Got this from a friend this afternoon and thought I'd share my answers with you! Feel free to leave me comments with your answers or email them to me!
1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?? Hot chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Currently there are no Santa presents, as most recent years there hasn't been a tree either - but when we were little, Santa always wrapped our presents, unless it was something big!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Always been colored
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? Ususally right after Thanksgiving if I do at all.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Don't know that I have one, we usually have everything from our holiday throughout the year too, so we don't really have any true "holiday" dishes.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child. That I lived far enough north to have some white Christmases!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't ever remember believing in Santa. We had gifts from Santa, but always knew it was Mom and Dad.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Once or twice we did growing up, but mostly all on Christmas morning. Now we do it anywhere from Thanksgiving to the end of January - whenever we are able to be together.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I haven't put up a tree since 2001, but the decorations I have are a lot of old ones from when I was a kid and some that I've made since then.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it with every fiber of my being!! Wish I had more of it every year!!
12. Can you ice skate? Yes
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It's changed over the years and I'm not sure I remember all of them, but in the last few years I've come to treasure "time" with my parents, brother sister-in-law and nephew, grandparents, aunts uncles and cousins, whether at Christmas or any time of the year. Since I don't have a family of my own, these are the people I'm closest to and I don't get to see any of them nearly as often as I'd wish.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering the birth of my Savior. He chose to be born a man that He might save us all from our sins that once we accept His gift we might dwell with Him forever.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, homemade cookies
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas music and being with family
17. What tops your tree? An angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving - I always love to see the look of happiness on someone's face when they are surprised!
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night, The First Noel, Silent Night and Joy to the World - it's really hard to pick favorites, I love them all
20. Candy Canes! yuck or yummy? They're alright, not too much or they get too sweet really quickly
21. Fave Christmas Movie? Don't know that I have one
22. When do you take your Christmas decor down? Sometime in January when I get to it
23. Do you have your Christmas shopping finished or even started? Lacking only one item - I'm usually done by Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter, I shop throughout the year as I see things - it spreads the cost out.
24. What are you wishing for Santa to bring you this year? The husband He's chosen for me
25. What special way will you allow the Lord to Touch others with His Fingerprints this Christmas Season? I'm spending some time with friends this year and hoping that I can bring some smiles and help a little to share their burdens - they've had some rough times the last several years and her parents are overseas on the mission field too. Hopefully people will always notice something different about me through my words and actions, throughout the year, even if they don't realize at first that it's Christ in me.
Thursday, November 30
Tuesday, November 28
How was your Thanksgiving?
Mine was great! I drove to the Dayton, Ohio area on Wednesday night to stay with my aunt and uncle for the duration. The traffic was a little hectic in spots and the KY state cops were out with a vengeance, but I stuck to the speed limit and had no problems. When I got there and unloaded the car, we visited as we rolled out cinnamon rolls - for breakfast the next morning. My uncle and I spent a 1/2 hour in the hot tub then before bed. I was up at 6:00 the next morning and read for a couple hours while they slept in. Then we made all the preparations (we weren't having our dinner and celebration until Friday), a quick trip to the store, and even worked at organizing my aunt's office. After a late dinner and some conversation, I enjoyed the hot tub once again before I went to bed. Uncle DeVon was up early Friday and did some shopping and returned just as I was getting up. Grandpa came in about 10:30 or so during our continued preparations. We were ready to eat by around 1:00pm, when 2 of my 3 cousins arrived with their wives. The oldest one and his wife live in San Antonio and had actually had another aunt and uncle and 2 other cousins (also living in the San Antonio area) over the day before for fried turkey. Anyway, plenty of food was had by all and everything was delicious. We spent the afternoon and evening playing games, chatting, watching old videos that Grandpa brought and munching on leftovers, snacks and desserts. Later in the evening we all go to talk to my parents over the computer as well.
Saturday we slept in, lounged around, watched another video from Grandpa and had lunch. Grandpa left shortly after lunch and we spent the afternoon working in my aunt's office and then started a puzzle. After dinner, we didn't stay up too late - we were all pretty tired! I did take advantage of the hot tub again for the last evening. Sunday morning I went to church with my aunt while my uncle was working at the museum. I packed up everything when we got home and then when my uncle got back we headed over to the mall to have lunch at bd's Mongolian Barbecue (http://www.gomongo.com/). It was good! After we got back to the house I worked on the puzzle a little more before loading up the car and heading out.
I was a little tired and stopped about 1/2 hour before Louisville. I got gas and then slept for a little over and hour. That's what I needed, when I got back on the highway, I was not tired the rest of the way. I got home and was bushed though by the time I'd unloaded the car and unpacked. It was bedtime. All in all it was a really good holiday, I was thankful to spend the time with this part of my family, especially since my parents are on the other side of the world.
Now I'm going to try to stay thankful and upbeat as we go into this Christmas season. I've been offered the opportunity just a few days ago, to fly to Houston to spend a few days over Christmas with my very dear friends (read adopted family) Bill & Dana-Susan and their children and I'm greatful for that as I've not seen them all in over 3 years. I am also thankful to Sarah and her family who were prepared to have me join their family here for Christmas before I found out I could travel. It's the first time ever I've spent both holidays away from my parents (who are currently still my closest family since I don't have a husband or children of my own) in the same year and it's very trying. When I found out that Marc & Susannah and the kids were going to PA to spend Christmas with her parents, and then that my aunt and uncle were going to San Antonio, I really wasn't sure what to do. I felt kind of awkward inviting myself anywhere, but did send a note to several close friends that I knew wouldn't mind - it was better than spending it alone and finding out afterward that I should have just asked. Thanks Sarah - hope I didn't disappoint you too much by changing my plans after your generous kindhearted offer!
Well, I hope that you all had a restful and thankful holiday and that you will remember to continue to be thankful as we head into the Christmas holidays. Remember to take time to enjoy your family and praise and celebrate the Savior!
Saturday we slept in, lounged around, watched another video from Grandpa and had lunch. Grandpa left shortly after lunch and we spent the afternoon working in my aunt's office and then started a puzzle. After dinner, we didn't stay up too late - we were all pretty tired! I did take advantage of the hot tub again for the last evening. Sunday morning I went to church with my aunt while my uncle was working at the museum. I packed up everything when we got home and then when my uncle got back we headed over to the mall to have lunch at bd's Mongolian Barbecue (http://www.gomongo.com/). It was good! After we got back to the house I worked on the puzzle a little more before loading up the car and heading out.
I was a little tired and stopped about 1/2 hour before Louisville. I got gas and then slept for a little over and hour. That's what I needed, when I got back on the highway, I was not tired the rest of the way. I got home and was bushed though by the time I'd unloaded the car and unpacked. It was bedtime. All in all it was a really good holiday, I was thankful to spend the time with this part of my family, especially since my parents are on the other side of the world.
Now I'm going to try to stay thankful and upbeat as we go into this Christmas season. I've been offered the opportunity just a few days ago, to fly to Houston to spend a few days over Christmas with my very dear friends (read adopted family) Bill & Dana-Susan and their children and I'm greatful for that as I've not seen them all in over 3 years. I am also thankful to Sarah and her family who were prepared to have me join their family here for Christmas before I found out I could travel. It's the first time ever I've spent both holidays away from my parents (who are currently still my closest family since I don't have a husband or children of my own) in the same year and it's very trying. When I found out that Marc & Susannah and the kids were going to PA to spend Christmas with her parents, and then that my aunt and uncle were going to San Antonio, I really wasn't sure what to do. I felt kind of awkward inviting myself anywhere, but did send a note to several close friends that I knew wouldn't mind - it was better than spending it alone and finding out afterward that I should have just asked. Thanks Sarah - hope I didn't disappoint you too much by changing my plans after your generous kindhearted offer!
Well, I hope that you all had a restful and thankful holiday and that you will remember to continue to be thankful as we head into the Christmas holidays. Remember to take time to enjoy your family and praise and celebrate the Savior!
Tuesday, November 7
Election Day and other tidbits!
I tried a couple times last week to write, but one time Blogger was messing with me and another, my work computer blitzed out just as I was ready to hit post! It's so hard to write a nice long post and then have it gone - I began to rewrite, but it's really tough to write all over what you've just finished, so I gave up.
Halloween was good, I went to Franklin with some friends and the boys went trick-or-treating - they were a knight, a pirate and Scooby Doo! I brought some special treats from the Cocoa Tree in Franklin. If you've never tried them, and you live in the area, you've got to look them up! They are on 3rd, north of the circle about a block on the left. They are expensive, but ohh so worth it.
Not much going on at the moment. It's rainy and dreary and has been since sometime yesterday, but at least the temperatures are reflecting fall now - thankfully!! Natures beautiful canvas has turned a corner though, unfortunately the fire is gone from the reds and the glint from the golds. It was gorgeous while it lasted and I enjoyed it immensely as I do every year...
driving around or just standing looking out my door...
able again to take a deep breath...
of colder... cleaner... crisper air...
then letting it out on a sigh...
and a smile...
joyous... just to see God's handiwork.
I'm continuing to work on Christmas gifts and reading quite a bit. I've been re-reading some old books from my childhood recently. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Borrowers, The Boxcar Children. I started in on it a couple months ago when I started taking The Borrowers and the Boxcar Children books to Ethan to read. I decided that I'd re-read them too so that I could talk to him about them and just for the enjoyment. Of course, they are much easier now and don't take real long. I've finished all of The Borrowers series and am up to the 7th Nancy and the 3rd Trixie. I also bought some used books of older mysteries too - Ellery Queen, Lord Peter Whimsey and also a few of the Bobbsey Twins (more kids' easy reads).
I also took the boys bowling this past Saturday and yes, we finally got there when they had some open lanes! We bowled one game, Isaac 118, me 101, Elijah 76 and Ethan 64. Of course, the little ones had the help of the ramp or Aunt Debby and Ethan did his all by himself!! Oh, and we all had the help of the bumpers and thus, no gutter balls. Little did I think though, about how exhausting it would be for me. Am I that out of shape? I guess so - but it was a blast none the less! The boys had fun and Mom and Dad got a little bit of a break.
I also began watching a history series that Mom and Dad bought and gave me when they were done with it. It's on the Civil War. I'm not too far into it (have only listened to the first two), but so far it seems pretty good. Each lecture is 30 minutes. I'll keep you posted as I go along.
It's Election Day today. I so hope that you exercised your privilege of living in this great country of ours and went to the polls. Democracy only works if we all take the responsibility to make our voices heard. There is a lot at stake right now in our country, and though I'd never be confused with a "politically-minded" person by any stretch of the imagination, I do think it is important to know the issues on the ballot and vote on them. I also think it is a good reminder that we definitely need to be in prayer for our nation, for our nation's leaders, and our nation's law makers. I'm in agreement with Dr. James Dobson, when he said that he still believes that God's word is true and He will keep His promises, and if we would get down on our knees, as individuals and as a nation, in humility and cry out to Him, He will heal our nation (II Chronicles 7:14).
And, it's almost Thanksgiving - who'd have believed it! With the turn of the month it also became official... I've now lived in the same house for 5 years, which by the way is the longest I've ever lived in one abode in my entire 37+ years. This is quite an accomplishment, let me tell you. As you might gather from this... "home" to me is not a place, but a gathering of the people I call family, wherever we happen to be at the time. Over the years I've learned to appreciate this more and more. I guess I still have a small amount of envy of those who grew up in the same place, with the same people all their lives, they always seem to have a connectedness that I've never known. But I also know that it reminds me much more often that this world is not my "home", I'm just an alien here and am passing through. I'm looking forward, more with each new day, to going where I know that I'll feel more "at home" than I ever could have here, even if I'd lived in the same house every day of my earthly life. Christ is preparing my mansion in His "home" and I can't wait to see it and to have the privilege of singing His praises around the throne for eternity.
All that said, I've had several rough weeks lately and though I won't bore you or bring you down with all of it here, if you think of me say a little prayer for me. I'm struggling with a few very heavy things right now. I'm trying to stay focused on the blessings, but they are seeming far outweighed these days. Thanks.
Halloween was good, I went to Franklin with some friends and the boys went trick-or-treating - they were a knight, a pirate and Scooby Doo! I brought some special treats from the Cocoa Tree in Franklin. If you've never tried them, and you live in the area, you've got to look them up! They are on 3rd, north of the circle about a block on the left. They are expensive, but ohh so worth it.
Not much going on at the moment. It's rainy and dreary and has been since sometime yesterday, but at least the temperatures are reflecting fall now - thankfully!! Natures beautiful canvas has turned a corner though, unfortunately the fire is gone from the reds and the glint from the golds. It was gorgeous while it lasted and I enjoyed it immensely as I do every year...
driving around or just standing looking out my door...
able again to take a deep breath...
of colder... cleaner... crisper air...
then letting it out on a sigh...
and a smile...
joyous... just to see God's handiwork.
I'm continuing to work on Christmas gifts and reading quite a bit. I've been re-reading some old books from my childhood recently. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Borrowers, The Boxcar Children. I started in on it a couple months ago when I started taking The Borrowers and the Boxcar Children books to Ethan to read. I decided that I'd re-read them too so that I could talk to him about them and just for the enjoyment. Of course, they are much easier now and don't take real long. I've finished all of The Borrowers series and am up to the 7th Nancy and the 3rd Trixie. I also bought some used books of older mysteries too - Ellery Queen, Lord Peter Whimsey and also a few of the Bobbsey Twins (more kids' easy reads).
I also took the boys bowling this past Saturday and yes, we finally got there when they had some open lanes! We bowled one game, Isaac 118, me 101, Elijah 76 and Ethan 64. Of course, the little ones had the help of the ramp or Aunt Debby and Ethan did his all by himself!! Oh, and we all had the help of the bumpers and thus, no gutter balls. Little did I think though, about how exhausting it would be for me. Am I that out of shape? I guess so - but it was a blast none the less! The boys had fun and Mom and Dad got a little bit of a break.
I also began watching a history series that Mom and Dad bought and gave me when they were done with it. It's on the Civil War. I'm not too far into it (have only listened to the first two), but so far it seems pretty good. Each lecture is 30 minutes. I'll keep you posted as I go along.
It's Election Day today. I so hope that you exercised your privilege of living in this great country of ours and went to the polls. Democracy only works if we all take the responsibility to make our voices heard. There is a lot at stake right now in our country, and though I'd never be confused with a "politically-minded" person by any stretch of the imagination, I do think it is important to know the issues on the ballot and vote on them. I also think it is a good reminder that we definitely need to be in prayer for our nation, for our nation's leaders, and our nation's law makers. I'm in agreement with Dr. James Dobson, when he said that he still believes that God's word is true and He will keep His promises, and if we would get down on our knees, as individuals and as a nation, in humility and cry out to Him, He will heal our nation (II Chronicles 7:14).
And, it's almost Thanksgiving - who'd have believed it! With the turn of the month it also became official... I've now lived in the same house for 5 years, which by the way is the longest I've ever lived in one abode in my entire 37+ years. This is quite an accomplishment, let me tell you. As you might gather from this... "home" to me is not a place, but a gathering of the people I call family, wherever we happen to be at the time. Over the years I've learned to appreciate this more and more. I guess I still have a small amount of envy of those who grew up in the same place, with the same people all their lives, they always seem to have a connectedness that I've never known. But I also know that it reminds me much more often that this world is not my "home", I'm just an alien here and am passing through. I'm looking forward, more with each new day, to going where I know that I'll feel more "at home" than I ever could have here, even if I'd lived in the same house every day of my earthly life. Christ is preparing my mansion in His "home" and I can't wait to see it and to have the privilege of singing His praises around the throne for eternity.
All that said, I've had several rough weeks lately and though I won't bore you or bring you down with all of it here, if you think of me say a little prayer for me. I'm struggling with a few very heavy things right now. I'm trying to stay focused on the blessings, but they are seeming far outweighed these days. Thanks.
