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Showing posts from 2011

The Last Day

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Today is the last day of 2011.  In the blink of an eye, we've grown a whole year older.  We've experienced ups and downs.  We've had joys and sorrows.  We have laughed and cried.  All across the world, people will gather to say goodbye to one year and usher in another. Today, on this last day of 2011, I am counting my blessings.  I am cherishing the memories of the past and looking forward to the opportunities to come.  May God bless you and your family in 2012. Happy New Year!   ~ Image from Wikipedia.com http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/OperaSydney-Fuegos2006-342289398.jpg

Christmas Preparation Week - Christmas Eve

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Christmas Eve is here.  I have to say that my favorite day of the year is not Christmas, but Christmas Eve.  I think that it is the anticipation, the waiting and the journey that causes me to love this day so much.  While the day of Christmas is filled with presents and the momentary pleasures, Christmas Eve is filled with contemplation.  Thinking, waiting . . . . hoping. On this Christmas Eve, I want to share something important to me about our Christmas tree.  Our Christmas tree is decorated with many of the same things that grace the trees in many homes.  Glittering lights, shiny balls, and cute decorations hang from the limbs of our tree.  A few things with extra special meaning also adorn those branches.  We have two gold cross decorations on our tree.  The gold ribbon that encircles our tree is inlaid with gold crosses.  One branch bends under the weight of a long, heavy nail. These ornaments are not just for decoration.  They are to remind us that the birth of the Christ Chi

Christmas Preparation Week - Cookie Time

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Cookies, cookies, cookies . . . . oh, how I love cookies.  My favorite cookie recipe brings the Christmas spirit by chauffeuring in memories of my childhood.  There is no, peppermint, no fancy fudge, no fruitcake that brings Christmas to me the way this little cookie does.  Memories of my mother making holidays special surround the aura of this special treat.  Could I eat it any time of the year?  Sure I could eat it any time, and there is not a day that wouldn't be heightened by it, but there is no way I would want my Christmas to be without it.  What makes up this cookie?  PEANUT BUTTER and CHOCOLATE!  Here it is: Peanut Butter Blossoms (a.k.a. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies) (adapted from Better Home and Gardens - New Cook Book) 1/2 cup margarine or butter - (softened helps the dough mix well) 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth is our choice) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/8. tsp. baking soda 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 tsp. vanilla

Christmas Preparation Week - Music To My Ears

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What sets the mood for Christmas?  For me, it is the music.  I love Christmas music, and we listen to it throughout the months of November and December.  Not only do I listen to Christmas music, but I also sing and  even play a few Christmas tunes on the piano.  I have passed my love of Christmas music on to my children.  Both of the older boys have been practicing Christmas songs for the last few weeks.  With all that music being played on the piano, some preparation was needed.  My sweet hubby  had the piano tuned for my birthday (back in late October).  Boy, does that man know the way to my heart, or what?!?!  I have been so happy to hear the sweet tinkling (and occasional pounding) of the piano keys, especially since they are now in tune! Have you ever looked inside a  piano?  My boys had a lovely lesson on the inner workings of the piano.  It makes it so much more fun to know how the instrument you practice daily works.  I hope you have the opportunity to be blessed with

Christmas Preparation Week - Gingerbread with Grammy

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How did this little cottage come to be? Lots of concentration. Teamwork. Lots of yummy supplies. Patience. Taking turns. More teamwork.   It was worth the time and effort! (This little cottage has two front doors . . . I had to show you both!)

Christmas Preparation Week - The Nativity

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I must admit, I have an obsession with nativity scenes.  I love to decorate with nativity scenes, and I have many displayed throughout the house during the month of December.  I even have one that I leave up year-round in my office.  I do think that my obsession comes with a very reasonble explanation. Simply put, they remind me of the "Reason for the Season".  I love to have reminders throughout the house of Christs' birth.  When I see them, I have a physical reminder of why we are celebrating.  It helps me focus, slow down and enjoy the little moments.  As Christmas Day comes closer and closer and the prepartaions gain momentum, I pray for the peace of the Lord to fill your home and ours!

Favorite Festive Photos for Friday

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"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas". . . . and pink and blue and green and . . . .  Yes, Christmas is just over a week away and I'm dreaming in techno-color.  Take a look for yourself! As much as I would like to say that I manufactured these pictures from my dreams, I have to admit that they come from a Christmas store.  But, I'm still dreaming anyway! 

Going With The Flow

Did you ever come upon a moment when you had the choice of going with the flow or forcing things to stick to your agenda?  I struggle when I'm faced with those moments.  What is more important, being flexible or following through with the itinerary.  I do think that there are times when the agenda MUST be accomplished.  Other times, flexibility can bring about special moments that couldn't otherwise be duplicated.  Today was one of those days where I was faced with a choice . . . . The kids and I were in the car, with a list of errands that needed attention.  I had prioritized and written the list in the order that I thought would best be accomplished.  Instead of listening to Christmas music, as has been the custom since Thanksgiving, we spent the first part of the car ride chatting amicably.  After a while, I realized that I had missed my turn.  I told the boys that I had come the wrong way.  The boys asked, "Does this mean we have to turn around?"  I answered,

Favorite Festive Photos for Friday - Tree Lighting Edition

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One of our favorite family traditions rolls around shortly after Thanksgiving.  We pull out the tree the first weekend in December and fill it with decorations.  After Mom (me) puts up the ribbon garland, the kids get to help put on the decorations.   Big Brother hangs one of the wise men. Little Man inspects one of the "ball-balls".

Mom . . . . what is that?

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Do you ever hear your children ask this question, "Mom, what is that?", and wonder what they could be referring to.   My sweet five year old asked that question when we were downtown.  I said, "Honey, what are you talking about?" He said, "That machine, what is it?"  I looked and looked for "that" machine.  I finally spotted it. Wow, maybe I should have titled this, "How to know when you should take your kids out more!"

Favorite Festive Photos for Friday

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This summer, my mom and I shared the joy of visiting a shop (OK . . . a mega-shop) filled with all things Christmas.  While it has been a while since we took that little trip, I haven't forgotten the lovely time we had.  I have to say that watching my mom stroll through the shop was like watching a kid in a candy store.  See the smile on her face?  She had a wonderful time - and I had a wonderful time watching her.     What  a delight.  Christmas decorations make me happy. Clearly, they also make my mom happy. Enjoy the holiday season, and delight in the little things!

I'm Thankful for . . . .

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Yes, it is the week after Thanksgiving, but I'm still thankful.  Today, I'm remembering that I'm thankful for our police department(s).  Every day, they put their lives on the line to protect me.  I am grateful and humbled by their sacrifice.  Two weeks ago (I'm a little behind on my blogging), my dad (aka, Grandpa) took us to the Police Museum.  We had a personal tour from a local retired officer.  It was such a blessing to see my children so fascinated.  We had a great time.  Most importantly, we had great conversations with the kids about the people who serve and protect us every day.  I want to say "Thank You" to every man and woman who has chosen to live in service to others! Look at those! Not quite as comfy as I thought they'd be! So many have served. Great respect is due to those that choose to wear the uniform.  This is how they used to communicate.

For My Grandpa's Birthday

Dear Grandpa, Memories of you span my lifetime. They begin in early childhood with your many visits to our home. I have memories of my visit to South Carolina when I flew down, ALL BY MYSELF, to visit you for A WHOLE WEEK! I remember visiting you in Conneaut as a teenager on the shores of Lake Erie. You came to my graduation to see me walk down the aisle and receive my diploma. I remember brining my fiancée to come meet you. I remember you at my wedding, as I took the most important steps of my life. Then, I have brought each of my children to share my grandpa . . . their great-grandpa with them. What most strikes me about each and every memory I hold of you is the ever large and wonderful hugs that you have given upon each and every visit. You have squeezed me and loved me and told me I was special. You embraced and loved my husband. You have squeezed each of my children and loved them too. Thank you Grandpa, for all the hugs! Love, Christine

Fall Photo For Friday

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Happy Friday!  Today, I am so glad that Friday is here that I am sharing my very favorite Fall Photo with you.  Have a lovely weekend!

Words To Live By Wednesday

Here is a thought for you: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~ Galatians 5:1 This thought follows a little farther down in the chapter: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; T HOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF ."  ~ Galatians 5:14-15 OK, maybe I said these thoughts were for you, but they are really for me!  As a side note, thank you for your encouragement and prayers this last week when my little guy and I were sick.  We are both recovered from a case of bronchitis.  We are looking forward to getting back to "normal".  Thanks again for the prayers and encouragement!

Surprise Post

My youngest is sick.  I am now sick.  I didn't post yesterday and I wasn't posting today .  .  . until I read this: http://crazycreativemag.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-for-us-girls.html Hannah, over at Crazy Creative Magazine is my dear friend and today she made my day with her post.  Now, you can go visit and find out why.  Have a great day, and enjoy the blessings that friends can bring!  Thanks, Hannah, for the blessing of your friendship.

Apple Orchard Field Trip - Apples

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So, I was telling you yesterday, Dad/Grandpa took us to a local orchard.  When we went inside the building, our eyes feasted on an abundance of apples.  No food makes me quite as happy as apples in the fall  (. . . .well, one can't compare it to chocolate - that's just not fair). As you can see, my love for apples runs deep! How do I love thee, apples?  Let me count the ways. I love thee when thou art red, I love thee when thou art green. I love thee when thou art shiny. I especially love thee when thou art Fuji!!!!!! Do your eyes deceive you?  No, this is a pear.  I love thee, too!  (Even though your name isn't apple, you are just as sweet!) Corn, why are you here?  Oh, you're pretty.  That's right.  You're only here for your looks, and the fact that this is my last orchard post, and you were just to pretty to leave out!  Oh my, now you've all seen how silly I can be.  It's the apples . . . . they

Apple Orchard Field Trip - Pumpkins

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My dad (aka, "Grandpa"), took us to a local apple orchard.  The first thing we saw when we pulled in was a vast array of pumpkins. There were orange big ones, little white ones, little striped ones, and funny shaped ones! And oh, did I mention . . . the ugliest pumpkins ever! Now, a pumpkin that ugly - you've just gotta pick that one up for yourself!

Fall Photo for Friday

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Words to Live by Wednesday

Here is the last sixth and last verse to memorize from Romans Road: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~ Romans 10:10 I have my work cut out for me this week, because I did not finish memorizing last week's verses. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ~ Romans 10:9-10

Fall Adventures

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When the leaves are crunchy and the air is crisp, there is nothing better than some outdoor exploration. Little man loves to "borrow" the mower from next door. The outdoors provide so many adventures for a one-year-old!

Adventures In Leaf Raking

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Give a boy a rake and some leaves . . . . And he'll build you a leaf pile! There is nothing like good old teamwork. Work together!