Time Management for the New Year

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."
— Elisabeth Elliot (Secure in the Everlasting Arms)

Wow! This really hits the nail on the head. Another quote from one of my favorite authors~ Elisabeth Elliot. I have read that we can tell a lot about a person's priorities by looking in their checkbook. I believe that it is true that we ultimately use our pennies or minutes on what is truly important to us.

Christmas Lists

Christmas Lists
December days are filled with lists-
the presents I must buy,
ingredients for cookies,
new recipes to try,
packages to mail, and
Christmas cards to write-
my lists defy completion,
though I labor day and night.
And as the month keeps rushing by,
the stress mounts and I find
a certain lack of purpose
in my ritualistic grind.
I need to put my lists aside
and seek what wise men found-
that "peace on earth" that angels sang
to shepherds all around.
For God's gift still comes quietly,
and as my heart is stilled,
my Christmas list becomes
a list of promises fulfilled.

Kathy Schriefer
"The Family Treasury of Great Holiday Ideas"

Awww...

Awww...look what I found. Tim and the kids went shopping yesterday and this was left for me on the coffee table. One of the boys gave me his advent candy for the day. We have a little cupboard with little doors and cubbies that I hide a bit of candy in. This helps us to count down the days 'til Christmas.
We went shopping on Friday and the boys had to model these cute hats. They look happy here. This is right before they decided that they had had enough ( and I still needed to get groceries). Their shopping stamina isn't too good. What is it with guys and shopping?

Another Day... Another Birthday!

Yesterday Isaac was 8 and today Erica is 21. So we are celebrating another December birthday! Of course, we had to get Erica a box of her favorite treats!

She always enjoys receiving a holiday baking magazine.

The perfect gift for a Florida Gator's fan!

It was especially appropriate for today's weather. It was only 10 degrees out this morning. Brrr!

We all enjoyed a yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake made by Sarah.

Erica is such a special gift from God. She is always calm and patient and she is such a help to me around the house. She is attending a local college full time. She is great with kids and is planning on being a teacher to those with special needs. Happy Birthday-We love you!

Happy 8th Birthday!

Isaac turned 8 today. He is my "baby" and I can't believe that he is 8. The time has flown by. He is even looking more mature. He is such a sweet and special boy. One of his gifts was a magnetic dart set. He has been having lots of fun with it!

His birthday super request was blueberry pancakes, sausage and bacon. Notice the Florida Gators shirt which was a gift from Erica, who is a true fan!

His big pancake on the griddle.


Erica also made him this "beautiful" Star Wars Ewok cake for his party this past Friday. None of us girls really like Star Wars and we thought the Ewoks were probably some of the "cuter"characters.

The guys anticipating a fun evening.

For Unto Us a Child is Born..

This is our first manger scene- A Christmas gift from my Mom when we were newly married.

This is a birthday gift I received from my sister and brother-in-law years ago.

This nativity was made this year by the boys at our Homeschool Co-op. Even styrofoam cups and paper bags can be used to glorify God.

This wooden manger scene was a handmade Christmas gift. I had envisioned it over on the left side of the house. I came home from shopping yesterday and found that my husband had placed it directly in front of the front door.
Look how awesome the shadow from the spotlight looks over the front door. I just love how this emphasizes the real meaning of Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Birthday Blessings and Surprises

My birthday was yesterday. I woke up to surprise birthday streamers in the kitchen.

A surprise box of rolls from our favorite bakery. My Mom and Step-Father dropped these off for my birthday and the two we have next week. They were also a thank-you gift for carrying up many boxes of christmas decorations for them.

A gorgeous surprise! The most beautiful silk flower arrangement delivered to my door. They are from a very dear friend who lives far away.


The girls made a beautiful centerpiece on the kitchen table. They incorporated my floral gift and the birthday dessert. So pretty! The picture doesn't do it justice.

I was spoiled. Now they won't know what to get me for Christmas. A new sweater, earrings and an ornament from the girls. The guys got me an ironing board, steak knives and an egg slicer. Practical gifts that I've been wanting. Have you ever tried ironing on an ironing board that is bent? Needed a new one! Josh broke my last egg slicer so he got me a snazzy new red one.



For supper the girls tried out a new recipe: Tuscan Chicken. It was very good!

A sweet little dessert. Chocolate Peppermint Tassies.