A Good Thing...

It's a good thing when your life is so full that you do not have time to blog about it!

I promise that by the end of the week, I will be caught up. Or maybe I shouldn't promise that! Who knows what might happen that will take it's exciting place over blogging and facebook! lol.

Life is Good...and I am enjoying it.

Continue reading...

Immanuel

Im-man-u-el, noun; God With Us

This year, I have personalized this meaning. God with Me. I have been waiting to write this post for awhile now, as I relished my personal "Sun-shine", and was having a hard time explaining it in words to others... I have been so blessed by a wonderful gift for Christmas. It is the gift of a personal walk with my Lord. A deep and intimate relationship. One that has yet to surprise me with little smiles. And one that has filled my soul to the deepest corners with awe-inspiring happiness, joy, peace, and contentment.

I was shocked this year, when I noticed that the little girlie "It's Christmas time" feeling, never fully arrived in my heart. Almost worried about it to a point. I mentioned it to a friend, who shared her deep disappointment that this childlike quality had faded in my life. This caused me to evaluate. I am not unhappy. I am not discouraged. In fact, my heart has been soaring. My childlike wonder is there, but it is geared towards a new amazement. His mighty Hand. I am bewildered at the way that God's mighty Hand moved in my life this year. This time last year, I was a broken woman. I hurt in every possible way one can imagine. I was terrified over what my future held, afraid that I could not fulfill His purpose due to my inadequacies. I was grieving for many lost children. Lost relationships as a whole. I had a hard time getting out of bed some mornings, because I just longed for Heaven. After all...nothing on Earth was good. It was all tainted.

God has brought me to a full 360. I am blessed beyond all words to have Him run after me. To have Him wait for me to fall into His everlasting arms of comfort. To have had Him cover me with His mighty wings, waiting like a patient Father for me to heal and grow once again. He had come to me. He had filled me with that Living Water.

New and more important meaning to Christmas. This is the very first year that all of the "merriment" has taken a second place in my life. I have come to the place that I am almost disappointed when I have to leave my place of personal worship, and enter into merriments of Christmas. I want to stay hidden away, dwelling with my Savior, and hiding it all as a treasure in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I still love all the other things. I adore my lights. I love giving presents to all those sweet little ones in my life. And, I cherish each Christmas song I hear. I desire family time...because they are the earthly blessings that God has chosen to help us live a little happier here on Earth. But, when it all comes down to it...I am so thankful for the Immanuel. For the "God is With ME". And I find it quite fitting that this Christmas is my 25th one as a beliver.

Praying that you all have come to the same little miracle in your own life. And that you truely feel that wonderful, magnificent movement of God Being With You.


---Be sure to scroll down for the past few weeks in pictures...beware, there are a lot!---

Continue reading...

The Living Nativity

We were so blessed with the opportunity to serve our Lord this Christmas. It was purely amazing. Every night, we walked away with a tired happiness settling into our hearts. This production was just awesome, and the cast members showed us that serving Him is a joy even in the 15 degree weather, rain, and amazing winds. I tried to get a shot from each scene in order, but missed one scene. So, here are the 11/12 scenes of the Lafayette Living Nativity.

Scene One
The Garden of Eden---The Need for a Savior
Scene Two
Noah's Ark---The People Rebel
Brian is being told by Noah to REPENT! (Brian was in the brown Carhartt at the edge of the picture)
Scene Three
The Savior is Coming---picture was too blurry due to lighting..sorry.



Scene Four
Bethlehem



Scene 5
The Manager---The Savior has Come.

Scene 6
The Shepherds---This reminded me of Charlie Brown's Christmas...lol.

Scene 7
The Wisemen
Isaac spooked one of the camels, and the poor thing tried to run away from him. Only to remember that he was on a lead. Poor Camel.

Scene 8
Raising Lazarus

Scene 9
Calming the Waters
The disciples rowed so hard, and were so frightened, that they rocked the boat too hard. Rocked it off its rocker. We all sang, "Don't rock the boat, baby." for most of the evening.

Scene 10
The Crucifixion

Scene 11
He's Alive!

Scene 12
Christ Returns!
This poor guy had the worst part in the whole production. He had to stand on a platform in the middle of the parking lot. It was freezing! But, as you can see, there is air blowing up his robe. That was hot air. ;) We told him that Mary was supposed to be the only pregnant one! lol.

Abbie had the blessing of serving with Miss Jamie. Miss Jamie took care of her in Bethlehem and at the Crucifixion scene. Brian and I are so thankful for friends that take thought of our child's spiritual well being. It was a very neat thing for Abbie to be able to serve. And she could not have done without Miss Jamie...THANKS JAMIE!

Continue reading...

The Christmas Ball

Isaac wakes up every morning to see if "Santa" has come yet. On this morning, Brian happened to be standing in the office doorway to see it. He grabbed my camera and took this picture. It was the first morning that there was a gift there~

Abbie has loved going to the American Girl Club meetings at our local Barnes and Nobles (the children's dept people ROCK!) This month, they had a darling ball for the girls. They taught them how to Waltz, played parlor games, and made dough thingys. Topped with cupcake towers and punch. It was so sweet to see those girls all dressed up with their babies.
Abbie has a few friends from church that she goes with too, which makes it extra fun!

Continue reading...

Abbie WON!!!!

Abbie worked hard at a Bible Verse contest in our local paper. She was so excited to put the stamp on the envelope and mail in the real mail. About 2 weeks later, she got the call that she had won! Thrilled, she and Brian went to pick up her Bible.

Continue reading...

My Great Provider

I am never un-amazed at the way that my Lord works. He plans everything out in our lives to fit together like this beautiful puzzle. I must admit, my puzzle looks something like a big dump truck at times, but He is forever working it into a beauty!

Last week, we thought that our finances looked like a garbage truck. I have not been babysitting for awhile now, Brian lost all of his overtime, and we found out that he did not get to work the last week of December. MESS!!! But, my Great Provider had already laid out a plan.

So many little things have been pieced together. From Gas and Electric to Christmas for the kids...Even a little desire that Abbie had! There was a dress that Abbie had been wanting for months. I just happened (yeah right...God sent me into that store!) to walk into the Once Upon A Child at the time that they had marked the entire store down to 60% off!!!! Seriously. And it just so happened that they had the dress Abs had wanted. In her size. Seriously...now tell me that The Maker of the oceans and The Creator of the stars, does not care about the desires of a 7 year old little girl.

Things just keep falling together. And while we are not living in the Ritz...nor are we secure in our finances, God has promised to provide, and He is already showing that He has and that He will. What a Beautiful Provider He IS.

Continue reading...

Congrats To The Snowman Lady

Some of my friends know "The Snowman Lady". She is the sweet lady who made us all personalized Snowman Kits, to help raise money for her journey to becoming a mother. Remember her??? Well, she does have a name other than "The Snowman Lady"...it is Niki.

A few weeks back, Niki found out that she was expecting!!!! I was thrilled, and wanted to announce it here, but waited to make sure that her wee one would be a "Sticky Snowflake". I did not want to hurt Niki by posting it, only for heartache later.

I am thrilled to offer a CONGRATS to Niki and Mark...there sweet little Snowflake passed all of her/his tests, and is on his/her way to growing like a weed! Please join me in praying for this dear family...

And if you would like to read her news, here is a link to her blog:

Niki and Mark's Blog

Continue reading...

Monday Matchups

Sorry that last week's matchups went undone. I could use the excuse of "It was my big 3-0 birthday" or ... "I was overwhelmed with all of the Christmas decorations" or... "I was too astonished that I got the week before out on Monday, instead of Tuesday..." or... I was just lazy. Any of those might work. lol.

Anyhow...Here is this weeks! And, as a bonus and an apology, I am adding in a sale sneak peak for CVS that will be on the 21st and 22nd of December. :)

Meijer copied from HCW
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats--.99
SALE: $1.99
MQ: $1/1—11/16--

Quaker Granola Bars--$1.00
SALE: 4/$6--$1.50 ea.
MQ: $1/2—11/16--

Jiff Peanut Butter--$1.30
SALE: 2/$4--$2 ea.
MQ: .35/1 – 11/09—

Coffee-Mate Creamer, FREE
SALE: .99
MQ: .50/1 - 11/02

Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough 1.00
SALE: 2/$4
MQ: 1.00/1 - 12/07

Hershey's Baking chips 3/$4
SALE: 3/$5
MQ: 1.00 off 3 --11.16

For Indianapolis Shoppers Only---Goes through December 11th.
Meijer has the buy any 3 Hanes socks and undies, get $10.00 off. Not sure of all the prices, but toddlers socks are only $3.99, so $2.00 for three packs.

CVS
Planters mixed nuts or whole cashews $3.00 spend $15.00 get 5 ecbs limit 1

Hersheys Candy Spend 20 get 10 ecbs[limit 1]

2 DAY FREE AFTER ECB (December 21 and 22nd Sunday & Monday ONLY ) after Monday no ECB's
Listerine antiseptic 16.9oz $2.99 get $2.99 limit 5
$1/1 Listerine Premium 500 mL or larger exp 12-31-08
from CVS Diabetes coupon Book
.

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine nail Color $5.99 get $5.99 limit 2
.50 off Sally Hansen Nail Color, Any - 09-28-08 SS
$3/2 from CVS Beauty Book also referred to as the Reinventing Beauty flyer.
.
Arm & Hammer Essentials starter kit $2.99 get $2.99 limit 5
Print Your Coupon $1/1(Wildehart2015)
I found an Arm & Hammer Essentials display in CVS about a month ago that had a holder full of MIR forms, and they don't expire until 6/15/09. So be on the lookout!
.
L'Oreal HIP Metalic eye shadow duos $6.99 get $6.99 limit 2
L'Oreal VisibleLift Product Or Any Makeup, Powder, Blush Or Concealer, $2/1 Any - 10-05-08 RP
.
ThermaCare neck to arm heatwrap 1ct $2.49 get $2.49 limit 3
$1/1 Thermacare heat wraps (excluding trial size) - 11-30-08 PG
.
Right Guard Professional solid 1.8oz or aerosol 6oz $6.00 get $6.00 limit 5
.50/1 IP http://sweeps.rightguard.com/index.html(use code rightguard) link comes in your email when you play this IWG:
Also $2/1 Q inside Professional Aerosol box lid.
.

Zipfizz energy 3ct $5.99 get $5.99 limit 1
.

Excedrin Express Gels 20ct $3.99 get $3.99 limit 1
Print Your Coupon $2/1 (Ceniceros)
Rebate for Excedrin Express Gels. It says "Save up to $6.99 By Mail when You Buy Excedrin Express Gels 20 Ct. Cash receipt is to be dated between 10/19/08 and 12/31/08, rebate request to be postmarked by 12/31/08. Lmt 1 rebate per person, family, household or address. 10/19/08 SS (
.

Alteril sleep aid 30ct $9.99 get $9.99 limit 1
.

Halls Naturals 25ct $2.59 get $2.59 limit 1
Halls Cough Drops Single Bag, $1/2 or .50/1 Any 20 Ct. + - 10-26-08 SS
Halls Single Bag .50/1 20ct + - All You magazine (Issue 11, November 21, 2008)
Halls, Halls Sugar Free, Halls Naturals, Halls Breezers or any Halls Defense; .35/1 any bag (20 ct or larger) DND - All You, September 2008
Other Taerpads around
.
EAS AdvantEdge bar 2.11oz $1.69 get $1.69 limit 1
.
Zantac 150 8ct $4.99 get $4.99 limit 1
11/09/08 SS has $1/1 Q as well as up to $5.oo MIR
Zantac Heartburn Relief, $1/1 on Any - 10-26-08 SS
Zantac Heartburn Relief, $1/1 on Any - 09-21-08 SS

.
EAS AdvantEdge shake 4pk $7.49 get $7.49 limit 1
.
Benefiber drink mix 16ct $7.29 get $7.29 limit 1
Benefiber, $2/1 Any Stick Pack - 11-16-08 SS
Benefiber $2/1 Stick Packs, Any - 10-19-08 SS

.
Iceland Health joint relief 60ct $29.99 get $29.99 limit 1 <>
.

Slimquick 2pk 4oz total $4.99 get $4.99 limit 1
.

Sleepinal 32ct $8.49 get $8.49 limit 5

Walgreens
Reynold's Alum. Foil 20 sf., $.01 overage
SALE: $.99 w/ 7-Day IVC
MQ: $1

Kelloggs Rice Krispies (and other varities), GDA .99
SALE: $1.99
MQ: $1/1 Kelloggs Rice Krispies and other selected varities 11/9/08 RP

Maybelline Lipstick, Lip Gloss or Lip Liner, FREE
SALE: B1G1 free Maybelline Cosmetics (last pg of ad)
MQ: $4 off any Maybelline Lipstick, Lipliner or Lip Gloss from upcoming 12/7 RP


$5 RR on $25 purchase on 12/10 --- 12/13

Buy $15 worth of the following products, get $5 in Register Rewards
Starbucks Fraps $6.00
Pepsi 2 Liters 4/5
Tropicana Orange Juice 2/6
Sobe and Aquafina flavored Water 4/4
Gatorade 4.99

Continue reading...

Holidays at The Little White House...

We were driving around the circle downtown, when I look back to see Abbie smiling so big, that she had a little tear coming out of her eye. I asked her if she was happy, and she said, "I feel so Christmasy that I can feel my heart beating hard!" Now, that is my child. And I will have to admit, I was prouder at that moment than I was when she figured out how to add three digit numbers. That comment made me realize that I might be growing up...and now passing on that Christmas delight to my sweet children. Brian also commented on how he felt a little giddy as he walked into Walmart and heard the Christmas music playing. Have I finally rubbed off??? Maybe!

So, here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend. Really, more pictures of our little humble abode. Welcome to our home...

I can not believe that Brian happily hung the boughs of holly this year! lol... And yes, he did sing that song while hanging them. I was so proud...and thankful!

Every "vacation" we take, we get an ornament for our tree. We always write the trip and year on the ornament somewhere. This was our new one. Picked out by Brian at Disney. He actually bought it from a Philipino woman named Philis. lol. For some reason, this ornament was the highlight of the tree this year. That trip brought us such an extreme joy.

Abbie trying to get it at the top.

A tradition that we started a few years back...the first night that the tree is up, the kids get to sleep in the Family Room with the tree lights on. All about the magic baby...

Evil man.

Continue reading...