December Craziness

This year I am not going crazy over shopping that's not done. Oh no. That would be too easy. I have new challenges this year.

Since I have two daughters in high school now, I get a double dose of finals and the standardized End of Course (EOC) exams. Since their school is on block scheduling, they do a whole year's worth of a subject in one semester. So my oldest has two EOC exams and then two regular finals. My youngest has 3 finals and two mid-terms because her combined History and English class is actually a year long course. Let's not mention the number of projects they've had over the last couple of weeks. I know you are wondering what this has to do with me. I'm the "scorekeeper" so to speak. You know:

"Why is the TV on when you have a project to work on?"

"Did you verify the date when that project is due,

because I could swear it's tomorrow and not Friday"

"You have a test tomorrow too??"

"No I won't log onto the main computer account, use the homework account"

 (the one that has Facebook, Twitter, Formspring and Tumblr blocked,

because really, you're supposed to be doing homework LOL)

And if my girls are up, I'm up. Blame my mother. She never left me up doing homework. She was always awake to provide moral support, sharpen pencils, type while I wrote or fix a snack for energy. I do the same for my girls. Can I just tell you, we've had a lot of late nights! Momma is tired of projects, tests and quizzes that I'm not directly involved in. I can't wait until next Thursday when the last exam is over.

Well.....actually I don't get a break then either. We're heading to Chicago to attend a family wedding. We just found out about it 2 months ago so this is a brand new wrinkle in our December schedule. My husband and I will also celebrate our 18th anniversary while we're there. Why? Because I refuse to deal with airport security on my anniversary. I'm just saying.  Then we'll head back and spend the 3 days we'll have left getting ourselves ready for Christmas.

I'm finding it harder to find a hiding place for my husband's main gift than actually shopping. He's told me he searches for it when I leave the house. Really honey?? How old are you? It helped a lot to do some of this year's shopping online (free shipping is my new BFF). But then I have to act like a stalker, waiting for the UPS guy. After all, I need to grab the box so no labels are seen. All I have to say about that is.....Really family?? Wait until Christmas!!

Did I mention that I'm a little over a month on a brand new job. I'm learning a ton but still, with all this other stuff going on, I'm a bit overwhelmed. Just a tad. Okay a couple of tads.

Anyway, how is your December coming along? All done shopping? Any wrinkles in your holiday schedule?

I have to go check on a child working on yet another project, so I'll leave you with this...

Be Blessed!!! And be a blessing!

New Years Celebration and Contest

Hi everyone! To close out the year, I'm hosting a contest :) Lucky you!

New Year's Eve is tomorrow! My husband and I don't really go out anymore. It's been years! (Well, last year we were in Chicago visiting family and went to a New Year's Eve party at a friend's house. That's not the norm though). We generally stay in with our girls, eat food, play games, have our countdown at midnight and spend the first few minutes of the new year in prayer. And then we eat some more. New Years Day is football and food. Did I mention food? LOL

Our tradition is to prepare chicken and sausage gumbo, chicken wings and whatever else suits our fancy. This year, I'm enlisting a little help for some new dishes that are good to serve to my whole family. So I've turned to Hellmann's® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise. They've teamed up with critically acclaimed chef, author and TV personality Bobby Flay to create the "Real Holiday Helpings" program on www.Hellmanns.com and www.BestFoods.com. There are some great recipes on this site. I've looked through them and there are quite a few that will make their way into my family recipe box.

Personally, tomorrow I'll be preparing the Broccoli and Cheese Topped Potatoes for my vegetarian beauty and Caesar Salad Crostini for a twist on two of my favorite meals, Caesar Salad and Crostini :) They are simple to prepare and that's right up my alley - tasty and simple!

Stop by www.Hellmanns.com and www.BestFoods.c if you are looking for something new for your New Years and College Football Championship celebrations (just thought I'd throw that in LOL). You'll find recipes and tips on easily preparing Real Food that tastes great and is made from simple ingredients including Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (made with eggs, oil and vinegar). There are also video demonstrations that showcase stand-out holiday dishes. Heck, stop by if you are just looking for a few new recipes for your everyday cooking needs. And be sure to enter for a chance to win a years worth of groceries. The thought of that just warms my frugalista heart!

And to sweeten the deal, I'll be giving away a $25 American Express Gift Card to one lucky reader. All you need to do is leave a comment about what you cook for New Years (or College Football Championship Night) and if you'll be trying any of the Real Holiday Helpings recipes.
I'll be back to post the winner on Monday Jan 4. I look forward to seeing how you all celebrate with food.

Happy New Year and happy holiday eatings!!

**Note: I received a $25 American Express Gift Card and a Real Holiday Helpings Cookbook to share this program with you. I believe in this program and compensated or not, I'd recommend it to you!***

Freedom and the 4th

Happy 4th of July everyone! On this day we celebrate our independence as a country. That's an important thing. And wonderful to celebrate and reflect on the freedom we have.

As I was reflecting on that, a small, but critically important message came to me. I have to share it with you.

On today, as we think about freedom and independence, I ask you to consider another kind of freedom and independence. Consider, if you do not have it already, achieving freedom in Christ and the cross. Consider independence from the penalty of sin.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~ John 8:36 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23 (NIV)

If you don't know Him (Christ), get to know Him and let Him give you the ultimate freedom and independence. You'll never be sorry. And it will make your next 4th that much sweeter when you realize you are a citizen not just of the free United States, but a citizen with a reservation in heaven (your name is written in the Book of Life).

Nothing impure will enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. ~ Revelation 21:27 (NIV)

Happy Independence Day!

As always, be blessed! (And saved!)