New Years Eve

Happy New Years Eve!  

What’s on the agenda for you today?  We’re still celebrating Christmas with Dh’s family.  As a rule we try and host friends, but even then we haven’t been bringing in the new year for a few years already.  Having children kinda put a damper on that party a while back already.  LOL.  We’re ok with it, but there is still something about New Years eve celebrations for me.  It’s all the newness I think.   I’ve always enjoyed them, and I do look forward with great anticipation to celebrating them again in a few years.  :)  (once the oldest can babysit the younger two…insert evil laugh here.)  just kidding…but they should be old enough one of these days to be left with a responsible young adult, right?    Or, to just be able to bring in the new year with us.  To fully understand the concept of time, and the excitement of a new begining. 

My prayer for the New Year:

Dear Lord,

I thank you for your abundant blessings in our lives throughout the past year.

I ask your continued blessings in the New Year.  May you enrich our lives in ways we could only dream about.  May you lead us to bless those around us in ways we may not understand or comprehend.  Open our eyes to your leading, and give our hearts the openness to your calling.  We are surrounded by love, let us pour it out and onto those around us. 

We love you, and pray for continued strength to live for you in our everyday. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Child Restraint Safety Issues

After being made aware of some safety issues with after market careseat products, I went over to the Canadian Government website and looked into it more.  Interesting facts on there.  I did not know, or even realize I guess, some of the issues these seemingly safe add-ons had.  

I know people would not purposely or knowingly put their child at risk, or in danger.  And I realize that we all would have our own thoughts on some of the suggested dangers.  So, I’m not suggesting that the use of any of these extra’s are not good to use, or that I would judge others by these standards.  I just hadn’t ever really thought this far on it, and would totally have trusted the aftermarket items as safe in the past.  I think we setimes just don’t do our own homework enough, and if a product is out there being sold, and people are using it and buying it we usually don’t doubt it. 

We have always used a careseat cover, which thankfully isn’t listed on the site…and I honestly don’t know what we would use to keep the wind and cold air off the baby if we didn’t have it.

What do you use?  Do you consider it safe?  How particular are you in following the guidelines or laws in your province or state to child restraints?

Drive safe, and stay warm!

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Since missing this post last week due to Christmas, I will join in on Monday’s starting today.  :)  

FOR TODAY Monday, December 29, 2008…
Outside my window…oh sunny, sunny day!  (not sure who sings that…but i usually do on sunny days.  :-) )  i’m wishing for a day filled with sunshine.
I am thinking…the holiday’s are not over yet!  dh is still home this week!  yeehaw!
I am thankful for…the family time we’ve shared so far.  and the fun day we spent at home Sunday.  Just chillin’
From the learning rooms…well, i’ve learned all kinds this week, but i can’t really pinpoint anything in particular!  LOL.  oh, tomorrow’s post will be a learning experience!  stay tuned!
From the kitchen… a whole lotta love.  i’ve been keeping up with the demand.  that’s about it i think.  nothing special.  i will shop a bit of groceries today i hope.  that should help put some cooking motivation back into me!
I am wearing…earrings.   i always wear earrings.  
I am creating…cleanliness.  in my home, in my heart, and in those around me.  watch out, or i’ll sweep you up!  :)
I am going…going…going…and GONE!
I am reading…oh no, i’m still here.  LOL.  I’m reading a john grisham book….can’t remember the title.  i put it in my stocking…:-) so i got it for christmas.  :-)  so far so good.  nothing AMAZING yet, but i think i’m only on chapter 2. 
I am hoping…to eat more fish.  my husband SHOULD be bringing them home one of these days!  i did have some wonderful salmon at Boston Pizza the other night.  Hmmm…..kinda gave the the hankerin’ for more fish instead of fixin’ a craving!  LOL.
I am hearing…the dishwasher.  and the furnace.  and the fridge.  i love those sounds. life would sure be silent without them.  can you imagine how silent life would have been 80 years ago?  only the sound of fire burning to keep you warm, and possibly the rocking chair rocking on a hard wood floor. 
Around the house…are those i love.  deeply, selflessly, purely, and purposely.  simply blessed.  i pray everyone can feel this blessing in their lives in some form.
One of my favorite things…is time with my husband.  the second favorite thing is time with my girls.  the third favorite thing….time with me!  :)  so, here i sit by myself enjoying some me time! 
A few plans for the rest of the week: is doing more of the top three favorite things listed above!
Here is picture thought I am sharing…

shall i do it, or shall i not.  that is the question.

weekend comics

in case you haven’t noticed a similarity between most of my weekend comics, i’ll fill ya in!  i kinda love the peanuts comic strips by charles m. schultz. 

here’s a bit of info on him and his funnies.     Taken from the Wikipedia

Peanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000 (the day after Schulz’s death), continuing in reruns afterward. The strip is considered to be one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium, with 17,897 strips published in all, making it “arguably the longest story ever told by one human being”, according to Professor Robert Thompson of Syracuse University. At its peak, Peanuts ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of 355 million in 75 countries, and was translated into 21 languages. It helped to cement the four-panel gag strip as the standard in the United States, and together with its merchandise earned Schulz more than $1 billion. Reprints of the strip are still syndicated and run in many newspapers.

Peanuts achieved considerable success for its television specials, several of which, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown won or were nominated for Emmy Awards. The holiday specials remain quite popular and are currently broadcast on ABC in the United States during the corresponding season. The property is also a landmark in theatre with the stage musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, being an extremely successful and often performed production.

It has been described as “the most shining example of the American success story in the comic strip field”, ironically based on the theme of “the great American unsuccess story”, since the main character, Charlie Brown, is meek, nervous and lacks self-confidence, being unable to fly a kite, win a baseball game or even kick a football.

(see link to wikipedia above for more info…this is a brief one)

here’s a funny for the day!  see ya back here on monday! 

(haven’t you ever struggled and struggled to get somewhere that at the time looked like a fun challenge, only to find yourself stuck with no one around to help?  LOL)

Boxing Day

The day after Christmas is called Boxing day here in Canada.  Comercially, it’s almost the equivalents to the US Black Friday I would say.  Different regions and stores will do different deals, but ultimately, it’s the day of the year where you’ll find the biggest bargains, as well as the biggest crowds in our stores.  

Have you ever ventured out on either of these holidays?  Has it been worth it?  What where your experiences?  And ultimately, what was your purchase?

We have shopped boxing day sales two years.  I only remember what we purchased the one year.  Maybe it was that we went out twice in one year?  I remember shopping in Winnipeg once, and don’t remember that purchase.  I do remember shopping at the local Stapeles one year in search of a laptop.  We bought it…but ended up not happy with it and returned it within our 90 day ‘trial’.  We found a good deal on a better quality one a few weeks later.

Are you out this year?  Share your boxing day/black friday shopping stories with me!

Here’s some of our finds: 

Merry Christmas!

From our family, to yours…we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Eve

Luke 2 (King James Version)

 1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 

I’m not really a Santa person, but I’ve somehow always loved this story…and the excitement and anticipation it has to it.  

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem Clement Clarke Moore (1779 – 1863) Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! “Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!” As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Confession…or whatever you wanna call it.

I don’t know if you remember, or even read, my previous post on…well, actually just random thoughts.    In that post, I confessed to a dream of mine that I was trying my darnedest to stretch before it became a reality.  I was trying to create a bit of hype for myself and build up my anticipation by making myself wait for something.  Do you find yourself frequently just purchasing what you want when you want it?  I strongly suggest, once again, to go over and read this article on consumerism and The Joys of Anticipation. 

Now, for my confession. 

I had found myself boots that fit.  It was simply an amazing feeling!  Granted, they where ankle boots, but they fit and they would do.  I don’t know if I’ve ever shared my lifelong struggle in boot shopping.  It’s caused much anxiety and depression for me, and is still difficult to discuss in depth.   Who am i kidding, I don’t usually struggle sharing anything.  I ramble more than anyone cares to sit and listen too!  All right.  Back to the topic on hand.  I have large calf muscles (admittedly…they’re hardly muscles anymore).  I have always struggled with them.  I have never (since high school), found boots (dressy ones…not the sorrel clunky adjustable ones) that properly fit over my calves.  

Until now that is!  The other exciting thing…these boots where available to me at a discount price of 20% off!  It was meant to be, and I made the purchase.  Not completely content with them, I kept searching for boots that would fit over my calves, that I could wear with skirts.  Boots that I could wear and demonstrate to some degree how a woman can dress to look feminine, dressy and classy.  (i’ve struggled with this over the years, as I created a mindset of comfort over apperance somewhere along the line)  There’s a fine line between trendy, classy, and well, um just plain frumpy and unconcerned.  LOL.  I pray i can stick to the first two mentioned! 

In my search for those dressy and classy, and hopefully trendy boots, I came across a pair that to my disbleief and incredible surprise I could fit my foot into, as well as my calf!   I wasn’t completely satisfied with the fit in the foot area, so I inquired about them having one size larger available.  They where able to order them in from another store across Canada.  I agreed, and had them ordered.  I simply couldn’t pass up the fact that I could purchase two pair of boots for the price of any given pair of boots I had tried on previously.  Both pair combined came to $170.00 taxes included. 

I’ve been wearing the ankle boots on and off with pants and with long skirts, and am LOVING them.  I’m thinking I’ll have a few occasions available to me this week to wear the other ones in!  

I’m so thankful that i didn’t purchase boots when i originally planned to (half the reason I didn’t then was because I couldn’t find any that fit, but I would like to think I was purposely building up my anticipation level to some degree)…and actually enjoyed the anticipation of receiving the ones I had on order!  In my world it was like waiting for Christmas!  LOL.  Dh and I don’t really open gifts on Christmas, we purchase ourselves gifts, and don’t usually end up wrapping them before we start using them.  I think that needs to change, but that’s another day’s story for another day’s blog post! 

So, now you know….Merry Christmas to me!  What did you get?  Oh, wait…it’s not quite Chrismtas yet, and you have to wait!   hee hee.

Note:  I can’t find a photo of the second pair online, so i’ll try and get my photo of them sometime in the next little while and insert it at another time if possible. 

I heart Mary Hunt

Mary Hunt has an amazing newsletter I’ve been subscribed to for, oh, I’m thinking about two or so years.  It’s called Everyday Cheapskate.   She writes REALLY well, and always speaks from her heart.  She isn’t afraid to tell it like it is, whether we want to hear it or not.  Here’s the newsletter that I received this week, that I totally loved, and wish I had written.  (but I didn’t and so I won’t take credit for it, so go over to the link above and visit her site yourself!)  Take it away Mary….

 

Got the Holiday Blues? Choose Joy!

Got the Holiday Blues? Choose Joy! Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year,right? The truth is that for many people this is the worst time of the year. There’s nothing like the pressure of tight finances and economic uncertainty to compound the situation. I think the holidays are a lot like a big magnifying glass. They exaggerate what already exists. If you are unemployed, the season makes unemployment even more unbearable. If you are so stretched financially that you’re having trouble making ends meet, this time of year only widens the gap because of unavoidable holiday expenses. That magnifying glass can also enlarge what’s good in your life, provided you are willing to change your focus. I want to encourage you to position life’s magnifying glass over all that you do have and things over which you have control, even though you may feel completely out of control. You have commitment and resolve. You have strength of character and courage. You have the ability to see the big picture which includes 2009, 2010 and beyond. You may have to squint, but you can see the day you will be debt-free. Focus on that and acknowledge how foolish it would be for you to shoot yourself in the foot in these last days before Christmas. Just one shopping-binge-on-credit could reverse all the progress you’ve made. Believe me, it’s not worth it! I know from past experience, that kind of excursion can pull you down into a horrible depression and who needs that right now? Do you know the best antidote for holiday blues? It is reaching out to someone who is less fortunate than you. That’s the best way I know to take your mind off yourself and your current set of circumstances. Look around your community for ways you can reach out and be of service. Call a nursing home in your area and ask the staff which residents never get visitors. Help your kids make Christmas cards and then make a delivery. Take some things you no longer need to a local shelter. Check with local churches in your area to see when they will be presenting their concerts and pageants. Plan now to attend a Christmas Eve service. See if you can find one that will be held by candlelight. Then be there! Support your community with your presence. If you move that magnifying glass from your situation and position it instead on something bigger than yourself and your family, you’ll see joy and satisfaction you didn’t know was available. Starting right now, no matter what’s going on around you, choose joy! Also by Mary Hunt: “Grumpy Unhappy Cheapskates” “Guidelines for a Great Holiday” ©Copyright 2008 Mary Hunt Everyday Cheapskate is a Registered Trademark

weekend comics

here’s some funnies.  see ya monday for our regular scheduled updates, pictures, jibber jabber. 

Here’s a quote:  “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.”  - Charlie Brown

(i hope i never look this foolish with excitment for food, LOL)