Oh Christmas Tree(s)

OH ~ HAPPY ~ DAY!

 

My tree(s) are up.  I am happy we did something a little different this year.  I usually have a tree in the living room and a few in the hallway and another small one in the living room.  All always themed.  SNOWMEN usually win in this house.  I am a HUGE collector!  This year we decided to try a color theme on the larger tree.  I was so overwhelmed with all the stuff we already have.  Once Mike pulled it all down and we kinda went through them all ~ BOOM, it's a HUGE mess!  Then add {normal} life with laundry, dropping of work/school/basketball stuff and there you have it, 4 days of CrAzY.

 

~ BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT ~

Snowmen, Snowflakes, Royal Blue, Silver & White ~ OH MY!

 

My husband is in love with the tree. 

That makes my heart happy!

Still one of my favs....

 

This year I put a small tree in our bedroom.  I did this because I ALWAYS want to sleep in the living room when the tree is up.  I love the cozy feeling but sleeping on the couch & floor for 30+ days just won't work for my back.  I fixed that!!!  ((now if I could just add a fireplace to my bedroom, it would be perfect))  I am VERY pleased with this as well.  I call it my {Winter Warmth} tree.  She is full of shades of red and quilty looking snowmen, hearts, mittens, scarfs, stockings, silver bulbs and happiness all over.  It's almost silly how something so small can make you so stinking happy.

 

 

TIS THE SEASON FOLKS!!

 

I am off to celebrate my 37th Birthday.  I am sure a story and pics will follow.  I might just be up to something.....special.

 

 

 

Cara Box ~ November

I know I have mentioned previously about a special swap/exchange event I signed up for this month called Cara Box via Wifessionals Blog.  If you don't know what it is please take a moment and click on either link above and get connected.  I enjoyed it and I know you will too.

 

 

I received my #carabox last week and let me just say my partner sent me a VERY thoughtful package.  She paid close attention to detail through our communication.  Tammy {click on her name to follow her blog} is a kind soul with a HUGE heart!  I really enjoyed how quickly and easily we connected.  We became Facebook & Instagram friends too.  Each gift inside was wrapped in sage/purple colored wrapping paper.  Sage just so happens to be my favorite color.  Then she added some of my very favorite candies from back in my childhood days.  FYI: It's been hard keeping Cameron out of my candy, especially the strawberry ones!!!  My favorite is the JOURNEY framed in sage green with scripture written all around it.  All based around the word journey.  I can't express enough what her letter she enclosed meant to me.  I sobbed.  My husband seriously could not figure out what was wrong with me.  How can you be so happy about a box and crying like a baby the next second?  I tried to explain it's just that heartfelt and encouraging.  Tammy touched my heart forever!

Here are some of the scriptures from around the picture:

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
**THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAV!**

  Here is another reason why.....

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Psalm 25:4

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Psalm 91:16


{I wanted to share the kindest letter she sent.  Then you might understand the tears.}
 
Andrea,

I am honored and blessed to have you as my Cara Box Partner.  I liked you for the first email I received from you.  As you and I believe, everything happens for a reason and I am glad the Lord allowed our paths to cross.  I look forward to seeing what He has planned.

From your emails I learned that you are a very strong woman that loves her family and the Lord very much.  The picture enclosed made me smile and think of you as soon as I saw it.  Not only is is your color and included wonderful scriptures, but I love the word "journey".  It seems we both have traveled a long and hard journey at times, but our God have never left our side.  He has walked beside us, as well as carried us.  He has guided our journey through childhood to our adult years in order to strengthen and build us into the women He desires us to be.

You are an inspiration to me.  You have not let the hard times beat you down or define you, but used them as stepping stones.  God is proud of you and proud to call you His precious princess.

I hope you enjoy the fun side of the box too.  A few fun candies to remind you of happy times as a child.

Again, I feel blessed to have met you through this exchange and am glad we are connected.

In Christ,
Tammy


Tammy ~
I thank you for the time and consideration that went into my carabox.  I look forward to staying connected for years to come and continuing the "JOURNEY".   

 

I sent my package out to Shannon Q.  The theme was CHILDHOOD.  I tried to gather as many fun facts about her and relate her stories into the gifts I chose.  I hope she enjoyed her #carabox as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her. 

Please take a moment and go check out both Tammy and Shannon's blogs.  Just click on their names to be directed to their sites.  Happy Reading Folks!!!!

Turkey Time & Bedlam

It has been a bit of a crazy, fast paced, memorable, extended holiday weekend.  Our journey started with Thanksgiving Eve at The Anderson's.  I will admit it felt a little different this year.  Sure missed our Pat & Mimi around the dinner table.  I know Mike missed chatting with Pat about OU football.  It was always a big topic for them.  This year the election would have been a major issue to discuss.  Mom made Ruth's cherry cheesecake/pie.  It hit me pretty hard because Mimi would make me my very own for my birthday (right around the corner).  My sister-in-law Tissa missed out from being sick with flu like symptoms.  Juli was unable to make it due to her work.  She also had to prepare for her big business trip out of the country.  Wishing her safe travels :)  Kyle was unable to make dinner as well.  We may not have had the normal numbers but we had an enjoyable visit.  I appreciate the efforts by Mom & Mike Anderson.  The food was wonderful and everything was decorated so beautifully.  THANK YOU!         

Dad ~ Cameron ~ Momma Ash

 

Right after dinner we were on the road and headed to Granite, OK to the farm.  The men in the family were hunting while Aunt Edith and I planned to cook up a Thanksgiving feast.  Just hanging out with my Hudson family made me feel so good.  Our cooking and food prep was pretty over the top {if I do say so myself}.  I REALLY enjoyed our card games. We got pretty intense playing some crazy 8's!Funniest part was me seeing deer from the kitchen window.  While the guys were out for hours and came back empty handed.  They should have set up a blind on the front porch.  We sure miss Nanny & Papa.  I felt surrounded by many warm reminders of their love for us.  Blessed & Thankful for our time with family & friends!  Before leaving we took some updated family pics.  ENJOY FOLKS!  

 

 

 

 

  

Saturday was BEDLAM!  OU vs OSU ~ First we took a tour at the Switzer Center then it was time to tailgate with Red Bison friends & family.  What a game it ended up being.  For the first time in 107 match ups this game went into overtime.  It was a GREAT game!  Thankful the SOONERS pulled out the VICTORY!!!!  Bragging rights for another year!  ~BOOMER SOONER~ 

~ LOVE ME SOME BARRY ~

Sneak peek into the player's locker room

 

I LOVED THIS ~ HAD TO SHARE

 

Me ~ Jason White ~ Cameron ~ Michael

 

Heading down the players tunnel

 

Sooners Football Field Before The Bedlam Game

 

Roy Williams ~ Me ~ Trent Smith

I LOVE THIS PICTURE

Roy Williams ~ Cameron Ash ~ Trent Smith

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving with time to reflect on ALL that you have to be thankful for.  Life may not always be perfect or going exactly how I imagined.  I know all things are in His timing for His purpose!  I choose to keep believing, keep learning and always give thanks! 

THERE IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR.    

“Gratitude means to recognize the good in your life, be thankful for whatever you have, some people may not even have one of those things you consider precious to you (love, family, friends etc).  Each day give thanks for the gift of life. You are blessed.” 

    

 

 

Thankful Days, Part 2

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12th

TODAY IS VETERAN'S DAY!! 

I am thankful I am able to reflect on such a heroic man that just happens to be my family.  My Grandfather Wayne "Pat" DeMeritt proudly served his country in WWII.   He also earned the Purple Heart medal and two bronze stars.  You aren't here with us today Pat but you are always thought of and always loved.  Thank you for being the man you were and giving me something so special to be thankful for today.

 

WE LOVE YOU PAT!        

 

 

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13th

 

It's days like today I'm thankful to have a little free time on my hands.  A day to get back on track.  A day to get "caught up" if you will.  I need more days like today!  We all do!  Here is to a night spent by the fire catching up on some TV and relaxing.  Thankful for the beautiful fall days and the chilly fall nights.  The best part is knowing God always has something for you, a key for every problem, a light for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow and a plan for every tomorrow.

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th

LORRI WHITTERN

THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD FRIEND TO ME! I always enjoy our talks and look forward to our "girl" time.  We don't get that too often with all the sports our kids are involved in. When we do, I cherish the time.  Thank you for going out of your way to get us the Miranda Lambert/Dierks Bentley tickets early.   I am so happy we will continue our tour of concerts in 2013!   I love having you as my concert buddy!  Thank you for being part of what I am thankful for this week!

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th

CASEY CANANT

I hope you love your hairdresser as much as I do mine.  She is a great listener, counsellor (not paid enough for these additional services), works miracles on my pretty locks and always does her best to make me feel better than I did when I arrived to my appointment.  No matter what my mood going in is, I always leave smiling and feeling on top of the world!  Casey is just a happy go lucky kind of chick YOU WANT TO BE AROUND!  Thank you for making me feel better about myself and for allowing me to vent.  Casey, my friend, YOU are what I am most thankful for today!  

 

 ~ THE WEEKEND ~

Thankful my identity is not based on the judgement or negative opinions of others!  I know my strengths and my worth regardless of your words!  Most importantly, I KNOW WHO I ANSWER TO! 

 

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

 

 

 

 

NO More Twinkies? What?!?

 

NO MORE TWINKIES?  SERIOUSLY?

 

This was BIG news today!

 

The Twinkie is an American snack cake that was made and distributed by Hostess Brands. They were marketed as a "Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling".

On November 16, 2012, production of the product ceased after the company's announcement that it would cease operations, pending liquidation.

You can read the full story at ABC NEWS.

This is what Cameron thinks about no more Twinkies :(

 



My Thankful Days

On Facebook I've noticed folks are posting daily what they are thankful for.  I decided to post personally to the very people I am most thankful for on that day.  Some days I will not be able to do this since some of the people/things I am thankful for are not on Facebook. 

I didn't start on Nov 1st.  I was out of town on a ladies lake trip.  I started this week and wanted to share here too.  I plan to continue this throughout the month.  I may miss a day or two so don't get too upset with me.  Posting on Facebook is not the only method of showing my thankfulness.  This week I also sent several handwritten cards out to some special folks. If you know anything about me you know I love to send/receive mail. Nothing says you care about someone better than taking time to show emotion through writing. It's therapeutic to me. Knowing I may put a smile on someones face means a lot to me.  It's part of my road map to happiness!  You never know the impact you can have on someones bad day.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4th~

Let me just say I'm thankful for the bonds both new & old formed this weekend!  From the chick flick watching, home cooking, eating way too much, driving to Tahlequah for lunch at Vidalias, napping, recovering, driving to Quall for dinner at Jincy's Kitchen, LOTS of dancing, singing and video making~~~ THAT LAKE MAY NEVER BE THE SAME :)   Oh, one more thing ~ WE OWNED THIS LADY'S TRIP!  *spelling can make all the difference (inside joke)*  Thank you to Danielle Reel, Diana Hardeman, Tina Wood, Jenny Penwell, Tina Carter & Sharisse Hardeman.

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5th~

 

I didn't post publicly on this day but decided on a RAK.  My neighbor has her hands more than full and she's been weighing on my heart.  I know she has struggled with health issues since she moved in across the street (almost 2 years now).  I see her every single day still going to work full time, taking oldest son to various sporting events and being a mom to her toddler too.  She's always on the go!  I decided the best way to show I care and let her know she is thought of was to bake her some Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.  Your mouth should be watering because they are just stupid good!  She thought so too..... FYI: Her kind words may have made my day more than I had surprised her. 

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th~

 DIANA HARDEMAN

I'm thankful for the friendship I have with you! I kid you not you might be the ONLY person who FULLY gets me and accepts me 100% without judgment. NOT for who I was, what I've done or what I've yet to do.... YOU JUST LOVE & ACCEPT ME FOR ME! I struggle daily with my own personal battles (you are well aware and I am sure I get on your nerves with them) but you love me through them anyways. Thank you for being what I am thankful for today!

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th~

 DANIELLE REEL

Thank you for making time to meet to walk this morning. Looking forward to tomorrow too. I want you to know I appreciate our friendship & enjoy our talks. I am thankful you were brought into my life. I just wished we had met sooner! I love you and I LOVE your family ♥ ♥ ♥
THANK YOU FOR BEING WHAT I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR TODAY!!!!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8th~

 ALLISON ROMINE

Allison, I want to THANK YOU for always being there to listen to me and offer advice/opinions when I need it. You are a good friend and YOU are what I am thankful for today! I'm thrilled you got good news and will be even happier when my coffee date is back to 100%. It's great knowing you were placed in my life with reason and I thank Him for that! LOVE YOU!

  

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10th~

THE LADIES OF COFFEE AND JESUS

Too often circumstances seem stacked against us, but if we keep our faith in God, we can find meaning in life. God makes sense when nothing else does. I am thankful to be surrounded by strong ladies who have all seen their fair share of circumstances yet REFUSE to let any of that define them. Put on your full armor ladies and stand strong! (thanks Allison R. for sharing Ephesians 6:10-12) YOU ALL MAKE MY HEART SMILE ~ THANK YOU FOR BEING WHAT I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR TODAY!

 

On this day, I must also add that I am thankful for a SOONERS VICTORY!

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11th~

SAM BRADFORD

DALLAS COWBOYS

 

Strange combo, I know!  Yes~ Today I am thankful for Sam Bradford as my back up QB in my family fantasy football league "Sunday Afternoon Quarterbacks".  His 21 points helped me to take the lead over my husband.  It's our week to play against each other.  My regular QB Aaron Rodgers with Green Bay is on a bye week.  Then I am thankful I picked up the Dallas Cowboys as my defense team.  I am proud of this pick up, at least for this week.  I usually get 4-5 points but this week with my new pick Dallas gave me 24 points.  It's not over yet though - waiting for Monday Night Football (both have 1 player each left to play)  As of tonight I have the lead 126 to 86.4.  Believe it or not I am currently in second place in our league standings.  My first year to play and I'm having fun with it.  Who knew this chick would enjoy fantasy football?!?!