Congratulations Matt & Meredith!

Look who married Matt and Meredith...my brother!
My Favorite Men in my Life.
Jeff says this is our Christmas Card photo for next year. Let's hope we have another little addition to add to the mix by then. :)

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

P.S I was the photographer for the wedding, I will post more pictures once the bride and groom get a chance to see them first.

No More Drama

The last few days have been spent learning the latest in hip hop music. My warehouse guys have enjoyed watching me try to keep up with the lingo. They kept calling me a cracker to which I replied "I don't smoke crack!" Actually I totally made the last part up, they never called me a cracker to my face. But I am sure that is what they were thinking or saying when I wasn't around and my reply would have been the same if they had the guts to say it to my face.

Hey, I admit I have lost my groove over the last few years. I guess you already know this since my favorite television station is Turner Classic Movies.

I swear I have a point-don't turn away now.

I have a new favorite song. If you watched CLASH OF THE CHOIRS tonight than you already may have heard it. And since I am the fool that can't remember my u-tube pass word, go here to see the original singer's version. It's called "NO MORE DRAMA!" I think it is fitting for the start of the holiday season. In fact this is my new theme song. Especially the line that says, "No more pain. No more drama in my life!"

The pain and drama comes from putting together millions of chairs. (That is an exaggeration-it was more like 99,999 not a 100,000. Jodi, did I write a milion right?)

Warning for Granny and her gang: You won't like the song so don't go there. Why don't you go here instead? Chances are that will be more your style!

Alright, wedding central starts tomorrow so I will be laying low this weekend.

If I don't see you in blogland before this weekend then have yourself a Merry little Christmas.

P.S the first song is not a new song to the hip hop world, just new to me. Don't laugh at me. It's not really my thang!

The Empty Stocking

The other night I sat and watched The Bishops Wife. I own it and can watch it over and over if I choose. It just is a sweet little flick. Not afraid to say the name Jesus either. Sadly, you don't often find that in today's holiday flicks.

Here is the quote that I spent a good while, pausing-rewinding and writing down for you all.

The Empty Stocking (That is what the scene is called on the DVD)

"Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear there was a child's cry.

A blazing star hung over the stable.

And wise men came with birthday gifts.

We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries, we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, the sound of bells and with gifts-especially gifts.

You give me a book and I will give you a tie.

Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe.

Oh we forget nobody-adult or child, all the stockings are filled all that is except one.

We have even forgotten to hang it up, a stocking for the child born in a manager. It's his birthday we are celebrating! Don't let us forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for the most.

And then each put in his share; loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth."

It's a sweet quote isn't it?

You Go Girl!

My mom sent me this tidbit of information this week:

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and
female reindeers grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop
their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to
mid-December. Female reindeers retain their antlers till after they give
birth in the spring.


Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition
depicting Santa 's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to
Blitzen, had to be a girl.


We should've known... ONLY women would be
able to drag a jolly ole fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one
night and not get lost.

Another Bedtime Story

The other night, I was sound asleep. I went to bed late and had to get up early. After putting together so many pieces of furniture I was tired, dog tired. Jeff was home because it was in the middle of the weekend and he doesn't work weekends. Jeff went to bed at 9 pm and since he only needs 6 hours or less of sleep, he woke up at 4:00 am wide awake.

For a few minutes, he stirred around the bed quietly. Then all of sudden, he starts singing. Yes, yes that's right, he was started to sing at 4 in the morning.

I was trying hard not to laugh because this would only encourage him to keep singing...in the middle of the night...while I was still trying to get sleep.

He sang, "We'll be shadows in the moonlight, Darlin I'll meet you at midnight
Hand and hand we'll go, Dancin' through the Milky Way."

A few minutes go by, I am desperately trying to ignore him and go back to sleep.

"Jeff, please. I am trying to sleep."

"But baby, don't you want to wake up with me and sing Anne Murray songs too?"

Inside I was dying laughing. Out loud I said, "Jeff you better take your Anne Murray songs and move to the couch because I am trying to sleep!"

later that morning, I was getting ready for work and I heard him singing again.

And he says, "Don't you just love Anne Murray?"

No actually I do not. And the truth is neither does he.

I swear he does this stuff just so I will write it on the blog.

i'm alive-promise!

i had many emails and phone calls from people the last few days checking to see if I was still alive. i am, it's just that i am alive and kicking outside of my office.

i am happy to report that the store opening is almost under way. at least my portion is complete. i would be happy to tell you all where to go so you can see this fabulous, new store but jeff told me to not mention it on the blog. blog world creeps him out and he wants to keep me safe. family and friends, just call or shoot me an email and i will tell you where to go to see the pretty, new location and pretty, new furniture that yours truly put together. Please do not sit in the dining chairs though, I can not guarantee that they will all not fall down like Goldilocks. I was in charge of all those stickin, no good, pain in the rear end chairs.

tomorrow, i am back in the office so i will come back tomorrow with a few funny tales that i have been jotting down in my handy, dandy notebook to tell you.

i will leave you with one quick story now, let's call it a bedtime story since it is 10:30 at night when I am typing this.

You know you are busy when...

you send out two encouragment cards to two different people and then you swap the cards and send them to the wrong person.

thankfully, these two know each other and were able to swap them out.

and one, thought i needed a good laugh, so she called and told me what i did. it's all good, it was funny and gave me a good story to tell.

merry christmas!

Book Review: Bidding for Love

Ladies, if you like sweet romantic books that leave you feeling sweet and well ,as my friend Meredith would say, feeling lovey, then you need to read this book. It is a good one.

Katie Fforde is England's best seller but just starting to bring her books to America. This was the first book I read by her and I loved every minute of it. The book is actually been renamed "Bidding for Love" and not "Flora's Lot."

I have come to love English writers because they are very witty and know how to tell a great story. A sweet story at that.

Here is her website for you to enjoy.

Christmas Shoes

Today I spent the day tying up some loose ends. You see the last few days before Christmas I will be working non-stop building furniture and decorating a new home store. I look forward to these times but not the weekend before brother in laws wedding and Christmas. I mean come on, like I don't already have enough on my plate with those other two things.



So I made a mad dash today all over town doing things that were scheduled for this Saturday but had to be rescheduled due to the opening of the home store. Hair recolored (I am now a light brown instead of blond), buying accessories for the wedding outfit, grocery shopping for Christmas dinners, (yes I said dinners as in plural) last minute gift exchange cards for co-workers, birthday cards, pretty panty hose with a black velvet line down the back and shoes; a pretty pair of shoes.



You know what I realized I hated today? The people that ring the bells outside and those kiosks in the middle of the mall where the salespeople are always trying to get you to buy stuff like lotions or other useless crap. I know shame on me for saying the people that ring the bells. It must be because all such people are smoking as they wag the bell back and forth saying "Happy Holidays!" I want to yell "Say Merry Christmas and throw out your cig!" But let's go back to the kiosk people-kay? I was walking a very fast mall walkers pace and I thought I had the I am on a mission look plastered to my face so they wouldn't jump in the aisle and try to hold me up. But they did and it almost made my Christmas spirit waver a bit. I just smiled, pushed his hand out of the way and kept going on my merry little way. Yet, the next time I made the rounds by his kiosk he did the same thing to me. Again, I pushed his hand aside and kept walking. Not really much beyond that it just annoyed me and I felt I needed to share my woes with you all.



You care don't you? No. Alright then moving on...



Want to see my Christmas shoes? they are flat and super cute!

And my attempt at an artistic photo. Camera needed charged and a new photographer before it will look artistic or visible for that matter.
And me, in my skirt, pretty panty hose with the velvet stripe that goes up the back and my Christmas shoes.

Two things you need to know before I close:

1) In this picture, I am wearing a bleached stained Camp Deer Run T-shirt that will never be thrown away because it is sacred.

2) I bought the panty hose at Fredrick's of Hollywood. I promise I didn't by anything else but that store is lots of fun and I guarantee you if I didn't have groceries in my car I would have stayed and browsed a bit.

What?!?!

I am married, I can dress like that if I want to.

Sometimes You Just Need to Praise Him

I was reading in my prayer journal today, you know the place that I pour my deepest desires before the Lord.

I was blessed to see how God has blessed me this year. How God has blessed both Jeff and I this year. And how He has answered almost all of my prayers this year. All but two. Two out of 300 isn't bad if you ask me.

You see, it's easy to get wrapped up in the stuff that isn't happening and to lose my focus on all that IS happening.

And I am thankful that I have not ran ahead of God's plan for my life.

I am thankful that there is a bigger picture beyond what I see in the here and now.

I am thankful that when we stop pushing God to move us ahead that He provides us with a sweet, sweet serenity while we wait for His timing.

God is good.

so very, very good.

May I also suggest that if you are not keeping a journal of your own, that you go out today and pick you up a journal to write your deepest desires before the Lord? You will be blessed by taking the time to reflect.

Seriously, sometimes we need that little reminder that God is answering our prayers even if we have to wait a very, very, very long time for them to be answered.

Blessed.

Happy Birthday E!

Here is the story of Elijiah's 2nd birthday party in his own words.

"It's my party and I will bang my head on the ground if I want to."

"You can not bribe me with chocolate cake. I will not smile for you. I will not have a good time."

"Ohh fire. Blowing the candles out is fun, but I won't smile just so they still think I am not enjoying myself."

"Ohh this cake isn't bad either. But then again no smiles because I have to pretend I am not having any fun on my 2nd birthday."

"Maybe if I shove it in real tight they won't see my trying not to smile. This cake is really, really yummy!"

"Oh who am I trying to kid? I am having a great time!!!"

"Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday To Me!"

"Yeah!!!! It's my party and I will scream for no reason if I want to."

"Sue Sue! Check out my hands and dirty face!"

"What? I didn't do anything?"

Now on to presents.

"Grandpa told me to open up this bag. Hmm, I wonder what is in there?"

"Wow, this looks like it could be fun to play with."

"It's a car!"

"Now if you will excuse me I am going to play for a minute."

"Lynnie told me to open up another one. Oh wow there are basketballs on the paper! So cool!"

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Airplane!"

"Wee!"

"Sue Sue is that what I think it is? A big bah-baw-go-go! Let me see if I can throw this big ball in the air. One, Two, Three!"

"Hmm it looks like it is going to take lots of muscle for me to get it up there."

" I think I will try a chair this time."

"Daddy why don't we use the stairs to lift it up the bah-baw-go-go in the air?

"I hope you don't drop it on Meme!"

"Look! I have a small ball too that I can try fitting in there!"

"Umph! Two points!"

"Look what I can do with the big bah-baw!"

"Wee! This is fun!"

"Whoops too far!"

"I can balance on my ball too!"

"Head stand anyone"

That's all the pictures Sue Sue has of my big day. She forgot to charge the camera. Silly Sue Sue.

30 Days of Christmas: The Movies

I love a good Christmas movie. Since Jeff works at nights, during the holidays I will usually watch a different movie a night. I have been working on adding my favorite Holiday flicks to my own DVD collections so that I can watch them anytime through out the year and to one day share with my kids.

Here is my list of favorites in no particular order.

1. Christmas Vacation
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. Miracle on 34Th Street
4. White Christmas
5. An Affair to Remember
6. A Christmas Carol
7. Home Alone
8. The Bishop Wife (1946)
9. Charlie Brown Christmas
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
11. Little Women
12. Babes in Toy land
13. Santa Claus
14. Scrogged
15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
16. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
17. Frosty the Snowman


Here are a few that someone told me to watch this year.
1. The Miracle of the Bells
2. Meet Me in St Louis
3. The Bell of St. Mary's
5. The Nativity Story

If you notice, most of these are classic movies because classic movies are my favorite thing to watch. Jeff says I am old fashioned, I say I am vintage. Vintage sounds more chic.

These movies are a great for the whole family so why don't you plan a family night a watch one or two?

What's your favorite movie to watch during the holidays?


I will post Elijiah's birthday pictures soon. Stay tuned!

Saturday's Posted on Friday Afternoon

I have had two calls in the last 1o minutes both of which these two loving friends have told me to take time for myself. They are faithful readers to this blog so I realized I may have whined a little too much. So to ease thier minds about my going non-stop I wanted to share with you some of the fun things I have done for me this week.

Tuesday night my mom came over for dinner. It was so strange to hear her signature tap-tap on our front door. Jeff says we haven't heard that one in a while. It was nice having her around for a few hours like old times.


Wednesday night my future sister-in-law Meredith and fellow book worm went to the Bass Hall to hear a lecture by my all time favorite author, Sue Grafton. Later we went to Chili's Downtown and ate salads while watching the Maverick game. The bartendar didn't know what to think of us, two girls talking about our honey's and watching our favorite basketball team. Oh and only drinking water. He kept saying, "You sure you don't want a margarita?" Positive water is fine.

Thursday night my other sister in law Amy and I went to see the movie Enchanted. It is so cute. I want to go see it again. Missy, Paige, Kendra B shall we? I really like it. Plus Patrick Dempsey is just so yummy! It is another chick flick I will add to my library.

And tonight, Jeff and I are going on a double date with some of our good friends. I think these friends were our first couple friends outside of our family. People that we met together after we were married and both adore. So there, I am not all work and no play. Promise.

Tomorrow is a certain nephews birthday so I am going over to his house to give him his gift that may just give us the title of Greatest Aunt and Uncle. So to his parent's that is your warning that Jeff and I will be coming by around 12:30 to play with you all.

sunday, I am making a Special Events Calendar for all my birthdays with my scrappy friends.

So now you see that I am not all work and no play.

Now if you will excuse me, I am not logging into the computer until Monday.

this chick needs a break from her computer screen.

-celebrating 7 Years With Jeff

It was 7 years ago today that I had my first date with Jeff.

It was 7 years, two months and some odd days that I first met him.

I was working at Chili's during the night and selling light fixtures by day. Jeff had just moved from California after breaking up with his long time girlfriend.
I hold the ex-girlfriend in high esteem because she let him go. Does that make sense? Don't worry it makes sense to me.

His brother was my manager at work and also friend. I spent endless hours laughing and cutting up with his brother. We were good friends. He was like a brother to me. In fact, he and another manager are the ones who told me to dump my loser ex-boyfriend. And in his own words he said, "You can do better than that." And little did I know I was about to do just that.

The first time I saw Jeff, he was sitting at the bar watching television. We often have regulars who are lonely come into the bar and become friends with all of the waitstaff. I asked Matt "Whose the old guy sitting at the bar?" And Matt says, "That would be my brother, do you want to meet him?" I agreed only because I needed to befriend the regulars because they were always good tippers. Seriously that was the reason. We still laugh about it to this day.

My day job was hosting a Christmas party at Texas De Brazil, December 7th and I was encouraged by my boss and his wife to bring a date. This family were so influential during this time in my life. They too were the ones who encouraged me to lose the loser boyfriend. I had done just that four months or more before the holidays. I was very scared to get back out there again. You don't want to know the details but really, he was not good for me. It was bad. One night at work I was telling Matt what my boss said about me bringing a date to this party. He said, "Do you want me to ask my brother?" I sat there for a moment remembering the first time I had hung out with him. Let's just say I was not on my best behavior and was a little mean. I felt like I had nothing to lose though, "Oh sure, what the heck. Why don't you ask him."

If you know Jeff, you know that he is very quiet until he gets to know you. If you know me, you know I am the total opposite. Bosses' wife calls me the day of the party asking me to gather up some supplies to bring to the restaurant that night because we were going to play a game. I being the nosey one that I am asked, "What game are we going to play?" She knowing I was bringing a "new friend" as she called him told me it was the favorites game and suggested I brush up on some of Jeff's favorites on the ride to the restaurant. This game served as the perfect ice breaker for Jeff and I. We had to dig deep to find out what our favorite movie, actor, actress etc, etc in a ten minute drive. I will have you know we came in 2nd place.

After we were married Jeff said, "That was proof that God wanted us to be together. That game enabled me to see you for who you were and not for the person you were when you were waiting tables." Friends (and family) I was not myself while working at that place. Even I didn't like the person I had become.

So after dinner, Jeff asked me to get coffee with him at Barnes & Noble before we headed home. I said yes because I love B & N, it is my favorite place in all the world. Jeff later told me that he felt that if I said no to B & N then he would have ended it right then and there. Who would say no to Starbucks and B & N? Are you nuts? But we talked non-stop for the next few minutes. We kept playing the favorites game and talked about our nieces (Hayley was 3 and Faith was 2). I knew he was someone that I wanted to see again when he told me about Hayley.

I also knew I liked him because he did not try to kiss me that night. He walked me to the door, hugged me and said he would call when he got back from California, picking up Hayley.

He did better than call, he FED EX'ed me a note and a metal tin full of sand to my day job. The note said, "Since I can't bring you to the beach, I thought I would send a piece of the beach to you." He also sent me a thank you note for inviting him to wonderful evening. He was still in California when he sent it. He called when he got home too.

Oh and we went to this same beach on our honeymoon in California.

"Is this THE beach Jeff?"

"Yes, dear that's the one."

Now seven years later, I am proud of the woman I have become. I am also proud of the person Jeff has become. But more than anything, I am proud of the people we have become together. I am so thankful to have Jeff as a part of my life. And I praise God for working out all the details in our lives to bring us together at just the right time.

If you made it to the end, your sweet and should get a medal.

God has a sense of humor!

Okay read my post below then click on this link, it posted right after I wrote the last post.

The timing and the topic couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me!

Okay I promise, I won't post for anymore today

Susan

Say A Little Prayer for Me!

I really don't want to whine but I could really use the prayer.

The holiday season is a busy time of the year for everyone. It's just that this year it seems like things are more hectic than most.

Jeff's brother is getting married on December 22nd. We are so happy for this and can't wait to share in Matt and Meredith's special day. But it is a busy, busy time.

Then as many of you know, Jeff works for Fed EX. He will be working the Friday before Christmas which is also the night before M & M get married. He works nights so he will have no sleep going into their big day. He is Matt's best man and he is glad to take one for the team so to speak but it will be a crazy day. A fun day but crazy.

And then today, I get an email from my boss telling the team that we will be working the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th as we are trying to open a new Ashley store in 7 days. It normally takes a full 14 days to get it together.

So I reply back to my boss to let her know about M & M's big day. She says "No problem, I just hope we are open by then because if not we are going to need you on Friday." Well as many of you know, the day before a wedding is crazy especially when you are part of the family. I had already told Meredith that she could count on me to help decorate the venue. And now I will just have to pray that the store is open and ready before Friday.

And can I make my whining a little longer?

thank you!

Because of how Christmas falls this year Jeff will be working Christmas Eve and will head to work early the day after Christmas. I too will be working the day after Christmas so we are busy, busy, busy, busy!

But you know, Jeff is off work January 5th for a full 10 days. We already decided to do our Christmas then so that is done. And it is only for 30 days it has to slow down at some point, right? Thank God for daily routines and to do lists because this is the only way I am getting through this time. Oh and prayer, lots and lots of prayer.

Tis the season to be jolly! Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lah!

Proof That We Drank the Loaded Eggnog!

Some days we feel like a nut, some days we don't! But most days we are nuts!

FYI: I deleted the picture b/c some were a bit confused, my bad I apologize. Click on the link now posted above, that is the proof of the eggnog. and for the record, we both HATE eggnog-unless it is Christmas Eve and poured over blue bell vanilla ice cream-a small bit mind you.

Interrupting the Christmas Posts

This morning I found this little jewel in my Bible and I thought it was worth sharing with you all.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3: 17

Sometimes I forget that God will come to my rescue when troubles arise. He will wrap His arms around me and quiet me when things get to be too much. He will sing songs of love to me because he loves me. All I have to do is call out his Name.

Praise be to God for coming to my rescue. Praise be to God for holding me tight under the shelter of his wing. (Psalms 36:7) Praise be to God for leading me to quiet waters, restoring my soul and guiding me down paths of righteousness. (Psalms 23 :2-3)

What is the Craziest Thing Given to You?

The Question of the Month is a new feature that I am introducing to my blog. The point of this is to have fun and interact with each other. So let us steer clear of questions and answers that tear each other down and or start wars in blogland. This is a peaceful, happy place after all.

This month's question comes from a memory of my sister in laws first Christmas with us.

(And yes Missy already gave me approval to post this.)

My Dad's mother (God rest her soul)was very hard to buy for and she was very opiniated about her gifts. My sweet sister really wanted to give her a nice gift her first Christmas with us. I thought she hit the nail on the head when she showed up with a nice Hickory Farm type sausage basket. I mean who wouldn't want one of these? We waited with gleeful anticipation for what Nana's reaction. I just knew that Missy had hit the nail on the head.

Nana's reaction went something like this, "Oh just what I needed for my indigestion?"

Missy, her newly married husband and new sister in law sat there mouths opened completley shocked. Now every time I pass the Hickory Farm stand at Christmas I chuckle to myself thinking back to that day. I felt horrible for Missy and if the truth be known, still feel bad for her.

We, who are married with in-laws can relate to Missy's predicament right? The first Christmas as a married couple is daunting enough the first time you head to the in-laws. You don't want to make a bad impression while not really knowing what to buy. Especially if you don't really know the in-laws that well like Missy did. It's not like we all lived close during that time.

And Missy for the record, you can always give me the gift of Hickory Farms basket any ole day.
I still think it was a good gift, a very good gift.

So this month's question can go two ways:

What is the craziest gift you have recieved? or What is the craziest reaction you have recieved for a gift given?

A Christmas Devotional

Super Mom Has Left the Building

By Marybeth Whalen

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 (NIV)


Devotion:

I just have to insert something in the midst of this busy season we call Christmas:

"You can't do it all."

And I don't think I can say that enough.

I found this entry in my journal from years ago, and I thought you might like to read it...

Someday...

I'll remember to order those cute Christmas return address labels for my cards.

I'll bake real gingerbread houses like Martha Stewart instead of buying those cheap, cheesy kits.

I'll finish my shopping early instead of waiting to the last minute.

I'll hand make gifts for all our neighbors, teachers, postal carriers, and garbage men.

I'll wrap presents that look like the ones in the magazines, not like a kindergartner did it.

I'll actually do all those service projects that look like a worthy thing to do.
Someday... is not now.

Whatever season in life you are in this Christmas, embrace it. There will be other times to do all those things you want to do. Or not. Whatever your situation is, trust that God is sovereign and He ordained for you to be where you are at this time, for His purpose. There is something to be gained from every season in life. The trick is to find that piece of wisdom God has for you in the midst of each season.

When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her some pretty shocking news about what was going to happen to her. His message ushered her into a season in life that included confusion, rejection and some pretty extreme transition. And yet, her response was "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38).

I want Mary's reaction to be my own reaction. I want my attitude to be one of complete surrender to God's will, no matter what the circumstances. I want to be able to say with confidence "May it be to me as you have said" instead of whining to God, "Why did you let this happen to me?" like I usually do.

The first step in embracing every season is to let go of our own expectations--even when it means learning to love our limitations. Whether you are struggling with illness, or lack of energy, or a marriage situation, or money problems, or family issues--whatever it is, that is where God has you. Stop trying to be Super Mom or Super Woman and trust a super God instead.


Dear Lord, help me see You this Christmas. Help me keep my focus on You and not on my to-do list. And would you please remind me when I forget that You love me not because of what I accomplish but because I am, simply, Your child? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
A Recipe for Christmas Joy, E-book by Marybeth Whalen

Can Martha Have a Mary Christmas? by Brenda Poinsett

Marybeth's Blog

Application Steps:
Write down what is on your to-do list for this week. Spend time praying over that list and ask God to show you what needs to be on there and what can go. Then let go of whatever He says.

Reflections:
Why do you feel compelled to do, and do, and do? What feelings are at the root of all that striving? How can you let go of those root feelings and embrace God's unconditional love instead--knowing that He accepts you whether your house is decorated and your cards are addressed or not!

Power Verses:
Psalm 38:19, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." (NIV)

Matthew 6:8, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (NIV)

I Peter 3:14, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'" (NIV)


Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://www.proverbs31.org/

Thanks Mom for sharing this with me today, I needed it!

"The Stockings Are Hung"

"The stockings are hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St Nickolas soon would be there."

Last Christmas I made it a goal to get organized for Christmas so that by this December 1st all I had to do was sit back relax and drink cocoa.

Sounded good at the time, a nice relaxing holiday. Thank God I had the foresight to get prepared last year.

Fast forward, almost 365 days and you will find me in the present running around with to-do list and spreadsheets (shout out to the other spreadsheet fan in the fam) and well let's just say, MY CARDS ARE ALREADY IN THE MAIL. Yes, that's right in the mail. Booh-yah! And my tree is up and my presents are bought. All that is left to do is for UPS to drop the presents at my door so I can wrap them up nice and pretty and put under my tree.

You see, I wobbled a little bit when Jeff's brother announced that he would be getting married 2 days before Christmas but I didn't panic. I wobbled yet again, when hubby told me he would be working Christmas Eve and not home sitting by the fire with me or out buying his wife presents this year. And I wobbled yet again when I realized that work is still going to be going full force because of how the holidays fall this year.

I may of wobbled but I didn't fall down.

"Webble's wobble but they don't fall down."

And I am singing the Hallelujah chorus as I bypass the crazies at the mall this year. And I will sing Joy to the World as I sip my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha and walk the aisles of Target just so I can be hanging with the in-crowd without the pressure of needing to buy this and needing to buy that. It's done.*

So enough gloating, here is the Organized Christmas website that I believe everyone should save as their favorites. You will truly be blessed if you take sometime after the Christmas season and get yourself together.

I promise to show you the Holiday Planner before this 30 days of Christmas is finished. I just wanted to tweak it a little bit before it made the blog debut.

*Let me clarify, I still need to buy one thing for a certain niece that I drew this year but other than that it is finished. Couz P call me we can meet in the middle at Target area and shop and talk.

30 Days of Christmas Begins...

Today I am heading out of town with a few of my friends to shop at the world's largest flea market in Canton, TX. I have been to Canton plenty of times but I have never shopped there. Should be fun. I am taking along my Christmas list so I can get a few things checked off the to-do list.

How many of you make out a Christmas list for your family to buy from?

Usually I have no trouble coming up with a few things but this year I am having trouble. I think it is because this past year has taught me that life is fragile and shouldn't be taken for granted. And the greatest gift you can give me is a bit of quality time.

Or the more shallow reason is because I just unloaded a whole car load of stuff to Goodwill? And am having a hard time coming up with a list of things that will just re clutter my space.



But you see, my husband depends on these lists and gave me the go ahead to get a little shallow. Tis the Season, Right?!?

Drumroll please...

1) Southern Living at Home's Nativity Set



2)Red Sherpa Robe from Gap

3)Shearling Slide Slippers from Gap

4) Book Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon

5) Stay and Go Slowcooker by Hamiltion Beach

Isn't this the perfect thing for the good ole potlucks. It has a clip on lid and the handle sticks on the top. I saw one yesterdayat Big Lots for $20. Big Lots is becoming one of my favorite places to shop. Seriously, I love it!

6) Becky Higgins Sketches Book

Alrighty roo, that is it.

Now I am off to Canton. I am a little intimidated by all of it. But like Jeff reminded me just now, Susan you were born to shop and you used to get paid to shop."

Yes, I guess he is right. I can do this!

Check back tomorrow for Day 2 of the Christmas Fun.