If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Shopping

Girls with Christmas money are sure interesting creatures! Our girls both got a substantial amount of money from their grandparents and aunts and uncles on both sides of the family for Christmas. Now hubby and I have to keep taking them shopping. They are being very careful how they spend it, but spend it they do want to do. Heaven forbid they might stick some of it in savings!?! lol

Anyway, it looks like we're heading out again for them to shop. Now shopping is something Tracy and I aren't real fond of. Now I'll shop for a few minutes, but not near as long as they do and besides I didn't get all the money they did and we need our money for bills! Oh to be a kid again!!! No no really, I don't want to go back to that for any reason!!!

But we have no problem taking them and letting them shop til they drop. We either sit in the car and talk, or work puzzles or read (I got Sarah Palins' new book for Christmas); or if we're at a mall, we go in and people watch. I love people watching and who knows, maybe I'll get some good pictures to show you later.

Oh and by the way, this is what I should be doing. Putting away all these Christmas ornaments. Our tree is now standing naked with nothing but the lights and the angel on top and all the ornaments are laying on the couch. I did this much late last night. I guess I'll probably finish later today, unless they keep me out too late.

So if I don't get back on to blog again I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone I have so enjoyed getting to know you and hope our friendships will continue into the new year. May God bless each one of you (as He already has by giving us His Son, Jesus).

Happy New Year Everyone!! See you in 2010
!


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Random Dozen


I've seen this around for awhile and I decided to play along for the first time today. If you want to play, click on the button above and join in.

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
Husband...no, children...ok but really would rather not, friends...definitely I will not drink after them unless I was choking or something.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
That some members of my family are even stronger than I thought they were.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
Tomorrow. Always try to get it done before the first.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
Get started on my next Bible study so I'll be ready to facilitate it in March.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
I'm looking forward to spring!

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
I took my girls, but didn't do much myself. Although, I did buy next years wrapping paper.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Just to be home with my family.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
No, just life.

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
Drama.

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
1-2 hrs. probably..broken up throughout the day usually

11. Who runs your household?
My husband is the head of the home, but I like to think I'm the neck and I can turn the head anyway I want. lol (By the way, that's a line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
That I'll grow closer to the Lord and I'll bring someone else along with me on that journey.


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I want to tell you about a giveaway

Hey everyone there's a giveaway going on over at Five Moms & a Blog. Be sure to go over and leave a comment.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Not Much Going On, Just the Way I Like It!

From reading your blogs, it seems most of you have had a great Christmas...and so did we. We spent Christmas Eve at my mom and dads and Christmas Day at my in-laws. We had a lot of fun both places. I didn't do much picture taking for some reason. But we had real good conversations and just a very relaxing and enjoyable time at each celebration.

We had good services Sunday. My husband preached a very thought provoking message Sunday morning on being salt and needing to get out of the salt shaker. I've asked him to do a guest blog with a little bit of his sermon. So hopefully sometime in the next week or 2 he'll do that. Of course he's on vacation right now, so it'll probably be next week. I'm off work all week, except Wednesday. I'll be going in for at least half a day to do payroll.

Today, we went to the grocery and bank and have stayed home the rest of the day, just relaxing. There's been some snow, but not a lot and I've totally enjoyed, reading and playing a new game I got for my computer and just messing around here. I don't get too many days like this and I sure do love it. Tomorrow we're heading to Columbus. The girls got some money for Christmas and it's burning a hole in their pockets, so we told them we'd take them shopping for the day.

We're also heading to a Lifeway Bible Bookstore to pick out the next Women's Bible Study we want to do. I'm sure it will be another Beth Moore Study, but I don't know which one. I've got until March before the class starts, but I want to get it now, because I'm really missing an in-depth Bible Study. So I'll start now and then hopefully I'll be really prepared to facilitate the Bible Study in March.

I hope the rest of you are enjoying your holidays as much as I am.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Nerd Family Christmas!

Christmas Day at the in-laws. Here's what we were all doing at different points through the day. 4 different laptops, 3 cell phones, 1 DS, 1 electronic photo frame. Mind you most of these were not new items, we just had them out using them. I figured we must be a Nerd Family. So enjoy our Nerd Family Christmas photos!






And here's the only normal one in the bunch. My nephew actually playing with real normal toys!! lol
So was your Christmas a nerd's dream electronic Christmas or did you just have a normal toys' Christmas?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Walk Down Memory Lane

This is Kerri and Kelli in December of 1995. Kerri was about 18 months old and Kelli was 4 years old. You can't see the tree as it was on the other side of the room. But I think this was the day they helped us decorate the tree and Kelli put all the ornaments on about 2 or 3 branches. I let them stay that way the whole season! I'm so thankful for digital cameras because this is about the only photo I have of the both of them that time. Usually, I either cut a head off, or someone's eyes were closed or it was really blurry. But anyway, here's one to share.

Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Fun Times and Winner Picked and Award Won

This post is a mixture of stuff! First of all, here is a picture of the girls in front of the Christmas tree. They received these red pj's and red slippers as a Christmas gift from a family at church. They came home and tried them on and I talked them into posing in front of the tree. Aren't they cute?

Second, I want to announce the winner of my giveaway! We numbered the entries 1-6 and used 6 playing cards Ace-6 and Kerri picked the winner. It was #6 which was Erica of Scottsville! Congrats Erica. E-mail me your address and I'll get it sent out right away. Maybe you'll get it in time to read it before you have to go back to work. I wish I had 6 copies of the book, so I could give all of you one!

Third, I won an award from Renee' at Glow Academy. I won the Honest Scrap Award. Thank you Renee'.

I am supposed to be HONEST about 7 things here, and then pass this award on to 7 others...

1. I love to read Christian Fiction Romance books!!
2. I'm legally blind in one eye. (I've always been that way, so no biggie)
3. I've joined Weight Watchers again.
4. I didn't marry until I was 31 years old.
5. I'm 4 years older than my husband (you know that's not too bad, cause you can raise them the way you want 'em! lol yeah, right!)
6. I'm a middle child (that should explain a lot right there!)
7. I can't think of a 7th thing so that must mean I'm pretty boring! So I guess my #7 is I'm a boring person!

I almost always play by the rules, but I'm gonna break them this time. I'm not going to pick 7 people to award this to, but instead tell you that anyone who reads this and would like to play, consider yourself awarded!!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman and Giveaway

From the back of the book:
Her prodigal son has returned!
But has he truly left the past behind?
The police car outside triggers Alisa Stewart's worst fear--her son, Kurt, is dead, his life lost forever to addiction. Instead, the officer is just following a lead on a crime. And when Kurt calls to say he's checked himself into rehab and found a healing faith, Alisa feels a hope she'd given up on.
It's like her son has been brought back from the dead.
But then the cop returns, asking dark questions about the murder of someone Kurt once knew. Alisa is terrified. Her boy is different now. He's changed and deserves a second chance. But as his old life refuses to stay buried, Alisa finds herself facing an impossible choice:
keep silent and keep her son or risk everything in a quest for the truth.
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Author:
Kathryn Cushman
is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to marry and begin a family and has since pursued her dream of writing. Leaving Yesterday is her third novel. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California. Visit Kathryn's Web site at www.kathryncushman.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book. About a third of the way into the book, I didn't think I liked it very well. The lead character, Alisa, made some choices and decisions that I didn't like at all and I just didn't like the way it was going. I put the book door for a couple weeks and then finally went back and read it. I'm glad I did. Yes, she made some decisions that I don't think I ever would, but it was for love of her son. I still don't think I could make those choices, but it does really make you think and wonder about how far would you go to protect your child. It was also about how so many times in life we "fake" our faith. We try to make everyone believe everything is okay with us, when really we are falling apart. And how we need to give up the pretense and just be real with each other. All in all, this was a pretty good book.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Bethany House a Division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you would like to have a chance to have this book, please leave a comment by Tuesday 8:00pm and we'll randomly pick a winner.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Carolers

Each year our church does a small booklet filled with Christmas memories, recipes, poems, etc and each year Kelli draws a picture for the cover. This is what she drew for this years booklet. If you click on the picture, you can see it enlarged.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Tour of Homes


I am participating in the 2009 Christmas Tour of Homes being hosted by "The Nester". Click on the button above to join in and participate or just to look at other's decorations.


I like to collect houses, lighted or not. They sit on top of the bookshelf in my living room year round. I light them up off an on throughout the year.

I love this house. It sits out year round too, but not lit up.
This is the dollhouse my dad made the girls. They decided they were too big for it, so it sits in my livingroom and I put a tree in it for Christmas.
This is a shelf my dad made. I love all these ornaments and houses. Actually a lot of these things stay out year round. The bell and poinsettias are about the only things that came out for Christmas.
This is our manger scene
Our Stockings

Some of my many bears

And last but not least, here is our tree.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Too Fast

Life is moving just a little too fast. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. As I said a couple of posts ago, (Scary) Kelli is now a legally licensed driver as of Friday. But as if that wasn't enough, yesterday she got her acceptance letter to the college she wants to attend. Now, ok. I want her to go to college, but come on this is all happening way too fast for mama! lol

Congrats Kelli! I really am proud of you....but do you think you could slow down just a little bit!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Guest Post by Pastor Tracy (my husband)

This is written by my husband for our Church Bulletin and I asked if I could put it here with him as my guest poster. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Note From the Pastor...

One dark and ominous night during World War II, a US aircraft carrier was plowing through heavy seas in the South Pacific. All lights were out because of enemy submarines. One plane was missing. Somewhere in that pitch-black sky it was circling in a seemingly futile search for the carrier--it's only landing place, its only hope of not being swallowed up by the giant ocean. The ship's captain, knowing the terrible risk involved, gave the order, "Light up the ship." Soon the plane zoomed onto the deck like a homing pigeon.

At Bethlehem, knowing the risk, God gave the command, "Light up the world." Then Jesus was born. A new and radiant light began to shine, pushing back the darkness of the world, of spiritual ignorance, and of sin and despair. Like a ship lit up in an otherwise darkened sea of sinful humanity, Christ came as "the light of the world" (John 8:12). John wrote, "The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining" (1 John 2:8). When Jesus the Savior entered this world, it was like the sunrise breaking radiantly over the horizon of human history (Luke 1:78-79).

In fathomless grace, God allowed His Son to die on the cross to save us from eternal darkness. What a blessed message for Christmas--and every day of the year!

Pastor Tracy

Thank you dear!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Scary!

It's official. I am the mother of a licensed driver. How in the world did that happen?!? She can't be more that 8 or 9. I mean where did the time go. The years have flown and somehow she's 18 and legally driving now!


She took and passed her test yesterday. Now mom and dad have to let her go and drive away from the house without us. I don't know if I can do it. Pray for me!! lol

Pray for her too, that God will send an angel to sit on her bumper and keep her safe from all those other drivers.



Thursday, December 10, 2009

SkyWatch Friday

Click on the SkyWatch Friday button to visit and/or post your own SkyWatch Friday Photos! You can see beautiful skies from all over the world.

I stopped in the middle of the road to take the first photo while taking Kerri to school (no there was no one behind or in front of me). The second one I took from my driveway when I got home tonight.





Christmas Meme

Cathy at Latte With Me had this on her blog and I thought I'd give it a try.

Here goes.

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps them or puts them in decorated bags.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights in and out at our house.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No...hello, 2 teenage daughters in the house! (I'm with you on this one Cathy!)


5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually Thanksgiving weekend. We started early this year though.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? When my dad makes Prime Rib.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The Christmas plays at church when we were growing up and also the silver Christmas tree with the rotating colored spotlight.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I can't remember for sure. But I remember the year I got to visit Santa about 5 times and I thought that was so cool.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, At my mom and dad's house. But here at home we wait until Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Multi-colored lights and all kinds of ornaments. The more the merrier.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? If I can stay inside and look at it then love it. If I have to go out and drive then dread it!

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, well at least I could about 10-15 years ago. lol

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No, I love anything I'm given just because someone cared enough to give it to me.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Jesus...after all it's His birthday we're celebrating.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Chocolate Chip cookies and really just about anything that's chocolate or has chocolate in it.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We always read the Grinch sometime during the season, we read the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas morning and we watch lots of Christmas movies all through the season.

17. What tops your tree? An angel. But we've had Santa and a star in the past too.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving

19. Candy Canes: Their okay...except they're not chocolate.

20. Favorite Christmas Show? White Christmas

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Christmas Shoes

22. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Mary Did You Know

If any of you decide to play along, let me know and I'll pop in to read your answers.


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What Do You Get For the God Who Has Everything?

My husband preached a sermon Sunday morning entitled, "What Do You Get for the God Who Has Everything?" Quite a thought isn't it? I mean after all it is Jesus Birthday we're celebrating. Shouldn't He get a gift?

Happy Birthday Jesus!


Tracy suggested Hebrews 13:15-16 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (NKJV)

I think that's pretty good. Don't we want to give Him a gift that pleases Him? I know I do.

Matthew 5:16 says Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (NKJV) So basically, our desire should be that in anything we do or say, that our friends and family will see Jesus in us.

Just curious what do you think of this? What Christmas Present do you plan to give Jesus this year?