CHRISTMAS shopping!!

This is going to be short because I only have a second before I need to get my day going but I will follow up later hopefully.

Christmas shopping in CA... Yes, CHRISTmas shopping not holiday shopping! As I have been at the mall these last few weeks more than I gave been in years to shop for Christmas I have been wondering if ANY store employee will tell me Merry Christmas when I am leaving the store. So far I have gotten nothing but Happy Holidays. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful at the kindness employees give with a smile but I wonder if they are told to say that or if it's a personal choice. And I know not everyone celebrates Christmas so some are just afraid to offend people. But I get more "happy halloweens" in October than I have ever gotten "Merry Christmas" in December. Where has all the spirit gone? It is Christmas! Christmas is known to originate from the birth of Jesus. Our wonderful son of God who has blessed us with the ultimate gift of sacrifice.

So I made a decision! I would make it a point to say Merry Christmas to everyone I came encountered with employee or shopper. And I have loved the results! As I was walking out of a few stores employees happily wished me Happy Holidays and I looked at them and gleefully responded, "Merry Christmas!". Most of the workers seemed very relieved and happy at that and returned my Merry Christmas! Some just smiled nervously. There was only one that gave me a reaction that made me chuckle a little inside. As I was purchasing something at the Disney Store the woman at the register handed me my receipt, smiled and wished me a happy holidays. I smiled back and responded with, "Merry Christmas!". I started to walk away and looked at her and she gave a very confused and shocked look. I have to admit I was a little confused by her reaction. I think she gained her composure because she shook her head a little and helped the next customer. It was then when I wished for the Edward ability to read minds. The rest of the night was a success and everyone else wished me a Merry Christmas back. I will add success to that night and hope my little project during advent can continue.

Ps. Excuse me for any typos. I don't have time to spellcheck.

Beautiful

How relaxing would this room be?!!! This room is my perfect dream reading room! Amazing!

Homeschool: Day 1

Today was the very first day of homeschool for "Vivi" and I. I was nervous about how it would go and if I was going to be left scratching my head wondering what to do next. I was nervous my daughter would get bored and want to go off and read or we would have arguments over tv as if she was home on vacation. Luckily we spend lots of time on prayer and in preparation before we took this new journey on. And to my very bright surprise our day was AMAZING! We spent a half our in the morning praying and reading our verses for today. We talked about some of the rules for today and we jumped right on into it. Throughout the day she did her work without a complaint and we got to discuss everything together. we broke up some chores through the day and she was beyond willing to do laundry, offered to do more than what was expected of her and had a wonderful attitude while working. Being able to pray before and after each task was such a blessing.

I was so happy that I was able to really lives out the benefits and blessing that homeschool has to offer. I got to interact and witness first hand when her eyes light up when we talk about a subject that she really enjoys. I got to hear her prayers out loud and spend a minute in awe after hearing what a wonder heart she has. I could not have expected such blessings from this opprtunity. I can not stop praising God for speaking to me clearly and giving me such blessing. 

I know there will be days where I won't finish all the work and I will be beyond frustrated and tired and exhausted with the day but I thank God for sending me encouragement with such a wonderful first day! 

Cold in the Summer

Having a cold in the summer time is not fun at all!!!

I woke up this morning with a cold! I am moving so slow this morning that the kids have destroyed the house a little more I was able to keep up with cleaning it. Had a cup of coffee and it helped for about 5 minutes. I can't believe it 1:00 already when I feel like I have accomplished what I should have in the first hour after I woke up. I need to get it together!!!

On a happier note.. I am absolutely in love with our new household art!

It is such a beautiful addition to our home and brings an added peace to everyone. I absolutely am in love with it!