The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's HP time, the very first one of 2017!  How can that be?  Time just keeps right on rolling by.

1. Share one favorite moment/memory from your Christmas holiday. 

Just one??? This was so heart touching.......when it came time for Bridget and her family to pack up their car, Clancy began to cry.  He knew that their departure was near and he did not want to leave.  It  tears me and Poppa up when he does this but at the same time, it just shows how much he enjoys being here.  So, so precious!  BTW, by the time they actually left he was okay and did not leave crying. ~thank goodness~
 

2. What was the best thing you ate over the holidays? Was it homemade or store bought? If it was homemade did you make it?
We went to dinner at some friends house a few days before Christmas.  She fixed an eye round roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and blueberry 4 layer delight.  It was absolutely delicious, just good "soul" food.  She's a great cook anyway but this was "over the top" with goodness!

3. What was one of the most beautiful things you saw over the holidays?
 Our church has a gorgeous sanctuary  and at Christmas it is even more gorgeous.  This year the ladies added a touch of turquoise and white with the green and red and it was stunning.  We still have a most traditional style sanctuary. ~few of them left~

4. What does fresh start mean to you?
A clean slate, a new beginning , the beginning of a new period in time. I love Monday's and I love new years, although it just means that time continues to fly by. ~ugh!~

5. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very positive and 1 being not so great) how would you rate 2016 in terms of personal achievement and well being? Explain. 

Well, not sure I had any personal achievement but in well being I would rate it an 8-9.  Of course, just surviving another year has to be an achievement of sorts. 😌  As to well being, I feel very blessed that I continue to enjoy good health, I'm still very able bodied and pretty much happy with life as it is.  Of course, there's always room for improvement.

6. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen or, if you're like me, to find out what in the world the word or phrase even means or the context in which it's used. There were quite a few on this year's list I'd never heard before.
Here's the 2017 list of banished words-
You, Sir-focus-Bete Noire-Town Hall Meeting-Post Truth-guesstimate-831-historic-manicured-echo chamber-on fleek-bigly-ghost-Dadbod-listicle-get your dander up-selfie drone-frankenfruit-disruption

Which word on the list would you most like to see banished in 2017? What word or phrase would you add to the list?

Their all a bit on the stupid side as far as I'm concerned and I would love to see the word "sucks" banished.  It's just so ugly and nasty and that's all I'll say about that.

 

7. Large or small, light or deep, share with us one goal you have for the new year. 

I plan to read the One Year Chronological Bible through.  Just after 3 days I find it such a more interesting read than non-chronological.  

8. Insert your own random thought here

This is the Spann family and this picture was taken for their Christmas card this year.  One month ago this precious family had no idea that in a matter of days their lives would change forever.  On Dec. 15th Tracy, husband and Dad, was diagnosed with Giloblastoma brain cancer.  On Dec. 29th Tracy died.  Yes, my friends, just that quick!  I have known Tracy most of his life and his parents are dear friends and go to our church.  It has made my heart so incredibly sad and I ask you to remember in prayer, his wife as she faces the future without Tracy and his sweet Dad and Mom.  I imagine that they all are still in such a state of shock that the reality of it all may not have fully registered.

Lea's Favorites

Well, Happiest of New Year's to you!  A new year, a fresh start, a clean slate!

Now, perhaps some of my favorites will become your favorites and make your 2017 an even better year.😊

These have most likely been around for a long time but I only found out about them a few weeks ago.  We have a filtration system in our house and it pretty much keeps any ugly rings from forming in our commodes but I have noticed some slight stains so thought I'd give these a try.  They are like magic folks!  And, I hear from someone who had really bad rings in her commodes that these took care of those.  So, if you have commode ring issues, get yourself some of these.  And, yes, they are on Amazon!!!  They are good for a lot of other things too but the commode is the only thing I can attest to.

These have been around for quite some time as well but I just purchased one.  As I've said before our Acacia wood floors are just beautiful but they show every little piece of lint, crumb and footprint.  I have been  using the plain Swiffer but it does have the suction that this little fella has and this is by no means like a regular vacuum  but it works like a dream for lint, crumbs, etc plus it has the cloth attachment.  So, between the suction and the cloth it will take care of the floors between the big cleanings. It's for hard surface floors only.  It operates on a rechargeable battery so there are no aggravating cords to fool with. As my Dad would say, "it's the cat's meow."

If you are like me and do not fry, then you need this Pyramid Pan Liner.  I cannot stand the smell of fried food in my house and we just don't eat fried food very much anyway.  But, if we do, it's always at a restaurant, except for French Fries.  There are times that we want some FF and cooking them in the oven with this liner is awesome.  They are crispy just like they came out of good ole' cooking oil but far more healthy.  Yes, it's on Amazon as well. ~isn't everything~

I've been reading about the wonderful things concerning these Hymalayan salt lamps for a long time.  Just before Christmas my Dad decided that he wanted a couple for his little apartment.  So, I ordered 2 for him and got them set up for him this past week.  If they do half of what the articles say they will do then he'll be a happy man for sure.  You can read all about them here.  Aside of the benefits, they are quite attractive.  I'm thinking we need one in our bedroom, so am going to wait and see what Daddy thinks of his before ordering ours.  I did start using Hymalayan salt to cook with several months ago.

Have you met Alexa?  If not, I highly recommend her.  She's like having your own personal assistant. ~chuckle~  There is the Echo tower and the Echo dot.  My finding is that the big difference is in the sound they produce.  I wanted something small and out of the way.  It's about 4" in diameter and 2 inches in thickness.  You can ask her pretty much anything and she will give you an answer.  She knows great jokes too.  She gives me a Flash Briefing each morning (that's the latest news and weather).  You just say her name and then tell her what you want.  I also use her to play music when I don't want to use our sound system that goes throughout the house.  Oh, you have to download the Echo app on your smart phone and part of that app is your lists.  You can tell her to add something to your list and it will appear on your phone.  So, if you want to do your grocery or to do list that way she's ready to do it for you.  You just say, "Alexa, add milk to my grocery list."  Truly amazing and sort of scary to think that some gadget is that smart.  Amazon had them for $39 the week before Christmas so I got the kids one and us one.  The Grans had a blast with her and nearly wore her out with them asking her to tell them jokes.

In closing I wish for you abundant blessings for this new year.  May you have more happiness than sadness, more smiles than tears, and more than anything may you have a peace that passeth understanding in any and every situation you may face this coming year. 
 

Our Christmas Recap

Whee! our house was filled with more Christmas cheer than this Momma could almost stand.  It was a whole bunch of fun and a whole lot of memories were made.  Now, we are all looking forward to the new year and all that it holds.

I spent much of my time in the kitchen.  Even though I did as much as possible ahead of time, it seemed I was still cooking up a meal or cleaning up from one.  And, yes, the girls are more than happy to help and they do help with the things that I will "allow" them to, but I'm a big "one person in the kitchen" kind of woman.  So, I make my bed and then I have to lay in it. ~chuckle~ 

 This little guy was puny Christmas Eve Eve and was soooo fussy.  I sat down to rock him and it seemed to soothe him and he went fast asleep.  When he awoke he was more than fussy so we carried him to one of our Doctor friends and he had an ear infection and congestion.  We got the little fella some meds and by evening he was better and by the next day he was a lot better.

And, can I just say that when Coleman is feeling good he is a BUSY little boy.  He goes from one thing to the next and then throws that precious smile at you and melts your heart.  Oh, my goodness, the little stinker!

My Daddy enjoyed sharing part of Christmas Eve with us.  About 2 hours of joyful chaos is all he can take and he's ready to get back to his quiet little apartment. ~chuckle~

It's such a blessing that my Grans have a Great Poppa. He is their only living Great Grandparent and who knows, his Dad lived to be 88 and his Momma to be 94.  He's 87 right now but he reminds me on occasion that he's ready to go meet Jesus whenever Jesus gets ready to take him. My prayer is that when the Lord is ready that He will just take him and he will not have to go through any other illness or suffering.  

Isn't this the cutest picture???  It looks like two little birdies gathered up to eat.  Poppa had a piece of pound cake and as soon as he sat down they were gathered up with their mouths open.  So precious!

And, nothing makes this Poppa any happier than to have them all gathered around him and in his lap.

For many years we have had a birthday party for Jesus prior to opening our gifts.  Poppa reads the Christmas story and then I ask them questions about Jesus' birth and Clancy and Hanna Beth are very much in tune as to the real meaning of Christmas.  We then close with prayer.  It is my favorite of our family traditions.

Santa was good to everyone and it was indeed, a Christmas to remember.  We were so glad that Bridget and her family could be here with us this year.  

Bridget and her family left a little before noon on Christmas day and I started taking down the Christmas decor and washing up all the dirty laundry.  When our celebration is over I am immediately ready to move on.  All is cleaned up, put up and now we await the new year and all that it holds.

Blessings abundant to you and yours!

'Tis the Season - Part 2

Yes, it continues to be "the season" here at The Culp household.  Last week was a week of entertaining and celebrating here in our home.  Thus the reason for no blogging last week.  I mean, a gal can only do so much. 😄  But, it was a fun time and the season will continue this week as we prepare for our family Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Last Tuesday I hosted our office staff for our annual luncheon.  This year's menu was lasagne, salad, french breach and red velvet cake.  These gals and our son do a wonderful job of holding down the fort and this is one way we show our appreciation to them.

For the past 6 years I have been giving the girls a piece of Vera Bradley.  I always find an exceptional sale on it in January on the Vera Bradley website and then I hold it until Christmas.  I think this was likely my last year to continue with that.  I think they have enough now for just about any trip or outing they might take.  Now, what to come up with next???

 The staff hit it out of the ballpark on their gift to us.  Isn't this the neatest throw you have ever seen.  I have never seen one and I was completely thrilled over it.  Now, I really can't imagine using it as a throw but I'm thinking of using it as a wall hanging on a pretty decorative rod.  The only problem being we have very few walls in this house.  But, after Christmas I'm going to try to find a spot to hang it. And, should you want one, you can click here to find this and many, many other unique personalized items.

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 On Thursday I hosted my annual Girlfriend Brunch,aka, Formidible Women.  I don't know exactly, but I think this may have been my 15th year to do this.  It's always a special time for us and something I look forward to each year.  This year's menu was Bacon and Egg Quiche, Cinnamon Coffee Cake and Curried Fruit.  

A few years ago we added a little gift exchange to the fun.  And, yes, I did get a gift but the picture was not good so I did a little substituting.  I mean, isn't that my prerogative? 😌  It was another year in the records and we all realize, more than ever, to treasure our gift of each other more and more.

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I had to throw this last little item in because I thought it was the absolute cutest idea.

My DIL found this idea on Pinterest and asked me to the graphic work for her and I was more than happy to do so.  This is the little "happie" that Hanna Beth gave to her class mates at their Christmas party last Thursday.  I mean, could it be any cuter?  I printed it on postcards and then she hot glued the Chap Stick to each card, put them in a cello bag, sealed them and they were ready to go.  Who on earth dreams up all these cute ideas??  I'm convinced if you need an idea that Pinterest likely has one for any and everything.

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 I'm pretty sure this will be my last post until after Christmas.  I wish for each of you a most wonderful Christmas celebration with your family and friends.  We are especially excited here at our house because our daughter, SIL and two grandsons will be here to celebrate with us this year.  I think the last time we were all together on Christmas was 4 years ago.  So, this will be extra special.

Abundant blessings and much love as we celebrate our Savior's birth!

A Bit of This and That

It has turned very chilly here in NE Louisiana.  In fact, it is down right cold and it doesn't help that we haven't seen the sun in days and days and cloudy days make it seem that much colder.  I enjoy wearing sweaters, boots and such but not all that crazy about coats, so I wear a lot of vests.  Hubby and I are enjoying our fireplace and it does add to the Christmas spirit.

This is Candace, sweet Candace!  I  was privileged to attend Candace's graduation from Morehouse Teen Challenge this past Sunday.  If you have been reading my blog very long then you know that I have a special place in my heart for this ministry that has made all the difference in so many lives.  It is a one year rehab program based on Biblical truths.  Candace was  raised in a Christian home, attended church every time the doors were open, yet Satan tempted her and "sucked" her in to his trap.  Thankfully, Candace has turned her life around and I can hardly wait to see what great things the Lord has in store for Candace.
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Isn't this the cutest?  Hanna Beth and Andi Kate were so excited to assist their Mom in the decorating of their tree this year.  Andi Kate seems to be placing her ornament very exact.  What sweetness!!!

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This little guy is ready for the cold, cold windy days ahead in Oklahoma.  His rosey cheeks are identical to the way his Momma's were at his age. 

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Clancy and Coleman got to see Santa last weekend in Branson.  Coleman was not the least bit scared which surprised his Dad and Mom.  I'm pretty sure Clancy made sure that Santa knew exactly what was on his wish list.  Clancy has started really "thinking" about this whole Santa deal. ~they do grow up but they always believe~
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Now, this is so random but just had to share ..........I have seen these funny egg shaped items in the stores for a while now and always thought they were some kind of pumice stone for feet.  Well, imagine my surprise when someone told me they were sponge applicators for face powder. What!!!! Well, gals, they are the greatest little tool for applying your facial powder.  They are called Real Technique Miracle Complexion Sponge.  It has rounded sides for blending, precision tip for covering blemishes, and a flat edge for contouring. It leaves your face smooth "as a baby's butt."  And, yes, you can order them off of Amazon.  I'm thinking they would make a great stocking stuffer!

Okay, there you have it, and here's wishing you a wonderful 2nd weekend of December!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Time for a little Hodgepodge this 7th day of December.  Not only do we remember Pearl Harbor but I remember this day 14 years ago.  It's the day our daughter got married.  What great memories!  Now, on to answer these fun questions...............

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?
I'm about a 7 and my favorite thing to decorate is the tree, it's not the size of the tree but just the fact that it isn't Christmas to me without a tree of some sort.  Yes, mine is done!!! ~thank goodness~

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas!

I found this "sort of" all in one type nativity a couple of years ago and it was perfect for the look I wanted.  I have it placed underneath our tree and I think it looks so pretty against the shimmering tree skirt.

3.  Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?
Yes, we do live in a neighborhood, there's only about 9 houses and won't be but maybe 2-3 more, so it's very small.  I would have to say it's not all that social, if that means seeing your neighbors face to face.  We know all of our neighbors but generally a wave as we pass in our cars is about as social as it gets.  I think neighborhoods have changed so much over the years and with most it's not a lot of socializing.  I don't think, as a society,  we run over or stop by without checking first and sometimes that can be just too much trouble.  I haven't even given it a thought but perhaps I should try being a bit more social here with my neighbors. ~grin~ Because, after all, I am a VERY social person.

4.  As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?
Well, this is pretty much my motto.  I figure if something needs doing then why in the world would I wait to get it done. ~big chuckle~  Unless of course there are extenuating circumstances.  I really do not get a big thrill out of wrapping gifts but someone has to do it and it's our gifts so I have gotten the bulk of them wrapped with only 2-3 left. Waiting didn't make it any more appealing to me, so I just jumped in with both feet and "got er' done!"  Yep, there's no time like the present!!!

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?

I love Mondays because it's the beginning of a new week and I use my Mondays to prepare for the week ahead in hopes that things will go smoother that way.  I've always liked new beginnings and I'm looking forward to a new year as well.  The only thing, new weeks and new years, they all add up and are a sure sign that I'm getting older. ~ugh~

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?

I love red poinsettia's and have two in a container on our breakfast table.

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.

Not exactly a quote, but I'm thinking this would be a great code for the human race as well!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

As I mentioned, 14 years ago these two "tied the knot."  It is still a favorite memory for me and they have blessed us with the 2 most precious little boys.  Here's to many more happy years!

Tis the Season

 With only 20 days left until Christmas, I'd definitely say "tis the season."  I have decorated all that I'm going to and I'm pleased and I guess that's really all that matters.  It doesn't take me long to put it up or take it down and that makes this gal very happy!  There was a time in my life that I put up 4-5 trees, ran garland everywhere there was a spot to run it and Christmas was evident everywhere you looked.  But, I'm definitely at a different season and "less is more" now. 😀

The stockings are hung  and I'm so pleased with my new stocking hangers.  The mantle in our new house is not high enough to keep the stocking from getting to hot or catching on fire when the logs are burning.  So, I had to come up with something else and I found this attractive holder at Plow and Hearth and love them. And, they are a good match to the fireplace screen.

I changed from a whimsical decor to a dressier decor on the tree this year.  It is done in silver and pearl mercury glass ornaments.  (that really do not show up in this picture).  And, since it is placed in the foyer/dining area I carried the mercury glass look over into the dining room.

I have some "fun touches" in the kitchen and living area.  I've had this Mr. Santa and Mrs. Claus figurine for 30+ years and I love it.  It is by United Design and I'm not even sure they are in existence any longer.  

I added some lights to the topiaries , wreaths on the two porch windows and Christmas pillows to the benches.  Those new handrails would sure be pretty with greenery and lights as well.  But........... ~chuckle~

And, now I'm working on our Christmas cards.  I do enjoy sending them but it is such a huge "labor of love."  I've been doing the photo cards for the past several years and this year is no exception.  In fact, we had a photographer come here to the house and do pics of us with the Grans for our card and of all the pics she took we were fortunate to get one that would work, but, since one was all we needed, that was good.  Anytime you try to get 6 people co-ordinated for a picture and 2 of them are babies, then I'd say your lucky if you get one good one.  Anyway, while waiting on the cards to arrive I'm busy getting the envelopes ready with addresses and stamps, so all I'll have to do is stuff and seal them once the cards arrive.  I always order colored envelopes for my cards, I LOVE colored envelopes!  And, I make cute labels with the addresses of all those I'm sending the cards to and I order our return labels from a gal on Etsy.  So, I do put in a lot of time and effort and hopefully everyone that receives one enjoys it. ~wink~  I counted up the times I actually touch each envelope the cards go in and it is 5 times.  And, I likely make it a much more daunting task than is necessary but it's how I like to do my cards and I'll keep on doing it this way until I grow weary of it.  And, I generally do a newsletter for those out of town but did not do that this year.  I figure with social media that it's probably just a repeat of what most folks already know. 

Be sure and enjoy this Christmas season!!!