Blogmas Day 30: New Year's Eve Survey

And here we are, everyone, at the end of blogmas! I have had so much fun with this! I really do hope to do this again next year. I think it's been very beneficial for me. So let's finish up the year with some questions!

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” —Neil Gaiman

Blogmas Day 29: My Top Books of the Year

It's that time of the year! The end of the year for this reader! While I did do some rereading, I still read quite a few books! I did read more than I normally would of series, and it was series where I had to have the next book! Keep in mind that my books are adult books and RARELY are young adult books.

"As Jake looked at him so calmly, his eyes kind and patient, Nico was able to catch a breath and focus on baseball even though he wanted to rub himself all over Jake’s hairy, muscular body like a cat and its scratching post." - Keira Andrews, Reading the Signs

Blogmas Day 28: Fourth Week of Advent

Hey everyone! I hope you had an amazing Christmas! I sure did! It was surrounded by family and friends and peace. Our advent season is coming to a close but our Christmastide celebration is just starting! This is a blessing for our family to continue the celebration of Christ!

When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. - Matthew 2:10

Blogmas Day 27: 10 Questions for the End of Year

Hey everyone! So, while you get ready for the new year it's a good idea to reflect on the past year. And again thanks to 10 Things to Tell you I have a post for you today! We are looking at 10 questions for the end of the year and these are some deep questions. Some of these remind me of Powersheet questions so it's a good thing for you my readers!

The Lord made all go well with whatever Joseph did. - Genesis 39:23

Blogmas Day 26: New Year New Furniture

Hey everyone! A new year is fastly approaching! I cannot believe I get to live in the twenties! Pretty awesome! So, how are you going into the new decade?! Maybe some new goals, new intentions, new clothes? What about new furniture?

Home is where the story begins. 

Blogmas Day 25: Non Christmas Traditions with Christmastide

Hey everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate! Today, we are starting a new tradition in our house, Christmastide. We are also learning about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa in our house also.

Blogmas Day 24: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas! And if you are celebrating Hanukkah I want to wish you a Happy Hanukkah! Our family has had a wonderful time!

So here are a few questions regarding Christmas! I love doing these but I have been feeling like I do them too much. But, I have to do a Christmas one and I always fill out the same one on New Year's Eve!

Blogmas Day 23: The Last Day on Duty: Story of an Elf on the Shelf

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! You'll find me working today, but it's okay we are partying it up! There is a senator here cooking us biscuits and gravy, and they are delicious. My kids are rather sad to know that it's their elves' last day of shenanigans until November of next year. The elves left an interesting note for them this morning; about everything they have seen this year. So, I'll turn it over to them below.

“The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer, Is Singing Loud For All To Hear!” - Elf

Blogmas Day 22: New Stocking Tradition and Nativity Tray

Hey everyone! It's almost Christmas Day! I'm excited and bummed! But, this year we are doing some new traditions this year. They are two traditions that I am pulling from a book you'll hear a lot about in the new year called Simple Abundance.

"When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?"  - Gilbert K. Chesterton

Blogmas Day 21: Third Week Advent

Hey everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! We are so close to Christmas! I am not looking forward to it ended at all. While most people are looking for Christmas to be over with, I'm not. I enjoy it and relish it.

And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. - Luke 2:8

Blogmas Day 20: Prayer

Hey everyone! I hope you are getting excited for Christmas Day! It will be here in no time! I hope you have been enjoying whatever Advent study, book, activities, etc that you partake in! I know I have been! Plus, I've also been preparing up for the new year little by little too!

And may heavenly peace be all around!

Blogmas Day 19: Uncommon Christmas Movies

Hey everyone! It's coming! CHRISTMAS IS COMING! It's Friday too! Praise the Good Lord! It is Friday! This weekend should be spent wrapping presents and watching movies! Let's talk about some movies that are not featured on Freeform!

I never thought it was such a bad tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love. - Linus, A Charlie Brown Christmas

Blogmas Day 18: 11 Favorite M/M Christmas Books

Hey everyone! I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season. I really enjoy the season by reading. And if you have been on my blog before you know I love gay romance books. I have no shame in enjoying these books. My favorite authors in the genres are Riley Hart and Keira Andrews.

Blogmas Day 17: December Birthdays Tips

Hey everyone! It's a special day around here! It's my husband's birthday! Yep, he just keeps getting older than me. He struggles with his birthday, and not just because his birthday is in December, but some other events. He doesn't like his birthday is in December, though. Well, not until I came along.

“I mean, what is an un-birthday present?"
A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course."
Alice considered a little. "I like birthday presents best," she said at last.
You don't know what you're talking about!" cried Humpty Dumpty. "How many days are there in a year?"
Three hundred and sixty-five," said Alice.
And how many birthdays have you?"
One.― Lewis Carroll

Blogmas Day 16: Give Christmas Away

Hey everyone! Whew! Has it been a busy day or what? Well, it was a very busy day for me. Even if on my payroll timecard it says "off." The day was spent spreading Christmas cheer in my opinion. Do you enjoy making sure other people have a good Christmas or just you? After this year, it's about everyone else!

Give this Christmas awayIf there’s love in your heartDon’t let it stay there- Give This Christmas Away

Blogmas Day 15: Safety in Alabama, Severe Weather

Hey everyone! It has been an interesting day! I'm a friend's house because I left the house while the part of our state was under a tornado watch. I actually freaked out when I realized that the tornado could take a turn and come right where I was. So, let this be a lesson you can have a tornado in December when you are a girl from Alabama.

Keep calm unless James Spann takes off his jacket.

Blogmas Day 14: Advent Week Two

Hey, everyone, I hope you've had a wonderful weekend so far! We have had a busy but meaningful weekend. And the third week of Advent is upon us, but this past week has been all about love and angels!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. - Luke 2:14

Blogmas Day 13: Stocking Stuffers

Hey everyone! I hope you survived Friday the 13th! The nightmare before Christmas it was. It just seemed like everyone's chatterbox was turned on high at work, and I was irritable by 8:30 A.M. yesterday! Today was errand today and I loved it! But let's talk stocking stuffers!

What did you get in your stocking when you were a kid?

Blogmas Day 12: Disney Fan Gifts

Hey everyone! Today will be a magical gift guide! It's all about the mouse, castle, and galaxies far, far away. I'm excited about this gift guide!

“As long as there’s Christmas, I truly believe, that hope is the greatest of the gifts we receive.” – Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas 

Blogmas Day 11: 10 Things I'm Doing Well

Hey everyone! Let's have a real chat today. A really good chat about something that is hard to talk about in this day and age. Something that people will think is us looking for validation. It's not. This is about us during the holidays. And it is a tough question. What are ten things you are doing well right now?

“The spirit of the season never has to end as long as you keep your loved ones near, and the holiday wishes in your heart.” – Jiminy Cricket

Blogmas Day 10: Best Friend Gifts

Hey everyone! I've been spending a lot more time with my best friend lately. And she is going to have a good Christmas if it is the last thing I do! But I have created a gift for friends everything from faith, crafts, and makeup!

A good friend can help you feel anchored and grounded but a good friend can also give you freedom and lightness. - Deidra Riggs

Blogmas Day 9: Top 10 Harry Potter Fan Gifts

Hey everybody! I hope the Christmas season is being nice to you. Have you seen any dragons? Or seen any self-moving chess pieces? No? Why aren't you watching Harry Potter? What are you doing with your life? Oh, shopping! You've come to the right place!

“Good haul this year. Thanks for the Broom Compass, it’s excellent, beats Hermione’s — she’s got me a homework planner —” -Ron, Order of the Phoenix

Blogmas Day 8: Powersheet Prep Week Begins Now

Hey everyone! It's a day that I start with trepidation and yet excited at the same time! It's Powersheet Prep Week! If you don't know what that is, it's Lara Casey's goal planner! It really does help! It's my third year in Powersheets and this year will be the best!

“We make things happen when we make the choice to shift from denying of the unknown to starting.” ― Lara Casey

Blogmas Day 7: First Week of Advent

Happy Sunday everyone! My family has had some porridge this morning with bacon and some fruit and we are ready for our Sabbath day. We are starting our second week of Advent today and the first one was amazing. The kids were supposed to use a new book this year, but they voted to do the tried and true favorite which I will link below.

Therefore, Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive, have a son and name him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

Blogmas Day 6: Letter to Santa

Hey everyone! It's Letter Writing Day! And, I'm writing two letters today! I've already written the family newsletter to send in our Christmas cards, but I want to share with you all my own letter to Santa. I still believe in Santa. I just do. I have kids of my own, and while I know how those presents get under the tree I still believe in Santa.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!" - Yes Virginia There Is a Santa Clause

Blogmas Day 4 & 5: To-Do List Turned Grace Day

Hey everyone! Welcome back here! I know there was a day skipped. And that's is what is being addressed today in good light! I want others to understand what happened yesterday and why it is okay for it to happen occasionally. 

“Don't sacrifice the good to chase the perfect.” ― Emily Ley

Blogmas Day 3: My Guilty Pleasure

Hey everyone! Welcome back to day 3! I hope this week has been good for you like it has me! I'm thrilled that today is Wednesday.

"Let's-a-go" - Mario from Nintendo

Blogmas Day 2: 20 Things Before 2020

Hey everyone! Welcome back for Day 2 of blogmas! Would you look at that, two days in a row! I'm so excited to be here again! Today, I have something really fun for me and it's really personal. I am excited about today!

“Invest in yourself. You get OUT what you put IN.” ― Emily Ley, Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy

Blogmas 2019 : Day 1

Hi everyone! Welcome to blogmas! What is blogmas? Well, it is a take on vlogmas what Youtubers do. However, I do not have the time or resources to do that right now. So, we are going to throw it old school, and bring back the blog time! I cannot take credit for this idea. My long-time inspiration, Pretty Neat Living, is also doing this and thus, this idea was born for me to do as well!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

November 2019 Favorites

Oh my goodness!!! Excuse me where did November go?! I cannot believe this decade's last November is over! How is that even possible? Do not get me wrong I'm thrilled that the Christmas season is upon us, but just time slow down!

A Thrill of Hope!

Thankful Thursday 2019 - Week 4 - Happy Thanksgiving

Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week two! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog post. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! 

An open home, an open heart, here grows a bountiful harvest. - Judy Hand

Thankful Thursday 2019 - Week 3

Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week two! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog post. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

"Be present in all things and thankful in all things." - Maya Angelou

Pumpkin Pie Variations!

It's Thanksgiving next week and I've been thinking about dessert for our special meal that day. When I was growing up it was sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie for dessert every year. Pecan pies weren't until Christmas in my family. I have always enjoyed pumpkin anything. And while I love pumpkin pie I have had a fantastic time discovering different ways to bring the pumpkin pie flavor to the table without it being in pie form!

A best friend is someone who will let you have the last piece of pumpkin pie. 

Thankful Thursday 2019 - Week 2

Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week two! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog post. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

“Express gratitude for the greatness of small things.” - Richie Norton

Noah and Adaline: Birth of My Biological Babies

If you come to my blog often then you know that I have lots of kids. I take in kids all the time that need help and guidance. Some I officially have adopted and some I haven't. The thing that remains is I have been a mother. Though, birthing my own children has changed my perspective.

“A child born to another woman calls me mommy. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege is not lost on me.”

“You may hate being pregnant, but the minute the baby is born, she is God’s precious child, given to you as a gift.” – Sandra Dallas

Thankful Thursday 2019 - Week 1

Welcome back to Thankful Thursdays! Here is to another fantastic year! This tradition is one that I hold dear. And, while yes, my tree is up, I still realize how much I have to be thankful for in my life. This is week one! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog from a few years ago. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” - Shauna Niequist

October 2019 Favorites

Welcome, November! Welcome, everyone! I'm so grateful that you are here! I'm really sad October is already over with, like what the heck man?! But I'm savoring the season this year. I love this.

“That’s the thing about Oxford. You go for a drink in a pub with some guy and next thing he’s quoting Hamlet.”
― Nancy Warren, The Vampire Knitting Club

Pregnancy Review: Weeks 1-20, Body Issues and Gender Reveal

Hey everyone! I have some special things to tell you today. I am going to be real and upfront about my pregnancy. I hope this helps someone.

April 2019 Favorites

Hey yall! I'm so glad you are here! April was a blast and filled with surprises! I cannot wait to see what May brings. Of course, my May will have the Secret Garden in it!

2019 O.W.L.s Results

Hello Everybody! Welcome back to my blog! I have exciting mail in my hands! I have finished my O.W.L.s Exams. I took my exams on time this year! Here we go!

We are pleased to inform you that your O.W.L. results are in and are as followed:

Bullet Journal Vs Planner: Which Is Right for You?

Welcome, Amanda Warfield to the blog today! She's bringing a topic today about what kind of planner is good for you! I'm so glad Amanda stopped by to help you!

Between, a bullet journal or a traditional planner, what do you think is your best fit?

Making A House A Home

There is just something about coming home for me. I love it so much that it's hard for me to leave unless it's Disney World, Nashville or Target. I'll admit it, I even watch church on TV a lot. Vin and I have lived in the same house for a while. He lived in the basement while the children and I had the upstairs. Since we have been married now we share the floors of course.

Let me tell you what we've come up with in these few months.

Tea Time with Hunter: Big Announcements

Hey y'all. It's been a while I know. I really wish I had taken this hiatus at the beginning of the year. But, seriously I know it feels like I do this each year. And honestly, I do. I just feel so burnt out by spring. And we all know that spring is just not my time of year. So, I just wanted to update you all on some things. Some really big things.

I am busting at the seams! Let's get to it!

My 5 Favorites from Last Week, Feb. 10th- 16th

The past week was the week we returned from an awesome family vacation at Disney World! However, it didn't as great as the week before it ended. I am sick as a dog! An upper respiratory infection is no joking matter and it totally sucks. I honestly take for granted breathing out of my nose!

These are the things that helped me through the week and made it great!

Christian Girl Tag with A Pop of Jess

Hey everyone! I'm coming to you with an unusual questionnaire today. One of the goals on here is to show my faith more. I really want to start giving God all the glory, because he deserves it.

I am proud to be a Christian. I realize many Facebook posts, and sometimes, the media paints us in a bad light. I promise. I love you, whoever you are. I am praying for your soul if you are reading this.

January 2019 Favorites

Hello February! The month of love! I'm so excited! January has been an interesting month. Nothing radical happened. I just realized I learned more about myself and my surroundings this month.

And now let us welcome the New Year, full of things that have never been. - Rainer Maria Rilke

Best Friend Adventures

If you have been around here before you probably know that my best friend is my other half besides the half that is my husband. She and I became friends in the most bizarre way possible, but we just clicked. It wasn't one of those where you try to one-up the other one. We swapped stories and actually listened to the other one. Our friendship has grown during the last six years! She's my bestie!

We have our ups and our downs like most. We've yelled, cried, laughed and vented to each other like you wouldn't believe. So, thanks to the dork that dumped us both, you gave us a great gift and it wasn't memories of you!

Winter 2019 Tag

Winter is my absolute favorite season. Seriously, I love the cold. I know a lot of people don't. I just embrace the coziness. The seeing things so bare you can see through them, and not having to worry about cutting the grass.

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold. - Aristotle

Winter 2019 Outfits

You know how September 1st rolls around and everyone is excited about fall finally being here except the people who love summer. Those people start fussing about how they have until September 21st? Well, those same people for whatever reason, don't understand that about winter! I have winter until March 20-22. Winter doesn't end with the new year. And I love getting to relish the cold nights that may seem dreary to those who do not practice seasonal living. And I have outfits for this time of year right now!

Enjoy a snowball fight, a good cup of hot chocolate, and relax on fluffy blankets.

My 2019 Map: Word, Goals and Bucket List

Happy New Year Everyone! It was almost sad to see 2018 end. I had a lot of lows, but I had some serious highs in 2018. I got married for one thing. I faced fears. It was honestly bittersweet. But here we are in a new year. My year hasn't quite gotten off to the start I thought it would have, but I'm not letting it get me down. Because I know God has quite the jam-packed year for me.

What is your word of the year? Have you decided? I promise it will set a theme for your year!