Planning my Real Life Facebook Christmas Party

A couple of weeks ago I decided - very spontaneously- to host a Christmas Party. This isn't your ordinary party either! It's for all- ALL- of my Facebook friends! If you do not have Facebook, you may not understand the life that one has with Facebook. ha ha

With facebook, you can: catch up with old friends, meet new friends through another friend, and stay in contact with family or friends far away. Facebook also has the ability to addict you to browsing through friends' family photo albums. I've seen more friends' pictures of what they are up to than ever before!!  It's fun to see who's online and chat for a few minutes to catch up. Or see who knows YOUR friends... So, the drawback to it? It's not real life. It is, in a sense, I know what so and so had for dinner last night, when their child first pooped in the toilet, who loves their husband so much...and so on. BUT sometimes, you can see people on there so much but not really chat and talk with them; it's not face-to-face. There's not even real laughter! It's just "LOL"!!

While telling someone that we should get together sometime, truthfully hoping to- but now sure how it would work out- I decided to take a giant step toward my friends! How? Have a Christmas party and invite them, of course! So, I've rented a Grange building for a night of fun. I will share photos later after the party. My plans are to have games, old-fashioned BINGO with prizes and lots of great FOOD!  Another plus is that my friends are encouraged to bring their children- that's rare unless it's a party just for kids! I have no agenda, as far as a schedule of events, just lots of ideas!

IDEAS:
-Christmas Karaoke
-LOTS of food
-clay ornament -making table for the kids 
-lots of games (we love Mad Gab with a big group of friends or family!)
-BINGO
-prizes for the best dressed and worst dressed (tackiest sweater)
-I also have a small "Christmas Shop" set up for my friends to bring things that they make (bags, purses, soap, home-baked things,and whatever else they sell).

Won't this be fun? I sure hope so! I'm SO excited!

I've arranged tables and covered them in brown paper so far. I have a lot more to do before the party! The wonderful thing is that even though I LOVE details and want it to look beautiful, I'm counting on my friends to add laughter and make it a fun success! I'll let you know of the success (or failure ha ha) of the party and maybe you'll want to host your own Real Life Facebook Christmas party!  

Almost Ready for Christmas

This year, I am more inspired to decorate than past years. I feel like I want it to look cheery in our home- everywhere!

 Since the downturn in the economy, it hasn't been the most chipper time of year for me.

With holidays come expenses; our son's birthday (23rd), Christmas gifts to buy, extra food to take to parties, extra gas to drive to those places...etc. And then there are other birthdays or gifts...it just never seems to end. Just a couple of years ago, all we afford for our kids were Dollar Store things. It made me cry just to wrap them and then watch. They didn't care- they had gifts in their hands! But I cared. I knew that it was a rough time and we didn't have much. I could hardly wait till the holiday passed because I felt so depressed. I barely put out any decorations because it didn't seem like there was much happiness in this part of the holiday.

I know very well that the real reason we celebrate this day is to remember our Lord and Savior, who was born to save us. I am so thankful for His life and death- taking my punishment for sin and for being willing to lay down His life for me! I understand this holiday is much more about that than it is about gifts and money. But, we want to give good gifts to our children and family's as well, right?

This year, it's been a little different in the practical way of speaking. My husband is working more steadily, we're more responsible with our money and I'm better prepared for the "rough days". We choose not to go into debt over gifts and because

we live simply, I buy mostly practical things, along with some fun stuff, of course.

So, my attitude is a bit better this year also. I want to be cheery! I want to celebrate! Not because we have super-fantastic gifts to give/get but because I have so much to be thankful for. I want our home to feel joyful! I want to smell cedar and fir and see twinkling lights and kids' happy and surprised faces! I want to give, even if it's small, because I really want to, not because I feel obligated or some other silly reason.

This is my encouragement to you:  consider this holiday for it's real meaning; love. Consider giving to someone who is hard to give to. Consider giving to someone who cannot give back to you; repay you. Do not take for granted this special time of year when family and friends are nearby. 

 Have fun decorating your home!  

A Sweet, Sweet Night

It's nearing that storybook time of the year.....

That time when the streets are lit up in the darkness, busy shoppers are buying their loved ones precious, thoughtful gifts and there's talk of snow. This might possibly be the most exciting time of the year. It's also that time when the wood stove is going, all cozy and warm and scents of pumpkin, spices and apple desserts can be smelled and tasted in abundance.

This is that time, our most favorite of days.

With thoughtfulness toward my husband, the children and I scurried around the yard, picking up fallen fir branches and cleaning up from the recent wind storms in order to surprise him- Father- as the children call him. We picked yellow squash hiding out from the early frosts in the garden. And we simply enjoyed a wisp of a sunny day during our rainy fall.

Soon it would be night and the fire would need stoked up good, keeping our bones warm and making our house quite homey. The shed where our wood is stored was looking quite bleak- empty- to be exact. The kids and I, together, gathered up enough wood from the barn to fill our shed. Father would be so pleased. When he arrived from work we could show all of the hard work we had done and we hoped he would be so proud.

After all of our work was done for the day, the children and I strung tiny white lights around our front porch. Doing this would provide light for our wood shed during the nighttime and it all of a sudden seemed to transform our plain porch into a magical place.

Soon, the children were bustling about, gathering every candle that they could find in our home. They set some upon their small child's table that sat on the porch, and some other candles lined up proudly along the edges of the floor. The glowing lights were so festive against the night sky.

Next, there were old time songs being played about our dear Savior's birth. Just the perfect touch for such a sweet night.

At once, I was told by these small children of mine to put on my best dress, for we were going to have a special dance. I opted for my best , sleek, black satin dress, amazed that it could possibly be zipped! In order to dress my best, I chose a pair of black dress shoes, decorated with tiny, glittering gemstones. I thought they would be a perfect addition to the twinkling lights on the porch.

As I tiptoed out onto the dance floor, my oldest son, sporting his too-small, black satin vest, came beside me and we started to dance. It was a happy song, one which we could dance quickly to. This was a lovely time, just my children and I. The two younger children had their turns and we laughed and felt the warmth of love between us, even though it was becoming a chilly night.

Thoughts of my wifely responsibilities came to mind, and I remembered that I needed to prepare our evening meal. Father would be home soon and it would need to be ready. So, I gently laid the dress on our bed and changed into clothes fit for cooking.

As Father came home, not too much later, he was met with a cheerful, giddy wife who bid him to come and change into his best clothing. There was something special being prepared for us outside, he was told. As he curiously wondered what his darling wife and children were up to, he reluctantly found his best black dress shirt and freshly washed jeans. He didn't know what was waiting and I would bet, he could not have guessed what he would see next, let alone have the privelage of sharing.

Father and I went out to the porch as our children held open the door, greeting us like King and Queen. The lights were all lit and the floor was ready for our special dance. The music had been forgotten so I gently whispered to the children to not forget!

What a sight we must have been, dancing away to Christmas songs in the night. But what a memory for our children to have- and 'King & Queen' alike, to share such a sweet, sweet night. This is that time of year.

...And they all lived happily ever after.

New White Kitchen Cupboards

Here's my progress...

I primed the cupboards, then painted them white. My awesome husband polished up the door knobs so they are shiny copper. Then I added a faux tin paintable wallpaper and painted it white. After that dried, I went back with a tiny brush and made it look 'scratched' up with a grayish color.

Like this:

This cupboard door has 1/4 inch mesh chicken wire. It was so fun to reorganize everything and be ready to bake and cook again.

Here's the final result for the top cupboards- I LOVE it! (The lower cabinets were left all white).The brick throughout the kitchen was previously very dark reds with black grout- not my favorite colors for it. I handpainted the brick by rubbing 3 different colors (I think it was 3) and then I painted the grout with a teeny tiny brush! What a pain but it looks so much better and it just feels better in my kitchen. All of this has really proved to lighten up the colors and brighten the room- not to mention create the styles I love. :)

Eventually, I'd LOVE to have more barn wood counter tops, or just something that matches better. We already have one in the kitchen and one in the dining.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. They aren't the greatest quality because I took them at night with very little light but it gives you an idea if you'd like some brightness in your kitchen!

Kitchen Makeover!

Look what I've been working on....

Transforming my kitchen cabinets.... mostly with paint but also I'm using faux tin!

From dull handles to shiny, polished ones! (Thanks to my husband!!)





The doors are getting primed...



Old maple wood and newer white. The final color is a very light off-white. So basicly... white. :)

The wall paint will be a very light tan, kind of like coffee with lots of creamer! Bye bye butter yellow!

I'll share more when I have time to get more done!

Honor The Sabbath Day

It took about 2 seconds to think about my title. Today the discussion in Sunday School was centered around the "sabbath" and how that looks to each of us and how we need a day of rest once a week. It was a great reminder of how I need to set aside this day more regularly. I guess that means saying 'no' to things that can keep you too busy. It's really about priority. Another important part of the Sabbath is worship. Taking a day to reflect on the Lord and to honor Him. (Not that you wouldn't honor Him the rest of the week, just to be more conscious of this being HIS day, I think.)

A little country church down the road.

Naturally, after Sunday School was church, which means a time where the church comes together to worship the Lord and gain in knowledge and understanding through His word. Also, it is a time for us to fellowship and encourage one another. To me, this is "church". I love singing to my Lord, and today seemed amazingly refreshing. As I stood singing with my arms raised a mile high I just couldn't explain the amazing peace and joy I felt. There really was no specific reason, just many little things. Life has not amazingly become perfect with no problems, yet in a simple service of worship, I realize His love, forgiveness and grace for me more and more. He really does care for us so well and I'm so thankful.

While washing lettuce a few weeks back, I found this small piece of red lettuce that looked like a heart. What a sweet surprise while working away. I stopped to enjoy it and snapped a picture!

Sometimes- often- He just needs to hear that from us too, that we're thankful for who He is in our lives. Not because He can't operate without our affection and adoration but I believe He really loves us coming to Him with willing and humble hearts, ready to glorify Him with our lives.

That is my greatest desire.

Canning and School- YIKES!

Canning and school. Those are my newest hobbies! LOL Well, they are not really hobbies, as they take up all of my time lately. And guess what? I'm burnt out! haha Here's what's been going on:

Canning is going well. If you've never tried it, start with something simple. Water-bath canning is easiest (also called boiling-water canning). Check out Ball's website for exact directions and ask anyone over 30, they probably have all at least helped. Peaches and tomatoes are pretty easy.

This week I've been canning pears in a light syrup. I saved the peels and cores and used my steamer-juicer to make pear juice. Mmm.. Smells like Fall in here with that going on. I also used up the pears that were too mushy to can by making juice. This is an excellent way to get juice if you have extra fruit on trees, or after canning your fruit, or if you have loaded grapevines. Yum! My family loves homemade juice! For fun you can add club soda and it turns into a fruity soda pop! (Only it's a little bit healthier).

I've also been making a dill relish. We use this all year long for tuna sandwiches, potato salad and hot dogs or hamburgers. The great thing about relish is that it uses up tons of zucchini or yellow squash and cucumbers- whatever you have on hand. There are so many varieties of relish too! I made mine basically like I make my pickles. I add tons of garlic and dill but I added a little bit of red bell pepper too.

(Look how many foods I wrote about just now! Good grief!!)

Last night for dinner we had taco salad and I used my homemade pinto beans/refried beans and garden lettuce. I can't tell you how nice it is to open up a jar and use it for dinner, already made. Or walk to the garden and gather your food. I mixed the beans into the meat (like I've mentioned before). Tonight we're using leftovers to have Tacos with homemade tortillas. So here's another fun thing to make; tortillas. It's not that hard but it does take a little time. Since I had to be in the kitchen all day, I decided to make them early and heat them up for dinner so they are all ready at once. Tortillas only use flour, fat (I used a tiny bit of butter this time), salt, baking powder and water. If I make them more often I'd also experiment with flours and add healthy stuff instead of just using unbleached AP flour.

This week I suffered canning burn out. haha Are you surprised? Have you been there? If you've canned very much at all, it takes some a few times to get it, and others... many more. None the less, that's another reason I have been making pear juice. I just didn't have anymore energy to stand in the kitchen and peel and cut and then wait for the canner. :) It happens. I love to can and have food ready at home for my family because it costs very little. The problem is that I've been working so hard at it that my husband, Derek, noticed and helped me out. He told me not to do it when I'm too worn out. Sometimes it takes someone else to let you know that you are DONE! haha

On the other hand, when fruit is ripe, it has to get done. ugh.

In between canning and the rest of life, school started for us yesterday as well. This year Derek and I decided on My Father's World for our curriculum. So far, I am so pleased with it. For the last couple of years that we've been homeschooling I've used different curriculum and mixed & matched what we had. It worked but it didn't work well for me. I need something that is already planned out for me (the teacher), for the most part. There are too many other things that I have to think about as a mom, wife and teacher that I'd rather leave the researching and gathering of a good curriculum to them. This is a Christian, Bible based program, which is the most important to us.

Amongst the overwhelming-ness of life, I felt so greatly encouraged this weekend too. I started going to "cake decorating lessons" with my MIL and SIL and on the way home I had to pull my car over. I was listening to a Phil Wickham song called "Heaven's Song" and noticed at the same time the magnificent sky toward the west. (Being alone in the car with worship music blasting through my speakers is my most favorite place.) The sun was setting and the view was amazing. The light beams were so brightly shining through the billowy clouds and it really looked as if God were right in the middle of it all, shining through in all His glory. I sat there singing and just stared. He is so amazing! The way he takes care of the details of our lives, down to the smallest thing and also the way in which He is so BIG, grand and amazing!

I felt so thankful that God has given me the life He has. It is rarely an easy life, in some senses but in others, I have His peace. I realized too that when life is so full and overwhelming that I can actually trust His Holy Spirit to get me through a day, and not just get me through but He can make it a successful day. His plans are far greater than mine, above mine.

This was written a couple nights ago. Since then I've canned my peaches and now, I'm taking a small canning break. I have wanted to sew for many weeks now and I really haven't had the time. There's just been too much going on. That will be changing soon. I want to make myself a handbag/purse and with the slow, fall and winter season coming up, that's just what I'll do.

This is a lot of rambling I suppose but I wanted to share the real life I live. I love how God puts times in my life of encouragement in all of the other stuff that's going on. Listen to that song I talked about. It's great! (You probably just heard it on my playlist.)