Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!

We just finished  a get together with my side of the family.  Not everyone was able to be here but we had great food, and enjoyed being together. My sister, Melissa, lives in Romania, with her husband Brad and son Luke, her son Matthew is a student and is spending Christmas with his fiance' and my son Brad and his new bride, Kayla, are with her family. Dad read the Christmas story and talked to us about Joseph, Adam and Jesus and then he prayed with us.  I love to hear my daddy pray.  I remember as kids sitting around the kitchen table and we would have our nightly devotions. Dad would teach us about God being all knowing, all powerful, etc. and then he would pray with us and for us.  I don't think that is something that I will ever tire of. What a blessing it is to have parents that pray for you.

Tomorrow is a little more of the same. Breakfast with James' parents and Kristen, lunch at James' parents house. church at 4:00 then dinner tomorrow night with our kids. May each of you have a very merry, and for you Jeff Wylde, a happy Christmas.  Remember that the greatest gift of all is Jesus. He gave His life for you and me. What an awesome most precious gift.

A gift to you from me. David Phelps singing "O Holy Night!"

Merry Christmas my friends.

Until we meet again!

With love, Fifi

An Evening Out on the Town

It has become somewhat of a yearly tradition for my Aunt Sonja, my parents and I to attend the Piedmont Wind Symphony Christmas Concert.  http://piedmontwindsymphony.com/ Each year they have a guest artist and we have heard some of the greats, The Three Tenors, Paul Anka, Kenny G and this year, Neil Sedaka.  It's such a great time to get out for the evening, just sit back, relax and listen to the Wind Symphony, the guest artist and enjoy our time together.

I love listening to the music of the 50's and early 60's.  It takes me back to my childhood.  My mom has a beautiful voice and I remember her cleaning house and humming or singing tunes from her teenage years. "Wake Up Little Susie" and "Sugartime"  are just two that comes to mind. And my Dad...oh my goodness...he would love to sing "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" while acting it out. "Acting it out" meant pressing our heads on his shoulder and holding it there while he sang to us. Needless to say, that would get on your nerves in a hurry. You just couldn't get away. Oh, and I can't forget "Blueberry Hill." That must have been one of Dad's favorites. Dad bought a collection of albums one year called "Autumn Leaves" and he would put those albums on the turntable at night and we would all go to sleep listening to their favorite songs of that era. I think that is why I love to go hear artists like Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka, because I have such fond memories associated with that music.  It wasn't music of my era but my parent's era.  It links me to them.  It gives me a connection to them.  It gives us something in common and it reminds me of my childhood, when things were more simple.

I'm so thankful for my childhood.  We were well cared for, were loved deeply. We were taught how to make biscuits and gravy from scratch. I could cook a full meal at 12 years of age. (Thanks mom!) Dad taught us how to change and rotate the tires (yes girls can rotate tires) and mow the grass.  We hung clothes on the line, raked leaves, shucked corn, shelled peas, rode bicycles together as a family and went on some awesome family vacations. We helped cut wood.  Well...Dad cut wood. We piled it on the trailer. We worked hard and played hard but we did almost everything as a family.  Then when the day was done, it was time for a little music from the 50's.

Yes, I may be a 70's girl but I love my 50's music.  It will make me smile every single time. Thanks Mom and Dad for loving us, teaching us about life and how to make it in this world. Thanks for making our home a happy place and  for singing "Sugartime" and "Put Your Head On My Shoulder." Thanks for giving us good memories and for ending each day on a happy "note".

"Put Your Head On My Shoulder"

Paul Anka

Merry Christmas!

Until we meet again,

Fifi

Life Interrupted

I went into work on Monday morning which is my normal day off. I worked for a couple of hours then headed out for a day of running errands, lunch with my Aunt Sonja, Christmas shopping and a couple of appointments...then my phone rang. Life Interrupted.

"Mom, where are you? CPI is trying to reach you. Someone broke into the house."  What, our house? I called CPI security and sure enough they were pretty confident that our house had been violated. The glass break detector, the front door and an interior door and the motion detector all had been activated and a man's voice had been heard inside our home all within just a short time. Our house, on Monday morning at 11:30 in broad daylight. Life Interrupted.

Isn't it amazing how fast plans change?  Right before Brad called I couldn't wait for lunch.  After the call came I wasn't hungry at all.  I no longer "had" to go shopping. My appointments were cancelled. Everything else went on the back burner. Just fifteen short minutes after Brad's call, I was standing inside my splintered, front door looking into my house with a police officer by my side, my alarm screaming, hesitant to walk in my own home.  Life Interrupted.

This is my safe place. The place where I go to get away from all the hassles of the outside world. The home where we have lived our entire married life. The home to where we brought our babies from the hospital.   The place where my children come for Sunday lunch.  Where we gather when our hearts are grieving and we need to be together.  This is where we "meet" when there is a crisis and we need to troubleshoot. This is the place where we have laughed and cried. Where we've shared joys and heartaches. This is where we've made memories.  Now, someone has entered into our home, without an invitation, and they took something of ours. Something that the police won't find in the pawn shop, at a flea market or a yard sale. They won't find it in the back of a panel van or in someone's car with others just like it.  What they have taken from us can't be bought or sold. They have taken our sense of security and our peace of mind.  Life Interrupted.

"Is the alarm set?"  "Yes," "Are the doors locked?"  "Yes!"  "What about the back door?  Did you check it?"  "Yes." I set the alarm clock and turn out the lights. "Are you sure you checked the doors?" "YES! It's o.k. I'll double check." Life Interrupted

As I lay in my bed going over the days events I'm reminded in Isaiah 41:10 that God is with me even when I'm afraid.  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  I love how I can go to my Bible and find a promise from God that will be just the right message for just the right time.  Even when my life has been interrupted by people that set out to do me wrong.  I'm so glad that as I lay my head down tonight that I know the Peace Speaker. I'm glad He knows me by name. I'm glad that no matter what happens, ALL is well.  I will say this verse tonight as I go to bed and remember that the God that loves me is right there with me and will strengthen and help me. I may even repeat it a few times. I'm so glad this promise holds true even when my faith waivers and shakes.

Have you had time of a "Life Interrupted?"  Have you had a similar experience?  If so, I would love to hear about it. Please leave me a comment below and tell me about a time your life was interrupted?

May the peace that passes all understanding be yours tonight, and I pray that you know the Peace Speaker as I do.

Fifi

"Peace Speaker" Heritage Singers

Master Bath Remodel

It has been a little over a year since we decided to tackle our master bathroom remodel.  We took a wall down between two very small 80's bathrooms and made one nice sized master bath.  I can honestly say this was probably the biggest project we've ever done but the most rewarding by far. Every time I go in there I smile. I love my master bath. If I ever move I'm taking it with me. Seriously...where  I go it goes.  We had lots of help from family and friends and it took right around five months to do. Some of the project was hired but most was sweat equity. James' dad is the man! He totally gets props! That man is a workhorse.

The tile is a great color and I love that I can change the colors of the towels with the seasons.  Right now I'm using pumpkin colored towels and they pull out the orange in the tile.  I will switch those out right after Thanksgiving with Christmas colors. Last year I used red with aqua.

The pictures begin after demo. As you can see we took everything out totally down to the studs and put in moisture resistant drywall. Previously there was just regular dry wall. I hope you enjoy. 

James bartered for the tub and we refinished it. It is early 1900's and was originally a claw foot that has been converted to a pedestal tub.  We bought a reglazing, resurfacing kit from Lowe's and saved ourselves about $1500.00. (That price was quoted, pick up, reglaze and delivery.)  We did the work outside and I would highly recommend that.  If it ever needs it again we will have to move out for the weekend. The fumes are incredibly strong and I'm not sure we have enough ventilation to survive. The tub however, looks great and it has held up well. I bought the stool at Home Goods.

This cabinet is an apothecary cabinet from the original Lula Conrad Hoots Memorial Hospital in Yadkinville, NC. This cabinet has been used for a doll cabinet, dishes and now for towel storage.

 I like it best here. The basket was handmade by a special lady in Jamaica when James was there on a missions trip several years ago.

The tile is from Lowe's and is Castle Stone and the color is Harvest.

Winston Shower Door in Winston Salem installed the frameless shower enclosure.

http://www.winstonshowerdoor.com/

The plumbing supplies came from Hughes Supply and the small cabinets and mirrors were purchased at Home Goods. Rugs were purchased at Lowe's. Shelf in between mirrors was purchased at 

Garden Ridge. Apothecary jars are vintage and were given to my by my mom.

White, Seafoam green, brown and orange towels were purchased at Target.

(I've also used gray towels also from Target.)  

The wall where  the cabinet is sitting used to be the door to the hallway and is now closed in. Laundry basket and towel hook are from Hobby Lobby. I bought the wire locker basket at a shop in

 Blowing Rock, NC.  Starfish are from Anna Maria Island, Florida.  The lamp was purchased at 

Treasures Decor in Clemmons, NC.

http://www.treasuresdecorconsignments.com/.  Love, love, love this place. 

The vintage medicine cabinet came from James' grandparent's house.  I didn't paint it. Just cleaned it and James hung it on the wall. It was perfect just like it was. Some things are just best left untouched.

 This was one of them.

I hope you have enjoyed my "tour." It was sort of a 30th anniversary present to ourselves and we are enjoying it very much.   

We are incredibly thankful for family and friends who shared their talents by laying tile, finishing drywall, crown molding, electrical and for helping draw the plans to scale and of course James' dad for his day in and day out tireless effort in planning, scheming and overall good natured self and 

hard work. 

Until we meet again,

Fifi

Making Memories

I'm not a big "shopper." My aunt Sonja could shop all day every day and never tire of it. I can hang for a few hours but then I'm done. However, I do love spending time with those I love while they shop and if I happen upon a great deal then that's even better.  Last weekend Kristen and I went shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Mebane.  She needed a few items and I went along just for the ride and really to just spend time with her. I had to laugh as I watched her shop.  She is a unique shopper in that she goes in the store and knows within seconds if there is anything in there for her.  She was like a speed demon in that store. I kid you not, we left Winston Salem at 4:00, drove to Mebane, shopped and we were eating dinner at 6pm.  Done, finished and on our way.  No need to touch every item in the store. She knew what she wanted. We went in. We conquered and were victorious and home at 8:30. It is a little over an hour drive from our home to the outlets. Honestly, I hardly knew we had even been shopping. We laughed, had fun, experienced a random act of kindness, which was very cool by the way, and conquered Tanger Outlets in less than an hour.  Most importantly though, we spent time together and made new memories. Memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.

My Aunt Sonja, me and my daughter, Kristen

Memories...I remember shopping many times with my Mawmaw Polly.  That lady could shop like no other and could outlast me any day of the week.  I called her one night, after having spent all day shopping with her,  and asked her if she was o.k.  She said yes, why?  I told her my feet and legs were killing me and I could barely walk. She just giggled in that shy little giggle of hers.  She had walked the mall all day long in heels and stockings. I had worn tennis shoes and sweats.  I'm telling you she was a seasoned shopper. Me, well not so much.  I laugh when I remember her accidentally knocking things off the rack and walking away like nothing happened. What? I would pick the items up and put them back on the shelf.  She was so smooth. Or the endless shoes that she would try on.  Did I mention endless shoes.  She could give Imelda Marcos a run for her money. She would finally purchase the "perfect" pair and wouldn't you know it, the next week we would go back to the mall to return them. Yes, that's right, return them.  She was the best returner ever. You couldn't give me a million dollars for those memories. They are priceless to me.  Especially this time of year.  I can't go in a store decorated for Christmas and not think about her. I look at ornaments and think that she would have liked this one or that one. She absolutely loved Christmas. I always felt privileged to decorate her tree on Thanksgiving day after we finished lunch.  It was a special time and a memory that is very special and dear to me and I miss her dearly.

 "Me and my Mawmaw Polly"

I have a new daughter in law this year and she and our son will be spending Thanksgiving with her family. We've been talking about new traditions that we can begin that will be special to our family since they will miss most holidays here. Since they will be traveling, we've decided that us girls will get together on the Monday after Thanksgiving and decorate the tree here at my house. I will have dinner ready when they get home from work and then we will start decorating. Remembering and reflecting on the old and making new.   

What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas memories or traditions?  Will you be making any new traditions this year?  I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment at the bottom and tell me a favorite memory or a new tradition.

Until we meet again,

Fifi

I have been delayed in publishing this post because I couldn't find this picture of me and my precious Mawmaw. I had packed up all framed pictures when we remodeled earlier in the year. Mawmaw Polly passed away in November 2009 and this is the last picture of the two of us together.  I couldn't publish this post without this picture. I just couldn't.  James was diligent in searching until he found it. Thank you honey for being patient and for looking behind me in the same box that I had looked in five times and finding this precious photo. I love you!

Billy Graham

"Our country is in need of a spiritual awakening." Billy Graham

This was a quote from Billy Graham in an interview in Asheville, NC as he celebrated his 95th birthday this week.  What a soldier for Christ this man has been.  He has preached the Gospel and many have been saved through the message that he has proclaimed.  I didn't stay up to listen to his broadcast but will catch it later. I was tired and James and I called it an early night and went to bed.  

As I read that quote this morning in the headlines, I thought that this is the same thing that we've been saying at our church. I think any Christian would love to see that happen in their lifetime.  We've (our church family)  been praying for a revival. A real revival. Not just a meeting but Revival.   Before that can happen though,  we must get rid of things (sin) that hinders that from happening.  I've been searching my heart and asking God to forgive me of sin in my own life, worry, doubt, those "things that easily beset us" and I believe that others have as well.  There is a quickening in the hearts of members of our congregation. 

Our churches are in need of a spiritual awakening.

In addition, we need people who will stand up for what is right.  We need more preachers in our pulpits who will not be afraid to call us out for our sin. We don't need "feel good" messages. It's obvious that those kinds of messages are not working. Our pastor said this in a message a couple of weeks ago "I don't need the truth to make me feel good. I need it to penetrate me to my core." We need to stop worrying about if people walk out from our services feeling good about themselves and worry about if people are walking out redeemed and changed. That's when our country will experience a spiritual awakening.  We've been too soft.  We are afraid that we might hurt someone's feelings. That someone might not like us anymore. Guess what? I'm preaching to the choir. I'm talking to me!  But my heart is changing.  I'm not willing to just sit back anymore and be quiet about it and be afraid that someone  "might" not ever speak to me again. I don't think I can. However, I believe that if we share Jesus with the love of Him in our hearts that we won't offend. How can someone turn away from you when you love them so much that you want them to live forever.  I saw a quote a couple of months ago that said, "How much must we hate someone to not tell them about hell."  I don't believe another quote has ever affected me more. Do we get it, really get it?  We need to start sharing what we know, WHO we know with our family, our friends and our neighbors. God's Word says that no man knows when He is coming back. What if it is tomorrow or next week?  I'm pretty sure that I'm not ready to face God knowing that I've not shared His love with people that I care about or at least tried.

Our homes are in need of a spiritual awakening. 

So I challenge you, my friends, and especially my fellow church members, let's pray for ourselves first. Ask God to change our hearts and start a work in us.  Let's pray for our country, our churches and our homes. Then I challenge you to tell someone about the One who gives you sustainable joy. Let's tell someone why we are able to get through crisis and still have joy. Let's tell someone we love them and we want them to know about the One who gave His life for them. I've prayed as I've written this post. I've prayed that the Lord would stir our hearts to pick up this challenge.We can't individually be a Billy Graham but we can collectively tell millions. If I tell one or two and you tell one or two and those three or four go and tell... then our country will start experiencing a spiritual awakening.

"Our country is in need of a spiritual awakening." Billy Graham

I love this song.  It has the words and tune of the old hymn that we've all heard at our churches and on the Billy Graham Crusades but it has a  new bridge that is so awesome. Gets me every time.

Just As I Am, Travis Cotrell

With love and until we meet again, Fifi

Farmer's Market Veggie Tray

This weekend we celebrated Kristen's home purchase with a housewarming party. Kristen's lifelong friend Tiffany, threw the party and she did an awesome job. Thanks Tiffany!  There was pumpkin dip, mini sandwiches, chewy pecan bars, chips and dip, hot spiced apple cider and she asked me to bring a veggie tray.  I always toy with picking up a ready made tray and then decide at the last minute to do one myself.  They are always fresher that way. I saw a picture on Pinterest that inspired me to make a tray that was a little bit different than the norm.  So, I headed to TractorSupply

 http://www.tractorsupply.com/ and purchased a small galvanized bucket.  Then it was to my favorite grocery store, Whole Foods.  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/winston-salem.  In my opinion, you can't find better carrots than organic.  They are the sweetest carrots ever. Raw or cooked you just can't beat them. I purchased cauliflower, carrots, celery, red, orange and yellow bell peppers, grape tomatoes and cucumbers. In addition, I purchased kale.  Kale has a such a pretty frilly edge that is perfect for garnish. I used a basket tray, washed, dried and placed the kale in the bottom of the tray and turned the bucket on its side.

Then I placed the cauliflower in the bucket and made it look like it was "spilling" out. After the cauliflower was situated, I then placed the carrots and then followed with the rest of the veggies. 

Here is the Pinterest version below.

I love copying ideas that I find on Pinterest.  Do you do that too? Some of my projects end up o.k. others not so o.k.  I think this one turned out just fine.  Maybe you will be asked to do a veggie tray for the holidays.  Now you have a new idea that's different than just the normal round tray with the dip in the middle.  

As we enter the Thanksgiving season find something to be thankful for each day.  

Psalm 107:1  "O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good:

 for His mercy endureth forever.

Until we meet again, Fifi