Happy Homemaker Monday November 26th

Thanks to Sandra for hosting this every week and giving me a chance to reflect on my blessings. Join her and the rest of us at her Happy Homemaking Monday post.

First, a Happy Anniversary to my parents who were married 52 years ago today! 

The Weather

It's time to start the car in the mornings to warm up the engine and at times defrost the windshield. We are supposed to get 1 to 2 inches of snow tomorrow. It is perfect weather to bring us to Christmas (and to have a roaring fire in the fireplace). The kids are finally back at school for the first full week in a long time, which means that I do not have my 14 year old to start a fire for me. Rats.

Right Now

I am enjoying the quiet. My oldest is still in bed and the dog has gone back to bed. Hey, that's not a bad idea. I have already ordered my daughter's Christmas presents (she emails me links to the things she wants, always keeping within my budget. She's my kind of girl, efficient and practical). And I have my Christmas card ready to order.

Thinking

About the huge to-do lists that come with this time of year, along with all of the usual activities. Worried about the snow tomorrow because I have to bring my daughter to a doctor's appointment and my college student has classes tomorrow and his car is not heating properly. My husband changed the thermometer and that didn't do the trick and he ran out of time. We have been overloaded with car repairs. Hoping this is the last of it for awhile.

On My Reading Pile

I have started so many books and then don't get back to them for awhile and forget. My kindle has many waiting for me. But we just finished Luke 15 in the New Testament.

On My TV

It's TRADITION people! We are very particular about our Christmas celebrations here. Nothing starts until we have celebrated Thanksgiving, and then it all starts with watching Scrooge (the musical with Albert Finney), usually on Thanksgiving night. Well, we were all set and we could not find it, so we watched Christmas Vacation which, parts of it are terrible, but parts of it remind me so much of my husband. And, Netflix to the rescue, we watched Scrooge last night. Other holiday favorites are Elf, The Homecoming (the Waltons), every other Christmas Carol movie (we have six all together), Mrs. Santa Claus, The Santa Clause, and A Christmas Story. There's probably more, but I can't think of them. Oh, It's a Wonderful Life, of course!

On the Menu

That's next on the agenda - going to go through the flyers and make up a menu - then it's off to the stores. I'm out of milk so I have to go today.

On My To Do List

Have to get some paperwork sent off, go to the mall to pick up my father's Christmas gift (had it shipped to the store instead of my house because it was free), sort through all of the purchases I made on my day out with the girls, laundry, of course, menu planning, grocery shopping, and picking up the kids at 4 at the high school. Piano tonight for my 14 year old.

What I am Creating

Christmas cards and seminary lessons. And I'm thinking about this for Christmas gifts this year.

 Homemaking Tips

Sandra posted today about making homemade gifts to give this year. I totally agree. It is heartwarming to receive a gift made by a friend. I have always enjoyed those gifts. I would like to add to that thought by suggesting gifts of service. When my mom first got home from serving a mission she still had to find a job and therefore did not have money to spend on anyone. So, she gave gifts of service. We got free babysitting every month for a year to make my husband and I go out on a date. Of course she would have babysat for my kids anyway, but this way she MADE us go out every month, which was a much needed break and boost for our marriage. It is the best gift I have ever received.

Looking Around the House

There are some things that need to be put away, but for the most part is is clean from Thanksgiving and so there's not a lot to do. My husband even washed the windows for me! Love that man. The sun is shining and we have our Christmas decorations around the house, except for our tree which we put up mid December. I love this time of year!

From the Camera

On My Prayer List

My children, my dad, the hurricane victims (relief efforts are ongoing - my husband and sons will be going to Long Island this weekend to continue the work of cleaning out homes and tearing down sheet rock).

Bible Verse

"And he said unto him, Son, thou are ever with me, and all that I have is thine." Luke 15:31

Loved my daughter's insight on this this morning: she said that those who grow up with the gospel in their lives sometimes don't see the blessings that they have - the blessings that others see who have known life without the Lord.

Have a great week!