A New Year Dawning

I always looks forward to the New Year.  It's like a fresh beginning and a clean slate.  I just like the feeling that it gives me. Although there is a sort of "gloominess" from the day after Christmas to about the first of February. I'm not sure what it is but I've heard a lot of other folks say the same thing.  But, as I said, I do look forward to a new year in spite of the "gloomies." ~smile~

  I ran across this New Year's Prayer and wanted to share it with you on this last day of 2010.

May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, 

But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;

Not by making your path easy,

But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships from you,

But by taking fear from your heart;

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,

But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

Not by making your life always pleasant,

But, by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

And, I'm sending each of you a big ole Southern hug as a thank you for your friendship and inspiration in my life. 

Christmas Recap

It is hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone and another year is about to dawn.  

We had our Christmas with the kids last Wednesday evening since daughter and her family were headed to Oklahoma the following morning to be with SIL's family on Christmas.  It was a fun time and the babies at one and two years old were definitely the "  stars of the show."    Our first order of business before exchanging gifts was to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  The best part of that to the babies was blowing out the candle. ~smile~

We gave the babies Pottery Barn chairs and Clancy found his to be most relaxing. ~laugh~

Daughter and I in our Christmas hats.

Clancy carefully opening one of his gifts

Silly CiCi modeling her new Ugg boots

They looked much better with the proper attire but I thought I looked a little like one of Santa's elves. ~ chuckle~

 

Hubby modeling his new vest - looks like a real woodsman to me!

On Christmas Eve we had my Dad and step Mom over for dinner and then celebrated with them.

Me with my Dad - he's the only parent we have left

My Dad modeling his new vest. It's hard to believe he's really 81 years young. ~smile~

It was a wonderful Christmas and a lot of great memories were made.  Would love to have shared pictures of our adorable Granddaughter with you but as I stated in a previous post, we're not posting pictures of her on the internet at this time.  She's just so blooming cute, take my word for it! ~smile~

Blessings to each of you as you recover from Christmas and prepare for the new year!

Merry Christmas One and All

Wishing for you and yours

a most blessed

Christmas

and a lot of

memory making moments!

Love to you all!   

Lea

Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's Wednesday and that means more Hodgepodge which means fun blogging and reading.  For more just click the button above and enjoy!

1. Share your Christmas Eve traditions. They have changed a bit over the years, but at this time it is when we share Christmas with our children and their families. It includes a nice meal, sharing of the Christmas story and then opening gifts.  This year we will add a birthday party for Jesus because of the babies.  Our two year old Grandson will be so excited and have a little bit of understanding of what it's about.  Our one year old will just enjoy the celebration and the eating of the cake. ~smile~ We did this with our children until they were grown and I am so excited about starting the tradition again.  I actually order a "  real"   birthday cake from the bakery and we will read the Christmas story from a children's picture book, light the candle and talk about how Jesus came to be the Light of the World, and close with prayer. I'm in hopes it will be a very special time, not only for the little ones, but for the big ones as well.

2. What was the best book you read in 2010? (we're not going to include The Bible here)

 If you have not read this book, I would highly recommend it.  It was recommended to me or I probably would not have read it.  I had no idea of the depth of the book by the title, but it really helps to understand people and where they might be coming from.  And, in case you are wondering, there is no such thing as "  normal."    So, if you thought you were normal, well, I hate to tell you, you're not. Now, you can relax! ~chuckle~

  3. Do you have pets and if so do you allow them on the furniture?

 Oh, my gracious NO! NO! NO!  Above you will see our yellow lab, Rhett, and our chocolate lab, Rosco. Until about a year ago they were allowed in the house after dinner to enjoy some TV time with Hubby and me.  They had nice beds placed in a designated spot and they walked straight to their beds and never got out.  No joke, they knew that they had better not.  I do love them, but I just could not stand them walking or laying around all over our house.  And, I must admit that when we were allowing them to come in for that period of time each day, I enjoyed it.  But, when the Grans became mobile, it just was not feasible to leave their beds out.  The Grans thought the beds were to play in and that just couldn't happen.  So, they are no longer allowed in the house, but they do have a lovely kennel with nice igloo houses and nice warm beds.  We do have a Gran Toy Poodle named Bella and she has run of the house at our son and his wife's and she is the cutest little gal.  But, as for me and inside dogs/cats, don't think that's for me.  But, I'm not going to say never because I might have to eat those words. ~giggle~

 4. What event from 2010 are you most thankful for? Well, there's a lot, but one would be the time that Hubby, myself, my Dad and Step Mom, and my younger brother and his family got to spend together in Branson, Missouri.  It was just a very special time for us and I'm so thankful that we were able to "  make"   it happen.

5. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before. I can't really think of anything other than riding a Segway and that happened in Branson, Missouri also.  Everyone is the vicinity knew that I was a "  rookie"   for sure.  I hollered all the way around the track the first round and then once I sort of got the hang of it, I quieted down. By the way, can I just tell you that I loved the helmet. NOT! ~smile~
 

6. Brussel sprouts...friend or foe?  Well, I may be weird, but I like brussel sprouts.  I do not get to eat them very often, but occasionally I will buy them in the frozen food section and put a cheese sauce over them.  Delicious!

7. Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year? 

Drew Brees -  Even though he was voted  Male Athlete of the Year he looks at himself as just a regular guy that takes a positive stand for faith and family values.  With his popularity he has chosen to use his influence in such a positive way and I cannot help but applaud him for that.  And, of course, it sure doesn't hurt that he's a good ole' Louisiana boy! 
 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 We will be celebrating Christmas with our two children and their families this evening.  Hubby and I look forward to sharing this special time each year and making  family Christmas memories.
Wishing for each of you wonderful Christmas memories!

Miscellany Monday

This is such a special post for me each week. I cannot even remember how I came across this meme, but I'm so glad that I did, it's a bright spot to the beginning of my week. Thanks Carissa!

{one}

Our church choir presented it's Christmas musical for yesterday's morning worship service.  One song in the musical, A Broken Hallelujah, was my favorite of the entire presentation.  If you have not heard it, I invite you to check it out here and listen as Mandisa sings it.  We all have those times in our lives when shattered praise is all we have to offer HIM and this song tells how that shattered praise is our Broken Hallelujah. Oh, just blessed my heart! 

{two} 

Saturday was a bit of a somber day for me. I was in a most reflective state as I thought of Christmases through the years and how much things have changed.  Tommy and I only have one parent left, the children have grown and now have families of their own, there's no more "going home" for us, our house is now "home."  Do you get my drift?  Outside of losing three of our parents, the rest is not necessarily sad, it's just different. But, as I thought about it, tears wanted to flow and you know what, I just let them flow.  Sometimes we just need a good cry, I find that tears are one of the best "drugs" on the market. ~smile~  

{three}

Saturday evening Hubby and I were nestled in our warm recliners, busy on our laptops and watching TV when the doorbell rang.  We were not expecting company and I headed straight to the back of the house as I was not really appropriately dressed.  Tommy goes to the door and it was our dear friends (and they are our neighbors as well) with their three sons and their families caroling.  I managed to get appropriately dressed and grabbed my camera so that I could share the lovely group with you. 

 

Aren't they a great looking group!

Even the newest member of the family came along, she's 6 weeks old

A most happy "Pops"

Daddy and daughter enjoying the moment

Let me just say, it was a bright spot in that somber day I was experiencing.  What a lovely family!

{four}

Okay gals, if you do not know about Wild Olive Tees, you need to.  As I was blog hopping  this week-end I saw something about them on Pioneer Women's blog and just had to check them out.  They do the coolest t-shirts, with scripture on them, that I've ever seen.  Three young christian Moms came up with the idea and the rest is history.  It's probably too late to get one for a Christmas present, but hey, Valentine's Day isn't that far away.

As the last few days before Christmas  unfold, may your hearts be filled with the love and peace of the Christ child.

Fudge, a Cuckoo Clock and Flip Flops

Good Morning Company Girls! Well, if I'm looking at the calendar correctly, one week from today will be Christmas Eve. Seems like it really got here quickly this year, but I think I say that every year.  Time flies when you are having fun. ~smile~


I did get all the gifts wrapped/bagged and ready this week.  We will be celebrating our family Christmas on the evening of the 22nd this year.  Our daughter, SIL and little Clancy will be spending Christmas with their Oklahoma family this year.  I've never been one to be tied to a particular day, it's just whenever we can all be together.  Once kids marry, you pretty much have to be flexible in that area.


I've been working on wrapping and delivering my fudge this week too.  The wrapping is as much fun to me as the making of it.  You know, it's all about the presentation!! 

It starts out as a rectangular  2 lb. block and is then wrapped in plastic

It is then placed in a cute box lined with cute tissue paper

The box is closed

One of my cute labels is applied

Ribbon is tied around it and it's ready for delivery

Now, wouldn't you be excited to get something wrapped that cute? ~just teasing~ 

I was thinking back this week on Christmas gifts that Hubby has given me and anytime I do that, one particular gift always comes to mind.  About 15 years ago he surprised me with  this Cuckoo Clock. It was probably the biggest surprise

I've ever had as a Christmas present.  Over the years he had heard me talk about how much I loved going to my Grandmother's as a child and listening to and watching her Cuckoo Clock.  He said it just occurred to him that I would probably love to have my own.  And, he was right!  I was so excited when I opened that box and saw the clock.  It has hung very happily in our house ever since that time and the "grans" love it.  Every time he cuckoos they turn to look. It is my most favorite tangible Christmas gift.


Our weather has just been so crazy! The first part of this week it was "bone chilling cold."  The wind blew and that just made it all the more cold.  Then we get up to 65 degree weather yesterday morning.  I decided it was a good day to pull out my new red flip flops. I had gotten them at the end

of the summer sale for half price and just assumed that it would be next spring before I would wear them.  But, how cool that I got to sport them during the Christmas season. I knew I had gotten a pedicure last week for a good reason. Even my toes were sparkling! ~chuckle~


Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about the greatest little quick "goodie" that you make in the crock pot.  Yep! that's right! It's Chocolate Peanut Clusters and I promise you they are to die for!  No joke! A friend of ours shared some with us earlier  this week and I had to have the recipe. When she

told me they were made in a cock pot, I couldn't believe it.  If you are interested, click on the link and make a batch.  They would make a great teacher, neighbor, or friend gift too.


I hope that none of you are getting your "tinsel in a tangle" this Christmas season.  May your days be merry and bright as we prepare for the greatest birthday celebration known to mankind.  


Thanks Rachel for always being the "hostess with the mostess."

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? Spreading the love of Christ through giving and not necessarily something tangible. It could merely be a smile to an unknown person, a helping hand to a person in need or a word of encouragement to  someone hurting.

2. What sits atop your tree (s)? Why? I don't really have anything that just sits atop my tree, but rather I have "stuff" coming out of the top of my tree.  Some of it is ting and some of it is just other "sparkling stuff on sticks." ~grin~ I guess that doesn't sound all that attractive, but as you can see from the photo below, it really does make a nice presentation.

 3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back? This will likely be the weirdest answer given today, but..... I always fix up some kind of  Christmas "happy" each year for the gals at my husband's office. This year I didn't know what I was going to do and while I was meandering through Wal-Mart I came upon these plastic laundry type bags. (I really think they are a beach tote)  I thought they would be so cute filled with the items I had for them and tied with ribbon.  They were a great bright lime green and they were on the clearance aisle for $1.00. The girls had a fit over them and I patted myself on the back! ~smile~

 4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?

This is a tough one but I have to say TASTE. There's so many gatherings this time of year and it seems they all center around food.  A lot of the food served at this time of year is hardly served at any other time, so we seem to enjoy it even more. Yes, a lot of "yummies for our tummies." 

5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?

 About 20 years ago I began collecting ceramic and glass roosters.  I stopped collecting them a few years back, but it is amazing how many different kinds I have in my collection. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and are so full of personality and they make me smile.  I have them around the tops of my cabinets, the top of the refrigerator and any other nook or cranny I can find to put one. 

The "Queen" Rooster atop my refrigerator

6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it? Christmas Eve is when we have Christmas with our family and sometimes we have a formal meal and sometimes it is just a pot of stew, soup or chili. It just all depends, on what, I'm not sure. ~smile~ I cook a big breakfast on Christmas morning and whoever is available and wants to come is welcome. Usually I have a egg casserole, cheese grits, curried fruit and monkey bread.  It's a great start to a day of celebrating.

7. What is the best thing about winter? Winter has always been a cozy time to me. I enjoy being in my recliner and wrapped up in a afghan, and sleeping under 2-3 blankets or quilts at night. Cold and cozy just seem to go together.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 
 There is some kind of "crud bug" going around and our family has been bitten very hard by it.  Both Grans have had it, my sweet Dad has been battling it for several weeks, I came down with it this past weekend as did our son in law.  It consists of sore throat, congestion, cold/flu like symptoms and some are sicker than others.  I'm saying "crud bug" be GONE!!!! We want everyone to be well by Christmas.

We so appreciate Joyce From This Side of the Pond 

hosting us each Wednesday with Hodgepodge. If you want more Hodgepodge, just follow the link and enjoy the read. 

Blessings for the remainder of the week!

 

Miscellany Monday

{one}

Listen up gals, I want to share something very special with you this morning. Some of you have asked and others of you have probably wondered why I talk about, but never post pictures of our precious Granddaughter. She was adopted by our son and his wife a little over a year ago and they are just not comfortable posting pictures of her on the Internet at this time.  I do not know how many of you have ever been involved in an adoption but it is HUGE! This was a private adoption handled through an adoption attorney and we saw the hand of God on the entire process from the very beginning.  She was placed in the arms of our son and his wife within minutes of her birth and words cannot describe that moment. I really thought my heart might just burst wide open with emotion.  We could not love her any more and you will just have to take my word for it, she is a little doll with the most adorable personality.  And, almost everyday someone talks about how much she looks like her Daddy.  God is just like that isn't He? I look forward to one day posting pictures of her but until then, just know that it will be worth the wait. 

{two}

 

I'm probably one of the few folks that has never owned an Ipod, that is, until this past Friday.  I got one of the new Ipod Nanos. Oh, my goodness, it is the tiniest little gadget and I am just totally amazed at what it can do.  I got it for the purpose of downloading sermons and Bible teachings and listening to them while I walk on my treadmill.  I was shocked when I went to the ITunes store and saw all the Podcasts that are available in sermons and Bible Studies and almost all of them are FREE. How cool is that!  Yes, I'm just "plum excited" over my Ipod!

{three}

Me with Amy and An

 I had the privilege of hosting a baby shower for my Vietnamese adopted daughter yesterday afternoon.  No, she's really not my adopted daughter, but I've always referred to her that way.  She and her husband, Le, own the nail salon that I have been going to for 10 years and she and her family are very special to me. Amy and Le have a 13 year old daughter and an 11 year old son and will add another son to their nest the first of February. I do not know anyone that works any harder than this couple, nor do I know anyone more proud to be an American than them. They are special folks indeed!

An helping her Mom open a gift

{four}

I have made some many wonderful friends through blogging and I would just love to meet them.  I'm thinking a  "Bloggers Convention" would be awesome.  Now, how on earth that could be organized is beyond me, but it sure is fun to think about. I never knew that blogging would introduce to me to such great ladies, but what a fun adventure it has been!

{five}

If "the Lord is willing and the creek doesn't rise" (something my Grandma use to say) I will get our Christmas gifts wrapped or bagged this coming week.  My goodness, I've had them long enough that this task should have already been accomplished, but.......... I don't like to even start on it until I know that I can stay with it until it's done.  I've had the 3-5 hours it will take, just not all at one time. But, I'm thinking that it may be possible today. Yea!!! Stay tuned........

One gal I would like to meet at that Bloggers Convention I'm dreaming about is sweet Carissa, our host for Miscellany Monday. If you want to read more MM, click on the button above and enjoy yourself.

Wishing for each of you a stress free week as we anticipate the celebration of our Saviors birth.