Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV

What is important

I have been thinking about how I spend my time and energy and how I need to fine tune or even revamp how I am spending it. So if these are the most important things:
1. God
2. husband
3. children
4. others
Am I spending my time and energy appropriately? Are there things I need to change or adjust to bring my actions in line with my priorities? Where or how I am wasting my time and energy on things that do not matter to me? Or am I putting too much into low priority things? How much time and energy do I need to spend on myself to make sure I am at my best for my family?

These are the thoughts I am pondering as I begin to organize my thoughts and plan for this new school year.

Movie: Joyeux Noel

I saw the movie Joyeux Noel this week. It is based on a true story about Christmas Eve and Christmas during World War I in 1914. This night of truce involves the French, German, and English troops. I enjoy historical movies because they are so interesting. War movies can be very depressing but this one is not so depressing. It is realistic and does not hide the negative but it focuses more on the positive, personal lives, and compassion of one to another. I don't want to tell you too much... You can check it out here.

spinach mandarin orange salad

Usually I put in sliced almonds as well but today I didn't have any. The dressing makes it extra yummy. It is a sweet poppy seed dressing.

yummmmmmmm!

hair cut picture

Haircut

One of my biggest high lights this week was that my 15 year old son got a haircut! Woo Hoo! The hair "issue" has NOT been a fight but we have desired for him to get his haircut so that we can see his handsome face underneath it all. We have done a little good natured teasing, asking and wishing but it is his choice. For one of his high school classes that he attends there are lots of speeches to give and part of his grade is on appearance. His teacher had been desiring to see his eyes during the speech and would grade accordingly. So... after several weeks of trying different techniques (aka: lots of gel, mouse, etc.) the teacher made an offer. Extra credit/replace a bad test grade score could be received if he gets his haircut by the next class meeting. (FYI--other kids had this same offer if they either went on a field trip or wrote a paper--my son had a schedule conflict with the field trip and the paper has not made it to the writing stage yet. ) So when I picked up my son from class and I ask how his speech went, yada, yada, yada, he informs me of the offer. Inside I was thrilled but I did not know what his decision would be. My son informed me that he would allow his hair to be cut by me and me only, not by a hair professional. (this is a different story) So....like any wise mother of a teenage son I refused but made him an offer that not only would I pay for the haircut but that I would also throw in a ten dollar one time bonus if he let Mrs. T cut his hair. She is not only a great stylist but a great friend and she knows my son. At this offer my son could not refuse b/c I do not give out money very often.

The results are a great haircut, getting to see my handsome son again, and getting to see his eyes throughout the day when he speaks to me. I am thrilled!

Although my son thinks this was a once in a lifetime event, I am asking for agreement coupons for mother's day and my birthday. What are agreement coupons you ask? They are like those cute "free chore" coupons but these will say "I agree to be willing to participate in a haircut when mom deems it necessary."

He is saying that I will not be receiving the coupons I am asking for. hee hee. I can still try!

Shower Prizes

I am helping a friend give a baby shower and here are some prize baskets that I made for the games. One contains a few soaps, lotions, and shampoo samples. The other contains milk chocolate treats. I think it will be a fun time of celebration!

Miss Potter Movie Review

Have you seen Miss Potter (2006) ?. Renee Zellweger portrays Beatrix Potter and Ewan McGregor costars as Mr. Warne. This movie gives us a glimpse into the life of Beatrix Potter and the process of the publishing world back in the early 1900s. My attention was held as I watched the relationships between Beatrix and her family. The warmth and love of her father as well as the love and tension with her mother. At a time when ladies were expected to marry someone suitable in social status and class, Beatrix does not conform to the expectations of society or the expectations of her mother. Beatrix has a strong mind and a clear sense of who she is and also who she will not conform into being. As she pursues her own way in the world the road takes her exactly where she needs to be. I enjoyed the personality and insightful glimpse this movie gives of the life of Beatrix Potter and the publishing of her stories. Now I know a little more of the person behind Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and Squirrel Nutkin.

Snow in Texas

This is a rare sight! The snow was beautiful and cold. Brrrr! I think a record was set for the most inches of snow here!

Valentines

Here are the valentine treats I made for co-op. I used an old set from Stampin Up.

For the cards I made a trifold card. Here is what it looks like open.

This is what it looks like semi-closed

Happy Valentines Day!

Brenda's box

Here is a box that I made for a friend.

Books Read in 2009

My Name is Asher Lev by Potok

The Pulpwood Queen's Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life by Patrick

10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College by Coplin

It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider by Henson

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Roose

Shortcuts to Beginning Reading by Myers

Sea Glass by Shreve

Lessons I Learned in the Dark by Rothschild

Eight Cousins by Alcott

Hints on Child Training by Trumbull

Breaking Free by Moore

The Rescue by Wick

Ballet Shoes by Streatfeild

Strawberry Girl by Lenski

Let Us Highly Resolve by Quine

Ruth Bell Graham: Celebrating An Extraordinary Life compiled by Griffith

How to Fulfill 7 Basic Needs by Gothard

No Longer a Nobody by Nordvedt

The Secret of the Old Sampey Place by Wright

Pedro's Journal by Conrad

Stone Fox by Gardnier

The Proposal by Wick

After Homeschool by Orr

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Whitney

Gladys Aylward:The Adventure of a Lifetime by Benge

Mountain Born by Yates

I Dared to Call Him Father by Sheikh

A Question of Yams by Repp

Follow My Leader by Garfield