Traditions: Christmas Parade

I'm really hoping to start some traditions with our children...

1. the Christmas Parade
2. Putting up the tree and decorating it right after Thanksgiving
3. Viewing Christmas lights
4. Making our ornaments

...and there's a million other things, but you get the picture! I'm sure many of you are wanting to start some traditions soon!

Well, my mom and I took the kids (my daughter and my nephew) to the Christmas parade this year. I haven't been in many many years. I have always enjoying the crowds of people (surprising, introvert over here), the traditional hot chocolate and doughnuts, cozying up in blankets, the cool floats and my favorite of all, the high school bands!!!

It's all in the experience, really. It's not like it's going to blow you away every single year, but it's more about the memories. I loved seeing Hannah and my nephew light up when hearing the music! I loved seeing the joy on their faces when they saw the men riding around in little cars! It's the little things that make it so exciting!

The parade started out alright. As in, my kid stayed pretty still for a few minutes. Eventually she started to run. I mean RUN! This preggo momma could not take it. I was literally having to run after her to catch her. She just didn't seem to get it. How dangerous it could be running away from me like that. I almost gave up and took her home. She just giggled as she saw me running after her. She thought it was hilarious!

People would just laugh and say "oh, there she goes again" and would stand by and watch. Thanks. A couple of times people would grab her for me before she could get too far but good grief! My little girl can run!

That was honestly pretty much all that happened. The bands played at the beginning and at the end and that was my favorite part! Hannah was a stinker toot and ran away from me every five to ten minutes. The kids then decided to have a screaming match in the car (I won by the way) as we were leaving which gave me a killer headache. My little lady crashed only a few minutes into our trip back home and took a good nap once we arrived. My nephew was a sweetheart the entire time and stayed in the same spot pretty much. Maybe Hannah will one day take a lesson from him and enjoy the show instead of acting out and BEING the show! Haha! Oh well, I'm proud of my feisty strong-willed daughter. It will serve her well in due time!

How about you??? Do you have any holiday traditions?

BAKED 5-CHEESE MACARONI - What We Made For Thanksgiving

So, every year it seems as if our family get togethers get larger and larger. Do you feel this way?

Anyways, there's less and less that each person is responsible for making for Thanksgiving dinner now that there's so many more of us, but that doesn't seem to stop us!

Here's what my household made this year!

Baked 5-Cheese Macaroi

Let me TELL YOU...this stuff, is the most delicious macaroni and cheese you will ever eat!!! For reals now. I have gotten so many compliments on this entree on many many many occasions!

It's so stinkin' simple.
All you need for this 5-CHEESE MACARONI is:

Noodles
Cheese
- cheddar
- velveeta

- muenster

- monterrey jack

- mozzarella 

Eggs

Butter

Milk
Bread Crumbs (optional as a topping)

Cook up your noodles. Start working to melt all your cheese. Turn on the oven to 375* degrees. Throw in some butter, how ever much you want. Toss an egg or two in there. It helps hold all this goodness together. Once your noodles are cooked, strained and your cheese is pretty well melted, mix it all up in a pan. (Optional) Sprinkle some bread crumbs all over and toss it into the oven for about 30-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Now enjoy and let me know what you think!!! :)

It's Okay, You're NORMAL

In a world of extroverts, I sometimes stand out. Although I've worked really 

hard over the years to "mask" this "identity" in public, sometimes it just comes seeping out.

I am an introvert.

I am an introvert.

Let's just go ahead and address this.

"Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people." - Carol Bainbridge

Being an "introvert" does not always mean that you are shy. Granted, I was extremely shy for the first half of my life but things like high school, college and well...LIFE...can throw you out of it. People are often misunderstanding of what it means to be "an introvert" (and many people dislike the term, however, it seems to define me pretty well).

This is me...

I thrive off of solitude. I took a quiz many many years ago about "my personality" and one of the questions was "what would you prefer? Option A, Option B, Option C, or a day in a monastery?" I might have flipped out when I saw that last answer! A day in a monastery sounds WONDERFUL!!! For real now. It sounds beautiful. That's what I get excited about more often than not, alone time. I flourish when spending hours all by myself. I am revived when given the blessing of "peace and quiet" for longer than five minutes. Doesn't everyone at some point? When I have the freedom to be alone, I am given so much energy!

My husband is an extrovert. I'm pretty sure he hates that term, but it's true. He is the opposite of me, almost completely, but that's another post for another day. He is re-energized when he's with people. People give him life and energy! That's awesome, and I wish I were like that sometimes, but I'm the opposite. I get worn out after being around people for a while and I have to get away to re-coop.

"Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to recharge."

I am not shy. Not at all. When I am one on one with someone, I can talk their ears off! I'll never shut up unless you tell me to. Just ask my closest friends and family. You'll be begging me to stop talking. I have spoken and sang in front of hundreds of people. I'm not shy.

Random fact #1: My thoughts are many and quite often pensive. Nothing is simple to me and everything affects me. I might often scare or often people with how quickly I can turn small talk into a serious and intimate discussion. Seriously. I have been given A LOT of weird looks over the years.

Random Fact #2: I find that I hate lots of noise. I will drive in silence or put my phone on silence many days just because I've been around talkative people for a few days straight. Even the noise wears me out on occasion. It has gotten even more difficult now that I've got a toddler who never ever ever stops talking or squealing or crying! Don't get me wrong, my little girl is the love of my life (after my hubby of course) but she can seriously wear me out just by being vocal all day long.

Being alone energizes me. It revives me and perks me back up.

I have spent so many years now trying to fake an energy that I really didn't have. I tried to appear "extroverted", but eventually I gave up. I'm not that person. 

I absolutely love my family, my friends and I have sincerely enjoyed meeting new moms this year, but I am an introvert. Too much socializing wears me out. It makes me grumpy and many times, unavailable to my daughter and my husband when we're all at home at the end of the day.

Unless you are extremely close friends with an introvert, or you are one yourself, you many not understand this.

Everyone and their siblings are convinced that being social is key to a happy life, but I have to make sure that I do what I need to do to re-energize or I may not be as pleasant of a person to my husband and my daughter. My husband, often gifts me with alone time because he's seen the positive affect it has on me. Why, even tonight he told me not to rush home! I know my husband is a social butterfly, but he knows that people wear me out, so he lets me spend time by myself often. He knows that I will come back to him ready with a happy new attitude! I am SO grateful for this! My husband is amazing!

I am amazed by how many mothers I have met this year that were SURPRISED that I'm an introvert. They thought they were the only ones. They were waiting and hoping to find someone just like them, someone who understands their desire for small intimate playgroups versus large get-togethers. They long to make friends who understand what it means to be an introvert, because honestly, it's easier for introverts to be friends with other introverts. We get each other. We don't ask much of each other, just our presence. ...and we like that.

I am here to tell you ladies...and men...that being an introvert is completely and utterly normal!!!

It is perfectly fine that you would rather be by yourself then go on a ladies night out. It is perfectly fine that you'd rather stay home instead of attending a party. You are NOT the only one! There are so many other people like you and they get you! They understand!

I have worked really hard to be more social, but not for myself. I have stepped out of my comfort zone so so often so that my little girl can socialize regularly and make friends. I have stepped out of my comfort zone so that my husband can socialize and do so with me there by his side. These things, they mean a lot to my family. I have definitely said no to social outings on many occasions, but I choose wisely. I put a lot of thought into the benefits of getting out with friends and family. A lot of people don't, but us introverts, we do. And that's OKAY.

God designed us to be exactly who we are. My husband and I are completely different, but where I am weak, he is strong and where he is weak, I am strong. God designed you and me to be exactly who we are today.  God designed you in such a way, that you need alone time to re-boost and gain energy. God created my husband to be energized when with friends and family for long periods of time. We're all different and we all need different things, and that's okay.

Let me share some more embarrassing facts about myself.

I'll admit, I have cried on many occasions because the constant social interaction was really wearing me out. Not that that is embarrassing to admit or anything!

My husband may not completely understand why I am the way I am but he has definitely seen it more and more. He has witnessed how alone time has rejuvenated me and given me a joyful spirit.

My mom could also tell you many stories! At the end of each semester in college I used to have a mental and emotional break down and I would "hide" from people for about two and a half to three weeks. I would turn off my phone and hardly ever leave home. I wouldn't come out of my bedroom for a couple of days at a time (except for eating and bathroom breaks of course). To many people, that's just strange. Thank the Lord not everyone at the time knew about this "hiding", because if they did I'd hear all sorts of nonsense. Most likely, coming from people who don't understand. However, my close friends and family could definitely tell the difference in my mood once those weeks passed by. I started to go out and hang out with friends again, daily. I started calling people and spending afternoons and evenings out and about. I was rejuvenated! I was revived! I had energy again! I was also A LOT happier!

I have friends and family who will never ever understand this and I'm sure you do, too. They will never understand the need to be left alone, but I GUARANTEE you that it's normal. It's perfectly okay to be introverted and enjoy your alone time. Maybe way more than you want to admit, too. 

To WANT to be alone more often than not. To WANT that solo vacation for a week or so. To WANT to be left alone at parties and social gatherings.
 

It's OKAY.

YOU are a wonderful person who STILL impacts the world every single day! YOU can change the world just as much as the next person! YOU'RE thoughts and desires matter!

May I encourage you to NOT be discouraged by people who try to tell you to "come out of your shell" or that "you just need to get out and socialize". A lot of people will try to encourage you to do things you don't want to do, but YOU know yourself better than anyone else! Do NOT be ashamed of what you really need or want! Alone time! Do NOT be embarrassed to say "no" to an invite or turn down an offer to get out of your house! It's NORMAL! It's OKAY! 

However, I do have to say this. Do NOT be afraid of socializing! Do NOT be afraid of pressing your limits! Do NOT get so caught up in your "alone time" that you forget to minister to other people! 

Yes, you may need that precious alone time, but only to re-energize so that you can go out and speak TRUTH into people's lives! THIS is also important!

Now go! Get alone and be re-energized! Then come on back into the presence of others so that God's love may pour out into their lives as well as yours! 

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Not sure?

Did you find this post interesting?
Then check out this post by Carolyn Gregoire

23 Signs You're Secretly An Introvert

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Today I am sharing a Laundry Detergent recipe.
Original recipe here.

It's ridiculously easy and quick!
Basically you buy your ingredients and pour them into a box or bucket and mix it up!
Pardon the above photo as it is not equivalent to the actual recipe amount, but simply the ingredients!
I was simply filling my bucket back up and this was all I had to re-fill it with!
It hasn't mattered how much I put in of each. It has always worked well for me!

So, here are the ingredients:

1 Box of Pure Baking Soda - 4lb

1 Box of Super Washing Soda - 3lb 7oz

1 Box of Borax - 4lb 12oz

1 Container of Oxy-Clean 1.3lb

3 Bars of Fels-Naptha Shredded - 5.5oz

If you don't want to shred Fels-Naptha bars, you can buy some awesome soap flakes 
called Zote at Wal-Mart. Any and all of these ingredients can be found at Wal-Mart 
or your local grocery store on the laundry aisle.

You only have to use one or two tablespoons per load of laundry. It works really really well! I have heard so many awesome things about this recipe! Because you use such a small amount every load, it lasts F O R E V E R! Okay, maybe not forever, but you get the idea! I can hardly remember the last time I made a batch. I think it might have been a little over a year ago. For real.

Again, the photo below and the photo above show the ingredients and NOT the actual amounts.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Pine Cone Fall (or Christmas!) Decor DIY

This craft is so easy and I am pretty satisfied with it's turnout! I am like one

 of the many who cannot afford to go out and buy holiday decor, so this craft idea was really fun!

All you need is:

Pine Cones

Spray Paint (I had gold in my stash.)

String

Spare Ribbon

Hot Glue

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors

Step 1. 

Spray your pine cones whatever color you want. I have gold in my stash, so I stuck with that beautiful holiday color!

Step 2.

While they're drying, cut the length of your string. I used twine that I had in my craft box. I ended up doing it the long way, but you can attach a pine cone to each end of your string or attach a pine cone to the end of each separate piece of string. I attached them to separate strings (the long way).

Step 3.

Tie a knot onto the end of each string so that there is more to attach or stick to the pine cone.

Step 4.

Hot glue the knots (on the string) to each pine cone.

Step 5. 

Once completely dry, lay out your pine cones in the way in which you want them to fall. Uneven lengths will look best! If you've cut separate strings, then tie the strings together at the top.

Step 6.

Spare ribbon. Tie it to your string so that there's a loop left at the very top. You want the loop so that you can hook it onto a nail or hook in your home. If you've used separate strings, then fold the excess string under the ribbon. It will not be seen, I promise. Let your ribbon fall and cut it at the desired length.

Step 7.

Hang it up and admire your cute new decor! 

You made it! Be proud of it!

Thankful

Oh man! How could I express how grateful I am? I have no idea!

Let me begin by sharing a photo of my most beautiful little girl!

  (This might be my most favorite photo of my little Hannah right now! Haha! 

She's so adorable eating her apple!)

 

I am grateful for my husband.
He's one of the most amazing men I have ever known. He is so so patient with me. It seems as if he never grows weary of treating me well. I am stubborn but his patience, mercy and grace are far superior. He is always pursuing me even when I don't see it. His heart is HUGE and I'm pretty sure it's made of gold. :)

I am grateful for his incredibly warm hugs.
I am grateful for his kind words.
I am grateful for his joyful spirit.
I am grateful for how well he listens to Christ.
I am grateful for how well he listens to me.
I am grateful for his eagerness to learn more about me.
I am grateful for his eagerness to learn more about God.

I am grateful for my daughter.
She is seriously the most beautiful spirit. She is so innocent and yet so full of curiosity. She's fearless, brave and just straight silly. She's ridiculously smart and she proves it every day.

I am grateful for her many many smiles.
I am grateful for her laughter.
I am grateful for her gentle hugs and her sweet kisses.
I am grateful for how much love she has for me. I see it daily.
I am grateful for her eager and brave spirit.
I am grateful for her heart. She has so much love.
I am grateful for how happy she is.
I am grateful for her eagerness to learn.

I am grateful for my family.
Both mine and my husbands. They each teach us how to give generously and how to love unconditionally. They teach us how to work hard and be healthy.

I am grateful for their patience.
I am grateful for their generosity.
I am grateful for their many words advice.
I am grateful for how well they listen.
I am grateful for all the love they show to my husband and my daughter.

I am grateful for my friends.
I have such wonderful friends. They are so caring and loving. They are great listeners and they don't expect much in return (if anything at all).

I am grateful for their many hours of conversation.
I am grateful for their company on lonely days.
I am grateful for their encouragement and joyful speech.
I am grateful for their laughter and their humor.
I am grateful for their understanding.

I am grateful for Christ.
I would not be who I am today without Him, without His many years of molding my heart.

I am grateful for His never ending patience and grace.
I am grateful for His faithfulness.
I am grateful for His Word, so that I may learn about Him every day.
I am grateful for His unconditional love.
I am grateful for His wisdom and for His peace.
I am grateful for His provision. I never have to worry.
I am grateful for His convictions. I never have to be shameful of anything, ever again, if only I listen to HIM.
I am grateful for His joy. It overflows in my heart when I'm with Him. 

So,what are you thankful for?

Stove Top Hot Chocolate

Ya know, I found this recipe on Pinterest (such a wonderful place) and it was meant for a crock pot, but low and behold, my crock pot is huge and I really didn't want to make this into a huge pot. I wanted just enough for me, or for the day. This preggo lady can't handle too much coffee, and hot chocolate just seems to be on this baby's mind lately!

 

Here's the recipe!

1/2 Cup Dry Baking Cocoa

 12 Oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/8 Teaspoon Salt

7 1/2 Cups Water

1 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla

 Marshmallows

Directions:

In pot combine Condensed Milk, Water and Vanilla.

Add the cocoa and salt and stir until smooth.

Cover and cook on medium heat until hot.

(And of course...) Top each cup with a handful of marshmallows!

Original Recipe found at: Creating Through Life

Mmm! Delicious!

So grab yourself a big mug and cozy up to your loved one with a cup of this hot chocolate! And don't forget a handful of marshmallows on top!
It's definitely the weather for it! :)