Made it.......2015

Pinterest

Happy blessed new year to all of you. I am home today, its cold and rainy outside, but inside its comfy and warm. Sometimes life is that way isn't it?  Outside, all around things seem dark, cold , lonely...evil lurking all about us , bad things happening day after day, but inside, within myself (home), I am secure, full of hope, love,contentment.  Thats what I want for this new year, to keep my eyes, mind and heart focused on the good, the lovely, the just, honest, and  pure in this life. I hope to see good first. I hope to learn from bad circumstances that may prove to be obstacles in my path. To be made richer in the things that really matter and to let go, and LET GOD in those situations that I have no power over, and really don't matter anyway! I want to stop creating mountains from Moe hills. To trust God more, that he can and will move any mountains that stand in the way of him fulfilling his will for my life. I want to heal completely from past hurts and finely be strong enough to share openly with others about how I was able to survive those hurts and became a stronger woman because of them.  That I was able to endure only through my faith in God and my belief that everything happens for a reason and that God truly is working all things out for my good. I want to overcome depression. I want to feel happy and joyful, fulfilled in whatever life I have left.  I want to make a difference in the lives of others.  Those you are suffering , those that are walking through valleys that I have already crossed. I want to stand on the other side and cheer them on as they are struggling to get through to the other side of those deep, dark valleys. To let them know its possible, for I am living proof, but only by God's grace! This is what I want for 2015. I may only make a start, but a start is a start and with God's help if not this year, then the next, or the next.....or the next, then ..........I may succeed. And if I succeed then I shall be successful in achieving what I wanted and asked God's help for. May my life glorify him. May others see me, but see Christ in me. May he increase and I decease.  May I be more like Christ in 2015.

Pinterest

Another One Came and Gone

Its hard to realize Christmas has came and gone yet once again , but yes, tis true! Now, to wait just a few days for the new year to roll around, then it'll be 2015. My family had our get together on Christmas eve.  My parents came to my son's home where they gathered with all of us for a few hours, but left before dark to go home. The rest of us continued to visit, sing Christmas carols and just enjoy one another's company until about 9:00 pm, then my daughter brought me home. The little grands were excited , ready to put on their new PJ's and get to bed so Christmas morning would hurry up :)  We all had a great time just being together.  Our menu was "finger foods" .
As for Christmas day I was home, pretty much by myself. I lit candles, listened to Christmas carols, took a long nap......it was a restful, peaceful day. I'm thankful for Christ and all the goodness he brings to our lives. Without him, I'd have no reason for a celebration.  I hope your Christmas was wonderful......blessings to you all.

My kiddos and I

 I bought and painted the little boys these bug barns, they loved them.

Mama and daddy

Grandchildren

The grands are waiting.  We pass out all the gifts then start from the eldest to the youngest with opening them. That way everybody gets to see what the others received.  It works for our family.

Colton and Audrey

Granddaughters

Vivian

Christmas Cottage

The little dolls are all set for Christmas.  They have decorated their cottage, the snow has fallen and filled the roof.

Singing carols around the nativity. 

Little Patsy waiting for refreshments to be served.

All is meek and mild in the nursery. 

It truly is a wonderful life.

Blessings to you my friends

A Great Start for a Good Week.

Sunday after church my girls, my friend Betty, and some of the grands went on the Christmas Tour of Homes in our local area. We had a lot of fun, and got inspired by what we saw. One home was like a southern mansion, really beautiful, but to much over the top for this "simple life loving" lady  ;)
But it's always fun to see how others live, decorate, etc.

Betty and I

A couple of my favorite things.

Teddy bear tree, with an S on it :)

And this beautiful nativity.

My girls and I.

 Kathy, Regina and my DIL Kristy.

 The boys found a black bear on the prowl.

Jaxon and Tristan

 Then they came upon Santa taking a bath.....hehe

Me and my Sweetpea, Jalyn

We ended the day by visiting a couple of elders from our church family that are now living in a nursing home.  That was a bit bittersweet for me. These ladies have been mentors and a great example to me over the years of what it means to be a true woman of faith. Now, they are so near to their end of the race, but oh, the rewards that await them in heaven.

Sis. Wilshire, middle.

Sweet Sis Arber

It was a blessed start of a new week. I pray your week is blessed as well. I'll be leaving in the morning to go stay with my parents for the rest of this week. Gonna share some Christmas fun with them. See you soon.

Busy Little Dolls, and Ole St. Nick

The little dolls of the cottage are making preparations for St. Nicholas Day tomorrow.  They have the Christmas music blaring.  Busy, busy.....fuss, fuss, but so much fun and conversation.  I think they may be just a little bit excited.  Yes, just a little :)
What do you think?

So, do you observe St. Nicholas Day? Heres a site to learn more of St. Nicholas and how this day, December 6th is celebrated.
Blessings friends

A Very Thankful Day

Our Thanksgiving Day was great. We spent the day gathering at my eldest sons home.
There was lots of wonderful food to enjoy, but I did not indulge to much. Instead I enjoyed indulging in the sweetness of this precious little one. I hadn't been able to see Audrey much since she was born so, this meme made up on the time I've missed snuggling with her.

Of couse, most of my other grans were there on and off through out the day and I loved visiting with them as well, but I have to share a cute story with you about my Kathy's Jaxon which before Audrey ' s birth was the baby of our family.  When he and his family arrived of course his mommy and sisters were oohing and aweing over the baby so he told Tristan , my little step grandson.....lets go in your room.....all I hear in here is Oh, Audrey,  Audrey,  Audrey. We all of course overheard what he said and had a good laugh.  Somebody was a little jealous of Miss Audrey Alexandra getting all the attention  ;) I made sure he wasn't left out though.

My contribution

Along with some broccoli casserole.  I'm truly very thankful for all God gives!

So, will some of you be starting your Christmas decorating today? I will, along with my daughter Regina's help. Have fun, turn on some Christmas music and enjoy.
 No black Friday shopping for me. Have a blessed week dear friends.

Our 4th

We have been coming to this same place for years to watch the fireworks.  The next town over from ours, about 7 miles. Quite impressive show for such a small town too. Its was a wonderfully cool night , very unusual for us to have a cool evening in July.  Blessings on your week my friends

He Lives

Wishing you all a most blessed Resurrection Sunday........Because he lives, we live also!

Spring Touches

What wonderful encouraging comments you all left for me. How can I not succeed with such awesome friends and an almighty God behind me......thank you so much. The appointment went well. Now,on to other things. I have been to see some of you and just gotta say...Spring has sprung around your homes. Such sweet decorations! I have on the other hand done little here in my little mobile cottage. I did purchase some beautiful miniature rose bushes which I plan to pot and make a small rose garden. I really need to get my hands busy crafting as well.... I have some great ideas going over in my head,but I need to get them out of my head and create something :-)

 These pictures I took with the  camera on my tablet,and they are not as clear as I would like,the cute little bunny came from Hobby Lobby. She is so sweet...her tiny dress is just adorable.

Just afew spring touches, but they do cheer the place up a bit. Blessings to all