Pray for the Church

When we lived in Minnesota, we attended a fabulous church. I've since been following the blog of the Pastor, Rob Ketterling and I wanted to pass along an article he referenced in his blog written by Chuck Colson. It reminds us that the hope of the world (and our nation) is the Church of Jesus Christ.

We're back!

Hello everyone!

We're back from visiting our families. We had a nice time, filled with blessings and of course, lotsa good food.

However, we're about 70 lbs lighter for the remainder of the year... yep, lighter! Our girls are spending their last week of the Christmas break with Randy's folks. That means that Randy and I are at home BY OUR SELVES until Friday.

I'll admit... I experienced a bit of separation anxiety about an hour before we left to come back home, but I know they are happy and safe and that is all I can ask for as a mom.

Fortunately, Randy has this entire week off from work! Yippee! But, this week will be spent doing stuff around here - cleaning, tossing, and more cleaning. Randy's list of stuff to do is longer than my list... go figure!

But, we will make time for some fun too (wink-wink). Randy and I have reservations for dinner on New Year's Eve, which we haven't done in ages and we'll probably try to sneak in a movie on New Year's day.

If I don't make it back on here by the New Year, I hope you all have a blessed remainder of 2008. I pray that 2009 will bring you peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7) and hope for our future (and eternity) in Christ Jesus.

Much love,
Erica

25 Days of Christmas - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you have a joyful Christmas Day
and a safe remainder of the week!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 2

I didn't realize that I have not shown images
from around my house.
These were taken this morning.

Today, I've already put a pot of yummy Tortilla Soup on the slow cooker, baked gingerbread cookies, put the top shiny coat of icing on the cookies for decorating and I'm in the process of cleaning up the kitchen. I have yet to eat breakfast and I'm going to do that momentarily.

This afternoon, the girls and I are going to the Christmas Eve service at church. Randy is working today, so he will not be joining us! I'm bummed about that...

I hope everyone has a nice relaxing Christmas Eve with family and friends. And in the process, I pray that you will stop at some point in your day, fall on your knees and thank God for sending his son Jesus Christ to earth so that we may be saved and receive full life in Him.

Love,
Erica

25 Days of Christmas - Day 3

Merry Christmas from Us!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 4

The girls were so excited to wrap Daddy's presents today. I wish I could say I was more charitable when it came to letting them wrap presents, but I'm not. I'm kind of greedy that way! I like nice clean lines, smooth corners and minimal tape.

But, I knew that Daddy would not mind opening presents wrapped by the girls. And honestly, I wouldn't either. I'd probably "ooooh and aaaah" over their wrapped presents more so than a perfectly wrapped present with a big fluffy bow.

So, why can't I let go? Must be that 'control issue' I have...

Lord, help me to let go of the things that bring me joy, so that my girls can enjoy those things and BE joyful in the process.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 5

This is a must see! Our church broadcast this clip during our morning service today and at first I was stunned... but as it progressed and finally ended... I was in tears! Gushing with tears. This is phenomenal. Enjoy!





Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 6

A little manual labor never hurt anyone!
And for a $1.00 a bag too!

Notice the short sleeves and shorts?
Yep, it's 70+ something degrees today.
Monday, we'll have a high of 37 degrees. Gotta love that Texas weather!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 7

And... we're out! Out of school for two whole weeks! Whoohooo!

And it could not come at a better time. I'm so ready for some downtime. I'm sure next week will not really be "downtime" per se, but at least we won't be running out the door for school each morning. I foresee lazy mornings in my immediate future!

Today was Elisan's class party. Here she is with her BFF and Kyla. Sugar highs abound!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 8

Goodness, I am beat! Today was a busy day...

I've been up since 5:15 a.m. and have pretty much been on my feet all day long! I'm ready for a nice cup of hot cocoa and soon... my soft bed!

Here's a cute picture of Kyla Mae at her Christmas Tea Party. She had a lot of fun and the kids were just so sweet! By the way, that's watered down apple juice, not tea! But, the kids didn't seem to mind!


And finally, I leave you with this. I pulled up next to this car in the parking lot and saw this... I thought it was a perfect photo opp, don't ya think? Is this some newfangled air freshener?

25 Days of Christmas - Day 9

This video is almost 2 mins long. I don't expect you watch the whole thing... this is mainly for family... But, do click on it for a brief moment to see and hear my sweet little girl! She's just precious, don't ya think?

Luke 2:1-14 (New International Version)

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

25 Days of Christmas - Day 10

It's true. People don't move to Texas for the cold weather. In fact, they move here because it is the greatest state in the lower 48... but that's beside the point. The point is... the weather here in Texas is temperate - or at least temperate in the fall/winter seasons. We're probably more on the extreme side of things over the summer... which is dry and hot. But our winters? Are usually mild, with an occasional Arctic blast to make things interesting.

So, when in the course of one week Texas gets hit with two major cold blasts, people around here get all freaky. You may have even heard that there was snow 'round these parts last week and I am here to say that it is true. In fact, here's a picture of my nephew (and some other random neighborhood boys) with the snowman they built in the wee small hours of the morning... before the sun came up and melted it all away.


Last night Randy and I got a big chuckle at the scrolling news bulletin at the bottom of our t.v. screen warning of icy conditions and possible snow again. But, what caught our attention was not the snow warning, but the "potentially hazardous conditions due to snow and cold..." Cold? Hazardous?


Yes, I guess that's true...if you are a Texan.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 11

Last night I started wrapping Christmas presents that have been piling up in my spare bedroom. I waited until the girls went to bed so I could get through it quickly. I know... mean mom! As much as I know they would love to help me, I was not feeling very well and I just wanted to get it done.

This morning, while the girls were getting ready for school Kyla Mae shouted to Elisan, "Santa came last night! Santa came last night! There's presents under the tree! Let's go check our stockings!"

I had to burst their little bubbles and tell them that I had wrapped those presents the night before and that Santa had not made an early appearance. Silly girls!

Over the weekend, I was at Target and noticed in their "Dollar Spot" some really cute wrapping paper. It was the last roll, or else I would have bought more than one. I love the white polka dots and pink stripes. Just perfect for two little girls! I wish there had been more. This paper would be great for birthdays too!

P.S. - Notice the obvious absence of a Christmas bow. It's not that I don't love bows... I do! But for all intents and purposes, bows have not made my Christmas packages for years now. I think it is because we usually travel during the holidays and bows tend to get smushed in our travels.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 12

I posted this last year, but it is worth a re-run!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 13

Hi Friends! Wow, I haven't blogged in almost a week. As you all know, my grandfather passed away on Monday and that put me in a tail-spin all week. The girls and I left Wednesday morning and drove 300 miles to my hometown to be with my family.

We have a large family on my dad's side. My father is one of five siblings. Together with his brothers and sister, they have 11 kids. All of us grandkids have our own kids, which gives my grandparents 22 great-grandkids. Like I said, it's a big 'ol Sullivan clan (as they like to call us).

So, today, in honor of my Paw-Paw, I'm going to talk about the Sullivan Christmas Eve tradition.

As long as I can remember we would spend Christmas Eve evening at my grandparent's house for our yearly Sullivan party. Back in the day, before great-grandchildren came onto the scene, we'd all pile into my grandparent's house to celebrate Christmas. Each family would bring a food dish and I remember how yummy the food always was. After we ate and ate, we'd all sit around in the living room and open presents.

My grandparents never had a lot of money, but they always bought gifts for all of the grandkids. And I remember those gifts were always the best. One year, I remember my Maw-Maw made me a whole case full of Barbi clothes. Meaning, she designed and sewed up an entire wardrobe for Barbi and friends. Complete with a formal gowns and accessories. I remember even then being so proud of that gift. One year, she made some of us grandkids a quilt and she hand-embroidered little animals on each of the patchwork squares. I still have that quilt and I cherish it to this day. I remember being 12 years old when she made the quilt for me and busting out in tears because I couldn't believe she had put that much effort and time in making something so special for me.

My Paw-Paw, never the over-emotional kind of man, always stopped us at the end of the Christmas present opening chaos to tell us how much we all meant to him and my Maw-Maw. And I knew he meant it. He may not have gushed over us, but we always knew he loved us.

It's hard knowing my Paw-Paw died at Christmastime. Seeing as how our Sullivan Christmas Eve Tradition played such an important part of my growin' up. And I know, as my family gathers this year for their Christmas party (which incidently is no longer on Christmas Eve OR at my grandparent's house because our family is just so big and loud --and part Cajun) I know they will celebrate my Paw-Paw's life in a way that will honor him and my Maw-Maw. Because he is man that deserves a lot of honor.

He is responsible for a family who still to this day loves each other, respects each other and yes... get's into each other's business... but our family is strong because of one man and one woman who saw to it that we all stayed that way.

I love you Paw-Paw and I will miss you sorely. I'll miss your gruff exterior and your teddy bear hugs. I'll miss your loud and boisterous "Hey!"s and I'll miss it when you say, "Paw-Paw loves you!"

I'll miss you Tom Sullivan. I love you.

Paw-Paw

Today, my dad's father passed away... my grandfather.

I'm very sad, but I'm even more heartbroken for my father.
We will miss you Paw-Paw Sullivan.

My father, grandfather, me and Kyla - July 2007

Not sure of any details yet, but I'll likely be heading out of town tomorrow to be with my family. Please say a short prayer for my family and for safe travels.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 19

One of my favorite things to drink in the winter is hot chocolate. I love it. I drink hot chocolate (or hot cocoa - depending on where you are from, I suppose) every night. It is my "dessert" before bedtime.

My favorite recipe for making hot chocolate is from a friend of mine from church. She gave me this recipe about five years ago. I make one big batch and it lasts me all winter long. And it makes A LOT!

I've posted this recipe here before, but it is worth posting again!

Enjoy!


Cheryl's Hot Mocha Mix

You will need:

Large pot
Large sifter if you have one. (I just used a strainer)
*Keep all the containers to refill with mocha

Ingredients:
8-quart instant dry powdered milk
Largest size Nestlé’s Instant Chocolate Milk Mix
Largest size Coffeemate Creamer (Original Flavor)
1 box Powdered Sugar
½-1 cup Cocoa (either “dark” or “milk” chocolate)
6 tbsp. Cinnamon
Optional: Container of instant coffee mix.

Use the better-known products like Nestlé’s, Coffeemate, etc., because they tend to have a richer flavor.

You will need to sift all ingredients by putting small amounts of each ingredient in sifter, (alternating ingredients) sift it into pan and then just keeping doing it until you have mixed all of it ~ then use the empty containers to refill. You will still need a couple of extra containers because it makes so much. Be prepared for your kitchen to be dusty ~ you and everything around your preparation area will be dusty, but it is worth it!!

OOPS! Edited to add: Mix 2-3 tablespoons with 8-10 oz of hot water.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 20

Today we visited Santa at the local H-E-B grocery store. I'm glad we made the decision to go there, instead of the mall. They were selling their 4x6 prints for $.35/each. That sure beats the $15.00 the mall tries to take you for. (Granted, this Santa set-up is not as nice or realistic as the mall, but the girls obviously did not care!) And, they let me take my own pictures. I love H-E-B!

A look back - Elisan visiting Santa for the first time at 16 mos old.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 21

Today is my birthday! And, today is my 10 year wedding anniversary! Oh, happy day!

I love our love story. But, because we started dating in the month of April, got engaged in the month of September and got married in the month of December - a course of 7.5 months... well, I've always wondered if other people thought we'd make it THIS long.

I have a sneaking suspicion that even a few of my friends are a bit surprised... perhaps even some of our family members.

But, we've made it to 10. And it feels great. I love Randy more today than I ever could have imagined. I won't gush, because I've already done that here and here...

And let me say... anyone who could love this poor girl as much as my husband loves me... well, he deserves an award! Oh! Wait, that's me!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 22

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in my home is a dresser that was handed down to Randy by his grandmother. It was her dresser as a child. If I'm not mistaken, it was old when she was using it, thus putting the age of this piece well over 100 years old.

It sits in my entryway along the stairwell wall. I love to decorate it with all of our Christmas stuff - garland, Christmas florals, lights, stockings and of course, snowmen!

Here's a picture of the dresser the night we finished decorating.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 23

I was tagged by Heidi, over at Minnesota Mom for a "Deck the Hall's" Christmas meme.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate, homemade variety is by far the best!

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? Both – depends on the size/shape

Colored lights on tree or white? Colored lights

When do you put your decorations up? Weekend after Thanksgiving

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mother’s gumbo

Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Santa bringing me a Honda 50 dirtbike when I was 7 years old.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Not sure…

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Never! Well, unless we’re gathering with extended family.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With ornament that have a lot of sentimental value.

Snow! Love it or Dread it? Snow? What’s that?

Can you ice skate? Never tried…

Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes. See above…

What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert or snack? I love the homemade Texas trash

What is your favorite tradition? Spending Christmas Eve night with my Dad’s family.

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving? Both

What is your favorite Christmas Song? God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by DMB

Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I don’t care for them, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say “yuck”

Ever recycled a Christmas present? No.

Don’t Be A Scrooge! Tag your friends to Deck the Halls: I tag all "25 Days of Christmas" Bloggers!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 24

We put up our Christmas tree on Saturday. The girls were so excited, as they are every year when we decorate the tree.

I remember as a child, how excited I'd be when it was time to decorate the tree. My mom changed the look of our Christmas tree every few years. It was always beautiful... decorator style.

Honestly though, at my home, I haven't changed the look of our tree since Randy and I were married. I still hang the same ornaments that are over 10 years old. Oh sure, we've added to the collection, but my tree is simple... it always has been.

We have a collection of homemade and handmade ornaments made of paper, wood, painted glass... all of which are meager in quality and design, but wealthy in memories. My girls love to look at each ornament and recall the specialness of each one. That brings me joy... so see them joyful with the small things in life.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 25

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to "25 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge! I dare say challenge, since, well... it isn't really a test of endurance is it?

So, the rules for 25 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge are to blog every day for the 25 days leading up to Christmas. If that is too intense for you... you know...blogging every day, then blog when you can!

For my Danish friends... they are the "24 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge since they celebrate Christmas on the 24th, not the 25th. (I did not know that piece of information until we moved there. Interesting, isn't it?)

So, there it is folks. Grab my daily ornament, and post it on your blog if you want and join me this month for Christmas and December blogging fun!

Add your name to the Mr. Linky link if you are participating and I'll try to set up a blogroll on my sidebar so you can visit other bloggers who are participating!

Starting Monday!

A reminder that 25 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge begins on Monday. No pressure here folks... it's just for fun! Join in on the festivities all 25 days or as many days as you can!

Give Thanks!

We have a winner!

And the winner of the 30 Custom Christmas Card giveaway is:

MIMI43grlz

Contact me (my email is listed on the sidebar) and we'll get started on your order!

Stepping on my soapbox...

The news media is scaring the pants off of people. Read the first paragraph of this "news" story:

"WASHINGTON – The economy took a tumble in the summer that was worse than first thought as American consumers throttled back their spending by the most in 28 years, further proof the country is almost certainly in the throes of a painful recession."

What bother's me about this article is this statement, and this statement alone:

"further proof the country is almost certainly in the throes of a painful recession."

I am not minimizing the fact that thousands of people are losing their jobs... And that the housing market it a mess because of garbage loans... And the stock market won't stabilize...

But, how are we supposed to be pull ourselves up by our bootstraps if the media is hammering home the idea that we are "almost certainly" positively already in a painful (yes, painful!) recession? It's almost as if the media, oh, who am I kidding..., IT IS the media's attempt to make a story. To build chaos! To lure in the viewer, reader, blogger - hehe!

I'm boycotting the news media again! I can't live with this kind of negativity.

Boiling the 'taters

Today will be spent doing prep work for Thanksgiving day which includes, but is not limited to, cooking. I will also be spending the day cleaning. Oh yes... I lead a thrilling life.

Right now, I'm boiling the sweet potatoes for the sweet potato casserole. Yum!


And I'll be perfectly honest here... I haven't even purchased the main event... um, you know, the TURKEY? If you think about it... I do actually lead a thrilling life... no turkey yet? And we'll be feeding 12 people on Thursday? Oh yeah baby... life on the edge.

But, thank goodness I have two extraordinarily gifted helpers today.

Rockstar Chef and Domestic Diva

Fall for me

Fall for me is:
A breezy afternoon before a cool front.
Big, juicy Braeburn apples.
Lighting my candles.
Cool days spent outside.

Do yourself a favor!

Do yourself a favor and try this recipe for Thanksgiving. You will be famous and a legend in your family!

This is absolutely the best cranberry sauce I've ever tried! This recipe is super simple, it makes plenty and it's great on warm bisquits the next morning. And, the best thing is that it's a recipe you can make a day or two ahead.



Apple-Orange Cranberry Sauce

1/2 orange
2 cups water
1 tart apple, such as Granny Smith, Braeburn or McIntosh
3 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Squeeze the juice from the orange and set the juice aside. Remove and discard the membrane from inside the orange rind and cut the rind into small dice. In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the rind and the water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Peel, core and quarter the apple. Cut into 1/2-inch dice and place in a saucepan. Sort the cranberries, discarding any soft ones. Add to the apples along with the orange juice, orange rind, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan partially. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, the apple is tender and the cranberries have burst, 10 to 15 minutes.

Transfer the cranberry sauce to a heatproof bowl and let cool for 1 hour before serving. Or cover and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before serving. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a sauceboat and pass at the table. Makes 3 1/2 to 4 cups.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Series,Thanksgiving; Christmas,by Chuck Williams (Time-Life Books, 1993)

'Tis the season for giving!

My mama always told me it's better to give than to receive. And, I'm pretty sure y'all's mama said the same thing!

So, in celebration of my upcoming 600th blog entry... (yes, 600th!) I'd like to give away some of my time and talent to one lucky individual!

I'm giving away 30 (4x6 size) photo Christmas cards (design shown) with envelopes. All you have to do, is leave a comment on this entry for your chance to win. I'll draw a random winner on Wednesday, November 26th (6:00 p.m CST) and post the results that evening.

Now, for the fun part... your comment!

When you enter to win, please post 5 things you are thankful for.

Correct me if I'm wrong...

I've been taking a hiatus from the 'doom and gloom' we call the news media for the past two weeks and let me say, it has been liberating! That is not to say I'm burying my head in the sand, although I wish some days I could!

However, I happened upon an article today that caught my attention. It said that the United States could be heading for a cycle of deflation. It went on to say consumer prices dropped 1% in October.

So, correct me if I'm wrong... this is a bad thing? I realize there is a cyclical effect... consumer spending down -- consumer pricing goes down to draw the consumer back in. Consumers decide they'd rather save their money--businesses suffer because of the lack of consumers, etc. etc. I get that part.

But, saving $2.00 on the same gallon of gas I bought just 5 months ago? That's awesome. And spending less on the same amount of groceries I bought 3 months ago? That's even better... because, you know... we still have to eat!

I think we've finally had an "A-ha" moment in that we don't need that iPhone, or 3rd pair of black boots, or Coach purse, or bi-monthly trip to the nail salon, or $150 cut and color, or $80.00 pair of jeans, or blah, blah, blah... Perhaps this crisis in our financial markets will turn us into good stewards of our money. Perhaps?

And, while you're at it... why not begin investing in your local church? In addition to your tithes, how about give offerings? Give like you've never given before. God so desires to pour out his blessing upon us, if we only give Him the chance.

Will you give him the chance to bless you?

Blessed... and then some

John Maxwell visited our church on Sunday and I was asked to serve at the book table selling his books after service. I was hesitant at first because I'll be honest here... money-changing scares me. But, the gals told me that most people pay by credit card, so I'd probably have very little dealing with actual cash! (They were right, by the way...)

Anyway, as we were wrapping up, one of Mr. Maxwell's assistants told us that we were welcome to choose any of the books on the table as a 'thank you' for serving with them. I was thrilled. Because I had my eye on a book but decided I'd just check it out at the library instead. (I'm frugal that way!)

So, I selected this book and so far, it's a great read!

And, by the way... John Maxwell was a phenomenal speaker. Randy and I immensely enjoyed his sermon on trusting God with our finances and resources.

Moving on...

I just finished up a Beth Moore Bible study last week called "Stepping Up". Very good and I highly recommend it. Well, in one of her discussions, she mentioned how important it was to get a good Bible commentary book to help navigate the scriptures. I thought about waiting until Christmas to ask my in-laws to get one for me (because my FIL is a minister and I knew he'd pick out a good one for me) but I really didn't want to wait on getting one until Christmas.

Then, I thought of my local Goodwill. I recalled browsing the religion section the last time I was there and was surprised at the wealth of titles and books (and even Bibles) that they had. So, yesterday I headed out there and found "The New Testament Explorer". 576 pages of New Testament commentary for $2.99!


I also found "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren (hardcover) and bought it too (for $2.99). I've been wanting to read this book, but the mood has never struck me before. But, for $2.99... I think the mood finally struck!

I just love being blessed like that. God knew my heart and my intentions and he blessed me. Thank you, God!

(Oh, and I also found a really nice pair of BCBG Max Azria trouser pants in chocolate brown in my size and in perfect condition! I bought those too... for $6.99!)

Boy, it's true... you can't outgive God! Malachi 3:10