Expectation . . .

My soul, wait silently

for God alone,

for my expectation is from Him.

Psalm 62:5

Painting by G. Harvey

When parents are awaiting the arrival of a baby, we say they are "expecting." This time of expectation affects every aspect of their lives. Whether the days are easy or tough, what lies ahead makes it all worth it. The sense of expectation grows along with the precious child inside its mother.

Even if you are not "expecting" a child, you should still live an expectant life. God has great things ahead for you. Some may take place slowly throughout your lifetime, while others will catch you in a moment of joyous surprise. Expect God to do good things in your life. Wait for them, anticipate them, prepare for them. Keep your eyes open. Adventure awaits.

High expectations are the key to everything.

Sam Walton

This devotion to taken from "God's Daily Answer".

The Winner Is . . .

The winner of the Mary Engelbreit collection of goodies is . . .

Ashley at http://jepeux.blogspot.com/ ! ! ! !

Ashley, please e-mail me your address so I can send your prize ASAP. My e-mail is posted on my profile.

A big thank you to the 59 old & new friends who stopped by to enter their name! I look forward to getting to know you all better!

Friday Show & Tell . . .

The deadline to sign up for my giveaway is this evening at 5:00 PM CT. Scroll down to Saturday's post to add your name to the list. The winner will be announced on tomorrow's post.

I'm going to try & make 'Friday Show & Tell' a regular feature.

Today I'm going to show you my decorating touches for January .

These skiers belonged to my Grandma Ruby . . .

Click on the picture to read

the message on the sign . . .

Bowls & a cute plate on the kitchen window ledge . . .


See, I'm still hoping for snow . . .

A gardening snowman . . .

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the big announcement!!!!

Let It Snow ! ! !

I'm more than ready to see some beautiful snow. I LOVE SNOW! I must admit I act like a kid when it snows. I love looking out the window to watch the snow falling. I love driving around with hubby the day after a big snow fall looking at the beauty of it all. Here in Oklahoma we sometimes get one or two snow storms each winter. The past two years we've had some major ice storms, but very little snow. I'm ready for some soft, fluffy snow!

I hung our snowman flag yesterday in hopes it would bring a little snow our way before too long!

The song you're hearing today is sung by Rosemary Clooney. I remember learning this song when I was a little girl. It's still one of my favorites! Here are the lyrics . . .

Here comes Suzy Snowflake

Dressed in a snow white gown

Tap, tap, tappin' at your window pane

To tell you she's in town

Here comes Suzy Snowflake

Soon you will hear her say

"Come out ev'ryone and play with me

I haven't long to stay

If you want to make a snowman

I'll help you make one, two, three

If you wanna take a sleigh ride

The ride's on me.

"Here comes Suzy Snowflake

Look at her tumblin' down

Bringing joy to every girl and boy

Suzy's come to town

Snowflake Bentley . . .

About 15 years ago while I was thumbing through an old Highlights magazine I stumbled across a story about a snowflake scientist. After reading his story I knew it would become part of my lesson plans for January.

Here's a little information about this interesting man.

Wilson A. Bentley
The Snowflake Man

"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley 1925

From the earliest memories of our childhood, many of us can remember hearing the phrase "no two snowflakes are alike". This discovery was made in the small rural town of Jericho, Vermont by Wilson A. Bentley (1865-1931).

A self educated farmer, Bentley attracted world attention with his pioneering work in the area of photomicrography, most notably his extensive work with snow crystals (commonly known as snowflakes). By adapting a microscope to a bellows camera, and years of trial and error, he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal in 1885.
He would go on to capture more than 5000 snowflakes during his lifetime, not finding any two alike. His snow crystal photomicrographs were acquired by colleges and universities throughout the world and he published many articles for magazines and journals including, Scientific American and National Geographic.
In 1931 his book "Snow Crystals", containing more than 2400 snow crystal images, was published by McGraw-Hill but has long been out of print. A soft cover copy, identical in all respects, can be obtained today from Dover Publications, Inc.. On December 23, 1931, Bentley died at the family farmhouse in Jericho. Because of his wonderful work with snow crystals, he became affectionately known as "Snowflake" Bentley.

This is the children's book about Wilson Bentley that I used in my classroom. The story of Mr. Bentley's life teaches the virtues of patience and perseverance. I recommend it to everyone.

Classic Baby Bed . . .

I appreciate so much all the kind words I received on Monday's post. Your thoughts & prayers are certainly helping me. Thank you friends.

This past Sunday afternoon we put together Bobby's baby bed. When we took it out of attic we were very pleased how well it had survived years of storage. How old does something have to be in order to earn the title 'antique'? I guess this baby bed would be considered a 'classic' since it's 28 years old. Bobby & his cousin, Kara, who is 6 years younger, were the only 2 babies to use the crib.

The bed is a Simmons. It is very sturdy.

I think the style is called Jenny Lind.

Kari, Bobby, & Bob are checking out how to raise & lower the sides.


The guys are working hard.

The tall spindles were part of the canopy that we used for Bobby. 28 years ago you had to wait until delivery day to find out the sex of your baby. All the bedding & canopy was yellow gingham,very gender neutral.

Since the kids know they're having a boy they won't be using the canopy. They picked out a really cute design of bedding at Target. Now all we have to do is buy a mattress & the crib will be complete.

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway.

You can find it on Saturday's post.

Tribute To Anna . . .

Today my heart is heavy with grief. My dear friend, Anna, passed away Sunday evening. She had been battling cancer for about a year. She retired from teaching during the 3rd 9 weeks of school in 2008 because of her health challenges.

Anna and I became friends over 30 years ago when she came to our school to teach 1st grade. She was a wonderful teacher who cared so deeply for her students. She touched thousands of children with her dedication and love. We shared so much together during our years of friendship. Our sons were born just a few weeks apart in 1981. We taught 3rd & 4th grade together for many years. What fun we had sharing ideas! Anna's spirited laughter and humor will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her. I take comfort in knowing Anna is in heaven with the Lord. Her suffering has ended.

Please pray for her husband, two sons, daughter~in~law, three grandchildren, mother, step father, & other family members. I know the days ahead will be difficult.

Blessings . . .

See if I will not open the

windows of heaven for you

and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.

Malachi 3:10

God is a giver.

He doesn't wait for birthdays or special occasions.

He wraps each new day in a sunrise and presents it to you with open arms.

He's prepared not just one perfect gift,

but more blessings than you can count.

The first breath you take when you awake,

a cup of coffee to sip,

a hand to hold,

a memory that makes you smile. . .

every single moment of your life is filled with more blessings

than your human mind can possibly comprehend.

But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

Take a moment right now,

Ask God to make you aware of the blessings

He is bringing your way today.

Bask in His goodness.

Then, offer Him a thank~you note of praise.

The best things are nearest;

breath in your nostrils,

light in your eyes,

flowers at your feet,

Duties at your hand,

the path of God just before you.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Giveaway Time . . .

I'm celebrating my 100th post, which was on Christmas Eve, with a giveaway! When I started blogging in September I had no idea how many wonderful new friends I would meet from all over North America. You all are an important part of my day. I enjoy reading your blogs & the sweet comments you leave for me. You are all an inspiration & blessing to me! I'm so looking forward to 2009 in blog land!

The giveaway gift is a collection of Mary Engelbreit goodies!

8 'Winter Schminter' note cards

Mary Days 2009 calendar

Queen For The Day trinket box

It's Good To Be Queen magnet

note pad that says:

Success consists of getting up once oftener than you fall down.

Simply leave a comment on today's post & your name will be put into the hat. Let me know If you post my giveaway on your blog & I will enter your name twice. The deadline to enter will be Friday, January 9th at 5:00 PM CT. The giveaway winner will be announced on Saturday, January 10th. Good luck, I can't wait to see who the winner is!

Dream A Little Dream . . .

It doesn't hurt to do a little daydreaming

& fantasizing does it?

I always anxiously await the reveal of the HGTV Dream House. I was very excited when I found out the 2009 house was in Sonoma. We drove through Sonoma while vacationing in California a few years ago. We enjoyed the few hours we spent there. Beautiful country, wonderful climate. This year's Dream House is gorgeous! I must get picky about one thing though, the master bedroom in on the 2nd floor! Don't get me wrong, this one little detail won't keep me from entering the contest! I love the style of the exterior & the design elements of the interior. Ethan Allen furniture is so amazing. I also enjoyed seeing the designers shop for treasures in the local shops of Sonoma. Like I said, it never hurts to dream a little! Let's make a pact now, if I win I'll invite you to visit me & you can do the same for me if you win! Okay?!?

Happy 2009 ! ! !

I want to wish each of you

a very 'Happy New Year'!

Blessings to you as you make plans for

a new beginning on this first day of 2009!

Love, Carol

Bye Bye '08 . . .

What are you doing on this last day of 2008?

Well, I'm going to be busy packing up the remaining Christmas bling. I'll also be preparing for the family dinner we're hosting on New Year's Day. We're having another 'smoked meat fest'. Bob is an expert at smoking ribs, pork loin, bologna, & sausage.
We always stay home on New Year's Eve watching TV & enjoying a few snacks.

I'm hopeful that I'll be posting my giveaway on Friday or Saturday!!!

Enjoy your last day of '08!!!

A Visit To The 'Show Me State' . . .

We made a day trip to Missouri on Sunday to visit my sister, Susan, & her husband, Mike. They live a few miles from Kansas City. It was the perfect day for a drive, we left very early & returned home after 10:00 PM.

They recently built this beautiful home.

I adore that little round window.

Here's a shot of Susan & Mike on their bicycle built for two.

Today is their 26th wedding anniversary.

Happy anniversary guys!!!

This piano was in the church Susan & I grew up in.

It brings back many sweet memories.

They bought it when the church purchased a new piano.

Bobby & Kari loved the house.

Here they are enjoying a little ping pong action in the basement.

I've got to get busy today putting away the Christmas bling.

Yesterday I spent the day resting & taking cold medicine.

Time to get with it!!!!!!!!!

Friday Night Lights . . .

Last Friday night Bob & I decided to drive around & look at the Christmas lights in the area.

We were delighted to find this infamous lamp in a window in the subdivision across the street!!

"It's a major award!!"

Bob said he wanted to put one in our front window next year . . .

I don't think so!!!!

I do like the movie, but that's going a little bit overboard don't you think?

We drove through the light display at Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow.

There were hundreds of people walking around admiring the thousands of lights. Believe it or not the temperature was 70 degrees!

A few miles from our house we saw this simple yard decoration featuring Charlie Brown & Snoopy.


This mammoth display is right next door to the picture above.



Every year they add more & more . . .
I wonder what their electric bill is for the month of December???

Encouragement . . .

So encourage each other to build each other up,

just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

The root of the word "encouragement' means to "put courage into."

What a beautiful picture of one person standing beside another saying,

"Take courage!"

God has given you the ability to be that person to others.

Ask Him to show you those who could use

a kind word,

an uplifting thought,

a simple prayer.

They could be strangers on the street or members of your own family.

Your encouragement may help someone walk when he or she might have stumbled.

You might help someone stand firm instead of giving in.

And encouraging other has yet another benefit~

those around you are strengthened so that they can offer you an encouraging word when you need one.

I want to thank all of you for being an encouragement & inspiration to me.

I am so blessed !!

33 Years & Counting. . .

Bob & I are celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary today.

My, how time flies when you're having fun!

It was a cold, snowy night.

The date was Saturday, December 27, 1975.

Here are a few photos from that day so long ago . . .

Cutting the cake . . .

Happy in the glow of candlelight . . .

The wedding party . . .

Susan, my sister, DeeDee Bryant, a college friend, Mary, my sister, me, Bob, Loy, Bob's brother, Dan Prickett, Bob's best friend, & Craig & Brian, Bob's nephews.

My parents, Gerald & Helen & Bob's mother, Verna. . .



Even though our outward appearance has changed in 33 years . . .
one thing remains the same . . .
our love for each other . . .
every year gets better & better. . .



Happy Anniversary honey!
I love you!!!!!

Christmas Pictures. . .

Hello friends. . .I'm so happy you came by today for a visit!

We had a wonderful Christmas! For Christmas Eve dinner we had chicken enchiladas. We watched 2 of our favorite Christmas movies, 'Christmas Story' & 'Christmas Vacation'.


We got up early Christmas morning to exchange gifts & have cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We enjoyed watching 'White Christmas' after we ate.

Here's Kari with some outfits for Ethan. . .

Bob & Bobby both got new bathrobes. . .

Don't you just love this coffee mug that Bobby & Kari gave me?

I love my new 2009 Mary Engelbreit calendar from Bob.

My sister, Mary, also gave me one, now I have one for my desk & one for the kitchen!

Thanks guys!!

Now on to the dismantling of the Christmas bling! I think I'll start today putting away a few things. I will leave some decorations up for New Year's Eve & New Year's Day. I always get a little blue & depressed putting away Christmas, the house always looks so bare.

Christmas Eve was my 100th post. I'll be posting a giveaway next week to celebrate!

For Unto Us A Child Is Born. . .

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Christmas Eve Memories. . .

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!

Christmas Eve always brings back sweet memories of the past.

It also brings the excitement of new traditions for our family.

These Norman Rockwell pictures are so wonderful.

A reminder of a simpler time . . .

childhood joy & innocence . . .

visiting grandparents . . .

Merry Christmas to you & yours!!

This is my 100th post!!!

I'll be posting a giveaway a few days after Christmas!!

Hope you'll come by to check it out!

Delight & Joy. . .

Before Elise went to bed Saturday evening she opened the gifts I made for her. As you can see in the pictures she showed delight & joy when trying out her new purse & exploring the 'I Spy Quilt'.

Looks like she's ready to head out the door to do a little shopping!

How cute!

Exploring the colors . . .


and pictures. . .

I know you all are very busy with last minute preparations for Thursday. Thank you for stopping by today! Blessings!!!!