Determined

 I don't hear many people talk about what their New Year's resolutions will be for 2026 and maybe that's because we've all reached a point in understanding that the desires we set are most likely going to fade away in a few months anyway.  Even so, I'm feeling determined.  I mean, really determined.  

Determined to set goals and determined to see through to them being accomplished no matter how bored, tired or defeated I may feel.  The years really do go by so fast and it feels like it was just yesterday that the ball dropped on 2025 and now here I am several pounds heavier, nothing completed as planned, and no book yet to be published.  I don't want to feel the same way I do now when 2027 arrives.  I have no excuse for my weight gain other than laziness.  As I work to drop those pounds, it won't be for the sake of vanity but for health (I know, I've said that before, right?).  I also strive to do more with my faith.  Nothing else makes me feel so much joy and peace than when I'm both reading the Bible and praying.  I'm setting goals to do it more.  My son, who is also growing strong in faith, told us he wants to do a family Bible study every week and I think that will be great for all four of us to hold each other accountable.  He also shared a daily devotional on the Bible app that we all will be starting.  Not only do I desire to draw closer to God for myself but this year as a family we will be doing it together.  

I also need to create better organization for my home and purge through all of the things we do not need anymore.  So much is taking up space and I have plans in my head of how to make the house look cleaner, organized and inviting.   

And my book.  Oh, that book!  I have wanted to be a published author for as long as I can remember and here I am at 47 and still scratching the surface of the first draft.  I can blame it on lack of time and lack of motivation.  I can blame it on writer's block.  The needs of my house come first and I cannot even manage through all of that so there's guilt whenever I sit down to write.  But I'm determined.  

And with that being said, I think I just came up with my word for 2026.  

DETERMINED

Every year a word comes to mind that I want to focus on.  In 2025 it was CONTENTMENT and my desire was to find contentment in all that I have in my life.  I may not often show it to others, but in my mind I have learned how to be content with what the Lord has given me but that doesn't mean I have to stop trying to do better.  

My favorite go to chapter in the Bible is Psalm 51 and specifically in the 10th verse:  "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."  Even though this chapter was written by David specifically asking God for forgiveness from his love affair with Bathsheba, I feel it can be used as a reminder for all of us that forgiveness allows us to start over.  That each year that passes can be a perfect time to start over with a clean slate.  Why not?  I don't know about you but I'm determined.  

Happy New Year, my friends!  Thank you for visiting my page and to those of you who leave comments.  I do pray that 2026 brings you and your family an abundance of blessings and that if you set any resolutions/goals that you will find the determination to be consistent with it.  After a special New Years Eve church service I'll be going home and slipping into my pajamas, preparing our traditional junky finger foods and sitting in front of the television waiting for the count down to begin.  

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury (review)

 One of my goals for the year 2026 is to read more books and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully get the one I've been working on ready for publication - what's taking so long with that is a story all on its own.  I've been getting a head start on my reading goal and already finished one and the next one was this, The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury.  When I saw the movie was on television my husband asked if I wanted to watch it.  I said I'd have to read the book first.  So, to my surprise, on Christmas he gifted me with the book and it took me two days to finish it.  

It isn't a thick book, 185 pages to be exact; not including her acknowledgements and discussion questions at the end.  It was one of those stories that was hard to put down because I wanted to know if the character would ever find the ring she had lost.

The Christmas Ring is a romantic drama about rediscovery and redemption.  Vanessa Mayfield is a military widow who had lost the family heirloom ring that had been passed down since her great-grandfather found it in France while serving in World War II.  During her search, she discovered a cute antique shop where she also met owner, Ben Miller.  The two had an instant connection and became closer through texting, video chatting and eventually dating.  Just as Ben was about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing ring.  Is he able to find it and return it to her?  Well, I can't give away too much detail.  

Karen Kingsbury, a #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is an inspirational storyteller with almost 100 books published.  She's also a writing professor at Liberty University.  I have not come close to reading all of her books but each one I have read so far holds my attention from beginning to end.  If you are looking for a Christian author who writes fictional stories I highly recommend her.  

For the first time for Karen Kingsbury, the movie had been created before the book.  Starring Jana Kramer, Kelsey Grammer and Benjamin Hollingsworth I'm excited to see how similar the film is to the book.  I'm not a huge fan of the Hallmark movies but this one sparks an interest for me, especially since it's from Kingsbury.  I'm not sure when I'll see the movie but once I do I'll let you know.  Stay tuned.  

As I continue on my reading goals I think it would be fun to write a review on most, if not all of them as it will add a little something different to this blog of mine.  

And Just Like That ...

 Christmas is over!  But we are in full swing of vacation until January 5th and I'm excited for sleeping in, extra relaxing time and being home with my family.  

The in-laws came over on Christmas Eve and I made lasagna and we exchanged gifts.  They joined us for our church's candlelight service.  My son played trumpet in the orchestra and even got a solo.  He did amazing.  I used to feel bad about not making it to Long Island for my sister's Christmas Eve party with my extended family but over the last few years I'm quite content with being at home and I'd much prefer spending the night before Christmas at church celebrating the One who came to earth as a baby to save us from our sins.  

After the kids went to bed I rushed to finish all of the wrapping and set the gifts under the tree.  We slept in on Christmas Day, which is different from how we used to get woken up really early by eager small children.  Now that they are older they don't seem as impatient to rip through everything under the tree.  It's also become a bit more difficult figuring out what to buy them now that they are in the teen/young adult ages but they seemed happy with what they got.  

And Brooke was spoiled, too!

My parents came in the afternoon and sat through the Commanders/Cowboys game the guys insisted on watching and I made a nice ham dinner.  My daughter has been fighting sickness ... again ... so she tried to keep her distance.  

Today my son worked and when he got home they turned on the next new episodes of Stranger Things.  

Christmas seems to come by so quickly and I never feel ready for it until it's over.  Every year I say the same thing and I'm going to say it again - next year I'm going to be intentional about starting and finishing the shopping early, take more time to bake cookies and all the festive things, and just not wait until the night before to get everything wrapped.  Next Christmas will be back again and it will arrive quickly because time seems to be moving faster now than it ever did.  

I hope your Christmas was special and filled with love and joy!

Five For Friday: Christmas Edition of "Would You Rather"

 Hello friends!

I'm not consistent with the Five for Friday and this week I decided to pull five Would You Rather questions I found from the internet.  There was a bunch of questions but I pulled 5 that I thought was the best.  If you have the time and want to play along I'd love to read your answers in the comment section or on your own blog.  Let's go ...

1.  Would you rather give gifts or receive gifts?

Give.  Receiving gifts is nice and appreciative but I feel awkward accepting things from others.  I'd much rather give to others.  

2.  Would you rather travel for Christmas or stay home?

Stay home!  

3.  Would you rather go to a Christmas party or or have a Christmas movie day?

Definitely would rather stay home and watch movies.  

4.  Would you rather open Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

I always give my kids one gift on Christmas Eve and it's a pair of new pajamas and a book, maybe some candy too.  Everything else is opened on Christmas morning.  

5.  Would you rather live in a snow globe or a gingerbread house?

Gingerbread house.  I can eat my way out of that.  

Prepping for Christmas 2025

  As I was reading BillieJo's blog post for today she said something that really stuck with me, "This is the only Christmas 2025 we will celebrate."  Wow!  That's pretty powerful.  Yes, we do have Christmas year after year but this will be the only one of the year 2025 and the only one that will be everything that it is.  With having a mother in late stage Alzheimer's who also battles other health issues I do keep in mind that this could possibly be the last Christmas we have with her.  In fact, it could even be the last one I have with my father or my husband's parents, or anyone for that matter, since none of us know when our time is coming up.  I know that sounded morbid, maybe, but you know what I mean.  This is also the last Christmas we have before my son goes off to college.  He'll be home next Christmas for break but it will feel very different.  Christmas no longer feels as it used to and some traditions have changed (like Santa Claus - my kids don't believe anymore) but so much is still the same.  Every year we celebrate the true meaning, the birth of Jesus.  We'll attend our church's Christmas Eve candlelight service and then wake up on Christmas Day to open gifts.  That moment I have in the morning with just the four of us is special and it won't be long before my kids will be doing that in their own homes with their own families.  Every Christmas will continue to have some of the same traditions but then some changes as well.  Change ... ugh, I don't do well with change at all.  

But I won't think of the past or even the future.  In one week we will be celebrating the Christmas of 2025 and I will do my best to make it as wonderful as it can be.  No stressing over what I can't control.  Like, finding out one week before the holiday that my sister-in-law decided she did not want to host dinner at her house, which had been tradition for years.  It's okay, I understand the financial burden of it all but now I have to take time to clean and organize a house that isn't very clean at the moment and doesn't have a lot of space to hold guests.  I know, we'll figure it out.  I'm also not finished with Christmas shopping and, as usual, I'll be stuck in the middle of crowded stores trying to get it all done.  But, like every year, it will get done.  We haven't watched all of the Christmas movies I've wanted to because everyone has their own busy schedules and we all need to be here and there and by the time the kids are home they are exhausted.  It's okay, we've already seen a few movies and we'll squeeze some time for a few more.  

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior, the one who brings peace to the world.  What would Christmas be if we didn't surround ourselves with peace?  This holiday season I am choosing peace over stress.  

And yes, you can spot my children's school pictures for this year.  Every year the pictures in those frames change but this year is my son's last.  That picture will remain.  My daughter's will change three more times.  

Time doesn't stand still but for the next week it's all going to be about Christmas 2025 and I'll cherish every moment while it's here.  

Another Snowy Day in PA

 On Saturday evening the snow began to fall and it continued throughout the night.  We woke up on Sunday morning to a few inches blanketing the ground.  I do find snow to be very pretty - from the inside of my house staring at it from the window.  Because Sunday was church and my husband teaches a boys Sunday school class we had to go.  I'm glad we did.  As always, the sermon was well spoken and filled with Biblical teaching.  We learned that the executive pastor is leaving and starting a church of his own further north.  It came as a shock and a sad feeling but we do understand the importance of going where God leads.  

The drive made for beautiful scenery.  These pictures don't do justice.  

Our husky, who I've already stated is not one who enjoys the cold, white stuff, seemed to have a little fun with it.  Maybe she's finally realizing she was bred to be a snow dog.  She spent a lot of time outside and then indoors for a nap in between play.  

Because of low temperatures and morning icy roads the school called for a two-hour delay.  It was nice having a slow start this morning and then I made it through the van run.  All but one student made it in today.  In less than two hours it will be time to bring them home.  So, I'm using the little time I have in between to get laundry done, some housework and, of course, taking a minute to write his blog.  

Are you in an area of the country that has seen any snow this weekend? 

On The 12th Day of Christmas ...

 

My apologies for not being consistent in blogging.  I'm quite envious of those of you who post on a specific weekly schedule.  I'd like to do better since this blog is a fun way to meet others and also have a special place to jot down some of the things happening in my life, as well as what I may be feeling at the time.  It's nice to have a place to look back on.  Sometimes I will look at old blog posts and think to myself oh, I've forgotten about that.  

So, here we are, 12 days until Christmas and just like this time every year I am not prepared.  I always find myself rushing to buy gifts while telling myself I'm going to start shopping earlier next year but then ... here I am getting ready to do it all again.  Christmas shopping seemed a lot simpler when my kids were little and enjoyed playing with toys.  There were so many options when it came to toys and dolls.  Now, they are a teenager and young adult and what do you get for a teenager and young adult?  Moreso, the practical things that are needed like electronics, books, and gift cards.  That's all I can think of.  It's also frustrating to not know what to get my husband and I certainly don't know what to get my parents because those two don't need anything and usually just give the stuff away to someone else.  I try not to stress, because Christmas should not be about stressing over gift buying, but instead remembering the greatest gift of all - Jesus our Savior.  

This morning I woke up to a quiet house while Rob and the kids left to do a one mile race nearby.  I'm the only non-runner in the family and I'm okay with that.  Then my son will be off to work for a few hours and when he returns I'll be taking the kids coat shopping.  Yes, it's mid-December and they have yet to have a new coat.  Teens these days usually don't wear them but it's needed.  They outgrew their other ones and I did not realize that soon enough.  I will try to sneak some gift buying as well.  

Happy Saturday y'all!  

It's Too Cold Outside

 I guess it's that time of year again.

In all three years as a school van driver, at about exactly the same time of year, this shiny light appears with a LOW TIRE warning.  Yesterday came that day.  I knew I'd be okay to risk driving both morning and afternoon runs and then my husband so kindly checked and added air to all four tires.  He said every tire was low.  So, I will see if the light comes back on and if it does I will definitely run in to the bus garage.  Last year one tire actually needed to be repaired so it could be that again or it could just be what happens to tires when the air gets cold.  

And lately it's been COLD.  

I consider myself lucky to be part of the country that experiences the weather of all four seasons but this is my least favorite of them all.  I'm sure I've already told you that, though.

In better news it's FRIDAY!  I had to wake up earlier than usual to take the girl to her swim practice before school.  I did my morning van run and will spend time getting things done around the house until it's time to leave again to bring everyone home.  I'm hoping for a relaxing and cozy night inside tonight and I will suggest we watch a Christmas movie.  Home is my favorite place to be, especially in this season.  

Tomorrow will be our first experience at the school's swim invitational.  Since my daughter is still new to swimming she won't be competing yet but I did sign up to help at the snack bar.  I'll admit that I am not really looking forward to it.  I'm clueless as to what to expect.  I'd much rather spend a Saturday at home or maybe do some much needed Christmas shopping but this is something my daughter really wanted to get into and it's only right that I support her through that.  Sunday will be church and my daughter is going to her friend's/our next door neighbor's 15th birthday party.  15!  I remember the day they moved into the house and on that same night was when her mother went into labor.  Times moves so fast.  I'm sure I've said that enough times, too.  

Enjoy the weekend and stay warm!  

First Snowfall

 The view outside my window.  

This is the first snow fall of the season and it came down heavily sometime after 5am and continued on and off for a few hours when it turned over to rain.  There's just enough snow to cover the ground and enough rain to make it all slushy.  Worrying that by the time the sun goes down it may all turn to ice.  

Last night the school called for a two-hour delay and then this morning as I sat with my cup of coffee a text came in saying that they were officially closed.  I let the kids sleep in and enjoyed a quiet morning.  As much as I am grateful for these snow days I'm not so happy that I don't get paid.  

You would also think that being a Siberian Husky means that this snow would give you a sense of wanting to harness up and run for miles while pulling a sled but, instead, I have a husky that would rather be angry at the white stuff.  "What am I supposed to do in this?" is what I'm sure she's thinking.  

I'll admit, from the inside looking out it's very beautiful but ...

Last Day of Break

 

Welcome December!  As much as I am a lover of summertime I do feel as though this is my favorite time of the year.  It's filled with the good memories of my childhood when family would gather at my grandparents house with all of the aunts, uncles and cousins.  My grandparents loved Christmas and made sure to make it special for all the grandchildren.  Then we would arrive home really late and Santa's gift was already under the tree for me.  My dad couldn't wait until morning and insisted we all stayed up to open all of the presents.  My parents made Christmas extra special, too.  As I got older Christmases began to look different but it was always special.  Then once I had children it was so incredible to be able to see the holiday through their little eyes.  We filled the tree with a lot of gifts for them and were woken up very early on Christmas Day to their impatience with wanting to open them.  

Today is the last day of Thanksgiving break but they are calling for about 2"-5" inches of snow starting late tonight into tomorrow morning so that could mean a two hour delay or closing for school.  We will see.  The break was good.  A mix of busy and relaxing.  I'm still working on the decorating but the tree is up.  In the first year of marriage Rob and I both had off work on Black Friday and neither had any desire to be part of the shopping rush so we stayed home and decorated the apartment for Christmas.  Then we decided to make it a Black Friday tradition every year.  Setting up and decorating the tree seems to take up most of the day.  Having to fluff the branches, fixing broken lights and doing my best to strategically place each ornament is a challenge but I love when I can look at it's finished beauty and feel thankful.  My mother had always been good at getting the branches moved in perfect position and she was particular with making sure the balls were evenly placed, she refused to have the same colors too close to each other.  I don't know how she did it but that's a struggle for me.  My mother also liked changing up the theme each year.  For me, I keep it simple and it's covered in store bought ornaments and handmade ornaments from the kids.  It's a tree filled with memories of our family through the years and it's exactly as I love it.  

As I wrap up the last day of Thanksgiving break there is a lot to do.  Laundry, meal planning and grocery shopping, and hopefully finishing last minute details of the decorating so all the boxes can go back up to the attic.  Last night my husband and son drove down to DC to watch the Commanders/Broncos game.  The Commanders is their team and this is a tradition for my son's birthday.  It seemed like a good game where Washington fought hard but unfortunately lost by 1 point.  Since it was a late game they stayed at a hotel and will be coming home today.  My daughter is currently at the school for swim practice.  So, as of right now I'm taking a moment to enjoy the quiet house with a cup of coffee.  I also plan on starting December by reading and studying the book of John in the Bible.  

I hope you have an amazing December filled with good cheer, joy, and happiness!!!!