H N Y

Merry Christmas

My favorite gifts!!

Vblog apology

Monday Again

Outside my window is a quiet street with no traffic, no people sitrring, not a sound to be heard.
It's not even my window. I am back down south baby sitting for the week.

i am thinking how crazy I look with broken glasses. One arm of my glasses came off. I haven't made it by the optometrist to get them fixed. I'm afraid they will think I am crazy too. I do substitute my contact lens when I have to go out in public, though.

I am doing a lot of traveling. From one house to the other. Back and forth over the  weekends. It's a whirlwind.

I am looking forward to a long hot bubble bath. To sit and relax with some Bath & Body Works with the radio going, I may be in there a while.

I am reading all the magazines that are coming in the mail with so many Christmas ideas. I want to do them all. Like this cookie recipie.

Quote for the day:

I haven't even dressed yet. I am still wearing my purple plaid pj bottoms with a tank top.  I will get dressed shortly, It's just 6.30am. Don't have any idea what I will wear, though. Since I am stayng in baby sitting, I could probably not get dressed and no one would ever know. I am really liking these kinds of days this month.

In the kitchen the curtains are open and a nutritional one serving of oatmeal is cooked for me with a side of toast. I love oatmeal.

I am planning my Christmas shopping strategy to complete my gift giving list. I have 25% off coupons at certain stores on certain days. If I play my coupons right, I will save a bundle on the perfect gifts.


I am thankful that Molly dog didn't throw up in my bed again last night. She comes and gets in my bed during the night while I am staying down here. She threw up in my bed one night at 3.20 am. I heard her gagging. I got up cleaned her up and had to wash my sheets and comforter and re-make my bed. At 3.20 in the morning.

A peek into my day with these fabrics I bought recently just waiting for me to get the scissors a hold of them.

I am linked to Day Book here.

Monday

Outside my window it is still dark. Early early morning. The sun has not risen yet. But the baby is up and ready to eat.

I am thinking that there really is no place like home. While I am loving staying here to baby sit my grandbaby for a month on weekdays, it's still not home. But it is comfortable and I am enjoying it .

I am doing some planning for my week . A few errands to do this afternoon and visiting the next few evenings .

I am still reading "Hand Me Another Brick". A Bible study on Nehemiah.

I am wearing the most comfortable outfit. Stretchy Capri work out pants and tank top. I am enjoying my leisure time. I won't be leaving the house so I am just fine .

In the kitchen is heaven!!  While babysitting I am instructed not to cook. Just play with the baby. Be at her every call.  So I found leftover spaghetti for my lunch.

My planning is stated above. I want to get to everything on my todo list. That takes planning.

I  am thankful for beautiful weather in the month of December. High in the 70's, lows in the 60's. Us southerners are spoiled.

A peek into my day was a stroll around the neighborhood with Julie and two babies in strollers.?
Nice!

I am linked to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/?m=0

I am linked to woman's day book 

Quick Look Vlog

Here is a quick look at my first night getting in.

Big news for December

I have big news to share today. Big plans for December.

Glimpse into my day Dec vlog 1

I

I know. I know. It's two days till I officially start my December vloging. But I'm jump starting. Cause I can't wait .

Almost December

I love the month of December. For the special reason of celebrating our Savior's birth. And also for the Christmas joy and spirit. I love the lights, the nativities, Christmas Carols and Christmas plays. 

Monday Woman's Day Book

Today outside my window I woke up to sprinkling rain. It's a good day to stay in and sleep a little longer.

As I lay in bed I am thinking of all the things that need doing today. My only day off this week. The house needs my undivided attention. After a 4 day holiday with kids and babies in and out and spending the night and in-laws invited over for the Thanksgiving meal and me at work the whole time during all 4 days, leaves the house well used.

I am thankful for this holiday season. For the food God provides for our table. Even though I did not spend time with my side of the family, just know you were in my thoughts and I am thankful for you.

Lunch in the kitchen today will be what else but leftover turkey!! Made into turkey salad and sliced turkey sandwiches. All the desserts have disappeared. Which is a good thing. I need to diet this week.






It's noonish and I am still in pj's. Just me and hubby home. So I don't think I need to even bother to get dressed..

I am reading Hand Me Another Brick, (Charles R. Swindoll). A Bible study on Nehemiah. Doing it long distance with Bobbie and Peggy. It's good! It slaps me in the face. It wakes me up. It turns on light bulbs in my head.

The Christmas Season is here. I am looking forward to all that it brings. Like the hustle and bustle. Christmas carols. Lights, trees, and the Nativity. And the celebration of our dear Savior's birth.

Around the house is not good. Of all times with company this holiday week, someone found a bad spot in the hall floor.  Husband couldn't check it out till today. Praying and keeping fingers crossed it is not severe.

Quote of the day for me is (parapharsing here) "If God takes care of the birds and the lillies, how too will he care for you." Knowintg that God is our provider and sustainer of life, he will provide our needs, but he expects our hard work.

My 2 favorite things. A picture is worth a 1000 words.

I have new plans starting next week. So this week I am planning out my December. Packing my bags. Making my list. Checking it twice. Those plans will be revealed the end of this week.

Today is going by fast. Back at work tomorrow. So I will bask in the luxury of home time.

I am linking to Woman's Day Book here.

gin

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from my two little turkeys !!

Busy

A little too much work going on. I've been scheduled extra days a week at work (12 hour days). Giving me no "me" time. But I don't say no. I just push on and try to accommodate everyone.

Even if that means missing my weekend company. I see them at 6am in the morning and then again at 8pm at night.

I still manage to get one of the important motherly/wifely jobs done and that would be breakfast and dinner.

They are on their own for lunch.

The Happy Project Day == Wrap up

A life learning week.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The week has made me appreciate my own blessings that I certainly take for granted.

Why are some so unfortunate?

Yet, there are those who can't give back much now, but have in the past been the ones who spread a little happiness around them.

Monday project was easy. I didn't have to confront anyone. Just put my thank Yous on paper for being who they were in my life and send it off in the mail. Easy peasy. Done.

The Tuesday and Wednesday didnt happen. I had good thoughts to help the homeless. And to treat someone in a kinda pay it forward kinda way. But I consider my self a stranger to my area, and couldn't find the homeless . Excuses.

I did help a little old guy in the isle at Walmart trying to choose from the row of can tomatoes. That was Simple for me.

I saw the article in the newspaper about The Shoebox Campaign. I filled a shoebox. I went to the location I thought it said, couldn't find it. Ummm, I am still working on that.

Our dear veterans. On friday while at the bank there was a veteran program going on. I paused a moment, listened and spoke to one of the veterans standing in the background. It made me happy. But it's suppose to be about them.

Everyone, no matter their situation, deserves a happy day. The old, the child, the servant, the one with nothing. And by me spending just a moment in my day to think of them, to do a little something for them, to share a smile with them makes part of my day happy, too.

 I would love for everyone to be happy, to be comfortable, to have what they need. To be like me. But I can't help everyone.  Just the few I shared with this week doesn't even begin to make a dent in the needs of just my surroundings, let alone our nation, or the world.

By pooling our resouces we can reach more who need. I will be choosing a Christmas Angel from the Christmas tree at Walmart to give a gift too. I have done this for 3 years now.

The Happy Day Project should not end this week.
We should all be aware of the needs of those around us.
Not just during this holiday season.
Continue to help, either as a community group, or an occasional one on one.

Thanks to Jeannette for her care and concern for the needs around us. And for reminding us it only takes a little to make someone's day happy.

gin

The Happy Day Project == Wednesday

The Happy Day Project for Wednesday is Treat Someone.

Now that is a pay it forward kinda day. Who doesn't like to get treated?



We probably all been there. When like an angel, someone just made our day with a special treat for no reason. It could have been with just a kind word or just a smile. Or a cup of coffee or a bottle of water. Or even let us in front of them in line.

Today I am going  to treat someone. In just the simplist way. A way that says "Hi, have a nice day."

How I Spend My Free Time

The Happy Day Project == Tuesday

The Happy Day Project == Tuesday is Gift Card to Homeless.

Do you know how hard that is here in my wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, where I am 25 miles from the nearest town? Yet, there are homeless everywhere, I just need to find them on my drive into the city this week. It's a small town. Very seldom do I see someone standing on the corner with a "hungry" sign.

But I know they are there. I know I probably look right over them. Me in too big of a hurry.

That's what this weeks projects are all about. To stop and look. To look at others rather than ourself.  We all make our choices. Some not so good choices and that person or family ends up on the street homeless and hungry. We don't know the cicumstances or the whys or the why nots. Just help if you can. Even if it's for one day. One day can make a difference.

A gift card ready to give to someone who needs something today. And with a smile they will know I do care and I'm not judging. Just sharing a little.

gin

Happy Day Monday

The Happy Day Project today over at liferearranged.com is Hand Written Note Day.

There are so many I can think of that deserve a hand written note today. There's a sick person I know who is facing a tough stay in the hospital. There are family members who would love a note of cheer today. A single mom who sees no future, when her future is right there before her in her arms.

Sending just a thought saying I am thinking of you today. And really it's just not for today. Because I do think about them everyday. But today they get a hand written note telling them they are an awesome person and I am glad to be a part of their life.

I am sending out several hand written notes because I don't tell them enough that I do care.

And sending a note to my corner grocery. A bunch of ladies who work long busy hours. Always with a smile and a kind word to say. And always knows your name.

The Happy Day Project

The Happy Day Project

With all what the holiday seasons bring, we some times forget about reality. .About sharing in the blessings. It's a little about others sometimes. About causes. And about forgetting about yourself.

So this week, starting tomorrow,  I am linking up with Jeannette to the Happy Day Project.

gin

Happy birthday Trent!!

Last of the crew for a birthday this year . Cake and food and gifts and fun.

Happy Birthday Trent!

Two little babies sitting in a ...

My two babies doing the same thing.

Sleeping in their carriers.

I know some of my viewers will be intersted in this.

Visiting with the in-laws recently. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law had  a few family over to mark the occasion of their new home..
While I did not mark the occasion with pictures of the outside of the beautiful house, I do have inside shots of people posing. Though I think candid shots are the best, I have none.

House owner Judy and her daughter Amanda.

Amanda's 3 kids sitting at the kitchen island.

My other two sister-in-laws who are from out of town and out of state visiting for the occassion.

They built a log cabin and are in the process of being completely moved in by Christmas.
Which means we will probably have a family Christmas day there. But not on The Christmas Day. Thats how it usually is. A Christmas at this side of the family. A Christmas at his side of the family. A Christmas with best friends. A church family Christmas. An office Christmas.

This is getting me in the spirit of  Christmas!

gin

Pet party

Me and my Poochie was invited to a virtual Facebook event birthday party.
All guests were asked to send a barking happy birthday wish.
Happy birthday Weezie !!
Enjoy!!

Between

Spending time with my new babies and trying to help the new mommas out I had spare time to walk the dog.

That threw in a little exercise for me.

We are all happy!

Dollar Haul

I needed a shopping fix. I needed a few items. I could probably really do without them. But I talked myself into stopping at Family Dollar after work.

Items bought for under $10.00 total:

1 - bag of Halloween fruit chewy candy. For my self , not to give out to trick or treaters because we never have any ghosts or goblins to visit. So it's just treat for myself. $2.00

3 - 5x7 picture frames. For my lovely new babies pictures. See the one baby picture already in the frame. I have this thing about symmetry. Where everything has to be alike. Like all first new grandbabies pictures in the same exact frame. Granted I only have 2 new babies now. But I bought 3 frames exactly alike. It's a long story but that's how I do things. So at $2.00 each = 6 bucks.

1 - cute change purse. In my elementary life we carried change purses to keep our change in for recess vending machines . Now in my adult life, if you are ever behind me in the checkout line you may see me digging in the bottom of my purse for exact change. Well, no more. All my change will now go into this little doggie change purse for quick access . Price $1

Then today a co-worker gave me a new "For Each New Day 2013 Planner", which fits in perfect with my new plan to follow Bobbie's 40 shades of pink organizing idea from day 7 of 31 days of October organizing. This Cost me nothing.

It was all cheap. It was a few quick things to pick up. And still have dollars in my purse.

gin

Sharing

Even pet relatives can share when made too.

Poochie and Molly sharing a tiny empty space on the back seat on the way back home. Molly spent a few days with us while her parents brought home their new baby .

If these two were people, Poochie would be Molly's aunt. But of course they are not people (but don't tell them that).

Poochie on the left, solid black Molly on the right.

Baby's Here

My new baby arrived . She is absolutely precious.

Brooklyn Ann Donaldson. Oct 4, 2012. 6 lbs 9 oz. 19 1/4 in. My second grandbaby in 10 weeks . It is absolutely wonderful.

For a shower

In the TuTu business for a little girl on the way. They were quick, easy, and fun to make.

So with my instructions via video and supplies, my sisters (here and here) took on the making of tutus for a baby shower.

I was quite impressed I might add. They did a fantastic job on the tutus , having never ever made one before until this time and had probably never ever even thought of ever making one.

One tutu, of green pink and white, to go around the cake.

One to spare  of pink and white, which we didn't need for shower decor, but will look awful cute when she turns one.

And two tutus, of all pink, attached to two onzies with a little personalization .

Really really really cute.

The end

The end of summer is official in a few days. The ways of summer that I love is slowly ending . It's not as fun to be out on the water on a fall day . The sweltering heat , the sun beating down on the top of your head. Sweat all over your body from being in the outdoors .

I actually really like all that. Not having to wear very many clothes. And don't forget the long day light hours. Why does it have to end.

Now it's a tiny bit cooler temps in the morning, but at least the temps rise back up to the 90's in the day. Now it's the few falling leaves gliding down from the trees. Now it's wanting that big pot of soup, stew, and chili.

It's football time. I even got my babe a little t-shirt to cheer his tigers in.

It's thoughts of fall fest time with pumpkins and yellows and orange and blacks and trick or treat planning. This costume is on the list for the new babe who is not even here yet. I have to see if I can make this.

I miss the end to the real summer stuff .

Kiss Kiss

Happy 6 weeks old!!

Lately

It's been all things baby. Baby this and baby that for the last eight months when first baby-to-be announcement was made. Then baby this and baby that double when next baby-to-be announcement was made six months ago.

Its been double baby made stuff. Two of everything. One in blue. One in pink.

So in no particular order pictures are below. What the picture shows in pink wax also made in blue. What the picture shows in blue was also made in pink. Just not picture of everything

Party Planners

My 1st new grandbaby was born July 24. His baby shower party was so nice.

At a very nice venue with picture perfect weather and thoughtful loving guest who showered Julie and Brandon with beautiful gifts. Her sisters had great food and cute decorations and made this a great party for the new little one-to-be. 

My other party planners did a nice job too. It was a baby shower party for my 2nd new grandbaby to be.

It came off without a glitch!

Nothing went wrong, everything went as planned .

Unless you count the stormy weather that rolled up 2 hours before the set time of the event. It got dark, it thundered, and it poured down rain and wind, and the streets flooded.  And then it stopped as quick as it started just in time for people to arrive.

Jennifer was nervous that no one would show because of the weather.

For sure rain nor flood will stop people from being super awesome great friends and family.

 Thank you party planners for great food, cute decorations and everything you did.

Thank you guests for being so thoughtful and showering Jennifer and Chris with gifts.

This baby girl is due Sept 27.

GIN