Thanksgiving on the Farm....

The day after the big turkey day, and I find myself even more grateful for my wonderful family and my blessed life. At the end of the day, I may not have a house, I may not be free of student loans, I may not have the prettiest dress, but I have the love of a good man, the warmth of my family's embrace, and a heart content with my blessings....













I think we will use this picture for our Christmas card this year:




But this one is my favorite.....


No gift is worth more than being his wife....I'm honored everyday to be called his wife. All the while, I think, Christmas is about being with those you love, and holding those who are far, close to your heart. He has my whole heart, and I will forever thank God above for His Son and for the wonderful man who is my husband.

It's beginning to look a lot like.....

I live for this time of year!!! I love everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas; there is the time spent baking, the wonderful act of finding the 'perfect' gift, the time spent with family, the wonderful decorations, yummy peppermint white hot chocolate, the smell of fresh cut pine trees, the soft glow from candlelight.....oh just everything.

With hard times effecting most of us (prayers for those who are finding circumstances even more difficult this season), any little bit of help or savings is welcomed. Sound the drums, and the trumpets, bring on the smiles, because Shutterfly is offering 50 free cards if you are a blogger! Woohoo!!!!!

The link for the submission for is http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

Last years photo was the one from above...let's see what this year's will look like (ahem....Molly is about 50 lbs larger....sheesh lo weesh. No holding her this year!)

Five Question Friday!

1. What Christmas song do you loathe?

To be quite honest, I LOVE Christmas music! There is no song I do not love, nor one that I am too afraid to belt out a the top of my lungs! (And I am a terrible singer!)....I live for Christmas music, and during the year when I am feeling down, sad, upset, or just not like my chipper self, I will listen to some Christmas music.

2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?

So no one gag, my sister teases me about this, but my husband and I sleep facing each other. Usually we fall asleep talking to one another, and holding hands. We have had a king-sized bed on vacations, and they are horrible for us! We end up chasing each other around the bed, and neither one of us sleep very well. I am pretty sure if it wasn't taboo or weird, we would share a double.....guess we just sleep better when the other is nearby. (I sound like a Hallmark card!)

3. Have you ever had surgery?

When I was three years old, I had to have ten crowns placed on my baby teeth, since my parents allowed me to sleep with a bottle in my mouth while sleeping....I remember the hospital robe and my mom making me scrambled eggs when I got home. Then when I was 17 I had my wisdom teeth pulled out, and I hope and pray that is the extent of my surgeries. I ended up healing over the stitches so they had to reopen the sutures and I was MISERABLE! I had to eat baby food and yogurt for 3 weeks...on my tiny frame, those were precious pounds lost.

4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?

I DESPISE shopping....and yes I am a woman. But the act of shopping has forever been lost on me. Something I have never understood is how people can go from store to store to simply look at what they have....ugh.
Since I refuse to meander around stores, my Christmas shopping gift search begins while everyone is thinking about flowers, chocolate bunnies, fireworks, and BBQs. I begin the hunt for the perfect gift early on, and usually, if I can get away with it, buy the gifts online. This year, my husband and I moved 1200 miles just two weeks ago, so the shopping has been trickier than normal. Other than a few homemade gifts, one more on-line order, and finishing my hubby's gift, I am all done!

5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?

I work from home as a writer, and if I could have absolutely anything, I would have a top of the line computer to work from (If you notice, I don't even know exactly what kind...I don't look at things I can't afford :) Makes appreciating the things I have a little easier!

May this find everyone in the best of health and happiness this season....all the blessings one blog can hold.....

Homemade.....Handmade

Since moving to Colorado just a week and a half ago, my creative mind has kicked into gear!! I was flipping through some books (to get me through the LONG winter here!) and I came across the recipe for essential oils and a few sewing projects! I am so excited!

See, I have always loved to stay home....every since I was a little one, home is where I am the most happy. Sure, I have no problem going out and about to run errands, visit family, and be outdoors, but my heart is always at home. That is why I am so grateful my husband works diligently so I am able to write my books are articles from home.

I can't hardly wait to begin my projects! Molly and I already spent some time outside this morning, since the sun is shining down so warmly and sweetly this morning :) Never know when the snow will make its appearance! I will keep everyone posted on my homemade projects...now on to some writing. Have a wonderfully blessed Tuesday.

Why Do Angels Have to Work?

Today my husband left for work, and for most people this is a daily occurrence. However, in this house, we dread this day. It's not a huge deal to most, they kiss their husbands/wives goodbye every morning. My husband and I aren't most people....we go without luxuries so we can spend the most time together. He comes with me to the market, just to be with me. I watch football, so he can be happy. We eat at home because it's much cheaper, and he likes my cooking. We go camping because we like the quiet. We sold my car so we could afford to move for his job.....

And now there is a job opening where we live that would put him much closer to home. He could be within five minutes of home, and I know how badly he wants it. I want him to have it. I would appreciate any prayers for us....I know it sounds silly when others are asking for health and wellness, and here I am asking for a job for my husband with a job :)

Normally, I never say things out loud for fear that they won't come true....but I want this one to happen so badly....

Thank you for listening and reading....

Days Past...

I try to be lighthearted and carefree most of the time. I wish I could learn to roll with the punches, to take life as it comes. For so long I enjoyed spending time by myself and going places all on my lonesome....until this past year.

My anxiety sky-rocketed this morning (a daily battle for me now) all because my husband had his first day of work in our new state of Colorado. Once he mentioned that he was leaving to go to work, my heart began to race and I lost my control.....oh how I wish I was stronger.

This past year has been one of the most difficult to endure. I was assaulted and mugged, then nine months later my husband and I lost our baby, and five months later we moved 1100 miles.....sheesh lo weesh. I see pictures of how I used to be, before this insane year, and I wonder if I will ever feel the same way again.

I wish will all my might that I could be rid of my uneasiness, but I remain hopeful as God's promise is to see me through the storm. Normally, I wouldn't burden anyone with my woes, its just that I have found writing helpful in clearing my head and helping me breathe.

God's blessings to each of you, and may you find strength in Him!

Unpacking Boxes

Well, we made it safe and sound to our new home....took my mom to the airport last night, and now, its just my husband, the dog, and myself. I thought for sure, my heart would still be in a million little pieces this morning, but somehow a piece found its place this morning. Maybe tomorrow, another one will find its place, and soon it won't hurt so much. I miss my family more than words can say, more than I could ever properly depict in a blog, but I take them with me in that piece that found its way back this morning.....


(And in case you are wondering, Molly girl, decided to lay on my lap for about 5 hours of the trip and she weighs 65 lbs! Total Mama's girl!)

Strength in His Embrace...

In just a matter of hours, my husband and I will make a trek that will forever change our lives. You see, my husband's job is transferring us 1100 miles away from the place where I have spent my entire life. The place where I went to grade school, the place where my family is, the place where I became the woman I am today.

I keep telling myself that we are lucky to have such a chance in hard economic times, a chance most would give anything to have. And I am grateful, but the hard part is, my heart is breaking. I will be seeing "See ya soon" to my family (I don't like saying good-bye, its too finite), and my heart is in pieces. I pray for God's strength and His guidance, I pray for His comfort and peace.

Great things await me, and I know my marriage will be stronger for it....Looks like I will be getting my white Christmas after all.