My Smart Hubby!

One day a few weeks ago, while Hubby was away on one of his many business trips, out of nowhere 4 electrical outlets in our house stopped working... two in the living room and two in our bedroom.  Hubby suggested, when I emailed him, to try the breaker downstairs but when I did, everything looked fine.  We contacted two separate electricians, never hearing back from either.  We were stumped.  What was going on behind these walls?  My biggest fear of course is fire so I wasn't overly confident that the problem with the electrical outlets was something simple and not a huge safety issue.

Last week, Hubby sat down on the sofa in the living room and out of nowhere, the light in the corner of the room popped on.  Weird!  He moved and the light went off.  Once again he tested it, tested the breaker box.  Still nothing.  Around the same time the light by my bed started working for the first time in weeks.  Again we were perplexed.  WHAT is going on?  

Tonight Hubby finally figured out the issue.  Our sofa that backed onto the outlet closest to the window apparently was causing some sort of short in the wires when the sofa was pressed up against the outlet. Hubby opened up the outlet and there it was.  Even though the light switch on this side of the room was constantly working, the power wasn't leaving the outlet into the other outlets.  Once Hubby did a little tweaking, Eureka.... problem solved!  We now can take the power bar from one side of the living room and plug the tv into it's rightful outlet!  What a smart hubby I have!!

Power issues aside, today was a fabulous day.  My niece "R" and her two adorable kiddies came for a visit to "Auntie Sue's".  "R's" sister "K" came to join us for lunch from her office that is just down the street from my place.  Laughs and giggles filled our lunch time as we munched on quesadillas and caesar salad.  After "K" left to go back to work, "R" and I took the little ones to the pool for a quick dip before naptime.  It was super hot and humid out today so the dip in the pool was a welcome treat.  In order to prevent "R" from driving home in the ridiculous traffic, she and the kids joined Hubby, "S" and me for dinner.   My heart is full as I enjoyed the company of THREE of my beautiful nieces all in one day!

Tomorrow is a busy day as I prepare myself in the morning for an afternoon work shift at the office and then off to the wedding rehearsal of our friends'.  More about that to come!

Trusting God in the Details

I'm back from a fun-filled family vacation to one of our favourite places in the Southeast USA... North Myrtle Beach, SC!

Hubby and I, along with one of my 4 sisters & her family, and my younger of 2 brothers & his family rented a beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath condo on Crescent Beach along the shores of the warm Atlantic Ocean waters.  More about that in a bit!

The week before our trip was a little hectic as I tried to get things together for Abide's kickoff in September (which I'll be missing) and getting my first client's off on their all-inclusive vacation.  It was a lesson in trusting God that week as little things came up that tested and tried my faith not only in how I thought I'd heard God, but also in my own skills and abilities.  Long story short (without going into details) once again God proved to me that He is a bottom of the 9th inning, bases loaded, 2 outs, up to the plate smacking out a "Grand Slam" kind of God!  At the very last minute before packing up the car and heading out on our vacation, God came through on something very big that had been stressing me out all week.  Thank you Jesus!  Now I was free to go and relax and enjoy time with my family!

And enjoy we did!  Hubby and I got into Raleigh at my sister's place on Thursday night.  My sister and I were leaving early for SC as Beth Moore was speaking in Charleston, a mere 2 hours south of Myrtle Beach!  We drove the 4 hours south during the day Friday and enjoyed a fun, faith-filling evening and Sat morning of worshiping with 9000 women (including a few brave men) and being encouraged and challenged by Beth's message on "Embracing the Facing".  We were filled and ready for our time at the beach!

We had a BLAST in North Myrtle Beach!  Over the weekend there were 12 of us in our condo and we  had so much fun splashing around in the warm waves and sandy beach, playing bocce ball and boogie boarding all day long.

Hanging with "the kids" at the Beach

One of many rousing games of Bocce Ball

Monday night, my sister's kids had to leave and the remaining 8 of us continued the fun with one of my personal favorite moments - playing in the ocean during a rainstorm!  Tuesday, in what seemed like the very outer edge of Tropical Storm Isaac, the waves were big and extremely fun as we all boogie boarded and played in the surf.  As the raindrops fell, slowly the beach became deserted but that didn't stop us!  We remained out in the rain both in the surf and in the lazy river which was now our personal play area.  It was as if we had the entire beach and resort amenities to ourselves!

Making the most of a rainy day in the lazy river

The next few days were a little overcast as well but again, that didn't stop our crazy family!  Thursday we all packed in 2 vehicles and head down the highway to Myrtle Beach and the Nascar Speedway go-cart park.  For 6 hours we raced around the different tracks and played a game of mini-golf, all to celebrate my nephew's belated 16th birthday party.  We had more fun than imagined and the weather was perfect for this day's activities!

Wannabe Nascar Driver!

Hanging with the Fam at Nascar Speedpark

Getting a little push from the Niblings!

Friday the sun was out again and it was a perfect last full day for us.  Again, we spent the day down in the sand and surf and enjoyed the remaining hours together before it was time to pack up our belongings and head north again.

Hubby and me soaking up our last full beach day

My Bro catching a good wave

Floating in the Atlantic!

My brother's family left Sat morning on their trek back to Canada, but Hubby and I stayed one more night in the South, driving back to Raleigh & my sister's place.  We left early Sunday morning for our 14 hour drive home, sad to be going but looking forward to our next big adventure which is coming up this weekend!  Stay tuned for where our bags are packed next!!

In The Small Stuff

I've been crazy busy this past couple weeks with baby shower baking, banquet prepping and oh... throw an emergency root canal in the mix too!

Last weekend I was baking up a storm once again in preparation of my new little great-niece, Maddison's baby shower.  My sister, Maddy's "Grammie"and I were talking one day and she commented on how bored she was of traditional shower food.  I suggested, "why don't you make everything baby-themed" and then I offered to make baby cookies.

Last week I also painted my front hall mirror to match the new table we bought for the front hall while we were in Berlin, Ohio the weekend before.  Painting white "fake" wood was a little tricky but here's my finished front hall:

Okay.  So I'm not the most gifted handy woman out there, but the black looks better than the white mirror did so I think I'm pleased enough with it!

After the baby shower last Sunday I was in full banquet prep gear until I was awoken Tuesday night with excruciating, throbbing pain in my left lower jaw.  Ahh... the familiar, mind-numbing feeling of a tooth in desperate need of a root canal.  Blech!  And here I was getting ready to call the dentist to work on the needed crowns.  In some ways it was a huge blessing this happened first though so I could get it done before the crown was put on.

My dentist, who is wonderful btw, sent me to an endodontist who would do the root canal on Wednesday morning.  They took x-rays but couldn't fit me in until today (Friday).  He gave me a prescription of antibiotics for the infection under my tooth and pain meds to help me cope until I could get in for the RC.  He also mentioned that if my tooth (which I hate to say is FULL of filling) ended up being cracked, I wouldn't be able to have a root canal but my dentist would have to extract the tooth and either put a bridge in or transplant (both options CHA-CHING!).  

Honestly... all I could think of was being toothless.  I was freaking... and regretting not taking better care of my teeth all these years.  Why, oh why haven't I flossed religiously every day????!!!!

This morning I got to the office and was nervous (as I usually am at the dentist but even more so today wondering if I would become a toothless old lady).  The dentist and his assistant quickly worked while I listened to worship songs and prayed.  At one point they both left the room and my mind started to race.  Oh no... it's bad.  They can't do a root canal.  I'm going to lose my tooth and I'm not even 50 yet!.  They came back into the room and did a little more work and then the dentist told me he was done.  What??  Really??!!!  He told me there was no crack and the root canal was done.  I almost cried in relief.  Thank you Jesus!!  I don't deserve your grace for my lack of looking after my teeth but THANK YOU!!

As I drove home with my face frozen (and a temporary lisp) I was in awe of God's goodness in even the small stuff of life!  We have such a good Daddy!  He cares even about simple things in life - like dental care!

It's Beginning to Smell A Lot Like Christmas

I am in shock that it has been over two months since I last posted.  Apparently our Anniversary celebration was too much for me and I fell off the blogging face of the earth.  So much has been going on that I can't begin to fill you in on everything, but here are a few highlights of the past two months:

Late October, my girlfriend and I spent a "girls weekend away" in Berlin, Ohio where we shopped until we dropped, ate delicious "home cooked" meals and stayed in a beautiful inn in a remote Amish community, enjoying the escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The Serene Ohio Countryside

I found some really cute country things for our house, including a wooden bookcase for the living room and some neat lamps.

I was home for a few weeks before Hubby and I took off to NC to meet up with my sister and her family to cruise The Bahamas and Key West, FL for 6 days aboard the Carnival Fantasy.  The weather was perfect and we had a TON of fun together, exploring Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas, and old Key West, FL.  In Freeport we lazed on a beautiful sandy beach...

Enjoying the beautiful sands of Freeport, The Bahamas

In Key West, we took a "hop-on, hop-off" tour that allowed us to find our way to a beach where we could do this...

Floating over the open waters of Key West

After we got off the parasailing boat, we continued our tour of Key West where we found ourselves at the most southern tip of the continental U.S:

As low as we could go in the U.S.

The next day we cruised into Nassau and docked not far from the view of the majestic Atlantis resort but we didn't head that way.  Instead, we grabbed a local bus (which felt rather scary at times when we ventured out into the boonies of Nassau) and went to the other side of downtown Nassau to a place called Cable Beach where we found a remote beach along Goodman's Bay.  We were the only tourists on the beach but found some locals renting out jet skis so we made a deal with them - $40/30 mins and Hubby and I hopped aboard and tooted all over the Bay... running out of gas waaaay out, and were rescued by the local who we later found out was trying to rip us off by wanting to call us in after 20 minutes.  Unfortunately for him, this savvy tourist looked at her watch before getting aboard the jet ski and we he no choice (much to his boss' chagrin) but to give us another vehicle and let us ride out the remainder of our time.  Despite all that, it was a BLAST!  We had arrived at the beach in a light rain shower, but while out in the middle of the bay, saw a faint, but still beautiful, rainbow.

Can you see the rainbow... ever so faint above our heads?

We had one more day at sea before heading back to Charleston, SC where we had embarked the Fantasy 6 days before.  My Sister and her family head straight back to NC that morning, but Hubby and I stayed in the city and toured around.  We took a carriage ride tour around Historic Charleston on the Friday we got off the ship, and the next morning we toured the Boone Hall Plantation, which was wrought full of slave history (and movie trivia... as part of The Notebook was filmed here).  It was fascinating to learn about the Gullah culture as shown by a very interesting presentation given outside of one of the former brick slave homes.  Two weddings were being held at the plantation later that day, but as we wandered down to the dock along the river, we witnessed them setting up the reception in the boathouse for one of the bride and groom's festivities.  

After the plantation, Hubby and I head to North Myrtle Beach, where we took some quiet time for a few days before heading back to Raleigh for our very first American Thanksgiving at my sister and brother-in-law's place.  Full from our Thanksgiving feast, we divided and conquered as my sister and I, Hubby and my BIL plotted our paths and implemented them starting at midnight when Black Friday shopping commenced.  Having never done it before (and only seeing the crazy stories of Black Friday on t.v.) I was a little frightened but once out there, I LOVED it, even though I wasn't really in search of anything particular.  My sis and I started at Kohl's at midnight, then to Macy's and Walmart.  We were going to go to Bath & Body Works but we were done in Macy's at 2:40am and Belks and B&BW weren't opening until 3am.  Didn't want to waste precious energy waiting around so we left that mall and head to another section of Raleigh to check out the deals in Target and JC Penny.  Not finding what she was looking for at that Pennys... my sister and I head to another one, on the other side of town.  By the time we were heading home, the giddyness was setting in... and the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon when we turned down my sister's street.  Were we ready to stop though?  No way!  We still had Michaels (they were opening at 5:30) and the Lifeway Christian bookstore (they were opening at 7am) to conquer.  Grabbing Hubby (who had been home for a short while and trying to take a quick nap) we were off again to Michaels.  It was in Lifeway... shortly after 8am that both my sister and I hit a wall.  We were DONE!  We got back to my sister's place by 9am and slept for about 3 hours, grabbed a bite to eat, and then were back at the mall mid-afternoon where I found some great deals at Bath & Body Works and Hallmark.  Phew!  The only drawback of that Black Friday craziness was that Hubby and I had a 14 hour drive home the next day to get through.  With God's protection, and little cat-naps in the car (when we weren't behind the wheel of course), we made it home from our 18 days away and brought home some great treasures along with our treasured memories of a time well-spent with family!

I just made it home in time to wrap up the semester of Abide at our Christmas Brunch on Dec 1 and I busily prepared my house for Christmas and Hubby's Mom's surprise 80th party Dec 3.  Amazingly, I was able to get everything from the trip put away, all the decorations out and placed in their rightful spots, the boxes of everything I replaced with "Christmas" put back in storage, and goodies made for the big party... and all without being unbearably stressed.  I totally give God the credit for all of that!

Mom's party was a HUGE success and since then I've slowly been putting the finishing touches on Christmas preparation.  We're hosting Hubby's family this year so I'm trying to get my brain together for Christmas Eve, Christmas dinner and making sure I have everything I need for entertaining and gift giving.

The past two days I've been baking up a storm.  The smell of Christmas baking always puts me in the Christmas spirit.  This year I've scaled back on my baking, only baking 3 of my favorite cookies and 1 new "experiment" cookie.  It's an "Italian Sugar Cookie" and it's... okay.  I don't think I'll ever do them again.  They taste okay but the texture wasn't what I'd hoped it would be.  Hubby likes them so that's good.  Hopefully those who receive them as gifts enjoy them too!

So... that's the update.  I'll try & do better at keeping my blog up to date ... (just for you Tania & Tammy! hee hee)

Can It Really Be Fall, Already?

Oh ya... it's me... the terrible, horrible, no good blogger.  I am ashamed that it's almost been 2 months since my last post.  It's like I fell off the blogging bandwagon somehow, but nevertheless, here I am to "try" and catch you up on what I've been up to since my last post.

How to update you on a summer filled with 3 weddings (2 family ones), a wonderful week in Northern California (which I blogged a little about & teased that pictures were coming), a bedroom redo and other odds and ends.  Hmmm... I'll start I guess where I left off in ... (cough, sputter) July!

Yep... July... back when we got home from our trip to the San Francisco/Sonoma/Napa Valley regions.  Hubby had another of his bi-annual business trips to California and I tagged along as usual.  Our first day we arrived we met up with my wonderful Southern California buddy, Doralee and her beautiful and sweet daughter, Kalea.  They were in San Francisco for a mother-daughter weekend the same weekend we arrived so we met up & did a tour together.

We had a blast, snapping pictures around the beautiful city of San Francisco and enjoyed a delicious late dinner at a little Greek restaurant just outside of Chinatown.  Hubby and I were up a total of 22 hours by the time our head hit the pillows the next morning.

We stayed overnight downtown for the first time and had a gorgeous room at the Hilton Financial District.  Our room had a spectacular view and even the "boys" enjoyed themselves on the outdoor patio:

We spent the early part of the week back in our "usual" hotel near the airport, and when Hubby's work was done later in the week, we head up to wine country for some wine-tasting and R&R.  On our first day we visited Sonoma County and took a wine tour at Benzinger winery.  I'd researched our trip and had decided on this winery because they offered a tram tour of the vines.  Fun, huh?!  I found out later that one of the final 2 bachelors on the current season of ABC's The Bachelorette made his wine out of this winery.  A "serendipitous" surprise I thought!  Although we didn't see him in the fields or around the winery, it was still neat to be there.  On that tour we did meet a lovely couple from Kentucky who we chummed around with on the tour and decided to check out another wine tasting room we'd gotten coupons for from the Benziner winery staff.  We head from Benzinger's over to Imagery Estate Winery and tasted multiple types of their best samplings... for free!  Patti, one of our new friends, was selecting some cheese and crackers at the wine tasting room coolers, while we chose one of our favorite Imagery wines to share for an improptu picnic on the patio.  The men had gone outside to wait for us and while we were still in the tasting room, who should walk in but... Ben F from The Bachelorette.  I was FLOORED.  I ran to tell Hubby and he promptly came in and asked Ben if I could get a picture with him (this of course is after I stalkarrzied him by taking numerous bad pictures of him).

Ben F and me

I was so "star-struck" by Ben that I was completely mute and he had to carry on a conversation with me (which consisted of a simple introductions and Hubby conversing with him while I stood smiling in shock).  SO embarrasing!

We enjoyed our picnic on the patio after the photo op was over and took Jim and Patty's email information.  We ended up messaging them later that night, inviting them to join us in Napa the next day to explore the Sterling winery.  They were totally up for it!

It was a great tour and time with our new friends.  They had to head south to Modesto to pick up their kids on their way back to Kentucky, but we stayed in Napa for the afternoon and toured a couple other wineries.  The next day, our last full day in California, we head to downtown Santa Rosa (the home of the late Charles Schulz) where we picked up a new "family member" ~ Belle:

before heading up to our last winery of the visit ~ Kendall Jackson.  Here we enjoyed a delicious wine and cheese tasting that was beyond our expectations.

It was a fantastic time and we brought home some amazing wines to enjoy on special occasions but soon we were back to life at home.

While Hubby was away on business in early August, I got to work in repainting our master bedroom.  We were tired of the old look and had found a beautiful "tropical" bedspread down at Bed, Bath & Beyond in March.  We still have yet to finish our ensuite (and take pictures of our redone walk-in closet) but here's a peek at the before and after pics I took while Hubby was away:

Because of family weddings this summer (and Hubby's hectic work life), I spent my birthday at home this year.  I usually like to "escape" but being home this year was actually pretty great.  I woke up to and enjoyed throughout the day a massive amount of facebook birthday wishes and Hubby made me a yummy French Toast breakfast.  We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and friends surprised me with a visit and we shared some birthday cake together.  Later, Hubby and I went off to the movies.  It was one of my best birthdays!

That weekend was the first of 2 nepehews' weddings.  My sister from NC was up alone for this wedding and she stayed with us a few days.  I took full advantage of her being here and we shopped for some room accents for our tropical oasis.  I haven't taken pics of them yet but will do so for a later post!

At G & J's wedding, Hubby was asked to be the emcee and it was a super fun day and such a delight to see my nephew and his young bride exchange their vows.  The speeches at this wedding were all so touching ... and hilarious! We really should have had them on tape!

Hubby and I with the Bride and Groom

Three weeks later we were all dolled up again for my oldest nephew's wedding.  Hubby had been asked to read Scripture at the ceremony which was another great honor for him (and indirectly to me).  This wedding was fun too and so elegant - they even had white gloved, tuxedo'd men escort us to our dining tables.  FANCY!  It was wonderful to have almost our entire family there to celebrate.  The only one missing was our dear Step-mom, who is back in Florida battling ovarian cancer.  

My Extended Family

The month of September has been flying by.  I'm back to being busy with Abide (our church ladies' group) and my 19 year old great-niece has moved in with us while she attends college.  Hubby's still crazy busy at work but life is good and I feel incredibly blessed in my life.  

I promise to try and be a better (and less wordy) blogger in the future, but now you're up to date!

Plugged Back In... with a Little Random Dozen on the Side

Can I just tell you that even though I missed you all terribly while away last week, I LOVED being unplugged.  I did so much better than I thought I would with my ahem internet addiction.  Only once, when back in civilization at the spa on Tuesday, did I try to connect to wifi... but it didn't work, much to my chagrin.  Since coming home, it's felt like I wasn't away to a completely peaceful environment at all due to some unexpected stresses, so bear with me as I quickly recant for you my time up at the Lake so I can go back there in my mind and remember the peace and tranquility, if even for few minutes.

Hubby and I got to Dad and G's around 10:30am on the 14th.  It was a humid weekend and we certainly felt the lack of air conditioning in the woods, yet with the humidity came warm lake water so I actually got in to swim float on the noodles so graciously left by one of my siblings.  Sunday night my NC sis and bro-in-law arrived and the party really got started.

Monday was my birthday and I awoke to a delicious breakfast made by my Sweetie, of French Toast with berries, and bacon.  Mmmm!  We all sat around the table and enjoyed my fresh new morning on the OTHER side of my 40's.  Yikes!  The rest of "my" day was spent going for a long walk to the waterfall down the road, reading, playing games and being loved upon by my family.  Hubby BBQ'd steaks, potatoes and veggies and then we had a delicious raspberry vanilla cake with whipped cream frosting and shaved chocolate for dessert.  It was delicious!!

For my bday Hubby got me a GC to Best Buy (which I bought portable docking speakers/charger for my iTouch), Martha Stewart's Cupcake book,

this cool Wilton icing tip thingy and a cupcake stand.  My sister and brother-in-law gave me a cool little white box full of notepads, pens and Snoopy stickers!

After dinner and gifts we played Dominoes around the kitchen table which is something our family LOVES to do at the cottage... play games!

Tuesday we "youngins" hung out at the dock

and then played outdoor games (Ladder toss and beanbag toss) before Hubby had to head back to the big City.  After he left, G, C and I drove one exit down to the Inn and Spa where we swam in the fresh indoor pool and enjoyed a nice hot tub stay before going and having our nails done.

G and I had pedicures while C had her nails done.  I talked her into getting purple nails to go with my funky green toe color for California!  If I can't be a skinny blonde over there... at least I'll have funky toes!

Wednesday was a perfect summer day and we spent the majority of it down at the dock, in the water or playing the outdoor games... and laughing our heads off.  Thursday was rainy, which made it easy to stay indoors and pack up for our trip home.  We left Thursday after dinner so we could be home to go to Canada's Wonderland with Hubby and some of my bro-in-law's siblings/niblings.

Friday was a BLAST!  We rode the rides ~ even the super scary Bohemoth... TWICE ~ played at the water park after lunch, and caught the Snoopy on Ice show.  We laughed and screamed.  It was SO much fun!  I want to go back ASAP!  We ended the night with the to-die-for Funnel Cakes and head home with sore feet and happy hearts.

Now I'm home... running like a madwoman... but stopping for a moment to get back on the blogging bandwagon and this week's Random Dozen, thanks to Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.  Here's this week's questions:

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?  I'm not an overly adventurous eater so I'd have to say quesadillas.

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?  Procrastination is my middle name!

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?  If we're talking the little things (sheets/towels, gadgets) Bed, Bath & Beyond... if we're talking furniture... a store in my neighborhood called Woodcraft.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?   Not at all - BORING!  Seriously... how many days in a row can you eat the same boring sandwich? Blech!

5. Is religion a crutch?  I don't think it's a crutch at all.  I do though believe that church is like a military hospital, where the wounded soldiers go in for healing (and maybe the odd crutch) but then go out restored and ready to do more battle.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport? Is it wrong that I have NO idea?

7. Do you consider yourself rich?  Monetarily ... it would depend on how you define rich and who you're comparing me to.  According to society - nope, not rich.  Compared to someone in a third world country or a homeless man on a downtown city street - absolutely!  What I AM rich in though for certain is in love and God's blessings!!

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire
Well... I'd have to say "C" but barely.  I'd actually suck at all 3 if truth be told!
9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why: 
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing
I'd LOVE to learn Swing, although I'm super non-bendy so I'd probably kill myself trying but it looks like SO much fun and I just love watching swing dancers go at it!  Reminds me of that movie Blast from the Past when Brendan Fraser's character is dancing with 2 girls in the bar.  Looks like SO much fun!!

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?  I really don't know.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.  Um... here is where I confess that I only did a few months of college (as an adult student in my mid-20's)... I learned that I'm not a student (no matter how old I am) and I also learned (to answer the real question)... that you can snort a piece of dental floss and have it come out your mouth - lol.  I didn't try this, but I had a friend who did... it was GROSS!

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?  Today the answer to this question is the first line in the chorus of "All Along" by Remedy Drive:  
All along I was looking for something else 
You’re something else
All along I was looking for something more 
You’re so much more
I finally found what I could never see before 
You’ve always been the one that I was looking for

Now it's your turn.  Head on over to Linda's, grab the questions and have fun!

Going UnPlugged

Being Friday, I would normally be looking forward to posting my regular Friday memes here, but this week, and particularly today I've been running like a maniac trying to get myself in order to take off to my Dad's place on the Lake up north.  While there for the week, I'll be "unplugged" from the internet, most likely going through horrific withdrawl from my social networking and blogosphere friends.

The week was full of errands, meetings and prep for our little getaway to the cottage.  Wednesday afternoon I had a meeting with our Abide team to prepare further for our upcoming September launch and then I spent Thursday putting together the final touches for the bulletin boards to post in the church today.  I've also been to the bank, the grocery store (twice) and the drug store (for magazines to read on the dock).  I've prepped The Nephew for garden-watering procedures needed and packed my clothes, groceries, knitting and games.  I even got around to cleaning our ensuite!

My sister and her hubby from NC are coming up to join us at Dad's.  I'm looking forward to spending time with them and at some point we're hoping to go off to the spa with our step-Mom to get our nails done.  I'm sure there will be lots of laughing, chatting and eating, as well as some time lounging in the sun, playing behind the boat and swimming in the (hopefully still) warm lake water.  There will be some major reading time too I hope because I've got my Sony E-reader stocked up with some of my favorite authors' latest books.  Hopefully the time won't whip by too quickly because I think I'll need some down time before we head off on Hubby's business trip to California.  That will be a BUSY time!!

So... without further ado... I will miss you my blogging friends.  I will be back in a week's time to fill you in on what my week has held and hopefully will have some fun pics to share with you too!  Have a good one!! 

Difference Makers and Mom

Next Saturday is the Spring Banquet for our "Abide" ladies' group at church.  This year's theme is "Difference Makers", that person or persons in our lives that made a difference in who we've become.  As I thought out my difference makers to share with the ladies, I came up with three, although so many more people have impacted my life: my oldest brother, an old friend Georgie from the days of my youth, my niblings for the difference they've made in this barren woman's life, and my precious Hubby who has taught me so much about Jesus through his daily example of love and grace.  Those I did choose to honor next weekend are my sister, C, who just left yesterday to head back home to her family in NC, our pastor and his wife, Andrew & Amy who are not only our spiritual shepherds, but also very dear friends.  Thirdly, I chose to honor my Mom as a difference maker.  So, today, in honor of Mom and Mother's Day, here is my Difference Maker submission:

Growing up, like so many other young people, I took my Mom for granted.  Looking back, having stood by her death-bed, watching her prepare to meet Jesus, I am in awe of the amazing woman God blessed me with as my mother.

Jean was the second of four children, somehow lost in the middle of her sister’s who were favoured by her parents, and her only brother.  This raven-haired beauty had a sparkling personality and smile that could brighten any room.  Her zest for life must have been what attracted my Dad to her in their later years of high school.

Married at 20, Jean quickly started popping out children and soon the home was full.  Six of us to be exact, me being her baby (and favourite of course - ha ha).  Mom was the quintessential 1950’s housewife… fabulous cook, made the “best buns in town” and was unflappable while preparing holiday meals for the 30 of our immediate family around the dining room tables, while supporting her bread-winning husband.  My Mom modeled a godly wife and I try to follow in her footsteps in my own marriage.

By this world’s standards my Mom was beautiful.  She had young “Elizabeth Taylor” good looks into her late 40‘s.  In the early 1980’s though (at 50 yrs old) she was faced with an enormous challenge to her self-esteem when during an ear operation to remove a benign tumor, a nerve was pinched in her face, permanently causing damage to her mouth, throat and eye muscles.  

Despite this setback, my Mom rarely let it get the best of her.  She didn’t let it change her inside and instead dug deeper into her faith and declared each day “This is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).  Although the woman who used to make her own clothes and hats, now took less interest in her outward appearance, her inner beauty shone through in the way she loved, not only her family, but our friends and everyone else she came in contact with.

The last week of her life and the days, weeks and months after her death impacted me more than I ever imagined.  On the one year anniversary of her death, God gave me a picture of her in Heaven, with both her eyes opened bright and her full smile shining, singing praises to her King and I was finally at peace.  The words of 1 Peter 3:3,4 describe my Mom perfectly:  “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery or beautiful clothes.  You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”  This is the kind of woman I aim to be!

This is my 7th Mother's Day without Mom.  The day doesn't hurt near as much as it did those first few, but on this day especially, I miss her and long for the opportunity to thank her yet again for the difference she's made in my life.

Generally, I try to avoid this day now, being a motherless non-Mom, but to you Mother's reading this, I want to ask Jesus to bless you today for the selfless acts you do for your family each and every day.  May your children rise up and call you blessed today!  For those reading this who aren't yet Mothers, or like myself, may never be, I pray God's peace on you and wish you joy as you celebrate your Mom today, whether she is with you in person or in spirit.  I wish peace and happy memories today for those like myself whose Mother has passed away.  May God's comfort be with you today as you remember your Mom.

I want to especially wish those of you who are new Mom's like my niece Krissy, and Moms-to-be, like her sister R (and my blog buddy Abby!) much joy as you savor this exciting new experience.  May your new children bring you much love and joy and may God bless you each and every day of this new adventure!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Easter Weekend That Was

Time just seems to be flying by so quickly and I'm really trying to be a better blogger.  Honest, I am!  I have many things to catch you up on so I'll try and not be too long-winded (like usual), but I'll start back at last Thursday... the beginning of my Easter prep.

Thursday morning I was up before the sun, heading to spend the day with Krissy and the triplets.  Those little miracles have already tripled their birth weight and are now sleeping through the night.  Overnight feeds are history and everyone, including Mommy, Grandmas and Auntie Sue are getting good sleeps.  Now, we head in for the first feed which happens between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.

Along with caring for the babies, this particular Thursday, Krissy was teaching me to bake homemade rolls for my Easter dinner we were hosting on Friday for Hubby's family.  As a young girl, Krissy would hang with my Mom in the cottage kitchen, making my Mom's "famous" bun recipe.  I, being the selfish teen/young 20-something, had "better" things to do and didn't pay attention.  Talk about regrets!  Fortunately though, Krissy was a very good student and as it turns out, a very patient teacher and she walked me through my first attempt (and a successful one at that) and on Friday, fresh buns were on my dinner table.

After the bun-making venture, Krissy and I took the trips out for a walk around the neighborhood in the precarious triple-stroller.  Although the kids were safely strapped into the stroller... that crazy thing was making both Krissy and I nervous as it bounced along the sidewalk.  Krissy pushed while I was being dragged around by Gus, their mini-schnauzer.  What was I thinking bringing the dog along??!! lol

Before I left Thursday, Krissy and I were having a few giggles as Auntie Sue once again dragged out the camera to take shots of Teddy, Josh & Emma.  I took a couple quick videos of them too which had us in stitches.  Here's a shot of the triplets from my visit!

Teddy, Josh and Emma just after breakfast

After my fun afternoon, with buns in tow, I headed home to start my dessert for our Good Friday feast.  Another of my Mom's "traditional" Easter recipes was on the menu:  Daffodil Dessert.  This recipe was much easier than I'd anticipated and after only about an hour it was ready to chill overnight, with only the whipping cream and shaved chocolate left to do before serving Friday.

I set my table Thursday night and early Friday morning before our Good Friday church service, I put together the "goodie" bags I had for each place setting.  Here's a pic of the table:

Here's a close up of the goodie bags:

Hubby's family began arriving around 2 p.m.  and after some appetizers, visiting and a pre-dinner walk for some, dinner was served around 4:15.   I served ham (honey ham and maple ham), scalloped potatoes, green bean/yellow bean/baby carrot medley, and corn, along with the homemade buns.  

It was exciting for me to have Hubby's entire family seated around our table for this celebration.  My buns were a hit and the Daffodil dessert was enjoyed so much that almost everyone had seconds until there was none left over.  

After dinner and dessert, some of the family headed downstairs to play a little Wii while the rest of us stayed upstairs, enjoying a cup of tea and chatting.  Before everyone left we had picture time and then our guests were on their way by 9:30 p.m.  It was a wonderful family get together to celebrate Easter!

The rest of the weekend was much more quiet.  Saturday we went to the movies... twice.  Once with our neighbor and Hubby's Mom to see The Last Song, and later in the evening just the two of us, after dinner out at the Lone Star, to see Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too.  Both were enjoyable.

Sunday was church where we not only celebrated our Risen Lord, but also celebrated friends who were baptized.  In the afternoon, Hubby and I ate leftover ham & potatoes and went for a walk in the warm Spring sunshine, before hunkering down for an evening of reality t.v. Sunday night.  It was a wonderful Easter weekend!

Wrapping Up Christmas and 2009

Sitting in my favorite living room chair, listening to my new Matt Dusk CD while sipping Vanilla Chai tea I'm trying to wrap my brain about the whirlwind of activity that defines Christmas 2009 and reflecting on the year that just whipped by.

From the moment my feet touched Canadian soil on December 16th, I was off and running to prepare and celebrate Christmas with family and friends.  It could be called the Christmas of Entertaining as we opened up the Nest to various parties throughout the holiday season with tonight's get together with friends finishing off the year right.

On Dec 22nd we hosted our small group Christmas party.  It was a fun evening of finger foods, fellowship and a white elephant gift exchange that rather fizzled, as not many gifts were passed and exchanged or stolen from one guest to another.  I ended up with some strange little mini knapsack sort of thing that I can only assume is for a bike, although I don't own one.  Hmm.  Hubby received an ornate little ceramic Christmas tree with angel decorations that we regifted on Christmas Day to his sister.  Upon seeing the tree when she entered the house, she commented on how much she liked it.  Great!  Yours!  I scurried down to the storage closet and before she could recite Santa's reindeer, the tree was packed and out the door with her & her hubby at the end of the night.  Phew!

I'm ahead of myself though.  Christmas Eve day I cleaned the Nest and set our table for Christmas Dinner... my first Christmas dinner hosting for Hubby's family!  I was excited to pull out my good china from the new buffet and my Nutcracker name card holders.  I had found little angel ornaments for the females at the table, and for the guys I had found pewtar ornaments at the Christian bookstore.  I attached each ornament to gold ribbon "homemade" napkin rings.  Gold crackers finished off the table.  Here's a pic of my place at the table as well as an overview of the whole table.

 

We attended the 6:30pm Christmas Eve service at our church and then after picking up folding chairs at my mother-in-law's, we came home to finish wrapping gift baskets for hubby's family and Mom H's stocking while nibbling on finger foods and watching Alastair Sim's "A Christmas Carol".  Here is our annual Christmas Eve pic:

Being a family of two, our Christmas mornings are much different than most of yours.  Hubby tends to sleep in Christmas morning while this year, he was up early with me to do some pre-dinner prep (aka Clean and Stuff the Bird) before he went back to bed for awhile.  Before that happened though we made our phone call down to FL to my Dad and Stepmom, wishing them a Merry Christmas and thanking them for their gift.  Mid-morning was our annual phone call to NC to my Sister's where via speakerphone we exchange gifts that we've mailed to one another.  It's always a good time to catch up with the USA niblings too as they are all home for the holidays.  Stockings were opened after the phone call and after the reading of the Christmas Story:

Our "boys" even get in on the stockings at Christmas.  Their little stockings though are usually filled with Peanuts/Snoopy memorabilia and/or gum and goodies that Daddy enjoys.  They like to share with their Dad!

Around 2pm Hubby's family arrived.  His older sister and her family were only able to visit for about an hour before heading to the in-laws for Christmas dinner.  On these particular years, we enjoy Christmas dessert (Hubby's homemade trifle) before the turkey dinner ~ that way "T" can enjoy her brother's dessert and for the rest of us, we can savor dessert without our bellies totally full of stuffing, turkey and veggies.  Don't you hate missing out on dessert after dinner because you're too stuffed?  One year you should try dessert first... it's amazing!  Even after the turkey you're not as stuffed from having dessert first!  I dare ya... try it once.  Walk on the wild side!

After they left it was time to get the finishing touches done on Christmas dinner.  About an hour later than scheduled, everything was ready and dinner was served.  Here I am lighting the Advent candles on the table centerpiece:

Everything turned out fabulously and everyone enjoyed the meal.  After dinner they opened their gifts from us and we played a game of dominoes before they left around 9:30 pm.  Then it was time, after a little clean up and rest, for hubby and I to open our gifts from one another.  Hubby TOTALLY surprised me with a Sony Reader (ebook) which I downloaded Dicken's A Christmas Carol that night free on Google Books and read within a few days.  I was also spoiled with some beautiful sweaters, CDs and DVDs... to name a few things.  Hubby was surprised by the gifts I got him, especially as he hadn't really given me a good list to shop from this year.  Most of his gifts were travel related for his numerous business trips he'll be taking in 2010.  If he has to go... I want him comfortable!  I also surprised him with some clothes that he would never have bought for himself, although he did enjoy them... I think.

On Boxing Day (Dec 26th), I was up early and started cooking... again.  I wanted to get some meals underway to freeze for Krissy and Paul as their days as new parents of preemies are filled with visits to the hospital to visit their growing munchkins.  Those little miracles are doing so well that it blows our minds at God's goodness and miraculous blessings.  They could be home as early as next week!  Paul updated their blog on Christmas with some adorable pics of the triplets in their Christmas outfits and with their new stuffed animal gifts from Mommy and Daddy!  Go check them out ... click HERE to see them!  I made Shepherd's pie and Beef Stew for them which they picked up on Sunday night... but again, I'm ahead of myself.

Boxing Day evening, Hubby and I went to my sister "C's" for Christmas dinner with her and her kids.  She makes the most delicious homemade buns and her dinner always reminds me of dinners growing up.  It reminds me that I really should have paid more attention in the kitchen when I was growing up.  She actually mentioned that she thought it odd that at 45 yrs old I was making my first turkey dinner, but really, I didn't have to really make a big family dinner before then.  Her's was delish though!  YUM!  It was great to see all her kids and meet/get to know two of the boys' girlfriends. 

Sunday, Dec 27 was a very full day.  Sunday was the party for my side of the family.  I was up early getting some of the pre-party prep done before heading back to bed for awhile.  My eyes felt like they were glued shut when I woke up.  I had been so go-go-go for so long that I think my body was rebelling just a bit.  Nevertheless, I dragged my butt out of bed and went to tidy up the house for the 22+ guests we were expecting at 6:30pm.  I felt quite under control the entire time even when there were half a dozen people in my itty bitty kitchen and people were wall-to-wall in the living/dining rooms.  Thankfully our finished basement could occupy some family as "overflow" and the guys enjoyed watching football down there while we "chicks" caught up with new Mommy Krissy and enjoyed watching my god-daughter, Little Miss "H" open her gifts from us and "Santa".  It was wonderful to have my BFF "P", Little Miss H and her Daddy (who surprised us with his attendance) join in on the family Christmas!  After all, P is part of my family considering we've been BFF's since 11 years old!  Paul had brought a DVD he'd put together of Krissy's delivery day and of the triplets which we ladies enjoyed on the upstairs TV. 

Little Miss H opening her gifts

As I reflect on the Holidays that have been, and the past year, I can't help but think of God's tremendous blessings.  I could totally feel His Hand upon me as we opened our home to many this Christmas season.  I felt such joy and peace as I co-ordinated, cleaned, hosted and hugged good-bye to each guest in our home.  Everything fell into place perfectly and I want to stop and give Him the glory for that!

2009 seemed like a year that whipped by so fast that I can barely remember it.  The year began with me feeling a struggle spiritually to maintain the mountain top feeling that was 2008.  Although it "felt" different, today I feel just as close to God as I was on that mountain top a year ago.  Perhaps watching God do a tremendous miracle in the lives of my newest great-niblings helped my faith in leaps and bounds.  Beth Moore studies at church sure didn't hurt - hee hee.  I tackled a great accomplishment in finishing my writing course and was able to bless others by going back to work for short term temporary jobs. 

This past year, hubby and I saw God's faithfulness and blessings in our marriage, our home and our family.  There were struggles and trials to be sure, but God sustained us and our families through the difficult days and He has proven once again what a Great and Mighty God He is.  Faithful Friend.  Merciful God.  Lord of All.

Tonight we are headed to the movies with friends and then home for a fondue dinner as we ring in 2010.  My hopes and prayers for the new year are to draw even closer to God and to be used of Him as He sees fit.  I don't want to keep the status quo this new year, but dig in deeper to be even more the woman God made me to be.  I want to use the talents and gifts God has given me to bring honor and glory to Him and to change lives.  That is my prayer this New Year's Eve.  What's yours?