MarytheKaytheBlog

Tying up 2012 in a Pretty Bow

Last night as I was working away on the last of my Christmas cards (I KNOW!!), I saw a piece of paper with my husbands handwriting--with a list of 7 questions and answers.  

I couldn't resist reading every word he'd written.  It was fascinating.

And, then I couldn't resist coming over here to tell you guys all about it!

The (fabulous and cool!) list of questions my husband had answered was from Michael Hyatt's blog.  If you don't already read his blog, you should.  It's amazing, and chock-full of helpful and inspiring advice about life and leadership and pursuing your dreams.

These 7 questions of Michael Hyatt's are a wonderful way to spend some time thinking about last year.  There's no better way to set goals for the new year, than using last year as a gauge.

Here are the 7 questions to help you tie up 2012 in a pretty bow, before stepping into 2013.  2013 is fresh, with no mistakes (name that movie).  I pray that 2012 inspires you to step into 2013 with your eyes fixed only on those things which are important.

 1.  If last year were a movie of your life, what would your genre be? Drama, romance, adventure, comedy, tragedy, or a combination? 

Mine would be adventure, with some intrigue mixed in as I searched high and low, and high and low again to find better ways to help my child with dyslexia-type issues. 

2.   What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?  These can be single words or phrases. 

Facing the reality of the (rising prices and non-rising salaries) economy in our personal finances and jobs.

Trying to make good long-term life and financial decisions, rather than the feel-good short-term ones we'd RATHER make.

Being more deliberate about bonding and making memories for our little family of four.

 3.  What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of? These can be in any area of your life—spiritual, relational, vocational physical, etc.  Be as specific as possible.

Receiving my first-ever paycheck as a writer!

Helping both daughters achieve some educational success this year!  (And it has NOT been easy.)

Starting a new hobby for our family--hiking and adventuring!

Playing more board games together, and enjoying nights together, at home.

More consistent at having a daily devotional time.

 4.  What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?  Okay, this is a little too personal for me to respond to directly. 

 5.  What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?  As leaders, we (Michael Hyatt) naturally have high expectations of ourselves and others. Where did you let yourself down? Where did you let others down? 

I gave myself a break, and didn't teach my Christmas Around the World classes.  As good as that was for me personally, part of me was sad to not to have taught them.

I haven't run in a month and a half.  I have missed those endorphins.

I was reminded that even people I love dearly can disappoint me.

6.  What was missing from last year as you look back?  Again, look at each major area of your life. Don’t focus now on having to do anything about it. For now, just list each item. 

I didn't read as many books.  I blame you, Netflix!!!  

A family vacation (Working on improving that one this week!!)

A maid.

And a clean house.

 7.  What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year?  Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements.

 Even the smallest daily commitment for devotions/quiet time reaps spiritual benefits I need and crave.

I need to remember (again and again) that love is an action.  And I need to show it daily, and even when I don't feel like it, to the people in my life.

Create a home environment that is fun and uplifting...to come home to.

I sure would LOVE to hear some of your answers...!

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I sure do love ya'll.  I really, really do!

What we've been up to...

 

Top Row - Books I read last week and LOVED!  (DISCLAIMER: This "Shades of Gray" book has NOTHING to do with the racy Shades of Gray books - this is historical fiction about WWII in Russia/Siberia.)

Bottom Row - Books I'll start this week, plus a new daily devotional.

For the last week and a half, we have driven over 1,500 miles, (I) have read 3 novels and cried at some point in each, watched more hours than I care to know on Netflix, have visited both sides of our families, have bought antibiotics for BOTH daughters, wrapped and opened Christmas gifts, and even had to un-wrap a couple of gifts when I completely forgot what was inside, and who they were for!

 Sounds like a busy 10 days, huh?

Oh, but it's been a wonderful, giggle-filled, memory-making, good family visiting, and (unfortunately for the ole' scale) yummy food-filled time!  There were even some snowflakes one day, which made everything even better!

Rebecca's and Sara Beth's sicknesses weren't wonderful.  In fact, both girls have felt down-right miserable.  And, of course they weren't sick at the same time...  We got to spread the respiratory cheer across both weeks, and to both families.  (I sure hope no one gets sick!!)  

A really great part about our wonderful family-filled time, is that we still have a WHOLE WEEK LEFT before jumping back into school and routines!!!  Can I get an "AMEN" from the crowd?

For the next free week ahead, we have discussed some home projects to finish, finishing and sending out the rest of our Christmas cards (I know! I KNOW--Should have already been done!!!)  as well as some day-adventure possibilities or even a fun road-trip!

What have you been up to?

What's on your agenda this week?  (Anybody else sending embarrassingly-late Christmas cards??)

Christmas Memories and Crazy Gifts: Guest Post

I thought it would be fun this week between Christmas and New Year's to do something different.  I have asked a couple of my friends and family members to write a guest post about something holiday-related.  

Today, please welcome my dear friend Carissa, as she recalls some crazy gifts, and time with family at Christmas in Indiana.

Christmas to me equals family. And for years we spent Christmas with our extended family in Indiana.

I grew up with my Uncle Rich, my Aunt Andy and my cousin Jeff.

We were all a part of each other, my family and theirs, for as long as i can remember.  A big roaming, loving, laughing unit of 7.  We traveled together, we gathered together, we ate together, we played together, we swam together, we gambled together, we road tripped together, and we christmas-ed together.

I relish memories of my time with them through the years.

And I especially relish memories of my Aunt Andy and her crazy Christmas gifts.

I certainly can't remember the gifts exactly.  (Well, there was that red boa, and the Lilly family sweatshirts, and the crazy pajamas....those I remember.)

But what I mainly remember was the anticipation.  The anticipation of opening the Aunt Andy gift.  Because just like Aunt Andy herself, you knew the gift would be feisty and full of life, sassy and a little unrealistic, but CHOCK FULL of spunk and BRIMMING OVER with personality.  You'd have no idea what do with the gift after you'd opened it, but you wouldn't be able to wipe the happy smile off your face as it sat in your lap.

My Aunt Andy passed away about 5 years ago.  And life without her in our family has not been the same since.

I miss her smile, I miss her laugh, I miss her gifts, and I miss her bravado.

When I think of crazy christmas gifts, I think of Aunt Andy.

And I wish so much there would be one sitting under the tree this year.

But Christmas: Guest Post

I thought it would be fun this week between Christmas and New Year's to do something different.  I have asked a couple of my friends and family members to write a guest post about something holiday-related.  

Today, please welcome my dear friend Dawn, as she tells a little bit of what it was like growing up in a Christmas wonderland...

When I was little, Christmas at my house was always larger than life.  My parents didn't spoil us throughout the year; rarely giving in to our pleas for trinkets at every grocery store visit or trips to Gibson's 5&10. 

But Christmas.

Oh how I love the words, "but Christmas."  Christmas was a whole different story.  My parents love Christmas, and instilled in my sister and me a love for it, too.  A love that extends far beyond all the beautiful decor and presents. 

All through my growing up years, my family owned and operated a Christmas business.  Well, not totally a Christmas business, but that's what it was to me.  They imported and manufactured all sorts of display items, and Christmas decor was a huge part of their business.  As a little girl, I frequently went to work with my parents and found lots of places to hide and pretend among the thousands of square feet of showroom and warehouse.  There were Christmas trees decorated with every possible theme, twinkling lights by the millions, wreaths, garlands, glass balls, beads, beautiful ribbons, glitter by the pound and so much more.  I grew up in a Hobby Lobby/Michaels/Garden Ridge all wrapped up with a bow before those places had ever even hit the streets.

 

My Granddad, Big Daddy, as his grandkids called him, had a huge vision for the city of Dallas.  He loved sharing Christmas decor with the state of Texas, and he loved Santa Claus.  At that time, back in the early 80's, we had the largest Santa Claus statue in the world.  At least, in my opinion.  Every July a crane came to our building and hoisted that huge guy up in front of our storefront for every passing car to see.  He would stop traffic on the freeway.  People couldn't help but stare at that huge Santa in the middle of the Texas summer.  Christmas in July was a big deal in our business.  That's when all the buyers secured their orders for their own stores...we sold more Christmas trees in July than in November and December.  All because of the vision my Big Daddy instilled into my own daddy and his siblings.  

Many malls and corporate businesses would contract with us to decorate their lobbies or  their stores.  Some of my favorite Christmas memories are of my cousins and me running around stores and closed banks after hours, riding elevators and creating all sorts of chaos as my parents decorated for them.  My dad can bring a Christmas tree to life.  I've been lots of places and seen beautifully decorated trees, but truly, none compare to what my dad can do with a box of glass balls, some plaid ribbon and a well placed beaded garland.  He's got a talent all his own.  And I wish I had an ounce of his gift.  I don't.  I should have helped more when I was little.  I was too busy playing on the phone intercom at the store...always summoning my dad to the front counter in my commanding operator voice. 

My dad was the creative mind behind the company.  He had an eye for lovely things and could recreate something or pull it straight out of the air. Many decorations that we sold were his original creations and then the faithful servants in our warehouse manufactured them.  We sold to Branson shows before we even knew what Branson was.  Many shows still playing on the strip and some that have since closed were our customers.  And even a little theme park that is the staple in our town was a big customer of ours.  It's funny how life comes full circle like that.

 

As much as my family loved to bring the joy and the twinkle of Christmas into the Dallas area and beyond, they never failed to share why they celebrated the season.  To us, it wasn't the evergreens so creatively decorated.  It wasn't the beautiful wreath adorned with the golden bow.  It wasn't the garland lining the balcony nor was it the stockings that were hung by the chimney with care.  It was ALL about the baby.  The innocent baby that came to save us.  He saved our family.  He blessed us immensely.  He loved us unconditionally.  He gave us a full and abundant life.  That's what it is all about.  That's what my Christmas-laden family instilled in me.  

Oh how I wish I could adorn a tree like my dad.  But more than that, I hope I teach my children what my Big Daddy and his son taught me.  Jesus.  He really is all we need.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, dearest friends!

I wish you all the very best things today!

But, I couldn't very well wish you the very best, unless I at least shared the very best in my life...

I hope that you can take a couple of quiet minutes to watch this little video.  As you watch, just let the words and music wash over you, and into your heart.

The very best gift any of us could ever receive--is this gift:  The day Love was born.

Oh, how I hope you know this kind of Love.  

 

A Family Christmas Tree: Guest Post

I thought it would be fun this week between Christmas and New Year's to do something different.  I have asked a couple of my friends and family members to write a guest post about something holiday-related.  

Today, please welcome my big sister Gina--actually my sister-in-law, whom I love like a big sis!

I love decorating our Christmas trees...yes, trees with an "s"!  I have a snowman themed tree, a thin tree filled with only ornaments that say the word "Joy" on them, and each of my children have a small tree in their rooms.  We even have a Jesse tree, that we add an ornament to each night which goes along with a nightly Christmas devotional reading. 

But, my favorite tree of all is my big family Christmas tree.  It is not adorned with the fabulous big ornaments and large spiky toppers that others are using.  It is a sentimental tree filled with ornaments that represent events in our lives...family vacations, 1st year of school, baby's 1st Christmas and ornaments made by my boys or given to us by loved ones.  One of my favorite additions to the family tree is a collection of photo ornaments of mine and John's grandparents who have gone on to be with the Lord.  I found the ornaments at Hobby Lobby and have seen similar ones every year since I found these.  Since I wanted the ornaments to match, I bought enough for each grandparent, even though my grandmother is still living.  I have enjoyed seeing these ornaments every year and I hope you will be inspired to do the same!

 

What are some of your favorite sentimental decorations?

Some Holly Jolly (holly jolly) Giggles for your Day

Oh my goodness!  Who's running around like crazy--like me--trying to get everything done for Christmas?

Everyone, grab a hot cocoa, and sit down for a minute.  Let's all take a 5-minute refresher, and then you can get back to your power shopping and bionic wrapping.

I give to you today...a power giggle.

Like a power nap; only giggles.

 

 

  

 

 

 

There.  Now, does everyone feel refreshed, and ready to get back to the frantic craziness??

Happy Christmas shopping, dear friends!  

Some of my Favorite Practical Gifts

 I just love the gift-giving time of year!  I work really hard to find thoughtful gifts that will delight my family and friends.  Sometimes, though, I struggle.  I especially love giving gifts that are not only fun, but are also useful, and help fill a need.

I gathered together some of my own favorite practical and fun gifts, in case something here inspires you as you finish up your own Christmas shopping...

Happy shopping!  Be sure to leave yourself some hot cocoa and bon bon time as you're rushing about!

 

1.  Boot Shapers - This is a must-have for boot owners!  One of my favorite organizational finds last year.  Most recently, I found a fun hot pink pair (they make me smile!)

2.  Jar Opener - We bought this handy little gadget for my mom last year.  At first she thought it was a silly thing...until she used it.  Now, it is one of her FAVORITE helpful tools in her kitchen.  This gift wonderful for those that don't have as strong a grip anymore.

3. Steam Mop - Woo hoo!  I do believe Santa has a Shark Steam Mop under my tree this year!!  I am proud to say that I actually wore out my last one.  This time, I am going to use only distilled water in mine--I think our mineral-rich well water clogged the steamer over time.

4.  Peppermint Soap - I LOVE using peppermint / rosemary mint soap in the shower, and it's something I don't always splurge on for myself in my normal grocery shopping routine.  (Plus, it's not a product I can always find at the grocery.  My most recent find was at Bath and Body Works)

5.  New Perfume - I know it sounds strange, but I still wear the same perfume that I wore in high school.  I figure when you find a good thing, why change?  This is a luxury gift that I always appreciate receiving. 

6.  Craftsman Multi-Bit Screwdriver - Pure brilliance in a screwdriver--every bit you need is right there--and built-in!  A friend of mine has this $20 all-in-one tool, and the minute I first saw it, I went straight to Sears.com and ordered 3 of them for gifts this Christmas.  SHHH!  Don't tell!  This tool is cool, cool, cool.

7.  New Pajamas - This is something I typically don't splurge on for myself.  By the time I've bought all the necessities for 2 growing girls at our house, I don't always feel like I have money left over to buy myself new pj's.

8.  Vera Bradley Duffel Bag - A sweet family friend gave me a quilted duffel bag she'd made for my own high school graduation, and I used that thing every single time I went home...for years!   Vera Bradley's duffel bags are the next best thing to handmade, and are the perfect size for a quick weekend pack and go.  It's one of my favorite things to give graduating girls.  To make it even more special, I get it monogrammed.  (The Grand Traveler is the one pictured--and it's my favorite!!  However, there are less-expensive models available, and just as wonderful for weekend travel.)

9.  Salon Shampoo and Conditioner - Another luxury I don't always splurge on for myself.

10.  Favorite School Hoodie Sweatshirt (Go Hogs!) - A good pullover hoodie is like a old friend...without the good gossip, of course.

11.  New Socks - I know this seems silly, but I love getting fun socks!  Either whimsical ones, or cushy new running socks--a new sock makes my toes smile.

 

12.  Interesting Books - Always!  If you absolutely don't know which book to buy, an Amazon gift card is always a beloved gift.  But, there's just something special about receiving a book someone else loved and wanted to share.

13.  Devotional Book - I got this little devotional book last year because my cousin wrote a couple of the devotions (Hi, Rachel!!), and it has been one of my favorite, and most meaningful things this year.  

All right--your turn!  What are some of YOUR favorite practical gifts to receive?

Just in time for Christmas giving: My favorite DIY projects!

Christmas is quickly approaching, but there is STILL TIME if you'd like to get crafty!  Heck, there's always time for crafty, right?

I thought it would be fun to gather up some of my all-time favorite DIY gift projects into one place.  I sure hope something here inspires you, and gets your crafty heart pumping faster. 

Now, I am NOT a professional--or perfect--crafter.  I am not presenting you with perfect crafts, but I AM presenting you with easy DO-able projects that don't require a ton of time (or money.)

That is my mantra, after all:  Quick and Easy.

 

Christmas Photo Placemats 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating Silhouettes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Custom Bulletin Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy DIY Christmas Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick & Easy Teacher Gift Idea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Scrabble Word Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Chocolate Popcorn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASY & BEST Cinnamon Rolls

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does anything inspire your crafty little fingers?  

What do you have left to be ready for Christmas?

The Easiest AND Best Cinnamon Rolls You've Ever Eaten!

Y'all.

I am gonna change your lives today.

You think I'm kidding, don't you?

I found the BEST and EASIEST to make cinnamon rolls of my LIFE last week.  This is the kind of recipe, that when you find it, you tell EVERYONE you come in contact with!  Yeah--how many of YOU did I tell about this recipe?  I can easily think of 7 of you right now that I've told about it.  And for those of you I haven't told...well, I am truly sorry.  But, that's about to change right this minute!

Seriously--put these 3 items on your shopping list Right. Now.

Go on, get yer pencil and paper out.

I'm not kidding.  Write these things down:

1.  Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls (In the frozen breakfast foods section.  In our town, I've only found them at Country Mart and Harter House.  In other towns, people have found them at Walmart.)

2. Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding mix, 3 oz size (the COOK kind, not instant)

3.  A stick of butter

That's it!  Those 3 ingredients will revolutionize 2 things--1) Your breakfast life and 2) Your waistline.

You're welcome.

Now, I could post pictures of me making these beautiful cinnamon rolls, but really--let's give credit where credit is due.  I found this delightful recipe on Pinterest from Miss Terry of Tasty Nest blog.  Click on over and tell Terry hello!

                                                        Source: tastynest.blogspot.com via MarytheKay on Pinterest

 

These cinnamon rolls would make a wonderful Christmas morning breakfast!  They're simple to make, and your family will think you are a genius.

These cinnamon rolls would also make GREAT neighbor gifts.  Put 6 of them in a disposable foil pan and deliver them next door with a Christmas card, and your neighbors may even stop letting their dog, you know, "visit" your yard.  These rolls are that good.

Now, go ye forth and make cinnamon roll magic.  Afterwards, come back here and tell me how much your life...and waistline...have changed.

Have you found a brilliant (and easy) recipe lately?  Do tell!