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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Come on In {Christmas Decor}

Come on in ya'll and let's take a tour of my home.
I'm linking up today with Gussy Sews for the inspiration_ Christmas Decorations and 
the Inspired Room.



I love, love Christmas and have always grown up around a lot of decorations.
Growing up my family and extended family all lived on the same property and we {they} were known for their outdoor decorations at Christmas. People would come from all over just to ride through our neighborhood....this was before you could set your radio station to play a tune to the dancing of lights too! We had a huge nativity_ my Aunt & Uncle had a humongous lit up star that sat at the very top of their roof pitch_ there were hanging things_ and moving things...good times. But a lot of work. 
Looking back now as an adult I really don't know how they did it each year. I remember my Aunt going through rows & rows of lights testing them and changing 
out bulbs if a line was out... my few strings for my tree can wear me out.
Anywho let's get started....



I've always had a green tree up until 2 years ago when I decided to go with the pink & turquoise decor
and my mom bought me a white tree to go along with it. I like to change things up so I'm not sure how long the whole white tree thang will last but for now it 's light & bright_ and kinda retro feeling.



My kids take turns each year being the one who places the angel at the top of the tree. They always seem to remember whose turn it is.... and I'm glad they do. Hubs used to hold them up while they placed it on top but they're getting a little too big for that now.


This snow globe is one of my fave things...




The feather tree is another thing I really like but is starting to look kinda bad. A lot of the feathers are missing and it has started to lean... I'm not even sure how that happened or why but I can't bare to part with it yet.



The crown is always set out for us to remember that He is the King of Kings. Which is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. It also reminds me of the wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.

Over on the right of the fireplace are my daddy's boots. He was a builder and these were his boots he wore everyday to work. They are very dear to my heart....


And my most fave thing is this nativity. Years ago we lived in Pennsylvania and one year while in Costco I spotted this nativity. It was a splurge and I knew it but I also knew how worth it it would be. It has been through many a miles and many of years with my kids. One of Joseph's fingers has been lost and baby Jesus has gone missing a time or too. Especially back when the kids were smaller and had to touch everything. 
Nevertheless it is the reason we have any decorations out in our home. 
It is the reason that we have Hope_ that we celebrate our Savior being born.

 I always imagine myself there that night...being a wise man, or someone who came to see the baby... Jesus. 
I think this is why the little drummer boy is my all time favorite Christmas song. 
I imagine myself there seeing or even being the one to play my drum for Him. 
Can you imagine the emotion... the pure joy... wanting so badly to play your very best for Jesus?
Even now I think about that song and I want to play my best for Him. 
To only worship the One who was born in a stable to take away the sins of the world_ to take away my sins_ all those years ago.



"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."
Luke 2:14
heather.


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Meet Jessica & Dave

                                  .heatherholden.
                                                                                                                       


.heatherholden.



.heatherholden.



.heatherholden.


We've known Jessica & Dave for about a year now. Hubs actually met Dave through work and over some lunch one day Jode said "we should introduce our wives. I think they would like each other." 
And that we did. They are a sweet couple who came into our life at just the right time. 
Dave was such a good sport with these pictures. Whatever I asked him to do, he did and he even wore the yellow shirt for Jess when she asked him too. And Jess is a precious person... I'm so thankful for her friendship. 
Can't wait to see what all God does in their life in this next coming year!



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

New Vintage Pieces & a Recipe

Ya'll I'm eeking out over these cute necklaces!
I was so excited I couldn't wait to share them!
These 3 "happys" are already listed in the shop and over the next few days I 'll be listing more as I get them made up. But for now here's a peek...
Also, I mentioned the other day about a Taco Soup that I make.
We seriously have it probably every 2 weeks and guess what? It's a Weight Watchers Recipe.
Which is an added bonus, just sayin'.
When I had my first babe, my best friend made it and brought it to us after coming home from the hospital.
Isn't that such a blessing? The churches we've always been a part of have had that ministry where they try and send meals to the family for a week.That was always such a reliever to not have to worry about cooking during that time. And I've gotten to bring meals over which I love cause' I get to be one of the first's to see the new little baby. And if I was really lucky I got to hold them too ;)
Ok..anywho... so here is what you'll need...

1lb ground turkey or lean gr meat
1 onion
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
1 can Pinto Beans
1 can Chile Beans
1 can Corn
1 can Stewed tomatoes {Mexican Flavor}
1 can Stewed tomatoes {any flavor}
  Brown meat and onions, then drain. Mix Hidden Valley Ranch mix and taco seasoning into meat.
Then without draining the cans add all of the other ing. Simmer 1 hour.
This is delicious served with Fritos or Baked Tostitos chips.
Then we always put on the sour cream and shredded cheese.
Oh, and one more thing it's really more of a thick consistency.
Saying soup may make you think it's thinner or watery, but it's not.
Much love,
heather.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Weekend Randomness

Ya'll I'm guest posting over at Hannah's today for her Sharing Christmas series. 
When she emailed and asked if I would share a post, I felt honored.
Hannah is a gem and anytime I hear from her I feel just that_ honored... that she would take the time
to read and comment. 
Her story and love for the Lord is contagious. 
So go check out my recipe for "the Christmas Scent" I shared on her blog today.
                             

We had a great little weekend. Friday hubs surprised me in the middle of the day by saying he wanted 
to go to Wal-Mart. I was not amused and could not figure out what the deal was with him wanting to 
go to...Wal-MArt. He hates Wal-MArt... like with a passion. He would almost rather me pay extra somewhere else for groceries than to go to our Wal-Mart. So thankfully, I caved and we went to the Wally world only to walk out being a proud owner of this.


My California friend Nina Bina had told me about this Brother sewing machine that was here for the holidays costing only $55. So I had mentioned this to my hubs. I have a birthday right after Christmas so I figured between Christmas & birthday money I would have enough to get one. 
This is how good God is though. Friday hubs had a chance to help a friend and make some extra money that was supposed to only pay $50 but when the guy went to pay him he gave him $100 instead. 
How awesome is that? Hubs was afraid they would sell out and be gone so he wanted to get it now instead of waiting. And I'm scu-red ya'll because I don't know how to sew...but I am determined to learn.

Speaking of Nina Bina she also mentioned to me about FuelPerks at Bi Lo and how much money you can save on gas. I definitely knew of Fuel perks and every time I check out they always tell me how many I have accumulated but I never knew what the full deal was with them. Until now...I filled up last week and used those babies saving a whole 45cents off every gallon. 
And now I'm kinda obsessed with them...

Saturday started off with some painting. Remember how I told you J had painted the door a pretty blue just in time for Christmas. Yea, wellllll he did paint it and for 2 weeks it was Ok...but then it just started not working. The inside of the door is painted too so it was one of those things when every time I passed it something just didn't feel right with it. 


So this is what my door looks like now and I'm lovin' it. It just feels right now...first it was black_
then it was blue_ and now it's yellow. Maybe we'll paint it a different color every season.... actually 
hubs says he doesn't think even a bullet could get through all the layers of paint on our door and now I'm wondering why he even used that as an example....


Later that evening I cooked up some Taco Soup for some friends and we played mexican Dominoes. 
It has been a long time since I've played but it was a lot of fun getting re-introduced to it and losing all 4 times. 


Sunday was church day and then that afternoon I had the opportunity to photograph some friends for their Christmas picture. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. It went so quickly that I kept questioning myself feeling like maybe I hadn't gotten the shots that I needed or wanted. But let me just tell ya they are such a good looking couple that I had a hard time picking my favorite! 
Thank you Jess & Dave for being my very first adults to photograph.


To close out Sunday night hubs asked the kids to pick one person that came to mind that they should pray for. There's something about hearing our kids pray that is piercing & powerful. Oldest prayed for his friend. That he would be an example to him and specifically that he would have a desire to attend church. Youngest prayed for a neighbor and their whole family. And middle prayed for her friend's salvation...that when they are separated next year because of going to different middle schools that she would know Jesus that way when they get to heaven she can find her.


Linking up with Carissa & Heather for


heather.

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Pumpkin Who Beat the Odds

Ok. so this here little {big} pumpkin we got at the first of October and for those of you who remember I told the story about the nice lady at Sam's who stopped me when trying to pick one out and told me it was a carving pumpkin so it wouldn't last long. She said I should wait to purchase a carving pumpkin til' closer to Halloween. And I contemplated not getting one and just waiting. One went in the buggy and then back in the bin it would go until I spotted this here beauty and knew he was the one.
Well he has beat the odds ya'll and I couldn't bare to get rid of him. I mean there is no sign of rot anywhere on him....it's craziness. So I was racking my brain trying to think of what to do with him and this is the best I could come up with. Only thing is I think he needs a beanie hat on top..that would be the last added touch for him don't you think? My kids were like "mom, you're seriously painting the pumpkin, like how embarrassing for all the neighbors to see". I said yep, and now you all get to see, too.... I love a good story of people who beat the odds.... and things, too like pumpkins.;)


He matches all of my Christmas decor... I'll post pics next week of the house all decorated up!

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I guest posted over at Kimberly's 2 weeks ago with 20 questions that she asked me.
Just wanted to post it here in case you missed it....

1.  If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?
The ultimate for me would be to be mentored by someone who has experienced life.
Heartache as well as joy…a woman who has raised her children. I think I would have to say Bobbie Houston from Hillsong Church in Australia. She is super passionate about the Lord_ life_ her family_ and empowering other women to find their God-given giftings and pursue them.

2.  What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Cleaning the shower.

3.  What is a typical day for you?
Alarm goes off at 6:30am and I roll out of bed.
Wake the kids up, dressed, dropped off to school.
Back home to read the word, journal, blog, answer some emails.
Do some laundry, run errands, work on an order for the shop, or create something new.
2:30 to 3:45 is spent picking up kids from school
Help kids with homework
Get started on dinner
Hubs and I catch up while kids play outside & we usually take a walk
Then from 8:30-9pm it’s bath time, prayer time, and sleep time for the kids.
After that I get a bath and either have alone time with hubs or catch up on some of my fave shows.
And finally to sleep around 10:30-11:00 {I'm a shut down at 10pm kinda gal}

4.  If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, what would be different?
Ummm, my hair color…it's constantly changing. Kidding, just kidding.
Gosh, well I’m definitely not perfect so I would never want you to think that’s what I’m implying here. We sin everyday... but I’ve just always thought we were supposed to live like this. Knowing that He could come tomorrow and being ready. I grew up with a fear of the Lord and continue to have that to this day.

5. What is your wardrobe must have?
 A cardigan or sweater. I wear one pretty much over everything I have.

6.   If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Sew or play the piano

7.   Why did you start blogging?
To document our life. I would love to be able to read over my mom or dad’s thoughts&struggles while they were my age/ in my stage of life. And so initially that is why I started to blog. I hope that my kids will have something to look back on and know that their struggles were normal. That they will treasure the life in photos & words that were typed out for them. Obviously though, I gained so much more than I ever thought when initially starting my blog. I’ve really pinpointed the things that I enjoy doing_ I started heathers happys which has been a blessing_ and I have so many friends all over the world. It just doesn’t get much better than all of that!

8.  If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
Umm, I kinda like my name, I think. Maybe Paige??

9.  What is ALWAYS in your fridge or pantry?
Flavored Coffee Creamer

10. What is your favorite quote? Favorite bible verse?
Right now fave quote: “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

11.  If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Definitely give to the church and then help some of my family members who right now are losing their home, land, and business.

12. What are you hoping to get for Christmas?
A surprise. They drive me crazy_ like I'm the one who will snoop til' I find where J has hidden my gift. So he has to really hide them from me. But I love them! 
This Christmas I really want a sewing  machine though.

13.  It’s a rainy day and you’re all alone… What do you do with your time?
I stay in my pj’s all day and read or pin on Pinterest..ha!

14.  What is your favorite color?
Ok. this is hard for me. My kids ask me this all the time and I like so many.
Probably a blue, aqua, or turquoise-y color….

15. Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?
I was let go from a job in a health club when I was pregnant with my first child because they cut the position. I took it personally and was devastated at first. My desire was to ultimately stay home with the kids. So it worked out for the best because I didn’t go back to work all through the time of having my babes. Had that not happened I probably would have struggled with letting the job go. That was one of the firsts’ of watching how God provided for our needs even in the mist of something that looked not for the best…but it was.

16.  What is your favorite book? Movie? TV Show?
Right now I love “One thousand gifts” by Ann Voskamp. I learned so much from it.      
Movie: Elf              
Show: Parenthood

17.  What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?
I didn’t clean my room. It stayed a mess... but I knew where everything was.

18.  When is your birthday? 
January 11th

19. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Worst?
Without a doubt my husband’s love for me. He models Jesus to me in the way that he loves and cares for me. Hate to be that mushy.. but it’s true.
Worst gift ever was probably a blender he got me for Christmas. Yes, that really happened. It was like our 5th year of marriage and he had heard me say I needed one…and I did need one, but not for a Christmas present. He’s made up for it many times over…J

 20. What story does your family always tell about you?
How I was an extreme tomboy when I was little. I used to climb trees with my cousin and try and do anything he did. Before I had a clue about ladies developing… I used to want to take my shirt off like he did in the Summertime. I know super embarrassing but I’ve had to hear my family tell of the time I asked and just could not understand why I couldn’t.

Happy Friday!!
heather.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Thankful Thursday and a Giveaway

I'm kinda late with my posts' and a week away from Thanksgiving but I didn't want to let it totally get away without sharing about our day. J had the week off and we debated whether we should go be with family in MS which would've been sooooo nice. But the trip would've been a quick one plus we still have so many projects_  unpacking that needed to be done since moving_ and J and I really needed some "us" time together doing something or nothing... just hanging out. I have found over our 15 years of marriage "us" time is such a necessity and the key I have found is to have fun. And at the end of the day he is my best friend and the one I want and thankfully get to share fun times with. So we did just that! Enough marriage talk though...  so anywho we opted to stay home and I know it was the right decision even though there were still times we would look at each other and say "should we go??". Cause you know getting to be with a big family {like J.'s} and having our kids get to be with aunts_ cousins_ uncles_ pawpaw's_ & mawmaw's is good for the soul and an opportunity we don't 
want to miss out on. 

And sometimes I find I put expectations upon myself that I just can't meet up to. 
It's a constant battle that I have to fight against because when I don't meet them then I internalize all of it and it's sinful...ucky, icky stuff. This year I had said I wanted to start a new tradition by getting the kids some little "happys" and writing notes to them. Well I didn't...and not because I didn't want to. 
It just wasn't really in our budget for buying extras and as for the notes I never took the time to sit down and write them out. However, we did get a new game that the kids have been wanting for awhile and can you believe we've never had it before.... Life. The game of Life....and we played.





There are some surprises at Christmas time happening within our family that I can't disclose yet but instead of making the traditional Thanksgiving meal we decided to do something a little different. 
So we had steak {hubs favorite}_ twice baked potatoes_ vegetable casserole_ apple pie_ and at the last I bought a small ham to have, too. Only because I knew we would have leftovers and could make sandwiches with it over the next few days. Another adjustment I had to accept and roll with... me not preparing and having a huge ole' Thanksgiving feast prepared....but we had plenty.



Some things we did do the same. We did go around the table talking about what we were thankful for 
in life and in each other. And I may have shed a few tears like always....


We did get another picture where hubs looks like he's smelling me....lol


We did watch some of the Macy's Day parade and we did get our tree put up that evening. 





Today a week away from Thanksgiving I'm still just as thankful. 
I look around at all we have, like a home_ heat_ a Christmas tree with decorations_ ... but I see so much more when I look over these photos and I'm thankful for another day that I have... and I see. This morning I woke up_ He has given me air in my lungs today which means He's not through with us yet.....and I exhale... thankful. 

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Also, 2 things today. As you may have noticed I have a "new bloggy design" and some new buttons.
So if you want to grab a new one to put up, please do so and if I'm not swapping with you and you would like to... email me! 
Secondly, Happy Birthday to Sarah over at Racing Towards Joy! She is having a double giveaway today with $20 off in my shop plus another sweet something she is giving away. 
So go enter to win and wish Sarah a happy happy birthday!


Happy Thursday!!
heather.