Never Let It Be Said...

...that I made my daughter put up the Christmas tree on her sick day.  I mean what mother would do that?

However, she was feeling better in the early afternoon yesterday, and was bored.  You know, she OFFERED.  I mean -- I wouldn't want her to be bored.  Besides, I may have mentioned before that putting up the Christmas tree isn't really my thing, and my girl gets SO EXCITED to do it!  Why rob a girl of her joy?

I'm just sayin'!

So, earlier than ever, the Christmas tree is up.  We usually tackle the job about the first weekend in December -- but this year, we're having December's Second Sunday lunch at our house, so I'm getting decorated a little early.

The "First Gift of Christmas" tree is in place, and so is the Hot Beverage Station.  There have been a few additions, and a few subtractions in holiday decor.  Some things are exactly the same because... really?  I can't imagine doing them differently.

I'd show you the tree, but... after an episode with bulbs that wouldn't light, and a trip to the hardware store for my hubby and daughter... well, let's just say the lights need a little reconfiguring before the decorations go on.  Stay tuned.  (And no.  I am so-not stressing out about it.  Just not.)

How about you?  Is everything decorated at your house?  Tree up?  Wreath on the door?  No?  That's okay.  It's way more fun to do it in YOUR time than someone else's.  So, whenever you decorate...

enjoy the process and remember the REASON for the season.

Wearing JOY

The other day, as I headed out the door to do errands, I put on my bright yellow goose-down vest.  It was just right for the day.  One of my first stops was Target.  There's a Starbuck's inside the front of this particular store, and windows look out towards the parking lot.  As I walked up to the store, I noticed two women sitting in the Starbucks, and, well... you know how it feels when you think someone is talking about you?  It felt kind of awkward, because they were both staring directly at me with big smiles on their faces.  I was dying to check my pants to see if I had forgotten to zip or something.... and then, I remembered what jacket I had worn.

The yellow one.

I picked it years ago.  My mom asked what my hubby and I wanted for Christmas, and I told her vests.  My hubby picked navy, and I wanted yellow.  It was so cheerful, and such a surprise -- I just couldn't resist!  It screamed happiness and JOY to me, long before I had really even given much thought to living JOYfully.

As the realization hit me, I relaxed because... this actually happens a lot to me when I wear my vest.  When I WEAR JOY, people notice.

And that's not why I chose it,

but,

on the other hand... why not be a poster-child for JOY?  Not just when I'm dressed in sunshine-yellow and feeling good, but always.  Because it doesn't really matter what I'm wearing.  There are always people watching, and I have much to be JOYful about.

As I got closer to the storefront, I looked intentionally towards those women... and smiled... JOYfully.

...And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

It's early Monday morning, but I can already tell you that my first call of the day will be to the doctor.  My girl has been "working on" a cough since Thanksgiving Eve, and it seems to have become more than just a little tickle. Since nothing she's taken seems to have helped, we'll see what the doc has to say.

Luckily, our kids still have today off -- so perhaps we can get something in her system today that will kick this cough to the curb!

This has been an extreme fall for us.  We are not usually so sick.  I feel like the nurse must roll her eyes when she hears my voice on the phone.  But alas, we've come away with legitimate issues each and every time, so...

I thought I'd be far along on my Christmas decorating by now, but rather than decorate this weekend, we got some Christmas shopping done.  Nothing major, but it's a start.

There was other stuff going on too, like... my hubby repairing the dryer!  Hurray!  I am back on my usual laundry track!  There's nothing to throw a monkey-wrench into your week like not getting laundry done.  My hubby was fortunate enough to find a new motor on e-bay that saved us a lot of cash.  It's now installed, and I'm back in business!  I am blessed to have a handy hubby!

So, while I had hoped to finally get some decorating done today, I'm thinking that (realistically) it won't be until Wednesday.

This pretty dishtowel is one of my favorite things to put out each year, but I'll tell you a little secret.  It's only been used as a decorative flash of color, and NEVER for drying dishes.  Why?  It was a gift from a dear friend who passed away several years back, so I really treasure it... and, if I would actually USE it, I'd have to WASH it -- and I'm worried about that beautiful red fading, or worse yet, running/bleeding.

Do you have anything like that... that you baby along through the years?  It seems my Christmas decorations fall into two categories: ones with deep memories, or ones that were grabbed "on the fly" and hold no real meaning, other than to fill a particular niche at a particular time.

Last year, I tried to pair down my Christmas decorations, and as I sorted things to throw away or donate, I wondered if some day the kids would say, "What ever happened to that ornament...?"  But, they store their own collections of ornaments separately, and so I feel free to get rid of what I feel is excess.

What about you?  Have you started decorating?  -- or is today the day?

All is Calm

It was an odd Thanksgiving for our family of four.  My sweet hubby was on-call, and got a call just before we walked out the door to my sister's.  As a result, he didn't get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with the rest of us.  He stopped by later, grabbed a plate to go, and was on his way again.  Not the day I'd imagined -- that's for sure.  But, looking at the bigger picture, we are grateful that he has a job.  Thinking about the alternatives put everything in perspective.  Though we missed having him with us, we enjoyed a great day with my sister's family, and my parents.

Today -the day after- my hubby has a holiday, but is still on-call, so we stayed at home.  Except for a late evening trip to Sears last night for my hubby and kids to look for a t.v., there was no Black Friday for us.  I couldn't be bothered with that rat-race.  No offense to any of you that were out there -- it's just not my thing!

I'm always at odds about what to do on this day.  Here I sit at home, but to hurriedly pull out the Christmas decorations seems like rushing our thanks away too quickly.  But, I admit to having visions of sugarplums dancing in my head -- and I'm kind of rarin' to go!

So, while my hubby sat at the kitchen table hooked up to all things techy (for work), I baked Cranberry-Orange Muffins, and watched the 25 Days of Christmas movies.  I did laundry, and hung it up to dry, since our dryer is broken.  There's been no Christmas decorating of any sort.  Just calm.

Tomorrow's a new day, and all bets are off.  I'll be working on making those visions become reality.

Thanksgiving 11.22

Though the daily gratitude continues in my heart and mind, this post ends my month of thanks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Today, I am thankful for:
1. an amazing day with family -- lots of food, fun, and fellowship
2. the job that my hubby has -- even though it kept him from spending the day with us
3. a gorgeous fall day
4. a walk after our Thanksgiving Dinner

Thought: for my dear family, from Philippians 1:3 ~ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. (New Living Translation)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Praying that you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day!

11.21 Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for:
1. a 5-day school break for our kids
2. a 3-day weekend for my hubby
3. grocery shopping done... bounty
4. a pot of chili on the stove

Thought: A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes a life acting the love of Christ. ~Ann Voskamp, author One Thousand Gifts

~Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!~

Thanksgiving 11.20

Today, I am thankful for:

1. a good (early) morning before the kids went to school.  Even though my girl felt achy, it was manageable because she knows she's on the mend
2. another afternoon for my girl to stay after school to catch up on some missed classwork
3. creative time today

Thought(s): (source)
*Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? 
*Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
*Be thankful for the difficult times.  During those times you grow.
*Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
*Be thankful for your mistakes.  They will teach you valuable lessons.
*Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
*It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
*Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Thanksgiving 11.19

Everything is not always what it seems.  My girl missed four days of school last week because of extreme nausea. We assumed she had the flu.  (There were stories flying around school about who had what ailment, and what teachers went home sick...)  However, my girl had no fever, there was no vomiting, and she had a great appetite. HUH?  We were so exasperated.  Nothing was making sense.  Until...

My sweet hubby called our brother-in-law, who is a massage therapist.  It sounded to him as if she had a pinched nerve in her lower back, resulting in back pain -- and yes, nausea.  I took my daughter to get a massage tonight, and she left a new girl -- well, almost.  She definitely left a "changed" girl.  What a relief to this mama!

Today, I am thankful for...
1. a sweet brother-in-law who helped my daughter solve her back pain problem: two pinched nerves!
2. finding a new backpack style that will be more effective for my daughter with her back issues, and is "school-approved"
3. a sweet niece to play Sponge-Bob Bingo and Halli Galli with tonight

Thought: The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.  ~Psalm 28:7

Thanksgiving 11.18

Today, I am thankful for:
1. time spent with family
2. a time to celebrate my mom
3. a delicious chocolate birthday cake made by my dad - a first!
4. great conversation

Thought: (spotted on Pinterest) Counting blessings multiplies your happiness. 

Thanksgiving 11.17

Today, I am thankful for:
1. My mom - today is her birthday, and we'll celebrate tomorrow
2. My sweet nephew, Noah -- his birthday was earlier in the week, but we'll celebrate today
3. The opportunity to have my family here for 2nd Sunday lunch tomorrow (yes, I know it's 3rd Sunday -- that's just how it worked out this month)

Thought: (spotted on Pinterest) All we have is all we need.  All we need is the awareness of how blessed we really are.  ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thanksgiving 11.16

Today, I am thankful for:
1. a chance to talk with the nurse at our doctor's office about my daughter's flu?-like symptoms ("hang in there" was the conclusion we reached without an appointment)
2. an afternoon escape to Target
3. an afternoon treat -- a Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha Frappaccino, and one to share with my daughter
4. my girl feeling a little better today
5. my sweet son, who touched base with my daughter's teachers, and brought her school assignments home to her (four day's worth!)

Thought: (I Thes. 5:18)  In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

For The Dalits (with love)

Our church does a lot of work with The Dalit Freedom Network.  Who are the Dalits, you ask?

The Dalits represent about 250 million people who have been oppressed for over 3,000 years, and treated as "untouchables."  Many of them are struggling to decide what they will believe after an almost official departure from the religion of their birth because of the caste system.  Because the Dalits have been denied basic human rights, they have a tremendous need for healthcare, education, women's rights, and economic opportunities.  Through a partnership in India with the Dalit Freedom Network, we hope to address these needs.

Some of the women of the church have partnered together to take the cause even further.  They have collected donated goods and services for an on-line auction to benefit the Dalit women and children of India.

I'm helping to spread the word!

All proceeds from this auction will go directly to the Dalit Freedom Network to benefit Dalit women and children in India.  Items are available in every possible category from ART to JEWELRY and GADGETS to SPAS.  (You must register to bid.)  Please take a look, and help support these women and children.  THANK YOU!

~CLICK HERE FOR AUCTION SITE.~

The auction will be live November 21-28th.  Come browse now, and register to bid.  When bidding opens, you'll be all set, and can start your bidding.  The screenshot below shows only some of the categories!

THANKS FOR CONSIDERING HOW YOU CAN HELP!

<<< --- Please note the addition of the "auction" button in the left sidebar.  I will leave that up for the duration of the auction so that you can easily find a way to click through.  Thanks again!  ~Sally

Motherhood: Expect the Unexpected

This has not been the week that I expected it would be.  My daughter is on her third sick-day with flu-like symptoms, and rather than scurrying around and running the usual errands, I've just been...  here.  Sitting with her.  Standing by.  Encouraging.

I shrug off her many thank-yous and "mother-of-the-year" nominations, and think how grateful I am that I am able to be here for her.

I prayed for a job this fall, and nothing really panned out.  I thought maybe God was saying "no," but now I realize he might have been saying "wait" -- as we've had a large assortment of sick days and doctor's visits between the two kids and I.  I will gladly wait for a job if it means my girl doesn't have to stay home sick in an empty house all day.

Motherhood is my greatest calling.  I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy it as a stay-at-home-mom.

Today, I am thankful for...
1. the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom
2. a sense of humor and LAUGHTER
3. hugs, and words of appreciation
4. things that bring comfort -- a cozy blanket, a cup of peppermint tea, fuzzy socks

Thought: I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K.Chesterton

Thanksgiving 11.14

Today, I am thankful for:
1. our vehicles (we are spoiled to have two)
2. my sweet sister, Jill, who (along with her family) is hosting our Thanksgiving this year
3. ornamental pear trees turning a beautiful golden-yellow

Thought: I used to think that faith... was sort of like a building block, and you put all these blocks together, and you build a house, sort of like the little pig built that the wolf could not blow down. And now I get older and I feel that faith is a matter of surrender.  It's a matter of just giving up, and leaving that house and just walking out and experiencing the cold and the rain and doubt and confusion and trying to keep up your hope and some sense of gratitude.  If you just keep up hope and gratitude, maybe that's... all you need. ~Garrison Keillor

Pass the Salt?

I've wanted to try this idea from Pinterest (of course) for a long time, and finally got the chance.  It was one of the first ideas I spotted and pinned on my "Crazy for Canning Jars" board.  Yes, I have one of those.

It's amazing how people are using canning jars these days.  They're not just for "canning" anymore!  They are everywhere, and for everything!

Why does salt in a canning jar make me happier than salt in a salt canister off the store shelves, you ask? Because.

There.  I said it.  *wink*

The end.

p.s.  Did you know that a Parmesan Cheese lid supposedly fits a canning jar, too?

Today, I am thankful for:
1. the morning sun that came before the rain yesterday
2. time spent on Facebook with my sister and cousin remembering our grandpa
3. LOTS of Socks for Sandy sent to Laura for Hurricane Sandy victims

Thought: He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus, Greek sage and philosopher

Inspired

On Saturday, I got to hear Sheila Walsh speak.  What an honor.  She is such a sweet woman of God with such a tender heart, and I always go away from her conferences feeling so extra-specially loved by God.  During this talk, she shared that she has committed Psalm 143:8 to memory, and every morning when she wakes up (before she even gets out of bed) she says this verse back to the Lord.  Inspiring, yes?

Speaking of inspiration, I continue to be so inspired by Laura and the SOCKS FOR SANDY campaign that she started.  She has collected LOTS of packages to pass along to the victims (check out the photo of her loaded van, below).  The shipment that Laura received on Friday filled two giant mail bins!!!  Exciting!  She's doing a great job of keeping everyone updated too!  You can check out The Official Socks for Sandy Facebook page for all of the latest!

The latest news is that hats, gloves, and mittens are no longer a need.  Socks ARE still needed, and the latest request is for new packages of underwear.  EVERY SIZE is needed!

Click HERE to get to Laura's blog where she puts all the FAQ's & updates.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. people who inspire us to do better

2. those who have served or are currently serving in our military -- and for their selfless sacrifice on my behalf.

Thought: (spotted on Pinterest)
I cried because I had no shoes... until I saw a man with no feet. Life is full of blessings. Sometimes we're just blind to see them.

Thanksgiving 11.11

Today, I am thankful for...
1. words of truth spoken by Sheila Walsh -- that The Shepherd knows where to find us, [no matter how broken we are, and no matter what we might be hiding behind]
2. the delicious dinner that I came home to last night -- prepared by my sweet hubby and daughter

Thought: When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. ~G.K.Chesterton (English writer)

Thanksgiving 11.10

Today, I am thankful for...
1. the chance to hear Sheila Walsh speak
2. the opportunity to share the day with Mom and some friends

Thought: To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner (1912-1996) Art History Professor, Theologian, Poet

Thanksgiving 11.9

Today, I am thankful for...
1. a day in Amish country yesterday with my hubby
2. a chance for our daughter to spend time with a friend that she doesn't get to see often enough
3. the anticipation of the holiday season

Thought: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F. Kennedy

Thanksgiving 11.8

Today, I am thankful for:

1. my hubby's job

2. that he has some vacation days to use up

3. that today is one of them

4. the quiet morning hours

Thought: Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

Recipe: Sausage Pilaf

This recipe is a family favorite.  It's a great recipe to make and take too, I've discovered.  I've taken it to several holiday covered-dish get-togethers, and if you have a good way to keep it hot while you travel, it gets even yummier and creamier along the way.

Sausage Pilaf

1 lb.Bob Evans "original" or "savory sage" sausage

1 T. onion flakes

1 can cream of celery soup

1¼ c. milk

½ c. raw rice

½ tsp. sage (OMIT IF you used the "savory sage" sausage)

Brown sausage and drain.  Combine with all other ingredients, and stir well to mix.  Bake in covered casserole at 350F for about 1 hour, or until rice is cooked.  Stir, scraping sides of casserole every 20 minutes, leaving cover off for last 10 minutes.)

Today, I am thankful that:
1. God will not be surprised by the outcome of this presidential election
2. God in his sovereignty, will still be in control no matter which candidate wins

Thought: Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings. ~Marianne Williamson

When Things Don't Go As You Planned

...share what you learned.  Right?

Ever had what you thought was a cute idea kind of blow up in your face (figuratively speaking)?  You may remember THIS POST where I shared all the pretty pictures of my pumpkin filler surrounding a candle. OY.  Note to self: don't use a cheap candle when you do this!  The candle totally caved, and didn't melt down nicely like I thought it would.  I ended up with a mess, which is no big deal -- I actually share this with you more from the safety aspect.  The photo below makes it look all glowy and pretty, but look closely, and you'll see that the wax has melted down in between the pumpkins.  A mess.

Most of the pumpkins stayed pressed against the glass, but as the candle melted down, the hot wax "grabbed" some of the pumpkins, and rolled them into the melted wax at the center.  One of the little pumpkins rolled too close to the flame, and got charred.  Glad I was sitting right here.  Again, no big deal, but had I not been paying attention... who knows?  At the very least it could have been smelly!  (How crazy is it that just the other day, my mom said, "So what happens when the pumpkins get too hot?"  Now we know, Mom!)

So, no more monkeys jumpin' on the bed... uhhh, I mean no more pumpkins toastin' by the flame!
HA! (Sorry, I don't know where that "monkey" memory came from!)

I have to admit, my daughter and I were a little intrigued while this melt-down was going on.  Thus, the pictures. Hey, it was a slow day.  Don't judge.

Bottom line: If I want this same look. I would have to layer the pumpkins in between two hurricane globes, the candle being in the center one.  A much safer (and less messy) option for sure!

This has been a Public Service Announcement -- you know, in case you were thinking of trying something like this at home.

It's not too late to participate in Socks for Sandy.

Read my post from yesterday HERE to find out more.

Today I am thankful for:
1. socks on their way to hurricane victims
2. the freedom we have as Americans to express our opinions through voting

Thought: Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel.  ~Author Unknown

Socks for Sandy ~ Please Help!

You know the feeling you get when your feet are cold, and you slip on a pair of warm socks?  Or you can warm your hands and head while outside by wearing gloves and a hat?  That feeling of warmth and comfort is something we take for granted.  It is a feeling we want to give back to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

"Socks for Sandy" is a way anyone can help.
Additional details are HERE, but the bottom line is this:  a need for warm, dry, clean socks was expressed by a hurricane victim, and Laura is doing something about it.

Will you please consider donating new socks, as well as new hats and gloves to the hurricane victims?  Your package must be postmarked by November 9th, which is this Friday.  The need is immediate as we move into colder weather!

You can mail new socks, hats, or gloves to:
Socks for Sandy
P.O. Box 520
Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

All packages will be taken immediately to the hurricane shelters for distribution.

"What started as an idea has blossomed into warmth.  And it is simple to get involved!"  ~Laura

Pssssst.  Pass it on.

Today, I am thankful for:
1. a great high-school home-group for our kids to attend
2. my sweet hubby cooking Sunday lunch on the grill
3. the loyal friends with which the Lord has blessed our kids

Thought: Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Thanksgiving 11.4

Today, I am thankful for...

1. My girl - who loves to bake... just like her mama

2. My son - who got a glowing report from his employer

3. sitting down to dinner as a family

Thought: "Thanksgiving" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For each new morning with it's light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

When Gray is the New Sunshine

(and it seems like it is around here),

have lunch with an old friend, and let the good times roll!

Recently, I enjoyed lunch with an old friend.  We've know each other since high school, though we attended different schools.  We attended Bible studies together, we worked at the same company.  We got married years apart, but ended up having our kids at the same time.  We were/are both stay-at-home moms, and continue to love that role.

We've led very different lives, and yet are very much the same.  We went years without seeing one another, and then finally found our way back.  Most recently, we've tried to meet for lunch regularly.  Today, it was at Panera -- because it was a good soup and sandwich day.  And (BONUS), I got there early and scored a table next to the fireplace.

Though a month or so might go by in between our lunches, it's like we were just sitting together yesterday.  We catch up, fill in the gaps, and plan ahead until someone tells us it's time to go home.

Lunch with an old friend?  It's a GOOD THING.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. the chance to sit in front of a crackling fire to eat lunch with an old friend

2. laughter (and lots of it)

3. our imperfectly cozy home to come home to

4. a hot cup of tea on a rainy day
5. a sweet note from an on-line friend

Thought: from the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness"

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is They faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided --

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Thanksgiving 11.2

Today, I am thankful for:

1. a good afternoon at school meeting our kids teachers

2. a good "post-accident" report for our son from the doctor.(There are lots of aches and pains after you spin your car!)

3. a good night of rest for our son

4. fewer aches and pains for him this morning

Thought: There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

A Gift of Words

I know that sometimes my sweet son thinks I talk too much, explain too much, and give too many (potentially obvious) details.  He likes to tease me, and call me "C.O."  That stands for Captain Obvious (some of you may recognize that name from some comedian whose name I can't remember, but with whom my son is familiar).  Consequently, sometimes I feel like what I say goes in one ear, and out the other.

My defense?  Well  #1 - I'm a mom.  Isn't that what we moms do?  Help me out here, ladies.  And #2 - I am a former homeSCHOOLing mom -- so I'm used to always explaining myself, and making sure my kids understand things.

Well, if you follow along here at my blog, you know that my son had a hydroplaning experience the other day and his car is... not drive-able.  Tonight, he and my daughter were to help out at church, so they came home from school today wondering how they would get to church without a car.

Of course, I had already thought of this, and was planning to let them take my van.  When I mentioned it, it seemed to surprise my son a little.  Wondering if he was still a little leery about driving after the accident, I asked him about it.  He said he was okay with driving.

I got to thinking that maybe he thought we wouldn't let him drive, or that we thought he shouldn't drive.  So later, I said to him, "You know, this should go without saying... but maybe it doesn't, and maybe you need to hear it, so I'm going to say it...

...Dad and I know that what happened the other day was an accident, and that you're a good driver.  I have no problem with you taking my van tonight.  N-O-N-E.  [He thanked me.]  The only thing that I would say is that today's driving conditions are..."

And he finished the sentence for me... "just like the day of the accident!"

Exactly.  So we talked about that, and then the conversation was over.  And my son seemed a little... relieved.

I think maybe he was glad that we had this little talk.  Perhaps this time, what I had to say might have been especially important for him to hear.

I know this... it didn't go in one ear and out the other.

Today, I am thankful for:
1. cloudy days (like the last several!) that make me appreciate the sun
2. the power of words
3. my daughter's excitement in attending an after-school Bible study

Thought: We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder