Blessing # 30

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 30 - On my final blessing post, I spent the day thinking of all the people in my life that I have been blessed with.  I spent a good share of my day organizing all the Christmas presents I had purchased so far, rechecking my list and then began wrapping the many, many presents we have purchased for those we love.  As I wrapped each gift I thought of the person it was for and how special they were to me.  Some people may be overwhelmed by the amount of people we buy gifts for, but I am blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends in my life.  I LOVE to give gifts to people and this is one small way I like to show others how much I care for them.  So, today, as I wrap up my month of blessings, I am thinking of all those who bless me with being in my life.  Thanks for loving me! :-)

Blessing # 29

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 29 - Today I was blessed to have a lunch date with our son, Bennett.  He had his recheck with the doctor to be sure his broken finger was fully healed and it was.  Since he would have missed lunch at school we went out to lunch. He chose Carlos O'Kelly's and I even splurged for dessert.  We don't get chances to be alone together very often, so it was a special treat today.

Blessing # 28

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 28 - Today I was blessed with an entire day at home in my jammies.  We had a lazy morning and I made a big breakfast of waffles, eggs, and bacon.  Then I got busy with putting away the fall decorations, getting out the Christmas decorations, setting up and decorating the tree (with lots of help from hubby and kids), unpacking from the trip, doing some laundry, and ordering our Christmas cards!  An awesome, yet productive day at home with the family!

2010 Christmas Card by Shutterfly

Top Ten Moments Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Blessing # 27

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 27 - Too many blessings today, but I will try to list them because I can't leave a single one out:
1. Ending a 4 day getaway to the Wisconsin Dells with my husband's sister and family.
2. Stopping in Dodgeville, WI on the way home for some Land's End Outlet shopping, eating at a local pub, and stopping at the local bakery for some goodies.  I just devoured a creme horn that was DIVINE!
3. Driving west on the highway, we were blessed with a gorgeous sunset full of reds, oranges, pinks, purples, and grey.  Just gorgeous.
4. Having awesome friends who took care of our home and cats while we were away!
5. Sitting on the couch drinking coffee and watching some football with the family, even though I have tons of stuff to unpack.

As I have been writing a blessing every day, I am humbled to notice how amazingly blessed my family and I are.  I am just so thankful for everything that we have, the people in our lives, our community we live in, our home, and our church.  I hope your Thanksgiving weekend was full of family, friends, good food, good football and awesome shopping deals!

Blessing # 26

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 26 - Making memories of late night/early morning shopping for deals with my Sister-in-law and niece is my blessing for today.  We weren't sure what to expect at the midnight hour at the outlet mall, and it definitely got quite busy.  But we are glad we went and I am excited about the gifts I got for others and even for myself!  After we were done shopping I had the yummiest white hot chocolate from Dunkin Donuts!  It warmed me right up!

Blessing # 25

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 25 - I am blessed to be with family today at this beautiful resort.  I don't have to clean my house, spend all morning cooking, or wash any dishes! We plan to enjoy some Cracker Barrel turkey dinner today and if it is as good as last year, I will be blessed with a full tummy! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Blessing # 24

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 24 - This morning as our family packed up and headed out of town, we stopped at Starbucks and I had my first eggnog latte of the season! It is my second favorite drink and was my treat for the day!

Blessing # 23

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 23 - Today I was able to attend the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast with our daughter Reagan.  They each dress up at either a pilgrim or an Indian.  We had turkey, deer sausage, cheese, corn bread, pumpkin bread, and milk.  I am glad that I can participate in these fun activities at school.

Blessing # 22

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 22 - Today I have the whole day at home.  I got up at 6:00 AM and got my day started (which is early for me).  I was able to knock 4 big items off of my To Do list that I needed to get done today.  So, then I rewarded myself by catching up on some DVR'd shows and reading a magazine before I tackle a few more tasks and the kids come home!  So, today I was blessed with time to get things caught up!

Blessing # 21

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 21 - Today our church had a special visitor, Toby Waldowski.  Toby provided some beautiful music for our congregation by singing and playing the piano.  He also told us his faith story and gave an excellent talk on why we should be saved.  It was a morning filled with the spirit of the Lord and at times I became overcome with emotion.  I would love to post a video of Toby playing some of his beautiful versions of our favorite hymns, but unbelievably there is nothing on YouTube with him and his beautiful music...even though he was the music director of Robert Schuller's tour for many years and on two Billy Graham crusades.  It was a beautiful morning worshiping our Lord with music.  If you ever get the chance to hear Toby's music, clear your calendar and go!

Blessing # 20

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 20 - Today I was blessed to watch our oldest son play basketball.  I think basketball is his favorite sport and the one he has the most natural talent.  You can always find him shooting hoops in the mini basketball hoop hanging from the closet in the living room or outside if it is nice out.  Anytime we can encourage our children in something they enjoy is a blessing and today was one of those!  Great job today, Patrick!

Patrick's in the green!

Blessing # 19

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 19 - Today after a week of being sick, having lots of commitments, and subbing for 2 days, I was blessed to have a free night at home.  We did have somewhere we "should" have gone tonight, but just decided as a family, it was more important to stay home! Sometimes, doing nothing is a blessing and tonight that was it! Well, I had to do laundry so my kids had their basketball uniforms for tomorrow, but still mostly nothing! :)

Blessing # 18

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 18 - Today I was blessed so simply.  A short conversation with a friend just warmed my heart.  She said just what I needed to hear without even knowing that I needed to hear it.  This friend has always been such a joy in my life and today she was just what I needed, even though I saw her for just 5 minutes.

Blessing # 17

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 17 - Today I was blessed to be able to attend my weekly Bible Study called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).  I had missed the last 2 weeks and it felt good to be back and get back into the study of Isaiah.  I appreciated learning that God is the ultimate power and ultimate judge.  I just need to love everybody and let Him handle the judgments.  It may not be easy, but it is still a good reminder for me.

Blessing # 16

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 16 - I got sick again and I am so blessed that I have a husband who is willing to step in and take over when needed. Today I needed him. Thanks honey for being there!

Blessing # 15

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing # 15 - Today's blessing is my monthly book club.  I love to read and talk about books with others, but especially with my book club gals.  There are 11 of us and I look forward to seeing them each month and catching up on our lives, sharing books we have read, and enjoying good food! Tonight we planned our Christmas party and had a great time.  Book club always seems to come at the perfect time each month.....just what I need.....a little fix from the gals!

First Alert Smoke Alarm Winner

The winner of the smoke alarm is....

Random Integer Generator


Here are your random numbers:

1

Timestamp: 2010-11-15 13:06:19

Comment #1 was Cynthia.

I will be emailing the winner.  Thanks for entering!

Inspiration for the Day

God makes a promise,
faith believes it,
hope anticipates it,
patience quietly awaits it.

November Blessings #14

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #14 - I am so blessed that I have a warm home, with plenty of food, clothing, and essentials.  If we need groceries, I get them.  If my children need socks, I go buy them. I am well aware that not everyone has that ability.  So, I am blessed that my husband's job provides what our family needs.

November Blessing #13

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #13 - Today I am blessed to have such a large family.  Today my mom and her 4 sisters got together with all their children and grandchildren and celebrated Christmas.  Every year we get together and make food, share stories of our past year, play games (scrabble), exchange gifts, and laugh A LOT!  I know how lucky I am to have a family that can still get together and celebrate.  There can be over 70 of us if we are all there!  I love how my kids are now close to my cousin's children and how excited they are to get together with them, just like I was so excited to get together with my cousins as a child. 

November Blessing #12

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #12 - Today we were blessed with a day off from school which allowed us to travel early to my parents' home for the weekend.  We are having a family Christmas this weekend and we left this morning to drive up and get everything ready for the day.  We swam in the pool at the hotel, ate lots of food and spent time with family today. 

November Blessings #11

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessings #11 - Today I am blessed that we live in a free country and that thousands of men and women have fought for our freedom.  Today our school put on their annual Veteran's Day program and as always, it was a wonderful way to honor our local Veterans.  This year my parents we able to come as well, and I was proud to sit with my dad during the program.  He is a Veteran of the Korean War and served in the Army.  I am so proud that our school takes the time to honor Veterans and instill that importance in the children.  The entire school comes together to put on the program and it is definately something to see.

November Blessings #10

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #10 - Tonight after subbing at the high school and then helping at our after school program at church, my dear husband brought supper home! I didn't have to do one bit of cooking and it was from one of my favorite places too!  I appreciate it when he realizes when I need a night off!

November Blessing #9

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #9 - Today's weather here in Iowa was just beautiful - over 70 degrees which is rare for November.  To celebrate this sunny, warm weather, the kids and I made blizzards from some of the leftover halloween candy.  YUM!

November Blessing #8

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #8 - Having the time to run to the outlet mall this morning and get a few more Christmas presents knocked off my list!  Right now I feel like I have to grab every spare hour I have to keep working at that list.  The extra blessing was it wasn't busy at all!  No lines, no cranky store staff, and no cranky customers! 

Inspiration for the Day

She who kneels before God can stand before anybody.

No matter whomever or whatever you are facing today, if you take it to God first, He will help you handle anything.

November Blessing #7

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #7 - In the last day our community has lost a 15 year old girl to a tragic accident and our dear 80 year old neighbor to a brief battle with cancer.  It is times like this that you appreciate life, appreciate our Savior who gave us a never-ending life with Him, appreciate our loved ones, and remember to say "I Love You" to those who mean the most to us.  Today, I am blessed beyond all measure.

November Blessings #6

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #6 - Friends, new and old.  Today we spent the entire day with friends.  One group of new friends in the morning/afternoon cheering on the Hawkeyes and tonight with a family that we consider some of our dearest friends.  We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends.

November Blessings #5

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #5 - To be able to go back to bed after the kids went off to school.  I haven't been feeling well, and today extra sleep was obviously what I needed since I slept until 10:30! 

Things I Love - Reading

Things I love....................


This is my feature where I get to share something that I just love. Since you are my friends, I like sharing things I love with others. It could be anything from a new product, food, recipe, song, image, to a person and everything in between. This will be something I am completely doing on my own, without pressure or compensation from a company, author, PR/Marketing firm, friend, business owner, etc. This will just be something that makes me happy and I want to share it with you. Enjoy some love!

Today's love is..................................Reading!

I LOVE to read.  I have books all over our bedroom.  On my nightstand, on the chair, on the floor, and on the bookshelf.  I have so many books that I want to read, yet can't always find the time to do it.

As a young child, my sisters were already married and out of the house since they are 14 years older than me.  I felt like an only child.  So, since I didn't always have someone to play with, one of my great loves was reading.  I remember a photo of me in a child rocker with a book "reading" as young as two.  We took lots of "Sunday Drives" and I always had a book with me.  Even now, when we go for a drive, I always bring a book, stealing every spare moment to sneak in some reading time.

I love getting lost in a book and finding ways to identify with the characters in the story.  I have tried to instill that love of reading in our children.  Two of our children were early readers, reading by the age of 4.  All our children enjoy reading, but aren't drawn to it as much as our 5 year old daughter is.  I can always find her with a book and that makes me so happy.  I look forward to sharing our love of reading together in the future!

Tell The Truth Thursday - Anniversaries

Today's Tell the Truth Thursday question is....

What was one of your most favorite wedding anniversaries or where is your dream anniversary?

My husband Pat and I have been married for 11 years and the two most memorable anniversaries I can remember are our 1st anniversary and our 5th anniversary.

On our 1st anniversary, I was 9 months pregnant and I was swollen and ready to be done being pregnant.  But I was also excited about the future and starting our family.  I couldn't wait to share in that tradition of having some wedding cake on our anniversary.  We had carefully saved the top of our wedding cake (raspberry by the way) for a whole year.  We took it out of the freezer and I thought Pat had the bottom of the container and he thought I had it.  CRASH!  The cake fell to the floor and collapsed into pieces.  I was devastated.  I thought it was a omen for our marriage.  I really, really wanted some of that cake.  But, it wasn't meant to be.  We can laugh at it now....sort of.  I still really want some of that cake!

Our 5th anniversary was spent in New York City.  Not because of our anniversary, but because my husband had a business trip out there at the same time.  So, I tagged along and we celebrated in style and had a blast.  The company found out it was our anniversary and treated us to champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate.  YUM!  With 2 toddlers at home, it was such a treat for us to be away together in such a fabulous city!

How about you?  What was your favorite anniversary celebration?  To read about other's anniversary stories, go to The Redhead Riter.

November Blessings #4

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #4 - The 8 smiling faces on the children who came to storytime this morning.  We had so much fun reading stories, dancing around, and making scary faces!

November Blessings #3

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was


November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #3 - Having one of the pumpkin bars that I made today for the ladies of our church circle this evening.  Yummy!  You know I LOVE pumpkin! :)

November Blessing #2

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessing #2 - That we have been blessed with smart, talented, hard-working, and polite children according to the teachers at our conferences today.

November Blessing #1

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that.  I am going to take one blessing from each day.  Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here.  Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.


Blessing #1 - That our son's broken finger is healing properly.

Check Out Shutterfly for Your Christmas Cards

Do you shutterfly?  I do!  They are my favorite photo website.  I love the quality of their photos, their fast shipping, their photo cards, and all the other neat gift options they offer from calendars to mugs to notepads to puzzles and more!  One of my favorite Shutterfly items is their photo books.  They have so many options and are so fun to make!
Every year at this time, I am trying to decide how I want our Christmas cards to look.  I love using photos of our children in our Christmas cards.  Shutterfly has so many options for me to choose from.  I can spend an entire day looking at all the different card options.  You can use just one photo, or numerous photos on one card.  You can also send a card in many different size and color options. 

For many years I sent the photo card sheet, but now that Shutterfly offers these beautiful card stock items, I am going to have to check them out.  They look so professional and have so many styles to choose from.  To see all the different styles of cards, click HOLIDAY CARDS.  You can send a card with a photo showing your loved ones how beautiful your children are, or even tell a story of your whole year, or maybe about your summer vacation.  Click HOLIDAY CARDS to see some options. 

I have never had a single problem with Shutterfly and have always been pleased with their quality products.  I better get started on creating my Christmas card since Christmas is just 55 days away!  Shutterfly is offering 20% off all their holiday cards to all of you by clicking HOLIDAY CARDS.  This is a great savings if you have over 100 cards to order like I do!

To find out more about shutterfly check out http://www.shutterfly.com/.  Also to be in the loop on great offers from shutterfly, check out and "like" their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shutterfly. 

Thanks to Shutterfly for giving me 50 free holiday cards.  This post is my honest opinion and I am a true fan of Shutterfly.  I wouldn't review anything that wouldn't benefit me or my family.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Review: CSN Stores Hamilton Beach Blender/Food Chopper

CSN Stores has allowed me to receive this fabulous Hamilton Beach Blender/Food Chopper.  The current blender I was using was one we had purchased with our wedding money.  The blades weren't as sharp anymore and I was frequently left with chunks in my smoothies and drinks.

This blender is exactly what I needed and the fabulous thing is that is also came with a food chopper attachment.  The pitcher and food chopper are plastic, but solid.  It is a break resistant DuraBlend plastic.  There are plenty of different settings for anything you might be blending or chopping.  The revolutionary wave-action system continuously forces mixture down into the blades for smooth results every time.  The blender/chopper is also easy to clean.

I made a smoothie with large frozen pieces of fruit and everything came out very smooth.  I also made a pitcher of blended margaritas and it blended up perfectly without a single ice chunk. 

If you are looking for a new blender or food chopper, this one is worth it.  It retails for $47.99 on CSN Stores.  The shipping was also super fast.  I ordered it on a Friday and on my doorstep on Tuesday! .  I give this blender 5 stars!

CSN Stores provided me with a gift code to order the blender.  This review is my honest opinion and am receiving no other compensation for this review.  I am a CSN Stores preferred blogger.  I wouldn't review any item that wouldn't benefit myself or my family.