New Year's Eve and a New New Year's Eve Ball

Happy New Year's Everybody! "What are you doing this New Year's Eve?!" Look at the "New" New Year's Eve Ball. Isn't it beautiful. Waterford Crystal and it is double the size of previous balls. Wow. I'm looking closely because I haven't been known to make it until midnight the last few New Year's. In fact, seven to be exact, the same number as the Twins... Just thinkin'.... ;)

We're hunkering down for more family time. Lots of games with the Tigers, "TouchDown Taco Dip" there's a shout out to my Pampered Chef friends. Love that recipe. And it is Bowl Game time. I may dream of being at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans a little bit.

Mostly I get reflective and will be thinking about 2008 and how blessed and thankful I am and then I will look onward to 2009 with great anticipation for what God has in store in the days ahead. I'll take a little time to myself in my pensive mood to write it all down.

The Tigers will still go to bed near their bedtime. As for Mountain Man and me, we will go to bed at our usual time too. Gone are the days of staying up until midnight waiting to watch the New Year's Eve Ball drop in New York City. At least right now and that's ok. ;)

Here is a little linky fun for New Year's Eve, Times Square New York City! They really know how to celebrate in NYC. I've never spent a New Year's Eve there, have you?

What are you doing with your last eleven hours and twenty-eight minutes of 2008?

p.s. Thank you to all of my readers and friends. You are a great encouragement and blessing to me. I love visiting your blogs and interacting. I do visit each of you and appreciate you. Looking forward to the 2009. Bloggy blessings and best.

Warmly,

New Year and Writing

Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Hello Friends, Hello New Year! Can you tell I am excited about 2009. I love a New Year. You know the whole New Year's Resolution thing we talked about yesterday. There's more.

A New Year seems to get me really charged up and in super creative mode too. That is always a good fun thing. Knowing that all of my bloggy friends love to write and journal your lives, your passion, etc. I wanted to make sure you are aware of friend, Darren Rowse @ ProBlogger. He has an awesome feature article today "How To Write Fast." The article opens up talking about monetizing your blog. However, whatever your blogging goals are, the writing advice is sound. Efficiency is a good thing regardless.

Of course, content is important and she addresses how to keep content and be more speedy. I would agree. In fact, I was taught this way in undergraduate school @ the University of South Carolina and in graduate classes at the University of Colorado. And it still works today.

Here's what I would add:
1) Once you do brain storm and/or have an idea write it down then. As a writer and former Columnist, I would even say, get to the desk/laptop then. Do not wait.

While studying Creative Writing at the University of Colorado, Professor Reg Saner said, "The one thing about writers - writers write!" How right he was/is! :) Even today, I continue the habit he reinforced that year, carrying notes or 3 x 5 cards with me wherever I go. Leading into...

2) Have paper, 3 x5 cards, pen, pencil. iPhone, Blackberry, In other words, have your favorite way of getting it down so to speak.

I even keep a stationery kit by my bed for these purposes. And yes, I have been known to turn on the light during the night to get something down. Or slip into the restroom. Then that has translated to the latest time - it turned into a full blown post right there sitting on the restroom floor with my laptop in lap. Anyone else familiar with this one. and

3) The last thing I would note here is once you have that great sentence or opening line. That great phrase. If you do not translate it into a post now, go ahead. Keep it. File it and use it on a 'rainy day.' There will be a time. Or not, and that is okay because "Writer's write."

Hope this was helpful to you and your everyday writing. Let me know what you think. Any other resources you want to share.

Warmly,

New Year's Resolutions or The Hyatt Life Plan

Loving the Holiday Season still.

Welcome Home to those of you making your way back online. As 2008 comes to an end, I am thinking about the events of this past year. One wonderful thing has been all of my blogging connections - you my friends. I am thankful for the blessings.

Are you a New Year's Resolution person? :) I am. Always have been. To me it is part of the fun to draw up my Best New Year from where I sit looking into the window of the year. It is an exciting time. And a time I rely more than ever on the Lord Jesus Christ. None of us know what tomorrow holds. And we no not what 2009 will hold.

Regardless of the design meant of each of us in the New Year, may we commit it to Him. And more than ever rely on Christ to see us through and to work all things for His plan.

Just wanted to share what I love finding. This year instead of my "New Year's Resolutions" only plan. I am going to do the
Michael Hyatt Life Plan. I love the outline he gives and how explains its purpose.

If you are not familiar with Michael Hyatt - he is the President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. Join us on Twitter. Here's his Twitter: Of course, join me too

It's really fun! This is how I plan to balance my 2009, with a Life Plan and juggling my responsibilities that are prioritized. I'm joining The Inspired Room in sharing the balancing act. What about you?

Looking forward to it. Want to join us? Let me know what you think or what your 'plan' is for the New Year!

Warmly,

Sunday Scripture

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”- Matthew 11:28

It has been a great week of Celebration. This morning, I am feeling a little like it is the end of the year, and feeling comforted to 'rest in Him' this day and in the New Year. Have a blessed day!

Warmly,

The Boys Favorite Things on Vacation Days

To a seven year old boys, life is busy. Toys, Reading, Playing, Running, Family. Life is care-free. After I started this, I thought I would ask the boys what matters right now. Here is their list un-cut.

Tiger A lists;

Christmas, Guns (they are playing with water guns right now) Horses, Cats, Dogs, Movies, Jesus, Football and Running. Of course, I asked about food. Notice the children didn't mention foods as a favorite. However, Tiger A listed his favorite Cheese Quisadillas. Friends were: Ms. L, our neighbor, Daniel his buddy from first grade, girlfriends and family.

Tiger B lists:

Baseball, Basketball, Football Fields (where his parents let him run wild :) Your back yard, trees, neighborhoods, friends and family. Cousins, brother, Bibles, Ramin and Mac n' Cheese and Chicken Noodle Soup. Again, I prompted the food mentions. So basically, even though they eat a. l.o.t of food, the list is above that makes their top mentions.

Me, I'm thinking about the New Year and reflecting on this past year.

Tell me, what are your vacation days or weekend days filled with this last few days of 2008?

Warmly,

Our Battery Free Christmas!

Hope your Christmas was merry and bright. Ours was, it was just not white. We're okay with that really because we had a 63 degree Christmas. That is nice after a cold front moved through a few days before Christmas Eve.

We went for a family hike/run before 'the big Christmas dinner.' A man from Long Island offered to take our picture and mused "I wonder what they're doing up North." :) He was loving getting to jog in shorts on Christmas Day.

And yes, the Tigers loved their toys. And their parents loved the battery free factor. Mountain Man and I are loving our fruits of a battery free Christmas this year and y'all it has been sooo nice. So without linking up to all the toys we did buy, I'll suffice it to say = the boys are playing, building, creating, reading.... It has been a nice diversion. Ironically, we had all of our batteries stocked this year.

Here are the happy faces of "the Cherubs" on our hike and in their Christmas pajamas - this year Dinosaurs ruled - that is Glow.In.The.Dark Dinosaurs. :) That made for an interesting bedtime. Nothing like gearing them up like glowing jammies when they're already 'seeing Santa and the Reindeer' out their windows.

Let me know what stands out about your Christmas 2008. p.s. another bonus here, it was fun to stay in town this year.

Warmly,

This Is Our God - Merry Christmas

The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. 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[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.:

Warmly,

Merry Christmas to All And To All A Good Night!

Making sugar cookies for Mr. Claus. And enjoying this day. Here is a link from my Christmas post last year that I still love and believe this year:



Have you read "The Eve of Christmas" today? Melanie so commemorates the season here in sharing her heart this Christmas.

As for me, I am thinking about my special memories that I've savored throughout this year. My you cherish the blessings of this year, this life right now. I value the friendship and privelege to walk into 2009 together.

Warmly,

It's Colorado Cold in Carolina

Word for the day here. Starbucks Gourmet Hot Chocolate!" A season favorite. And I just drank my last one because I looked at the fat/calorie ratio. Okay, let's just say this 'was' good!

The children loved the Nutcracker. Not sure if I watched their faces more or the ballet. It was truly magical.

Warmly,

Dear Friends Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas!

Here are some of the fun lights I mentioned from this past weekend when we went on a Christmas lights drive.

And then here



is where the Tigers and ninety-seven of their school 'friends' and I will be tomorrow. :) We're all really excited about the Nutcracker. And mama is really tired after trying to coordinate right in the middle of my week of being not so busy. It is okay because I am enjoying helping and gathering together everyone for the fun.

Then after that it is relax, hunker down and celebrate the Christ Child. So I wanted to give a little early shout out to all of you in my blogging life and real life. :) Thank you for all of the fun, encouraging and uplifting enlightening times here this year. You have all warmed my heart and been a real delight and blessing. Merry Christmas and I will see you when I surprise you and me and pop back in.

If not, I plan to enjoy my family and celebrate this Christmas without any worry, without any more stores or shops and things. I think of each of you so if I have not gotten around to you or your Twitter, here's to you and to our next year together.

I'll post tomorrow or Wednesday my Christmas video. See ya soon. And if you have a moment let me know where you will spend Christmas!

Warmly,

Sunday Scripture - Happy Sunday!

" 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2

Warmly,

Let Them Have Snow

Admittedly, growing up in New Orleans, it is not in my DNA to long for snow at Christmastime even though it is beautiful and I love it. However, I thought I would add a little fun to my blog to kick up the excitement this week before Christmas. So welcome and enjoy!

Recently, I was asked on my Twitter ;) what three words I would use to sum up basically my New Year's Resolutions. I love writing New Year's Resolutions and do every year. I love a new beginning and you'll undoubtedly hear me write more about that after Christmas.

However, with the question ringing true in my ears and Christmas in five days, here's my initial answer:

Faith Family Friends

These are the blessings along the way. And my I make my Faith Family and Friends priorities more than ever in this New Year. Yes, I will have list of other goals and resolutions if you wish. For now, this is keeping me focused this Christmas week.

What about you? Have you thought of these things? What are your initial three? :)

Warmly,

p.s. This post was edited for spelling by my seven year old son! :)

Siesta Ornament Exchange Goodies

Here's is what I sent my Secret Siesta Leigh Gray. Inside is a cute Ornament that I got at a cute gift shop here called, "The Ivy Cottage. They have the best of everything so it was hard to narrow it all down. Anyway, I did and found a cute star and red and gold ornament that Leigh said would go great on her gold and red tree. :) And I had to add a little something extra... see that cute red box. That is the lovely Tyler candle in "EggNog" and they are yummy. Love these ecofriendly candles. The piping on my little year round tree is Twins Art. ;)
Did anyone else do the Siesta Ornament Exchange? See the cute button on my left sidebar? Well, I did and it was fun. And one great thing is this year I did not attend a hand full of ornament exchanges so I enjoyed this the one I did.

Love this cross. It gets much more credit in person. It's lovely and reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas.


Five days until Christmas, are you ready? We are - just a little more wrapping and the battery check and we're good on the 'stuff' front. Setting aside time for the Nativity Story, our Advent Calendar, other great things about the Baby Jesus and Christmastime.
Warmly,

Christmas Crafty Thursday Fun Again ;)

Y'all are seeing it all with the Christmas tours, etc. One reminder, this is not a Craft blog. :) We all know "those" :) experts. However, in looking around for something to share, I was happy to realize I had a fun craft I just was inspired to do on my own and I want to share.

Get ready, it.is.not.perfect. However, voila the Toile! :) I made a little serving tray out of the toile we used to reupholster - remember "The Love Seat Project!" Isn't it cute together.

All supplies came from JoAnn's. And I just mod podged the material cutouts to the wooden tray I purchased. Then sprayed with a sealer. I love it and I made it!

Since I got everything on sale, I only spent about $4 - happy fact - and it is my unique creation. Saves me the $40 they go for in the retail departments.

Share a craft you created if you wish. And looking forward to a Merry Christmas!

Warmly,

Homeschooling Resources For Moms

MERCER LANE ACADEMY

• 
  A Beka Books
• Christian Liberty Press
• 
  MathUSee
• Saxon Math
• 
  Simply Charlotte Mason

  7 Benefits of Homeschool Handicrafts: Handicrafts, part 1
• 
  The Well-Trained Mind

  
  

  Classical Conversations

  
  
• 
  Whole Heart Ministries

  
  

  
  

Warmly, Carolina Mama

A Perfect Baby Gift and A Giveaway :)

*Has anyone seen that Rocky Road Fudge/Peanut Butter (not marshmallows) ? And where? I can't find it to make :) It had Choc. Chips, peanut butter, a little butter, ... one more or was it marshmallows? Thanks! Enter the Giveaway at the end of the post. :)

It's Christmastime and you're looking for the perfect baby gift for your friends like mine, who are all expecting right now. Here is something handmade, special and delightfully cute!

The Little Bella Bean
Vintage Large Flower Onsie! This will make any mom-to-be happy. And it is handmade and all cotton so baby will be happy, too. It's Made in the U.S.A. so everyone in this economy will smile.

Think ahead just a little and have Little Bella Bean
deliver the gift right to the Mama and you've just cut out the extra work at this busy time of year. Additionally, what mama would love to get a fun package at their door!

For more gift ideas and tips, check out "Works For Me Wednesday!" and have fun!

And Enter the Win It Wednesday Giveaway right here: Visit Little Bells Bean's Etsy shop and chose a favorite. Come back and let me know in comments and you are entered.

This week's "Win It Wednesday" winner is Sandy Toes! number 3 starting from the original post about "She's Got Paper's" Giveaway. Thank Mountain Man who chose a random number just before falling asleep. So enjoy! And Thanks "She's Got Paper's" for playing along.
Warmly,