One post it note away from...a snow bank! Post it note Tuesday.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge-Day 5...Favorite Movie/Holiday Special

Today's challenge is by far the easiest. I love, love, LOVE this movie:








The other holiday special I always look forward to is this one:




Although, there are many more I love, it has become a tradition to watch these two on Christmas Eve or Day. (Mind you I am 40+ and my kids are in their 20-eeze.)

 


Peace...Naila Moon

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge-Day 4...Being Budget Friendly

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

1. I think one of the main things you have to do is watch what you spend and only spend cash that you have to spend. Seriously, if you cannot afford it normally, don't buy it!

2. Get one main item that your family member may want and get a couple more smaller items. What you get this year is more than likely not even going to be used or wanted next year. Think practical!

3. Do not use expensive, over-the-top wrapping paper. In fact, save the bags, bows and paper from this year (or last) and reuse them.  Paper can be shredded for stuffing in the bags. You can also use the bags or paper for tags.  If you really want to do something different, use newspaper and tie a colorful bow around it. Or better yet, if you have kids, have them paint over white or reused paper for a one of the kind gift wrap.

4. While you are at it, you can make your own gifts. One of the best gifts I ever received was homemade fudge from my Aunt and Uncle. They were having a lean year budget wise but took the time to make this for everyone in our large family. I loved it!

5. Here are some other idea I found around the net:
Budget Friendly Food 

Budget Friendly Gifts 

Budget Friendly Decor


Hope everyone has a lovely holiday season.
Peace...Naila Moon

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge-Day 3...Meaningful Gift

Today's challenge is to tell of a gift that I received that was meaningful. There have been many gifts I have received over the years but none other than one that was given to my children and I collectively.


A few years back the kids and I were having an extremely hard year. We had lost our apartment and had to move back with my parents. We were stuck in their living room and slept on the floor. Although grateful for the roof over our heads it was not the best situation.


At this same time I was a volunteer youth minister at a local church. This is significant because what happened one evening ties in to this.


The kids and I had gone off somewhere for the evening. If nothing else I suppose, just to take a breather.  We arrived back at my parents house to my Mother greeting us at the door. She said she had a surprise for us.  


We walked in to a very dark house which was unusual considering it was Christmas and my parents decorate to the nines.  We rounded the corner and noticed many candles lit and right there in the middle of the living room was...beds! Yes, beds!

There was a huge full size bed for me and bunk beds for the kids. They were all made  with love linens as well.  The kids and I were so stunned that we cried. Tied to the beds was a simple note that said, "Love Your Assumption Core Team". 

It turned out the volunteer youth minister and the paid youth minister I worked with, called my Mom and told her what they were about to do.  As we always got a stipend from the church at Christmas, they pooled together and bought the beds for us for Christmas. In fact, a little bit more money was needed to buy them and they gave even more money than the stipends.


I was totally speechless and was never so grateful in all my life.  I called each and everyone of them personally and the kids made them notes to thank them.


It was one of the most meaningful and beautiful Christmases ever.


Peace...Naila Moon

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge-Day 2...Black Friday

Today's challenge is to blog about tips or tricks for black Friday shopping.

Well, first of all there are two kinds of shoppers...those that LOVE it and those that HATE it.

Those that HATE it usually will mention to those of us that like to go on black Friday that we are crazy. They say things like,"Why would you go out in those crowds? Why would you want to put up with all those nuts?" 

Or my personal favorite, "I hate crowds!"

My thought is do you ever go out then? But I digress.

As I am guessing you have already figured out, I am one of those nuts that like to get out on black Friday. I will admit though, I have not in the last two years because of transportation issues and not being with my family to do so.

Anyway tips...

1. For the love of God please wear good walking and standing shoes. You will be doing a lot of that!

2. Prepare ahead of time by looking at all the circulars. Decide which store you want to hit first and go there first. Then go in succession of which store you want to hit next.

3. Plan to leave your home approximately 2 hours ahead of time if you really want to get that bargain. Seriously! There will be a line a mile long waiting to one up you for the same thing. Once that hot item is gone, it is gone!  Does anyone remember the Cabbage Patch Doll craze?

4. Know your stores! Know where you are going once you are in the store.

5. Go with a group. Before you get to the store divide and conquer. Each person go in the direction of one item and get for all. Then head for the same register.

6. Do not forget to do lunch! You might want to bring a bottle of water with you.

7.  Do not kill someone because they just took that last hot item that your kid simply could not do with out or they would die this year. (whew!)

This is the holidays folks. Let's be good to our fellow human beings.

8.  And finally: All in all, be kind to others as well. Make sure to buy or give to those Salvation Army folks or some other charity. They do good work.

Peace...Naila Moon

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge Day 1

Today begins the 12 Days of Christmas blog challenge and what better way to start off the challenge than with traditions.
Growing up we had many traditions.

Mom handing out presents in 2007

After we had just gone to midnight Mass, the brothers and I would always wake up at oh...around 5 AM and just clamoring to open presents.  Mom & Dad ALWAYS made us wait. This was so Mom could light all the candles all over the house. Later I found out it was also so Dad and Grandpa could finish putting together something...bike maybe. Anyway, my Grandparents were always there on Christmas morning.
Before we even opened gifts, my Mom would light the Christ candle on the advent wreath and read a reading from the advent book she had.
By 8AM we were off to my Grandparents to open presents there and have Christmas breakfast with the extended family.


Over the years, my brothers and I had kids and started our own traditions, although we still went to Mom & Dad's house.
In my own family, I kept some of the traditions. However, I was divorced so my kids went to their Dad's house Christmas eve and arrived at my house on Christmas morning.

My crazy kids at Christmas

As time continued to move forward, so did our traditions.  Grandpa was now gone and Grandma too old to hold Christmas at her house. We still celebrate with her as she now lives in a nursing home.

Some of the family with Grandma in 2009

One of my nieces looking in her stocking

Mom and Dad still have Christmas at their house complete with the stockings on the wall. However, we are not all there anymore because we are spread out across the country and world.

In 2008, I began yet another tradition. As I had not lived here in Colorado too long and could not get home, my daughter flew out to visit, my son could not come out.  We opened Christmas presents and that afternoon, Tamirisc and I got married!  That is right, we married Christmas day!

Us, Christmas Day 2008

In 2009 my entire family met once again for Christmas, as we flew home. They got to meet Tamirisc for the first time. 
One of the things my kids and I always have done is take a Christmas family photo. I can say, it is NOT traditional! ;)
Here' proof:

2007

2009-the additions are Tamirisc on the left & daughter-in-law on the right

 Peace...Naila Moon

Meet Me Monday-November 22, 2010 & Thankfulness update

It is time for meet me Monday hosted by the lovely Java at Never Growing Old
To join, all you need to do is answer the following questions and link up.

1.  How many pillows do you sleep with?

I sleep on two and cuddle with a smaller one.
 

2.  Where will you eat on Thanksgiving?
Right here in our condo...just me and Tamirisc. sigh...

3.  Would you rather go to a party or host a party?

Although, having parties is a lot of work, I would love to host one. I have never really hosted a party (other than birthdays)

4.  How many purses (for the guys..wallets) do you own?

Believe it or not, I own no purses. I have many bags I carry stuff in but no purses.

5.  What is your favorite kind of seafood?

Hmm? I suppose I really like trout. However, no one could make it any better than my Grandpa! 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



  
So, my updates on the Gratitude challenge:
Day 16 Thankful for education.
Day 17 Thankful for the sun and moon that light our way.
Day 18 Donated my thankfulness post to some prayer action for all those who are hurting. I especially wanted to pray for those all out in the cold.
Day 19 Thankful for a nice, warm bed.
Day 20 Thankful for those that created pain relievers.
Day 21 Thankful for the love of my husband.
Day 22 Thankful for my Grandma & Grandpa who brought my Mom in to the world 71 years ago.

Peace....Naila Moon


 

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge begins tomorrow Nov 22nd

Well, another blog challenge is upon us/ This challenge is hosted by Aly & Molly.

If you want to join it starts tomorrow. Go to their site for more details but here is the challenges. (note there are 14 because they say they could not cut any...funny) Anyway, join me and others. Happy Blogging

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY  (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

Thankfulness

I was reading a blog this evening about being thankful. You can go here to read about it---> Simple Gratitude
Being grateful for the people and things you have in life should be done everyday of the year, not just at Thanksgiving. However, this holiday helps us to be mindful of those things.
I liked that she listed just the simple things because sometimes I think we actually forget those things that are the littlest that bring us such joy.
Although I have not listed my daily thankful here in Bloggerville, I have on Facebook.  So, I thought I would share at least some of my list and keep up with the rest of the days here.
If you would like to keep up with my husband, Tamirisc list, go to this link (he does his a bit different):tamirisc thankful blogs



So here I go:
I am most thankful that my parents said "yes" to having me almost 43 years ago now.
I am thankful for my daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grand-baby.
I am thankful for the love I have from my hubby, Tamirisc.
I am  thankful for my nephew, nieces, uncles, aunts, & cousins.
I am thankful for all the veterans in my life.
I am thankful to the lady who found my cell phone the other day.
I am thankful for the loveliness I am privy to everyday.


Day 15-I am thankful for forgiveness!

Peace...Naila Moon

Meet Me Monday-November 15, 2010

It is "Follow Me Monday" with the every lovely Java. I have been amiss in doing it so, I guess you could say I am back!
Anyway it is easy peasy, just answer the following questions, link up and know your Bloggerville peeps. That's all...really!
Go here to join in the fun--->Meet Monday!



So, the questions of the week:

1.  Do you eat Sushi?
Oh yeah, all the time. (hear the sarcasm?)

Just say no! Yuck!!!

 
2.  What kind of bath soap do you use?

I actually use a different Caress with moisturiser but always the body wash.

3.  How often do you talk to your Mom?

Once a week. I miss her a lot!
 

My Mom this past September 2010

4.  What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis?

Biggest Loser
House Hunters 
Property Virgins 
Income Property 

Do you see a slight trend here?





5.  Did you start Christmas shopping yet?
Yep! I still have a few presents to get.
Think Mazie is tired of shopping? 

Mazie circa 2007-my roommate's (at the time) dog

Peace...Naila Moon

Post it note Tuesday Nov. 9th-the dang it is cold edition!

I've been tagged...now some of you have...check it out!

A newer blog friend tagged me about a week ago and I have not gotten around  (been lazy) and just now getting on with it.

So she asked me to answer the following questions on my blog which reveals a little about myself and then tag 5 other people. 

First the questions and answers:

1. If you could live any place in this world,where would you live?
That is a very good question.  I do love living in the USA and there are many states that are so beautiful. Maybe I would like to live in Hawaii a while? *grins*  

There are also so many beautiful countries too but living wise...nah...I would like to visit though.

Is that vague enough?


2. What is you favorite outfit? 
I would not say I have a favorite outfit per se.  I do have two favorite shirt. One of them has Snoopy on it rocking out to a Christmas song. My kids gave me that shirt last year for Christmas.

The second shirt I have had forever. It is a simple red t-shirt with the Coca Cola label on it. I have no idea where I acquired it but I love it!
3. What is your favorite book? 
Hmm? Honestly, I do not think I have one.  

I have read so many books over my life time, it is hard to say.
I did mention here a couple of favorites though.--->Favorite books
I will go with them. Ok? 


4. What is your favorite Holiday? 
This one is easy. I love, love, LOVE, Christmas. I love everything about it! Most of all, I love being with my family at this time.

Me with some of the family-celebrating with Grandma 2009

5. Where do you live?  
I will only say I live in Condo Lane, Colorado.
 

6. How many hours per night do you sleep? 
Um, well, that is hard to say because I tend to wake up in the middle of the night. I guess I will say...8 to 9 hours.
 
7. Do you believe in ghost? Why? 

Yeah, I do! Go here for a story I recently wrote about a ghostly visit.
The Window Story 
I do think that there can be spirit energy around us. I think sometimes it gets trapped here and sometimes just visits. :)
 
8. What is your favorite blog?
I think I will sit on the fence with this one. There are so many good blogs out there and I would not want to offend anyone by saying one is better than the other.  Everyone has such different writing styles and what they blog about. Love blogging!
-------------------------
Ok, now whom should I tag? Hmm...thinking, thinking....read on...

* Gypsy Heart
*Creative Minds
*Open Seven Days a Week, Closed on Sundays
*Bark of Love
*Cut and Dry
-----------------
Ok, folks, that's it! I am asking you to play. Don't forget to link back to me.
Peace...Naila Moon

I am sure Erma Bombeck will not mind

Hello everyone out in Bloggerville and X-ply.
As many of you know my aunt has been fighting breast cancer all year long.  I receive the following in my e-mail today and want to pass it along this way. By all means copy and paste if you want to. I am pretty sure Erma Bombeck would not mind if we did so.  She was a funny lady with a lot to say. Please enjoy and of course in her words, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff."
Peace...Naila Moon


XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

All the ribbons of cancer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

IN MEMORY...

Pass this on to five women (or men I say)that you want watched over.



IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute ... look at it and really see it… live it and never give it back... STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!--------------------------------------------------------
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
If you don't mind, send this on to all the women (and men I think) you are grateful to have as friends.

Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier.

Please send this to five phenomenal people today in celebration of life!

KEEP IT LIT! Please keep the candle going.

 

 

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it's to one more person, in memory of anyone you know who has been struck by cancer.

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.

By sending this on, you will think and realize how you've been blessed, up until now.
This is a disease which affects all families... no one is exempt!