Resoulutions

 

So do you do these?  I always try to come up with at least a couple.... I have given up on the lose weight, eat healthy, exercise....blah, blah,  blah.  I am still conscious of these, but the diet goals in January are just too routine.  Instead, I try to come up with something fun and that fills me up creatively, emotionally, etc.

 

Last year it was blogging, developing a more fun personal style, becoming more comfortable in my own skin.  I think I have met those for the most part.  I am still working on the last one and I will continue on in the new year. 

 

This year's Resolutions are:

 

Make an updated change in my house at least once per month.  Decorating, home improvement, organization, etc.

 

Do a photo challenge that my friend Carla is putting together and learn to take better pictures.

 

Refresh my sign language and teach sign to L.

 

Learn some of the group dances that people do at weddings, etc. I love to dance, but do not even know the Electric Slide.  I think it is  a fear of looking stupid, uncoordinated, and messing up  in front of a group of people.  K is going to start teaching me over break.

 

This summer I am going to take golf lessons.  I have owned my own golf clubs for years. I use to go to the driving range, but have never learned how to play the actual game. 

 

Start a saving plan for money and reduce my excess spending....ugghh, so not fun :(  However, I am committed to it.  I may coupon again as well.  I am going to do it in a more understated way this time to avoid the overwhelming state I got myself into last time. My number one change is to start taking my lunch to work.

image from pintrest

 

Friday Thoughts

 

Well it has been a very long and yet a very short week.  I knew the holidays and the fact that I had most of the week off from work would make the week seem to go by  fast.  However, I did not expect the flu to hit me and the hubs on Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve.  This gal could not even get out of bed and get the final details done for Christmas.  However I have great older girls who chipped in.  Cassie did the Christmas baking, wrapped some last minute gifts, Madison filled stockings, reindeer food was put out, it all got done.  We had a traditional Christmas lunch the day after Christmas and you know what?  It was all good. 

 

This was a reminder to me that I am not in control.  God is.  The best laid plans do not stop life from taking a different spin.  Christmas still happened.  I was still with my family.  We really came together and worked as a family.  There was extra nurturing, extra love, and extra compassion.  I am

one blessed mama and wife.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Friday :)

 

image from pintrest

 

Favorites today

 

I have to admit, I am a little addicted Pintrest.  I love all the quotes, clothes, decorating tips, food (which I will probably never make) etc. It seems like I am on the computer a lot but it is actually my phone when I have down time and am waiting on things.  I feel like I hurry and wait quite a bit. 

 

I thought I would share some of my recent favorites on here....

 

Both of these are quotes I need to remember.  I need to step out of my self imposed walls based on what I feel other's want me to do or be.  I need to be confident in my own opinions, preferences, and callings.  I am not a wall flower by any means, but I do like to be liked.

 

 

 

Does any one else ever find the day to day a little boring?  I do and I do not want to be like the woman in this quote.  We can find the excitement when we look for it.  When we create it.  This quote is a little snarky, something I am quite often.  A trait I am working on changing.

 

How cute!! I am already tired of sweaters and want warm weather and spring/summer clothes. However, not a fan of the high heels they keep pairing with these outfits....seriously??

 

This reminds me of my Dad and the squirrel in our tree when he was still alive.  The squirrel would come up on the porch when the feeder was empty.   They were buddies.

 

 

I love the flannel and sparkly together.  I think I have the items to recreate this look.  I am going to try tomorrow!!!

 

 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this advent tree.  I am going to ask my father in law to help me make it for next year....I am excited.

 

 

So...I have almost 2000 pins on Pintrest.  You can check out more on there.  All of these images are from Pintrest and can be sourced back to the owners.  None of the above images on this post are mine. 

 

 

 

 

 



Five on Friday

 

And another week ends....this one felt like a long one, and next week will seem so short because of the holidays.  Are you ready?  I think we are about there.  Planning a little earlier has helped with the stress factor...who knew?  Oh yeah, you probably did, I am a little late for the organization and preplanned boat most days.  Here is what has been keeping us busy this week..

 

 

1.  A snow storm and a bowling party.  The girl's were invited to a birthday bowling party and we braved the bad roads to go.  I even bowled!  We really had a great time and I was glad we went on and went.  Happy Birthday Grace :)

 

 

 

 

 

2.  The Church Christmas program was Sunday morning.  The girl's had parts in the program and then C sang a solo.  It brought tears to my eyes...love those gals of mine.

 

 

 

3.  My niece is home from Haiti where she is a missionary and a preschool teacher.  We have loved catching up with her and hearing all of her stories about the country and her classroom.  Proud does not even begin to encompass how I feel about this girl...

 

 

 

4.  The school Christmas program was this week as well.  Every class and the band did a great job.  It was short and sweet which was perfect for our busy week.

 

 

5.  The tree finally went up and got decorated...and has some presents wrapped underneath.  Wow!  So out of character for this family.....

 

 

 

 

 

Link up with the blogs listed on the button below and share your week :)

 



One Perfect God

 

 

Today is a hard day for me.  Thirteen years ago today, my mama went to be with the Lord.  She suffered greatly with the cancer that eventually ended her life.  She struggled with the anxiety of dieing and leaving her family here on earth.  She struggled with feelings of why me, etc.

 

I was thankful for her to have peace in Jesus and knowing that Heaven was such a great reward when her suffering ended.  I just didn't know how much mine would increase. 

 

I miss her as much today as I did that day 13 years ago.  She was my best friend.  She really did know all the ins and outs of me.  We had our share of disagreements, but in the end and to the core, we loved each other.  She was always there for me....every minute of every day.  Whenever, whatever, no questions asked.  Unconditionally.

 

That is how my God loves me.  I often forget this.  I want to earn it, to be worthy of it, to accept it.  It is a free gift.  It is what it is.  It is how I love my four children, it is how my mom loved me.  I am not perfect, my God IS perfection.  Because he loves me, accepts me, holds and comforts me, I am able to accomplish great things. I am able to enjoy life. I am able to get through the hardest of days when I miss my loved one's presence on this Earth.  It is because of his perfection, I have the promise of seeing them again someday.

 

 

Do you know God's love for you?  If you do not or are feeling overwhelmed with your own struggles, leave a comment on this post.  I will pray for you. I will pray for your needs, your struggles, your heartaches, and for peace for you. 

 

My One Perfect God can heal your heart and your situation. 

 

In Christian Love.....Penny

Bloglovin

 

 

I am adding my blog to Bloglovin follow me here if you have an account.  If not, sign up!!  I will also still be right here where I currently am :)  No need to stress....because I am so sure you were.

 Disregard the link, it does not work.  However, I am still on there :)

Midweek

 

 

This is how the week is shaping up around here....

 

The tree is up with one week to spare.  This is not out of the ordinary for us.  It is just how we roll.

 

Our stockings are not up.  I ordered all new ones this year and they are not here yet....hmmm

 

Work is quiet, quiet, quiet.  The students are gone and the providers are getting ready for the holidays.

 

I hope the snow stays around as long as it is cold outside.  If I have to be cold, I want snow as well.

 

This is the last week of school for the kiddos until January....yeah, no homework!!

 

I am tired of fast food, but can't remember to pack my lunch in the morning.  Another resolution in the making.

 

I think this is funny, inspirational, and reminds me of K.... (this is a Finding Nemo reference and refers to a boat...)

 

 

 



Five on Friday

 

1.  The middle gals started out last weekend with the Neon Dance at school.  They had to puffy paint their shirts so they would make sure to glow.  One of the middles came back from the dance with a new beau....oh my :)

 

 

2.  We went to Breakfast with Santa....and finally L got her pic taken with Santa.  Of course all the girls had their pic...K is going to love me sharing this pic since she had really just rolled out of bed before we left.

 

 

3.  Our Elf was busy this week....these are a few of his antics.

 

 

 

4.   It was food week at work.  I think I gained 5 pounds.  This is a picture of the cupcakes I brought in.  I am blessed to have a neighbor who is an amazing cake decorator, and they taste wonderful as well.

 

 

5.  I am looking forward to a snowed in blizzard this weekend!!!!

 

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Christmas Questionaire

 

Some Christmas Facts about me....

 

1.  Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?  Both actually, but I only like Egg Nog at Christmas time.  Hot Chocolate I could drink all year long.

 

2.  Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?  Both, when I was little Santa left mine unwrapped because it was just me and my brother who was 14 years older so no mix ups were going to happen there.  I have 4 girls, so we wrap unless it is too big.

 

3.  Colored lights or white?  Usually white, but this year I bought the old fashioned big colored bulbs.  I was ready for a change and I love vintage.

 

4.  When do you decorate?  Usually a week or two before Christmas.  Never before Thanksgiving.  I do sometimes have my tree up in February though.  Yes, I am a procrastinator.

 

5.  Real or Fake Tree?  Fake, I have allergies.

 

6.  What tops your tree?  It changes.  I think it was either a star or an angel last year.  Sometimes it is a ribbon.

 

7.  Favorite Christmas memory or traditions?  I use to love going to candle light services on Christmas Eve, and I especially loved those candles with the paper circle around them.  We started having "Grinch Punch" last year and the girls have already requested it for this year.  We always open one present on Christmas Eve.  We always get a fun Coca Cola bottle (full) in our stockings.  We have sparkling grape juice in wine glasses and chocolate eclairs for Christmas morning.  After this many years, we have a lot of traditions.

 

8.  Do you remember your favorite gift as a child?  My baby changing table for my dolls, my Western Barbie and Ken, and my Rubik's cube when I was in Junior High.

 

9.  Do you prefer giving or receiving?  Both to be honest.  I like Christmas presents.

 

10.  What is your favorite Christmas song? Hymn-God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.  Kids-Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or I Want An Elephant for Christmas.  Contemporary-Mistletoe Jam by Luther Vandross.

 

11.  Candy canes-yuck or yum? Yummmmmm.

 

12.  Favorite Christmas movie? Holiday Inn and A Christmas Story.

 

13.  Do you shop online or in stores? More online now a days and I LOVE it.

 

14.  Photo cards, letter, or store bought card? Photo cards for sure.

 

 

Link up with Fabulous in First to share your answers!

  

12 of My Favorite Children's Books on 12/12

 

 

I loved making this post on 11/11 and have decided to continue on with making a list of my favorite books on the same day and month through 4/4.  So in honor of 12/12, this is a list of 12 more of my favorite read aloud children's books.....

 

Midweek

 

 

Midweek.....

 

1.  I wish C was not sick yesterday and today.  Now she can't sing at Java and Jams tonight and I love to hear her sing.

 

2.  K is singing tonight at J&J, I am excited about that.

 

3.  I started watching soap operas again.  I am tired of reality tv.  I feel so sorry about the drama people cause in their own lives.  At least on soap operas you know they are paid and the drama is just acting. 

 

4.  I am counting down to my Christmas vacation.  I will have 9 straight days off.  Hallelujah!!

 

5.  Even though I dislike snow, I am jealous of the people with the big snowfalls who have been stuck inside their homes for the past week wearing their pajamas and watching movies.  We just have slick roads and sidewalks, but nothing bad enough to stay home for. 

 

 

I liked this this week.....I might know some people who fit this, it may even be me....



The Not So Perfect Day

 

Well, today did not go as planned.  I woke up (on time, that was a score!)...and then down hill from there.  I was having a day when I hated my outfit, how my jeans fit....blah, blah, blah.  However, I did get a compliment from a coworker (another score!). But I then wondered about her sanity or if I look much worse on the other days...just kidding.  And then the dreaded phone call..... dun, dun, dun.

 

The school.  My sick child on the other end.  Crying.  "I got sick, please come get me."  Now, I know I was not the sick one, but the dreaded stomach ache hit, because as a mom of four, I know this is just the start of the season.  The sick season.  The sick days I worked to rebuild.  Gone. 

 

So, after a stop at the store for Sprite and Chicken Noodle Soup, and a pair of knee pads.  Oh, those were for child 3 who started volleyball today.  Being the nonathletic person I am, I bought the shoes, the spandex shorts, but completely forgot the knee pads.  I hope she does better than I would :) Anyway, it was home for naps. I do not expect my sickies to nap alone, that would be mean.  Let's hope this passes quickly.

 

I decided since I was home I would have time to cook a "real" supper.  After offering up all the choices.  The menu has become Green Bean Casserole (a favorite), candied baby carrots (a favorite of mine), and chicken nuggets.  Yes, chicken nuggets.  I made several other suggestions and this is what they wanted.  I can see it now.  When I am old and they are remembering me, one of my girls will say...  "Remember her chicken nuggets?  The ones in the Generic, Economy Sized Bag.  I loved those."  and the other three will smile and nod in agreement.  Yep, that will be my legacy.

 

Anyway......here is picture of the sickie....I hope she feels better soon.  I hope she keeps this illness to herself.  But, I am pretty sure, someone will decide to share.  They love each other like that :)

 

 

And, I now realize looking at this picture, how bad the paint scrapes on my wall look from the old recliner.  Another project, for another day. 

 

Give Me Grace

 

 

I am giving up on the dream of being a "Perfect Mom", a "Real Housewife", and a "Martha Stewart". Giving it up I say.  I have not even come close to these ever, and all I ever do is feel guilty because of it.  I pin on Pintrest, read blogs, read magazines and books....all in the hopes of getting it together.  I am going to embrace me and my personality.  I like things nice, I will continue to strive for organization (oh, not my thing), and will continue to work on hobbies that relax and inspire me.  But the guilt is gone.  I will not worry about what a loser I think I am, and what others are doing or not doing.  Letting it go!!! Yeah, 2014 that is my first resolution!

Blessed Sunday

 

"Dry Out Your Sins" ~ Lucy Krabel

 

L was "preaching" one day to her imaginary Sunday School class and coined this cute little phrase.  I loved it.  Isn't that what we are supposed to do?  Hang them out there so God can dry them out.  Jesus washed them away.  He made us white as snow.  Clorox couldn't even touch them.  That is why we need Jesus. 

 

Out of the mouths of babes.  I couldn't have said this any better myself.  Thank you Jesus.  Your sacrifice made me clean enough for my heavenly reward.  I can't do it without you.  Your word tells us that no one can get to the Father except through you. 

 

During this Christmas season, remember Jesus is the reason.  All of the other things like family celebrations, etc.  are ways we choose to celebrate the most holy of births.   I liken it to the Best Baby Shower ever!!!! and I love to celebrate the births of babies.

 

Have a Blessed Sunday and a wonderful week dear friends.



Sunday Social

 

1. What is the wallpaper on your cell phone?  A picture of L with her tongue sticking out that I found on my phone.  I think she took it during church.  I wonder what the Preacher thought of that?

 

2.What do you keep beside your bed? Books, my kindle, my glasses, usually my earrings I forget to take out, an alarm clock that I don't even use anymore, and my phone (now my alarm as well).

 

3.  What is your least favorite chore? Laundry and vacuuming.  I wouldn't mind laundry as much if the washer and dryer were up stairs instead of in the basement.

 

4.  If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be? Supper, we don't have time to cook it or to sit down and eat it as a family.  and because of this, I feel guilty as a mom.  I know we eat too many convenience suppers and THEY say families who don't eat together are disconnected. 

 

5.  What do you do to vent anger?  I am passive aggressive and just get moody and snarky.  I am an eye roller and sarcastic.  Maybe if I vented it more, I could get over things faster.  I then ruminate it in my mind and have stomach aches and headaches.....not very productive.

 

6.  What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?  I enjoy birthdays the most.  Mine and my families.  I like to make that one person feel celebrated and honored for their individuality and place in our family. 

 

Link up with the above blogs to share your answers to this week's questions. 

 



Five on Friday

 

It's Friday again!! Yeah for the weekend!! Time to link up with the above blogs.  These are few things from my week....

 

1. I was the substitute leader for our High School/Junior High Sunday School Class.  We really had a good lesson and some great conversations.  They were open and honest and really have hearts for Christ.  It was a great experience and I hope to be asked back again :)

 

 

 

2.  I went to a Church Bazaar on Sunday Afternoon.  I made a few purchases, for myself not Christmas gifts.  I have loved going to church bazaars since I was a little girl.  I think my girls feel the same way.  This was one of my purchases, chicken soup in a jar. With a crocheted jar topper :)

 

 

 

3.  We went to see Catching Fire.  The movie was awesome, but I  made a major mom mistake.  One of the middles was at a basketball game.  She normally doesn't enjoy going to movies so I thought she would be fine with me and the other gals going.  Oh my bad.  This was not ok with her, she completely melted and felt left out.  I will not do this again in the future and am still suffering from severe mom guilt.

 

 

4.  K  hit a skunk on the way to the movie and oh my......the van stinks underneath when you get in and out of it.  At least the odor did not seep inside :(

 

 

5.  M's 7th grade basketball team went to sectionals this week.  Not the game we didn't go to by the way, that was a different game.  They did not win, but had an amazing season.  I am so proud of the players and for the passion they have for the game.

 

 

These are some of the highlights...have a great week!