Faith-Filled Hodgepodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

No. I don't decorate the bathrooms or the bedrooms. I decorate the family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen.


2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Maybe Sweden? I have heard that out of these countries, they have the best chocolate :)


3. What does the word faith mean to you?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I can't really pinpoint an exact day or age, but back in elementary school, I remember that we used to have a whole lot of fun just by simply playing. My sister and I would play school, and I would be the teacher, and she would be the student. We would play house, and pretend like we were camping in the wilderness in our very long closet. As I mentioned before, my brother and I would play Legos and Lincoln Logs. We would play marbles and ride bikes. We would climb trees with the neighbor kids, and build entire cities out of paper. And, we absolutely loved playing "Oregon Trail" on their computer. So, any day that I didn't have to go to school, and could just play with my brother, sister, and friends would be just fine!


5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

At a wedding I went to this summer. One of my favorite ways to have punch is pretty easy to make. You just mix white grape juice with Sprite or 7up. Simple and very elegant looking.


6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

We sure do! They are always opened up before the gifts under the tree.


7. What takes your breath away?

A picture of a newborn baby. I just had a new niece born today, and my sister in law posted her picture on Facebook. It's amazing to think that one minute, she was inside of her mother's womb, and the next minute, she's out in the world, breathing air. Such a little miracle!


8. Insert your own random thought here

My medical saga continues. Now, they think my problems may not be asthma at all, but something to do with my heart. So, I have to go in Thursday for a heart catheterization. I am trying not to freak out too much, but as I am NOT a fan of needles in any way, this is making me quite nervous. I'm trusting God that He will take care of me though. He promised never to leave us, nor forsake us, and I am holding on to that promise! Please keep me in your prayers, and pray that this trypanophobic (person who is afraid of needles) will be so heavily sedated (they don't put you to sleep, just sedate you), that I won't even know my own name, and that I can just sleep through the whole thing!

The Birth Plan

I remember what it was like the first time I gave birth. I was 23 years old, and I had my daughter in the hospital. My very special friend, who is a nurse, was by my side, and my wonderful husband was there to coach me along. My entire family was also there waiting for our newborn daughter to arrive.

I was in a comfortable bed, with clean sheets, and I had nurses who tended to my every need. I had all the ice chips a girl could want, and a bathroom with running water.

There was a television to distract me, and a CD player to play my favorite soft music.

I am a person that likes to have everything "just so". I made out a birth plan ahead of time, to ensure that everything would be done just the way I wanted it.

I made sure to bring all the comforts of home with me to the hospital, including my own pillow.

When I think about my first delivery compared to Mary, the mother of Jesus, I cannot imagine being in her shoes.

As I try to picture what it would be like to be nine months pregnant, and riding on a donkey, it is just inconceivable to me. Riding in the car during contractions was bad enough.

Then, to be told that there was no place to go to give birth, and I would have to give birth to my baby in a stable? I'm sure I would have complained, and whined, and probably even cried about the injustice of it all. I would have been mad at Hubs, because surely, SURELY, he could find a place! I mean....I'm about to give BIRTH! A stable just won't do!

We aren't told whether or not Mary felt this way. I'd like to think that since she was human, that may have been the case. The Bible never says she was perfect. Just that she was blessed among women. I'm sure she didn't always have the right attitude about things, and having to give birth in a stable may just have been one of them. After all, it is a known fact that pregnant women can be a bit....unreasonable at times.

Not that I would know anything about that though.

Just don't ask Hubs. He may remember things differently. But, this is MY blog, and I don't remember it that way ;)

Not much is said in the Bible about Jesus' birth. But, I am sure that a stable was NOT the ideal place to give birth to a baby.

I'm sure if Mary had her choice, she would have chosen a place a little more....appropriate. At least a place that would have had a bed for her to lie down in. I'm sure that her birth plan wouldn't have included giving birth next to farm animals or laying her newborn son in a dirty manger.

And yet, on that night so long ago, Jesus Christ was born. Emmanuel. God with us. Messiah.

He didn't come as a king, but as a tiny, helpless infant. He was born to ordinary parents, who were chosen by God to raise the Savior of the world.

This Christmas, as we remember His birth, we remember that He came into the world for a purpose. To save us from our sins, and give us the gift of salvation.

He came, not just for for the rich, or the educated, or the popular ones, but for ALL people. He came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly.

I can't think of a greater gift that anyone could offer me than the gift of salvation. A new iPad 2 pales in comparison.

The gift of eternal life.

This gift is still available today. Wise men STILL seek Him. But, it is a gift, and you must be willing to accept it.

Will YOU accept His wonderful gift?

Be Our Guest Hodgepodge

1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special for your guests to make them feel at home? How long should a house guest stay?

The only "house guests" I will be hosting, will be for our annual Christmas Eve party, and they won't be spending the night.

Although, we will be celebrating my middle daughter's 13th birthday party in Dec., even though her birthday isn't until the middle of Jan. (more on that later), and there will probably be some girls spending the night for that.

I have never had any spend the night type of guests in December, and I guess that makes me a little bit happy. December is a rather crazy time around here, and not just because of Christmas!

When we have guests spend the night, I always make sure that they have everything they need, and fix them special food. We always make sure that they know how much we appreciate them being with us, and try to make them feel as welcome as possible.

I think how long guests should stay is really determined by how much you enjoy having them around ;) I would never tell anyone that they had to leave within a certain time though!


2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week (December 5) back in 1905 ...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one.

Oh my word! I have to pick just ONE?! I guess I would say "Beauty and the Beast". I especially love the song "Be Our Guest" where all the dishes start singing and dancing, and then they serve Belle dinner. Why can't my dishes serve ME dinner?? Not sure I would think the "gray" stuff was delicious though. I tend to be a rather picky eater.




3. What was the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?



In theory, this sounds like such a great product! However, when I got it home, I just couldn't get it to work. Your hair has to be SUPER thick in order for the "bump it" not to show.


4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?

It varies from year to year. This year, maybe 25%.


5. Amaryllis-snowdrop-poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?

Poinsettias! At our church, you can purchase a poinsettia plant in honor or in memory of someone. Then, they are lined up around the altar, for the whole church to enjoy. They make the church look so beautiful, especially at our Christmas Eve candlelight service.


6. What is one thing on your personal Christmas wish list? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this answer an actual item.

There really aren't very many things on my Christmas wish list. I am a very easy to please kind of person. Let's see....I did ask for a new crock pot, some pj's, a nice cozy soft blanket, some new snowmen for my collection, oh yeah...and peace on earth. Ha!


7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?

Indecision. We have so many decisions that need to be made around here that my head is swimming!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is our newest family picture. It only took 60 tries to get it right :)

My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

I promised a post all about some of my favorite Christmas ornaments. So, without further delay, here they are!

First up, is an ornament that I have had ever since I was a little girl. It has my name on it, and it is even spelled correctly! With a name like "Amiee", everyone wants to spell it "Amy", or "Aimee".

Please excuse the marked up desk that shows in some of the pictures. It appears that these marks need to be magically erased. Ha!

Next up, is our "First Christmas Together" ornament we received for our very first Christmas as a married couple. This was purchased for us by my beloved Gram and Grandpa.

As a newly married couple, we did not have any ornaments for our tree. So, for Christmas, my grandparents bought us a box of special and unique ornaments. This was in that box.

This ornament isn't special to me because of what it looks like, but because of WHO made it. This was made by my Gram. She used to make ceramics back when she could see well, before diabetes stole her vision from her. As I have mentioned before, she is now in Heaven with Jesus. This ornament is the only thing I have left of the ceramics that she made me. It even has her signature etched on the back. Priceless!


I have an ornament for each of my three girls that they received on their first Christmas.

This is my oldest's ornament. This reminds me of my very first Christmas as a Mother, and all the joy and wonder that having a child brought to Christmas.




This is my middle daughter's. Even though it doesn't say anything about "Baby's First Christmas", it has a sweet little picture of her dressed like an angel in it. This is one of my favorite pictures I have of her as a baby.


This is my youngest's. I bought this ornament for her, when I first found out she was a girl. It is special in it's own way, because on the back, it has her her name, birth date, how much she weighed, and how long she was on it. Plus, I collect Precious Moments, so I just HAD to have it :)

This one of Barbie with her little sister on the sled, was bought for my oldest daughter by her Uncle George. He bought it for her because he knew how much she loved Barbie, and that just a month after Christmas, she was going to become a big sister for the very first time.

Finally, my ornament from the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". I bought this ornament as a reminder to me that no matter what happens in our lives, it truly is, because of God, a *Wonderful* life!



And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Jeremiah 29:11

I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of this. Life can be cold and hard at times, and hard to understand. It helps to be reminded that even though I can't see the "big picture" of my life, God can!

Oh, Christmas Tree

Our tree is finally up!

In case you were wondering, we have an artificial tree. No "real" trees here.

Growing up, my Dad was allergic to real trees, so we always had an artificial one. I guess it has just kind of stuck with me. Seems safer than having a real tree too, in my opinion. And neater. No needles all over the floor!

I have had the same tree for quite a few years now. It is one of those "pre-lit" trees. Except for now, it no longer pre-lights, or even lights at all. That part of the tree only lasted a few years. I am still required to wind the lights around it anyway, so it kind of defeats the purpose of having a pre-lit tree. I now know this is a very common problem with these trees.

That would have been nice to know before hand.

For all of you considering buying one....you have been warned.

Last year, as we were in a rush to put the tree away, Hubs decided to just plop the tree, with all the lights still on it, back into the box. So, this year? It was loads of fun trying to get the lights OFF the tree, so I could untangle them, and put them on again.

I always get a bit weepy and sentimental looking over all the Christmas ornaments. I have some favorite ones, which I will feature in another post.

I love looking at trees that are super fancy and all color coordinated. You know, the ones that look like they were pulled right out of a magazine, with all of their glitz and glamour.

Our tree is not like that. There are no fancy bows or rows of matching ornaments.

Yet, I prefer my tree to those other trees. On our tree, every ornament has a story to tell. I can tell you how each and every one of them came to be on our tree.

The ones that were made by my girls are so very precious to me. The ones that have pictures of their adorable little faces on them? Even better.

Some we got as presents on our very first Christmas as a married couple. Others were given to our children as gifts. Several we have picked up, here and there, just because we liked them, or they reminded us of something, or someone, special.

Each one of them is unique in their own way.

I wouldn't trade my tree for anything.





Well....the tree itself can be replaced. It is starting to look its age.

And this time? It won't be a pre-lit tree that is purchased...

Truth Pandemic

What do you know about HIV and AIDS?

Today is World AIDS Day. Take a few minutes to watch this short video, and see if YOU know the truth.




Want even more info about HIV and AIDS? Go to http://www.projecthopeful.org/

The truth is contagious.

Spread it!

Let It Snow Hodgepodge

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

Yes, we do send (or give out) Christmas cards, usually with either a picture of our family, or a picture of the girls. We send out around fifty. We display the cards we receive on our banister.


2. When do kids become adults?

I think they become adults when they are 18, or when they have graduated from High School. It can be a rather fine line.


3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

I don't really have much of a 'beauty regimen', so it stays the same regardless of the seasons. I guess I do moisturize a bit more in the winter, but that's about it.


4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

I can't think of anything that I like to eat that other people would turn their noses up at. I do like squash and mushrooms, and those are both things that certain people in our family find repulsive, so I will go with those.


5. Gloves or mittens?

Definitely gloves! I haven't worn mittens since I was a little girl. I found this video, and apparently, owning these particular gloves can change your life. I don't own a smart phone yet (stupid cell phone contract) but Hubs does, so maybe I should get him a pair for Christmas?



FYI....this is EXACTLY how it looks outside my door right now! Brrr!

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?

Probably standing in line for the Toy Story ride at Disney World. We had to wait so long, that children were literally napping while we waited! Was it worth it? I don't think so.


7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?

My oldest daughter is in the play "The Homecoming" at our local theatre. This is the story "The Walton's" is based on. She is playing the part of Shirley, who is one of the Spencer children. The shows are next weekend, and we are all very excited to see the weeks of hard work pay off.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

So, here is an update about my medical tests. The pulmonologist does not think that I have emphysema, so THAT is good news! However, I do have some sort of restrictive airway disease, and he is not willing to "label" me yet, but he thinks that I may have chronic asthma. He put me on some new meds, and I have to see him again soon. Thanks for all of your prayers. I appreciate it!

In other news, our town is currently experiencing blizzard-like conditions. We are expected to get from 6-10 inches of snow tonight. We had something called "thunder snow" and it was pretty weird. It was thundering and lighting, WHILE it was snowing!

Power is out in the town next to us, but ours is still on. Of course, I got smart this time, and filled up the tub and several large containers with water, just in case. Since we have a well, if we lose power.....we lose water! No water = toilet that won't flush. With five people living in the house, that is NOT fun.

The kids around here are all excited about a possible snow day tomorrow. That is one of the disadvantages of doing school at home. You don't have to "go" anywhere, so school can continue as usual. Ha!

That's OK, we have "snow days" when the sun is shining instead :)

We need to find all of the winter gear, as the girls are looking forward to going sledding tomorrow.

Now....where did we put those boots....