For Sunday, November 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3OTH, 2014

21 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:33 am

Sunset:  5:00 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  Advent urges us to wait, to anticipate for the coming of the Lord in glory and the arrival of the Christ Child at Christmas.  Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas. Gather your family together so you can prepare for the holidays as a family. And take time to be together as a family.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

As we begin Advent, we light one candle in the midst of all the darkness in our lives and in the world.  It symbolizes our longing, our desire, our hope. 

This week will be much quieter than the week before with all the Thanksgiving preparations and gatherings.  I’ll have plenty of time to light my Advent candle and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. 

 In family life, we try to prepare ourselves for many future things: our next vacation, our children's education, our retirement. We are careful not to allow ourselves to be caught by surprise so that we can handle any challenges our family may face.  So it seems very appropriate that we take time to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

The advent wreath has a very special place on the table here at my house every year.  The circular wreath represents the fact that God has no beginning and no end. The evergreen branches stand for everlasting life.  The four candles represent Christ as the light of the world

The first candle of the Advent wreath represents hope.

The decorating isn’t finished yet, and the baking hasn’t started.  The presents aren’t wrapped .  But there is plenty of time to sort it all out and get it all done.  

Today is also Hugs and Kisses Day.  Whether you give chocolate hugs and kisses, or cuddly hugs and kisses, make sure your friends and your loved ones get lots of hugs and kisses today

I hope you all have a restful and relaxing Sunday !

24 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Let your home spark every sense with holiday feeling as we move closer to Christmas. Fragrant greens, twinkling lights, holiday centerpieces all set the stage for a merry holiday season.  There's no need to break the bank to decorate your house for the holidays. Look around you for inspiration, and bring Mother Nature inside for the holidays. Pile gold tipped pine cones into bowls or thread dried apple slices into wreaths

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come and visit your people.  
We await your coming.  Come, O Lord.

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts.  On my way now to 3000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2267. For advent, a time to prepare our hearts and minds

2268. for plenty of time to get things done

2269. for candles that dispel the darkness

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Advent tip:  Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again.

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Saturday, November 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH, 2014

22 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:32 am

Sunset:  5:00 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Here's a chance to get out and 'Dosey Do' with your partner. It's Square Dance Day!

English, Irish, and Scottish settlers brought square dancing to the U.S. As it evolved in the U.S., a caller was added, to help dancers stay in step. It remains popular among southern and western rural areas, and with senior citizens.

Couples square dance in circles or square formations. It's lively and quick, and lots of fun. Square Dancing is both fun, and great exercise. Dancing is beneficial for people of all ages.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is like dancing. If we have a big floor, many people will dance. Some will get angry when the rhythm changes. But life is changing all the time. 

Don Miguel Ruiz

Back in the day square dancing actually was a part of our physical education classes at school.  I don’t really know if they still do that or not.  That’s a question I need to ask the grandchildren about. I always loved it and though not very good at it, had a good time.

Dancing of any kind always seems like such a happy thing and we often dance for joy when something great happens.  I love to watch my little grand babes dance when they hear music.  They really get into it.  If only I had half their energy I’d be happy.

There won’t be a whole lot of dancing going on here at my house today as I fully intend to rest up a bit from our outing yesterday.  I’ll have pictures to show of that later on.  Today’s pictures are of some of my Christmas decorations that are going up here at my house this weekend.  I’ll be putting on the Christmas tunes and decking the halls.

I hope you all have a super Saturday!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

 Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

25 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Crunchy and sweet, this no bake snack mix in a jar is easy to make and fun to give

Blizzard Bites

To make Blizzard Bites, you'll layer crunchy cereal, pretzels and peanuts with tangy dried cranberries and candied pineapple in a Mason jar or canning jar, then add meltable white chocolate chips. The recipients of this gift in a jar can then melt the white chocolate chips and coat the snack mixture with a sweet holiday topping. It's simple ... and sweet!

A great gift for teachers, Secret Santa exchanges or 12 Days of Christmas activities.

1 cup Rice Chex brand cereal
1 cup small pretzel twists
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries 
1/3 cup dried pineapple, coarsely chopped
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 canning jar, quart size with lid and ring
or 1 food storage bag 

Pour melted white chocolate chips over snack mixture. Stir until snack mixture is evenly coated. Spread mixture in a single layer over waxed paper, and allow to cool completely. 

Break mix into smaller pieces, and store in zipper food storage bags or an air tight storage containers

COUNTING MY GIFTS

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.

William W. Purkey

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts.  On my way now to 3000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2264. for dancing, lots of fun and good for you too

2265.for decorations to put up and make the house look cheery

2266. for great smelling candles, they make it smell like Christmas here

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

We're all fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance, right ?

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Friday, November 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH, 2014

23 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:31 am

Sunset:  5:00 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. It is one of the two busiest shopping days of the year. In case you didn't know, the other busiest shopping day is the day after Christmas, when throngs of shoppers, on holiday vacation, mob the stores to use gift certificates they received, and to exchange merchandise. 

In the world of accountants, red signifies a loss, and black signifies a profit. For many retailers, the Christmas holiday sales season represents one half to three quarters of their annual sales.  So, Black Friday represents that turning point,. from a loss towards big profits! 

 I hope you enjoy Black Friday almost as much as the retailers do!  

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Black Friday: Because only in America, people trample others for sales exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have.

For years now it’s been a family tradition that those of my family that can spend the day together by taking a step back in time and go to Christmas in the Colonies.  The pictures today are of our outing last year.  This year, however, we are going to Christmas in the Country in Berlin, Ohio.  Its a little further to travel, but they say that although we may not see Santa there, they have a live Nativity Parade and I’m sure the grandchildren will love seeing the animals. I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures.  

It’s important to remember what Christmas is all about.  It’s not the gifts we get but the ONE we received so many years ago.  Remember:  Jesus really is the reason for the season.  

We may get a little more snow today but it’s supposed to get up to 30.  Right now wind chills are making it feel like 9 degrees out.  It is beginning to look like Christmas.

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday.

26 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

 Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition.  It's is a cleverly rhymed children’s book explaining the story of Santa’s scout elves, who are sent to be Santa’s eyes and ears at children’s homes around the world! You can adopt your own scout elf and learn the tale of Santa’s finest helpers. The whole family will enjoy this Christmas tradition.

DDIL#4 says they have set Hermie, their Elf on the Shelf, out at their house and I’m looking forward to seeing just what he gets up too.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. 

Oren Arnold

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts.  On my way now to 3000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2261. for a Black Friday trip to Christmas in the Country

2262. for holiday traditions

2263. for precious memories

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift buying and donate what they can to charity.

Bill Gates

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For THANKSGIVING DAY, Thursday, November 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2014

24 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:30 am

Sunset:  5:01 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Thanksgiving is a very important holiday, especially in the busy lives of Americans. It is a time to kick back and relax, watch a football game or go to a movie, and enjoy a huge feast. It's also time for us to give thanks to our God, for the things he has bestowed upon us and upon this great nation. There is no nation in the world that has more to be thankful for than us.

Eat, drink and be thankful !

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. 

Edward Sandford Martin

I’ve so much to be thankful for and if you’ve been following along with my thankful list, you know that to be very true.  I’ve found that thankfulness for every thing in your life, does make a difference.  

It will be a quiet day here at my house as our family get together was last weekend at DS#6’s house.  It’s my choice just to stay home and spend some time just reflecting on all the many blessings of this year. 

We have a new layer of fresh snow on the ground this morning.  Not a lot, but everything outside is white again.  I’ll be staying in and keeping warm.

I hope that wherever you are and no matter what you are doing today, you’ll spend some time being thankful too.  

Happy Thanksgiving !

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year — and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God. 

Ray Stannard Baker

27 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Warm the hearts of good little boys and girls with a packet of Snowman Soup! Take a single serving package of hot chocolate mix, chocolate candy kiss, marshmallows and candy cane, package in a mug or holiday themed goody bag, then add a gift tag or bag topper for a cheery winter gift.

Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.

So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

All that we behold is full of blessings. 

William Wordsworth

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts.  On my way now to 3000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2258. for a year filled with blessings from above

2259. for lots of good food and good company

2260. for my good health and that of my family

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, thank you, that would suffice. 

Meister Eckhart

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Wednesday, November 26th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH,  2014

25 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:29 am

Sunset:  5:01 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

November 26th is Cake Day.  Cake is arguably one of the most delicious things humans have ever made to eat, and its numerous varieties continue to astound every cake fan. For that reason, it is obvious that cake is more then deserving of its own little holiday.

Whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or even the pineapple upside down variety, grab a slice of your favorite cake to celebrate this delicious day! Happy National Cake Day!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It's all about the memories.

Buddy Valastro

Even though my first picture is of Pumpkin Pie, 'Tis the season to satisfy your sweet tooth with a Christmas Cake recipe.  The most famous Christmas cake is Fruit Cake.  I used to make fruit cake from a recipe my mom gave me but I must have lost or misplaced it, so I did a search for a simple and easy to make recipe and this is what I found.

1 boxed cake mix,yellow or white
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 can fruit cocktail
Eggs and oil per box directions
Omit water

Prepare cake mix per box direction. Substitute fruit cocktail, juice and fruit for water. Mix well. Batter will be thick. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour mix into pan then sprinkle brown sugar on top of batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Pierce entire top of cake with meat fork and pour on topping.

1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 stick butter
1/2 c. milk

Bring to boil, then pour over cooled and pierced cake. Serve warm or cool.

Today’s pictures are from our Thanksgiving celebration last year.  Tomorrow I’ll share some pictures from this years Family Feast.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday !

PRAYER REQUEST

One of my blog friends has asked for prayers for her son in the New Year as he heads off to Iraq. May the dear Lord bring him safely home.

28 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Thanksgiving day is tomorrow, so today is the day to decide what can be cooked or prepared ahead of time and get it done. Need vegetables cut for the stuffing? Do all of your chopping today. You can prepare and refrigerate your casserole today so that it is ready to go in the oven on Thursday. Remember too that the cranberry sauce needs time to set up if you are making homemade.

 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A party without cake is really just a meeting

Julia Child

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts.  On my way now to 3000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2255. for cakes of all kinds, they remind me of celebrations

2256. for fruit, oranges loaded with wonderful vitamin C are a must this time of year

2257. for nuts, pecans are my favorite and I think I’ll put some on my fruit cake too.

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Like a ten ton cake, the world is more than anyone can eat at one sitting. Select a piece of it, then enjoy the party.

Samuel M Silver

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma