The Enchanted Cottage

Excitement

2009-12-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

The excitement for Christmas continues to build. I will wrap a few gifts today, though they won't go under the tree for Mr. Cheeky (our Yorkie puppy) would surely chew them up! We'll leave Santa a note to drop off gifts in my bedroom to ensure no damages occur.

We have had plenty of rain the past three days with flooding in many areas. Now a cold front has moved in and this weekend will be especially cold with lows in 20s! I'll have to make up a fresh batch of my homemade cocoa mix.

I'll spend the rest of this week giving the house a good cleaning and enlist the family's help in maintaining its cleanliness. Next week I want to focus on baking treats for my family and also to give as gifts to family and neighbors.

How are your Christmas preparations coming along?

Mega Decluttering!

2009-12-14T08:08:00.000-06:00

I took the opportunity to clean out the girls' room yesterday while they were gone all day with Alfred. It took me four hours to sort through and reorganize their belongings and clean! I did laundry all day, too.

I filled two egg boxes with clothes and threw away those unsuitable to donate. I also filled a trash bag and another box with papers and junk. Their room is now neat as a pin and a peaceful retreat for them to hang out and rest in.

This Spring their room will get a fresh coat of paint {pink} and Alfred is going to build them floor to ceiling book shelves {crisp white} to go on each side of the closet door. Then all that will be needed is a set of curtains, sheets, and a comforter.

What home projects are you working on?

My Daybook

2009-12-14T07:52:00.000-06:00

Outside my window... We are blanketed with a dense fog and there is a stillness in the air.

I am thinking...of Christmas preparations.

I am thankful for...each precious new day on this Earth.

I am wearing...pajamas, as always. :)

I am remembering...that life is what you make it.

I am going...to buy groceries and stocking stuffers this week.

I am reading...inspiring blogs.

I am hoping...to start working on gifts for next Christmas in January.

On my mind...those who are hurting, alone, struggling or homeless.

From the learning rooms...learning through living - whatever the day may bring.

Noticing that...we have never gone without the things we truly need.

Pondering the words... How can I connect with my children today, expand their worlds, bring joy into their lives, nurture and encourage what they love to do?

From the kitchen... banana bread, home-baked cookies, simple hearty meals.

Around the house... I decluttered the girls room yesterday. Will do more decluttering and cleaning today.

One of my favorite things...Purring kitties.

From my picure journal...

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks!

Gratitude List ~ Week 49

2009-12-13T05:00:00.043-06:00

1. Except for stocking stuffers, my Christmas shopping is done!

2. Made $196 by selling old gold jewelry we never wear at US Gold after seeing it advertised on tv.

3. The sound of rain on the roof-top as I drift off to sleep.

4. A shiny sink.

5. The freedom of letting go of possessions that no longer add goodness to my life.

Alfred and I had a long, yet enjoyable day Christmas shopping. With only $300 we shopped from 9am - 4pm, and we got a good amount of gifts for our children. They didn't ask for toys this year, so we purchased things like board games, craft and art supplies, clothes, cds, dvds.

Today Alfred has taken the children with him to Vortex Springs in Ponce de Leon, Florida. He has one dive to do to get his open water dive certification. Our children are all interested in diving; Kayla has already read Alfred's manual and can tell you a great deal about what she's learned about scuba diving. So I have the day all to myself to do as I please. I will probably clean house and do laundry with a nice nap and a Christmas movie thrown in for good measure!

Wishing you a pleasurable Sunday!

Christmas Shopping

2009-12-12T08:22:00.000-06:00

Soon, Alfred and I will bundle up against the cold wind and rain and go shopping for our children's Christmas gifts. I have been looking forward to this for weeks now and the day has finally arrived! We have a cash budget of $300 to spend, wish lists written out, and a list of stores to visit. And I get a few hours alone with my sweetheart. :)

What are you doing on this Saturday?

Creative Christmas

2009-12-11T11:15:00.000-06:00

I love giving gifts. Even better, I love giving gifts that won't break the bank and throw our budget into the red. I've been scouring the thrift shops in hopes of suitable gifts...just a little something to let those I love know that I care. Today I found four lovely gifts and two cookie tins for baked goods - all for half off! I spent less than $6 and was able to cross two people off my list.

Christmas isn't about how much money you spent on a gift. You have nothing to prove. Christmas is about love, sharing, and giving from the heart. It's the thought that counts. Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all and it wasn't purchased at some high-end department store or the mall.

Let us open our hearts and give the gifts of our love, time, and attention this holiday season, rather than only from our pocketbooks.

My Good Habits List

2009-12-10T08:35:00.000-06:00

I was reading Sherri's post on Serene Journey about dropping bad habits in order to make way for good habits. As the days of December continue to go by, I can not help but think of the coming New Year and the changes I would like to make. So here's my list of good habits:

1. Eat small meals every two - three hours.

2. Find a variety of exercises I enjoy and exercise daily.

3. Read my Bible every day and pray without ceasing.

4. Become an optimist.

5. Save money.

6. Act on my ideas.

7. Be an encourager.

8. Live generously.

9. Count my blessings big and small.

10. Laugh heartily.

11. Follow my passions.

12. Simplify every area of my life.

What good habits do you want to establish in your life?

A Picture

2009-12-09T11:58:00.000-06:00

This is me and Alfred at his unit's Christmas party. Isn't he handsome?!!

I won....

2009-12-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

Rhonda had a giveaway on her blog and I won!

The generous prizes the prizes are a small Pampered Chef bar board size cutting board, a set of Paula Deen chicken measuring spoons and a knee-length apron sewn my me - red calico with 2 pockets. Isn't that apron precious!

Thank you, Rhonda!

Simplicity

2009-12-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I am continuing my decluttering quest in order to create space in which to breathe and think with clarity and to simplify my life to the greatest extent possible. I am not too sure how Alfred will take to my ideas of radical simplicity, but the home is my domain and it would certainly make my life and work easier.

Can you believe I had 226 blogs on my favorites list? I have since pared the list down to 75 which is still a lot to be sure, but not nearly as much as it was.

I had a large stack of magazines that had accumulated and I hadn't had time to read them. Instead of trying to go through each and every one, I decided to let them all go. What I don't know, I won't miss.

As I sort through all of our possessions, I have thought about why I have accumulated so many things. I believe a lot of it is due to the fact that I didn't trust my inner knowing. I looked to books and "experts" to tell me how to live my life and acquire perfection. The only problem is life is never perfect and striving for perfection leaves no time for living and enjoying life.

Now I am choosing to learn to listen to the authentic longings of my heart. I may make mistakes along the way, but I can learn from them instead of allowing them to drag me down.Today I choose to stitch the individual pieces together to craft an individual, unique life that reflects who I am and who I am becoming.

What are you choosing today?

Christmas Meme

2009-12-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

DeNiece had this Christmas Meme up on her blog and it looked like fun! She also has a lovely video of her home. I don't know about you, but I love to see how other women decorate!

About the TREE....

1.When do you put up the Christmas tree? After Thanksgiving....by that weekend at the latest.

2. Real or fake? Fake because it's less expensive in the long-run.

3. Lights? What color? Multi-colored :)

4. Garland? Yes, an icicle garland and a red tinsel garland.

5. Theme or no theme? No theme

6. What kind of topper? A lit star - simple, yet pretty.

7. What's your favorite ornament? My gingerbread ornaments, nativity balls, purple glitter balls, crystal hearts...there's too many to choose between.

8. What does your tree skirt look like? A red check cloth.

9. Where do you put your tree? Along the right wall - directly in front of the door.

10. Who decorates the tree? . The girls decorated it after I did the lights and garlands.

11.What's "under" the tree? Nothing....I have Mr. Cheeky (Yorkie puppy) who still likes to chew things!

12. Do you put candy canes on your tree? No, the girls would eat them all :)

About the FOODS....

1. What's your favorite Christmas cookie? Sugar Cookies and Oatmeal, Raisin, and Chocolate Chip

2. Do you bake cookies and give them away? Yes, to neighbors and friends.

3. Any "special" foods or candy that you only have at Christmas time? A dessert item that is chocolate pudding topped with cool whip & crushed peppermints....can't remenber the name of it though!

4. What do you eat Christmas EVE? Snacky type foods since we have to cook aChristmas dinner the next day.

5. What do you eat on Christmas day? Christmas dinner, of course! ;)

6. Do you like Eggnog?? I did as a kid, but not now. I prefer hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows.

7. Do you like candy canes? Yes, I love peppermints any time of the year.

1. Where do you hang your stockings? In the hall way since we don't have a fireplace and no room in the living room.

2. Do you put lights on your house? No, trying to save electricity!

3. Got any outside lawn decorations? No, although I'd like to one day....

4. Do you put up a nativity (crèche)? This is another thing I'd like to do, but I'm picky....I want one that is really pretty.

5. Do you hang mistletoe over the door? No, where do you buy mistletoe?

6. Got a wreath on your front door? No

7. How long does it take you to decorate? A couple hours...

About the movies/show

1 . Favorite Children's Xmas TV show/cartoon? Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas!!!!

2. Wonderful Life/Miracle on 34th St/A ChristmasCarol (Scrooge) - It's a Wonderful Life

3. Favorite Christmas movie?? A Christmas Story

4. Have you ever seen the Nutcracker Suite Ballet live? No

5. Ever been to the Radio City Music Hall Christmasshow?? No.

6. Ever gone to the movies on Xmas Day? No

Other Christmas things....

1. Favorite Christmas book or story? Twas the Night Before Christmas

2. Do you stuff your stockings with any types of food? Does candy count?

3. Do you go to church on Christmas or Christmas Eve? No

4. Have you ever gone Caroling? No, but it sounds like fun!

5. Favorite Christmas Carol? Winter Wonderland

6. Do you believe in Santa? Yes

7. Do you leave Santa cookies? Yes we do.

8. What about Rudolph...We don't leave out reindeer food.

9. What was your best Christmas gift? Seeing my family together and happy.

10. What was the worst/most odd gift? I can't think of anything...

11. Do you go to a "work" Christmas party? We go to Alfred's Army NG party for his unit, plus one for his work.

12. Do you hate going? Kinda

13. Do you send Christmas cards? Only a few to family & friends far away.

14. Do you make a "list"? Yes

15. Do you check it twice? & thrice & etc...Of course!

16.When do you start shopping? Usually throughout the year, but Alfred & I are going shopping together this Saturday. I can't wait!

17.Do you shop on Black Friday? No, never! You couldn't pay me to deal with all the crowds & craziness!

20. ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? Almost!

TAG! You're it.

Decluttering and Insulation

2009-12-08T08:24:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I decluttered four bags of book. Now all of my books fit onto two of the three shelves of the built in bookcase! Today I'll be doing more cleaning and decluttering, plus rearranging my bedroom.

Last week I was reading on Kate's blog about shrink sealing window kits to help better insulate our home this winter. We purchased two kits that cover up to five windows each and a kit for the sliding glass door. Last night we installed it in the master bedroom and bath, and of course, the temperature was relatively mild. But we'll be able to tell whether or not it really helps in a few days when the temperature drops into the 30s again at night. We spent less than $29 for the kits at Lowe's. Not too bad if it helps keep out the drafts and reduce our electricity bill. I will report on it later in the week.

It is a gray, rainy day. I plan to get my work done earlyon today so I can rest this afternoon. On days like this I feel so tired - even more so than usual.

May you be blessed in all your doings today!

My Daybook

2009-12-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday morning, I discovered a dead dove under the cedar tree that stands beside my bedroom window. I think it must have frozen during the cold, bitter night and fallen out of the tree because it didn't seem to have any injuries. Poor dovie!

Outside my window... it is dark and cold. Waiting on the sunrise.

I am thinking... how nice it is to come after having been gone for a period of time, no matter how short a time.

I am thankful for... friends, old and new.

I am wearing...black silk pajamas, thick socks, and my pink robe.

I am remembering...that less can be more.

I am going...to go through the stack of magazines that have piled up.

I am reading...inspiring blogs.

I am hoping...Alfred's work picks up soon.

On my mind...Christmas.

From the learning rooms...reading, baking, home ec, computer, nature, etc. - the school of life is a wonderful teacher.

Noticing that...the wind blows fiercely in the Winter, but not during the Summer when you need it most!

Pondering the words... "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:8

From the kitchen... hearty, made from scratch meals.

~
Around the house... more decluttering, laundry, general cleaning.

One of my favorite things...Jovan Musk for Women perfume.

From my picture journal...

I love the simplicity of this room and it's bright, cheerful colors.

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks!

Gratitude List ~ Week 48

2009-12-06T06:22:00.001-06:00

1. Christmas parades, girly giggles, and candy.

2. Silk pajamas worn as long johns and a fleece jacket kept me warm during said parade.

3. A night off from cooking thanks to Mama who cooked a hearty dinner. What will I do when she moves into her own place?

4. A frost-covered landscape that sparkles in the moonlight and the early morning light until it vanishes under the warm rays of the sun.

5. Nice long weekend naps snuggled up with Alfred.

What are you thankful for this week?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2009-12-05T09:44:00.000-06:00

My, oh my, it's cold out today! The girls are on their way to a Christmas parade in Foley with our neighbor. They are bundled up like little Eskimos and I just hope they are warm enough. Our town will hold their parade tonight at 6:30pm. It's a day of holiday magic to hit two parades in a day and come home with candy galore!

I've been up since 4am. Our Yorkie, Chico (or Mr. Cheeky as I like to call him), was scratching at my door alerting me to his need to go out. So I took both him and Gracie out. There was a stiff North wind blowing and made it seem all the more colder. There was no lolly-gagging around outside this morning for the dogs. Once they went potty, they were ready to return indoors!

So far, I have discarded two out of three bags of stuff and have begun to fill a third bag. I can see my problem is that I still want to hold onto stuff - books, magazines, knic-knacks, etc. I am going to have to get ruthless and radical, I'm afraid. What if I want to read a particular book or magazine? Ugh...I don't want to hang on to things that I have no use for, nor things that add no joy or beauty to my life. The simple fact is, clutter weighs me down. In order to create the life I desire, changes must be made.

With that, I am off to clean house and declutter more stuff. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay warm and cozy!

My Girls and I

2009-12-04T13:08:00.000-06:00

The girls are frosting and decorating cupcakes that I baked this morning, as they sing along to Christmas songs. We're using up the leftover homemade frosting from Kayla's birthday cake that called for two pounds of powdered sugar! As they frost and sample cupcakes, they are talking and giggling. Kenzie says she feels like Paula Deen sampling the treats and that she and her sister can be Kenzie & Kayla's Home Cooking.

Simple things and activities help to create a festive, joyful atmosphere here at home.

Kenzie has had a cough this morning. I hope she's not coming down with a cold or worse. We have a busy weekend ahead. Tomorrow night is our town's Christmas parade and Sunday we are to attend a Christmas dinner with Alfred's Army National Guard unit. I am making my homemade macaroni and cheese to contribute to the potluck.

Kenzie, at nine, is now learning to play Christmas songs on the keyboard. She has a natural ability, it seems, to play by ear. She's never had a lesson. I bought a piano book for beginners, but she didn't pay it much attention to it. Maybe I'll use it instead! Mama always said she would be a piano player because she had/has such long, slender fingers. She is right yet again, but then again, mamas usually are!

The weather forecasters have forecasted a "wintry mix" of rain/sleet/snow for tonight. Though I seriously doubt the snow will reach us, the girls are ever hopeful and excited about the possibilities of waking up to a Winter wonderland. The last time we had snow flurries Kayla, now age 13, was just a babe. And oh, how bitterly cold it was!

The girls are calling for me to come watch Elf with them, so I must close for now!

Thursday Afternoon Chit-Chat

2009-12-03T16:38:00.000-06:00

Alfred returned to work today after a day and a half of being essentially bed-ridden in pain with a rib out of place and two chiropractor appointments, one of which he had acupuncture done. He still has a hot spot in his back and can not lift over ten pounds for the time being. It leaves me concerned about this coming week's paycheck. But I will try not to fret. There are always hurdles to overcome and we've never gone hungry or without a roof over our heads. So I will count my blessings and trust that the Lord will work things out for our good.

I have a roast cooking in the crockpot. The aroma feels the house with promises of beefy goodness. I <3 my crockpot! I put the roast in the crockpot with a can of cream of mushroom soup this morning. Just now I added a packet of brown gravy mix ('cause I suck at making gravy!). For dinner, I'll butter and brown in a skillet the package of hoagie buns and then top it with the roast and gravy. Easy peasy!!

My friend, Rhonda, shared a recipe for freezer crescent rolls on her new blog today. Who doesn't love crescent rolls? Head on over and say hi to her. :)

One of my favorite things is a beautiful landscape. After coming home from town I passed by a cow pasture. The sky was a dark blue-gray. The pasture's grass is still emerald green. There are bare trees there but the edge of it is lined with leafy trees. What made it so beautiful was the way it was illuminated by golden sun rays. The sunlight looked so warm and cozy. I wish I had had my camera with me so you could see it, too.

Yesterday I began decluttering, as per my goal of one small plastic bag worth of stuff per day. I awarded myself a silver star on my calendar for my efforts. Still have to fill up a bag for today. I'm sure it won't be too hard to do. I have a few things to do around the house yet before Alfred comes home so I will bid you farewell for now...

Just Do It

2009-12-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite shows on television. I love to watch the contestant's transformations and see them face their fears and break through the barriers that had previously held them back. As the show progresses, where there was once insecurity, confidence and an I Can Do It attitude emerges. I find it all very inspiring.

I, myself, want to lose weight and get into better shape. I have started and stopped so many times in the past, but I give up too soon because: 1. I don't see results quick enough 2. I am afraid to push myself physically due to RA and panic attacks 3. I put everyone else's needs first.

I have a choice to make. I can do what I've been doing, be unhappy with my body and continue to watch my weight creep up ever so slowly or I can do something about it - eat better and make time to work out. I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I can set and achieve my goals. I am stronger than I give myself crdit for and I'm worth the time spent on becoming healthy and fit.

Instead of looking outside of myself for validation, worth, and acceptance I need to look within. I need to listen to my inner voice and acknowledge my strength. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Just do it...

December Goals

2009-12-01T19:17:00.000-06:00

My friend Rhonda started a new blog - If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done. She posted her goals for the month...just three little things. I can do that! So here's my list:

1. Declutter a little each day. I want to pare down our possessions {mine especially!} and simplify our lives. Decluttering will go a long way in helping reach this goal. My goal is to fill a plastic shopping bag with items to give away or dispose of every day.

2. Live generously...Be a radical giver. I can't help but think of those who are homeless or have inadequate housing, the hungry, and the poor - especially when the cold weather sets in. I don't want to ignore the needs around me. If I can be of help, I want to give - money, goods, time, or talents.

3. Buy secondhand as much as possible. It is my goal to become debt-free and one way I can do that is to be careful with my pennies. One way to do that is to buy secondhand for clothing and home goods and furnishings that are needed.

Do you have any goals for December?

Living Each Season

2009-12-01T10:51:00.000-06:00

Brrr....it is cold here today! The high is only 59 degrees but I don't think it will get that warm. The skies are gray with winds blowing out of the North. Rain has been forecasted for tonight, too. {sigh}

Thankfully, I have no where to go today so I can play and putter about the house. I can bake, watch a holiday movie, work on one of my many unfinished cross-stitch projects, read, play Black-Jack or a board game with the girls, declutter, daydream, take a nap....oh yes!

I can find joy in the simplest things these days. Even on dark, dreary days there is joy to be found if I take the time to look around me and appreciate divine moments of bliss, peace, and utter contentment.

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau

How are you living each season?

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-01T09:16:00.000-06:00

{click pictures to enlarge}

Last night we put up the Christmas tree! I strung the lights and garlands then let the girls go to town hanging all the ornaments. It looks so lovely. I love to sit and gaze upon the tree with its cozy, colorful glow. Included in the collage are pictures of other areas where I have added festive Christmas touches. To the eyes of a child, these touches help to create a magical holiday season.

It sure is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Photo Collages

2009-11-30T15:47:00.000-06:00

Photos from Kayla's birthday...

Kendall and Alfred....my guys :)

Gratitude List ~ Week 47

2009-11-29T05:00:00.001-06:00

1. Birthday celebrations

2. Listening to Christmas music while cleaning and cooking.

3. Christmas movies, old and new.

4. Hearing the jingling of jingle bells as we open and close the front door.

5. Slowing down to enjoy decorating the house for Christmas instead of rushing through the process.

For Kayla

2009-11-28T07:18:00.000-06:00

Today my little girl turns into a young lady for it is your thirteenth birthday. I know how excited you are to become a teen, finally! But I find myself missing the old days when you were a sassy, funny little thing. You always made me laugh.

I was so happy the day you were born for I finally had the daughter I had longed for. I even had your name picked out many years before when I was just a teenager. I thought Kayla was just about the prettiest name ever. A pretty name for a pretty girl - inside and out.

You are smart, tender-hearted, and a great help to me. If anyone has a question about animals, I always direct them to you, for you have a great passion for creatures great and small. I wonder what great things you will do. Will you be a wildlife conservationist like Steve Irwin or Jane Goodall or will you care for the wildlife that surrounds your future home? Only time will tell...

One thing I know for sure - I am honored to be your Mama. God surely did bless me the day He gave you to me. You are a gift and a treasure and I love you.

Love, Mama

The Simple Pleasures of Christmas

2009-11-28T05:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I put out cracked corn for the woodland animals, seed for the birds, cleaned the bird bath and refilled with water, and washed the exterior windows on the backside of the house. I then proceed to clean house and put on a big pot of chili to bubble and simmer on the stove to ward off the cold that chills us to the bone.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am ready to jump into the Christmas spirit! I'm taking down all of my Autumn decorations and am replacing them with Christmas trimmings. I've downloaded Christmas music to My Playlist to play this season as we bake scrumptious treats to enjoy and give away, cook warming comfort foods, and care for our little cottage, making it a cozy retreat from the cold North winds.

We will be using what we have to make this season special. I'm looking forward to doing lots of baking with the girls. Kendall doesn't care to bake, but he does enjoy partaking of our efforts! Sugar cookies are especially fun; rolling out the dough, using cookie cutters, and then decorating the cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles.

There are Christmas movies, old and new, waiting to be watched in the cold evenings, thanks to Netflix. How nice it will be to settle in after dinner with a holiday movie and a homemade snack. While night fall comes early and the dark envelopes all around us, inside we create cozy home scenes under the glow of soft lighting, candles, and the lighted tree.

The excitement slowly builds as Christmas draws near and it's so fun to join in their joy and anticipation. Children love gifts but even when gifts may not be as abundant as years past, what children really need is our love, attention, understanding, and time. This is what happy childhoods and memories are made of.