Bookmark #1

Hello Everyone!  Welcome to all the New Followers!  

I'm so excited for you to join us as we craft together 

and try to encourage and uplift each other!

With Valentines Day approaching,
I have been making different types of gift items.

The next week we will be looking at different kinds of bookmarks!

Bookmark #1

This bookmark measures 2 1/8" x 8 1/4"

Cricut Cartridge:  Winter Frolic
Mat:  1 3/4" x 7 1/2"

Sentiment & Girl:  1 3/4"

Snowflake:  1 1/4"

Extras:  Chalking

Winter Frolic has layers so you can add dimension to your project

Card Stock:  Die Cuts with a View

Girl has Pink Glitter Card Stock
Snowflake & Lettering has White Glitter Card Stock

Finished off with a plastic sleeve & ribbon

Baby It's Cold Outside....at least where I live! 
It's a great time to curl up with a book and a handmade bookmark!

Is it cold where you live?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Winner 100th Post Giveaway

Marianne S. of  www.paperorfabric.blogspot.com  said...

Congrats on your milestone. I am a new follower and found you via the blog hop. I look forward to coming back and checking out more of your projects. I would love it if you can to visit me on my blog.

Congratulations Marianne!

You were chosen by www.random.org

I have sent you an e-mail, so when I receive your address
I will ship your prize package to you!

Prize includes 30 sheet pack of 12 x 12 printed scrapbooking paper
Heidi Grace 52 punchboard embossed tags
Basic Grey 6 june bug favor boxes and 48 gift tags
Studio Basics 101 - self adhesive chipboard alphabet
Pressed Petals (Division of Die Cuts with a View) -24 sheets 8 x 8
glitter, metallic & texture
6 x 6 cloth post bound scrapbook album

Stylish Blogger Award

 I received the Stylish Blogger Award from Jessica at:  http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com

Thank you so much Jessica!  Go check out Jessica's blog and her creative paper crafts!

As I understand the protocol for this award is to tell eight things about yourself 

and then choose eight blogs to give this award to.  

In turn, these eight blogs will continue the giving!

1.  I place my faith in Christ and He guides me everyday.
2.  I am a stay at home Mom.
3.  I love to write and am currently writing a fictional book.
4.  I used to think scrapbookers were crazy for going to crops until Midnight until
     I became one!
5.  I have never met a stranger.
6.  I would rather be in jeans & sweatshirt than a dress.
7.  Fall is my favorite time of year.
8.  I love Christmas so much that my nickname is the "Christmas Kid".

Now...the eight blogs that I have chosen to receive the Stylish Blogger Award are:

1.  Trisha at  http://www.apronstringsandfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

2.  Patty at   http://mymountainblessings.blogspot.com/

3.  Diane at  http://happyscrapperdiane.blogspot.com

4.  Lori at  http://scrappinsaints.blogspot.com/

5.  Beth at  http://www.teatotaler-thisandthat.com

6.  Melissa at  http://melissamade2.blogspot.com

7.  Taylor at  http://southernscrapper2010.blogspot.com/

8.  Helen at  http://tomorrowstreasure.blogspot.com

Make sure you check out these ladies blogs and enjoy them!

Jitterbuggin' Challenge

Challenge:  Main Color is brown with one other accent color.  

You can use all the cream, white and brown accents you want with any sketch 

or Cricut cut, but must add a bow on the project.

Main Color:  Brown

Accent Color:  Muted Red

Extra Colors:  Ivory & Light Brown

Ink:  Brown

Card Stock & Patterned Paper:  Die Cuts with a View

Card Size:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Top Fold Card

A simple thank you card that you can whip up when you need it!

Happy Birthday Card

This is a simple card, but very helpful for me 

since it can be used for women or men.  

I'm always looking for ideas for masculine cards.

 Card Size:  5 1/4" x 8"

Cricut Cartridges:  Twinkle Toes & Lyrical Letters

Center Ovals 3 3/4"

Sentiment 1 3/4"

 

Card Base Card Stock: Paper Studio

Other Card Stock:  Die Cuts with a View 

 

Inside Mat:  4 1/4" x 7" 

Have a Blessed Day!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

Friends are Blessings

Welcome to all my new followers!  I consider you all blessings!  

I would also like to say thank you to Ellen (aka The Card Monkey) 

http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/   for hosting the Valentines Day card blog hop!  There were wonderful blogs with talented ladies and great ideas!  

Good job to everyone!

Do you ever get stopped in the middle of a hectic day when everything around you is going wrong and something that would seem small and trivial any other day all of a sudden seems like a wonderful timely blessing and it just makes all the junk you've been through during the day seem a little less important?

I've had some of these bright spots lately at the most inopportune times.  That's when we look up and say, thanks for the blessings!  There is certainly good in each day although, some days we have to look harder than others to see it.  So, the next time you are having...One of Those Days and You Know What I Mean because  We All Have Them, then take a break even if you have to sit in the kitchen floor and cry first...then look around and find the bright spot and say thank you to God for the blessings!   

Valentines Day Card Blog Hop

Welcome to the Blog Hop!

If you came here from Liz's blog at 

http://www.skittles-and-scrapbooks.blogspot.com

you are headed in the right direction

If you just happened to come here and 
want to start at the beginning go to Ellen's blog 

(a.k.a. The Card Monkey) at  

http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

A Vintage Valentine

Card Style:  Gate fold

Cut card stock to 8" x 10 1/2" folded sides together toward middle 

Size:    5 1/4" x 8"

Panel mats:  2 1/4" x 7 3/4"

Mats in Center:  3" x 3" and 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Seam binding was adhered behind the mat to give the border

Card Stock:  Paper Studio

Patterned Paper:  K & Company

Cricut Cartridge:  Home Accents
Love cut at 1 3/4"  Mat 1 3/4"

Extras:  Sewed around edges of panel mats

Brown chalking was done over card, mats and flowers

Embellishments:  Assorted ribbons, crocheted lace, beads, buttons & Prima flowers 

Inside Mat:  4 3/4" x 7 3/4"

Valentines Candy Bar Gift

This can be such a fun gift and can be personalized for men, women or children.  

Dimensions for Hershey with Almonds Slider

Cut paper to 5" x 6" 

Score on back side at 4 1/2", 4", 2 1/8" and 1 5/8

Crease on score lines, fold together & adhere

Pinch top together punch hole

Cut band at 2 1/2" x 5 1/2"  Wrap around & adhere

Cut 18" small ribbon insert in both holes, pull until even, push down in sleeve slightly.  Insert candy bar keeping ribbon straight, push down and even up ribbon. 
Tighten ribbon & tie in knot.

Dimensions for regular Hershey bar

Paper 6" x 6"

Score at 2 1/2", 2 3/4", 5 1/4" and 5 1/2"

18 inches Ribbon


Poppin' by with a hi Valentine

Popcorn Gift
Patterned Paper:  9" x 6" K & Company
Score on back side at 2 1/2", 6 3/4"
Wrap around popcorn & adhere
Cricut Cartridge:  Doodlecharms round tag 2"

Don't forget the BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY Here!
* Become a follower if aren't already
*Scroll down and leave a comment on 100th Post Blog Candy Giveaway (Jan. 19 Post) &
Tell me your favorite season!  Drawing by random.org on Jan. 27
 

Prize includes 30 sheet pack of 12 x 12 printed scrapbooking paper
Heidi Grace 52 punchboard embossed tags
Basic Grey 6 june bug favor boxes and 48 gift tags
Studio Basics 101 - self adhesive chipboard alphabet
Pressed Petals (Division of Die Cuts with a View) -24 sheets 8 x 8
glitter, metallic & texture
6 x 6 cloth post bound scrapbook album

Thanks for coming by!  Happy Hopping!  On to the Next Stop!

Blog Hop List

1.   Ellen  (aka CardMonkey)  http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

2.   Shawn http://www.craftychicsblog.blogspot.com/

3.   Elaine www.expressionsbyelaine.blogspot.com

4.   Angie www.atuttletime.blogspot.com

5.   Darlene www.talesoftayandbay.blogspot.com

6.   Taylor www.southernscrapper2010.blogspot.com 

7.   Shawnee www.quiverofangels.blogspot.com

8.   Nikki http://www.theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com

9.    Sarah www.simplyshaddock.blogspot.com 

10.  Jamie  www.glitterstampsandpaperohmy.com

11.  Sarah http://www.sarahvaitstamps.blogspot.com/

12.  Liz http://www.skittles-and-scrapbooks.blogspot.com

13.  Selina http://www.mudpiereality.blogspot.com/      *  YOU ARE HERE

14.  Angie http://www.luvs2scrapbook75.blogspot.com     * NEXT STOP

 

Valentines Day Treats

Small Treat Ideas that are Great for Co-Workers, 
Teachers, Friends and Church Groups

Hershey Kisses Holder

Card stock or paper cut to 5 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Score on back side at 1 1/2", 3" and 4 1/2"

 Crease & fold to make a tent shape

Use glue dots or adhesive strip to adhere 4 Hershey kisses to center
of larger section on bottom of tent shape

Adhere bottom of tent with small piece on outside

Add ribbon & embellishments

Cricut Cartridge:  Doodlecharms heart tag 1 1/4"

Tea Bag Gift

Valentine...if I could, I would take all your troubles and toss them in the sea,
but since I can't I'm sending you my favorite cup of tea!


Dimensions for Celestial Seasoning size bag
4" x 6 1/2"
Score on back side at 1/2" and fold up to meet score line and crease
Adhere sides, add tea bag and use glue dot to close flap
Circut Cartridge:  Lyrical Letters 1 1/2"
Adhere sentiment & embellishments

Lipton tea bag Dimensions 3" x 6 5/8"

Matchbook Mints

Valentines Like You are Worth a "Mint"
 
Card stock cut at 2" x 4 3/4"
Score on back side at 4 1/2", 2 1/4" and 2" and crease
Place mint inside lower flap & staple plastic
Tuck in like a matchbook & adhere sentiment & embellishments



-----DON'T FORGET-----
Valentines Day Card Blog Hop

Saturday (TOMORROW), January 22 (Begins at 7:00 AM EST) & Sunday, January 23

Get ready for wonderful Valentines Day ideas and chances to win blog candy! 

The hop will begin at  Ellen's Card Monkey blog

http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

A full blog hop list of links will be posted at each stop on Saturday!  

You don't want to miss it!

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge # 43, Cuttlebug Spot Challenge, Cricut Cardz Challenge #58, Paper Cutz Challenge #75

Fantabulous Challenge:  Incorporate something sweet on your project

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge:  Inspired by childrens games

Cricut Cardz Challenge:  Use a snowman with any cartridge or colors

Paper Cutz Challenge #75:  Your choice with any theme or color

Card Size:  A2

Cricut Cartridges:  Winter Frolic & Twinkle Toes

Snowman cut at 3 1/2"

Scalloped oval cut at 4 1/2"

Cuttlebug folder:  Swiss Dots

 

Thanks for coming by.  Don't forget to register for blog candy on 

100th post Blog Candy Giveaway!

Coming Soon...Valentines Day Card Blog Hop

Saturday, January 22 (Begins at 7:00 AM EST) & Sunday, January 23

Get ready for wonderful Valentines Day ideas and chances to win blog candy! 

The hop will begin at  Ellen's Card Monkey blog 

http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

A full blog hop list of links will be posted at each stop on Saturday!  

You don't want to miss it!

This will be my first blog hop, so I am really excited and 

honored to join all the creative blogs!  

Welcome to all my new followers!  I'm so glad to have you as blog friends!

I have lots of items ready to share at the hop.  Don't forget to scroll down and leave a comment on the 100th Post Giveaway for chance to win blog candy!

100th Post - Blog Candy Giveaway

To celebrate 100 posts on my blog I decided to have a giveaway!  

The winner will receive the paper crafting items below!  

If you are not a scrapbooker, don't worry 

the prize includes a mini album to help get you started.

Prize includes 30 sheet pack of 12 x 12 printed scrapbooking paper
Heidi Grace 52 punchboard embossed tags
Basic Grey 6 june bug favor boxes and 48 gift tags
Studio Basics 101 - self adhesive chipboard alphabet
Pressed Petals (Division of Die Cuts with a View) -24 sheets 8 x 8
glitter, metallic & texture
6 x 6 cloth post bound scrapbook album

How to Win:

*Become a follower if you aren't already

*Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite season is and why

Winner will be chosen randomly by random.org on Thursday, January 27
Best Wishes Everyone!

Cricut Cardz Challenge #57, Paper Cutz Challenge #74, Paper Playtime Challenge #34

Cricut Cardz Challenge:  Make a card using any Cricut cartridge or theme using only the colors red, black and white!

Paper Cutz Challenge:  Make a card, scrapbook layout or craft project using a tag(s).  You may use any color or theme.

Paper Playtime Challenge:  Use the word love on your paper project.

Card Size:  5 1/4" x 8"

Cricut Cartridges:  Winter Frolic & Storybook

Cardstock:  Die Cuts With a View & Basic White & Red

Extras:  Black Chalking around heart tags

Color Scheme:  Red, Black & White

Assorted:  Ribbons & Threaded Wire

You may visit the challenge blogs below:

http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com

http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com

http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com

100th Post - Why Do I Love...

Why do I love to scrapbook?  To relive and preserve those precious memories of family and friends.

Why do I love to make cards and handmade gifts?  To give of myself in a way that shows love and kindness to those I will give the cards/gifts to.

Why do I love to write?  God has brought me through so much in my life that I have such peace and encouragement about how He helps us that I want to share this with others who are going through their own journey.

Why do I love to blog?  Blogging has given me an opportunity to express my thoughts and creativity in hopes that it will encourage someone else in their daily life.

Why do I love to be encouraging?  Life is a gift and when you have been so weak you could not lift up your head and wondered how long you would have this gift of life...then all other days are wonderful days ready to be enjoyed!  Everyone has a story and the need to be encouraged at some time in their life.

Why do I love to smile?  When I'm driving down the road and the sun shines and casts a beam on the side of my face and I feel its steady warmth, its like God is shining His love on me.  This is the type of joy I carry in my heart always because of God and what He has done for me.  Is it any wonder why I love to smile?

Why do you love these things?  I would love to hear your comments and why you love! 

CPS- Card Sketch Challenge

This Week's Sketch #201

 

The great thing about a sketch is it gives you some direction

and jump starts your creativity.  A sketch can be turned around in
any direction and this gives you some freedom in how you wish
to incorporate this guide in your card. 

 

With this card I flipped the sketch around a bit and used the ribbon

as the large rectangular piece. 

Cardstock:  Die Cuts With a View & Paper Studio for card base

Ivory Glitter Cardstock was used as a mat for scallop

Embellishments:  Assorted ribbons, buttons & Prima flowers

Cricut Cartridge:  Twinkle Toes

There is great inspiration at the CPS Card Sketch blog and you may visit it at:

http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com

Card Positioning Systems Challenge

This Week's Sketch #200

 

 

This card was loads of fun to create!  I found some darling ribbon

with high heels on it and thought it would nice to create

a real girly card.  After all with everything we do as

women we still manage to smile in those high heels and

just like the card says, "it's all good!"

 

Cardstock:  Basic for card base and Die Cuts with a View

Card Size:  5 1/4" x 8"

Cricut Cartridges:  Lyrical Letters & Twinkle Toes

Sentiment cut at 1 1/2" Shoes cut at 2 1/2"

Extras:  You will notice I added an extra purple gem to the sentiment in this photo

Assorted Ribbon, Diamond Stickles and Gems

 

You may visit the CPS blog with card sketches at:

http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

Thanks for coming by!  Enjoy your day!

Dream a Little Dream

"There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say
yes I've got dreams, of course I do.

Then they put the box away and bring it out every once in a while to look in it
and yep, they're still in there."  Erma Bombeck

You may have already read this quote on my blog.  I keep it close to remind me of how quickly our exciting dreams can become part of clutter on the shelf in our lives.  Time moves so quickly and often we allow our dreams to slip away from us not meaning too.  Let me encourage you to think about your dreams and ask yourself what steps you are taking to make sure those dreams are accomplished?  We only live once and we should take every opportunity to live our life to the fullest!  So, take those dreams out of the box, dust them off and find a sunny spot where they can grow & thrive in the New Year!    

A Song in My Head

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head and think about it all day long?  Today I've had a certain song that has played multiple times in my mind.  Thankfully, it is a beautiful song that I really like.  Sometimes we can get stuck on silly songs that we hear on the radio or in a store shopping.  

I wanted to share this song with you.  The phrase that sticks out the most with me is "Would you dare to believe there is still a reason to sing.  The way you've been feeling is just the dark before the morning!"  Have you ever felt like there just wasn't a reason to sing anymore or even go on?  Life has many ups and downs.  Sometimes the road gets so hard to travel that we find ourselves stuck in the dark and we forget to keep walking toward the light and allow God to help us through the journey.  Listen to this song and remember there is still a reason to sing and wherever you are... it's just the dark before the morning.  Daylight always comes.  

"...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  Psalm 30:5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZDQzR8LK-c

Inspired by Paper Playtime Challenge

This project was inspired by the challenge of making a card or layout 

using the theme of faces at Paper Playtime.  I did not get it 

entered into the challenge, but wanted to share it anyway.

 

Ears + Circled Eye + Nose = One Cute Doggie!

I don't know what made me think of this, but when I thought

of doing a dog face I just thought...wouldn't it be cute to add up
all the parts of the dog to = a cute dog face!
Now you've had your chuckle for the day!  Enjoy your day!

To visit the Paper Playtime bog go to http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com

Cricut Cardz Challenge #56

Challenge:  a New Year's card with incorporating a clock image from any cartridge.
You may use any colors you'd like for your card.

 

Cartridges Used:  Storybook & Twinkle Toes

Have a Blessed New Year Everyone!

Mojo Monday 172 Contest

Mojo Monday is a Sketch Contest where they give you a sketch of a card
and you create a card using the sketch as a guideline.  I made this card
while I was at a crop, with limited supplies on hand,
so here is my take on the sketch.

Card Stock:  Die Cuts with a View

Large oval is ivory glitter card stock, although it did not show in the picture.
You may visit Mojo Monday Blog at http://mojomonday.blogspot.com

Have a blessed day!

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge

This week the challenge is to create a project that was inspired by a book.
It can be any type of book or any part of a book.

 

When I was thinking of a book to inspire me for this project,

I kept thinking of Frosty the Snowman saying, "Happy Birthday".

It just so happens that I have family whose birthday is in

February, so they will receive these Frosty cards.

It even started snowing during the crop while I was making this card!

All Cardstock:  Die Cuts with a View

Snowman, snowflakes & sentiment is on white glitter cardstock

Cuttlebug Folder:  Happy Birthday

You may visit the Cuttlebug Spot Blog at http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com

Paper Cutz Challenge #73

For this challenge - make a card, LO or craft project using metal (brads, eyelets, wire, etc) and any colors or theme you'd like.

 

 When I first saw this brown floral card stock I knew I wanted to use it for card making. 
This is a simple card made with Die Cuts With a View card stock,

metal flower brads, ribbon & a tag!  Just right for those thinking of you cards.

You may visit the Paper Cutz Challenge Blog at http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com

Winner "Let's Celebrate Blog Hop"

 

Mary at Cardztv gave away the Cricut Lite Cartridge:  Twinkle Toes

during the Let's Celebrate Blog Hop for New Year's Day!

I was so excited to find out I had won this prize.  Thank you so much Mary!

I will enjoy creating with all these cute images!

 

Mary included a cute mini card on top of the cartridge!

  You may visit Mary's blog at http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com

for some great inspiration in card making!

Tips for Coupon Use

• Create a free e-mail account for newsletters and access to free coupons. 
  (No junk mail at home e-mail this way)

• Print any coupon you could possibly use.  Keep in a binder that zips up.  I used one of my son's old ones from school.  Get those plastic sleeve holders for baseball cards, etc. and put in your binder.  Again, I looked around and we already had lot's of extras of these too.  Place the plastic sleeves in the binder and all you have to do is slip your coupons in the holders and put them together by sections with dividers like the store is laid out.  Now it's easy to look through at the first of the month and pull out expired coupons too.  No more searching through the check file/coupon holders and killing your neck.  
• As you shop, you can flip to the section of coupons that you are shopping in and glance down to see if you have coupons for any of the items.  It really makes the process much easier. 
  Leave coupons in car so you’ll always have them.

• Check coupons weekly.  I print on Sunday night/Monday.  Later in week popular coupons have reached their manufacture print limit.

• The best coupons are usually for an amt. off 1 item purchased.

• Watch cycle of sale items.  Most sales are at a 12 week cycle.  When items are lowest price, use coupons if you have them and buy enough for 12 weeks, so you won’t pay full price later.  Some items are just on sale seasonally like barbecue sauce.  Since it can be expensive to stock up all at once, begin with just a few extra items at a time. 

• The goal is to buy the items you already purchase at the lowest sale price with a coupon, maximizing your savings.  Some items just don’t have coupons for them, but my thought process is this…if I can save money on the things we have to have, then I have more money for the things we want to have.

• Check clearance and marked down items- use coupons and many times get them free.  Remember, if you don’t use the item, maybe it can be donated to a Church food pantry. 

• Understand coupons- some places don’t take coupons printed from internet, so ask.  Ask their policies- my store says 1 coupon per item.  If I have a coupon for 1.00 of 2 boxes of cereal, then that’s all I can use for those 2 boxes.  I cannot use another coupon for the 2^nd box. 

• Can load coupons onto your Kroger card at both these sites.  I load coupons each week and print the list from Kroger.com which is by sections so you can easily see what you have coupons on.  My Kroger allows you to use both the digital coupons on the card with a paper coupon, but they are saying this may change, so ask at your customer service desk if you are allowed to use both on an item.  The savings is tremendous even free sometimes when you can.

 http://shortcuts.com

www.kroger.com 

• Register and sign up for everything Kroger wants to send you through mail & e-mail, because they will send you coupons based on your spending, which means free eggs, cereal and other things as well as great coupons on things you normally buy. 

Major coupon sites which prints coupons like you see in the newspaper:

http://www.redplum.com 

 http://www.couponmom.com/

This is a great website with links to other coupon sites and great tips on saving big!  Many of the things I’ve learned I have learned here!  She is an expert!

http://www.coupons.com

http://www.grocerycouponnetwork.com

http://www.smartsource.com

http://print.coupons.com

• Look in your cabinets and make a general list of items you use all the time: Shampoo, Deodorant, mac-n-cheese, chicken soup, etc. Find the manufacturers name and their website.  Bookmark this site, check often for promotions/coupons.

• Watch the sales & regular price and jot down the lowest price you’ve seen on these items.   This is your target price and use a coupon too!

 http://www.febreze.com

http://www.pillsbury.com/coupons-promotions

http://www2.kelloggs.com/Coupon.aspx

http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/default

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pg-brandsaver-samples-coupons.jsp

• I am certainly no expert and I'm sure many of you have even better tips, so please share them and we'll all learn together! 
• I am not endorsing any of the products from the sites listed, but giving an example of manufacture sites which offer specials that you might find helpful.
• Enjoy saving using coupons!

Have Time if You Make Time

How often do we find ourselves saying, "I just don't have time to do..."  There are so many demands on us today that sometimes we simply don't know which end is up!  As a child and teenager, life seemed more simple and one of my favorite things to say was..."you have time if you make time."  Looking back now, there was a time as a teen and young adult when I worked two jobs, was active in Church with teaching children and went to school full time.  I had began to experience the concept of time and the constant demands on it, but saw how I used my time as my choice, thus leaving time for the most important things.

Now, when I catch myself thinking or saying, "I just don't have time to do..." I am reminded that we all have rigorous schedules and constant demands on our time.  There are numerous jobs and actions that should be done everyday, but when we really evaluate our lives, we have time for the important things, if we make time for them.  Our life is about choices.  If you have a mental list of items you would love to have time to do...free yourself a little and simply make time for them.  You will be so glad you did!  Then when the next New Year rolls around you won't be bemoaning the fact that you never had time to do what was most important to you.

   

It's in the Little Things

What was the favorite thing you did during the Christmas holiday?  My favorite memory that I will take away from Christmas 2010 is two-fold.  I love taking a break from the busy season and enjoying our Christmas Eve communion at our Church.  It's a short service where we are reminded about why the little baby came and how He changed our lives forever.  The second memory I will always hold dear is family game times!  We love board games and we take time during the Christmas holiday to play often.  It's simple but yet so meaningful!  The laughter, fun and time together cannot be beat!  I will treasure these memories always!  Remember, the big events are great, but for most of us the little things provide the most treasured memories!

A New Year...A New Beginning

In Anne of Green Gables, Anne always said,
"Tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes in it." 
(L.M. Montgomery)

When we look to the New Year, we can see a new beginning and a chance to be the person we've always hoped to be.  I encourage you to not pull out one of the most used New Year's resolutions or goals like lose weight, but really think about what you would like to do different in the coming year.

I personally don't choose a New Year's resolution, but I do evaluate my life and see the areas that need improvement and pray asking God to help me make choices in the coming year that will improve these areas and give me a better life honoring to Him.  

We have a grand opportunity to be a new person in the coming year.  God is always there to guide His children in their decisions.  "Tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes in it."  We can celebrate the New Year looking forward to a newness in our lives which can make us a better child, wife, mom, sister and person.  The choice is up to us!