2013: Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Ewan Traveler)

Did you hurry and scurry this week to get ready for today? I did. With help, we cleaned the house, worked on laundry, finished the shopping, looked at Christmas lights, wrapped the presents, did more laundry, baked cookies, attended Christmas events, prepared the reindeer food, and still working on laundry.

In all the bustle, I was not finding peace and joy in the sibling quarrels, the constant chatter, or the work at hand. Not because peace and joy could not be found, but because I was too busy to stop and enjoy the process. I focus too much on the task at hand when Christmas is not about the doing but rather about the giving.

Entering into this Christmas Day and reflecting on what Christ gave, I stop amazed. Giving up the glories of heaven, He was placed in a dirty manger that no mother would choose for her newborn baby. Though manger scenes display the baby all snug in the straw, the reality is that straw and hay are not comfortable – even for a baby. Yet, He allowed the barn atmosphere to be his first home with pokey straw and smelly animals.

As my children are snug in their comfortable beds in a heated home and dreaming of the gifts under the tree, I am blessed because of Christ’s gift – Himself. As Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ESV).

God sent His only Son, Jesus, to a dirty stable in lowly Bethlehem. He entered this world for you and me. May you find the peace and joy of Christmas from the gift of Jesus Christ. This greatest gift is better than any possession you will find under the Christmas tree this morning. All the hustle and bustle items will fade away, but Jesus is eternal life, joy, and peace.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and joy because of God’s gift to us, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!

2013: Happy Thanksgiving!

November 28, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: NVTOfficeClips

It’s Gratitude Day! Though showing gratitude and expressing gratefulness is routinely practiced in our household, I especially enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.

How different and blessed we are today in comparison to the first Thanksgiving celebrated in America. From the blessing of cooking on a stove with a delicious feast completely prepared in about 2 hours to having my family gathered around the table, I will be counting my blessings and showing my gratitude.

In using time wisely, our family is choosing to bypass this evening’s After Thanksgiving Sales and waiting in line at the stores for the Black Friday steals. When we were young and without children, Paul and I survived the thrill of Black Friday. We huddled together to keep from freezing while waiting for Best Buy to open at 5 a.m. 😉

With our turkey brining, potatoes peeled, and sweet potatoes and stuffing prepared, we are on schedule for our Thanksgiving feast. In using time wisely, we have family and friends coming to celebrate our many blessings. The pecan and blueberry pies are baked along with a chocolate cake for dessert this afternoon.

As the preparations commence, I look forward to watching my children participate with Thanksgiving printable activities along with place cards and coloring pages. Though the day is filled with details, I plan to relax and enjoy the day. All the prior preparations provide a path to a success feast while using time wisely.

Wishing you all a blessed day of gratitude! I’m very thankful for each of you, and the blessing you are to me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2013: Happy Veterans Day!

November 11, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

My favorite advertisement this Veterans Day is from Walmart. I love how Walmart is committed to hiring 100,000 Veterans over the next 5 years. Showing their support, Walmart has setup a page to honor your favorite Veteran.

My uncle is my favorite Veteran. He served in the Marshall Islands when I was a teenager. I remember him missing the first year of his oldest child’s life to serve our country. He was away from his family which was a sacrifice for him and us.

Honoring those who served, many businesses are offering deals todays. For deal details, check out these posts from Sheri Miller at Swaggrabber and Jenny Martin at Southern Savers.

To all military, both active and retired, we salute you.

Thank You for your Service!

Happy Veterans Day!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Happy Veterans Day – November 11, 2013

November 8, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

For all veterans and active duty military, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is celebrating you.

On Monday, November 11, 2013, present your military identification or wear your uniform to a participating United States Krispy Kreme Doughnut location to receive a FREE doughnut and small coffee.

With no purchase necessary and no coupon required, enjoy a sweet treat in celebration of your service for America.

Per the promotion, military personnel need to go into the store to receive their FREE doughnut and small coffee. This offer is not valid in the drive-through.

Thank you, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and

Thank you, Veterans!

2013: Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Time to put on those costumes and have some fun! My children went reverse trick-or-treating yesterday at Paul’s office. The goal is to help our children practice the art of giving. However, they seem to come back with as much or more candy than we started.

Today, my children are ready to attend two events, head out into our neighborhood, and complete the evening snuggled into my bed watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Sometime in there, we will complete homework.

In working ahead, my children have planned for today’s events by completing assignments early or using earned coupons for today’s homework. I was so proud of them both for working on the material needed to master the information for their tests on Friday. Both of them worked hard to alleviate the homework load today.

If you are seeking some FREE or inexpensive Halloween options, then consider these options for a safe and sweet Halloween:

Grocery stores
Libraries
Mall
Bookstores
Home Improvement stores
Restaurants

Jenny Martin over on Southern Savers put together this great list of FREE or inexpensive Halloween dining offers. In addition to her list, I would add the discounts at Stevi B’s, Fuddruckers, and Olive Garden.

Church groups
Jump zones
Truck-or-Treats
Your own neighborhood

Though I don’t usually get dressed up, I will come up with a costume to snag a FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut. If we had an APlus Sunoco nearby, we would accept their FREE candy bars.

My little princesses and Greek warrior Ajax will be on the prowl along with all the other little super heroes and characters. Please remember to drive extra carefully this evening and watch out for all little ones making memories. Though parents will be about, children do cut across streets without looking. If we all are a little bit more careful and aware, we might prevent a disaster from occurring.

For those of you who do not celebrate Halloween, I wish you a blessed Reformation Day! 🙂

If you are joining our family in this season of candy and treats, then have a great evening making memories, capturing smiles, and using time wisely with family, friends, and neighbors.

Happy Halloween!

Question: What is your favorite candy to give or receive?

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