this opportunity to teach them to look for an item or items within their budget.

Remember! Shopping is SO much more enjoyable when there isn't a deadline!

Have a productive Thursday. When my head hits the pillow tonight, I hope I will be able to say one word... "DONE!" Christmas Eve I will have the usual Weekend Happenings and more "Christmas" things to share. The 12th inflatable of The Twelve Days of Inflatables will be displayed. I'll also be posting a picture of the Faulkner Five Christmas puzzle. I know many of you are trying to keep up with the progress being made there. NOT! Oh, and don't forget the current Christmas card count. So much to do... so little time!

Until then, Maligayang Pasko! (Filipino for Merry Christmas.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Filipino-Speaking Belinda

Alabama Theater Party

Good Wednesday morning!

What can I say? The Gallery Pics are just Christmas "things," and will continue to be so until next Tuesday's Gallery.

The tenth inflatable will make an appearance later today. I would like to thank Tonya and Evelyn for "getting on board" with The Twelve Days of Inflatables, and scouting out neighborhoods for me to visit. I'm planning on checking out Tonya's suggestion today!

RANDOMNESS - Last night, I hosted an Alabama Theater Party in my home. Below you will find all the specifics you need to host this party next year.

However, this little tidbit was not mentioned in the planning of the party.

On our way home in the Big Gold Reindeer, the girls wanted to stop by a house in Fultondale. This house has it's very own radio station. You turn your radio to the station, and the lights go on and off with the music. It is very elaborate and pretty.

We stayed for two songs. As we were pulling back onto the road, I saw police lights in my mirror. Since we were the only other car on the road, I looked at Mikie and asked, "Are they pulling us over?"

"I don't think so," he replied, but he pulled over to the side of the road. The police car pulled over behind us, and an officer got out of the car.

As you can only imagine, the girls were shrieking. Never mind we had not been speeding or "ding-dong ditching" or swerving all over the road. In their minds, we were going to jail... all of us.

The police officer came to the front of the van, but he had his flashlight out and looked at all the girls as he came to Mikie's window. We went from high-pitched shrieking to total, complete silence. (It was a little piece of Heaven, I tell you!)

The police officer had noticed our van pulled off to the side earlier, but he was going on a call. When he came back from the call, he wanted to make sure we weren't having car problems. When we told him the girls wanted to look at the lights, he said, "Aren't they beautiful? They've been doing that for a while now. It's really something special. Y'all have a Merry Christmas!" He waved and walked back to his car. A nicer police officer I have yet to meet!

As soon as he left, the shrieking commenced again. "I thought we were going to jail for sure." "Did you see his flashlight?" "We are so lucky."

Needless to say, the Alabama Theater Party paled in comparison to being pulled over by Fultondale's finest on the way home.

Oh, well. A memory is a memory, I guess!

Wednesday Wisdom - Today's Wednesday Wisdom comes in the form of an e-mail Christmas card I received from Roxie's basketball coach. I loved it, and it fits perfectly with our "theme" for the month.

If You Look for Me at Christmas...

You won't need a special star.
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me
amid the celebrations.
You'll have to look beyond the stores
and all the decorations.

But if you take a moment
From your list of things to do,
And listen to your heart, you'll find
I'm waiting there for you.

You're the one I want to be with.
You're the reason that I came.
And you'll find Me in the stillness
As I'm whispering your name.

Love,
Jesus

This was such a perfect reminder (for me) of the "Reason for the Season."

Alabama Theater Party

Do you want to throw a fun, easy, festive party for your teenage chick? Well, this is the party for you.

We are fortunate to live close to The Alabama Theater... a beautiful, grand 83 year-old theater with a stage, marble floors in the lobby, red carpet and unbelievably high dome ceilings. I could go on and on.

Each year, The Alabama has a Holiday Movie Series featuring Christmas movies. They show everything from Miracle on 34th Street to Elf.

The movies begin at 7:00 p.m. The ticket office opens at 6:00 p.m. It gets crowded very, very quickly, so I would suggest being there 45 minutes to an hour before the movie begins to get a good seat.

The following is the timetable for this party:

5:00 - Girls meet at your home for a candlelight dinner.

5:45 - Girls pack into the Big Gold Reindeer and head to The Alabama.

6:05 - Girls are dropped off at the front of The Alabama with a couple of adults, purchase tickets and find seats.

6:30 - Girls buys snacks and drinks (and take pictures in front of the giant Christmas tree in lobby).

7:00 - The organ rises from under the stage. The entire theater participates during the Sing-A-Long. The girls sing with an amazing amount of gusto.

7:15 - The movie begins. Although everyone has seen Elf many, many times, it is better at The Alabama. The crowd participates in the appropriate places with cheers (snowball fight) and singing ("Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in Central Park as they try to get Santa's sleigh into the air).

9:15 - The girls run downstairs to meet the organist and get a close-up look at the beautiful organ.

9:30 - We head home.

Will we do it again next year? Yes. Will it become a tradition the girls can share into their college years and young adult years? We'll see. Should you host a party like this next year. Uh, YES!

Have a fantastic Wednesday. I hope to get so much done today. Wish me luck. Thursday's Blog Linkage and date are wonderful. Don't miss out!

Until then, Gloedelig jul. (Danish for Merry Christmas!)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Danish-Speaking Belinda

Best Tasting Brownies

Good Tuesday morning!

Mindless Monday continues today in the Gallery. I've also added the newest inflatable in The Twelve Days of Inflatables. Enjoy!

BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER! - Well, no one agreed on just one movie in the Comment Section. It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation and White Christmas were all mentioned, and are all very worthy for the title Best Christmas Movie Ever.

However, I will have to be the tie-breaker this morning and say that I have absolutely LOVED White Christmas since I was Roxie's age (or younger). The music and the dancing and the clothes... I could go on and on. I have the movie. I have had the album since WAY BACK WHEN (Code for STEREOS WITH TURNTABLES).

I'll admit, my Christmas experience is better for watching It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation every year, but as far as "BEST" goes, White Christmas is the winnah! (Ann and I are kindred spirits!)

RANDOMNESS #1 - The Christmas Card count is now up to 54. Not included in the count are the ten Christmas cards Melia gave me last night... each one with a Merry Christmas greeting in a different language. I'll be sharing some of those with you as the week progresses. Is it any wonder I love Melia?

RANDOMNESS #2 - I will be mailing the rest of my Christmas cards today and tomorrow. I ran out of Christmas cards before I finished going through my address book, but my re-order came in, and I am addressing them during ALL of my free time!

RANDOMNESS #3 - One of my reindeer antlers flew off my van yesterday in front of Wal-Mart, the busiest road in the entire town. I risked life and limb running across traffic to retrieve my antler. You know. Some things are worth taking a risk for, and some... not so much. I'm lucky to be writing this post today!

Best Tasting Brownies

If you have been looking for the Best Tasting Brownie recipe, look no more. I copied this from my Emilie Barnes' book, The 12 Teas of Christmas. It all starts with a mix...

You will need the following:

1 family-size package Duncan Hines fudge brownie mix with chocolate syrup
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons water
1/4 cup oil
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts OR pecans
1 cup white mini marshmallows
1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Have a wonderful Tuesday. I hope you are finished with all your Christmas shopping, baking and such, and are enjoying this last week before the big day. I am still shopping, addressing cards and baking, but so far I have not had a meltdown. That will probably be coming Thursday or Friday! You will want to visit A Simple Life for Wednesday Wisdom, a fun party and more, more, more tomorrow.

Until then, Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas in German. Pretty cool, huh?)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and German-Speaking Belinda

Mindless Monday

Good Monday morning!

It's Mindless Monday, so the Gallery Pics are all self-explanatory, and if not, I've added captions to each and every one! Mindless Monday will carry over into Tuesday. There were just TOO many pics to share in one day. (But I will have the recipe, etc. I usually post on Tuesdays.)

I've also continued to add inflatables to The Twelve Days of Inflatables. There's a new one today!

RANDOMNESS #1 - We had an incredibly busy weekend. There is always one week and/or weekend during the month of December where the majority of events "land." For the Faulkner Five, this past week/weekend was IT! But everything we participated in was great fun. From Mikie's office Christmas party to the 12 Tea of Christmas to the Oneonta Bradley Christmas to the Oxford Faulkner Christmas... memories galore were made!

This week is much, much slower, which is good since I am not quite finished with my shopping yet. SHOCK! And since I had to order more Christmas cards, I am also not quite finished addressing my cards yet. DOUBLE SHOCK! Don't worry if you haven't received one... it's coming!

RANDOMNESS #2 - My Christmas card count is now 47! Will I make it to 100? I don't know, but I am beginning my annual tradition of actually calling people who have not sent one yet. I know. It's awkward, and it puts people on the spot, but I enjoy catching up a little before I ask the question, "So why haven't I received my Christmas card this year? Problem?"

If you have caller I.D., today would probably be a good day to use it!

RANDOMNESS #3 - I wanted to pose a question to the masses out there... all three of you. What is your favorite Christmas movie of all times? Leave your answer in the Comment Section of the blog, Facebook or send me an e-mail. I'll post results tomorrow.

Enjoy Mindless Monday... lots of pictures, and few words. Tuesday we will be getting busy, busy, busy on A Simple Life. There are a lot of things to cover before "THE BIG DAY."

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

The Gallery Pics include a little more "Christmas" you can find around my house... so the Virtual Christmas Tour continues.

CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - As of this minute, it stands at 36... but I'm sure I'll be in the 60s by the time Monday arrives. I'll let you know!

REMINDER #1 - If you haven't had time, be sure to go to the Nesting Place under My Blog List. Scroll down until you come to the caption "Christmas Tour of Homes 2010." There are over 700 links to click on, and these bloggers take you through their homes room by room, decoration by decoration. It's a great place to get new ideas and see how people in other parts of the country decorate for the holidays. So much fun.

REMINDER #2 - I will be adding an inflatable to The Twelve Days of Inflatables Saturday AND Sunday. I will not have a new post until Monday (as usual), but I'll keep adding the inflatables.

REMINDER #3 - I'll be adding pics to Belinda's Project Life Friday, Saturday and Sunday (as usual). It's a busy time, but some things never change.

Weekend Happenings

This is our "busy" weekend. There is always at least one really, really "busy" weekend during Christmas, and for the Faulkner Five it is December 17, 18 and 19, 2010.

Austin and Roxie are home for the holidays, but Josh is finishing his last exam this morning. It was hard for him to get up and get ready for school while his siblings snuggled under their comforters. I am SO ready for everyone to be HOME!

Friday night, Roxie will be playing in a Christmas Basketball Tournament. At least three of the Faulkners will be attending and cheering for her and her team.

Saturday things really get rolling! Roxie and Mikie will be attending the Tournament Saturday. Austin will be working Saturday morning, and Josh and friends will be going to the movies early in the day.

I will be attending and hosting the 12th tea of our little tea group's 12 Teas of Christmas. That's right! It has been 12 years since we started this tradition inspired by Emilie Barnes' book, The 12 Teas of Christmas. And I don't think any of us can believe it has been that long!

Our group started with ten women, and has since dwindled to seven. Three of the original ten are now living in other parts of the country. Four of the women have never, ever missed a tea, so they will be receiving a special gift tomorrow.

Since we usually go to a different tea room each year, this year we decided to do something different. We're having a Progressive Tea, and we'll be having hot drinks (tea and coffee) at one house, soup at another, the main course at the third house and dessert at my home. It should be a lot of fun (and I will have a ton of pictures for Mindless Monday).

Saturday night, the Faulkner Five will attend an extended family party. It is by far one of the most fun events of our season. (Again, tons of pictures.)

Sunday after church, the Faulkner Five will celebrate Christmas with Mikie's family. (Uh, can you say "MORE PICTURES?")

As you can imagine, today will be my cleaning and cooking day.

It's going to be a whirlwind weekend, but one I hope I will treasure and remember for years and years to come. I have to remind myself not to become so wrapped up in the preparation I don't enjoy and savor the actual events. That would be such a shame, wouldn't it?

Monday will be here before you know it. I have so much more to share next week... most of which consists of other families' wonderful ideas and traditions. Please visit again.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Party Animal Belinda

Horsepower Sleigh Ride Date

Good Thursday morning!

The Gallery Pics are more basketball photos from our game last night, AND a photo or two of Josh at a school choir performance yesterday.

DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! - Check out The Twelve Days of Inflatables on my sidebar. I'm still adding to the "collection."

NOTE TO JENNIFER - I loved your long distance tradition. In case you didn't read the Comment Section yesterday, Jennifer's family would record (on cassette tapes) the family opening Christmas gifts from the grandparents. The kids would then sing Christmas carols. They would mail these tapes to her grandparents the years they weren't able to be with them Christmas. You could definitely do the same thing with Skype and video now. Very good idea.

RANDOMNESS #1 - My Christmas cards are STILL being mailed out... one stack at a time. I totally ran out last night, BUT I ordered more! Everything should be finished by Saturday! Please. Do not worry! (I'm saying this more for my benefit than yours.)

RANDOMNESS #2 - My Christmas card count stands at 33. That includes a card from my friend's husband's insurance company AND two cards from the same anonymous friend/fan/enemy. I don't know. Maybe you can help me decide.

The first one is a picture of a big, FAT Santa and it reads, "Everyone puts on a few extra pounds at Christmas." That's it. No signature. Nada. Nothing. (Well, there was a little heart drawn on the envelope and a little sticker on the back that said, "Sing!")

The second one is a bit more... Hmmm. Again, you decide. It reads, "We hope your holidays are sweet and merry and you don't burn your tongue on a cup of hot cocoa and then choke to death on your burnt off tongue skin." That one scared me a little bit. But then it had the sweet little heart on the inside, so I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

The handwriting on the envelopes is exactly the same, so I know it is from the same friend/fan/enemy.

Do I laugh... or call the police? Feel free to comment any suggestions below.

(I know what you're thinking. "Did you hang them on your doorway with the rest of the cards?" The answer is YES! You act as if you've never even met me!)

RANDOMNESS #3 - Since the topic for the day is obviously "Christmas Cards," I have a semi-funny story to share.

A few years ago, I met a friend for lunch during the Christmas season at Cracker Barrel. I was driving the Big Gold Van.

Parking in the Big Gold Van is a challenge on a good day, so I tend to park one to two miles from my final destination and walk. However, Cracker Barrel was pretty full, and I had to park a little closer than normal beside a car and an empty space. (I prefer to always park between TWO empty spaces.)

When my friend and I came out of the restaurant, I noticed how crooked the Big Gold Van had been parked. Really, really crooked. But, there are worse things in life. It's not like I had robbed a bank, or knocked over a bunch of garbage cans or hit someone's mailbox with my mirror. (Oh, wait. Disregard the "mailbox" example. Been there. Done that... a lot.)

Under my windshield wiper I found a large piece of a torn brown paper bag. I cannot tell you what was written on that brown paper bag because some of the language was definitely in the PG-13 category. The person ranted and raved about my lack of parking skills (noted), but at the end of the note he/she signed it, "Merry Christmas!!!!"

A Christmas card!

I hurried home, trimmed the ragged edge of the brown paper bag with my Fiskars cutter and used a black sharpie to mark through the PG-13 words scattered throughout the message... and then I hung my newest Christmas card on my door frame.

You may think I'm pathetic, but I met my Christmas card goal that year!

Blog Linkage - Okay. The linkage I'm about to give you may forever change your life. If you love decorating, crafting or going through people's homes during Christmas Home Tours, I'm about to rock your world.

But you have to promise to come back to A Simple Life... one day. Okay? Promise?

1. I have added a new blog under My Blog List called Nesting Place. It is a visually beautiful blog. This blogger has a Christmas Tour of Homes every year. Scroll down to "Christmas Tour of Homes" dated December 13. Read her post and you will come to link after link after link of homes. As it stands right now, there are over 700 links. There are three pictures of homes and decorations on each row. Click on a picture and it will take you to a blog. You will then "walk through" that person's home looking at all of their Christmas decorations.

Some are fancy. Some are simple. Some have dozens of pictures. Some have three or four.

I'm looking at about 10 links a day enjoying the Tour and the great ideas.

2. For a quick laugh, go to Big Mama under My Blog List. WATCH the post entitled "Santa's got his groove back" dated December 16. Enjoy!

Horsepower Sleigh Ride Date

I found this idea on a blog, and thought it would be so much fun IF you can find the necessary sleigh!

"When my dear heart and I were dating, we loved to go downtown and see all the Christmas lights and holiday displays. We often commented on how fun it would be to take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the lights, but knew on our very limited budget, it wouldn't be possible.

"One winter day, my boyfriend picked me up at my apartment and said he had a surprise for me. He told me to dress really warm, and not to forget a hat. When we got downstairs, his friend's red convertible was waiting to give us a "poor-man's" sleigh ride through downtown. We bundled up in a big, thick quilt, and had a wonderful ride through the city."

If you have access to a convertible (thanks to my nephew, Brad, we now have a convertible in the family), how much fun would this be for you and your little date for the evening.

Again, dress VERY warmly. Wrap thick quilts snugly around your guy or gal. Have a thermos of hot chocolate ready. Make a simple date of looking at Christmas lights so much more memorable! Oh, and don't forget the Christmas music!

NOTE - If you have more than one child you want to take on this date, take each one INDIVIDUALLY on the same night. Each date could last 30 to 45 minutes. If it's really cold outside, the kids wouldn't need to stay out much longer. Also, take each one to a different neighborhood to look at lights. (You want to be able to see something new each time!)

If you can pull it off, it would be a GREAT DATE!

Have the best Thursday ever. Please visit again Friday (even though I gave you over 700 new sites to visit which are arguably much better than A Simple Life). I'll have another inflatable photo in The Twelve Days of Inflatables, Weekend Happenings and so much Christmas Randomness it will make your head spin. No. Really. It will.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Keep in Touch

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pics today are of Sparkle. One of the lists I'm sharing from Real Simple Magazine is entitled "5 Things You Can Learn From Your Pet," so, of course, I felt the need to include the dogs. (As usual, Copper didn't feel like cooperating!)

DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! - I've added yet another inflatable to The Twelve Days of Inflatables on my sidebar.

RANDOMNESS #1 - I found this cute Christmas story yesterday. Enjoy!

While working in a store as Santa Claus, I had lots of boys ask me for an electric train set. "If you get your train," I would tell each one, "you know your dad is going to want to play with it, too. Is that okay?"

The usual answer was a quick yes, but after I asked one boy this question, he became very quiet. Trying to move the conversation along, I asked what else he would like Santa to bring.

He promptly replied, "Another train set."

Smart boy.

RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, below you will find a LIST from Real Simple Magazine I found interesting... "5 Things You Can Learn From Your Pet."

1. Celebrate everything. (This is a good one. I can just walk on the deck or drive into the driveway and Copper and Sparkle are beside themselves with excitement. Mike and the kids... not so much.)

2. Just being present is enough. A pet never says "the wrong thing" when you are upset or sad. What matters is showing up.

3. Brain size doesn't matter. Most pets are very clever in their own way, and they have many of the same emotions we have... happiness, anxiety, etc. (And in Sparkle's case... female mood swings.)

4. Don't try so hard. (This references cats as being quirky and independent thinkers. They are true to themselves and resistant to outside influence. It is indeed a good trait to have... Just be yourself.)

5. You can get along with anybody. (I thought this one was a little odd because Sparkle and Copper do NOT get along with cats, rabbits or slow, low-flying birds. But the author goes on to say, "It's quite surprising how animals of different species can be friends as long as they are raised in a warm and loving environment." I would have to add the word "together" at the end of that statement. And even taking the above into consideration, I don't necessarily feel I could get along with EVERYBODY. Adolph Hitler comes to mind.)

Wednesday Wisdom - I've gathered just a few quotes about Christmas for today's Wisdom section.

"Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season. That very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall. Then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space." Dave Barry

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." Larry Wilde (I love this one!)

"Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered." Anonymous

Keep in Touch

Today's "tradition" is straight from Family Fun Magazine. My family is extremely blessed because we live close enough to each other to visit everyone during the holiday season. However, if your family is scattered across the United States, or even across the globe, here are some ways to stay close this Christmas season AND all year long.

1. Skype. This is a free internet-based video-calling program. Using Skype is very similar to using the telephone... except you get a live video of the caller on the other end.

2. Share a Phone Story - One mother sent a copy of the same book to the two grandmothers in her family (all three families lived in different states). Each grandmother scheduled a time to read to the children every other week over the telephone. The children would follow along in the book. The next week at the scheduled time, the other grandmother would pick up where the story left off.

3. Make an Annual DVD - Each year, this family creates a personal DVD for relatives all over the United States. It features a year's worth of family photos, video clips, scanned copies of the kids' artwork and a personalized message... all set to music.

4. Mail Your Musings - This family addressed a large envelope to the relatives, and then invited family members to slip in short messages and other items. It worked well (even for kids with short attention spans) because they could include pictures, notes, school papers, etc. Anything and everything they wanted to show off. When the envelope was full, they sealed it up and dropped it in the mail... and immediately started the next large envelope.

Have a wonderful Wednesday! I have to tell you, the Blog Linkage I'll be sharing Thursday is a must-see for all readers who LOVE decorating for Christmas. I also have a fun date, another inflatable to add to The Twelve Days of Inflatables and so much more.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese

Good Tuesday morning!

The Gallery Pics are a little of this and that... and basketball!

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - Don't forget to check out The Twelve Days of Inflatables on my sidebar (each and every day until Christmas Eve).

RANDOMNESS #1 - Since Josh has been working at the Christmas tree farm, his work clothes smell like... well, Christmas. Thus, every time I walk into my laundry room, it smells wonderful. In fact, it is the best smelling room in the house. Unfortunately, it is NOT the best looking room in the house... if you know what I mean!

In order to enjoy the smell, I have to close my eyes. However, in order to enjoy the "smell" of my family, I must continue to do laundry. It is a bittersweet dilemma, I tell you.

And, as always, the laundry wins. (Heavy, heavy sigh.)

RANDOMNESS #2 - I received my January issue of Real Simple Magazine yesterday. This is a magazine filled with lists. I love it. I want to share one of the lists with you today. It is called "9 Easy Ways to be Happier."

1. Chill out. It seems colder temperatures improve your mood. (That is why I'm a much nicer person in the fall and winter months of the year.)

2. Remember whence you came. They suggest decorating a hallway with sentimental objects and pictures will also make you happier.

3. Don't dwell. Let past failures go! (Easier said than done, but very good advice.)

4. Spread the wealth. Giving money away and tipping generously will make you happier. (Whoever made this list didn't have teenage children.)

5. Eat a snack around 2:00 p.m. That's when your serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood, takes a nosedive. (I'm a big advocate of the 2:00 p.m. snack. And because I'm so concerned about my serotonin, I usually eat a 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. snack, too. I am so pro-health.)

6. Get a move on. (I know. I know. Exercise is supposed to make you happier. I have been exercising regularly for 12 years now. It makes me hungry, sore and a little irritable. I may be the one exception to this rule in the entire world.)

7. Limit your options. If you're making a purchase, big or small, whittle down your options to a few choices, pick one and move on. (I'm very good at this actually... which drives Mikie crazy. After giving me a one-hour lecture on the pros and cons of this car versus that car, I will simply say, "I like the red one." I think I am a much happier person than he is!)

8. Start baking. Or find something that occupies 100 percent of your attention while you're engaged in it. (For me... blogging, scrapbooking and window shopping for new inflatables!)

9. Make your bed. (Made! They are right. I am ecstatic.)

Most of these things are no-brainers, but when you put them in a list, it helps you put them into practice.

Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese

If you EVER need a recipe idea, ALWAYS go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman and click on Tasty Kitchen on her main page. You will find everything you can imagine in this section, and the recipes are there specifically to share with others.

Since one of the dishes I am taking to Mike's family Christmas party this weekend is Mac and Cheese, I wanted to make it extra special. Check out this recipe from "apronmama" from Tasty Kitchen.

You will need the following:

1 pound macaroni noodles
1/2 cups butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (heaping)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup medium cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup Gruyere cheese (divided)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Drain.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for about 1 minute, until smooth and bubbly. Stir occasionally.

4. Mix in milk, cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Continue cooking until sauce is thickened. Add cooked macaroni and 3/4 cups of EACH cheese.

5. Pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of each cheese, adding more if needed.

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and cheese has browned.

Does this sound good, or what? Don't worry. Pictures will be forthcoming this weekend!

Have a terrific Tuesday. On Wednesday, I have a couple more "lists" to share, Wednesday Wisdom and a great party, tradition OR devotion for you to try with your family. Be sure and make your bed. It will make you happy all day long!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting (and SOON-TO-BE HAPPY) Belinda

(I have to do eight more things on that list!)

Mindless Monday

Good Monday morning!

It's Mindless Monday... lots of pics in the Gallery (all self-explanatory) and very few words in the post.

RANDOMNESS #1 - It is also the first day of The Twelve Days of Inflatables. These inflatables were not just found in our fair city, but in Oxford, Trussville, Pinson and everywhere in between. Enjoy!

RANDOMNESS #2 - Josh, my Christmas lumberjack, came in from work Saturday with a lovely little Christmas story to share.

He was helping a family with two children, one of which was a four year-old little boy. With a 6'2" young man following their family from tree to tree with a saw, I guess the question of "Who are you?" from the little boy came up quite naturally.

"I'm an elf," Josh replied.

"Do you know Santa?" the little boy inquired.

"Sure do. What are you wanting for Christmas?" Josh responded.

"A Spider-Man bike."

"Well, you know Spider-Man is Santa's favorite superhero. I'll be glad to put in a good word for you." The little boy just smiled. However, his older sister was a little more savvy.

"If you are an elf, how come you're so tall?" she questioned.

"Have you ever heard of Buddy the Elf?" Josh countered... and, of course, she had. "Well, he's taller than me."

Nuff said. How many of us can say we had an elf from the North Pole help us cut down our very own Christmas tree? Very cool.

RANDOMNESS #3 - The following is a list of things we did, but I didn't take a picture for one reason or another:

1. We were "caroled" by the Graber family and given a container of gingerbread (unbelievably delicious) AND my 13th Christmas card. I didn't take a picture because there are two teens in the family, and I didn't want to embarrass or spook them.

2. Mikie, Roxie, Grandmother and I attended the Christmas program at our church. It was fabulous, but dark. No pictures there either.

3. I took a long Sunday afternoon nap. I hide the camera during my naps. I am an ugly cryer and an ugly napper. It is what it is.

4. Mikie and I went on a mini-date Sunday night to Logan's and Books-A-Million. I'm assuming you've seen the inside of Logan's so I didn't take a picture.

Have a fantastic Monday. Stay warm. On Tuesday, I'll be sharing another inflatable, a FANTASTIC recipe and so much more. It is a busy time of year, but good ideas abound!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting (and Mother of an Elf) Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

I have added a few more Christmas favorites to the Gallery. There will be "people" pics Monday morning... I promise.

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - The Twelve Days of Inflatables begins Monday, December 13 on A Simple Life. Just one more of the many, many reasons to visit on a daily basis.

RANDOMNESS #1 - A guest on Rick and Bubba was telling a Christmas story this morning which brought back thousands of memories.

His son was in a preschool Christmas pageant. He was one of the Wise Men. As the pageant progressed, the Wise Men arrived at the manger.

The crowd became quiet because the Wise Men had speaking parts. The first Wise Man placed his gift beside the manger and said, "I brought gold." The crowd responded with the appropriate "Ahhh."

The second Wise Man placed his gift beside the manger and said, "I brough myrrh." Again, another "Ahhh."

The gentleman telling the story then told how his son, the third Wise man, walked down the aisle and placed his gift beside the manger. "Frank sent this."

Get it? Frankincense? Frank sent this. Priceless.

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, Austin's preschool Christmas program was marred by a massive nose picking marathon. He didn't miss a word of any of the three songs they sang that evening, but he NEVER stopped picking his nose... and wiping it on his little white robe.

Josh was a waver. And he wasn't selfish with his waves. He waved at me on the front row. He waved at family members sitting in other parts of the sanctuary. He waved at all the other parents and grandparents who were waving at their little darlings. He didn't miss a word of any of the three songs they sang that evening, but he NEVER stopped waving.

Oh. And his giant red bow (which the preschool choir always wore with white robes) was vertical... not horizontal. I had tied it perfectly before I took my seat, but there must have been a tussle of some sort in the back of the church before they marched in because his hair was standing on end... as was his giant red bow.

Quite simply, before Roxie's performance she was bitten by a fellow performer. That's right. He leaned down and bit hard enough to leave marks through a white preschool choir robe AND a sweater. By the time Roxie arrived on stage, she was snuffling and trying to hold it together. She didn't miss a word of any of the three songs they sang that evening, but she NEVER stopped snuffling... or glaring at the biter. It was her first (and last) choir appearance.

For the record, we had to leave that service very quickly. Once the brothers (then six and almost nine) found out she had been the victim of a biter, they were all geared up to beat up the three year-old offender. (And Roxie was all over that plan.)

It was a very spiritual and uplifting service. NOT!

But those are funny, sweet memories. Good times. Good times. I miss them greatly.

RANDOMNESS #2 - The official Christmas Card Count stands at 11. I'm not getting worried yet. (Who am I kidding? I can't even sleep at night!) If postage is a problem, let me know. I am not against swinging by and picking up my card. Seriously. I've been doing that for years!

Weekend Happenings

Today's Christmas activity is all about baking with friends. The Tuggles are coming, and we're making Chocolate Dipped Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies, Haystacks, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pecan Pies and Holiday Chocolate Covered Crackers. Sounds good, doesn't it? No matter what happens with the baking, the house is going to smell great.

Mikie, Roxie and I are going to a different neighborhood tonight in search of more unique inflatables. I think an eggnog milkshake sounds festive, but I'm pretty sure Mikie and Roxie will go with vanilla. (I'm going to pretend it's eggnog though. It's much more seasonal.)

This will be a busy weekend at the Tree Farm, so Josh will be working a great deal. He's still enjoying his job, and I'm so happy for him. However, next week is the last week before the Christmas break... which means FINALS. In between work, sleep, church, a little time with friends and late night dinners, the boy is going to have to study, study, study.

Some of the Faulkner Five and Grandmother will be attending our church's Christmas Pageant. We haven't decided which performance yet, but we are really looking forward to this event.

We have church on Sunday, but afterward, depending on scheduling, we may watch a Christmas movie, play games or simply sit around and eat everything Roxie and I baked Friday afternoon. It's a win-win no matter what we decide.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Try to enjoy something Christmas each and every day of this season. Reach out to those who are struggling because of illness, loss or other reasons too painful to mention. While Christmas can be "the most wonderful time of the year" for many, it can also be one of the saddest times for others. Take time to love on someone today!

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Buy a Christmas Book Date

Good Thursday morning!

The Christmas Virtual Tour continues in the Gallery this morning. I will be sharing a few more of my favorite Christmas things over these next few days.

OBSERVATION! OBSERVATION! OBSERVATION! - When I receive a comment in the Comment Section of the blog, 99 times out of 100 I respond to the comment. However, I usually respond IN the Comment Section of the blog.

I posted a comment on a friend's blog the other day, and I thought to myself, "I NEVER go back to the Comment Section of someone's blog to see if they respond to MY comment." So I'm thinking you (the Commenter) are probably just like me. You have no idea I respond to your comments 99 times out of 100.

I will try to do better responding via e-mail or Facebook, as well as in the Comment Section.

KILL THE FATTED CALF! KILL THE FATTED CALF! KILL THE FATTED CALF! - The Boy is coming home TODAY for the holidays. He'll be home for almost a whole MONTH! Can you hear the angels singing? Hallelujah!

And don't worry. If I did have a fatted calf, I'm pretty sure I would be attached to him/her by now and he/she would be named "Spot," "Bessie" or some other appropriate fatted calf name. I would not be able to kill, cook and serve Spot or Bessie.

Instead, we'll be having pizza because there's a basketball game tonight, and Austin is coming to watch Roxie play. (We'll have the obligatory celebratory dinner tomorrow night!)

ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - A Simple Life was chosen as one of the "Top Must-Read Blogs" in the State of Alabama for incoming college students by Online Schools. A Simple Life was one of 22 blogs chosen.

"As a resource dedicated to providing students with the best information, we've decided to bring clarity to the unfamiliarity of beginning college life in a new area. We're doing this by pointing them to the best blogs to read, and your blog is one of them! Your blog provides the most vital information that every new college student to the area must read."

There's a special "Recognition Badge" I am supposed to put on my sidebar, but as of this date, I have been unable to figure out how to do so. (I know. I'm pathetic.)

I was very excited about the news, but didn't know how to share it without sounding "braggy." As you can see, I overcame my doubt and uncertainty... and decided to totally go the "braggy" route.

If you're wondering if I will still speak to you when I pass you in Wal-Mart, please know I am still the same humble, grounded, non-braggy (most of the time) Enchanting Belinda I've always been. Nothing has changed... except I am now the proud owner of a Recognition Badge I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO DISPLAY ON MY SIDEBAR!

See. I'm exactly the same.

RANDOMNESS - My Christmas cards are here. I'm addressing them and mailing them out over the next few days. I would be happy about it, but I put a little something on the card for a joke, and now I am regretting it. And I can't take it back because it would be too expensive.

I feel silly. And that's saying a lot for a woman who has a Giant Santa Penguin in her yard, a lit outdoor lawn ornament deer in her son's bedroom (he's going to freak out when he comes home, by the way) and a Big Gold Van decked out with two antlers and a giant red nose.

Lesson for the Day - Don't press the "Place Order" button on your computer after 11:30 p.m. when ordering your Christmas cards... when you've added a little something extra which made you chuckle... because it was late and you were tired... and your keen sense of humor wasn't what it should have been. Just saying.

Blog Linkage - Okay. I'm sharing two "must-reads" today. Again, I don't want to "overwhelm" you with too much reading material, but this is good stuff.

1. Click on Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List. Go to the post entitled "His happy little world," dated December 4. If you are feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, this post may help you gain a little perspective.

2. My friend, Dana Sorensen, has a beautiful blog. After you gain perspective about being overwhelmed this holiday season from reading Jody's post, go to www.engravedinhishand.blogspot.com and read Dana's post entitled "Treasure" dated December 8. Beautiful!

Buy a Christmas Book Date

Under our tree each Christmas, you will find a basket filled with Christmas books. Everything including little Golden Books (The Nutcracker), Disney books (Mickey's A Christmas Carol), religious books (The Crippled Lamb), funny books (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever) can be found in this basket.

When the kids were younger, we would let them take turns each and every night in December, and we would read a Christmas story under the Christmas tree before they went to bed.

And, every year, we would add a book or two to our growing collection.

Today's date will include your child while selecting this season's new Christmas book.

After dinner one night, take your date to Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, LifeWay Christian Book Store, etc. and browse through the dozens and dozens of Christmas books offered. Let your child pick a book to buy.

If you are at Books-A-Million or Barnes and Noble, sit down for a few minutes and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a snack before heading home to read your new addition before bedtime. If you go to a bookstore that does not have a special place to sit and eat, head to Chick-Fil-A for a Peppermint Shake or McDonald's for a little ice cream.

It doesn't have to be a very long date, but make it fun. Make it festive. Make it a memory!

Transition Tradition - As the kids have gotten older and outgrown the Christmas Book Basket, we enjoy watching as many Christmas movies during the season as we can (Elf, A Christmas Story, etc.). Age appropriate, but still festive and fun!

Have a tremendous Thursday. Hopefully, you are NOT like me and you have everything bought, wrapped and under the tree. If not, I'll probably see some of you out and about today! Visit again Friday for Weekend Happenings, the Christmas Virtual Tour - Part Four and much, much more.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting, Humble and AWARD WINNING Belinda

Sleeping Under the Tree

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pics are a couple of photos taken of more Christmas decorations which have made an appearance at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842).

REMINDER #1, REMINDER #1, REMINDER #1 - I have begun gathering photos of unique inflatables in and around our area. The Twelve Days of Inflatables begins on A Simple Life December 13 and will end Christmas Eve.

REMINDER #2, REMINDER #2, REMINDER #2 - It's Wednesday! You know what that means. It is Encouraging Wednesday! Get busy and text, call or e-mail people you know need a kind, uplifting word during this holiday season. Remember... It only takes a minute to make a difference in someone's day or life.

REMINDER #3, REMINDER #3, REMINDER #3 - If you are looking for new Christmas traditions, activities, recipes, etc., you can ALWAYS click on the 2008 and 2009 Blog Archives on my right sidebar. When you click on the year, the 12 months will pop up. Click on December of those two years to check out all the ideas which have been shared in the past.

RANDOMNESS - Each year, we spend several nights a week going to different neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights. When the kids were small, all five of us would pile into the van, turn on Christmas music and take a short 15 to 30 minute ride around town. Some nights we would come home and drink hot chocolate. Some nights we would stop for milkshakes to enjoy as we rode.

Since Austin and Josh are older now, of course, this doesn't appeal to them, but Roxie still loves it. (Let it be known if we threw a steak dinner in the back of the Big Gold Reindeer, Josh and Austin would be all about looking at Christmas lights... but we are on a Christmas budget, you see.)

Since I have this new project (The Twelve Days of Inflatables) coming up, I feel the need to hit as many neighborhoods as possible between now and December 13! Last night was slim pickins' in the Inflatable Department, but I've done some research, and I think I've got a winner picked out for tomorrow evening! We'll see!

Wednesday Wisdom - The last home we visited during the Christmas Home Tour this past weekend belonged to Susan Peacock. Her home is filled with scripture... on her walls, on her kitchen tiles... everywhere. It was beautiful. As we were leaving, she asked me to read something she had framed in the family room. One of her relatives (her sister, I think) had sent it to her.

She loved it enough to frame it and share it with everyone who came through her home that day. I loved it enough to ask her if I could borrow it for today's Wednesday Wisdom.

If I decorate my home perfectly with lovely gold bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family -

I'm just another decorator.

If I work in my kitchen baking Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals served on a beautifully adorned table, but do not show love to my family -

I'm just another cook.

If I volunteer in my community, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family -

It profits me nothing.

If I trim our Christmas tree with ornaments, attend holiday parties, and sing in the church choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ -

I have missed the point.

Love stops cooking to hug a child and kiss a mate.

Love sets aside the decorating to listen to a friend.

Love is kind, though stressed and tired.

Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell and isn’t easily angered.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break; pearl rings will be lost; and golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will never end.

It makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

Sleeping Under the Tree

I've mentioned this tradition before, but it is a good one so I'll re-post it.

When the children were small, we knew a family who also had three children. Every year when they decorated their Christmas tree, the whole family would fall asleep in the family room under the softly-lit tree.

We've done this many, many times over the years when the kids have had spend-the-night company. We would put out air mattresses, quilts, pillows, and then Mike or I would read a Christmas book to the children (The Crippled Lamb, The Three Trees, etc.).

It is absolutely FREE, FUN, FESTIVE and there is nothing more special than having devotion time in such a beautiful setting.

Try it! I bet you'll like it!

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thursday's Blog Linkage deals with the word "overwhelming," which is very timely during the holiday season, don't you think? I also have a fun date for you and your little one.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Holiday Chocolate-Covered Crackers

Good Tuesday morning!

The Gallery Pics are of Roxie's bedroom transformation (and her nutcracker collection). I've never been a big fan of the nutcracker. They are a little scary to me, and I have never wanted to try to sleep in a room with several of them staring at me. However, it doesn't bother Roxie, and it's a fun gift for her to look forward to under the tree each year.

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - The 12 Days of Christmas Inflatables begins December 13. I will feature a picture of a different inflatable on A Simple Life from December 13 through December 24. The good, the bad and the ugly! (I'm just kidding. There's no such thing as an ugly inflatable.)

RANDOMNESS #1 - The annual Christmas puzzle has returned to Faulkner Farms (circa 1842). Last year's puzzle selection was a disaster. I picked the hardest puzzle known to mankind. (It might as well have been a solid navy blue square with 1,000 pieces. It was that "un-fun.") It did not get finished by New Year's Eve. In fact, it was cheerfully given to the Hannah Home people a few days ago.

The new puzzle is perfect. Although it has 1,000 pieces, I think it is quite doable.

We will have to work on The Boy's attitude this year. As Melia and I discovered last year, when Austin is working on a puzzle, he requires complete silence. It is not a social activity for him. It is a "solitary confinement" sort of activity.

Melia, Roxie and I will have to work on the puzzle without him so we can talk about purses, movies, school, boots, etc. We found that out the hard way when he kept "shushing" us around the puzzle table.

RANDOMNESS #2 - My Christmas cards have finally been ordered, and I hope to receive them, address them and have them delivered to your homes no later than December 15!

That being said, I've only received SEVEN cards so far this year. I'm not in a panic... yet. I'm sure there will be eight or nine cards in the mail today. I just feel it.

I know begging for Christmas cards each and every year gets old to some people, but it's one of the ways I enjoy the season... so I will continue to beg. (And if a neighbor's Christmas card accidentally is put in my mailbox... Well, let's just say we call that a "bonus" around here!)

ONLY 93 TO GO!

RANDOMNESS #3 - I'll be sharing pictures of my household decorations and trees over the next few days. As the name above indicates (A Simple Life), they are indeed very simple, but most of them tell a little bit of our story. It will be like my own virtual Christmas Home Tour. And it's free! (And I don't have to dust and mop before you "visit!")

Holiday Chocolate-Covered Crackers

My sweet friend, Julie Tuggle, always has the best recipes. If you are a salty/sweet person, you are going to love this one.

You will need the following:

Parchment paper
Saltine crackers
2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. (You really need the parchment paper. Julie tried this on foil, but it didn't work well.)

2. Place 1 layer of saltine crackers on each cookie sheet.

3. Melt 2 sticks of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar together in a saucepan.

4. Pour the butter/brown sugar mixture into a coffee mug and drink it warm. If you are a diabetic (like me), be ready to call 911! (Okay. Just kidding. Totally skip this step.)

5. Spoon mixture over crackers.

6. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.

7. After you take the cookie sheets out of the oven, IMMEDIATELY sprinkle half of the bag of chocolate morsels over EACH cookie sheet of crackers. (Half a bag per cookie sheet.)

8. As soon as the morsels begin melting (just a minute or so), spray a knife with cooking spray and spread chocolate evenly over crackers.

9. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Break apart and enjoy!

These things are addictive. They are crisp, salty, sweet and easy. Yum!

Have a fantastic Tuesday. Wednesday is our busy day on A Simple Life. Wisdom and a great Seasonal Tradition awaits, plus so much more. Stop by if you get a minute.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Mindless Monday

Good Monday morning!

The Gallery has several photos from the weekend... all of which are pretty self-explanatory.

This weekend had a little bit of everything... basketball, football, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. It was a busy, but very good, two days.

RANDOMNESS #1 - The Boy will be home for the holidays Thursday afternoon. I will NOT wish away the next three days, but I am most definitely looking forward to Thursday!

RANDOMNESS #2 - If you have never been on a Christmas Home Tour in your area, I highly recommend the experience. Roxie, Katie and I have made it an annual tradition. You get so many good ideas, and it really makes you want to go home and clean your house top to bottom EVERY single day! It's a real motivator.

RANDOMNESS #3 - You may be wondering why there are no pictures of Josh from this weekend. The boy worked... and worked... and worked. (And while I would love to go to the farm everyday and just click away, I know that would be a huge faux pas.) Don't worry. There will be plenty of photos of Josh in the next few days!

As always, Mindless Monday is "long on photos" and "short on words." I will give you a little preview of what this week has in store.

Tuesday - I have a new "sweet treat" recipe from my friend, Julie. So easy and delicious. Believe me... you cannot eat just one. I tried... and failed miserably.

Wednesday - I'm borrowing something from my friend, Susan, to share with you. I visited her home on the Tour, and... Well, let's just wait until Wednesday, shall we?

Thursday - I already have Blog Linkage to share, as well as a fun, fun date for you and your little one.

It's going to be a good week on A Simple Life. Be sure to visit again.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

The Gallery Pics are of the Christmas Parade we attended last night. It was an excellent parade. The weather was just right. Nice and cold, but not bitter. No rain. No wind. Free hot chocolate booths set up here and there. I had a good time with Roxie and friends.

CONTEST WINNER! CONTEST WINNER! CONTEST WINNER!

I won't keep you in the dark any longer. The winner of THE CHICK-FIL-A CALENDAR WITH ALL THE MONTHLY COUPONS is... Robin. Feel free to look for Robin at the Chick during 2011 to see if she'll share her good fortune with you. (I'm thinking probably not.)

Congratulations, Robin! I'll be delivering your prize this weekend!

RANDOMNESS #1 - The Big Gold Reindeer has received positive feedback from the citizens of our fine little suburb. Roxie handled it fairly well this morning, but if it proves to be too much for her, the antlers will come off during any and all school functions between now and Christmas. However, the big red nose stays. That's my compromise.

We're trying to talk seven other moms into buying the "accessories" and attaching them to their vehicles so we can have EIGHT automobile reindeer. Of course, they can only use the antlers because I'm already Rudolph, and there is only ONE Rudolph... and it's me. (Do you think I made my point?)

RANDOMNESS #2 - The only other thing which would make my Christmas experience complete this year would be owning a set of the Egg Nog Moose Mugs as seen in the television version of Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase. Did you know you can buy those on-line? (Hey, Mikie! Did you know that?)

RANDOMNESS #3 - Well... the Egg Nog Moose Mugs AND 100 Christmas cards from my closest friends, family, insurance agents and strangers. Yep. That would do it.

Oh... and Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men. (I didn't want you to think I was shallow.)

Weekend Happenings

Roxie will be playing basketball this afternoon, so Mikie and I will be attending her game. Josh will be working at the tree farm, and then meeting some friends for bowling. We'll all be passing back and forth, back and forth this cold Friday evening.

On Saturday, some of us will be traveling to Jacksonville to watch the first play-off game. If they win this one, they will be traveling to Virginia next week (I think). They will continue play until they lose, and they will be traveling to a different state each weekend until the play-offs end... hopefully with Jacksonville being declared the SCS Division 1-AA Champion!

Austin will be coming home Saturday evening, but will have to leave again Sunday afternoon to attend the Band Banquet Sunday evening... and finish getting ready for finals. It has been hard to accept, but parents do not attend the JSU Band Banquet. I do not care for this "rule," but I also do not want to mortify ALL of my children during the month of December. My motto - One at a time. One at a time.

Roxie, Katie, Grandmother and I will be attending the Christmas Home Tour in our area Sunday afternoon. This will be the third year we've done this, and it is so much fun. Very inspiring!

NOTE - None of the homes we have ever toured have had inflatables... or reindeer "accessorized" vehicles in the driveway. I find this very strange, but I'm hoping this will be the year when one of these beautiful homes will have four or more inflatables tastefully adorning their front yard. I'll let you know!

And that's it for us. Basketball, football, bowling, lumberjacking and some Christmas activities thrown in for good measure. Not a bad weekend plan at all!

I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend. I'll be posting photos Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Belinda's Project Life, so visit that blog if you have a chance. Mindless Monday will tell our "weekend story" with picture after picture after picture... and a few words. (I just can't help myself.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Ice Skating Date

Good Thursday morning!

The Gallery Pic is of Roxie's "room in progress." So far, I don't think I've done any permanent damage in the paint department, but we still have several surfaces left. Wish me luck.

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST!

YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT to share your favorite Thanksgiving holiday memory, and I'll put your name in a bowl for a drawing. The prize... THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A CALENDAR WITH ALL THE MONTHLY COUPONS!

The rules are as follows:

1. You only have to share one Thanksgiving memory, and it can be from any Thanksgiving. Not just Thanksgiving 2010.

2. You can leave the memory under the Comment Section of A Simple Life, on Facebook OR e-mail me!

3. You have until midnight Thursday, December 2 to leave your memory and name.

4. I will draw the winner of THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A CALENDAR WITH ALL THE MONTHLY COUPONS first thing Friday morning!

Happy Thanksgiving AND Merry Christmas!

ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT!

Beginning Monday, December 13, A Simple Life will be featuring The Twelve Days of Inflatables. That's right! I'll be sharing photos taken of some of the most interesting, funny and unique inflatables in and around our area. (Of course, none will be better than my JOY-ful Giant Santa Penguin, but it will fun just the same!)

I'm just trying to give you something to look forward to during this busy, busy month. As you all know, I'm a giver!

RANDOMNESS - Mikie came home last night with a very special Wal-Mart bag... just for me... and the Big Gold Van.

I am now the PROUD owner of reindeer antlers and a big red nose designed especially for decorating automobiles! YES! These accessories, along with my Giant Santa Penguin, have made my Christmas complete. (Well, almost. I'm still 95 Christmas cards short of my goal of 100... but you, the reader, still have time to fix that! No pressure.)

Of course, Roxie was mortified, and since I still want to have a good relationship with my daughter, I assured her (after much teasing) I would not use the antlers and nose unless we were going somewhere special. In other words, I wouldn't use them dropping her off or picking her up from school.

She obviously didn't believe me because this morning the accessories were "missing in action" having been hidden sometime in the middle of the night.

On the way to school this morning, Roxie informed me all was well. It might even be fun to turn the Big Gold Van into a Big Gold Reindeer. She has allowed me to pick her up this afternoon "accessorized." Her reasoning... "At least the Big Gold Van is the color of a reindeer. I don't think I could let you do it if the van was red or green or blue."

"The antlers and nose are under my bed. Way under. I'll see you this afternoon," she said as she got out of the van.

"I'll see you, too! I think I'll buy a Rudolph sweatshirt today so I'll match!"

"Yeah. That will be great, Mom." And she walked away ever so slightly shaking her pretty little head.

She'll understand one day. Life can be so very hard, sad, frustrating and overwhelming at times. Sometimes people need a little whimsy in their life. Sometimes people need to see a Big Gold Van/Reindeer driving down the road to bring a little smile to their lips.

One day she'll understand. A little whimsy is a good thing.

Blog Linkage - I have two links today. I don't want to weigh you down with too much reading material during this busy month.

1. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "Black Heels: The Book!" dated November 30. I think this one is going to be even better than her cookbook. I can't wait.

2. Go to Coal Creek Farms under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "So, you want children?" dated November 28. One word... hilarious. Nope. Two words... hilarious AND true!

Ice Skating Date

Let's face it. When it comes to sledding, snowball fights and the slightest chance of having a white Christmas in Alabama... well, chances are slim to NONE. But thankfully, we do have access to a wonderful ice skating facility... the Pelham Civic Complex near Oak Mountain.

Take a couple of hours out of your busy schedule, bundle up in coats, gloves and scarves and spend some one-on-one time ice skating with your guy or gal. Imagine gliding gracefully across the ice holding hands with your date with Christmas music playing over the loudspeaker. Ahhh!

Or you may be a wall hugger. There's no shame in that. Learning to ice skate together is a bonding experience. I'm a wall hugger myself on ice, so I know what I'm talking about!

Take time out to enjoy hot chocolate and a snack before hitting the ice again. This could easily become a holiday tradition!

For more information about time of operation, call 620-6448 or go to www.pelhamciviccomplex.com and click on "Public Skating Daily Schedule."

Have the best Thursday yet! The week has flown by. I'll be back Friday morning with Weekend Happenings and more Randomness. Oh! And I'll be announcing the winner of the CONTEST! You don't want to miss that, do you?

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting AND Whimsical Belinda