Do you hear what I hear? I hear bells, music, lots of talking and laughter, singing, and rattling. But that's not all! There are smells and sights of the holidays around here too!

For example, I turned around and saw Mama cooking her own whole wheat pizza after I ordered one from Pizza Hut. The best part about what I saw was her apron! Ha!


I smelled the deliciousness of freshly baked cookies! Then, I heard chatting and laughing when I turned around and saw Kristin and Lee icing teacake cookies for friends of the family.


I heard Russ rattling presents trying to figure out what was in each one! Can you imagine a doctor actually on the floor under the tree doing such a thing!? Ha!


I heard the doorbell. Soon after, I heard the sweet voices of children singing Christmas carols at our front door!


I see lovely Christmas touches around the house surrounded by family. Farley loves the sights of these Christmas touches too!


I just love coming home for the holidays!

Don't you??

Happy Birthday to ME!

As you know, I recently celebrated my mid-twenties birthday! I'll just say that I'm on the "other side" of "halfway to fifty." Wow! Russ wasn't able to be home for my actual birthday, which is why we celebrated the weekend before. I must have sounded pitiful as I was feeling a little sorry for myself, because my sister, brother, and Lee traveled the 3 and a half hour trip to visit me and take me to eat! I was so excited! I left school early, renewed my license, and headed home for the birthday festivities. We had already stayed up until after midnight (most until 2 AM) the night before!

Lee paid for my meal Sunday night when they arrived in town. Then, Monday night Kristin and Dustin treated me to Ichiban! Hibachi is my favorite cuisine! It was wonderful! Ashley joined us too. After supper, we all went back to my house for cake and presents.

We couldn't find any candles, so Kristin found our lighter!

They sang, and I blew out the lighter! Then, we chowed down! Next...time for presents!

My card from Kristin...good to know she hasn't forgotten who the "queen" is!

Farley and the Smithites

Dustin and Ashley

After presents, they all had to go home! I was super jealous because I had school the next day, and they were already out! Man! Why was I in such a hurry to get out of college?! Ha! I'm so glad I wasn't by myself for my birthday! I had a fabulous time! Thanks so much Kristin, Lee, Dustin, and Ashley for making me feel special on my birthday!

Here We Go A-Caroling!

Last Sunday, my grandparents' church enjoyed the children's program at their church. Immediately following, as they do every year, they set off caroling around the area. Their first stop was to the nursing home to sing to Nonnie. It is hard to think that last year, Nonnie and Pops were caroling with this group. How quickly life can change!

So, to prepare Nonnie for all the visitors...Clancy and I went early to decorate Nonnie's door for the holidays and to dress her up for the big event.

Clancy sticking letters on the door.

Look at what we did! You know you're jealous and want us to do this to YOUR front door! Ha!

Clancy went by Nonnie and Pops's house to pick up some of Nonnie's signature Christmas pieces.

Lookin' good!

It was suppertime, so the residents all enjoyed the caroling in the dining room. We pulled Nonnie's chair to the very front, and Pops sat with her holding her hand and singing the entire time. So sweet!

Carolers

Nonnie just sat back and sang every word to every single song! It was amazing! She doesn't know my name...or even her own half the time. But, she did not miss a word! She's still in there. Such fun to watch.

After the singing, everyone stopped by and spoke to Nonnie. My grandparents' life revolved around church, and how special to have the church members giving back in such a wonderful way!

Uncle Howard, Nonnie, and Pops

Nonnie, me, and Pops

Nonnie and Pops playing "ball."

Dustin, Kristin, and Lee came by later that evening. It was a fun family gathering.

There's nothing like having a Nonnie and Pops! Everyone should be so lucky!

Merry Christmas Nonnie and Pops! We love you!

Hallelujah!

Every year, after the last day of our first semester, I can hear the singing. Singing of the Hallelujah Chorus! Woo hoo for Christmas break! Mrs. Johnson's class spent the day making gifts for family, watching a first grade Christmas program, partying, and we even had a visit from 3-5 year olds singing carols! Such a wonderful day to enjoy before leaving for three weeks! Hallelujah!

Merry Christmas from Mrs. Johnson's class!

Picture Perfect Birthday with the Hubby

This weekend was "picture perfect." What do I mean by that? Well, my hubby and I celebrated my 26th birthday (which was Monday) on Saturday. We had planned to go out to a nice restaurant and dress up. Although that is a very nice idea, I'm not always up to dressing up for a nice dinner. Plus nice restaurants make me nervous! So after a full day of shopping, eating at my favorite cuisine - hibachi grill, and hanging out around the house wrapping gifts, we decided to order pizza and watch Christmas movies. It was wonderful!


But why "picture perfect?" Because Russ gave me a brand new high tech camera! And, it's still small enough for my purse! I'm so excited!

Me opening my camera accessories

I have put that camera to great use since this weekend! Since the internet has been down, I have a few posts built up to share. Just take a look at the pictures when I'm finally back up and running. They will be picture perfect! Thank you, Russ, for a great birthday weekend!

Christmas Tour of Homes

Welcome to our home! I've decided to join up on what was formerly Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes. It is now hosted by The Nester. I absolutely LOVE Christmas! I love the weather, the decorations, the ribbons and bows, the music, and the fun festivities! What better way to get new ideas and share our holidays with you!


Our first Christmas together, I bought this tree from QVC. I have gotten more compliments on it over the last four years. Although it's beginning to fall apart...and that was before Russ fell on it a few weeks ago, I love it! It's a modest size because we lived in an apartment during our first Christmas, and it fit perfectly.


One of my favorite things about owning a home during the holidays is the mantle decorations! I ordered our stockings before we were married from Pottery Barn, and Farley's cute little stocking came from Steinmart. Who doesn't love that place? I decorated the garland with ornaments and wove ribbon through it. When lit up, it looks just lovely (I think it does, anyway!). I found those cute arrangements at Michael's a couple of years ago to top it off.


This cute little stool was a gift from my grandmother a couple of years ago. She pictured a little great grandchild sitting here. Sweet heirloom now!


Carolers sit atop our piano each year. My parents have collected this series for as long as I can remember. So, it is so special to have a collection (borrowed from my grandmother) in my home.


Little touch in the wet bar.


I love to sit in our living room during the holidays with nothing but the Christmas lights and an ABC Family movie. Just warms my heart!

Of course, our home is not very big...but I do put a few touches here and there.


This cute Santa has been around a while! He sits in a little doll high chair from my grandmother. We used to play with it when we were little. I can't wait to have a little one to play dolls with this chair.


Russ's sister made this ornament last year. It hangs on our guest bedroom door, which is one of our three front doors.


I love the glass dish displayed in our dining room. Russ's sister gave me that last year at Christmas. The Dr. Santa was a gift from my sister and brother to Russ. My brother was astounded at the gift! (apparently he wasn't aware of exactly what it was he gave!) He made it clear that we were NEVER to give him such a gift as this! Ha!


I fell in love with the Christmas dishes when I registered for our wedding. I received many for Christmas and my birthday throughout the years. I think the salad plate collection is discontinued now. But, the Vietri is certainly still around. Those are year round pieces.


Russ gave me this great piece of pottery last year for one of the "12 Days of Christmas!" He bought it from my friend's giftshop in Hernando. Of course, we all need Paula Deen's Christmas recipes!


Mr. Santa himself sits on the windowsill above my kitchen sink. This came from my grandmother's house as well. I love having such special pieces passed down through the family!


Nice touch on our kitchen door going out to the garage.


And, I love this cutie patootie plate Russ's sister made for our little family. Notice that she left a little blank ornament...room to grow.


The always popular angels adorning our kitchen table. These were great finds from Steinmart a couple of years ago.


Well, thanks for stopping by!


Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Fun Friday

So, one of my favorite things about Christmas is all the Christmas cards! I love seeing all the mail pile in during the holidays with pictures and wishes for the new year! It's so much fun! Most cards come in with sweet pictures of children in their smocked dresses, khakis, coordinated attire, and a beautiful background sure to make you smile.

Well...you can imagine my surprise when I opened my mail today, taking in the sweetness of each child or couple pictured in a card, and saw this:


Yes, this is my family! Normal? Never! Go ahead! Click to enlarge! Laugh away.

And, the verse on the card says, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." Matthew 2:10 My question is: Are we supposed to look like we are "rejoicing exceedingly?" My mother certainly did NOT get my permission to publish this photo onto a Christmas card! I will definitely try to find a way to get back at her! Ha!

Happy Friday! Spend the day REJOICING!

Joy to the World

"Rejoice in the Lord!" Philippians 4:4

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, our pastor spoke about joy. How appropriate as we approach the holiday season. So many things around us this time of year tend to steal our joy. Actually, we LET things steal our joy. And I am SO talking about myself!

Chip read from Philippians 4. Throughout the reading, there are practical ways to keep our joy so that we can "Rejoice in the Lord always!"

1. Resolve Conflict.

(vs. 2-3) "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

One thing that is interesting here is "whose names are in the book of life." These women were Christians. Yet, they were asked to agree with each other. There was a conflict here. Between two Christians. Imagine that! Ha! Conflict between ANYONE is very common today...just like it was in Biblical times. However, God asks us to resolve our conflict. Nothing steals our joy like conflict with another person. Conflict is acceptable. Jesus had conflicts. Unresolved conflict is unacceptable.

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15

" Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiving our debtors." Matthew 6:1

2. Be Nice.

(vs. 5) "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

Gentleness is a humble, patient spirit that can last through injustice. This does not mean we serve as a "doormat." Jesus had a gentle spirit - loving eyes. Be gracious because the Lord is near.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

" The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145: 18

3. Stop Worrying.

(vs. 6-7) " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

One thing that struck me hard is a statement Chip made: "Worry is practical atheism. You say you believe in God, but you don't. You don't trust Him enough to take care of this." By worrying, we are telling God that we don't trust Him to carry us through. This does not mean that we should not have feelings of concern over doctor's appointments, etc. This DOES mean that we trust Him completely to take care of the situation. He works all things together for good. He hasn't made a mistake yet. And, I don't anticipate Him making a mistake anytime in the future.

In verses 6 and 7, God says to

• PRAY - elevate God above self and circumstances.
• SUPPLICATION - Pour out our needs. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
• THANKSGIVING
• REQUEST - Make specific desires known.
  

Exalt God over your problem, and peace will sneak back into your life. That peace will guard you. Peace comes before you get an answer.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

4. Feed Your Mind Honorable Things.

(vs. 8) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Let your mind dwell on positive, pure, and honorable things. The WORD OF GOD is top of the list on what to dwell on.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:7-8)

When bad thoughts come, change the channel!

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

5. Do the Right Thing.

(vs. 9) "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

When you obey, God gives you himself - not just his peace.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Be joyful this holiday season!