Simplifying Your Holidays: Christmas Tree Contest
Monday, November 30, 2009
Daybook for November 30, 2009
FOR TODAY, Monday, November 30, 2009...
Outside my window...it is dark and chilly.
I am thinking...that it might snow on Wednesday and how cool that is!:)
I am thankful for...my nice, warm robe right now.
From the learning rooms...We're working on more addition/subtraction in math. We're also studying Christianity/the early church in history and learning about Hanukkah, along with the Maccabees, since we're to that point in history. In science, we're studying volcanoes and even get to build a volcano and make it erupt this week, I think. I think we're going to use this Advent Idea Box too for the month of December.
From the kitchen...tonight should be zesty chicken tortilla bake and peas.
I am wearing...jammies and robe for a while longer.
I am creating...curtains for the boys' room. Also working on my first chapter of my first book.
I am going...hopefully, nowhere today.
I am reading...The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti.
I am hoping...that Mom and Dad will come to one of the concerts this weekend and that Jaden will fully recover from his cough.:)
I am hearing...precious quiet.
Around the house...have to clean today and do wonderful laundry.
One of my favorite things...is watching Road to Avonlea....since Jaden was still recovering from this long, hashed out cold/ear infection, we had a little marathon this weekend.:) I found out our library has parts of all 7 seasons, and what they might not have, Netflix has. Love it!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Where do I start? School, Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, library/errands, church/choir stuff, Dress Rehearsal for choir concert, choir Christmas concerts this weekend (3 of them), writing assignments/MamaBuzz work, I'm supposed to go to the doctor but may have to reschedule due to lack of funds, etc.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...(our Christmas tree)....
For more Daybook, link up with Peggy at The Simple Woman.
Motivate Me Monday- Contentment
This weekend, we've been having a Road to Avonlea marathon, since Jaden has been quite sick, and he's just needed time to get over this horrible cough/ear infection. As I watched one episode this afternoon, Aunt Janet was telling Mrs. Blaine how much she just loved baking, how she'd get up in the morning and stick the rising loaves in the warmer, fix a cup of coffee, and look out the window and over the meadow to see the sun rise. It struck me how content she seemed (even though she was just acting, because, of course, this was just a movie). In her role as a homemaker, though, Aunt Janet was content, truly content. It made me almost wish for simpler times....
I can honestly say that right now, I am more content than I have ever been. Sure, I still feel that restless spirit, driving me on to do more, in the way of ministry/adoption/etc., and I still feel that desire to have a place of our own, possibly even a small place in the country, so our kids can have a few animals; BUT in my role as a wife and as a mommy and as a writer, I am content. Sure, we have our iffy days, but I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I think right now, my struggle is finding that balance. How do I find balance between my jobs with homeschooling and stuff around the house and church/outside activities, along with my writing work? I've tried so many different tactics, and it all boils down to just really letting go and letting God head up my day. If things get done, great! If they don't get done, well, then I did my best. That's all I can humanly do.
Then comes the guilt, though. If I can't be everything and do everything that needs to be done, whether it's for my business or for my kids....in comes that guilt, threatening to stifle my joy. If I end up having to push back that deadline, or if I end up not being able to take my kids to the park....that guilt steals in. Maybe I might put a movie on for the kids because I have to meet a deadline, or maybe I can't volunteer with a specific ministry at church. The guilt comes with it. All that guilt really does, though, is rob me of my joy and take my focus off what's important. There's no way I'll ever be perfect. There's no way I can ever live up to all of the expectations that others place on me or the ones that I place on myself. God can give me that contented spirit, though. If I just let Him have it all, have control of it all, He can balance everything out in His way, His time. So, maybe instead of wishing for simpler times when things were easier or instead of down deep wishing that I could be perfect in being everything for everyone.....maybe I just need to switch my focus off finding the balance to finding the awareness. Meaning, I need to be aware that not everything is going to get done, and that's ok. I might have to say "no" to some things, but it's going to be ok. Meaning that I need to switch my focus off of myself (where the guilt truly originated from) and onto the task at hand.
So, this week, instead of seeking for balance in your life, seek for contentment that only He can give. Once we learn to let go and let Him steer the course of our days, the balance will come. With contentment will come balance....
First: Touching Wonder by John Blase
Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas is truly an awe-inspiring book to read, especially at this time of year when we are entering the Advent season and celebrating the birth of our Saviour. I love how the author makes it feel so personal the whole way through the book. As we read of Elizabeth's journey through learning she is to have a baby at her age and then move on to read Mary's thoughts, it just really puts the story into perspective, and I could almost feel what they were feeling....what it must have been like. With passages from The Message, the story truly comes to life. Each section starts with the particular passage that goes with that part of the story and is followed by the author's reflections on that particular passage. He makes it personal to whom the passage is speaking about, though. You feel as if you are seeing through the eyes of Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and even the Father who sent His only Son to earth for us. This book brings the real-life story out of story form and into a new light, one that invokes a lot of thought and emotion. It brings that story to life, just as it was real then, and makes it real now. He ends each section with a short prayer. This is one book that I can see myself reading every year at this time. It is truly "recapturing the awe" of the season.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2009)
***Special thanks to Audra Jennings of the The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Blase’s work includes Living the Questions and Living the Letters Bible-study series, the Worldviews reference book (TH1NK), Real Life Stuff for Couples, and The Message Children’s Bible. A former pastor, John currently edits by day and writes by night. He and his wife, Meredith, have three children and make their home in Colorado.
Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434764656
ISBN-13: 978-1434764652
AND NOW...an excerpt: Three
Angelic Visitor
Luke 1.26–38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Gabriel
The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing but the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is so much they do not know.
I found her just as He said she would be found: sitting on her bedding, barefooted, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. I saw why she had gained the favor of the Mighty One. I liked this daughter-of-Eve-to-bethe-mother-of-God.
“But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
I expected this. But unlike that old priest’s, hers was not the doubting of a skeptic but rather the wondering of a child.
“But how? I can’t see it.”
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Mary, you have nothing to fear.” The Mighty One had expressly said, “Herald the news, Gabriel. Don’t report it.” I would have liked to elaborate further, but Mary would have to live out the details of my news in days to come. Truths unlived are not truths.
Then she paused and looked away. I have spoken to many of God’s children, and their eyes are always transfixed on me. They should be. I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God. But Mary’s gaze wandered for a moment. But what I initially took for a distracted mind was rather a devoted heart.
Her eyes returned to me. “Let it be with me.” Ah, the Mighty One had chosen well. Her words were not
resigned, but faith-full. The faith of a child. Of such is the Mighty One’s kingdom.
“Cousin Elizabeth? Really? Old Elizabeth? But how?”
I laughed.
“Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now. You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know. God is with you. Now I must go.”
But I did not want to go. Faith is rare, at least true faith. Yes, the word is often used, but the reality is hard
to find. Yet here I found it, in an earthen vessel surrounded by an earthen room. I liked Mary.
I left her just as He said I would: barefooted, sitting on her bedding, knees pulled up to her chest, arms
wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her kneetops. She looked older now. Human eyes would not
recognize this, but mine have seen much.
The Mighty One had revealed glimpses to me, what days ahead would hold for this glorious girl. Her cousin’s leaping womb. Joseph’s broad shoulders. The back of a borrowed burro. Herod’s jealous-red face. The cries of the innocent. The breath of stable animals. The agony of pushing the Mighty One out into this world.
I found myself praying for the favored one. Mary had so much to carry.
Angelic Visitor
Luke 1.26–38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Gabriel
The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing but the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is so much they do not know.
I found her just as He said she would be found: sitting on her bedding, barefooted, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. I saw why she had gained the favor of the Mighty One. I liked this daughter-of-Eve-to-bethe-mother-of-God.
“But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
I expected this. But unlike that old priest’s, hers was not the doubting of a skeptic but rather the wondering of a child.
“But how? I can’t see it.”
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Mary, you have nothing to fear.” The Mighty One had expressly said, “Herald the news, Gabriel. Don’t report it.” I would have liked to elaborate further, but Mary would have to live out the details of my news in days to come. Truths unlived are not truths.
Then she paused and looked away. I have spoken to many of God’s children, and their eyes are always transfixed on me. They should be. I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God. But Mary’s gaze wandered for a moment. But what I initially took for a distracted mind was rather a devoted heart.
Her eyes returned to me. “Let it be with me.” Ah, the Mighty One had chosen well. Her words were not
resigned, but faith-full. The faith of a child. Of such is the Mighty One’s kingdom.
“Cousin Elizabeth? Really? Old Elizabeth? But how?”
I laughed.
“Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now. You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know. God is with you. Now I must go.”
But I did not want to go. Faith is rare, at least true faith. Yes, the word is often used, but the reality is hard
to find. Yet here I found it, in an earthen vessel surrounded by an earthen room. I liked Mary.
I left her just as He said I would: barefooted, sitting on her bedding, knees pulled up to her chest, arms
wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her kneetops. She looked older now. Human eyes would not
recognize this, but mine have seen much.
The Mighty One had revealed glimpses to me, what days ahead would hold for this glorious girl. Her cousin’s leaping womb. Joseph’s broad shoulders. The back of a borrowed burro. Herod’s jealous-red face. The cries of the innocent. The breath of stable animals. The agony of pushing the Mighty One out into this world.
I found myself praying for the favored one. Mary had so much to carry.
©2009 Cook Communications Ministries. Touching Wonder by John Blase. Used with permission. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Canned Snow, Amazing Stuff
Ok, so I was telling a friend this story the other day, and she got such a kick out of it that I thought it made for good blogging material, so maybe you'll get a kick out of it too.:)
Ever since we moved here last summer, I've been trying to figure out how to cover up a window in our bathroom. It faces the street, and it just happens to be directly across from our shower, so when I get out of the shower, I can see the neighbor's house right across the street. Plus, the window's round, so it's just going to look weird if I try to cover it up with a curtain. I've actually went across the street and stood at our neighbor's driveway, though, to see if anyone could see in that window (I know, crazy right? Dan thinks I am:)), even though it's set just slightly higher than most windows. Yep, sure enough, I could see right in. Thank goodness for cloth shower curtains that aren't see-through! But when I get out of the shower (TMI, I know....just bear with me, 'cause it is hilarious), for the last 3 months I've purposely kept the bathroom fan off, so the window would fog up, and I crouch down and halfway over when I get in and out so noone will see me. LOL Try drying off while crouching over, trying not to be seen.
Well, my sister-in-law, Jennifer, came a few weeks ago, and she suggested buying the snow that Walmart puts out at Christmas and using that to maybe cover it up. Thank you, Jennifer! As soon as Christmas stuff hit the shelves, I went and bought my $1.25 can of snow. Then I came home and got to spraying, trying to make it look decorative, yet covered enough that I could comfortably get my shower without giving anyone that drove by a show. LOL That stuff is wonderful; it worked, and we have complete privacy now! All because of that canned stuff they call snow....amazing stuff!:)
Winner of Potluck Survival Guide
Hi, Dear Readers! I hope you all had a fantastic, wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm just going to keep it short and sweet here. The winner of the Potluck Survival Guide is......
Benita!
Congratulations, Benita! I will be in touch with you shortly, so that I can send you your prize. Thanks to everyone for entering, and be sure to stay tuned for more great giveaways.
Friday Funnies- Want a 'Nack?
Well, being a mommy sure has its good days and then, well, its crazy, insane days.:) While Jacob and I were working steadily on our schoolwork Monday, here came Jaden with a piece of bread. He was so excited because he had found "Ba, a 'nack!" (Translation: "Bread, a snack!") At first, I was thinking, "Cool! He got himself a snack!" Then reality hit, and I knew, from experience, this might not be good, and I was afraid to head to the kitchen. When I did, I found a trail of bread all over the couch and down in, and then lovingly, stuffed down in the toaster. He was making us a 'nack, toast. Needless to say, he did get in a little bit of trouble for wasting a half a loaf of bread, but on the other hand, I couldn't help but giggle about it later on, so here's my Friday Funnies.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you! May you find happiness and make new memories today with your family.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt
The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Chef Jacob's Thanksgiving Treats
This morning, Jacob was busy at cleaning his room, the dreaded daily chore.:) It seems like it gets so messy so quickly. With a toddler and a 7 year old, though, that's to be expected....anyway, I could tell his heart just wasn't in it, so I suggested maybe he could help me bake, and then I'd help him clean his room. It was a done deal! He was so ecstatic.
What a great job he did too! We baked for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow; we made an apple crumb pie and pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing. As I sliced up apples for the pie, he mixed up the pie crust and smushed it into the pie plate (since I really don't like to take the time to roll it out, unless I have to; it's still really good this way; I know, I'm no Martha Stewart, that's for sure).:) Then he helped mix up the apples, and we put the pie together. He helped me mix up the cookies too, but then his interest understandably started to wane, although we did get a quick math multiplication lesson in with putting cookies in rows on the cookie sheet.
The best part was sharing a couple cookies when they were all done. Chef Jacob has started to emerge; now if he'll just stay interested in helping Mom with baking again the next time....my little boy is growing up.
The ABC's of Thanksgiving!
Kim over at Homesteaders Heart actually had this posted the other day, so I thought I'd give it a try. I have to think of something for each letter of the alphabet that I am thankful for. Give it a try, if you want.:)
A- Apple pie.
B- Bees, because without them, our world would be pretty blah....:)
C- Church: a small group that truly cares about each other and a choir that is so special and such a blessing to be a part of.
D- Dan, my man.:)
E- Everything we have.
F- Family.
G-Grandmas and Grandpas (even though mine are all gone on, I think about them every single day....so many memories).
H- Our home.
I- Ice cubes, especially when we've run out of cold water in the fridge.:)
J- Jacob and Jaden; my two ornery boys who I love so much.
K- Kettle corn.
L- Laughter that brings me to tears. Sorry, have to do one more here too; our library here, which is just amazing with homeschooling.
M- Mint Chocolate; to be specific, Hershey's Kisses Mint Truffles.:) I need to stock up and put some in the freezer; they are soooo good.
N-New pants for the Christmas program that only cost me $17.99 at JCPenney. They're even tall size! It just had to be God, because I walked out of NY & Co discouraged, since pants were $40-$50 there, but usually, I have to get pants there, since they sell tall size; I walked into JCPenney, and the first thing I saw was a rack that said $17.99, and the first pair on that rack was exactly my size in tall. God provides....
O-Oxygen. (The air, not the tv channel) :)
P- the pitter-patter of little feet in the morning.
Q- Quick trips to Walmart, since I despise going there, really....:)
R- Running feet that get me to where I need to be, usually to catch Jaden doing something he shouldn't, just in the nick of time.
S- Snow!
T-Tree, as in the Christmas tree.
U- Untold and countless Christmas movies to watch at this time of year.
V-Verses and Scripture that help me to grow.
W- Writing....it's such a release and outlet.
X- X-rays; just kidding. eXercise....although I need to do more of it.
Y-You, my readers.:)
Z- Zambia, where our little girl with World Vision lives.
Now you try! What are you thankful for?
Shine Your Light Wednesdays: St. Benedict the Moor Center
When we had the opportunity to take a missions trip to New York City a couple of years ago, we got to work with some pretty awesome groups of people. We were able to volunteer at St. Benedict the Moor Center more than once, and it led to some great times, getting to know some of the people who worked here. (TeShawn & Shawndra, LaTonya, & Tamika)
Bill is here with his kids; he was one of the head chefs.
Taking our kids on this trip was an added blessing; Jacob was able to help so much with everything....
Ruby here loved Jaden.
St. Benedict the Moor Center is located in the South Bronx of New York City.
They are a group of people who help to feed the hungry. They work with people in the South Bronx who are either homeless or just simply can’t afford to buy food and also with those who have previous drug addictions; this area of the Bronx, known as the Mott Haven section, has many people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. St. Benedict’s operates a food pantry, soup kitchen, community garden, etc. Many of the individuals who came into the food pantry to receive ONE bag of food for the week, had large families, including in-laws, children, grandchildren, etc., to feed.
While there, we took turns helping to organize and hand out bags of food in the food pantry, as well as preparing and giving out food in the soup kitchen.
We also were able to explore their community garden, which was just full of all sorts of things; it was really beautiful, like a little oasis right smack dab in the middle of the Bronx.
I still remember sitting out there in that garden with Cassandra, just getting to know her;
there was Spanish music playing all around us from the apartment buildings....and the city was just alive with people everywhere.
At one point, the truck brought a load of fresh fruit, bananas, which had to be handed out right away; (this is Dan and Howie, who we thought was Martin Lawrence's look-alike.)
So we ended up going up and down the street, handing these bananas to whoever would take them, even going out into the street to hand them to people in their cars. It was such an awesome experience we had with St. Benedict. (Bill's son getting his groove on.) :)
If you would like to volunteer with them, they are located at 283 Saint Anns Ave, Bronx, NY. Their phone number is (718) 665-9693. Just give them a call, and set up a time to go help; they will surely appreciate any help that you can give. We are hoping to head up there, possibly, if we get to go into the city at Christmas. It's an experience that will change your world....ultimately, for the better!:) Just give a day, and be amazed at the work it can do in your heart. You'll never be the same.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Time Out Tuesdays: List Your Giveaways!
Need some help pulling everything together for your Thanksgiving planning? Hope Studios is helping you to pull all those plans together this Thanksgiving.
At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 has a wonderful post on powering down and rest.
Her Cup Overfloweth has a great article on craft beads and how they can be used both for learning and play.
Life as Mom is giving out some great advice for shopping online and how to get the best deals.
The Joyeful Journey has a beautiful post on Giving Thanks, and she also has a delicious looking recipe for Apple Cider Pancakes.
The Shabby Nest is hosting a great giveaway with Single Stone Studios, a company that sells beautiful vinyl wall decals. You'll want to be sure to enter this giveaway.
Keep It Classy is also encouraging us to empower other women online.
Homesteaders Heart has a great post going for Thanksgiving called The ABCs of Thanksgiving. You might just want to join in! Also, she has a new Tried and True Thanksgiving Recipes e-book, filled to the brim with all kinds of Thanksgiving recipes. Be sure to check it out, as it is free to download and enjoy.
Finally, a new site I've found lately and enjoyed is Blissfully Domestic. I absolutely love this site; they even have a community you can join to connect with other like-minded women. Enjoy!:)
List your givaways!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Simplifying Your Holidays- Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! This week, just thought I'd post a couple videos for fun. Just relax this Thanksgiving Day, even if you're cooking for a crowd. Take time out to truly appreciate and enjoy your family....
John Hardy Jewelry
John Hardy has been in the business of creating jewelry that conforms with his beliefs in “sustainable luxury” since 1975, when he studied under talented and gifted craftsmen in Bali. He takes pride in the fact that with each unique piece of jewelry made, it’s as if you can feel the hand of the artisan. All of his jewelry is handmade in Bali.
John Hardy has an extensive line of jewelry, both for women and for men. There are even items for babies and children, such as the silver baby tooth box, the baby bracelet, and the silver baby cup. Home accessories include picture frames, silverware, and much more. His jewelry collections include the following:
· Bamboo
· Batu Sari
· Dayak
· Diamonds and Silver
· Diamonds and Gold
· Kali Riverstone
· Macan Tiger Lava
· Naga Dragon
· Sultan and Raja
….and many more collections. From earrings to necklaces to rings to bracelets and cufflinks, John Hardy’s collection is a rather fine collection, full of luxurious items. One of my favorite items was the Batu Kawung Silver Garden Colorway Small Round Pendant with Peridot and Tsavourite on a Chain Necklace. I love the design and colors and intricate placing of the gems within the pendant. The necklace contains both 18K yellow gold and sterling silver. It is part of John Hardy’s Batu Kawung collection. Its design is just very simple, yet elegant at the same time. For myself and my family, we could probably not afford a piece as luxurious as this right now, but for someone who loves jewelry and wants quality pieces that are uniquely handcrafted with much care poured into each piece, John Hardy’s collection is most likely suited to that person. For several of the pieces in the Bamboo collection, there is also a guarantee that so many seedlings will be planted with each purchase, as well. So, not only are you getting a beautiful piece of jewelry, but you are helping the environment at the same time. You can see more of John Hardy’s extensive and beautiful line of jewelry here.
(Disclosure: I was provided compensation, via Paypal, for reviewing the John Hardy Jewelry Collection.)
Daybook for November 23, 2009
FOR TODAY, Monday, November 23, 2009...
Outside my window...it is dark and kinda chilly.
I am thinking...that I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for...my husband and boys and just time spent with them.
From the learning rooms...well, seeing as we're only doing one day of school this week, we are going to do a little bit of work, then do some fun art projects, including finishing up our Thanksgiving cards for the grandmas and grandpas. Jacob is loving the Mathletics trial from the Crew, so much so, that I'm thinking of purchasing it when the free trial period is over; it has helped him so much. I can't explain the transformation he has started to make in math; it's wonderful.
From the kitchen...tonight will be Easy Chicken Bake.
I am wearing...jammies and robe for a few more minutes.
I am creating...working on the boys' curtains this week, since I finally got ours done. Also, I'm working on the first chapter of my first book. Yikes!:)
I am going...hopefully to take Jacob to karate this evening; it depends, as he and Jaden have been sick; Jaden is still sick, but Jacob seems to be doing better. I may end up having to take Jaden to the doctor today or tomorrow. Ugh....it seems they have caught my yuck cold.
I am reading...finishing up Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson for Titletrakk and then starting The Attitude Girl for another review.
I am hoping...to have the boys healthy and well by Thanksgiving Day.
I am hearing...silence for now....it was a restless night in our house.
Around the house...have to clean today and catch up on laundry.
One of my favorite things...is singing with my choir at church.
A few plans for the rest of the week: school; Jacob to Tae Kwon Do; library/errands; have to get to the mall, at some point, to get pants for our Christmas program, which is next week; church stuff; cooking treats for Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving with the family; writing assignments/MamaBuzz work; etc.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...(My guys)
For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman.
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