Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Blessing Box



I love linking up with Natalie for
The Blessing Box....

The snow was beautiful, but it is a blessing that it is melting, melting, melting!  I don't like cold weather, and I DON'T LIKE SNOW!!

I am blessed that even though my Davis family gathering didn't materialize on Sunday because of the weather, I was able to talk to everyone and reschedule it for this coming Sunday afternoon at 2:00.   I'm so excited about all five of us and our families getting together under one roof for the first time in about 18 years....

I am so thankful that my children are well-rounded and growing to be more independent every day.  They have so many talents and interests and stay busy all of the time with sports, hobbies, and friends.  I love them very much and am so proud to be their mama.

I am blessed beyond measure that God sent his only Son, Jesus, into this sinful world to save us all from our sins.  How wonderful it is to know that He lived and walked on this earth as a humble, yet great man, and has gone on to prepare a place where we can all go to live with Him eternally.  I look forward to meeting up with my Lord and Savior and all of my loved ones some day...what a glorious event that will be!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Tuesday: Top 2 New Year's Resolutions

I'm linking up with Taylor over at The Undomestic Momma for one of my weekly favorites, Top 2 Tuesday!
 
[one]
 I've got to get myself back together and drink more water, eat healthier (more fruits and veggies, smaller portions), and lose more weight.  I was pleasantly surprised when I last stepped on the scales....I'd only gained 2 pounds from the original 50 that I lost....but I still have such a long way to go!  With God's help, I can do this!

[two]
I am resolving to get this
 house more organized and less cluttered. 
This is going to be an on-going effort that will have to involve everyone in the family, and getting them on board is going to be a task in itself!  Again, with God's help, I can do this!!

[two and 1/2]
Improve my prayer life, and learn to depend on God for all of my needs. 
Let go and let God!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Miscellany Monday


I am linking up again this week with Carissa at lowercase letters
for this week's edition of
Miscellany Monday.

[one]
We got SNOW!!  For normally sunny SC, we got a lot!  The children had a ball playing outside yesterday, making a snowman and snowcream.  They've had so much FUN!


[two]
Because of the snow on Sunday, I had to postpone my family gathering.  I was really sad because I was so looking forward to seeing everyone, but we're going to try again next Sunday afternoon.  I can hardly wait to see everyone!

[three]
Josh brought MJ a puppy for Christmas.  She was a mixed breed, two month old precious baby....a big baby!  Definitely not what MJ had in mind.  She wanted a small breed dog.  Not to worry....the beautiful little girl was quickly adopted by Mickey and her family, and named Snooki!  MJ is very happy that the puppy has a good home close by so she can see her whenever she wants to.

[four]
HOORAY for me!  I got a GPS for Christmas.  It is just like Jenny's, so I'm happy!  Thank you Santa!  I must have been a good girl this year!
[five]
I've got to take time to look over my Day Zero Project (101 in 1001) list....I think I've accomplished a few items, or at least partially completed several goals.  Maybe I'll be able to take care of this project within the next few days!
 
[six]
OMG....I need VALIUM!!  I love my husband  but he is driving me crazy!  I've got to find a few minutes of peace and quiet....no one to constantly watch me and ask me questions!  He has had a cold with cough and congestion for the past week or two and cannot seem to do anything but sit on the couch and watch TV or sleep....please get well soon!  I don't know how much more of a "sick man" I can take....

Well, enough for this MONDAY....
See y'all tomorrow!

<3
Jo

Christmas is done for 2010....


Our family had a wonderful Christmas break.  Chuck and I finally got all of our shopping done and all of the gifts wrapped.  We even had a chance to take a side trip to Columbia to take the kids ice skating and to see the lights at the zoo.


Josh wouldn't dare to put on ice skates....he
just braved the cold and watched the girls skate!
 
Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, SC
The Lights Before Christmas

We even saw a few animals at the zoo....
Llama snuggled down in the zoo's barn....
Moray Eel....
Josh, Lawren, and MJ at the zoo....

Christmas Eve was wonderful.  We went to the candlelight communion service at FUMC and then came home for our annual soup and sandwich supper with the family.  Everyone finally settled in around 11:00 for a good nights sleep.

Christmas morning started with Charles building a roaring fire in the fireplace and then the five of us gathered around the tree to open presents.  Everyone was pleased with their gifts.  We capped off the morning with our traditional breakfast casseroles.  Thanks to L and MJ for preparing them this year!  You girls are such a joy to me and your daddy.

Chuck slept most of Christmas afternoon while I worked on the turkey, dressing, and gravy for the Creech family gathering, which by the way, turned out great.  The food was delicious and all of the children were still excited and happy about Santa's earlier visit.  We ended our evening by going over to Vivian's to open gifts with them.  Too bad Warren and Emily were not able to be there with us....a nasty virus attacked their household... :(


We awoke Sunday morning to a peaceful white landscape.....snow everywhere!  It snowed for most of the day also.  Sunday school and church was cancelled, and my much anticipated Davis family gathering had to be postponed until next Sunday. 

The children had a great time playing outside, only coming in long enough to warm themselves by the fire and drink hot chocolate.   Lawren made snowcream and they built a life-size snowman in the front yard.  I'm sure this day will be one that will live in their memories for years to come.

Kasey, William, Lawren, and MJ with their snowman
Dec. 26, 2010
MJ with our three dogs, Lemon, Spanky, and Ricky Bobby


Meet Me on Monday

Questions:

1.  What are your New Year's Eve plans?  Probably just hanging out here at home with Chuck and the children...but what could possibly be better??

2.  How tall are you?  5'10"

3.  What is your favorite pudding flavor?  Strange as it may sound, I love canned vanilla pudding....the kind they have on salad bars or in the school lunchroom.

4.  What room of the house do you blog the most in?  the den....warm and cozy....

5.  What is your best physical feature?  Ummm....IDK...

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Saturday 9: How's It Gonna Be

Saturday 9: How's It Gonna Be
1. How's it gonna be in 2011 for you?  It is hoped that 2011 will be the best year yet....for me and my whole family!!

2. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?  Just Chuck and I  out together for a quiet dinner.

3. What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?  Hard, hard question....so many young people experiment with drugs and don't know to stop there.  Of course, it is my opinion that people should not even allow themselves to go there in the first place, but everyone is not strong enough to resist peer pressure.  It's a shame that so many people get caught up in the drug lifestyle and  ruin their lives.  The strength to deal with drug abuse has to come from within, education and a higher power..... 
 4. What thing about your family are you least proud of?  I'm not proud of the fact that I lose my cool with my children and my husband and say and do things that I should not....

5. What part of the holidays are you really looking forward to?  Dec. 26 when we have a Davis family get-together....hopefully all 5 of us and our families under one roof for the first time in about 20 years....

6. Who is the last person you high-fived? Why?  A week ago, and probably high-fived a first grader who was being good in class... :)

7. Have you ever made out at a drive-in?  Nope....

8. If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to?  My family....


9. Tell us about that time when you were the “life of the party”.  I'd rather not......

Friday, December 17, 2010

Filll in the Blank Friday




1.   Giving is   better than receiving....and the older I get, the more I know that this is true...

2.  Receiving is   necessary if you give.  I, personally, don't know of anything that I really need or want, so this Christmas will be all about the giving for me. .

3.  The best gift I ever received was       my children....they give me love, laughter, and pride every day, and those are the best gifts of all....

4.  The best gift I ever gave was    .....IDK....I hope all of the gifts that I give are special to the recipients....

5.  Something intangible that I wish I could receive is       the ability to play the piano :).


6.  Something intangible that I wish I could give is       peace, happiness and success to my children    .
 
7.  The one gift I always wanted as a child, but never got was      a moped....my best friend's daddy sold Vespa mopeds, and most of my friends had them...but not me....I don't think my not having one hurt me in the long run though...      
Merry Christmas friends....and Happy Friday!!

TGIF!!

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm so glad today is the last day of school and we'll be out for the next three weeks for intercession.  I've been so busy in the past few days that I've not even had time to get on the computer.  Don't get me wrong....I've still not accomplished anything...no shopping, no decorating, no Christmas cards addressed, no candy making or baking....

I've got to get myself together and get BUSY....maybe tomorrow...

Anyway...

MJ, Josh, and I had a good time yesterday.  We made several stops here and there and finally made it to Charlotte for Happy's graduation from nursing school at Queens University. 
 I was so happy to see everyone, especially Chandler.  I've not seen her since March 1998.  She and Gary flew in and are spending the Christmas holidays in NC and SC. If I haven't mentioned before, I'm hosting a Davis family get-together for all of my brothers and my sister and their families on Dec. 26.  I'm sincerely hoping that everyone will make a special effort to be there.  It has been so long since we've all been together as a family.  

After her pinning, we walked over to a very nice reception for the graduates.  When we left there, we rode over to Southpark Mall and looked around for about an hour and then met everyone at the Providence Cafe, a very nice Italian restaurant, for dinner.  The food and the atmosphere were wonderful and I had such a good time visiting and talking with my sister.  I've really missed her and am so happy to reconnect with her!
Got this nursing t-shirt for Happy at
Pee Dee Outfitters in Cheraw...
Oh, and good, good news!  I'm going to have a new great-niece!  Happy and Robert are expecting a daughter on March 2, 2011.  I'm so happy for them, and for Chandler....her first grandchild!

Well, again, TGIF and happy last day of school for this year!  We all need this much deserved break!

<3
Jo

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Top 2 Tuesday: Games


I'm linking up with Taylor over at The Undomestic Momma for one of my weekly favorites, Top 2 Tuesday!

Top 2 Favorite Games

[one]

Chuck and I played Scrabble on our first date.  We met each other (officially) at Frank and Aileen's house, had supper, and then played the game while talking and getting to know each other better....so this game has a special significance to me.....

[two]
Phase 10 is a current favorite around our kitchen table these days.  All of the kids (whoever happens to be at the house) and I gather and we play and keep score....no matter who wins or loses, it's FUN!!

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up again this week with Carissa at lowercase letters
for this week's edition of
Miscellany Monday.
It is sooooo cold....
When we went out this morning, the thermometer said 21 degrees!  It really feels like winter even though the actual season doesn't start for another week!
Instead of going to school today, the girls and I went to the Samaritan's Purse in Charlotte with their youth group from Christ UMC.  We took approximately 60 boxes stuffed full of goodies and gifts for needy kids in the Ukraine. 
 Our shift was supposed to be from 2 - 6 PM, but by 2:30, every box had been handled!  The center processed over 2 million boxes this season!  We had a wonderful day spending time with each other and in service to others.


Charles got his MCHS class ring!  Vivian and he picked it out and ordered it a few months ago and they had a ring ceremony in the media center to present the rings to the students.  I sure wish that I could have been there too, but I couldn't be in two places at once.....
Chuck and his Aunt Vivian
I'm working hard but still have not completed any holiday decorating.  I've not done any shopping worth mentioning either!  Hopefully I'll have the time, energy, and spirit to get all of this taken care of within the next few days!!

Happy MONDAY everybody!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Saturday 9: Reason to Believe


Saturday 9: Reason to Believe
1. Has anyone asked you to believe in something that called for a huge leap of faith on your part?  Gosh, this is the hardest question ever....I hate to say that I've never really stepped out and taken a huge leap of faith, but I actually cannot think of one right now....

2. When is the last time you moved? Why did you move?  The last time I moved was in June of 93 when Chuck and I moved from the apartment building down the street to our house.

3. Malls? ..or one Internet? Are you doing more online shopping this year? The polls say we are, but I'm curious about what the real people are doing.  I may do some shopping on the internet and in a few individual stores, but I definitely won't be shopping at the mall! 

4. Do you remember the first meme you participated in and if so, what was it?  I don't remember.....maybe I'll check later and get back to you....

5. If you could invent something, what would it be?  Disposable socks....they will come on a roll like paper towels.  You'll just pull them off the roll, wear them, and then throw them away!

6. Are you finished with your shopping? Do you still a few things to go? What? Not even a game plan? ...or is there just one person you're having trouble finding something for?  I've done very little shopping.  I have got to get busy! 

7. What's left to do at your place (or where you are going)? Is the tree up? ...or maybe you're just happy you found the Christmas coffee mug and are calling that good?  I just put the tree up last night....lights on but no ornaments.......

8. Is your life turning out the way you thought it would when you were a kid? If not, is it better or worse?  My life is exactly like I hoped it would be....happily married, three wonderful children, a great career....

9. Tell us about something you'll miss about 2010.  Ummm....I don't really know what, if anything, I'll miss about 2010....I'd  like to go back to the middle school end of my school, but if not, I'll make the best of my current situation.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend....stay warm!!!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Fill in the Blank Friday

 Head over to Lauren's to join us for Fill in the Blank Friday!!   :)

1.   I wish       that all of the little children in the world could wake up and be happy on Christmas morning .

2.  Yesterday I   had a busy day.  After school, I worked for Natalie, went to L's bb game, cooked supper, baked a cinnamon strusel cake, and took Josh home before finally settling down to read for a while..

3.  Today I will       finish out my day here at MEMS, pick up L and MJ from MCHS, take them to their youth group pancake supper, and then hang out at home until the evening is over  .

4.  Tomorrow I will    I will sleep as late as possible, decorate the Christmas tree, and go to Lawren's basketball game at 4:00.....who knows after that...
5.  Maybe     the kids will be in the mood to help me decorate the tree....I'll keep my fingers crossed!

6.  Someday        I want to retire from teaching and get another job at Voc Rehab or the rec dept......

7.  I love       my children, husband, and family; my job, students, and co-workers; my church and Jesus, my Lord and Redeemer...    .

TGIF....and have a great weekend everyone!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Holly Jolly Blog Hop

Windy Poplars


Here's the deal: Kristin, Amber, and Natalie are all co-hosting this awesome virtual open house.  If you're here reading this then you can link up at the bottom of one of their pages....and they are all sharing awesome party recipes.

Here's one of my favorite party recipes...

Graham Cracker Pralines

1 cup of butter - not margarine (2 sticks)
2 cups of light brown sugar (1 box)
Mix the above in a saucepan over medium heat.  Allow to boil for 3 minutes, stirring continuously. 
Place graham crackers on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Pour and spread the brown sugar mixture over the crackers and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes.
Allow to cool and enjoy!  They are FANTASTIC!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What I'm Loving Wednesday


I'm linking up with Jamie today for another edition of
What I'm Loving Wednesday....
[1] 
I'm loving that I've sent a total of thirteen postcards via postcrossing.com and have received three in return.  Remember that this is one of my goals that I'm working on for my Day Zero Project....go check out the website!!
[2]
I'm loving that I got a good news call from the coach of the Palmetto Force.  They want both Lawren and MJ for next year!  MJ will play 16U and Lawren will play on an 18U showcase team!  I'm so proud of both of them!
[3]
I'm loving the B&BW Christmas smells that are permeating my office and home. 
Winter Candy Apple

Twisted Peppermint

Vanilla Bean Noel
[4]
 I'm loving that tonight is a Survivor night.  I can hardly wait to get home after the middle school basketball game and cover up under a warm afghan and watch my favorite TV show!


[5]
I'm loving Maxine!!
[6]
And, as usual, I'm loving my cheerful children and my hard-working husband...