Everyday Blessings...

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867) I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men." Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men! On Christmas day, 1864, the beloved poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow received word that...

Ready? These thoughts have to be fast because there is so much to do. Cooking, visiting, shopping, traveling, singing, sleeping, volunteering, etc. I also have a good book I need to read at the end of all of the fast a furious stuff. So here goes... Ky at the Canton Trade Days a few weeks ago. She is so much fun. The sisters on the Canton Square.  I don't have any blood sisters but these are even better. They are truly my sisters in every way. Most importantly my sister's in Christ. So very thankful I am. Broccoli and cabbage we harvested out of our little garden yesterday before the hard freeze. I covered the plants up in hope of saving the hundreds of tomatoes that are trying to ripen. We will see if they made it to see another warm day. I am so hoping that they did. Have you driven around to see the Christmas lights? So fun! I love this yard.  Can't wait to see this in my mama's house. I wish you four boys a great Christm...

7 Ways to have more Grateful Kids this Christmas : (By- Ann Voskamp- http://www.aholyexperience.com/ ) 1. A “Gifts We Already Have List” Hang a long paper on a wall or on the fridge or back of door. Fill that list up before Christmas — with all the countless ways God blesses you all as a family. Count 1000 (or a bit more or less) of the gifts you already have this Christmas! 2. Thanks Mob the neighborhood Set out a basket of Thank you postcards and leave a pen and stamps in the basket. Add a stash of chocolate bars. See if you can empty the thank-you card basket, accompanied by chocolate bars, by Christmas — a thank-you card and chocolate bar for the postman, the garbage collector, folks at the hair salon, the crossing guard, the church janitor. 3. Love-in for a Shut-In Adopt a shut-in this Advent. One person who is home bound or elderly or in a nursing home — and have the kids think of one thing they can do for that shut-in face to face over Advent. Sing Christmas caro...