The Good News

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels,

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Let us be glad and rejoice today, because He has come.  And let us remember the proclamation of the angel: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). ~from Streams in the Desert

Party Mode

I was playing with the settings on the camera and found that there are a number of different scene modes to choose from.  These scene modes allow vivid shots of the subject under certain conditions such as beach, snow, sunset, nighttime, etc.  There is also a party mode.  Sounds fun!  I decided to take some pictures on "normal" mode and then take the same picture on "party" mode.  Here are the before and after photos.

I kinda like party mode.  It seems to bring out the goofiness in the whole family.  Now, if only there was a "brush your teeth" or "eat your dinner" mode.  Or, a "stop whining & complaining" mode!  :D

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today December 21, 2009

Outside my window.... it's cloudy and overcast with some frost nipping at my nose.

I am thinking..... about how nice and warm my bed was this morning.

I am thankful for..... the beauty of nature.

I am wearing..... an Alaska t-shirt with gray pullover fleece, black athletic pants and my holiday socks, (I do love the holiday socks!).

I am hearing..... my daughter's beautiful words as she chatters about Dora's Christmas Adventure (there was a time that I was praying about my daughters lack of speech. ;D)

I am going..... to try and use my new Sizzix machine.

I am reading..... Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall.

I am hoping..... the snow which is being forecast for the Christmas holiday doesn't affect those traveling to be with their loved ones.

I am creating..... Christmas presents, still.

On my mind..... my husband, who is on the recovery side of a lithotripsy.

From the learning rooms..... we are reading "Jotham's Journey" for advent and on Christmas break, yahoo!

Noticing that..... my christmas cards need stamps and finishing touches need to happen for Christmas.

From the kitchen..... the cupboards are bare, so dinner will be decided after we shop for groceries.  I'm thinking Balsamic glazed chicken since it's nice and easy.

Pondering these words.... "Try praising your wife, even if it does frighten her at first." ~ Billy Sunday

Around the house..... folded laundry on the back of the couch, christmas projects in various stages of completion and of coarse a few toys.

One of my favorite things.... new books!

A few plans for the rest of the week..... grocery shopping, baking & frosting cut-out cookies, start and finish our christmas shopping.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.....

If you would like to read other daybook entries or join in with your own entry, please visit Peggy who hosts The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Shall I Leave You Alone?

My dear child, are you questioning the number of trials in your life?  Remember the vineyard and learn from it.  The gardner stops pruning and trimming the vine or weeding the soil only when he expects nothing more from the vine during that season.  Do you now want me to stop pruning your life? 
Shall I leave you alone?

(Excerpt from Streams in the Desert by L.B Cowman)

Whispered Word

Let Me Tell You

On Friday we hosted our annual Christmas party with the mini-church group.  Fun was had by all.  There was food and games and white elephant gifts.

It has become tradition to do a white elephant gift exchange.  Well, let me tell you, we came away with a plethora of gifts.  You see, when you host a white elephant gift exchange, you need to be prepared to find gifts hidden here and there over the next few days.  Depending on the experience of your guests, it may take many days to find a hidden treasure.  I just recently came across a light bulb candle cleverly hidden near the nativity.

Another gift somehow made its way into our spare bedroom and was nestled in between a few pillows.

Here I am modeling the mens leather vest that I received.

You just never know what you might find during a white elephant gift exchange.  Oh and lest I forget to mention, it is ok and actually expected to re-gift a white elephant.  So, a word of warning to all the little elves who are in charge of hiding gifts.... the christmas party just might be at your house next year and let me tell you, I've got some goodies to share.

Thanks to all who made this year a very Merry Christmas.  Much love!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today December 14, 2009

Outside my window.... it's cloudy and overcast with a bit of freezing drizzle falling. (definitely not my favorite kind of weather!)

I am thinking..... that I want to be more organized.

I am thankful for..... hot showers.

I am wearing..... an Old Navy t-shirt with gray pullover fleece, black athletic pants and my santa socks, (oh dear, the only difference from last monday is the santa socks!).

I am hearing..... Christmas songs.

I am going..... to try organizing all the pictures on the computer today.

I am reading..... Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall.

I am hoping..... to make more than one blog entry this week.

I am creating..... some christmas presents that I'll have to mention later, I know the grandparents read this blog.  :D

On my mind..... our first christmas celebration of the season is coming up this weekend.

From the learning rooms..... we are reading "Jotham's Journey" for advent and then going through a series of activities each day with advent in mind. We are also enjoying our daily math assignments and getting creative for spelling.

Noticing that..... when there are christmas cookies in the house, I'm either eating them or listening to them call my name.

From the kitchen..... spaghetti for dinner.

Pondering these words.... "Walking in the light means following without compromise anything God shows you to do." ~ R.T. Kendall

Around the house..... little remnants from our christmas party.  I am still discovering discarded white elephant gifts our guests hid before leaving.

One of my favorite things.... dark chocolate M&M's.  Yum!

A few plans for the rest of the week..... grocery shopping, library, laundry and doctor appointment for my honey.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.....

The sous chef and finished cake for AWANA depicting the real reason for Christmas.

If you would like to read other daybook entries or join in with your own entry, please visit Peggy who hosts The Simple Woman’s Daybook.