My Christmas present from Biggsie...

I love my present Biggsie made me for Christmas. It was a surprise and he has been down in the shed for weeks with Jack and they wouldn't let me know what they were making. 

I can write on the little black boards, things I need to remember for the days in the week. So much love and hard work has gone in to it. Thanks Biggsie. xxx

Christmas Eve Dinner...

We had a lovely Christmas Eve at home this year. It's been a long time since we've celebrated at home. We invited my parents and Pastor Ben to come and share it with us. It was such a lovely evening.

Laura helped me in the kitchen and she made the yorkshire puddings and bread sauce. I made the traditional roast turkey, vegies and gravy and cranberry jelly and then we had plum pudding, cream and custard. Yummo...

These are my favourite chocolates at the moment...

My sister, Jill, donated these beautiful candles for my table setting to match with my pale blue and red theme...

My beautiful Mum helping Laura and I in the kitchen too. I wished I had of taken more photo's but I was so busy cooking and serving and then clearing and doing the kitchen, I forget to take more. Oh well, next year... :)

These are a few of my favourite things...

Well, one of my favourite things at the moment. A house I found for sale at Camp Hill with 6 bedrooms. It's empty and waiting for me to move in... "Hospitality House" with rooms for guests downstairs.

Arrrrr...... it's nice to dream.....

Fabrics...

I love this fabric range. When I have my new house with white tongue and groove walls, these will be some of the fabrics I will use.

Having Fun on Holidays...

I love Summer Holidays... And I love Mooloolaba. Tomorrow we are off for a drive to Noosa. It's so nice to spend time with my family and have a holiday...

Verse for the day...

Train a child in the way he (0r she) should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

(Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Sorry Laura, I had to add this photo. It was taken about 5 years ago and Laura still mows the yard every week. And yes Biggsie still reads the paper and drinks beer....  :)

Thank you Mr Postman...

My subscription to Notebook Magazine and Country Living arrived today in the post and I still haven't read all of the Donna Hay Magazine. I know what I'll be doing at the end of the week.

Relaxing around the pool at Mooloolaba, reading magazines and enjoying myself...

Happy Blog Birthday to me...

Wow, that year went sooo fast. I can't believe I have been blogging for 1 year...

HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Time to go and put on the kettle and have a cuppa. Anyone got any cake?

Handmade Christmas projects...

Here is my attempt to make a reindeer...

These are our stockings I made. I just need to stitch our names on them...

I made this quilt a few years ago before I had a sewing machine. I stitched all the rectangles together by hand. My sisters made the same quilt (but they cheated and used a machine).

Storm heading our way...

We love watching the storms coming towards us.

This one came across the sky fast yesterday afternoon.

And then Laura, Jack and I sat at the front door and watched the lightning. The thunder was the loudest I'd heard in a while.

Fun with Dan...

We had a great time with my nephew last weekend. He came to stay with us for 2 nights. Jack was so excited.

Jack and Dan sharing a Lychee slurpee. We took Dan out to one of our favourite restaurants... 

After looking at some of our favourite christmas lights, we went up to Mt Cootha and had a look at the incredible view of Brisbane.  We had more than 20 glow sticks that I brought from Sam's warehouse. Lots of fun... Thanks Dan for coming to stay. We really had a great time.

These are a few of my favourite things...

Blog now locked...

Well, my blog is now locked. I hope I didn't forget anyone on the 'invite list'. 

Only 2 more sleeps until my blog's 1st Birthday....

Wow, this year has gone so fast.

Recommended book from the Library...

This is a really good book I found at the Library. It's set out really well and easy to follow for kids.

Nature Journalling...

I took these photos when we went camping at Kingscliffe. I love the different textures and colours that God created in nature. I love stopping and taking photo's of nature when we are camping.

Cute tags...

How cute are these tags... I really like them. You can download them and lots of other free prints from 'a print a day' blog

BLOG BEING LOCKED TONIGHT!!!

This is your last chance to let me know if you want to continue reading my blog. Laura and I are locking our blogs today so please let us know if you want to view them.  I had 7 people reply to wanting to view my blog last time but I know there are more of you out there. I don't care who you are, we just don't want people (that we don't know) from India and other countries following our blogs. So quickly reply now before it's too late.

Christmas ideas...

How yummy do these look... You could put a spearmint leaf on the top too. Mmmmm.... served with a hot cup of earl grey.

I love this advent calender. I have seen a few like this lately on blogs and would like to try and make one for next year.

This is a cute idea too. I have used paper bags with doilies glued on them but this is a different way to use the doilies.

My other blog...

I have started another blog about de-cluttering and organising my home. If you would like to view it, let me know because it's locked to 'invitation only' cause I don't want every Tom, Dick & Harry watching me and laughing at how long it's taking me... Maybe you are up for the challenge to join me or you may have some ideas for me. Leave a comment and I will invite you to join.

New book...

I am really enjoying this book that I ordered at the Library. I love being able to use the library and pickup new books each week.

Christmas memories...

Awww... I'm the cute little fella in the middle. I can still remember that Christmas tree. When I was little I thought it was soooo big. 

Gratitude Monday...

I am very thankful to be able to spend time away last weekend. I had a lovely weekend away with my hubby. It was so beautiful where we stayed.  And the food was so yummy. We had prawns, oysters and lots more...

And the kids had a lovely time with their grandparents having gourmet pizza and playing trains... Thanks Laura for helping look after 'little bro'.  Next time I will take you to a resort... :)

The Sky is smiling tonight...

Our neighbours came and told us to have a look at the sky tonight and this is what we saw...

As the sun set, these two planets were shining above the moon and it looked like a smiley face.

How amazing is that... 

Billy, the Early Years...

This is a movie I would love to see.  Billy, the Early Years.

It was released in America last month just before Billy Graham's 90th birthday.

I hope it comes out to Australia...

Verse for the day...

10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (The Message)

Encouragement

When I start to think these negative things, I say these scriptures and it really helps me.

I have printed them out and they are on my toilet wall, because often that is where I get to sit and think. (Too much information)  :) Please feel free to print these out and put them in a place where you will see them daily...

"You say God says Bible Verses"

You say: "It's impossible" 

God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired" 

God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me" 

God says: I love you (John 3:16 & john 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on" 

God says: My grace is sufficient ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out" 

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it" 

God says: You can do all things (Phillipians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able" 

God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it" 

God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself" 

God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage" 

God says: I will supply all your needs (Phillipians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid" 

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 2:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" 

God says: Cast all you cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough" 

God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone" 

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

If you find yourself going through a difficult time at the moment, please hang in there. God wants you to hold on to him and stay close. The enemy wants you to fall apart and quit and that makes me mad. Stomp on his head, cause the enemy is defeated, the battle is the Lords, the righteous are forgiven, the victory is yours....