Thankful For......

Today, I am very thankful for some of the most unimportant things in the world. Have you ever had one of those type of days? Well, for me, I am so thankful to whoever invented electronics of all sorts. Oh sure, a lot of junk has come as a result of this technological age, but there is so much good as well.

The phone.......I got to spend a half hour with a dear friend who I have never met (face to face that is) It was her birthday, so while I called to say "Happy Birthday," we got caught up about each other's lives.

The computer.......The computer is my life line in many ways. It keeps me connected with my peers (whom I haven't met either.) I am able to jot down something quick and they will get it just as quickly. I also use the computer for my HopeChest work now; it's where my address database is.

Whitepages.com.......I can easily verify an address for someone who has less than legible handwriting.

The television.......I can watch a Biology segment that is interesting as opposed to reading a boring textbook. The TV also provides some family fun and entertainment in the form of classic movies that we discuss.

MP3 players......I can listen to all of my favorite songs without having to tote around several CDs.

Okay, so maybe this post was dumb. All I know is that I am thankful for these things today!! What is something "dumb" you are thankful for right at this moment?

January's Reading List

I hope you all managed to keep busy with having a book in your hands this past month. There is such enjoyment in being transported to other worlds; it is one of my favorite hobbies. So, here is everything I read in January.


Cinderella, by Steven Curtis Chapman--A head's up, this is a great gift to give your Dad for Father's Day (though I did mine for Christmas.) It is a short "gift book" with mostly lyrics to Steven's hit song. Mixed in are his (and a few others) memories about his daughter growing up, how he lived spending time with her, etc. It really is a sweet book!


Jane Austen for Dummies, by Joan Klingel Ray--Okay, so I don't think myself a dummy =) But I have to admit, this book was such fun to read. It broke down everything Jane Austen: her life, the times, her novels, the movie adaptations. If you wanted to know the difference between a barouche and a carriage, the book would tell you. (That was pretty random for a topic, but seriously, it has everything.) For the Jane Austen fan, it is a must read. For the not-so-much Jane Austen fan, I think it would help you have a better appreciation of her! =)


A Walk With Jane Austen, by Lori Smith--This isn't the greatest book around, but at most spots it was enjoyable. Miss Smith went on a month long journey through all of Jane Austen's haunts back in England. This book is more or less a journal of her experiences and the ramblings that went through her head.


Quo Vadis, by Henryk Sienkiewicz --I cannot recommend this over 500 page book to you. If you absolutely want to read it, I would say ages 17 and up.....and even then use your judgment. It takes place in Nero's Rome (which is where the problem lies.) Quo Vadis is the story of a Roman tribune who falls in love with Lygia, a Christian. At first, he will do anything to get her, but when he fails, he begins a journey of coming to Christianity himself. Peter and Paul are central figures in the story. However, Rome was a place of debauchery where they, like, idolized the human body. (Do I need to say more?) If the topic sounds interesting, I can TOTALLY recommend the 1951 version of the movie, starring Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr. Because it was made in the '50s and censorship was still around, all of the junk is removed and it is a great story.


Every Now and Then, by Karen Kingsbury--Karen Kingsbury shares the honor with Brock and Bodie Thoene of being my favorite Christian fiction author. Every Now and Then is the third book in her 9/11 Series; I positively loved the first two. The story takes place eight years later, but for Alex (who lost his firefighter father) it was just like yesterday. He is closed off to everyone and has walked away from the Lord. Characters from the first two books are integral to the story of seeing him change. I sob at the ending!!!! I recommend this book with no reservations.


So, what have you been reading?

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

On my Dad's birthday post, Jessica rhetorically said, "Aren't Dads wonderful?" I have to say "YES!".......but mothers are wonderful as well =) Today, my family celebrates another year of life for my mom. I am so thankful to the Lord for her.

Having a mom who is passionate about her role as a wife and mother is a blessing--I know you all will agree. In today's society, when women are urged to do anything but "be under the shackles of home life," it is so refreshing to find someone who supports my hopes and dreams wholeheartedly.

All my mom ever wants to be is just that: a wife and a mother. That's why we are looking into State adoption. Yes, she will always be my mother, but she wants to start all over again. While I still need to talk to her about things, do things with me (like our every now and then tradition of going to tea rooms), I don't need to be dressed and bathed.....and she misses that.

Mom is the best. I can't wait for her to be a blessing to other children as she has been to me. But Mom....."I'll love you forever. I'll love you for always. As long as I'm living, my mommy you'll be."

Happy Birthday!!

Oh, this picture was taken in Yellowstone National Park in 2006.....if you wanted to know ;-)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my Daddy's birthday. I am so thankful to the Lord for him. Most girls don't enjoy their dads and they certainly don't have a relationship with him. I'm different.

I am always discovering just how wonderful it is to have a dad. It goes beyond the goofy times you have together, the college football games you take in, or how often you do (or don't) go out to breakfast. It's about having a protector who watches over you--someone who always gives you advice and an honest opinion--the man who is in entrusted by God with your hopes and dreams until someone else comes along.

I'm not always the loving, respectful, dutiful daughter that I should be. But I try.......yet I don't have to try to love my daddy. That's the easy part!

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you so very much.

the picture was taken in 2004 if you wanted to know ;-)

Respectfully Removed

Y'all probably were well aware of my political opinions this past autumn and winter. I certainly made things obvious, and I don't just mean by my blog posts. I proudly displayed my "NObama" button on my sidebar. Indeed, I had a message to send with it--I was not in favor of Barack Obama. I made sure it was up rather high so it would be noticeable.



So maybe you have noticed that it is no longer there. It's no longer on our car either.

On November 4, 2008, the Lord made the choice he wanted for the United States of America. January 20, 2009 brought His will to pass. I could be in denial all I want, but that doesn't change reality. For some reason that is beyond my understanding, Barack Obama is the 44th president of this country. As such, I owe the office some respect.

I still have issues with President Obama, don't get me wrong. There are things about him I want to like (the fact that he is young with children is something I can relate more easily to as opposed to a grandfatherish sort) I was pleasantly surprised with his speech yesterday. But I still struggle with the liberal agenda he is seeking to promote; his ideology and mine do not match up at all. Yet he is still my leader, the one God has appointed over me.

It is a high honor to have the title of president. To have the ability to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.....so help you God" is one that should never be taken lightly. And though we can struggle with the fact that we have a liberal president now, we should be thanking the Lord that we have the ability to elect the leader we want. We don't have Socialism, or Communism, or a Monarchy, or screwed elections. We have a free Republic, and for the next four years, we have President Obama.

I guess what I am saying is that the time has come for me to show some respect. For who am I to question God's choice?! Yes, there will probably come a time when I will be so angry and frustrated with him......but I am not there yet. I have my faith in a Higher Power, a God who can change the hardest of hearts.

I am resolved to not make the same mistake twice. President Obama is going to be in my prayers daily. Wouldn't it be awesome to see the Lord turn a radical leftist into a radical rightist? And don't tell me it can't be done, because it can!! In the meantime, I am going to pray for the strength and grace to show some respect.

Would you all consider doing the same?

Remembering the Obvious....For Once

I don't know about you, but I can take things for granted. In my prayer life, I often pray about the "bad things." Like I am more inclined to pray when my health isn't so great as opposed to when it is. Or I pray for God's guidance when all looks dark and bleak....and not so much when things are rosy. The problem always seems to take precedence.

These past few months have been no exception.

When it comes to politics, my thoughts and prayers have been centered around the "uncertainty" that is looming. My soon-to-be president, Barack Obama, has taken up much of my prayer time. I have prayed for protection for this country, a changed heart for him, that the Lord would work what seems absolutely terrible into something wonderful. You know, the proverbial "beauty from ashes."

While this is all good and has its place, I have neglected the here and now. I still have a president in the form of President Bush. And I have let down the ball. I prayed for him around election times--and when he decided to go to war--but he hasn't been in my prayers daily like he should have been.

Now, you might be different from my family. WE still like the guy. Oh, sure, he has made mistakes. Christians expected things of him in 2004 that he didn't deliver on. He probably should have waited longer before going to Iraq. His views on all these bailouts don't one hundred percent agree with mine. But President George Walker Bush has had his good moments.

His face hasn't stared at us from tabloids (unlike his predecessor.) He has appointed two very conservative Supreme Court justices (who are there until retirement or death, whichever comes first.) He has defended the unborn by his bans of partial-birth abortion and stem cell research. Yes, he has been good.

This president is going to leave with the lowest approval rating ever of a modern president. Yet if you had watched his speech, you would have discovered he doesn't care. He has a clean conscience. Lord willing, he did all that God wanted him to do--and that earns the highest mark, despite what the liberals think.

Tomorrow at Noon EST, he leaves office. Until then, remember him in your prayers with me. Thank the Lord that he has been our president for eight years. Pray that he would be blessed in the days ahead. He still has a few hours of his presidency left--let's pray he makes the right decisions.

Our prayers for Barack Obama will come soon enough. Let's remember the taken for granted tonight.

Monopoly on Tears

Do you ever feel as if the internal waterworks never seem to get shut off? Are you the type of person who seems to get emotional, for good or bad, over every little thing. I don't know about the rest of you, but I definitely feel that way. Sometimes, I think I should invest some "stock" in tears--I would make a mint.

It seems as if my eyes have been red and puffy a lot these days. Tuesday was a bad day, let's just put it that way. In the morning I cried; in the afternoon, I cried even more. These tears were shed out of confusion, doubt, and even anger.

Last night, I cried as I listened to a speech. I was probably only one of handful who gave thirteen minutes of their time to an important political figure. These tears were ones of compassion and sadness....probably with a dash of apprehension for the future.

Psalm 56:8 reads, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." None of the tears I have shed have taken the Lord by surprise, even in this age of tears being a sign of weakness.

I wrote in the margin of Psalm 56:8 back in August that "my tears do not go unseen. Praise Him." I believe tears are a gift from God. They show who we are deep down inside of us; it shows that we are flesh and blood with emotions, and not some idol carved out of stone. When He came down and embodied human flesh, even Jesus wept.

If your eyes are wet today, I hope you remember that one day, there will be no more tears and no more pain. And in the meantime, our tears are stored by a Father who yes, causes us to shed them----but only so they can be made into puddles of joy.

I Practiced What Dad Preaches

Okay, that title might cause you to raise your eyebrows. Rest assured, I seek to follow my parent's instruction in all that I do. However, there are those things that sum up your parents exactly. In my family, Dad says, "Comparison shop. Wait around. Get things on the sales or better yet the clearance rack. Save your money."



Granted, this is hard for me to do to a point. I definitely don't keep money long. I am always buying things for family and friends. Rarely do I spend the cold hard cash on myself, but I still spend. When I do spend on myself, Mom and Dad have taught me over the years to buy things that will last and I won't outgrow (likes books, DVDs, etc.)



But now that I am in my late teens, I have wanted to use my money quite frequently to get items for my hopechest. While I only use a few things now, most are safely packed away. Yesterday, I got one of the best deals ever for my future home.

Mom changes our dishes seasonly. Don't think that we get some high-end dinnerware, because we don't! Most of what we have has been gotten from dollar stores. Anyway, I love doing this and it is something I want to have in my future home. So, while shopping with Mom, I bought 4 dessert plates, a vegetable bowl, a creamer and sugar, and a salt and pepper shaker set. The grand total came to $22.22.

What's better.......I saved $84!!!

I encourage you all to be on the lookout for things for your future home. You never know what things you might find.....or what sales you will come away with. Honestly, your husband will be very happy when he finds out that you began the art of saving money from an early age! =)

December's Reading List

December was a fun time as it related to books! I gave myself a break from things of "depth" and just read Christmas related things. It was a lot of fun! Maybe you have read something on my list?


Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard--Okay, so this is the one non-Christmas book I read. All I can say is "WOW!" I had never read it before, though I had long wanted to. If you haven't read it, it is a must. This book is such an encouraging and challenging read. With it, I did a first--I underlined all that spoke to me. It's in pencil, but I still did it =)


Christmas By the Hearth, by Tyndale Writers--This is a delightful collection of Christmas short stories. They all are twenty-five pages or less, so you are able to get one (or even two) done in an hour. Besides "The Gift of the Magi," I love the story "An Aardvark for Cassandra."


The Christmas Child, by Max Lucado--This short story was one of two books I read this December that were adapted into movies I have watched....and loved. I would definitely recommend reading "The Christmas Child," but I love the movie more. You could say that is because I read it first. The book is much shorter and condensed than the movie is and I like the things the movie added. (Bad girl, I know =) To get the synopsis of the story, read the review I did on the movie here.


The Note, by Angela Hunt--This is the other book I read that became created into a movie. While you might think the movie would add things into the book, it actually changed one of the characters from being a female who would do ANYTHING to get ahead (which is the way the book had it) to it being a male bent on getting ahead (which is the movie's way.) Because of the one character, I would just use a little bit of discretion. You can skip a page or two when you can tell what is going to happen. And definitely, watch the movie! I reviewed it here.


Jotham's Journey, by Arnold Ytreeide--For several Advents, my family has done a particular series of books. They are about either a boy or a girl who has some incredible times. Along their journeys, they have interaction with many people from the Christmas story. In Jotham's case, he meets Zechariah and Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, the wise men; Jotham is one of the shepherds and his uncle is Joseph. However, this year my family didn't do them together....so I read this one by myself. You read a little part each day with the thought to think about afterwards. It was a nice way to do Bible time around Advent. The first time you read the books.....you will be on edge. =)


The Red Gloves Collection, by Karen Kingsbury--Karen Kingsbury is my one of my favorites in the Christian genre. This collection complies four of her short stories: "Gideon's Gift," "Maggie's Miracle," "Sarah's Song," and "Hannah's Hope." I like some more than others, but they are all good stories. You feel happy afterwards. Use your own discretion, as there is some difficult subject material. Nothing bad mind you, but I have to give warning. Like in "Sarah's Song," the woman is telling about her past and how she compromised her convictions and herself to get ahead. I had read a few of these before, but it was nice to read them all again!

So, have you read any of these?

I Need Y'all's Imput

Something has caught my eye recently.....and I want to hear what you all think and what your opinions are.


Regency Film Costume Class: If you love costume films--particularly Jane Austen adaptations--then this is the class for you! We dissect the costuming for six films (one per week), looking at issues including authenticity, methods, design vs. execution, and more. This class is especially meant for groups of friends to enjoy together. If you gather five or more people to take this class, you will qualify for a discount for each person. The cost for a single individual is $25, but if you have a group, you can each take the class for $15. [Note: immediate family members in the same household do not need to pay twice or make themselves a group; one registration is sufficient!] To qualify, I need to hear from the appointed group leader, who will need to provide the email addresses of all her group members. You need five people to qualify as a group. Please drop a line through my Feedback Form if you'd like to gather a group for this class, and I'll provide you the link to the group registration page. Otherwise, click the Paypal button below to register as an individual for this class! Click HERE for the class syllabus. The first 2009 session of this class is now open for registration. Lessons will run from January 19 through February 27. Past students who were unable to finish their lessons are welcome to join in on a future class without paying again. [Please note: The films themselves are not included in the price of the class; you will need to find those locally. Check your library or your video stores. If you can't find them there, try using Netflix or PeerFlix. Thanks!]

I have wanted to do this class before, but times never got worked out. Then I thought, "what a great way to get to know some of my blog readers better. I mean, who doesn't like Jane Austen?!" It's run by Mrs. Jennie Chancey who develops her own patterns. You can check out the website.

So, comment to me if it would work for you. Or comment if you have interest, but you want me to find out about other dates. Rest assured, it isn't sewing.....it's analyzing movies, and I do that all the time.....in my head =)

Let me know! I would love to get a group together!!

The Old Fades....New Things Come

"If we celebrate the years behind us, they become stepping stones of strength and joy for the years ahead."

Today is the final day of the year 2008. In the midst of getting excited for ringing in the New Year, perhaps staying up until midnight, and thinking of all that lays ahead, we can easily skip over all that the past 365 days have taught and brought us.

This quote reminds me how much I have to celebrate.

I never expected a lot of what 2008 brought to me. Those who have read my blog for a long time, or who know me very well, know that I have had many changes come in my life since this time last year. It has been quite a journey......that's putting it mildly. But you know, I wouldn't change anything for the world.

2008 found old things ending like formal education and the church we used to attend. But it also found me reaping blessings in the form of dear friendships formed, adoption papers rolling for my family, a new puppy.....

It also opened my eyes to the fact that I have still so much to learn about my Savior. I am only beginning to learn about grace, unfailing love, mercy, trust, faith, and peace. Each of these character qualities/attributes began budding even more in the fiber of my soul.

I didn't discover some answers that I would love to have answered. I had days of confusion and tears......even anger and doubt. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were, and are, stepping stones into the woman God wants me to be.

2008 was an incredible year. I hope you all can close this book and say "God, You are good. You are great. Everything was just as it should have been." By His strength and grace, I can.

"There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.~~C.S. Lewis" I say "Amen" for it was just as true about the transition from 2007 into 2008. It will be the same with 2009!

Happy New Year, everybody!

Unfailing Love

You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love

I just got this Chris Tomlin song for my MP3 player and I thought I would share the lyrics with you. This could really sum up what the Lord has been teaching me in 2008....but there is still more. May the words encourage you as they have me.

Oh the Weather Outside

It's definitely frightful!

Perhaps most of you are snow lovers. Let's put it this way......I like it, but in moderation. Nothing against any of you who might experience blizzards......those aren't for me. And honestly, this morning if you had look outside, you seriously would have thought I lived in North Dakota or somewhere.

I did have a white Christmas, though on Thursday it tended towards freezing rain. Now, it's a whole new story. You can imagine the trouble it is to get Nikki and Ginger to go outside. They don't want to deal with the wind =)

I think I should curl up with a cup of tea and my favorite girly movie. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Or maybe I should figure out what musicals I want to do next week.....that's a good idea too. I will let y'all enjoy the outdoors for me.

I hope your weather isn't as nasty as mine. I have to remind myself that the Lord created and loves the winter just as much as He does the spring...and green...and warmth. =)

Stay warm. God bless!

To All of You

From my family to yours, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! In the midst of the presents and the yummy food, may we remember what we are celebrating: God giving up everything in the glory of Heaven to come to earth in the form of a baby.

He gave up riches to become poor. He had a feed box for a cradle--swaddling clothes for coverage.

He knew exactly what would come as a result of His birth--His death thirty-three years later on Calvary.

But He came anyway.

Take comfort from that. And enjoy the day with your family and friends!

God bless.

It Got to Me

The Friday after Thanksgiving, I can always tell that Christmas is just around the corner. All of a sudden, people cease to be friendly. Cars are twice as likely to honk the minute the light turns green. In stores, people hustle and bustle their way in and don't make room for you. I always say sarcastically :"It's Christmas!"

Every year, I talk about how I hate that behavior. And I always think I am above acting like that........Every year, I found out that I am not.

This past week, the business of all that I had to do got to me. I had packages to get out to long distance friends and I wanted them to get there before Christmas. We had gifts for the grandparents to finish up and mail, which entailed recording some piano music onto the MP3 player and editing the family cookbook. I had my own presents to wrap. Add in eating too many sweets, having to play referee between dogs.......I got testy......and with my own family.

Now that everything I have had to do has been done, I have had time to reflect. The real meaning of Christmas isn't found in the gifts beneath the tree or meeting deadlines. It's being still; it's stopping to remember all that Christ gave up in the glory of Heaven to come to Earth. Even if we didn't do presents or make the traditional Christmas yummies, Christmas would still be Christmas. The Ultimate Gift would still have been given.

So, I hope none of you fall into the trap that I have. If you still have shopping and things, make sure you say "Merry Christmas" honestly, lovingly, and sincerely. (I did do that =) But if you are done with the merry-go-round, stop. Reflect. For me, that will mean pondering what my gift to Jesus is this year......and listening to "Child of the Promist" (which if you can find the cd, it is one the best Christmas albums--it's a lot of Christian artists acting out the Christmas story in song.)

In these last days, I want to make sure Christ is in my Christmas....where He belongs!

Christmas Movies....Week 5

It's the final week before Christmas. How hard is that to believe??!! So, I have quite a few movies for you this week--since I won't be able to do them for a whole new year. Stick with me, and maybe you will find something new.


Holiday Affair--starring Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh--Don't let the word "affair" throw you off; this movie is entirely decent and very sweet. It is the story of a young widow who is unable to give her son the gift he wants most. Along the way, she meets Robert Mitchum who throws a wrench into all of her plans. Her son likes him......but there is another guy courting Janet Leigh's character!


Christmas Eve--starring Loretta Young and Trevor Howard--This is a tv movie from the 1980's, but there isn't any issue. Loretta Young plays a rich socialte who gives away money to the homeless and destitute. This fact makes her son want to have her committed. While there is this plot going on, Loretta Young finds out that she is dying and her goal is to have her grandchildren home for Christmas and a reunion with their estranged father--that same son. It is a very endearing movie.


A Christmas Carol--starring George C. Scott--This is my favorite version of Dicken's classic novel. Though the very first time I watched it, I was crying and freaking out.....I am an auditory learner, so creepy music gets to me. You all know the story, so I don't have to give you a synopsis. But I say for you to get this version.


Miracle of 34th Street--starring Maureen O' Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and Natalie Wood--I have never believed in Santa Claus, and I know the Santa subject is a touchy one. But actually, I asked that we watch this movie the other day because of all the older actors in it. I knew we would recognize so many faces now.....and we did. It's kind of cute. I say watch it at least once in your life.


The Nativity Story---I can't remember who stars in this, but it is a very good movie. I am sure most of you have seen this one. I watched it for the first time last year and we greatly enjoyed it. We're going to do it sometime this year =)

It's a Wonderful Life--starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers--Okay, most of you hadn't seen Sabrina. I hope all of you have seen this classic!! If not......you will really shock me! You all know the story: it is the story of a small town man with big aspirations, but it takes a visit from an angel to realize how blessed he is. We will watch this movie on Christmas night. We have for the past few years.


Have a blessed time with these Christmas flicks!

And the Winner Is......

You all threw me for a loop. Actually, that's putting it mildly. I anticipated comments to the effect of, "I love Sabrina, but I haven't yet added it to my collection......" But no. Very few of you have seen it and some of you haven't even HEARD of it!!!!

I was shocked. So was Mom....and Dad......and even Garrett. They all have watched it.

As names came in, I thought many pleasant thoughts. When Jessica left a comment, I thought "Oh great, now I have an excuse to get her mailing address =) Jade, Madison, Jenna, Sara, Sara G., and Meghan--"It would be great to get to know them better." Bonnie--"Mailing out of the country will be interesting." Anna, Miriam, and Erin--"I know them so well already."

But Dad drew out........



Miriam's name~~~~

So, my dear, you are the one who will have the pleasure of owning this DVD. You can "share" it as you see fit =)

But for the rest of you, I am not done with giveaways. Though Miriam will not be allowed to enter, all of you will be =) Around the first of the year, I will be giving away a triple feature of Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany's.) I am able to recommend the first two, but since I haven't watched Breakfast at Tiffany's, you will have to use your own judgment and discretion.

Yet that isn't until 2009--just thought I would whet your appetite!

Hope you all are looking forward to the next one! And congratulations, Miriam!

No Wonder I Have a Back Ache.....and some Stomach Cramps =)

Oh my. It feels so good to sit!! Honestly, I am not kidding. For the past two days, Mom and I have basically lived in the kitchen. Sitting has been minimal; computer time has been taken in, like, five minute intervals. Yesterday, we ate dinner standing up and today was McDonalds. Talk about healthy.

So, what have we been up to..........Oh, nothing much. Just baking peanut butter cup cookies, creamy butter cookies, tri-colored cookies, chocolate chip cookies, shortbreads, nutty thumbprints, peppermint crush, nut clusters, gingerbread men, lemon basil cookies, Russian tea cakes, chocolate peanut butter fudge, and for all I know, I am missing something.

These pictures will give you a pretty good idea.

Teenage guys like to eat. Garrett does, and I know my friend, Erin's, brother does. But I know they won't eat ALL of these!

And trust me, my family won't be either.

Tomorrow, we head to doctors' offices and the library. Giving cookies is a way of saying "thank you" to them. The mail lady and the garbage men will get them too. Everyone will probably think we are nuts, but who cares?! It is a way to show the love of Christ.

But as you can imagine, I have had my share of sweets. After all, I have to taste =) But now....I am paying for it

Maybe I made your mouth water. Good. Go catch a flight out here and help me eat them with some hot tea, cocoa, or coffee! There are still plenty left

A Giveaway For My Readers

While at Walmart, my family and I picked up a DVD collection. It contained one of my favorite girly movies of all time, Sabrina. However, since I already had it, we debated about getting the collection.....until I thought "why not do a giveaway on my blog for my dear readers.

So, that is what I am doing!!

If you aren't familiar with the story, it is about Sabrina Fairchild whose father works for the Larabee's, a very wealthy New York family. Well, she has a crush on the younger Larabee (played by William Holden) but he hardly notices her....until she comes back from Paris even more lovely than before. Daddy Larabee and Big Brother (played by Humphrey Bogart) want nothing to come between them, so Brother starts hanging out with Sabrina. And what do you think happens?! =) There is nothing to worry about and even my brother likes this one!

If this classic film sounds great to you--or if you have seen it before and want it added to your collection--leave me a comment and I will place you in the drawing to be held December 19th. There is just one thing--you have to be a regular reader of my blog. None of this mentioning it stuff =)

So, leave me a comment along with telling me why you would like Sabrina--not that it will make any difference! =)

Good luck!

Christmas Movies.....Week 4

I have no idea where the week has gone! It seems like it has been a never ending cycle of walking dogs out and studying anatomy and physiology! =) I almost forgot that it was Friday and I usually do movies today or tomorrow. It was Mom who said something! But never mind. Here I am, and here are four Christmas movies for your enjoyment. They aren't all old--in fact, only one of them is....but I enjoy them!


The Note--starring Genie Francis and Ted McGinley--Mom and I just watched this movie last week and we decided it is definitely getting added to our collection! If you have the Hallmark channel, maybe you saw it a while ago. But I don't, so I only just got it on DVD. It is based on the book by Angela Hunt (which I am currently reading.) It is the story of a reporter who discovers a note from a plane crash. Without much to go on, she seeks to give the rightful person the note. Along the way, she comes to have peace about things from her past. There is nothing objectionable and you probably will get teary-eyed!


The Christmas Box--starring Richard Thomas and Maureen O'Hara--When I first started watching this movie, I didn't know about the Waltons or Richard Thomas being John Boy. But now I do =) Anyway, I just love this movie. It is a must for every year in my book. It is the story of a workaholic, who while being a caretaker for this old lady's house, discovers the value of family. I encourage you to see it. I get teary-eyed in it too!


The Christmas Child--starring William R. Moses, Megan Follows, and Steven Curtis Chapman--Based on the book by Max Lucado (which I just finished) The Christmas Child is the story of a man searching for his family. Yes, he has a wife..and not that great of a marriage. But he wants to have answers about his adoption. So he returns to the place of his birth and in the end, all questions are answered. I think I get teary-eyed in this one =) But I love hearing Steven Curtis Chapman sing in the film.


White Christmas--starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen--Okay, so most of you have seen this one. I will confess, this is not a musical I can get the rest of my family to watch with me. However, I could with these changes: Frank Sinatra instead of Bing Crosby. Maybe Doris Day in Rosemary Clooney's role. And Perhaps Donald O' Conner for Danny Kaye (though Garrett doesn't mind Danny Kaye =) All kidding aside, I like this movie. I get several of the songs stuck in my head--which isn't bad!

Enjoy some Christmas movies. Again, if you have seen any on this list, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts/opinions of them!