Friday Fragments

It's Friday and time to share bits and pieces of my week through fragments with Mrs. 4444. It's been another cold and dreary week for the most part but it's been a good week in spite of the weather. 

 Our little girl has a name........yes, her Dad and Mom decided definitely last weekend and announced it.  So, here ya go!

So, now we can call her by name instead of baby girl, baby sister or little Sweetheart. And, in case you didn't know, we love double names here in the South.  So, now we'll have a Hanna Beth and an Andi Kate. ~how cute~   She is due one month from yesterday.

 ~that's really close~ 

Showers of gifts.......Windy's Lifegroup (what we use to call Sunday School) girls gave her and another expectant Mom in their group a lovely "showering" this past Tuesday evening.  

These gals get a lot of practice in this area and they know what they are doing.  It was decorated so sweetly and the food was delicious and the fellowship was over the top!  I am so thankful that she and our son have such a wonderful Christian group to call their friends.

Windy got a nice array of gifts, sweet little gowns for those first weeks, some precious little girly girl stuff and lots and lots of diapers and wipes. ~can't do without them!

Lots of house progress......yes, this week, each day brought significant changes to the new house.  

The carpenters added the mahogany  insert in the kitchen ceiling and the pictures just do not do it justice, but it is beautiful and really will be with the pretty light fixture that goes there.  Then the cabinet designer added the buffet under the window with the mahogany top and I couldn't be more pleased with that either.  And, the carpenters finished out the trim on the front windows with the half moons and I am so pleased with them as well.  Guess you could say I'm pretty much "pleased as a peach" with all that took place this week. I can't imagine how much better it will all look once the painting begins. ~such fun~ 

That's the fragments from my week, so here's wishing each of you a wonderful weekend!  Can you believe it's already the 3rd weekend into the new year? 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce was "recovering" from her daughter's wedding last week and I missed the week before that, so I'm thrilled to be back with the HP today.  Nothing like Joyce's questions on Wed.

1. What's your best piece of advice for a newly married couple? I'm asking for a friend.
Pray, pray and pray some more for each other.  When we pray for our spouses it not only benefits them but us as well as HE works in both of our lives.  And, don't sweat the small aggravations, just accept them!  You'll be all the better for it!

2. Before we're too far into the new year I wanted to post a question Teresa submitted during the December giveaway. Teresa blogs over at Being Refined As Silver, so everyone go say hi.
Teresa asks, "What were you doing on December 31st, 1999?"and "Did you or your family make preparations for Y2K?"

Oh, my goodness, talk about memories!  We celebrated with dear friends by going out to dinner and then came back to our house to wait it out together.  Just before 2000 rolled in all of our children joined us and it was a most memorable time for sure.  
Yes, Hubby and I did make some preparations for Y2K.  We had gallons of water, canned tuna, pork and beans, etc and Hubby got a bit of cash and stashed it away.  Thankfully, none of it was needed, but at least we were somewhat prepared.

3. According to Global Language Monitor, the most used word of 2014 isn't a word. It's the heart emoji. Huh? How can something that's not a word be the most used word, but I digress. What do you think was your most used word in 2014?

No doubt about it one of my overused words in "just."  I can't seem to help myself, I want to add it to most every sentence.  But, since blogging I have become (thanks to my daughter) very aware and am working hard to break that habit. I don't use it near as much in talking as I do in writing.  As I said, I "just" can't help myself!

4. Speaking of words, it's that time again. Time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2015. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-
bae (before anyone else), polar vortex, hack, skill set, swag, foodie, curate/curated, friend-raising, enhanced interrogation, cra-cra (as in crazy), takeaway, and -nation (a suffering sports suffix).
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?
The word that jumped out at me is cra-cra.  For goodness sakes, it is the absolute silliest word and the first time I heard someone use it, I immediately thought they were crazy for sure.  I have heard both adults and teenagers use it.

5.  January is National Hot Tea month? Are you a fan? Do you like flavored teas? How do you take your tea? Have a favorite cup or teapot? How many cups of tea do you consume in a given day? 

No, I am not a hot tea fan at all.  If I did, I think I would prefer the flavored teas.  I'm not a big tea fan period but if I'm going to drink it I like it cold, with just a bit of sweetner and Sonic's tea is the best in my book!

6. Whatever happened to respect for mankind?  It is daily that we hear of people killing others with no regard it seems for life.  It appears that if you don't like someone, someone aggravates you, or the system doesn't operate the way you think it should, you get mad at your employer, or your spouse, then you just shoot them. Very troubling and sad.

7. What is one book on your must-read list this winter? 

Sycamore Row by John Grisham.  I'm a big fan of Grisham and this book is likened to his very first book, A Time to Kill, which I enjoyed immensely.  So, I look forward to reading this in the coming weeks.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 I have just finished watching The Gabby Douglas Story on Netflix.  It was a Lifetime movie last Feb. but I did not see it at that time.  If you have not seen it and are looking for an inspiring movie, it's for you.  I had a special interest in it as her trainer, Chow, lives in Des Moines, Iowa and his studio is very near where my brother lives.  It's truly a story of grit and determination!

HELLO Monday............

Another Monday has somehow rolled around and no matter how hard we may try the days just seem to roll by so quickly.  It's a rather cold and rainy Monday here and most of us  are pretty tired of cold and wet weather, but perhaps we will be able to say HELLO to some sunshine tomorrow. I sure hope so!  Now for some Monday HELLO's...........

HELLO new house progress.......the installation of the cabinets continue and will continue for probably another two weeks.  It's such fun to watch them all go in and to ponder what we will be putting in them. 

And, the inside doors are being installed/hung whichever you might want to call it.  Anyway, I'm really pleased with the way they look and of course, when the painting begins (probably around the 1st of Feb.) things will really begin to take shape.  But, every week it becomes more and more a reality.

HELLO more packing........ yes, the packing continues.  I'm sure it has seemed as though all I do is pack but that is certainly not the case.  I grab an hour here and an hour there and some days may actually pack for 2-3 hours, but it is a slow process as I go through each and every item and decide which pile it goes in, keep, give, or sell.  But, I feel a real sense of accomplishment with each box that I pack.  And, as you can see, I am not using big boxes for the most part, unless it's something very light weight.  I cannot handle heavy boxes and every box that is packed I carry up our stairs where they are being stored until the move.  So, I'm getting a lot of good exercise in the process. ~grin~

HELLO My Fitness Pal........okay folks, this is the neatest app and whether you are dieting or just wanting to keep track of the food and calories you are consuming, this app is for you.  My SIL has been using it for 2-3 months and our daughter has talked about what a great tool it is, so I decided that I would start using it to track my food, water and calorie intake every day.  Oh, I forgot to tell you, it's FREE! After getting it set up I think you would love it.  It has over 2 million foods and their calories and every major chain fast food and restaurant this side of heaven.  I can tell you that it will make you think twice before you indulge in some of the items on restaurant menus when you see just how many calories are in it.  And, you can scan any item that you might eat at home if you have the scan code and it will immediately add it to your food diary for the day.  Just a really neat app and it's sort of like playing a game. I'm always excited to share with you something I find that I think you might enjoy too. ~don't you appreciate that?~ chuckle~

HELLO rainy day fun......Our daughter and family have been enduring the same rainy and cold weather that we've been having.  And, Clancy has had about all of it he can take.~I understand completely~  Bridget said that yesterday afternoon he went to his room, pulled out all his weapon wear, put it on and came hollaring into the family room.  He wants to be outside playing with his new basketball and goal but he's doing a pretty good job entertaining himself inside in the meantime. 

Have a great new week!

A Little Friday Letter Writing

It's Friday and time for a little letter writing......

Dear Ocean Spray - your chocolate covered craisens are way too good and somehow I have convinced myself that they are a most healthy snack and hey, they really are!~well, at least healthier than a handful of peanut M&M's~

Dear Cetaphil Intense Moisturizing Cream - you the best hand cream I have used to keep these poor hands of mine from completely drying out in this frigid weather. 

Dear Stuff - I'm trying hard to remember, as I pack, that if I have not used you or worn you in the past year that I probably should get rid of you.  I really do not want to be a slave to you but guess we all gotta have some unnecessary stuff.  ~big smile~

Dear Bladder - you are holding up well to all the excessive water I have been drinking since the first day of the year.  That's all I'll say about that. ~aren't you glad?~

Dear Baby Girl due in mid-February - You may not have your birth name yet, but I have come up with my "pet" name  for you.  I have always called your big sister  my Princess and you are going to be my little Sweetheart.  Yes, I think sweetheart is the "pet" name I will use for you unless another name fits you better once you enter the world. ~we shall see~

Dear Quacker - your warm and crunchy granola is soooo good for breakfast.  I really am trying to eat more healthy. ~sigh~

Dear Hubby - you have done such an awesome job overseeing the construction of our new house.  I know that it has been a tiring job at times, but I'm pretty sure your close supervision has saved us a whole lot of headaches. You are the BEST!!!!

Dear American Idol - thanks for making your first two shows of this season more bearable.  It's looks like you have finally figured out that we DO NOT enjoy stupidity.  If you are going to stay in the ballgame you have to step up to the plate because your competition is tough now.
Dear Sparkle and Dine - you are a most cleaver website and hats off to you for coming up with such a novel idea.  I mean, to buy everything one needs to do an elegant table setting in one box is amazing!  I cannot wait to order my first box!
Dear Jane.com - speaking of websites.......you are just way too tempting for me.  Your deals are awesome and unlike most sites such as you, you ship extremely quick.  And, you have everything from children and adult clothing to home decor to gifts.  It's one stop shopping!

Happy 2nd weekend of 2015!!!

Lea's Daybook - Wednesday, January 7, 2014

Well, Joyce is recovering from her daughter's wedding this past weekend so there is no Hodgepodge today.  And, I haven't done a Daybook in some time so thought it would be the perfect day for that.  Hope you enjoy!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is showing it's face and it's a 100% chance of beautiful sunshine all day long.  Buttttttt.....the high today is only 37 degrees for us here in the Bayou State, that is cold! Thankfully, no rain is in the forecast.  To be cold and rainy is just nothing but pure misery for me.

I am thinking...that our wagon is loaded with two big events the first half of this year.  The first one being the birth of our son and DIL's 2nd baby around Valentine's and then our BIG move sometime in April or May. 

I am thankful...for the trials and tribulations of my life that have made me into the person I am today.  It's really hard impossible to thank HIM for the struggles we are facing when we are in the middle of them.  But, I don't think I've ever not thanked HIM afterwards and HIS faithfulness to see me through, no matter what it might have been. And, HIS faithfulness will continue to the end! PTL!

In the kitchen...we've been eating out of the freezer a lot lately.  That's why I love making extra when I cook, freezing what's left and it's like a day "free from the kitchen."  Last weekend I did make some of the best beef stew and we thorougly enjoyed it. I always make mine by cutting up thick round steaks into cubes.  Stew meat has way to much fat in it for this gal and I almost gag if I get a piece of fat in my mouth. ~pure grossness~ Like you really cared to know that. ~sorry~

I am wearing...I am still debating but I can assure you that whatever I wear it will likely have Cuddle Duds on under it.

I am going...no where except to run errands and that's about the sum of my "goings" these days.  A lot of them are related to the new house construction and the others are just the usual grocery and Wal-Mart runs.

I am wondering...how long it is going to take me to adjust to our new house.  It is sooooo different from our present house and the way things will be set up are going to be so different.  It is a very, very open floor plan, few walls and lots of windows.  My kitchen will be completely different and I do think that is going to take quite an adjustment.  I will have an abundance of cabinets but they will not all be right at my fingertips like they are in this house. I will adjust and it will likely be a fun process. ~I hope~

I am reading... "Spirit Rising" by Jim Cymbala.  I have read almost all of his books and they never disappoint but rather give me so much spiritual food for thought that is amazing.  In case you do not know who he is, he has been the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle for 30+ years.  He is probably one of my very top favorite Christian authors.

I am hoping...our replacement for our front door will come in sooner than the middle to end of Feb.  As you know, the first door came in the wrong dimensions.  Our contractor went ahead and put it in so that the house could be closed up but the sheet rock and trim work around that area cannot be done until the exact door is installed.  It's been the only "issue" we have had but it's one that happens to take a while to correct since the door comes from overseas.  Ever heard of a "slow boat from China."  Well, I think that's the way they ship these doors.

I am looking forward to...seeing if our new baby has "auburnish, reddish" hair.  I mean her Daddy is a dark auburn and her Mom is a beautiful red, so surely she will have some shade of red hair.  But, guess I'd better hope she has any hair at all when she comes into the world.~ giggle~  And, truth be known, she will be just precious with or without a strand of hair and her Mom will put those cute little headbands on her to make sure everyone knows she's a girl. ~if it is necessary~

I am learning....that if you use Avery.com that you rarely need any other graphic program.  I happened upon it a couple of years ago and use it more and more all the time.  If you like cute labels, then it's for you!

Around the house...the packing continues and there are signs of it all around now.  At first you could not even tell I had started packing but now a lot of decorative items are packed and things are beginning to look a bit bland around here.  But, I am sooooo grateful for the time I've had to pack and the time I still have.  It has allowed me to be very methodical and to go through and get rid of as I pack.  And, Hubby walked through this past weekend while I was packing and said, "have you missed anything that you have already packed."  I said, "no."  I began to think about that and I have been packing stuff since mid Oct. and if I haven't missed it since that time then perhaps I don't really need it.  Ugh! that's a toughie for sure.  Guess the truth of the matter is, no, I don't need it, but guess I want it and am not quite ready to get rid of it. ~as I said, a toughie~

I am pondering...thoughts of the new year and while I have not made resolutions in a few years, I do ponder and reflect upon the past year and the areas of my life that need a "tune up."  That can be spiritual, physical or emotional or all 3. I absolutely love a fresh start!

A favorite quote for today...

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better person.  Ben Franklin

One of my favorite things...is to watch how these two cousins love each other.  It has been so wonderful for them to grow up together and while they live apart, they make up for it when they are together and it is nothing but sweet! They are one year and 5 days apart in age.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I will be hosting the Bunco group that I am a member of tomorrow evening.  We have not met since November so we'll have an extra good time this month.  It's the greatest group of gals and we always enjoy a delicious meal and then play Bunco.  It's nothing but fun!

A peek into my day...nothing exciting planned for sure, unless you call packing boxes exciting.  And, I guess it is in a way because it means that we will soon be moving into a new house.  It's going to be too cold to enjoy being out today so I think I'll probably just be inside where it is warm and try to be productive and I sort of feel like I may be trying to catch the "congestion crud" that everyone else has and has had around here.

I'm thinking this is what I'm going to be saying by nightfall today as it drops to a cool 17 degrees.  Again, not what North Louisianans are use to.

HELLO Monday...........

It's the first Monday of the new year and I love both of them, a new year and Monday's.  They both represent a new beginning to me, a fresh start.  I'm hoping your first few days of the new year have gone well and you are off to a great 2015!

Now for some HELLO's...........

Hello drinking more water.........I have never been much of a water drinker but I hope to change that this year.  In fact, I don't drink a lot of anything.  I usually have a couple cups of coffee in the morning and maybe one in the afternoon on a cold day, a Diet Dr. Pepper for lunch and tea for dinner.  But, I am not someone who goes around with a drink in their hand at all times. ~that would be my Hubby~  I decided I would try to drink 5-6 bottles of the little 8 ounce bottles every day.  The 16 ounce bottles are just too much and I feel defeated when I pick one of them up.  I know, crazy but hey, the little bottles are working for me and so far I have managed to drink 5-6 of them the past 4 days.  That totals about 48 ounces per day and I'm thinking "they" say that we should drink about 80 ounces per day.  Well, guess what, when you drink more you also spend more time on the potty and I can't imagine drinking 80 ounces of water, but perhaps I'll grow to love water! ~time will tell~

Hello pretty baby bump.........we are only 5 weeks and 5 days away from the due date of our baby girl.  Windy is still doing very well, gets weary and a bit tired but trudging along.  Baby girl still doesn't have a name but we trust by Feb. 15th she will. Names are certainly being discussed just have not settled on the right one. 

Hello growing up.......please tell me when did these two precious ones get so big?  

Hello new house progress........in spite of holidays and rainy weather, things are moving at break neck speed on the new house. 

Carpenters have been busy working on moulding around floors, ceiling and windows.  The cabinets are going in but weather really halted that this past week.  They cannot bring them in with it raining but we are suppose to have many days of sunshine this week so hopefully more will be installed this week.

 This is a finished window in the Master Bath and the only thing lacking on the back windows is the trim in-between each window.

Since our brick layer could not work outside he is working on the steps coming into the back door off the garage.  I love them!  We hated to even have steps coming in the back door but since we chose to have a block foundation, there was no way around it.  They have a very low rise so hopefully we won't encounter any issues that we can't handle in the years to come. 

~it's called aging~ 

Things are a big mess inside and out but our contractor is hoping that the brick layer can finish this week and then we can begin getting the yard in shape and pour the driveway.  We are ready to have things as neat and tidy as possible around there.  

Next on the agenda is installation of inside doors and the outside columns on the porch and the one in the dining room.  It's all hands on deck and things are really coming together and it's very exciting.

Wishing you a wonderful first week of 2015!

Wrapping Up Christmas

I'm pretty sure that most folks have finished up their posts about Christmas and have moved on.  But, our Christmas lasted a long time and while we made some precious, once in a lifetime memories, I am glad to have it behind me and moving on into 2015.

Now, to wrap up my final Christmas post.

Last Saturday evening my brother from Iowa arrived with his son, daughter and SIL.  The guys spent time in the woods riding the Bad Boy Buggy and the gals "went to town."  Me, well, I stayed behind and kept my little cowboy and Princess and worked on the next meal. ~which is exactly what I wanted to do~

 The cousins had fun playing games and entertaining the little ones.  My other brother, from Virginia, arrived on Monday and this was the first time that my two brothers and myself had been with our Dad together since our Mom died 6 years ago.  It was such a special, special time.  

 It took all kinds of orchestrating to make this happen and it may not happen again, so we made the most of the time we had together.

Daddy had all but two of his Grans and one of his Great Grans by his side. I can only imagine that my sweet Momma was smiling down from heaven on this special time. ~sigh~

 

We did not have Christmas with our kids until this past Tuesday evening, after all the family had headed towards home.  It was a long time coming but that did not alter the fun of the evening. We were sorry that our SIL did not get to join us due to work. ~it does get in the way at times~ But, we had a special celebration with him while we were all at The Gaylord a couple of week ends ago.

We began by Poppa reading the Christmas story and then singing Away in the Manager and letting Hanna Beth and Clancy blow out the candles on the cake.  We waited until after our gift giving to cut into the cake and enjoy a piece.

Thank goodness all of our family gets into "picture taking" and it's always a lot more fun with some props. (thanks to Etsy)  What would Christmas be without a little silliness. ~chuckle~

And, what would Christmas be without a little gift giving.  We had some Vera Bradley, Under Armor, Lego's and My Little Pony items.  And, the big girls were quite proud of their director's chairs but they call them their "teacher chairs."  They will be so cute sitting in them as they teach their students. 

We had our last Christmas in this house in grand style for sure and made some lasting memories that will not soon be forgotten.

We are now undecorated and ready to move with excitement into 2015.  May yours be an especially blessed year!