Pa

I thought I was going to see him one more time. I truly did. Wednesday morning we were to make our New Year's trip to Grammy and Pa's.

But yesterday morning instead we got the call. The call that said he was gone.  

My heart is so sad because I miss my Pa.   But I am happy he is no longer hurting. That he is well and strong again. 

I can hear his voice. Feel those fierce hugs. How he would lean close and whisper, "who loves Amy" in my ear. His exclaimation of  "you dear little soul" over the little ones.

I remember every time I went to see him at the bank, he would show me acorns we had collected on a walk together sometime around the time I was in kindergarten.  How he loved to take us out to breakfast. The tractor rides over the hill, all 9 cousins crammed into that wagon. 

We love you, Pa. So very much.

It's almost CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

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Christmas!!  Can you believe it?? Its almost here!


Outside my window...  the road before me on my run this morning. The temperature is rising.  Looks like no hope of a white Christmas this year...it is supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow and rainy on Christmas.

I am thinking... I can not believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Christmas Eve is my favorite time.  I love our church service.  Lighting the candles and singing silent Night.  Gathering at my parents house for lots of food, family and general merry making.

I am thankful... for my family.  I have been feeling somewhat homesick and nostalgic.  Its weird to feel homesick when you are in fact "home", but that's the only way I can describe it.  I guess I just miss being home {at mom & dad's} with the whole fam.  Just being together.  Staying up late playing Dutch Blitz.  Putting out all the gifts after the kiddies are all in bed.  Stuffing stockings.  So much has changed....and not that its bad.  Just different. But there will probably never be another full family Christmas morning at the Nemitz Homestead.  That was the thing I was saddest about when we first moved.  That I would not wake up Christmas Morning at Mom & Dad's house.

I am wearing...

Beautiful morning for a run ;-)

I am creating... hopefully... good Christmas memories.

I am going... to enjoy Christmas.  To not worry.  To not be bitter.  To let His peace and joy fill me...

I am reading... my Bible. I am spending a lot of time in the Word and prayer these days.  Also The Greatest Gift. <3  I am looking forward to picking up my Runner's Devotional again when my advent studies are finished.

I am hoping... that good things will come in 2015.

I am learning... I am strong.  This mornings run felt so good.  Reminding me I can do hard things.  Just one step at a time.  I just need to take that next step...

Around the house... I have been working at cleaning and decluttering.  Getting rid of excess.  I washed the slipcovers and shampooed the living room carpet.  Its ridiculous how happy this made me.

In the kitchen...

This is 30-minute chicken...made right in the microwave in my Deep Covered Baker .  I made it into soup for Sunday and chicken salad for lunches.

This is a total pinterest win. Saturday night's dinner was Bourbon chicken. Sooooo good.

I am pondering... how???

A favorite quote for today... 

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
      ---The Grinch Who Stole Christmas|Dr Seuss

A reminder to myself.  Not to get caught up in the commercial craziness.  But to bask in the simple, true pleasures of the season.

One of my favorite things... Christmas Eve. <3  Its tomorrow!!! Every now and then I get a rush of excitement.  I am trying to hang onto that feeling.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work today and tonight; Tomorrow home <3 cooking and baking for Christmas; Christmas Eve Service then Mom and Dad's; Christmas morning at our house.  Friday is my best friend's BIRTHDAY! <3 <3 <3

A peek into one of my days from last week...

Running by the Creek

Girl Scout Christmas Party~

Morning Coffee Time

The glow of the Christmas Tree

Hope is ALIVE

For Today | December 17, 2014

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Outside my window... It is a grey, slightly chilly, drizzly day; most of the snow is melting.  I am hoping a little bit comes back for Christmas

I am thinking... actually I am trying to not think too much.  That's when I start getting myself in trouble.  I become overwhelmed and frustrated.  These days I have to trust and walk by faith.

I am thankful... for the Christan Community.  In these days where I am feeling so alone and discouraged He is constantly reminding me that I am not.  He is Here.  He is with me.... Emmanuel
I am thankful for #SheReadsTruth.  That I stumbled upon this online Bible Study group. This morning I have been listening to the She Reads Truth Christmas Party | #SRTchristmasparty.  It streamed live last night.  It's about an hour long, but when you have time, I'd encourage you to check it out. :) Its full of scripture and music and encouragement.

I am wearing...

I am creating... Christmas cards.  I didn't get to make them as I had hoped.  But the girls and I picked up a couple boxes of cozy looking cards on Saturday {already on clearance.}   Hopefully tonight I can take a Christmas picture of my beautiful children in front of our tree and get them out this weekend.

I am reading... nothing.  I need a new read. I have started several books lately and abandoned them all.

I am looking forward to…going to Grammy and Pa's for New Years.  Hanging out with my cousins, and hopefully our 2nd Annual Snyder Cousins New Year's 5K.

I am learning... to trust...to let go...

In the kitchen... I am going grocery shopping after work.  I actually made a menu plan. And I am happy I will be home to prepare dinner and eat with my children tonight!!

I am pondering... this from my devotional this morning at #SheReadsTruth| Day 18 of O Come Let Us Adore Him

What if we did the same? What if we woke each day, prepared to live in obedience and belief that what The Lord says is true?
He is here, friends. He is our God with us, Emmanuel! Believe this. He is in the midst of our uncertainty and our hope. He is with us on the mountaintop and in the valley. We can trust Him. Do not be afraid.

A favorite quote for today... With God NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE

One of my favorite things... just sitting at my kitchen table in the mornings.  Savoring my coffee and God's Word.

A few plans for this week: Tomorrow night is Ryan's concert, last week was postponed due to weather.  Friday night are the girls Girl Scout Christmas Parties.  Saturday the Mister and I hope to finish our Christmas shopping.  Sunday is church <3, the kids Nativity play and a Christmas gathering with the mister's side of the family.

A peek into one of my days from last week...

Getting back into running. :) Two days so far this week. I need to get into shape for our New Years Run ;) Then start training for Pittsburgh!! #GameonPgh

Take away thought for today--- HOPE is ALIVE. There is always HOPE.

 

Last night was Hannah's 2nd grade concert.  Our sweet girl sang her heart out.  She looked so beautiful in her new birthday dress. <3 I was so proud I almost cried.

I apologize in advance for the quality of the video.  We could not sit in our usual vantage point up in the balcony.  We were near the back of the overly packed auditorium.  Naturally people's heads were in the way, and they also kept moving.  But still I think there are a few good shots of Hannah. :)



In other news Mikayla found out yesterday she was cast in the spring musical!! South Pacific. Again so proud I almost burst into tears when I got her text at work.  At first seeing these cryptic messages had me baffled, but I quickly realized it was the day for the cast list to be posted.  Congratulations GIRLS!!!! :D

Sometimes you just need to stop and remember what's truly important. Moments like these...

Today...

For Today: Tuesday, December 9

Outside my window:  Its pretty gray and gloomy...I hear inches of snow are coming.  On one hand I am looking forward to the blah being covered in fresh white.  I am just praying I am home snug and safe when it arrives.

I am thinking: so many things, far too many.  Trying to figure it all out.  I don't want to take the path I see before me.  Praying, praying there is a another fork that we just can't see yet.

I am thankful:  For Christian Sisters.  I know I have said before how much I love my church.  I am thankful for people who notice when you are not ok.  And without prying just let you know you are loved and you are prayed for.

I am wearing: Christmas PJs

I am creating:  I finished the kids Christmas jammies.  I am still holding out hope for a picture of all three together...We'll see how that goes...

I am reading:

 I am hoping: I am feeling a bit hopeless.  I am sure it is out there but I just can't muster it today.

Around the house: This morning I couldn't help but chuckle as Hannah came out this morning all dressed up for school.  Complete with heals and pearl necklace.  Ahhh this girl. <3  Doesn't she look fancy?  I asked her {in my best British accent} if she was going to a tea party.  She laughed.  {Incidentally the gifts under the tree are her birthday presents.  Mikayla wrapped them on Sunday and they have been there taunting our soon to be birthday girl ever since.}

 

In the kitchen:  This was Sunday morning.  I attempted to make cupcakes for a little in my Sunday school class.  Her birthday was this past week. But the cupcakes stuck in the pan and crumbled.

But thankful I had a box of vanilla pudding in the pantry and transformed the mess into a delightful mini trifle.  The kids thought it was awesome.

A favorite quote for today:

 "Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

Jeremiah 42:3 NIV

A few plans for this week: Ryan's band concert.  Hannah Mae's 8th Birthday!!! Girl Scouts.  Tree lighting and community Christmas party.  Pancake Pajama Christmas Supper.

A peek into my days:

Last Saturday was our Ladies Christmas Brunch at our church. This was my table.  It was fantastic.  The speaker was so good.  She talked about forgiveness and letting go.  I needed it.  I am trying so hard to just let it go...  Carrie also sang a song by Francesca Battistelli, I had not heard before.  It was marvelous.  The chorus:

Bring your brokenness, and I'll bring mine

'Cause love can heal what hurt divides

And mercy's waiting on the other side

If we're honest

If we're honest

a new day! Thank You God!

For Today

 

December 3, 2014

Outside my window... it is dark and dreary.

I am thinking... there is always HOPE! I made this collage yesterday for my instagram after I read Ann Voskamp's blog; I had literally prayed for hope...just a little light...and God sent me this...

 I am thankful... for this girl. A best friend. The sister of my heart.  She blesses me so. I am so thankful for her love. Her prayers. Her support and understanding.

I am wearing... my new Thrifty Shopper find.  A couple weeks ago the a fore mentioned best friend and I ...well mostly her...or all her, whatever ;P  Had this great idea to do a thrifty shopper challenge.  To go and try to make an outfit for under $15. Saturday I attempted it...I found this sweater.  I love it.  I didn't really find anything to go with.  Mom and I were thinking leggings and my dress boots, its longer like tunic length.  But today I was feeling the need for a comfy, cozy sweater and this one fit the bill.  So I wore it with khakis instead.  The sweater was $6.99 and then I had a 25% off coupon...so even if I go to Target or Kohl's, ooh or TJ Maxx-- and buy leggings to complete my outfit...I could still conceivably come in under budget :D

I am creating... Christmas Jammies!! I hope, to get started (at least) on them tonight.  I bought the fabric on Saturday but have not had the opportunity to sew yet.

I am going... to be joy-filled today.

I am wondering... what 2015 will hold.

I am reading... The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.  My mom gave it to me last year at the beginning of Advent.  I am revisiting it.  This morning's reading was prefect.

I am hoping... for the best.  God has a plan. My heart just keeps telling me to be faithful and everything will work out for the best.

I am learning... God is faithful. He is still in control, directing our path.

Around the house... its beginning to look like CHRISTMAS!! We got our Christmas tree on Sunday afternoon and have been adding Christmassy touches here and there ever since.

In the kitchen... new Christmas aprons! Makes me want to do some holiday baking ;)

I am pondering... my life in general, what I am meant to do. Who I am.  Future changes, choices, decisions to be made.

A favorite quote for today... I finally hung this on my living room wall this morning.  I got it from Rhett and the kids for my birthday (in March).  But today it reminds me that HOME is much more than a house.  Its more like a state of being.  As long as I am surrounded by those I love, I shall always have HOME, no matter where we dwell.

One of my favorite things... my dog. I love him so.  Its been 13 years since Rhett brought him home the last Friday in January as an early Valentine's gift {He was afraid if he left him at the shelter he would be gone by Valentine's day}.  Riley has been my faithful companion, ever since.  He is 15, getting pretty up there for a dog.  Mostly he lays around and sleeps.  He is mostly blind and pretty much completely deaf. But oh how I love this shaggy little dog! <3

A few plans for this week: Mikayla's concert tonight at school. Sewing those Christmas Jammies. Girl Scouts tomorrow. Friday Hannah has a sleepover to go to, I will be decorating my table for the brunch. Saturday morning is the Ladies Christmas Brunch.

 A peek into one of my days from last week...

Riley sleeping on top of the kitty condo!

Visit other Daybookers at The Simple Woman's Blog

FOR TODAY: November 25

 Linking up with Peggy at The Simple Woman today.

Outside my window...

The sun is shining but it is chilly!!

Yesterday was gorgeous...or so I hear, it was close to 70 degrees.  

I mostly looked at it through the store window while at work.

I am thinking...
Christmas is ONE month from today! Whoa.

I am thankful...
For our home. I love it so.  I cherish each day we dwell there.

For my church. Church Family.  I was blessed on Sunday.
Just being here in my church HOME.
Knowing I am loved.  Prayed for.  Noticed.  Needed.

In the kitchen...
Are fixin's for Thanksgiving dinner!!  For our part in it anyway. 
Mikayla is making two pies tomorrow. :)

I am creating...
I unearthed my craft counter on Sunday afternoon.
I am looking forward to creating some Christmas cards.

I am going...
to treasure and savor this holiday season

I am wondering...

how I hurt my arm and how it make it better :( 
I did nothing to it that I can recall.  But it hurts and is inhibiting my daily tasks.

I am reading...
The Quilter's Holiday.  Its putting me in a quilty-holiday-ish mood.
I heard our church camp is having a quilt retreat this winter.  I am anxious to hear more about that...I have wanted to go to a quilt retreat ever since I started reading these Elm Creek Quilters books, years ago.  My dream would be to have a quilt shop.

I am hoping...
for the best

I am looking forward to...
Thursday! Thanksgiving! Being with my family. <3

I am pondering...
The future.  Change is coming. Its inevitable. Hard. But can be good. I pray that it is good.

A favorite quote for today...

"Thanksgiving doesn’t devour your sorrow, but it acknowledges the Glory that will.
The thanks be to Him who says our sorrows will be worth it.
The giving of our souls to say that, even if our earthly hopes have been deferred, our eternal hope will never be lost."  from #SheReadsTruth yesterday

One of my favorite things...
Reading with my Hannah. O how I love her, my sweet Hannah and her love of books.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work tonight. Thanksgiving Service tomorrow night. Thanksgiving!! :)

A peek into my day...

catching up

Finally published my September Video :)  Enjoy...

I needed it. To be reminded of my many, many blessings. God is so good.

I worked myself into a bit of a mood earlier. But then Han and I went to Girl Scouts. I love those girls. And the moms. I really do. It doesn't hurt that I got to see one of my favorite people either ;)

This is Hannah's project from tonight in process.  They made banners to hang their Swaps on.  Swaps are basically little trinkets they make and then when we go to encampment in the spring, and other multi-troop events,  they swap with girls from other troops.

Part of my frustration and dissatisfaction earlier was I spent too much time on pinterest the past couple days.  I looked at a lot of Stitch Fixes, cursing that I am too cheep and too poor to join in the fun.  I could really use a make over. I love clothes.  I so wish I was cool and trendy.

Mikayla and I used to watch this show, The Look for Less on the Style network-- where a person must shop with a fashion stylist to recreate a runway outfit with a set budge. I am thinking I might try my hand at some bargain shopping to recreated some coveted new outfits....or if anyone if looking for some Christmas ideas... ;-P You can check out my pinterst account! haha

One great project I found and so needed was a office in a box.  I really needed to get my Pampered Chef stuff organized.  My latest paperwork was still in the box it came in on the piano bench.  

I found this pretty one on pinterest.  Which I fully intend to replicate with the help of my awesome Thirty-One Consultant/Cousin-- Kelly. (Stand by---I will most likely be having a catalog party after the holidays to help her out and feed my new found obsession).

In the meantime...

I remembered this {not nearly as pretty but fully functional} plastic tote I had down in the basement.   It was from way back in 2004 when I first started with Pampered Chef.  I was able to fit all my current paperwork in it.  Including my stacks of catalogs.

I found these goodies inside that brought an immediate smile and warmth to my heart.  Chambers Cluster Bucks which I earned for some reason I don't remember.  (I so miss being near my cluster and recruiter and going to Team meetings). My welcome letter from Doris Christopher {the Founder of Pampered Chef, if you didn't know}.  My very first Consultant Planner.  Going through old paperwork, seeing names of hostesses from back in Virginia brought back so many good memories.

Also this little magazine, which I am pretty sure Grandma had come across and given to me sometime after I became a Consultant. :)

Happy memories.  A little bit of a push to keep on keeping and  "Do what I love". :D

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Winner, winner chicken dinner ;)

Last night I made one of my favorite recipes. It did not disappoint. Mikayla also made rice in the rice cooker plus...which came out totally awesome as well.  When I got home from work at 9:30 my mouth was watering as I scooped chicken and rice into a bowl {popping a few pieces of chicken directly into my mouth} and then the microwave for a minute or two.

I found on, you guessed it... pinterest. ;-) You can view the original recipe here, along with 4 other freezer meals.

Garlic Honey Chicken
(4-5 servings)

• 1 ½  to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (obviously I used chicken legs instead).
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup  soy sauce
• ⅔  cup ketchup
• ¼  cup honey

(Feel free to double the sauce if you like extra sauce)
Add all the ingredients to a freezer bag. Cook 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.  We like to eat this with mashed potatoes and a veggie.

My rice cooker has been sitting lonely and forgotten in the basement.  I came across it this past weekend and brought it up to the kitchen to put it to some good use. We sometimes have a little trouble cooking rice on the stove top at our house.  So I was eager to give the ole Rice cooker a shot. If you want to check it out, click the picture. It should take you to my pc website.

Bonus: did you know you can also make a microwave cake in it?? Check out this recipe I found by searching "Rice Cooker Pampered Chef" on pinterest... the name cracked me up...

Clean out the Pantry Microwave Cake

Daybook 11.18.14

FOR TODAY November 18, 2014
 

Outside my window...
it is cold! But the sun is shining! =)

I am thinking...
About my devo this morning-- from the Runner's Devotional.  About picking up the pace, not just going through the motions.  Running in such a way as to get the prize!
I don't want to just coast through life. 
I want to live it to the full.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, not for men.
Colossians 4:23 (niv1984)

I am thankful...
For my church. 
My heart was overflowing with gratefulness and belonging on Sunday. 
My Sunday school class was fantastic.  We had a new little girl in class. We had a great time continuing to work on our Thankfulness Bulletin Board.  I love my class so much, there are no words.

The service was wonderful.  It just felt like home.  There is no other way to describe it.  The current sermon series has been super.  It is on attitudes and how they affect our outlook on life.  Last week Pastor spoke on Joy.  I think its pretty cool now that the sermons are available to listen to on our church website.  Its kind of a new feature for us. ;-)

Sunday night was also our semi-annual meeting.  (Basically a report on the ministries and happenings of the last 6 months). It was a huge blessing to be there.  To know I am part of the core of this church.  That anyone can be-- by simply choosing to take part.
Pastor Eric ended the meeting with all of us joining hands and stretching to circle around the outside of the sanctuary.  My dad and he then prayed for our church.  I thought it was really neat.  And again I was thankful to be there, and to be sandwiched between my parents.

In the kitchen...
Last night Mikayla made one of her specialties and favorites: Chicken Pot Pie 
It was fantastic. :-)

I stole this picture off her instagram ;-)

I am so blessed by this girl.  I am so proud to be her mom.  I love that she shares my love for cooking.  When I started Pampered Chef, she loved it as much as I did.  I thought her excitement had kinda wanned.  But learned this week that this is not the case at all.  She helped Mom and me sort out the boxes of goodies from Mom's party a couple weeks ago.  It was such fun! She requested a couple catalogs to take to school for her friends and their moms-- who apparently love Pampered Chef. She started brainstorming about having a Pampered Chef party for her friends, and their moms.  Sounds like a great idea to me ;-)

I am creating...
 So many lists.  I wonder how I will get everything accomplished.

I am going...
To work 30 minutes earlier tonight. 
I foolishly agreed to change my scheulde for the winter so the lady I relieve could get home before dark.  I am mildly regretting it, but at the same time, thankful to be able to help.

I am wondering...
 Why I am having such a hard time completing this entry.
It has taken hours and its not done yet :P

I am reading... 
a somewhat random book I picked up at the library.  So far it has not disappointed me.
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street : a novel

I am hoping...
Tonight goes by swiftly.  I am already cold and tired...and starting to get grumpy. 
Dreaming about being cozy in my bed!
 

I am looking forward to...
Thanksgiving!! I love Thanksgiving! It may even be my favorite.
I am really looking forward to our church's Thanksgiving service this week, and dinner to follow.
As well as Thursday celebrating at my parents house with our family. <3

I am learning...
{Again/Still} to remember to thankful.
In all things.

Around the house...
It's kinda messy.
But tomorrow's Wednesday (so I will be home in the evening)
and maybe I can get something accomplished.  Maybe.

I am pondering...
Yet again...how to simplify.
 

A favorite quote for today...

 
One of my favorite things...
Just being home, warm and cozy.
 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• Working.
• Finishing the church newsletter.
• Starting to get a handle on the basement clutter.
• Girl Scouts/ per usual
•  The mister is taking Mikayla and her friends to a concert on Friday
• Saturday is currently open for me...the mister is going hunting...perhaps he'll get a deer.  His cousin got one last Saturday.
• Sunday: Thanksgiving service and dinner at Church :)

A peek into my day...

I got my prize pack in the mail yesterday.  I won the prize for participating in Peggy's 30 day Autumn Challenge.  Its was great fun.  I love taking pictures.  Fall.  Blogging and checking out other's blogs.  She has a winter one coming up in 2015.  Consider joining in ;)

I let Mik open it up after supper.  We all oooed and aaahhed over the contents.  Thank you Peggy!  Now to decide what to do with it all. :-D