Sunday, December 30, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: December 27
I Am Thankful For:
Last minute orders
Sugar cookies with frosting
A fat little squirrel outside my window
Christmas shopping done
Doing crafts with the grand kid
The last Christmas order completed
Watching Christmas specials
Watching the cat play with his tail
The Male Offspring's new car
The beginning of Christmas break
Ordering new living room furniture
Afternoon naps
The Man of the House wrapping presents
Family Christmas celebration
Yummy Christmas treats
"A Christmas Story"
Lazy Christmas day
Last minute orders
Sugar cookies with frosting
A fat little squirrel outside my window
Christmas shopping done
Doing crafts with the grand kid
The last Christmas order completed
Watching Christmas specials
Watching the cat play with his tail
The Male Offspring's new car
The beginning of Christmas break
Ordering new living room furniture
Afternoon naps
The Man of the House wrapping presents
Family Christmas celebration
Yummy Christmas treats
"A Christmas Story"
Lazy Christmas day
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: December 20
I Am Thankful For:
Just a little more snow
An extended weekend thanks to the weather
Saving a sparrow
Taco Tuesday
The neighbor's snowman
Listing to melting snow drip off the roof
The cat's extra enthusiastic purring when he gets brushed
Getting out for the first time after the storm
Ordering a medium coffee and they give you a large
Foggy days
Finding an awesome deal
Christmas shopping with the Man of the House
The Male Offspring made dinner
An exciting conclusion to the football game
Watching the Sound of Music
Just a little more snow
An extended weekend thanks to the weather
Saving a sparrow
Taco Tuesday
The neighbor's snowman
Listing to melting snow drip off the roof
The cat's extra enthusiastic purring when he gets brushed
Getting out for the first time after the storm
Ordering a medium coffee and they give you a large
Foggy days
Finding an awesome deal
Christmas shopping with the Man of the House
The Male Offspring made dinner
An exciting conclusion to the football game
Watching the Sound of Music
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
What About Love? (One Word in Review)
As some of you may remember, my One Word for 2018 has been LOVE. And what a year it has been!!
I feel as if I have learned so much about love this year... and that I still have so very much more to learn.
I've learned that the greatest commandment is to Love. Jesus said it Himself:
I've learned that it's not about who loves you, but who (whom?) you love. We are supposed to love everyone. Not just the people that love us. Not just the people who look like us. Or think like us. Or live where we live. Or vote the way we vote. Or dress the way we think they should dress. Or act the way we think they are supposed to act. Or look the way we think they should look.
EVERYONE. Period.
We are told to love others as we want to be treated. Not as we are treated. Not as we think they deserve to be treated.
We are even told to love our enemies. The people who are mean to us. Who are hateful. Who hurt us and/or others. (Admittedly, that's a hard pill to swallow. I'm still working on that one and I confess that I have a very very long way to go.)
I've learned that we can't really love others until we love ourselves. And we can't really love ourselves until we love God, and realize how much He loves us. It's only through seeing ourselves as He sees us that we can really love who we are. Then, as we learn that He loves everyone this way and to see others as He sees them - we can learn to love them as he does.
I've come to believe that love really is the answer. If everyone truly loved others. If we were all kind to everyone else. If we took care of others from a place of love. If we were generous and thoughtful and loving... then everyone would feel worthwhile. No one would feel lonely. Or meaningless. Or angry.
I could go on and on. I believe I could spend year after year in this word alone and never learn everything there is to learn about God's Love for us and how He wants us to love others. However, I already feel as if I am being pointed to a new word for 2019. And we'll discuss that one soon.
Until then... Love one another.
I feel as if I have learned so much about love this year... and that I still have so very much more to learn.
I've learned that the greatest commandment is to Love. Jesus said it Himself:
I believe that every little thing in the Gospels comes down to this - God loves us. So much more than we can ever even begin to fully understand. As a response to that kind of Love, we should love Him. And as a result we should also love others.
I've learned that it's not about who loves you, but who (whom?) you love. We are supposed to love everyone. Not just the people that love us. Not just the people who look like us. Or think like us. Or live where we live. Or vote the way we vote. Or dress the way we think they should dress. Or act the way we think they are supposed to act. Or look the way we think they should look.
EVERYONE. Period.
We are told to love others as we want to be treated. Not as we are treated. Not as we think they deserve to be treated.
We are even told to love our enemies. The people who are mean to us. Who are hateful. Who hurt us and/or others. (Admittedly, that's a hard pill to swallow. I'm still working on that one and I confess that I have a very very long way to go.)
I've learned that we can't really love others until we love ourselves. And we can't really love ourselves until we love God, and realize how much He loves us. It's only through seeing ourselves as He sees us that we can really love who we are. Then, as we learn that He loves everyone this way and to see others as He sees them - we can learn to love them as he does.
I've come to believe that love really is the answer. If everyone truly loved others. If we were all kind to everyone else. If we took care of others from a place of love. If we were generous and thoughtful and loving... then everyone would feel worthwhile. No one would feel lonely. Or meaningless. Or angry.
I could go on and on. I believe I could spend year after year in this word alone and never learn everything there is to learn about God's Love for us and how He wants us to love others. However, I already feel as if I am being pointed to a new word for 2019. And we'll discuss that one soon.
Until then... Love one another.
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Thursday, December 13, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: December 13
I Am Thankful For:
Orders - new and shipped
Tea and cookies
Making the Man of the House laugh
Good books
Donuts and coffee
Snow flurries
Getting to drive the Man of the House to the dentist
A wedding date has been set
A good cry
Getting out of the house for a while before the storm
Watching snow fall
Staying up way past my bedtime
The power didn't go out
Light-hearted football trash talk
Hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows
Orders - new and shipped
Tea and cookies
Making the Man of the House laugh
Good books
Donuts and coffee
Snow flurries
Getting to drive the Man of the House to the dentist
A wedding date has been set
A good cry
Getting out of the house for a while before the storm
Watching snow fall
Staying up way past my bedtime
The power didn't go out
Light-hearted football trash talk
Hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Trapped!!
I saved a bird yesterday.
Granted, it was only in the predicament it was in because of me. But still... I saved it.
As I was sitting at the table, writing in journal during my morning quiet time and drinking coffee - I heard an odd noise. At first, I thought it was some snow or ice sliding off the roof or the gutters. But when the noise would pause for a moment or two and then start back up - I got curious.
I peeked out the sliding door and, to my horror, I realized that a sparrow was caught inside my mason jar bird feeder!
I quickly took down the feeder and opened it to release my poor feathered friend back into the wild.
I'm just so grateful I was here and close enough to hear it before he hurt himself. Or worse.
Note to Self: Keep feeder filled, or bring inside, from now on!
Granted, it was only in the predicament it was in because of me. But still... I saved it.
As I was sitting at the table, writing in journal during my morning quiet time and drinking coffee - I heard an odd noise. At first, I thought it was some snow or ice sliding off the roof or the gutters. But when the noise would pause for a moment or two and then start back up - I got curious.
I peeked out the sliding door and, to my horror, I realized that a sparrow was caught inside my mason jar bird feeder!
My best guess is that because the feeder was just about empty, he must have been reaching for some remaining seed and was just small enough to slip inside one of the portals for feeding. Once inside, he couldn't figure how to maneuver himself (herself? I've just been assuming it's a male) back out.
I quickly took down the feeder and opened it to release my poor feathered friend back into the wild.
I'm just so grateful I was here and close enough to hear it before he hurt himself. Or worse.
Note to Self: Keep feeder filled, or bring inside, from now on!
Monday, December 10, 2018
The "Shop Small" Christmas Gift Guide
The
Christmas gift-giving season is in full swing. Maybe you're one
of those people who has all their shopping done before Black Friday
even arrives. But if you're like me and still have lots and
lots of shopping left to be done - I'm here to help!
Sure,
you could go to one of the big box stores, or order online from that
mega website with the smile on their boxes. Or... you could
think outside the big box. Shop small this year.
Have
you seen the meme that say "Every time you shop from a small
business, an actual person does a little happy dance"?
Well, as a small business owner I can tell you - it's TRUE! Not
only that, but when you shop from a handmade business, you're giving
a gift that was made with lots of love.
Which
is exactly why I have created the "Shop Small" Gift Guide
for 2018:
Gifts
for the Disney Enthusiast:
Coconut Cuties Tie Dye has a wide selection of amazing tie dye clothing for
everyone in the family. But, my favorite has to be her Mouse
Head shirts. They're perfect for anyone you know who loves the
Magic Kingdom. (or as a fun item to take on your own Disney
vacation)
Gifts
for the Bibliophile:
Yes,
you could always give this person another book. Or a gift
certificate to their favorite book store. But you could be a
little more creative this year and give them a tshirt or tote bag
based on their favorite classic from Literary Book Gifts!
Any avid reader would love to find one (or more) of these
unique designs under their tree this year.
You can use code ReallyReallyRealHousewives20 for 20%
off anything in the store - no minimum purchase required, and
the code does not expire.
Gifts
for Mom and Dad:
From
sculptures, to sun catchers, to jewelry - The
Twisted Tree of Life,
creates
some of the most beautiful tree of life items you'll find anywhere!
Dawn creates each item by hand, so you know you are giving something
just as unique as the recipient.
Gifts
for the Fandom:
Whether
it's Sci-Fi or comic books - the Tat2dquilter
has handcrafted monkeys they are sure to love! Aquaman? Check.
Star Fleet? Yep! Even a Weeping Angel from Dr Who.
(which I can't decide is adorable or if it scares the bejeebers out
of me! I just know I don't want to blink whenever I see it.)
If
the fandom monkeys aren't your thing - there are also some really
cool bears make out of recycled t-shirts!
Gifts
for the Hostess with the Most-est:
Know
someone who loves hosting parties, dinners, pot lucks and get
togethers? Don't show up empty handed! Bring him or her
one of these wonderful holiday kitchen towels crafted by Stitched
by Jill!
Use
code SBJ10 for 10% off your order!
Gifts
for the Crocheter:
The
yarn fanatic is going to be thrilled to receive one of these
beautiful ergonomic crochet hooks by Pink
Plumeria Maui
! The handles are handcrafted with polymer
clay and glazed for shine & durability.
Gifts
for the Water Baby:
Give
your bath loving friend something wonderful – and skip the mall!
Laughing Mermaid Soap has a wide variety of handcrafted soaps, body
products, and unique gift items. Whether it's a beautiful bar of
soap, a set of bath bombs, or some hemp lip balm – you'll find
something to please your favorite water-logged friend.
Gifts
for the Fixer Upper:
If
she's not watching HGTV, she's on Pinterest searching for her next
DIY project. She says things like “Joanna Gaines is my spirit
animal”. And tanyas_cricut_boutique has the perfect gift for her!
Check out the adorable selection of t-shirts for your fixer upper
friend.
Use code GRANDOPENING for 10% off your first order!
They also have some fun holiday shirts, inspirational quotes, and baby/todder apparel.
They also have some fun holiday shirts, inspirational quotes, and baby/todder apparel.
Gifts
for the Color Obsessed:
ColorCuriosity is just starting out on Etsy and is the very definition of
“small” (for now!) But they have beautiful marbled ornaments for
your colorful friend.
Through December 20th - use code REALITYBLOG20 and receive 20% off your order. (Excludes custom orders)
I hope this has helped you find some gift ideas for the people on your list! Who are your favorite makers and/or small businesses for holiday shopping? Share them in the comments!
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Friday, December 7, 2018
When It Hasn't Been a Good Week
It wasn't a good week.
Wednesday night we said "goodbye" to our beloved dog of 9 years - Oscar.
We knew it was coming. About a month ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 canine lymphoma. It was a terrible blow. We did a lot of research and considered all of our options. After learning that without treatment he had about 4 to 6 weeks and with treatment he might have a year (if he responded well), we decided that rather than the putting him through the stress of repeated trips to the vet and treatments, and the emotional strain to our family of constantly feeling as if we were just waiting to the cancer to come back, we decided to make the very most of our last few weeks with him.
He went for walks at the park and to the dog park. He ate turkey, chicken breast, and beef. He was spoiled rotten. The end was difficult, but he was able to pass at home, on his own bed, surrounded by his family.
I feel so much sadder and miss him much more than I had expected. Yesterday, I cried in the pet department at Walmart.
And that's all I really have to say about that.
Wednesday night we said "goodbye" to our beloved dog of 9 years - Oscar.
 |
| He was a good boy |
We knew it was coming. About a month ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 canine lymphoma. It was a terrible blow. We did a lot of research and considered all of our options. After learning that without treatment he had about 4 to 6 weeks and with treatment he might have a year (if he responded well), we decided that rather than the putting him through the stress of repeated trips to the vet and treatments, and the emotional strain to our family of constantly feeling as if we were just waiting to the cancer to come back, we decided to make the very most of our last few weeks with him.
He went for walks at the park and to the dog park. He ate turkey, chicken breast, and beef. He was spoiled rotten. The end was difficult, but he was able to pass at home, on his own bed, surrounded by his family.
I feel so much sadder and miss him much more than I had expected. Yesterday, I cried in the pet department at Walmart.
And that's all I really have to say about that.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: December 6
Last week completely got away from me and it was Friday before I even realized it! Since I completely missed last week's post - I'm sharing an extra long list of things I have been grateful for over the past two weeks.
I Am Thankful For:
Finding foods my sick dog will eat
A crazy, exciting Monday night football game
Going to bed at a reasonable time
27 years of marriage
Anniversary cards
Blinking antlers
Family Thanksgiving
The Man of the House cooking the turkey in the smoker
Pumpkin pie for breakfast
Black Friday shopping with the female offspring
Gingerbread house
Spending time with the Grand Kid
Leftovers
A scalp massage
God providing a "new to me" washer when ours died
Cyber Monday
Days that look like winter
Fish and chips
When all the yarn at Hobby Lobby is 30% off
A good day for shop orders
Treating myself to a coffee
Orange juice
Days when I get a lot done
Hot cocoa with marshmallows
Christmas decorating
Finding foods my sick dog will eat
A crazy, exciting Monday night football game
Going to bed at a reasonable time
27 years of marriage
Anniversary cards
Blinking antlers
Family Thanksgiving
The Man of the House cooking the turkey in the smoker
Pumpkin pie for breakfast
Black Friday shopping with the female offspring
Gingerbread house
Spending time with the Grand Kid
Leftovers
A scalp massage
God providing a "new to me" washer when ours died
Cyber Monday
Days that look like winter
Fish and chips
When all the yarn at Hobby Lobby is 30% off
A good day for shop orders
Treating myself to a coffee
Orange juice
Days when I get a lot done
Hot cocoa with marshmallows
Christmas decorating
What are you thankful for this week?
Monday, December 3, 2018
Currently... December 2018
Holy jingle bells, Batman - It's December! That time of year when the whole world feels as if it's wrapped up in Ho-Ho-Ho's and shopping and decorating and eating much and being merry and being busy. I pray that during the hustle and bustle of the season each and every one of you takes time to pause and soak in the joy of this season while remembering the true meaning behind Christmas.
Reading: I finally arrived back at the top of the wait list so that I can complete Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleves. Next up in the queue is The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.
Working On: Trying to get my home, my business, and myself ready for Christmas. One thing keeps distracting me from the next and somehow none of it seems to be getting done!
Enjoying: The season. I love Christmas time. The giving. The shopping. The foods. The music. The lights. The "ugly" sweaters. Joy to the World. Peace on earth. Good will toward men.
Anticipating: The new year. I love that feeling of new beginnings. All the hope and promise of the new year. The goals to be made and dreams to be chased. It's the same kind of feeling I get in the spring as the weather starts to turn warmer and things begin to bloom. And again when it's back to school season.
Wanting: This to be the best Christmas ever! But, I pretty much want that every single year. So... nothing new there!
Needing: To find some good spiritual, devotional, and/or personal enrichment books to study in the coming year. I'm especially interested in ones that focus on joy and happiness. Any suggestion?
Feeling: Obviously, I'm pretty excited about the holidays. I'm also feeling a little bittersweet. As much as I love the Christmas season, I'm also a little sad to face another Christmas without my sisters around. And the Man of the House told me that for the first time ever his company is not inviting spouses and families to their Christmas luncheon, which is disappointing. Especially since it's the only Christmas party sort of thing I attend in the years since I stopped working outside the home. So, that's a bummer. But I don't want to let any negative feelings overcome all the good and beautiful feelings of Christmas!
What are you up to this December?
Reading: I finally arrived back at the top of the wait list so that I can complete Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleves. Next up in the queue is The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.
Working On: Trying to get my home, my business, and myself ready for Christmas. One thing keeps distracting me from the next and somehow none of it seems to be getting done!
Enjoying: The season. I love Christmas time. The giving. The shopping. The foods. The music. The lights. The "ugly" sweaters. Joy to the World. Peace on earth. Good will toward men.
Anticipating: The new year. I love that feeling of new beginnings. All the hope and promise of the new year. The goals to be made and dreams to be chased. It's the same kind of feeling I get in the spring as the weather starts to turn warmer and things begin to bloom. And again when it's back to school season.
Wanting: This to be the best Christmas ever! But, I pretty much want that every single year. So... nothing new there!
Needing: To find some good spiritual, devotional, and/or personal enrichment books to study in the coming year. I'm especially interested in ones that focus on joy and happiness. Any suggestion?
Feeling: Obviously, I'm pretty excited about the holidays. I'm also feeling a little bittersweet. As much as I love the Christmas season, I'm also a little sad to face another Christmas without my sisters around. And the Man of the House told me that for the first time ever his company is not inviting spouses and families to their Christmas luncheon, which is disappointing. Especially since it's the only Christmas party sort of thing I attend in the years since I stopped working outside the home. So, that's a bummer. But I don't want to let any negative feelings overcome all the good and beautiful feelings of Christmas!
What are you up to this December?
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
When The Phone Rings at 5AM
When the phone rings at 5:30 in the morning, our first instinct is to think that something must be wrong. Why else would someone be reaching out at that time of the morning?
This morning, I discovered that such an early wake up call can be a good thing.
When my phone woke me up in the pre-dawn this morning, it was my daughter. The grandkid's school was closed due to some snow and subzero wind hills. Leaving them unexpectedly scrambling for childcare.
An unplanned day with the grandkid? Yes, please!
Does this mean my day of crochet, painting my toenails, and deep conditioning my hair have been altered? Yes!
Are you going to hear me complaining about that? Nope!!
Right now I'm on the couch, sipping coffee, writing this on my phone while snuggling with my favorite little guy.
A Wednesday doesn't get much better than that!
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Thursday, November 22, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: Thanksgiving 2018
Thanksgiving day. A day meant to be set aside for counting our blessings and showing gratitude. I pray that each of you feels overwhelmed by all the good in your life.
I Am Thankful For:
Rainy days and Mondays
Spending the entire day with the grand kid
Mini-marshmallow creations
Lunch with the grand kid at his school
Ice storm avoided
Getting out of town with The Man of the House
Safe travels
Standing at the waterfront breathing sea air
Little biscuits
Strolling through quiet neighborhoods
Exploring new places
Listening to football games in the car
A new TV
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Thursday, November 15, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: November 15
It's been a tough week around here.
We found out over the weekend that our sweet Oscar dog has stage 4 lymphoma. It doesn't look good. Even if we get him to a vet oncologist and spend the thousands of dollars for chemo - it typically only extends the life expectancy by a year or so. We are heart broken and are looking at our options while dealing with the fact that we are probably going to lose our friend sooner rather than later.
This is one of those times when it can be difficult to find the good. But it's also these times when it can truly help to seek out the positive things in your life. To remind yourself that even when things are sad, there is still a lot to be thankful for.
We found out over the weekend that our sweet Oscar dog has stage 4 lymphoma. It doesn't look good. Even if we get him to a vet oncologist and spend the thousands of dollars for chemo - it typically only extends the life expectancy by a year or so. We are heart broken and are looking at our options while dealing with the fact that we are probably going to lose our friend sooner rather than later.
This is one of those times when it can be difficult to find the good. But it's also these times when it can truly help to seek out the positive things in your life. To remind yourself that even when things are sad, there is still a lot to be thankful for.
I Am Thankful For:
The first peppermint mocha of the season
Pretty new sweaters
It stopped raining long enough for a grocery store run
Lunch with my mom
Finally completing a big project
My Dad's hip surgery went well
Early to bed
Another free coffee
Cold sunny days
The little sounds my cat makes as he watches birds through the window
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: November 8
I Am Thankful For:
When the Man of the House gets home early
Golden leaves lit up with sunlight
Coffee with peppermint creamer
A fresh haircut
Halloween costume pictures
Lunch with my dad
Dinner with the family
A free birthday drink at Starbucks
My morning quiet time
At-home caramel macchiatos
A bee house
Scoping out potential wedding venues
Wedding talk
French Toast and bacon
A foot massage
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