Happy New Year!!!

I want to wish all my family and friends a "Happy New Year". How many of you made New Years Resolutions last night?? I don't actually make New Years Resolutions per say, but I do make a mental list of a few things I would like to "try" to change about myself in the new year ahead.

Here are a few I thought of last night that I would like to try to do:

* Read my Bible more
* Lose weight
* Spend more quality time with the boys and Big D (even tho we spend more time than alot of people do together)

What did you do the first day of 2006?? Big D, the boys, and I went to church. Even tho it was VERY tough getting up this morning, I am so glad we went. What a great way to start off the new year, singing and praising the Heavenly Father for what He did in 2005 and what He is going to do in 2006. Then we went out to dinner with some good friends (no I didn't have the Southern New Years tradition for dinner..eewww). We have such a good time visiting with them. They have become apart of our family.
After dinner, we went and picked up Computer Geek a small fridge that he will need for college in a few months. When we came home, I decided that I would change my blog. I also decided that every year on New Years, I would clean the slate so to speak on my blog. Start fresh every new year. So how do you like it???

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Last Post of 2005

Wow, can you believe that today is the last day of 2005??? Where did this year go??? Seems like the older I get the faster time goes. Wonder why that is? When you are young, it seems like you have all the time in the world. I can remember when I was in school it seemed like from Monday to Friday was like months away. Spring, Summer and Winter breaks seemed a life time away. Now I turn around and an entire year is gone! Time is so precious. I try not to take it for granted, but I know we all do from time to time.

We have been very blessed this year. God has showed His mercy and love. For that I am grateful. I am also thankful for all the new friends I have met and grown to love.

My bunch is having a cozy New Year's celebration at home tonight. Nothing really exciting. We are having a "movie marathon and game night" and we will order a couple of pizzas. What are you doing for New Year's??

Until next time....

God Bless~

Year in Review

I found this over at SusiePie's blog and thought it was a great idea.

What was the first line from your blog the first day of each month in 2005?

July

Welcome to my blog!


August

Computer Geek ~ He is our oldest son.


September

If you like the Contemporary Christian Music Group Casting Crowns, then you will really enjoy their new CD "Life Songs".


October

Have you ever felt like your life was on an emotional rollercoaster?


November

"A Candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."


December

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas around our house.

I hope you enjoyed my Year in Review.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Who would have known......

...that going to see "Chronicles of Narnia" (which btw I absolutely loved!!!) would be so dangerous. But for a klutz like me, I guess it is. The boys and I were waiting on some friends to meet us before we went in, but I had to go to the bathroom. This is where all the excitement happens! The little 3 foot entry to the bathrooms is dimly lit. I went to push what I thought was the swinging door and missed (maybe I need to get my eyes checked for glasses!)and hit the WALL full force only catching my pinky on my right hand (thank goodness I am left-handed). Well of course, feeling extremely stupid, I acted like nothing happened, while all the while in pain. I didn't tell anyone until I got home and showed Big D. It hurt me most of the night, but I thought it was just a bad sprained finger. I am being in to wonder if I didn't fracture it. It is all purple around the top joint of my finger and so swollen it feels like its gonna pop. If you know anything about me, NO I haven't went to the doctor yet. I have it in a splint.
That is all the doctors did for Football Star when he fractured his toe last year. I think I will live, but beware of the moving walls at the Theatres! Oh and go see Narnia. You won't be disappointed!!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

It's already over???

It's difficult to believe that Christmas is over already! As a mother and a wife, it seems like I have prepared for several weeks. Baking cookies and candies to send to family and friends. Shopping and wrapping gifts. Going to several Christmas get-togethers and parties. Going to Christmas plays and concerts. Shopping for food for our Christmas dinner. Filling out Christmas cards and mailing them. Then before you know it, "bam" it's over! I have had a very wonderful and blessed Christmas. I got a lot of amazing gifts. Big D and the boys always do their best to spoil me. I even cooked my very first Christmas dinner by myself. We had Ham, Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Baked Beans, Deviled Eggs, Rolls,
Lefsa, Pumpkin Pie and all the Chocolate goodies a person could eat. I made everything homemade, even the pumpkin pie! My first try at that too! The guys are still home on vacation until January 3rd(even Big D). I love having them home!
But it's kind of sad that Christmas over.

Do you get sad after Christmas is over??

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Mary Did You Know?

Before I even got out of the bed this morning, my mind was on Christmas. First thing I thought of is "what was Mary thinking this morning, thousands of years ago, as she woke up?" Still pregnant with our Savior. Was she thinking about all the things that still needed to be done before the delivery of her son? Or did she have everything ready? How was she feeling? I know as a woman when it gets close to "that time" our body begins to tell us to get prepared. With her womanly instinct did she know that soon she would be giving birth to Jesus??? How excited she had to be! Remember how it felt the first time you became a mother?? The excitement of holding that new baby! Knowing you created something so amazing and wonderful. Now imagine being Mary. Not only are you giving birth to a wonderful baby but a baby that is one day going to save the ENTIRE world. WOW! Today is the eve of when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. As a mother, I can only imagine what Mary was thinking on this day.

Mary did you know??????

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Lefsa

What you do for your kids! A couple weeks ago Computer Geek commented about how he wished we could have Lefsa (also spelled Lefse)for Christmas. Lefsa is a Norwegian flat bread made out of potatoes. Kind of like what a Mexican corn tortilla is like. After it is fried on the griddle(no oil,)you spread a thin layer of butter (or margarine) and sprinkle sugar on it then roll it up and ENJOY!! It used to be a Christmas family tradition in Big D's family every Christmas, but since his Grandma died we haven't had it in several years. So here I am (non-Norwegian)trying to make it. I am not much of a baker (or chef)so I had flour EVERYWHERE trying to roll out this Lefsa. It was fun as all 4 of us (with Princess Lacey under the table watching)sat at the table trying to make this Family treat. Big D was the fry man, Computer Geek was the gopher and helped supply the flour, Football Star and I did our best to roll out (or pat out) the Lefsa. After all the Lefsa was fried and the huge mess cleaned up, we each tried 1 piece of Lefsa as a treat for all our hard work. It was a joy to see Computer Geek's face light up as he tasted it. He and Big D both said, "Taste just like Grandma's". Wow what a compliment for me. Computer Geek didn't want this tradition to be lost from his generation and his future family. I am so glad that I gave it a try. What we do for our kids!!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

What is your Christmas Elf's name??

My Christmas Elf's name is.......

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

I found this over at YellowRose's Garden. I just couldn't resist to find out what my Christmas Elf's name was! It was so fun I decided to do the rest of my gangs names so here it goes:


Big D's is

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Computer Geek's is

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Football Star's is

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

and Princess Lacey's is

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

You know you cant resist in finding out what your Christmas Elf's name is!! Go on and try it!! Its fun! Please leave a comment on what your Christmas Elf's name is.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Blogging and Christmas.....

There just isn't enough time for both. Seems like each night when I sit down to blog about my Christmas activities I am so tired I don't have the brain activity to write.
So here is a little summary of what I have done the past few days. Last weekend we went to see Computer Geek in his Christmas play at church. The play was called "Merry Lane". The scene was in a nursing home where 3 brothers in their 80s lived together. Computer Geek was Edgar, the brother that was a peacemaker. It was a great Christmas comedy! They performed the play on Saturday night and Sunday night. Monday morning Big D had to fly to Michigan for work. Monday night was Computer Geeks last high school Christmas Band Concert. This week since both boys were exempt from Semester exams. They started their Christmas break a week EARLY. Monday was their last day! So Tuesday we did a little Christmas shopping for Dad before his flight came in that day. Football Star has been a big help in making Christmas cookies. One day we made 106 peanut butter balls. The next day we made Christmas Chocolate covered pretzels and Christmas Crunch (caramel popcorn dipped in chocolate).
I also have been preparing for the children's Church Christmas program which is this Sunday. I also finally got all my Christmas cards done and ready to mail tomorrow!
Tonight Big D and I are going Christmas shopping and getting food for the Youth Christmas party tomorrow night. Oh and Big D has to go to Kentucky tomorrow and HOPEFULLY will make it back in time for the Youth Christmas Party! (Would be a good idea he shows up since he is the Youth Pastor LOL!)

And how are all your Christmas activities going?

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Let the Christmas parties begin

Tonight Big D and I went to our first Christmas party of the season. It was one of several Christmas parties for his work. I really enjoy going to this Christmas party because it is at a swanky Country Club. So we put on our "Sunday best". We started attending this Christmas party about 7 or 8 years now. The meal tonight was a New York Strip steak (mine well done-Big D's medium), baked potato, salad, and cheesecake. Yummmm! As always, it was a very good! Then after everyone is finished eating, we play "Dirty Santa" (the gift exchange game). Oh now let me tell you, I love to play this game, but I do NOT love to play it when they set NO limits! There were a few gifts that were the "hot" item (a flashlight, small tool kit and utility knife). These people were persistent in getting what they wanted. So these gifts went around I know 20-30 times! That is why I like the rule 3 strikes and the gift is out rule! It was fun but after a while its like geeze its a cheap $5 gift, if you want it so bad go to Wal-mart and buy it! Big D came home with a Cinnamon Apple candle (He knew he had made my night because I absolutely love candles!) and I came home with a $5 Wal-mart gift card. Anyway, like I said we had fun and had several laughs. As always, as long as I am with Big D, I have a good time.

Until next time....

God Bless~

Brr It's cold outside!

You never know how blessed you are until something happens to REMIND you. Yesterday morning we woke up to a broken Heat Pump. It was the coldest day of the year so far here in Tennessee. It was in the mid-teens. Not a good day for the heat to be out. It was very difficult to get the boys motivated to get ready for school. I don't blame them. I, myself didn't want to come from out of the afghan! But after they realized it would be warmer at school, I think they were ready to go! After the boys left for school, Princess Lacey and I decided to pile up on the couch with 3 heavy blankets and just watch tv. Forget trying to do housework and laundry when the house was 30-40 degrees. About 10:30 tho the sun began to shine and warmed up the house just enough where you could move around. Big D came home about 2:30 from work and replaced the breaker. I am so thankful it was just a $25 breaker not something where we had to replace the Heat pump. NO time is a good time to replace a $5,000 unit but Christmas time is the worse. But thru all of this, it has made me very thankful that I have a good home to live in. I have a wonderful husband that works hard to take care of me. (yeah I work too, but he is the bread winner)
I am very blessed. If it were not for the grace of God and a wonderful hard working husband, I could be as homeless as the next homeless person. Take time today to be thankful for the little things! I know I am as I sit in a warm house today!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Sick little Girl

I had to take Lacey to the vet this morning. When she woke up, she kept shaking her head and her right side of her face and ear didn't look right. I didn't let the boys know as they were getting ready for school that I was afraid maybe she was having a slight stroke. So I just picked her up and laid hands on her and begin praying for her. Yes, I said I prayed for my dog. The bible tells us that what concerns us concerns the Father. Our Heavenly Father cares even about the little things, even a dog. Bible also says cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. Yes, there are many more important things I could pray for, but at that moment Lacey was important. As I finished praying, I looked up and Football Star was praying along. I knew Lacey would be ok. She just has a bad ear infection. So a few days of TLC and a few special treats, she will be back to new. When I told the vet about my thoughts of a stroke, she told me that is normal for dogs when they have an ear infection to look like they are having a stroke.

I am thankful that I can lean on the Lord even in the little things. I can't imagine life without Him.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

around our house. The guys got down the Christmas stuff a couple of days ago, but we have been too busy to decorate the tree. I can't believe there are only 24 days until Christmas. I love this time of year because its when my Savior was born. Sometimes we are so busy this time of year that we forget to take time remember why we celebrate this holiday. "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" that was my mom's favorite saying. As I make my Christmas shopping list for those that I love, I think about the one true gift. Jesus, God's gift to the world. The world would love for us not to remember Him on His special day. If it were not for Jesus, we would not have Christmas. As your schedule begins to get hetic with all the Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, and Christmas decorating, please take time out to thank God for the ultimate gift!

Keep Christ in your Christmas!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Showing God's Love

Tonight Big D and I have our last class. Every Tuesday for the month of November we have been attending a class on the book "Conspiracy of Kindness". This is a great book about the author's own experiences on how to show God's love in a practical way. I have always had a fear of street witnessing. It is the rejection that I have such a difficult time with. I know I shouldn't but I take the rejection very personal. A personal flaw of mine I guess you can say. But this book has given me hope how to plant seeds of God's love without it being so fearful.

So our last class is tonight and we decided as a group to go out and try a few of the examples in the book. We have separated into 3 groups. Our group has decided that the women will do free Christmas gift wrapping. While the ladies are wrapping Christmas gifts, the men are going to clean windows.When we are asked why we are doing this, we are to say "We just want to show God's love in a practical way." If they offer us a donation or a tip, we are to reject it and say, "We aren't here to raise money. We are doing this to let you know that God loves you." We live in a society today that when you do acts of "kindness" people wonder what you want from them. It's sad that we live like that. That is why this type of witnessing and showing God's love is easy compared to the old days of "fire and brimstone" forceful ways. We are only here to spread the word and plant the seeds. We should leave the rest to the Holy Spirit to draw people into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Who will reject free Christmas wrapping and getting their car windows clean??? I can't wait to go tonight and show God's love in a practical way!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Trying to Catch up~

Here are the pictures from POWERhouse. After we got home on Sunday night, I only had time to post pictures of the TTU visit. I had to wash clothes and pack all day Monday because we went to Indiana for Thanksgiving. I will post more about my Indiana trip next week.

Here is Computer Geek and Football Star playing the coveted Torpedo Ball. Torpedo Ball is the biggest thing at Camp Hickory Hills campground. All the kids young and old love playing it. It is the first thing everyone wants to do when they get there. It was the first thing our Youth Group went to do while waiting for time to check-in.

This is Ashley and Elizabeth waiting for service to start Saturday. Looks like they are having fun.


This is Masters Commission during Saturday night service. Let me tell you these are some very anointed and committed young people. Every drama they performed just blessed my soul! What they do for God is so POWERFUL!

This is Saturday night. Here are the Young People dedicating or rededicating their lives to be the "Promised Generation". What an awesome service that was!!! God was moving mightily!

After service Saturday night, Computer Geek played a game of chess with Fredrick from Masters Commission. Fredrick became very special to our family. The moment I saw him there was a drawing to him. Our spirits seemed to have a special connection. Sunday Morning he came to us and gave us his phone number. After his discipleship with Masters Commission, he does some internship. He told us to pray and he would pray but he felt like God wanted him to come and work with our church and teenagers.

We had a great time at POWERhouse. Can't wait for next year!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Tennessee Tech Band

What fun we had today! Computer Geek was given 4 free tickets to the Tennessee Tech football game. We went to see Golden Eagle Marching Band. We had no idea until we sat down that we were sitting right behind the band. Let me tell you it was so exciting.






This is the Golden Eagle Mascot!





I have never seen a Marching Band make a pyramid before. College Marching Bands are much more fun in their performances than High School!! The band members seem to have a great time.


Here is Computer Geek enjoying the game and wearing his new TTU hat!
So it looks like Computer Geek will be joining the TTU Golden Eagle Marching Band next year. We were able to meet the Band Director, Mr. Hermann. Mr. Hermann seemed to be a very nice man. He told Computer Geek to email him and he would see what he could do to help him get a Band Scholarship!

Although at times, I hate the thoughts of Computer Geek leaving next year for college. There are those times like today that it is so exciting to watch him as he begins to write the new chapters in his life!!

Until next time....

God Bless~

PowerHouse

Tomorrow Big D and I are taking 4 of the teenagers from church to Powerhouse. Powerhouse is a weekend retreat for the Youth. It is held at the Tennessee State Camp Grounds, which is 2 hours from where we live. It is an awesome time for the Youth. They have a concert for them one night and a coffee house another night. Our teens at church love to go every year. As much as I love to go to be with them, I feel my age during this weekend. The girls love to keep me up giggling and doing what we girls love to do best, TALK! I just can't handling staying up all night long. I am afraid I am getting old.

Also during this weekend, Computer Geek was given 4 free tickets to come watch the Marching Band at TTU. He is considering joining the Marching Band at TTU next year. So Saturday we will sneak away from Powerhouse for a few hours and enjoy TTU football game and check out the GOLDEN EAGLES MARCHING BAND. I am sure I will be posting pictures of both events!!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Left Behind: World at War

In the wake of a global catastrophe that saw millions of people vanish from Earth, a man named Nicolae Carpathia (Gordon Currie) steps forward to provide leadership via his New World Government. Although U.S. President Fitzhugh (Louis Gossett Jr.) supports him, others -- mostly born-again Christians -- believe he's the Antichrist. Is it too late for dogged Christian journalist Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron) to persuade Fitzhugh to join the fight?


My family and I watched the 3rd movie in the Left Behind Series "World at War". I was a little leary about watching the 3rd movie because I heard it wasn't that good. But I thought it was absolutely great! It was not nearly long enough for me personally. There was so much more they could have put in, but I understand time and money they can't put it all in. Just like the books it leaves you wanting more. If you have not read the Left Behind Series or watched the Left Behind movies, I highly recommend you do!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Conspiracy of Kindness

It's November. So that means it is time for CBL classes (Center for Biblical Leadership). Big D and I went CBL classes tonight. Of course he doesn't actually need the credit hours like I do, but he enjoys going. The book this year is "Conspiracy of Kindness" by Steve Sjogren. Our instructor was Brother Winston Reid. Class was really good. Conspiracy of Kindness enables every Christian to become an effective evangelist by demonstrating with teaching, example and testimony how unassuming acts of kindness convince people of the love of God more persuasively than words. This book really excited me about evangelism because it offers suggestions of simple acts of service that I can do to show God's love to my family, and in my workplace and my community. If you would love to get some suggestions of how to do simple acts of services to show God's love, you need to read "Conspiracy of Kindness".

Until next time.....

God Bless~