End Of Year.....New Beginning.

Well we are about to close the door on another year. And in doing so we get to turn the page andstart a new chapter in this book of life. 2014 had its good times and its bad. Happy and sad will always be a part of any year. But let us embrace this New Year and do all that we can to enjoy all the happiness thats in it. 

I hope I will grow to a deeper understanding in my knowledge of the Lord. And will allow myself each day to be a willing vessel to be used as he sees fit.

May all of you have a safe a healthy New Year!

The Best Gift

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone enjoys the day spent exactly how you like it.

As this year has progressed I have been giving great thought to things in my life, both past and present. Sorting through those things that have been stored in my brain for future use. You know what I mean? Like you learned something, but did not need it at the time so it was stored away till the need arises to use it! It seems when I do this that as I realize something it seems like, ( oh I knew that!)

Well I know people always say it is better to give than to receive. But how many really believe that? I truly love to give gifts. It is the greatest! But no matter how thrifty I am, I can in no way, shape or form buy or even make a gift for everyone I would like to gift to. But this all got me to thinking and the lightbulb went on! 

As a believer I know that the greatest gift of all was Gods gift to us. The miracle of the " virgin birth" and what it means. So I did not have to look far this year to remember that the best gift to give was the gift of Jesus. I have shared at every possible opportunity and have received a blessing in one way or another each time I did. 

Christmas is so commercialized and everywhere you look you see parents buying gifts and running to make sure they can put their child on Santa's knee. But I wonder how many slow down and tell those sweet little ones about Jesus?

I hope everyone has a blessed day with family and friends. And just in case you are wondering or would like to share with those around you today, you can get the "rest of the story" in Luke 2:1-20.

Weekend review and Weekly Menus

Well this weekend was a bust! 

I had big plans like getting all the Christmas decor finished and the gifts organized and wrapped. I even had a Holiday Craft Show I wanted to attend. Well here is what actually got done.

Nothing!!

The stomach bug joined me for the weekend and my plans went out the window. So here it is Monday morning and I am trying to regroup and get back on track as soon as possible. Still need to organize the Christmas gifts and maybe get started on the wrapping by tomorrow. Christmas decor is coming along slow but sure. I am not doing a lot this year but it seems like it takes me longer each year to put up half what I used to do! 

Last weeks menus kinda got derailed since I did not eat anything from Thursday nights dinner till Sunday afternoon. So yesterdays dinner was the veggie pizza from fridays menu and I will move the steaks to this week.

Monday........chicken/sausage stew with a good crusty sourdough bread

Tuesday.......homemade waffles, turkey bacon and blueberries from my freezer.

Wednesday.........chopped salad, grilled chicken breast and grilled carrots and onions

Thursday........left over stew from monday and grilled cheese sandwiches from the sourdough

Friday...........grilled ribeyes, baked potatoes and chopped salad

Saturday..........Christmas Movie Night! Small cheese ball/whole grain crackers, cut up veggies and dip, homemade kettle corn and a few flourless oatmeal cookies with cranberries.

Sunday......not sure yet.......maybe joining friends for dinner.

So what is everyone else doing for the week? Do you have special nights during the holidays where you maybe don't cook a real meal? If you do please share as it is only dh and I at home now and I am trying to kick in some new traditions so the holidays won't seem so empty.

Weekend Review and Trying To Get In The Spirit

Well this was a busy weekend around here. I am sure everyone had that same experience. Yesterday was a bit more relaxing as we shared dinner with my son and his wife. And I got some baby holding time. It was a joy to have them visit.

I still have not put any holiday decorations up in or around the house. But I am trying to get motivated. I went the other day and got my nails done and here is the end result.

Today is also the "Changing Of The Mug". This mug ought to serve me well through December.

 Wow!! Did I just say that? December, D-e-c-e-m-b-e-r!! It really does not seem as if we are into the last month of the year. The 12th month that is. Boy did this year fly by. 

Menus for dinner this week are as follows:

Monday......leftovers from yesterday's "Low Boil" 

Tuesday........cabbage soup

Wednesday.......baked ziti with veggies and chopped salad

Thursday......leftover cabbage soup and grilled cheese on homemade beer bread

Friday.........homemade veggie pizza and a salad

Saturday......haven't made up my mind yet

Sunday........grilled ribeye steaks, baked potatoes, salad

I hope all of you are having a good holiday season and will share some of whats going on in your neck of the woods with me.