A Precious Baby and Healthy Perspective

 Hi Friends!

We've had a busy week, with lots of babysitting, birthdays, a job loss (again)

 and a new grand baby who made her appearance early Friday morning.

Her name is Eden Psalm and she is as precious as she looks. 

David and I spent the night with Eden's 4 older siblings Thursday night,

as mommy and daddy headed to the hospital.

We traded off with Collin and Morgan Friday morning so 

we could go home, shower and head to the hospital to

meet baby Eden. 

Their daddy took over that afternoon and had all the kids in bed early

Friday night.

On Saturday, which was David's birthday, we picked up the older kids

and kept them for the day so daddy could get mommy out of the hospital.

All are home now and doing great!

Thank you, Jesus, for a healthy baby and healthy mommy.

💚

Meanwhile,

on Monday around lunchtime

David was let go from his job.

As I've said before...healthcare is not for sissies!

It's cutthroat and a horrible industry to make a living in.

But, God will provide, as HE always does. 

That's why our FAITH is in HIM 

and not the awful people who would let someone

go 2 weeks before Christmas. 

Good riddance! 

👋

Thankfully, all the Christmas and birthday gifts

were already here and we have everything we need at the moment.

So we will enjoy Christmas and our family...including Eden Psalm and

the little baby boy who is due January 6th.

🎄

We were talking to our kids last night and agreeing

that provision looks like many different things.

Yes, we need money to survive.

But provision can look like being a good steward of what you

already have - not always seeking more.

Provision (and healing) can also look like getting let go from a job

that was killing your soul. 

It's all about perspective.

What we choose to see in our circumstances,

can make a huge difference in how we make it through.

I'm choosing to see God's hand, moving us toward

a better future.

It's what he's always done.

💚

So...with that said...

it's time to go make breakfast and start my day.

I wish you all a great Sunday and week before Christmas.

I'm sure everyone will be busy getting ready for next week.

We have a great grandma coming for the week of Christmas

and we are really excited about that!

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

Waiting on Some Babies

 

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Christmas is in full swing,

as far as gift wrapping,

Christmas tree sitting,

making plans for food and special events

and...

a baby that could come any day now!

In fact,

I stopped off at Hobby Lobby this week

to grab two more stockings for the babies

on the way.

I wanted a pink and blue set,

but this was all they had.

Eden Psalm is due next week

and Sunday James is due on January 6th,

so of course they will each have something 

under the tree.

🎄

I've been going to bed each night

anticipating the phone call that

tells me it's time.

I'm praying Eden comes during the light of day

and we can all gather in the places we need to be

while we are awake 😅

I'm on grandkid duty with both new babies coming.

Thankfully they will be weeks apart,

so I can have a tiny bit of rest in between.

I count it a privilege though,

to keep the older kids,

so their parents can focus on the new baby 

arriving safely.

I do miss being at the hospital though,

but we just can't be everywhere,

can we?

💚

In the meantime,

I am staying busy with my regular household duties,

such as laundry today,

organizing some cabinets,

and making a few special gifts for Christmas.

🎁

I think one year it would be fun to have an "all handmade gifts" mandate.

Maybe we'll try that next year.

This year we're too busy waiting on some babies.

💖💙

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

The First Christmas Tree Morning

 

Every year I look forward to the first morning

with the Christmas tree. 

I pour myself a cup of coffee

and find a cozy chair

where I can sit by the glow of the lights

on the tree.

It officially feels like Christmas.

Thoughts of thankfulness fill my mind

as I take in the nativity scene figurines

on the mantle

and the stockings with everyone's name on them.

"I wouldn't have any of this 

without you, Lord," I say.

And it's so true.

If God had not pursued me,

beckoned me,

called me and 

saved me...

None of this would be mine.

It's all because of Him.

I sit awhile longer and think

of the new year that's on it's way

and all the plans and dreams

that are possible,

and I take comfort in knowing that

it's all in His hands.

God will handle all the details.

So I sit and enjoy the lights

on the first Christmas tree morning.

Some Christmas Tips and Good Reminders

 

Well friends...it's the last day of November, Thanksgiving has come and gone and now I'm officially in the mood for Christmas! I'm one of those "wait until after we eat the turkey" kind of gals, so let's get going!

The tree and lights will go up today and the presents will start to appear under the tree. The list will be checked, more lists made and everything about this month will feel different than any other month of the year. Especially since we have two birthdays and two more babies on the way! 

In light of a busy month, I pulled out a little book I created for myself a few years ago, to remind me to breathe and not get so caught up in the Christmas chaos that seems to show up around this time.

I thought you might like to hear some of these tips, as well.

Here goes...

🎄Remember WHO we are celebrating. Jesus is the focus and all the other stuff is just for fun.

🎄Picture what you want the season to look like and create that atmosphere as best as you can.

🎄Keep your meals simple this month. Save the big stuff for your family celebrations.

🎄Don't plan any important appointments this month (medical, financial, etc.). 

🎄Plan some fun events you don't normally go out for, such as a party, concert, movie, just to set this month apart as special.

🎄Treat yourself to a new candle and/or a new Christmas book each year, as a tradition.

🎄Let go of "Walton's moments" as I call them. These are the picturesque expectations that never work the way they do on tv. They will leave you disappointed every time. 

🎄Turn down invitations that you really don't want to show up for. 

🎄Simplify your gift giving and expectations. This is a huge source of stress for young people (and anyone with a budget).

🎄Get your shopping done as early in the month as you can. This will free your mind (and stress level) so you can enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. 

🎄Rock the days when you have the energy. Rest on the days you don't. 

🎄Move unnecessary projects on your list to the new year. December is not the month to start something new!

🎄Delete, unsubscribe, block all unwanted, unsolicited ads, emails, influencers, etc. People will want your money this month! Protect yourself from temptation and money grabs.

🎄Create your own traditions - meals, times, festivities, etc. You don't have to carry on any traditions that you're not thrilled about, just because someone else deems it important. Be yourself! Create meaningful moments for you and your family. 

🎄Quit overthinking everything.

🎄Take time to walk outside. It refreshes your mind and your body. 

🎄Spend some time each day relaxing with a good book, doing something creative or just sitting in a comfy chair with something hot to drink. 

🎄Celebrate December birthdays like they aren't in the busiest month of the year! Give the birthday people the recognition they deserve. 

These are not earth-shattering ideas, I know, but they are good reminders that December should feel different. 

Christmas comes around once a year and it's supposed to be special! We are celebrating the birth of our savior. Throw the parties, give the gifts, eat good food and celebrate Jesus, because he is worth celebrating. 

Here's to a wonderful Christmas month!

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

A New Ornament and a Yummy Recipe

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

I hope this week of Thanksgiving has started off great for you or if not, maybe it's heading in the right direction as we all get ready to spend time with family and friends. 

David and I spent the weekend cleaning and organizing the garage. We still have many boxes to sort through, but now they are somewhat organized into sections and I have pulled all of the Christmas boxes to one side so I can get in there next weekend and start decorating.

Speaking of decorations...my friend Toni gave me this adorable ornament recently and I just love it! We share a love for books, so this was really special that she thought of me and wanted me to have this. 

Over the weekend we also did a little rearranging of furniture. We sold the couches that came with this house (not my style) and bought a new couch for the family room. We moved the other couch that was in the "library" to the family room and that left us with these two chairs in front of the fireplace. It's not bad, but needs some tweaking, which I will do as time goes by. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what to add or take away. My goal is that every area look cozy and inviting, so it's always a work in progress until that feeling is present every time I pass by.  

🎂

On Sunday we visited David's mom, who turned 84 that day. We took her a red velvet mini bundt cake, a very comfy robe and some warm socks. It was a beautiful sunny day, so we took her outside and sat in the sun for about 30 minutes. I think we had a nice visit and the trip outdoors helped. She is one who doesn't want to eat in the dining room or take part in any activities, so it's a challenge to make her feel at home. She did make a friend across the hall, so little by little, I hope she will find some joy there.

🍲

Sunday evening I made one of my favorite dishes, which doesn't have a name because I just made it up one day. But I thought I would share because it's so easy and it's a one pot meal, which is the best kind!

So let's call it...

One Pot Orzo Meal 😀

In large skillet brown chopped onion and 1 lb breakfast sausage. Cook thoroughly and drain.

Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes (I use a can of Rotel)

2 cups chicken broth (enough to cover orzo for simmering)

2 cups Orzo (pasta rice)

Season with garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper to your taste.

Let simmer on low until the orzo is tender.

That's it! Enjoy with garlic bread or Jiffy cornbread (because it's sweet and so delicious)

🍲🍞

I love this dish because it makes a lot and I end up eating it for days. (Confession...I will eat it for breakfast the next day too). 

If you try it, let me know what you think.

📞

Yesterday was one of those Mondays where I spent much of the day on the phone taking care of various things. I was on hold with one company for 45 minutes! After several calls like that throughout the day, I had to keep reminding myself to stay calm and be kind. Sometimes it's a challenge, but I think I did ok, considering.

I also had a grocery pick up, a bank run and had to put gas in my car. I guess it was a day for taking care of business.

But today...I am going to rescue my DIL for a few hours. Poor Alex is about 3 weeks away from her due date AND she has 4 children AND she's hosting Thanksgiving at her house this year. So I texted her last night and asked if she would like me to bring lunch over today and play with the kids for a few hours so she can rest or get things done around the house. She said yes 😅 So I will head out this morning and spend some time with my babies and hopefully it will give Alex a little break. 

🏡🏡

Tomorrow we finally close on our little lake house. Yay! I can't wait to mark that off the list of things going on! Owning one house is enough! Owning two is way too much! 

Well, that's all the news for today. It's a crisp 51 degrees here, which feels amazing! We love these crisp mornings around here! We savor every one, because they are gone way too soon. 

Have a beautiful day my friends! See you soon 💚

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

The Adventures of Life (and moving)

 Hello Friends! Happy Friday 😀

This week for family dinner we had sloppy joes, homemade mac & cheese, salad, and I made an apple pie.

This is the first pie I've made in a while, so I was just winging it, but in spite of the store bought crust, it wasn't too bad. 

Thursday was Millie Day,

which turned out to be a beautiful, fun day.

The girls had fun finding things in the garage they wanted to take home,

such as dolls that were David's mom's, costume jewelry, a snow globe and

some old phones we found in one of Collin's old boxes.

Why do we haul this stuff from house to house?

That is the question of the century. 

Addie (5) in her (fake) glasses. 

Her little pouch on the bike was holding her wallet,

keys, glasses, and phone. Obviously she knows what a girl 

needs when she leaves the house. 😅

Riding bikes up and down the driveway has become the new favorite activity.

We are accruing quite the collection of bikes, due to all the ages

and abilities.

When one kid outgrows their bike, the next one gets it

and we need to go looking for a bigger size for the one that has longer legs now.

Now we just need to remember to buy things in boy colors,

since the boys are catching up to all the girls. 

Emmy and Ella love showing me how they can do the splits, 

cartwheels and other tricks they learn at home. 

(ouch)

We also had a surprise visit from a friend, who has 2 girls that my girls love to spend time with.

So that was a bonus to the day.

These girls love friends 😀

(Don't we all?)

🏡

Transitioning to a deeper topic...

I was thinking about houses and seasons of life that take us to different locations.

They say that moving is one of the most stressful events we do, as humans, and I wholeheartedly agree.

But I think it's how we've been conditioned to believe it, rather than looking at it as another

adventure in the story of our life. 

Of course, moving can be linked to different reasons - some which might bring on negative emotions.

But many times moving is a choice we make because we want something different.

Some people actually move because they like change and then some never move because

the idea of change scares them to death.

Even just this recent move of ours, made me wonder how my girls would like the new place.

Would there be enough to explore, room to play outside, places to make memories?

And guess what?

They found their thing...riding bikes.

At our little lake cottage, there wasn't any concrete, just a gravel driveway and a big, grassy yard.

Not exactly bike riding conditions.

They had swings and a big yard to run in, but they would get bored

and we would all end up inside. 

Yesterday we stayed outside for hours and I had to make them come in to take a break.

It just made my heart happy to see that they found something here that we didn't have before.

This is life, right?

Every home, job, church, community - whatever it is that is new - we can find

something about it that is a blessing, if only we'll look.

And we need to look because life is full of changes and if we choose to stay stuck

in the past of what we had, it's going to be really hard to embrace the next thing,

and I think we miss a lot of blessings because we're so often looking back,

instead of enjoying the present.

"See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; 

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:19

God is a good, good Father, and though changes are scary,

moving is scary, new places are hard to get used to...

you are not alone. 

Look for something that you didn't have before and enjoy that thing.

Don't waste it looking back at what you're leaving behind. 

There's always something to be thankful for.

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

Follow Up to Have You Ever (Yesterday's Post)

 

Hey Friends! 

Thanks to all who participated in yesterday's post! It was fun reading your answers. I realized I never answered the questions, so I'll do it in this post for today.

Have You Ever - Would You Ever?

Eaten Escargot? NO! But I was in the French Club in high school. Still, no. 😫

Take the Polar plunge? No, but if I was there, it might be tempting.

Done the 10-Item Wardrobe? Not quite 10 items, but I've done the 3 color wardrobe.

Been on a TV show? My 2nd grade class went to a local station and we sat in the audience of the Captain Kangaroo show. Does that count? 😀

Sing in a talent show? No. But I have sung on stage with a quartet. 

Unfriended someone on Facebook? But of course. 😀

Started a fire in the kitchen? No.

Run for a political office? Absolutely no.

Owned your own business? Yes, for 6 months. A Photography venue.

Cooked a whole turkey? Once and never again in 35 years of marriage!

Owned a pet that wasn't the normal kind of pet? We've owned horses, guinea pigs, a rabbit, cats and dogs. 

Gotten lost in the woods? No, because I watch tv and know what happens when you go in the woods. 😉

Hired a private investigator? No, but it might be fun to be one. 

Done a zip line? No, but it looks fun. As long as it wasn't going over a mote with alligators or something. 

Worked retail? Of course. All through high school and beyond.

Had to sell your own product? Yes, and it's painful. I'm not a salesperson, at all. 

Worked in a daycare? Yes, just after I graduated and then again before I had kids of my own. 

Well, I hope you had fun with the questions! If you missed it yesterday, just answer them here in the comments. 

Have a great Thursday and I'll see you soon!

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

Have You Ever - Would You Ever?

 Happy Wednesday Friends!

Today I was getting ready for the day and I thought of a fun post to lighten the mood around here. It's called Have You Ever - Would You Ever? 

Here goes..(answer in the comments. I can't wait to read your answers 😀)

Have You Ever - Would You Ever?

Eaten Escargot?

Take the Polar plunge?

Done the 10-Item Wardrobe?

Been on a TV show?

Sing in a talent show?

Unfriended someone on Facebook?

Started a fire in the kitchen?

Run for a political office?

Owned your own business?

Cooked a whole turkey?

Owned a pet that wasn't the normal kind of pet?

Gotten lost in the woods?

Hired a private investigator?

Done a zip line?

Worked retail?

Had to sell your own product?

Worked in a daycare?

These are just some random questions that I came up with, for fun. I can't wait to read your answers! Obviously just pick and choose or answer them all! Have fun and we'll see you next time 😀

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

A Change of Scenery is Good

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

I thought I would catch you up on some things going on in our lives right now. We had a good weekend.

Our boys came over Saturday to help us move David's mom's furniture out of the house, since she is now at the nursing home. 

Originally we had set her up in the master bedroom, which had the walk-in shower. David and I were in the guest room. But since she couldn't live here after all, I have had to pack all of her belongings and move them out to the garage. The boys came to move the big stuff and Ted actually wanted her dresser and chest of drawers, which was great. It's always nice to pass things down and keep them in the family, if possible.

 

Sunday we made a visit to see David's mom. I baked these cookies for her. She loves sweets and I knew she would appreciate a bag of cookies. Next Sunday is her 84th birthday, so I'll have to come up with another treat to celebrate with her. 

After the boys moved all the furniture out, David and I moved our room to the master bedroom. I will share this story, in case it helps someone down the road. 

Recently David has had some health issues. About 3 weeks ago, he had a bad reaction to some medication in the middle of the night. It was terrifying. I spent an entire week on the couch after that. I just couldn't sleep in the bed, for fear that something else would happen. Since then I have slowly slept longer hours in the bed, but it's still a work in progress. 

So after the boys helped us on Saturday, we moved to the master bedroom and I changed all the decor in the room. I put a calmer bedspread on the bed. The one we had been using was bright and colorful, but it also reminded me of that scary night. Now everything in the room feels calm and serene.

Just those subtle changes have helped so much. It seems like such a silly thing and not every circumstance can be fixed with a change of rooms or bedspreads. I know this. However, it just goes to show what a powerful organ the brain is. We connect certain objects, scenes, places, with events. 

We are slowly getting pictures hung on the walls and now that we are in the right bedroom, I can set up a cute guest room for the times that my mom comes to visit. 

We still have some stressful things to walk through. We are one week away from finally closing on our little lake cottage. I can't wait to have that off my plate. We are still seeing a medicaid lawyer to help us with David's mom's situation. That has taken so much time and paperwork and tending to finances. It stresses me out every time we meet. 

David is still dealing with some health issues, but we are seeing improvements, so we are praying and praising God every day for even the smallest of victories.

To put it all in a nutshell...life is a lot right now! We are definitely in one of those rocky seasons that can't end fast enough. I'm trying to stay in prayer and reading God's word; searching for his promises. He's always been faithful and I know I can count on him to work all of these things together for our good. He's done it so many times before. He has a good track record. 💛

In the meantime...

Family dinner is tonight, we have two grand babies due within the next few weeks, we have a beautiful family, a loving marriage, a roof, some beds, food, friends and we are still richly blessed. Life is messy and beautiful, all at the same time.

I love and appreciate each of you for stopping by and all the sweet comments each week. You bless me more than you know 😀

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

Let's Talk Pantry Space

Yesterday I said I would be working on switching my pantry items to a lower cabinet and several of you seemed interested in the results, so here's the new system. 

This is the lower cabinet with the pull-out drawers. I like the way I can see exactly what I have on hand and even the space I have left on the two upper drawers. This will let me know when to start restocking or when I have plenty.

The challenge with this lower cabinet will be keeping the toddlers from discovering it. 😅 I can just see my canned goods going everywhere!

This is the original "pantry" space I was using. It's a big space, but very deep and obviously the top shelf is hard to get to. 

So, with the appliance that I don't use very often at the top, that shouldn't be too much trouble. 

My baking goods are in the middle and our snacks and breakfast items are on the bottom. 

 You can see how deep the cabinet is, if you spot the chips WAY in the back. 

These cabinets would be perfect for installing some slide-out drawers, but that will have to come later, if at all. 

I have discovered that containers (baskets and storage containers) are great, but sometimes they use up way too much space and make things more difficult. I like things to look neat and tidy, so I prefer some kind of containers, but they definitely use more space. 

Well, there you have it. Next I need to organize my freezer space. I did a stock-up grocery trip over the weekend and now everything is just wherever it landed in there. 

On to the next project! It's so satisfying to open a cabinet or the freezer and see everything in order, don't you think?

I'm wishing you all a great day! Happy Tuesday 😀

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

Weekend Recap

Well, here we are with another Monday and the month of November moving right along.

Happy Monday, my friends!

We've had quite a few visitors over the past few days and what a blessing each of them have been.

 

On Saturday David's Aunt Margie came to see us. She is 89 years old and still driving and making visits, even though she lives 7 hours from here. She's basically the grandma we all hope to be one day. She still hosts holidays at her house and welcomes visitors throughout the year. She's an amazing hostess and makes it all look way too easy. 

Emmy was with us that day, so she got to see Margie too. It had been a few years since they've seen each other. It was a special visit.

On Sunday our sister-in-law Monique came to visit for a few hours. It's always such a blessing to catch up with family. Even living in the same town, we don't see one another as often as we should. That's something I hope to get better at.

Backtracking a bit...

On Saturday we had an "Emmy" day, which means we had Emmy for the whole day and spent lots of quality time together. 

We started out by going to the Farmer's Market. I let her pick out a few things, which she chose some homemade soap, a salve for bug bites, some snacks and a cookie. Then we made a trip to the grocery store for some ingredients we needed for a treat she wanted to make out of one of her own cookbooks. She then had a request for a hamburger at Whataburger, so we ate inside, which is a treat for her. Afterwards we came home and got started on her recipe for Chocolate Crispy Treats. They were very easy to make and tasted delicious. The ingredients were: butter, corn syrup, chocolate chips melted in a pan. Then add cornflakes and mix together. Spoon into cupcake papers and chill for one hour. 

Later we colored together, played Bunco (she beat me) and then made dinner. It's always a big deal to stay until dinner time. She wants the most time she can get and we love every minute spent with her.

Going back even further...

Thursday was Millie Day and we made homemade pizzas. They turned out delicious and I let each girl make her own.

Addie is 5 

Ella is 7

Crafts are always on the agenda for Millie Day, so we spent some time painting together. The day also included a game, riding bikes and we always end with a dance party.

This week...

This week I am working on some organization around the house. When you move, sometimes you put things in the first place that seems right. As you live with that for a bit, you realize there might be a better system, so today I'll be working on my pantry, which isn't working out so great. 

This house doesn't have a real pantry, so I have to use cabinets. I chose the most logical cabinet, but it's too deep and tall and I'm having trouble seeing what I have on hand. I'm tempted to use a lower cabinet that has pull-out drawers. What do you think? Any opinions?

I have a lot of little things on the list for this week. I hope to get some reading in, as well. I'm moving through my current stack of library books and enjoying them all, so far. 

Well, that's my update for now. I wish you all a wonderful week, with many blessings. 

Until Next Time...

Blessings!