Friday's Fave Five #251

It's Friday - thank goodness!  Time to list 5 of my favorite blessings of the week.  Susanne at Living to Tell the Story is running this gathering, so head over and read more blessings.  :)

1. The neatest thing happened to me yesterday on the way to a doctor appointment.  Flipping through the radio channels I happened on the song "You're My Best Friend" by Queen and started singing along.  My beloved's beautiful face came to mind and I had the biggest smile - just a fun moment.  Then I pulled up to a stoplight and a big, bright butterfly flew past the window and it became a take my breath away moment.  I have noticed in the past few years that many times, just when I need it most (even if I didn't realize I needed it), the Lord will send a butterfly flitting past and it's always such a heartwarming moment.  I was telling this story to Keith last night and I told him it was one of those perfect moments in life that you truly want to wrap up and put in a box so that you can take it out and experience it time and time again.  God is so awesome!

2. Last Saturday I went to a crop for the first time in months and had such a fabulous time!  It was great to talk and laugh with friends and to come away from the day with a renewed excitement for paper crafts.  I managed to take one picture that day, just of the general area in front of me:

3. Tuesday was Grandparents Day at Brooklyn's school and Keith and I were fortunate enough to be able to go.  We all had breakfast together, toured the school with her and checked out the book fair (they are brilliant for scheduling the book fair when Grandparents Day was going on.  Coincidence?  I think not!).  She is getting to be more and more fun and we enjoy every single minute we get to spend with her.  And let me add too that we are so thankful that she still wants us to come!  :)

4. Good times....  One day after work we decided that a cherry limeade sounded good, so off to Sonic we went.  Beau was especially pleased when the sweet sound of his favorite words rang out - "Dogs get to go!!"

5. I stopped at Central Market on the way home from a doctor appointment and found a "new to me" kind of apple - Sweetango.  The sign said they were from Minnesota, so that grabbed me right off the bat.  The sign further said that they were juicy, sweet, with just a hint of fall seasonings.  I have a thing for offbeat apple varieties, so I bought two.  While they were quite tasty I would have a hard time saying they were so good as to warrant the higher price.  But if I have to splurge on something, really an apple isn't too bad... right?  ;)

Wishing all a very blessed week! 


Deep Thoughts:  

Friday's Fave Five #240

This right here is one of the things I missed the most during my break in blog posts.  It is so satisfying to end the week listing 5 of your favorite blessings.  So happy to see that Susanne is still running this!

1. Bridal Photos - Last week we did the bridal portraits and had such a fabulous time!  Lynne', her maid of honor and I met at the wedding venue for pictures, then went to a few more places around town for more photos.  It warms a mother's soul to see her beautiful daughter all dressed up in wedding finery, smiling and having a great time.  When we were finished the three of us went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner and that was great too.  The closer it gets to the date the more excited I get!

2. Bridal Dresses - As luck would have it our bridal portraits were shot on the first 100 degree day of the year.  In addition to that she was running all around and the dress was a little tired from all the excitement.  I took it in today to get cleaned and ready for the big day and I have to say that the ladies at the bridal shop are so kind and helpful every time I've been there.  I mentioned this to the lady helping me and she said that it's easy for them to be kind when we were not waiting til the last minute on everything and then expecting them to jump at our command.  Again I am impressed with my daughter doing things ahead of time and saving us from any of that stress!

3. Kitchen Remodel - It's coming right along!  A few tweaks to be done this weekend and then on Monday the granite guys arrive.  I'm so excited and so thankful to have a wonderful husband that can do all of this - and do it so well.  It's turning out gorgeous and I can't wait to cook again, especially in an all new kitchen!

4. Beau - This little dog has brought so much joy into our lives.  I sometimes look deep into his eyes and wonder if he's happy here or if he still thinks of his previous home (he was a rescue dog).  Keith just shakes his head and tells me I give this dog far more credit for thought than what he probably has, but I can't help but wonder.  I know that he's happy here and the picture above shows that.  He *adores* the water and sprinklers are absolutely the cat's pajamas for him - he goes nuts when he sees me setting it up!  He was running and leaping and barking and just the epitome of joy, though he looks a little grumpy in the photo above.  You'll just have to trust me on how much fun he was having.

5. Knitting - I'm working on a beautiful cowl, the first one I've made.  While we were watching tv last night I'm just happily knitting away and a certain little cocker spaniel decided it was time for love.  Somehow he managed to jump on my lap and under the knitting, just as happy as a clam.  Silly boy...  :)

Friday’s Fave Five #178

YAY – time for some blessings of the week!!! <—she says bouncing in her chair….   Thank you to Susanne for hosting each week!

1. Loreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo – Is it bad that I’m starting off with something that is somewhat vain???  I actually first heard about this shampoo in People magazine (another guilty pleasure of mine) and figured I had nothing to lose, so found it at the Big Box Store (for a lower price than the link above by the way).  I *love* this shampoo!!!  I have battled frizzy hair for years and it looks SO MUCH better!!! 

So yeah, vain or not, this stuff makes me so happy.

2. Coach Poppy Flower fragrance – Looks like this is the Vanity Edition of Friday Fave Five!  I got a perfumed sample card in the mail and fell head over heels in love with this.  I’m too cheap to buy it (yet?!!?), but I do pick up this card a couple of times a day and just love, love the scent.

3. Granddaughters – Specifically, MY granddaughter!  We went out to dinner with them Sunday night, then back to their house to visit for a bit.  She is the cutest thing ever and I so love playing with her!  We didn’t get a lot of time to play, but we did get out her My Little Ponies and used them in her dollhouse.  It really was quite fun to play and laugh together.

And we got this text yesterday from my daughter-in-law:  “I was at the store yesterday looking at mirrors for the bedroom and parked Brooklyn in front of a mirror I liked as I was looking at the ones beside it to compare.  I found another I liked and asked her if she liked the one in front of her or the one I had better.  She said she liked the one in front of her.  I asked her why expecting her to say it was pretty.  Nope!  She said 'Because it has me in it!!!’  I about died laughing!!!

I love 4 year olds……

4. Neighbors – We are so enjoying getting to know our neighbors better.  They’ve got two of the sweetest kids and it’s so much fun to be around them.

Last night our doorbell rang after dark and it was mom and the kids delivering our Girl Scout cookies (woohoo!).  The kids tore into the toy box so fast and were having a blast!  Mom had a meeting to go to and had to herd them out, but I did tell them they could come over and play with me again very soon. (see #3 and me loving to play with kids)

And a couple of times this week while Keith was outside working on the fence the little guy walked over with his shovel and was ‘helping’ Keith.  It is so adorable. 

Oh and their daughter, kindergarten, was looking at how Keith had his iPhone hooked to speakers so he could listen to music while he works.  She looked at him and asked “Do you have Angry Birds on that?”  When he said no she looked at him like ‘well then what use are you?’ and went back home.   LOL!

5. Corgi – When I went to a friend’s house Friday night (had the BEST time!!!) she was dog sitting a friend’s Corgi and I fell in LOVE with this dog!  Me, a golden retriever girl through and through, has fallen in love with another breed.  The more I think about it the more I think that might be a better thing for us to do when we are ready for another dog.  I’m just afraid that if I get another golden I will look at it and be comparing it to Joe too often.

So I looked up Corgi rescue and oh yes, DFW does have one.  I’m thinking before I did a breed switch it might be a good idea to maybe foster one and see if we like the way it fits with us.  Who knows?

Friday’s Fave Five #177

Oh my goodness – Valentine’s Day coming up!  Weren’t we just singing Christmas Carols????

Time to share some of my favorite moments from the last week.  What blessings abound and it’s good to take a morning and remember them.  Thank you Susanne for providing us this time to share on your blog – Living To Tell The Story.

 

1. Salvation Army – Last Saturday my daughter and I joined a group from our church to serve lunch at the Salvation Army.  I’m not sure what we really expected, but I can tell you that it turned out to be extraordinary.  We were put on the ‘women’s’ team and served lunch upstairs to the women who lived there, mostly due to abusive situations. 

My beautiful daughter, in between the groups of ladies coming in for lunch.

Our church does a “1st Saturday” project where we go out and do something for the community every month.  This month was serving at the Salvation Army and it was so well received we’ve already scheduled another. 

And this month we added a little something – out to lunch after the event for fellowship.  What fun that was!

2. Time Spent With Friends – I got to go out with friends last Friday night and had the best time!  The more I am with these ladies the more I love them.  And lucky me, time with friends tonight as well!

3. Valentines for Brooklyn – I decided this year to do something a little fun for our granddaughter.  They only live about 45 minutes from us, but you know how it is with busy.  My plan was to put something in the mail to her every day in February up until Valentine’s Day.  I got a little late start, but have made it every day so far.

Now when I say we’ve sent something every day I want to be clear that it hasn’t been big, fabulous gifts.  We’ve sent cards – homemade cards, singing/dancing cards from the store, cards with stickers – and little gifts – box of conversation heart candy, valentine bead necklace, a pack of Valentine tissues, etc.  Small things, but she has been having so much fun going to the mail box each day to see what is there.

We love this little girl so very much and it’s such a simple, small thing to do and brings her big smiles.

4. Orchestra at Church – Last Sunday was the first time we got to see our daughter play during church service in the church orchestra and it was wonderful!  She and her brother both played the viola all through school, then the instruments sat.  When our church put out a call for orchestra members she talked to the director, joined and is having a great time!  Another girl her age also joined – and she plays viola as well so the girls are enjoying getting to know each other.  God is so good.  :)

5. Genealogy – This past week our son has gotten immersed in genealogy and is thoroughly enjoying it!  What that means for me, besides the fact that is incredibly interesting, is that we’ve spent much more time on the phone together than normal.  And what mother wouldn’t love that???

Friday’s Fave Five #174

I hate to be a cliché, but I sure am finding that the older I get the faster time seems to go by.  Case in point, wasn’t it just Friday and here it is again!  Time to share some blessings of the week – thanks again to Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

1.  Great Wolf Lodge – Oh.My.Word.   We had the best time ever last weekend!  Still getting pictures edited, but expect a post soon.  Suffice to say that it is one of the best weekends we’ve ever had as a family and I highly recommend it.

2.  Common goals – Keith and I have decided it’s high time to start being healthy so that we can continue to enjoy the kids and granddaughter.  We’ve changed the way we eat and we’ve been exercising every single night.  It’s so nice to have a goal with the one you love.  :)

3. Sugar Free Jello – We have been eating quite a bit of this lately and it is so good!  You can also add the whipped cream in a can and it’s a very low calorie dessert that doesn’t seem like it.

4. Beautiful Weather – Believe it or not we hit 77 degrees today!  Now I love winter as much as the next person, but when you get a stunning day like this smack dab in the middle of January there’s really nothing you can do but celebrate.  Driving along today I had the windows open and singing praise songs and just praising God for this great gift.

5. 3 Day Craft Retreat! – I’m sure there will be a real post about this later, but I’m at a crafting retreat right now with girlfriends and laughing, talking, eating and having the time of my life.  I *adore* these ladies!!!

Friday’s Fave Five #172

Somehow with the busyness of life I haven’t done any Friday Fave posts for a very long time!  I’ve decided to jump back in because I miss them and they do give me a brief recap on what’s going on in my life.  I just spent a fun few minutes looking at past posts and remembering.  Thankfully Susanne at Living To Tell The Story is still doing them!

1. New Calendar!  I know I used this last year, but it’s just as wonderful this year.  I love choosing calendars for us in all parts of my life.  AND…. I just got an email that one of my favorite people has put a calendar in the mail to me and that is exciting!

For my desk again this year I’m using the monthly calendar by Trina Clark that you print at home.  I *love* this!!!  And right now it’s on sale for only a dollar!!!

 

2. Silver and Gold Friendships – I went to the annual New Year’s Day Crafting Event at a dear friend’s house and am struck anew, as I am most times I’m with friends, how important old and new friends are.  Such a wonderful, fulfilling day and it was made even better as plans for future gatherings, trips, restaurants were made.  Even if some don’t actually come to fruition that’s ok because the planning can be just as much fun – I’m a list girl through and through!!!

3. A New Dog??? – When a beloved pet passes away there can be some guilt at the thought of getting another one.  My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have been talking with us and emailing us and honestly helping us to get our heads on straight through the entire process of losing Joe.  We’re almost to the point of not tearing up when we speak of him (time really does heal) and have begun the process of deciding what we should do next.  So many things to consider:  puppy/adult; rescue or not; one or two dogs, etc.   This is only step 1, but once we get these things ironed out we can be on the lookout for the right dog for us.

4. Getting Healthy – Part of the whole New Year changes we’re making is to eat better and move more.  With that in mind we headed out and bought an elliptical machine.  Keith got it all put together last night and did his time, then it was my turn.  I kid you not, it was a true struggle to stay on for a total of 5 minutes!!!  In telling a friend about it this morning I told her that I’m giving it plenty of room when walking in the room as it kind of scares me now.  ;)  She suggested I give it a name, specifically Thor, and I really kind of like that idea.  Now when I fear it at least it will have a name!  Fortunately it is recommended that you only use it 3 times a week so I don’t have to do it tonight…. <happy sigh>

5. Orchestra – I was so excited to hear that our daughter has joined the orchestra and choir at church!  She played the viola all through school, but really once you are an adult there’s not as many opportunities to play.  When she was talking to the choir director she discovered they are going to be using more of an orchestra at some of the services and Lynne’ instantly signed up!  I was chatting with her a few minutes ago and she got her first music last night at church and will be doing some practicing prior to the first formal practice next Wednesday.  I can’t wait to see her play again!

Friday’s Fave Five #126

It’s Friday and time to find blessings in the past week!  Thanks to Susanne for always posting this for us.

1. Warmer Days – I’ve always known, but it’s been validated this week that I really do love the warmer seasons much better than the cold! Really the cold doesn’t bother me as much as the ice and snow on the roads does.  I’m a big chicken baby when it comes to driving on the stuff, so I hibernate instead. 

However, Joe, our geriatric Golden Retriever, dearly LOVES the snow!  This goofball would go outside and just lay down in it and be happy as a clam.

2. Dark Chocolate Almond Milk – I am head over heals in love with this stuff!  It tastes so much like the thick chocolate milk that you buy in the stores and has so much going for it.  A one cup serving has 45% of your daily calcium needs and as we get older that becomes even more important for bone health.

3. Reading – Again this week I want to mention this because reading is truly my first love as far as hobbies go.  I love that I’m getting back to reading in the evenings, usually with a cup of hot tea next to me.  So relaxing.  (And only two more reviews to post and then I’m caught up and will slow down on them – thanks for your patience!)

I’ve also decided that I *need* a Kindle, but am waiting to see if there is a price drop before getting one.  While I do so love the feel – and smell – of a brand new book, I can also see the advantages of eBooks.  How nice to head out on a trip and have 5-10 books on the Kindle to choose from!  A person would never pack that many “real” books for a trip.

4. Safety – With all the ice and snow we’ve had the last two weeks I am so thankful that all of my family and friends have been safe.  So frightening to see all the wrecks on the news each day.

5. Food – Mom and I were talking about how strange it was to go to the grocery stores and see some empty shelves.  I suppose all the bad weather has kept the delivery trucks away, combined with the fact that when we were all finally able to get out and drive we descended on the stores like a herd of locusts!  We really are so spoiled with the availability of food in our country and really never have a problem.  This week has been quite the eye opener as to how fast that can change.  Thank you Lord for keeping us nourished, especially with food that we choose to eat!

Friday’s Fave Five #125

Funny – the picture above kind of looks like us in Dallas this week!    Thanks to Susanne for hosting the Friday Fave Five each week.

1. I have to say my #1 blessing this week is that I am able to work from home.  I came home from work on Monday, we got our ice storm and that was the last I left my house until last night…seriously.  I didn’t even go out to get the mail as I am clumsy at the best of times so I figure that trying to walk on a yard that more closely resembles a skating rink than a lawn right now might be a bit of a challenge.

2. With no commute I’ve had more time for knitting and reading and drinking wonderful cups of coffee.  You might notice a few more book reviews than usual the next few days as I get caught up. 

3. And oh my word my craft room/office at home looks AWFUL right now!  I’ve pulled absolutely everything out of the closet so that I can organize and each evening I work on it.  I can see progress, but anybody else walking in here would see a hopeless mess as it always looks worse before it looks better.  But this time I’m actually going through things rather than just fluffing them and putting them back.  If I ever finish this project I’ll happily post pictures.

4. Really this should be blessing #1 – I am loving the Siesta Bible verse memorizing!  So far each verse I’m memorizing speaks to me personally and I love that.  Meditating on God’s word is such an awesome thing.

5. With the snow we got last night I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the neighbor kids.  There are few things that bring a smile of joy quite like listening to the laughter of children.  Sliding on plastic garbage can lids, making snow angels and  a toddler that has just barely learned to walk now learning to walk on snow – it’s all good and makes us laugh.

Friday’s Fave Five #124

Even though the day is almost over, I do still have time to share some blessings from the past week.  Thank you to Suzanne for hosting the Friday’s Fave Five each week at Living to Tell the Story. 

1. I’ve gotten to spend some time with my daughter the last few weeks and of course I always enjoy that.  She lost her job right before Christmas, so she’s coming over to our house a few days a week to work on her job search.  It’s just so cozy with the two of us working away at our computers in the same room.  Praying she finds a new job soon!

2. Today the old bedroom furniture that was stored in the garage went to a friend’s home, which was really a win-win sort of deal.  We were thrilled to continue our quest to simplify by freeing up some space and he was happy to have bedroom furniture.  I love it when things work out that well.

3. I have gotten hooked on the HGTV show House Hunters International.  The domestic version is ok, but I *love* seeing homes in other countries and learning about other cultures.  I blame my daughter for this new addiction of mine. 

4. A silly, silly thing to be so happy about, but I’m going to say it anyway – I’m so tickled with the new toy we bought for Joe, our geriatric golden retriever.  It’s a stuffed mallard duck that we found at “the big box store” in the pet department for just under five dollars.  The coolest thing is that he barely has to bite down on it and it makes a hilarious quacking sound.  He gets going with that sound and I start laughing and can’t stop, which fuels him to chew it faster.  Laughter is good for the soul.

5. My son sent the link for this video to me today and I’ve watched it over and over.  Enjoy!

Friday’s Fave Five #122

Let the Snoopy Dancing commence – it’s Friday!!!  Thank you to Suzanne for hosting the Friday’s Fave Five each week at Living to Tell the Story. 

1. LWML – This week was the first time I was able to attend the LWML meeting (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) at church and I had such a wonderful time!  These women are so much fun and have such beautiful spirits.  I’ve been wanting to attend for the longest time and my schedule has just been so busy that it didn’t happen.  Last fall I kept saying I would go “after the first of the year” and I actually did.  I so look forward to getting to know these ladies better.

2. Brooklyn – I know I posted about the RV show yesterday, but I want to say again how much joy she brings to the two of us.  She is so much fun to be with and makes us laugh constantly.  Her mama taught her the Smelly Cat song from Friends, so on the way home from the RV show the two of us sat in the backseat and sang – ah the memories.

Oh one more memory – at one point at the RV show I called her some pet name, can’t even remember what it was.  She turned to me and said “Nuh uh, I’m Buttercup!”  Took me a minute, but then I remembered that I always say to her when I first see her or enter a room “What’s Up Buttercup?” and she remembers that!  So of course my eyes fill with tears and I have to look away so I don’t look like a silly old fool.  But it meant so much to me that she remembered something that I didn’t give a thought to really.

3. Valentine’s Day – Yesterday I got started on the Valentine’s decorations around the house and I’m having so much fun with it! Had to make an “emergency” run to Target last night for a couple of things because of course I’ve gone to blogs looking for ideas and everybody is so creative, which means I just have to copy some of the ideas.  Will be a post early next week to share some easy, fast and cheap ideas.

4. Bible Reading – I haven’t started a new Bible reading plan yet this year and have been doing some searching.  Most years I use the One Year Bible Online plan and *really* like it.  Then you might remember I did the Bible in 90 Days last fall.  So I’m just trying to figure out what my reading plan for now will be.  Anybody have other resources I should look at?  If not I will probably go with the One Year Bible Online again.

5. Camera Class – Last weekend I went to a Camera Operations class and I’m here to tell you, even though you really *can* teach an old dog new tricks it does take the old dogs a bit longer!  LOL!  It was a fabulous class and I’m hoping this year will be about learning to use my camera better.  I’m currently at a stage in my life where I’m not at all interested in taking college level courses, but I am very excited about taking classes for things I WANT to learn.  Camera and photography classes would be one of the main things and taking the class last week just solidified my belief that yep, I’m going to really enjoy doing this.

Friday’s Fave Five #121

I had planned to really buckle down and not miss any of the Friday’s Fave Five’s for 2011 and here it is late afternoon and I still haven’t posted – that was close!  This is such an awesome way to keep your focus on the good and blessings in your life.  Head on over to Susanne’s blog at Living To Tell The Story to see more or to join in yourself!

1. Routine, Glorious Routine!  You know, the holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, but I’ll admit that it’s so nice to get back to routine.  Really the best part is that since we are at the beginning of a New Year you get to set your routine how you like it and then go forth and conquer.  Sometimes the ordinary becomes the extraordinary simply by being dependable.

2. New Calendar!  I get so excited about this every year!  For the top of the hutch on my desk I have a metal picture holder that holds a calendar I print out for each month.  The calendar is on sale right now at DigiScrap Kits for only $3!!!  This is seriously cute to me and I’m excited to get it printed and ready to use.

3. Weather!  Seriously…it’s January and yesterday was 73 degrees here.  We took the dog to the park and had a grand time running around.   I just checked and it’s 65 right now, so quite possibly we’ll be either at the park or in the backyard this evening too.  I do love it, but really it’s winter and not supposed to be like this.  Let me add that we have a chance of snow on Sunday and Monday, which is as it should be.

Oh and we did a wee bit of geocaching last night too and it’s been way too long since we’ve done that.  We both remarked on how funny it can be to discover you’ve missed something and didn’t even realize it!

4. Craft Day With Friends!  Last Saturday a dear friend had us over to her house to ring in the new year with a crafting day.  She served brunch (a melt in your mouth strata) and dinner (jambalaya people – oh my word!) and had a day of talking, laughing and playing with her dogs.  GREAT way to start the new year and hoping to do it again and again.

5. Filling the Calendar With FUN!  I hibernated way too much the last half of last year while recuperating with some medical stuff and now that I feel sooo much better I’m excited to be getting back into the swing of things.  Several great things coming up with several different groups of friends and family.  Isn’t it great to have things on your calendar to look forward to?

Friday’s Fave Five #117

This has been the fasted week EVER!  There’s really something a bit exciting about the speed with which this time of year passes though.  It becomes almost a game to see if we can get things done in time!

Now let’s look at some of the blessings of the top week.  Thank you to Susanne for providing us with this opportunity to focus and share on a weekly basis – and it’s open to all, so join in!

1. Without a doubt the Christmas Tree has to be number 1.  The amazing peace of sitting in the room lit only by the lights of the tree is beyond description.

2. Christmas Shopping with My Beloved – We enjoy this time together so much and try to go shopping at different malls or different parts of town just so that we can see the decorations. The hand holding, the smiles and laughter, the excitement of finding the perfect gift for somebody is absolute bliss.

3. Knitting Guild was Tuesday night and it’s so good to see friends. The knitting group that I used to play with now meets on a night that I have church, so I haven’t seen them in forever.  Now I get to see them once a month at least and catch up on what’s going on. And the guild program that one friend was teaching came to an end this month and I learned so much from her.  So glad to be a part of this group.

4. Brooklyn – Even the weeks that I don’t get to see or love on my granddaughter I love that I’m now able to talk to her and see her at the same time using iPhone’s Facetime.  We chatted on the phone one night this week and in 3 year old fashion she was zooming around the room and gathering up things to show me. One that she came back to time and time again was an ornament she had made in school and it was darling to see how proud she was of her creation.  I love that we’ll be able to craft together very soon.    She also dug around under the Christmas tree until she found my present and ran over to show me.  LOVE this age she’s at right now!

5. Worship Opportunities at our church are abundant this time of year!  I love being with the ladies and lovin’ on them and getting to know some of the other people better as well.  And the sermon series right now is spot on what I happen to need to hear.  Don’t you just love when that happens?

“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind”

Friday’s Fave Five #116

Even though it’s going to be 70 degrees where I live today I decided to change my FFF graphic to the snowflakes.  I’ve been seeing all the snow pictures on our news and it’s kind of getting me into the spirit of winter. 

Head over to Susanne’s for more Friday Faves and prepare to be blessed!

1. Peace Within the Holidays – Thanksgiving came and went without my usual panic this year and Christmas season is shaping up to be the same.  I think what happened is that I finally “gave up perfect.”  What I mean by that is that so many of the expectations of the holidays are thing we put on ourselves and when we let that go we can relax and enjoy ourselves and others.  Although perhaps part of that peace is because I’ve done the holidays so many times now that things just happen as part of routine and doesn’t require as much effort as they did in the past.  Who knows?  But I do know that I am loving the peace and calm, comfort and joy.

2. Holiday Decorations – And we don’t even have ours out of the attic yet!  Decorating our home is on the list for tomorrow and I am so excited about it.  We also have gone to two shopping malls already with the sole purpose of just walking around and enjoying their decorations.  The season is a much slower pace this year and walking along holding hands with my Beloved is such a joy.

3. Partially Remodeled Master Bedroom – We did get our bedroom painted the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ended up going with a greenish color (pictures to follow soon).  I’m so happy we went with this color as it is so peaceful for a bedroom.  My sister-in-law declared it to be “spa-like” and that’s a great description.  Most evenings, and some mornings, will find me sitting on my chair and reading or knitting, a cup of coffee or hot tea close at hand.

4. Peppermint Hot Tea – My word I’m hooked on this stuff!  I’m using Peppermint Tea by Timothy’s for my Keurig and it is so perfect and soothing at the end of a day.

5. Family and Friends – Nothing can make a person feel more content than getting a phone call, text or email from family and friends.  Even a quick hello, how are you doing lets you know that you’re being thought of and loved.  Tis the season!

Friday’s Fave Five #113

Happy, happy Friday y’all!  I have had such a wonderful, contented week and my heart is so full of joy.  I love when we finally listen to the Lord and put stress and junk aside and just enjoy all there is.  Head over to Susanne’s to see more Friday Faves and be blessed!

1. Keith and I have added Bible reading and a devotion time at our dinner table every night.  There really is nothing as intimate as spending this time with your beloved.  We take turns reading the Bible and the devotion aloud, then spend time talking about the readings.  It is an amazing time together.

2. I celebrated a birthday on Wednesday!  That night at our Mentorship Class at church they all sang Happy Birthday to me and that was the most touching thing ever.  All those faces that I’ve come to love and cherish singing to me.  A very special time.

3. Last night we went to dinner with all the kids to celebrate my birthday.  Good times indeed!  Little Bit was her excited 3 year old self and so happy to be with everybody.  She got out of their truck when they arrived and ran over to me holding a card high in the air.  “Grandma, grandma  - this is for you!”  What a delight.  Looking around the table last night at these special faces – I felt so blessed. 

4. Tuesday night was the monthly meeting for the Dallas Hand Knitters Guild and I got to catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in some time.  Another friend of ours is doing the program through next month – a knit along lace shawl.  I’ve got the yarn to do a shawl for me, but knew I had several baby blankets to knit during this time, so to keep up I’m doing the doll sized version.  My doll is going to be quite styling with her knitted lace with beads shawl when it’s all said and done.  :)

5. I had said for a couple of weeks that this year we wouldn’t hand out candy on Halloween because I didn’t need the leftovers here to tempt me.  At the very last minute we ran up to the store and bought a ginormous bag of candy and I am so glad we did!  We didn’t have a lot of kids come to the door, but the ones we had were absolutely darling and I enjoyed seeing them and visiting with their moms.  In between the doorbell rings Keith and I were watching the World Series on TV and I was knitting.  Can an evening get any better than that?

Friday’s Fave Five #110

Happy Friday y’all!  Thrilled that it’s Friday and time to look back over our blessings of the week.  Thanks to Susanne for hosting each and every week.  :)

1. I was one of the many, many people the world over that was overjoyed and glued to my radio/internet/TV during the rescue of the 33 miners from Chile.  So amazing and beautiful to see them as they emerged into the fresh air.  I was touched to see how many dropped to their knees in prayer and especially the words of the second miner, Mario Sepulveda.  “I have been with God and with the devil. I fought between the two. I seized the hand of God, it was the best hand. I always knew God would get us out of there."  AMEN!

2.

OK, so maybe it’s not exactly a blessing, but I am currently falling head over heels in love with Diet Dr. Pepper!  I swear that most of the time I question whether they’ve given me the diet version when I order it at a drive-thru – it’s that good.

3. Our Mentorship class at church is still amazing! I’m still so surprised at the path that God has laid before us, but I’m going forward by faith.  We are learning so much and so blessed by both the things we’re learning and the people in our class.  Excited – and maybe a little scared – to see where this leads us!

4. Walking with the dog – I’ve talked before about how I love taking walks and especially love the fact that it’s cooler outside.  One of the sweetest side benefits of that is seeing so many other people out walking as well.  The friendly smiles and greetings are a sweet balm to the spirit.

5. Texas Rangers in the playoffs!  Now I do see the silliness of having something like this in the same list as the miners being rescued in Chile.  But honestly there is something about the home team doing good that just elicits smiles everywhere you go.  It’s great water cooler conversation, people talk about it at stores and restaurants, really there’s no end to it.  And in these tough times if a baseball team can help build a sense of community I don’t see where that’s a bad thing.

In fact, I’ll be sitting on the sofa tonight next to my Beloved while we watch the game together.  Togetherness is a good thing.  :)

Friday’s Fave Five #107

I have been Snoopy Dancing all morning because it’s Friday!  Most definitely I do not want to wish my life away or for it to go any faster than it already does, but I’m also most definitely looking forward to the weekend.  :)  Check out more Friday’s Fave Five or join in – it’s fun!

1. Mentorship Class at Church – This class is turning in to so much more than what I originally thought it would be and that is so great!  Learning about modernistic and post-modernistic society, philosophers and the reasons why people think and believe the way they do.  Our pastor has a PhD and taking this class is really challenging my mental capacity in a good way!  Equally as good as the class is the great conversation that Keith and I have on the way home.  I sure do love that man.  :)

2. French Vanilla Coconut Milk Creamer by So Delicious – I switched to this creamer some time back and absolutely LOVE IT!  There’s no fat, no sodium, no cholesterol, low carbs, low calories and tastes FANTASTIC!  I have really struggled with my coffee creamer as I know the major brand name I used was so bad for me.  But I love, love, love my coffee and couldn’t find anything good to replace it until I found this.  Now I’m happy as a clam and loving my coffee again!  It really is the little things….

3. The birds are back!  I decided to save some money and buy the store brand of bird seed at the major big box retailer and they were so not impressed that they left me to find greener pastures.  We went to the store the other night just for the purpose of getting the kind I used to use and now I have the Disney scene in my yard again with all the happy birds and squirrels.  Note to self – apparently generic is not good enough for the birds around here.

4. My Beloved and my family – I received a sort of blow this week regarding some health things (not quite ready to fully share yet) and my heart is just so full from the love of my husband.  Sometimes when he looks at me with those big eyes and then kisses me – even after being married for 30 years I still swoon.  His support and love mean the world to me.  And along those lines – I’ve been amazed and blessed by all the support from my family this week.  It’s so much easier to face things when you are not alone.

5. Fall Colors and Flavors – It is *finally* cooling off in Texas and while that is good and bad (I really will miss summer fun), I’m ready for it.  I love the colors of fall, the fall decorations, pumpkin anything (especially coffee – hoping my coffee “supplier” has the new pumpkin K-cups!), fall purses, sweaters, boots – just fabulous!

Friday’s Fave Five #105

 

Time to list our favorites from the week! Check with Susanne at Living To Tell The Story for more links – always uplifting.  :)

 

I have been enjoying myself immensely this week with crafting and surfing and just living life.  Sometimes weeks just come together so perfectly and this was one of them.  I found a link to this card generator on a blog and it was fun to play with, so that’s why you see it instead of my deep, thoughtful regular Friday post.  ;)  Oh how I kid…..

One last note, after all the rain, flood and tornadoes of this week today has risen with a glorious sunny day.  We are forecast some mid- and upper-90’s for the next week, so even though my heart and head say pumpkin and candy corn, my feet still say flip flops.  And that’s ok.  :)

Friday’s Fave Five #104

Happy, Happy Friday y’all!  I’m looking forward to a great 3 day weekend and get to see my kids – does it get any better than that???  :)  Hop on over to Susanne’s Living To Tell The Story to see many more Friday’s Fave Five….and let’s accentuate the positive!

1. Obviously number 1 on my list is getting to be with all my family last weekend for my sister-in-law’s birthday.  Always enjoy seeing everybody and spending time together.  We also pretty much ate out most meals and that made for some good times.  :)

2. Cooler Weather!!!   I absolutely adore summer, but the lovely rainfall and windy morning is music to my soul.  Really we are so blessed to have the 4 seasons and see all the unique things that comes along with each one of them.  There are things to love about each season and I wouldn’t change a thing.

3. Knitting – intense knitting!  I’ve been working on a baby blanket for a friend’s daughter that is due in October, but would set it aside for other projects that came up.  Well…the baby shower came in the mail and I have a little over a week to get this finished now – eek!  LOL!  Fortunately I have a very understanding husband and he is happy to join me on the sofa and watch tv while I knit away.  I do think I should finish in time, but it will take some superhero knitting to get it done!  :)

4. Speaking of knitting, the Dallas Handknitters Guild starts up again next week and the program for the fall is a lace shawl by none other than The Knitting Fairy!  Alissa is a lot of fun and I always enjoy spending time with her, so I’m looking forward to this.

5. I have found myself going on walks with the dog in the evenings again now that the over 100 degree weather is gone.  This is something that I really enjoy as it rather soothes my soul to walk along together.  It’s nice to stop and chat with neighbors along the way or just walk in the quiet and listen to the words God whispers to me.  And in that quiet the words sometimes come in the form of flowers or butterflies or such and I find that my day to day life is filled with such business that I sometimes miss the words.  The walks slow me down to listen.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

Friday’s Fave Five #102

For whatever reason I sure feel like doing a Snoopy dance today for Friday!  It has not been a bad week, just happy to see the weekend I suppose.  As always, click on over to Susanne at Living To Tell The Story for more Friday Fave Five.

1. Feeding the Birds – which makes me think of this Disney song:

So back to my original thoughts – and funny that I’ve put a Disney video here.  I am enjoying my two bird feeders immensely.  At different times during the day there might be 20-30 birds on the feeder, on the tree next to it, the ground underneath and in the bushes nearby.  Usually there will be a squirrel or two frolicking nearby as well.  I’ve told Keith that when it gets like this it reminds me of a Disney movie, like Cinderella to be exact, when she walks out with her melodic singing and the birds flutter around and land on her shoulders.  While I don’t have it quite that idyllic (yet!), it brings me great joy to sit and watch the birds.  I’m very blessed to have quite a few cardinals in the area (who knew?) and they are so very beautiful.

2. Baking – I’ve mentioned before my cooking blog, Gramma’s Cookin’, and I have to say that the side benefit of starting this is that I’m thoroughly enjoying baking and cooking again.  To be fair, when you reach the empty nest stage of life you really do have so much more time and that does help to change a task from a chore to a joy.  I am actually cooking my way through a lot of the recipes that I’ve torn out of magazines through the years or printed from the internet.  In the process I”m finding some new big favorites – what a bonus!

(and let me add – I have a Blueberry Pound Cake in the oven right now that smells divine!)

3. Knitting – Because Netflix has the instant view feature we’re catching up on quite a few tv series that we missed out on through the years.  Since this involves a lot of quality “sitting” time I’m also getting a lot of knitting done.  Finished a shawl last night and as soon as the ends are woven in I’ll be sharing that here.  Which meant that I immediately cast on a hat and I’ll betcha it will be done today, so that will be shared soon as well.  Honestly – there is nothing quite so soothing as that yarn sliding through my fingers and creating something. 

4. Room rearranging – Oh.My.Word.  This house is in such chaos right now as we redefine what some of the rooms will be used for.  But I’m actually starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel for “my room” and have started even thinking of the decorating process.  I’ll have my computer desk (naturally!), scrapbooking table, cutting table and sewing machine in here.  Since it will be a place to create I’m hoping that I can eventually get it to look like a place to inspire me as well.  Really looking forward to making things in here and feeling very blessed to have this space.

5. My daughter got a job!  Really I probably should’ve made this #1 since that’s pretty huge.  She’s been working at a job through a temp agency for the last 2 years and just went through interviews and such at a different company and got the job!  She started yesterday and when we talked last night it did this mama’s heart good to hear her so happy and at peace.  I’m especially thrilled that she’s working at a good company and got a good offer during this economy.  God is good – all the time!

Friday's Fave Five #100!

And back on track with a Friday's Fave Five! Love looking at the week's blessings and a big thank you to Susanne at Living To Tell The Story for hosting each week.

1.

Flowers! I haven't been feeling well lately and the doorbell rang and this was on the other side. After I realized they were for ME - not a neighbor that maybe wasn't home - LOL! - I was giddy! They are from my Aunt with an "I love you" card inside. Is that not the sweetest thing ever?

2. Phone Calls - When the phone rings and it's a friend you haven't spoken with for quite some time, you really can't stop the smile on your face. Life just gets so busy for all of us and to have somebody reach out like this was an unexpected pleasure. There are lessons to be learned here people - we need to slow down and enjoy the process of life and not just rush through it. <-- And that's spoken for my benefit as much as for anybody else. :)

3. Sundays - Every week I look forward to us meeting our daughter at church and worshipping together. And just as special in its own way is going out for breakfast together afterwards. We're having so much fun trying out new places. Coming up it will be even more different as our church is mixing up some of the services and we might end up going to a later service (still undecided). If that happens we'll still go out to eat together, it just might be for a lunch meal instead of breakfast! It's all good though when we can spend time with the ones we love.

4. Room Rearranging - We did end up buying the bedroom furniture from Craigslist that I talked about a few weeks back. Absolutely love it! What this means is that we are rearranging some of the rooms in our home and they will have a new purpose. Once all the dust settles I'll take some pictures, but I'm kind of enjoying spending time every evening getting some things done around here. It's all rather unhurried too, which is nice, which means we can take the time to go through some things now and purge/delete/donate/throw away! Our only real goal is to get it finished before the holidays get here because at that time we'll want to have our focus elsewhere.

5. Crafts - Along with all the rearranging and going through I'm revisiting some old craft projects. I sent an email to my mom this week saying that I see these things and I love them as much today as when I bought them, so to me that's a sign of a good purchase. As I sort and arrange that closet I'm kind of putting things in the order that I want to work on them and am so excited and ready to get started. I also found a few knitting projects that only lack the ends being woven in and then blocking, so those will get done very soon. Loving my crafting again!