Five Question Friday

Happy New Year! I actually started this post yesterday, but between company and everything else going on, it didn't get finished for today. So here is my Friday Five, on Saturday:

1. How long does your Christmas tree stay up?
Till this weekend. It's been up since the day after Thanksgiving, which is long enough.

2. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
We had some family members over to welcome the new year. Not too many people, though. Most of my husband's family is sick with the flu. Which is not the best way to start the new year, but hopefully they'll be better soon.

3. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I don't make New Year's resolutions. I believe they're a set-up for failure. Instead, I try to live a more Christ-like life each day. It's a daily, not yearly, challenge, but one worth taking.

4. How did you spend New Year's Eve when you were younger?
In bed. My family didn't celebrate New Years or any other holiday. We lived a boring life.

5. What was the best way you've ever spent New Year's Eve?
I just want to be with loved ones. I'm not into the big parties or loud outdoor activities. Give me a good DVD with my hubby and kids and I'm content.

Hope everyone's New Year's Eve was memorable. Have a great first day of 2011!

To join, visit My Little Life.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 29, 2010...

Outside my window...the bright sunlight is deceiving; it's only 54 degrees out. It isn't as cold as it was yesterday, though. It was 38 degrees when I got up in the morning! It's a pretty day, though, and it'll warm up as the day goes on, which is nice.

I am thinking...of all the work that needs to get done now that Christmas is over.

I am thankful...for the lovely present my sister gave me: a Barnes and Noble Nook! For those unfamiliar with the Nook, it's the equivalent of the Kindle. I was able to download the ESV version of the Bible - for free!! I'm totally loving this new gadget. Thanks sis!

I am going...to start putting Christmas decorations away. It'll take me about 3 days to get everything back to its original state. I've got alot of work ahead of me.

I am wearing...my jammies. Okay, okay, I'll go change in a minute.

I am noticing...how mature my children are. They amaze me.

I am currently...trying not to catch the flu which my hubby's entire family is suffering from - including my hubby.

I am reading...In His Steps by Charles Sheldon...on my new Nook!

I am waiting...till next week to spend my Macy's gift card - the malls are too packed right now!

On my mind...much that will get done this coming month, with the Lord's blessing.

From the learning rooms...it's vacation time still, and we're resting the brain.

I am pondering these words..."There's a holy, high vocation needing workers everywhere; 'til the highest form of service, 'tis the ministry of prayer." - Woodworth

Around the house...as Christmas decorations get put away, much cleaning and dusting will get done. There's so much to do!

One of my favorite things...spending one-on-one time with my kids, and getting together with them to play board games.

A few plans for the rest of the week...basically, we need to get the house back in order.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

I'm Back!

Wow, I can't believe I've been gone almost a week! Life has been very busy in our home. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and my kid's birthdays - my two youngest were born on December 27, exactly 10 years apart. Lots of celebrating is done in our home in December.

Yesterday I had a mama/daughter day with my little girl which was great. We went shopping at a large outlet mall. It took 1/2 an hour to find parking, which is incredible since this place has an enormous parking lot and I've NEVER had trouble finding parking. The place was packed, and I was glad when we got out of Gap where A spent a couple of gift cards and we left. Note to self: Don't go to the mall the week after Christmas. The stores are packed but not with merchandise, just people. I was glad when that was over.

We went to Kohl's afterwards, because my hubby gave me some gift cards and I also had $20 in Kohl's cash that needed to get spent this week. I love Kohl's; I always find the nicest things, both clothes-wise and for the home. I got a pretty red blouse, black top and a great blazer, but again there wasn't a big selection like other times. I still have a little money left on my gift card so I'll go back when they get more stuff in.

Then we treated ourselves to dinner at Olive Garden. Well, we didn't really treat ourselves; my hubby gave me a gift card for that, too. It was so nice to sit there chatting with my little girl as we had dinner, just the two of us. Those are the special moments that live in our memories as times we drew closer together.

Today we're gonna start packing up Christmas decor. It takes several days to get everything back in place, and I need to get started early since I'll be driving my daughter back to school in a couple of weeks. I pray everyone had a very special time this Christmas. May the memories live on.

Thankful Thursdays

It's Thankful Thursday, and I'm thankful for unexpected miracles. Those are the best kinds!



I went by my mother-in-law's house this past Tuesday to pick up the turkey for Christmas Eve dinner. She keeps it in her freezer and I pick it up so I can defrost and roast it. My daughter was with me as we went out to the Florida room where my mother-in-law keeps an extra freezer. My daughter is home from college for Christmas. She's very understanding; she knows money isn't abundant right now and because of plans we have for next year we had to keep a strict budget when it came to gifts. As I was pulling the turkey out of the freezer, I heard A say, "Hey, look at this!" From behind a table she pulled out a guitar. Now, A is very musical. She plays acoustic, electric and bass guitar, along with keyboard and anything else she can get her hands on, so when she got hold of the guitar it didn't surprise me. I figured it was one of the grandkids' toys, but she seemed very interested. She asked her cousin about it, and was told the guitar belonged to her grandfather but it was broken. "What's broken about it?" she asked, and was told the guitar didn't work because it was missing strings. My daughter immediately said she would take the guitar home and try to fix it. Now I was surprised; why was she so insistent on fixing this guitar?



Well, it turns out the guitar was something my father-in-law picked up at Goodwill for $50. It's an Ibanez acoustic/electric with a built-in tuner. All it needed was new strings and batteries for the tuner, plus a good cleaning. It's in immaculate condition and sounds beautiful. It's also worth 6 times what my father-in-law paid for it! My hubby told his dad he'd pay him for it since no one else in the house plays guitar, which made him very happy, and my daughter gets a $300 guitar for Christmas which made her very happy. God is so wonderful! It's Jesus' birthday, and we're the ones that get the gifts. We are so blessed.


This month Thankful Thursdays is hosted by Iris at Grace Alone. Have a blessed Christmas.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 22, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is blaring, and the weather is pleasant. It's 57 degrees out this morning, and today will be the warmest day of the week. Temps will start going down tomorrow, and a cold front is expected for the weekend. Yay!

I am thinking...of all the blessings my Father has showered us with.

I am thankful...for a God who loved His creation so much He was willing to die for us.

I am going...to add a baked ham to our Christmas menu, at the request of my niece, sisters-in-law, and hubby.

I am wearing...sleeping clothes. I'll change in a little while, but these sweats are too comfy.

I am noticing...how much my daughter's voice has improved. God has gifted her with an amazing singing voice that has grown even richer. What joy that she has chosen to use this gift for the glory of God!

I am currently...wrapping up this post.

I am reading...my Bible in the morning, and occasionally a book by Mike Huckabee called A Simple Christmas. I read it last year and totally loved it.

I am waiting...for some great things to happen.

On my mind...the new year.

From the learning rooms...it's vacation time, and my son has taken advantage of it. He spent Monday at his friend's house, yesterday at grandma's, and today he's going to grandma's again to play with his cousins. I'm glad he has this time to spend with them.

I am pondering these words..."But he was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5.

Around the house...I have some laundry to fold, then menu planning and prep. It'll be a wonderful Christmas feast!

One of my favorite things...Christmas, and what it truly means.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'll be baking tomorrow and cooking up a storm on Friday! We have our large family get-together on Christmas Eve, then have an intimate family time on Christmas day. As my son says 20 times I day, "Can't wait till Christmas!"

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Move It Mondays

It's the week of Christmas, and things go into high gear now! At this point I don't know where we're gonna have Christmas Eve dinner, but I do know I'm gonna be cooking it. We're going a little off the beaten path this year. I'll be making baked ziti and meatballs for Christmas Eve dinner, along with a turkey and stuffing. There's plenty to get ready, so my list for today looks like this:

*Laundry
*Grocery shopping
*Clean bathrooms

The countdown has started! Have a blessed week remembering the true meaning of the season: Christ is born!

Observing My Senses

For Today, December 20, 2010...

I am seeing...cloudy skies, though the sun is trying to peek in from behind.

I am feeling...joyful because my family is together once again.

I am hearing...a game show in the distance.

I am tasting...cinnamon raisin toast.

I am smelling...clean floors, thanks to Murphy's Oil Soap.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Five Question Friday

It's another Friday, but this one is special (as my son pointed out this morning): it's exactly one week till Christmas Eve! We're so looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior. For now, though, let's answer some fun questions for my Friday Five:


1. Do you regift...and if so, do you have a regifting horror story?
I do regift - perfumes usually, since I have alot of allergies and perfumes aggravate them. I've had others regift to me; I know because they've given me back stuff I've given them. That would be my horror story, I guess. I must not have chosen well if the item is returned a year or two later :P

2. Do you know what you are getting for Christmas this year?
Yep. My hubby isn't good at keeping secrets, and this year he just took me to the jewelry store and had me pick out what I wanted. That's okay; I know I'm gonna like what I'm getting!

3. Who brings the most gifts in your family, you or Santa?
"Santa" brings a stocking stuffer and the rest of the presents are from each other. The only one at home that believes in Santa is my youngest son, not because I've told him to but because he insists on believing. Personally I refuse to give an imaginary character all the credit for our hard work and money. Besides, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, not the jolly fat man. Santa is a fun story but that's what it needs to remain.

4. What store do you love to buy jeans from?
New York and Company. Their jeans are made for women, not teens.

5. Christmas meal: Big, All Out Meal or Snacks and Apps?
All-out meal. My family wouldn't settle for less.

Have a wonderful weekend prepping for the big day everyone!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 14, 2010...

Outside my window...it's C-O-L-D!!!! I can't believe it was 36 degrees this morning and is only 49 degrees now. We're in South Florida! It shouldn't be this cold!

I am thinking...where has the time gone?

I am thankful...that the Lord has given me another year to celebrate, and that He never thought I was too far gone that I wasn't worth His time.

I am going...out to "linner" with my family (too late for lunch, too early for dinner) for my birthday.

I am wearing...a white sweater over a light blue button down shirt, blue jeans and socks.

I am noticing...how easily the weather fluctuates here. It was in the upper 70's on Sunday, the low 50's yesterday and the 30's this morning.

I am currently...trying to keep the house warm.

I am reading...my morning devotions. That's pretty much it for now.

I am waiting...till I pick up my youngest son from school before I open my birthday presents.

On my mind...how blessed I am. The Lord has been very good to me.

From the learning rooms...my daughter is done for the semester and is back home (yay!) and this is E's last week of school. Vacations are welcome!

I am pondering these words..."Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” - Luke 2:10-14.

Around the house...nothing much to do today other than some laundry, which I already finished.

One of my favorite things...the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're hosting my nephew's graduation party. He graduates from college this week, and his party will be in our yard on Saturday. Hope it isn't too cold!

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday everyone! And what a great Monday it is (for me, anyway). My daughter is due home tonight, and I'm soooo looking forward to seeing her! It's also my brother-in-law's birthday, so Happy Birthday E.D.!!! It's the one day in the entire year when he's older than me LOL!

To get ready for my daughter's arrival tonight, I'll be

*Washing all the bed linens
*Dusting (especially in her room)
*Baking a cake for her best friend's family (they don't know it yet!)
*Getting some laundry done

Excitement is in the air, and I'm breathing it in with pleasure!

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. I pray everyone has a productive day and a blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, December 11, 2010...

I am seeing...the sun streaming through the blinds. After a fairly cold week with temps in the 40's in the morning and 60's in the afternoon, we'll be in the 70's today and tomorrow. Then the next cold front will hit us with temps in the 30's and 40's. It's hard to keep up with the weather here in South Florida!

I am feeling...excited for what's coming. No, I don't mean Christmas. My daughter comes home on Monday and will be home for a month! Joy!!

I am hearing...Spongebob Squarepants in the family room, and the wind rushing through the trees outside.

I am tasting...scrambled egg and bacon on half a toasted hoagie. That should keep me going for a while. Yum!

I am smelling...the sweet smells of outdoors coming in through the open windows. This is the best time of the year; the air conditioner is turned off, and cool breezes keep us comfy.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday to everyone! Do you know it's 15 days till Christmas? I know because my 10 year old reminds me of it often. Let's talk about Christmas today, shall we?

1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Both. We go to grandma's house on Christmas Eve and open presents that the family gives to each other. My husband has 5 brothers and sisters, and my in-laws have 9 grandchildren plus nephews and nieces. We try to give a little something to each child - an easy task if you shop months in advance looking for specials like I do.

Then Christmas Day we spend at home opening our presents to each other. I like that we can spend one day with the extended family and one day just us, an intimate family Christmas. It gives us 2 special days instead of just one.

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?
Oh my! Anything with chocolate falls under the category of "favorite". I've always loved Ferrer Roche with the hazelnuts, they are incredible! Typically we have plenty of cake around Christmas, because I love baking. As a matter of fact, we have a dark chocolate cake in the kitchen right now :D

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
Hmm, I don't remember. I usually get something I really like, but if it's something I can't use I re-gift so nothing goes to waste.

4. Christmas song that you love?
Oh Holy Night and Oh Come All Ye Faithful are two of my absolute favorites. I love when we do these songs at church. I also love The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole. He had such a rich and sentimental voice, perfect for Christmas carols.

5. How many trees do you put up?
Only one, a 7 foot artificial pre-lit tree we got at JCPenney 3 years ago. It's in our living room. If I had room for more trees I would probably want to add more, but there's be no place to put another one. I think Christmas trees are so beautiful, though not nearly as beautiful as the tree that held my Savior. The tree itself isn't as special as its meaning.

Why not have some Friday fun? Join in at My Little Life. Have a blessed weekend.

What's Up Wednesday

I figured today I'd give an update on stuff going on around the house. What better time than mid-week, right? Today's update is on Christmas.

I love Christmas. It's a special time of year and I want to enjoy every moment of it. I find that I can't do that if I'm in the stores trying to find a gift for someone or a last minute something or what's on sale...you know the drill. It takes the fun and joy out of Christmas for me.

How do I remedy this? I get my shopping done as early as possible. Most people can't believe I have about 90% of my shopping done by Thanksgiving. Anything I haven't managed to get by then I order online. It's so much easier and there's no crowd to contend with. Plus, I find things that might not be in the stores. The only hassle some people site is shipping charges, but I find most websites waive the shipping costs if you order over a certain amount. I love Amazon.com for their Free Super Saver shipping. Any order over $25 ships free for certain items, and I make sure those are the items I'm shopping for! The other option I like is Walmart's Site-to-Store. I place an order on walmart.com and have it ship free to my local store. When I'm in there doing my regular shopping, I stop off at the Site-to-Store counter and pick up my order. No line, no waiting.

So here we are, December 8, and my shopping is done. I have some items that should be arriving this week ready to be wrapped, but the hard work is done. Now, on to baking!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 7, 2010...

Outside my window...it's black as pitch. I should have called this my Simple Woman's Nightbook.

I am thinking...about my daughter, who still has a couple of finals to go.

I am thankful...the Lord gave us His Word to teach us, discipline us, and guide us closer to Him.

I am going...to dress warmly tonight - it's supposed to get down to 39 degrees in South Florida!

I am wearing...a grey hoodie, lavender sweater over a pink striped button down shirt, jeans, and (get this) brown flip flops. My feet aren't cold, the rest of me is! LOL!

I am noticing...how bundled up we Floridians get when the temps go below 60 degrees!

I am currently...working on some important stuff with my hubby. Details later.

I am reading...nothing more than my Bible. December is a really busy month, no time to sit and read :(

I am waiting...another week and then I won't be 46 years old anymore. I don't like that. I've enjoyed being 46.

On my mind...new things for the new year.

From the learning rooms...E is memorizing Bible verses so well, I am amazed! Thank You Lord for the work You're doing in my son's life! He is excited about scripture memorization!

I am pondering these words..."Christmas isn't about a day on the calendar. Christmas is about hope and the journey to get it." - Dr. Bob Barnes.

Around the house...I still have another load of laundry to do, but yesterday I got really caught up. Yay me!

One of my favorite things...the warm penguin socks my sister gave me for Christmas. They are gonna be on my feet tonight!

A few plans for the rest of the week...just the usual stuff.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday! I've started moving it already today, bright and early. I guess the chill in the air energized me, or maybe it was the fact that I finally got my new Social Security card so I could get my license renewed. I got up this morning, started dinner in the crock pot, dropped E off at school and yes, I got my license with just over a week to spare! Praise the Lord! I'm so glad that's done. Now on to bigger and better things!

Yesterday we hosted a birthday party for our cousin's son's first birthday. We have a large yard so it was held outdoors, and the weather was perfect for it. I'm glad we didn't have today's weather; it's 50 degrees but with the wind chill it feels like 46! Not good for little ones to be outside in that chill. It was lots of fun, but today I need to get the house back in order, so I'll be cleaning all the floors (again) and getting laundry caught up (again). How I love my busy life!

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. Have a blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, December 4, 2010...

I am seeing...another clear blue South Florida sky.

I am feeling...the cooler weather coming in through the windows. I've been looking forward to this!

I am hearing...the pressure cleaner as father and son finish cleaning the roof.

I am tasting...nothing yet. Breakfast in a moment :-).

I am smelling...cinnamon rolls just come out of the oven. Yum!

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday ya'll! Here's a look into the (holiday) mind of a wife and momma after a long and busy week.

1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!
I just want to have my family at home. I want to be a blessing to them and be blessed by them. I love my family.

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?
My daughter and my son. Both were born December 27, a couple days later but close enough to be called Christmas gifts from my Father.

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?
An interior designer. I love decorating my home and giving others ideas for theirs. I've been asked to help decorate other people's homes and I've always been thanked for my ideas.

4. When do you put up your tree?
The day after Thanksgiving. It gets decorated that weekend. Since it's a fake tree we don't have to worry about it drying out or anything, so we can enjoy it all month long.

5. What is your favorite Holiday?
It's a toss up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love Christmas more, but Thanksgiving is a very close second. To me, the two flow together smoothly, because both holidays represent thankfulness.

Come on, join in the fun! Just visit Mama M at My Little Life. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

Thankful Thursdays

Here is a picture of our Christmas tree in our home:

And here is an even more beautiful picture of what a tree bore for us:

"Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

I am thankful for Jesus, who left His precious home and came to us, to be born as a child, to live among us and experience our lives like us, and to die that we may live. No present under the tree is more valuable than that.

What are you thankful for? Join in thankfulness this month with Iris at Grace Alone. Have a blessed day.