Sunday Inspiration~ December 28, 2025

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ December 21, 2025

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspriration~ December 14, 2025

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ December 7, 2025

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Twenty-Six Lists~ Holiday Ornaments and Memories

Please Note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

Good morning, y'all! Happy Wednesday. December is here! We're in the second week of Advent and Christmas will be here before we know it. It truly doesn't seem possible!

Welcome to another edition of Twenty-Six Lists hosted by "A Fresh Cup of Coffe." 

Today's topic is Holiday Ornaments and Memories. 

Holiday Ornaments and Memories~

I love this topic. Christmas and all the other holidays are so special. Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It's my favorite holiday and season. We decorate our homes with beautiful items from our childhood and children's childhood. For years now, I have been blessed to have my daughter help me decorate the tree and the house. When both kids were little, they both would help, but as my son got older he didn't find it as fun as it once was. He did decorate his "apartment" last year. He has a family room and a bedroom in our basement. It was nice to see him decorate it, but he doesn't help decorate much upstairs. 

My daughter on the other hand helps with everything! The trees, the decorations that go in all the rooms, and even the bathrooms get decorated. She helps with the outdoor lights and the decorations that get put out there. We even decorate the chicken coop. You can say we go all out for Christmas. We start around Thanksgiving and all the Christmas love stays up until February 2nd, which is the Presentation of the Lord. 

Over the years, we changed and added a few items to our Christmas collection. No matter what I do, I'm definitely a traditional Christmas girl. No sad beige, no weird colors, no Grinch Christmas. 

Quite a few years ago, my dad passed down the Nativty that was his mother's. I love placing it out every year. It reminds me of my grandmother and all the special memories of visiting her house at Christmas. She was a small, feisty Italian lady. She always had some delicious cookies to share and a warm cozy hug. We added a new piece to it this year, a vintage angel my husband found on eBay. I'd like to continue that tradition going forward. I know my kids already cherish it. 

My grandfather on my mom's side was a huge train collector. When we were little, he had a whole train village set up in the attic at his home. He would use the ceramic Christmas houses to create the village. When passed, my son inherited a few trains and we got all the ceramic houses, stores, churches, etc. I now use them to decorate the top of my china hutch, Yes, I do have China. Rarely use it, but it looks pretty in my hutch.

I also use the houses to decorate the top of our built-in coat rack and my 3 tiered tray that sits on our breakfast nook. It makes me feel like he's still here. When I was little and after my parent's divorce, we lived with my mother's parents for a few years. Having pieces of their stuff up reminds me of them and all the love they gave us. 

I even added a Victorian-inspired house warmer to the counter a few years ago. I can fun holiday scents and really bring the Christmas feeling to life. 

Our tree is a combination of Hallmark Ornaments, gifts, and handmade ornaments from the years. I even have a few glass ornaments from a classmate from middle school. For a while, I had vintage glass balls my mom gave me when I first started out on my own. Sadly, I have 3 left. They had some help getting broken when a certain kitty climbed the tree and toppled it. 

I have one Hallmark ornament that I collect that I absolutely love. It's the Nostalgic Houses and Shops. My mom got me the very first one back in 1983. I've added the collection most years and a few years ago, I started searching eBay for the few I didn't have. I now have only 2 from years past that I need, a Gazebo and a library. I will admit when they tried to do a few houses and shops in the 50s style, I was not happy. I don't think a lot of people were because they changed the style back. I love the Victorian, classic Christmas style. 

I also collect Mary's Angels and the Puppy collection. Those 2 series, I buy if I think they are cute. 

My wooden angel from Germany

Do you have a special ornament or decoration? I'd love to hear about it!

Merry Christmas!

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ December 9, 2024

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. 

Happy Second Week of Advent! I can't believe that it's already December 9th. I'm still trying to figure out where September, October, and November went. The months seem to be flying by. Oh well, I guess that's how life goes at times. It's been a while since I posted and I apologize for that. Life's been a little crazy with house renovations and a trip to Maryland to see my dad because he was in the hospital. And of course, Thanksgiving fell in all of that too. Busy, Busy, Busy! I hope y'all have been healthy and happy. 

Let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday with our beautiful hostess Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to stop in and say hi.

The Weather~

Oh my, it's been cold here. We've had quite a few nights in the teens. During the day, it's been very windy making it feel even colder. We're currently in a little warm-up, but the temperatures will be dropping back down soon. Not as cold as last week.  I guess old man winter is coming to stay. 

Monday~ Rain, 56*

Tuesday~ Cloudy, 56*

Wedenesday~ Rain, 54* 

Thursday~ Partly Sunny, 36*

Friday~ Partly Sunny, 36*

Saturday~ Partly Sunny, 40*

Sunday~ Rain, 41*

As I Look Out My Window~

It's cloudy! The morning rain has stopped for now. According to my weather app, it actually has stopped for the day which is better than a day of all rain. The trees are bare. Now that the rain has stopped, the squirrels have begun to scamper about. 

Right Now I Am ~

I'm sitting on the couch with my two favorite girls typing this up. We are enjoying the pretty lights of the Christmas tree. The house is quiet since I'm the only one at home. 

Thinking and Pondering~

Honestly, I'm trying to figure out how to keep things smooth and happy here at home. Things have been a little stressful here and it's added a lot of stress to everyone in the household. I'm praying that we can find some peace and contentment with what we have and relax a bit. We need to trust in the plans God has for us. I really wish it was easier than it is. Why do we fight it so much? Why do we feel the need to be in control all the time? 

"Pray, hope, don't worry." ~ Padre Pio

How am I Feeling~

My gallbladder has been acting up, so that's not fun. I'm still having some stomach issues. Things really haven't gotten back to normal since our trip out west in September. I keep forgetting to take my enzymes and probiotics so that's not helping I'm sure. I also need to get back into walking and exercising again. I have slacked big time since we've been back. I can tell a difference and I've put back on 5 pounds...ugh! I really do feel better when I'm exercising and eating better. 

What's for Breakfast~

I had a cup of coffee this morning and a mandarine orange. 

Looking Around the House~

I need to vacuum. The dogs are still shedding like crazy, especially Miss Ruby. She also destroyed a toy so there is stuffing everywhere. I need to mop but we're getting more rain on Wednesday, so I'll mop on Friday because I know I'll have muddy pawprints throughout the house. 

On the To-Do List This Week~ 

Work on a few new wreaths

Laundry

Clean the master bathroom

Cleanout the fridge

Vacuum and mop on Friday

Head to the store to get a gift for the little girl I took off the Christmas tree at church

Last-minute Christmas shopping

On My Reading Pile~

I'm finishing up Cold Nights, Warm Hearts by Nora Roberts. When that's done, I have the new Nora Roberts book, The Mirror, to start. It came out last month and is part of The Lost Bride Trilogy. It's book 2.

I'm still working through my book for my women's bible study. We are studying the women of the Bible this year. We are currently reading about Abigail. The book is called Discovering Our Dignity and can be found on the Walking with Purpose website. 

I just downloaded a new Kindle book. It was recommended in our Bible study book. From Anger to Intimacy: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage by Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham. I haven't started it yet. I downloaded it this morning, so I'll let you know more later. 

On TV this week~

Lost

Call the Midwives

Christmas Movies!!!!

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Homemade Meatballs and spaghetti, salad, and bread

Tuesday~ 

Wednesday~ 

Thursday~

Friday~

Saturday~

Sunday~

I have to figure out the rest of the week. It's a little crazy trying to plan dinners, I have to see who is working, and who will be here.  I'm going to sit down later this afternoon to meal plan for the next few weeks.

If I Have a Few Minutes to Myself, I Will~

Work on two new Christmas wreaths

One of  My Simple Pleasures~

Curling up next to the woodstove with a cozy blanket, a good book, and a warm cup of tea. 

From the Camera~

The girls have matching Christmas bandanas. We got them at LunaPupsCo on Etsy.  If you would like to make your pups as cute as our girls. Head on over and pick out a few. Be sure to use MaddieRuby15 to get 15% off your order. They are well-made and so cute. 

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

Praying For~

My dad's health

My family and friends

A joyous, happy Advent season and Christmas

Enjoyed this post? 

Never miss out on future posts by following us! 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Wordless Wednesday~ Starting a New Adventure

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ December 26, 2021

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Merry Christmas!

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Wishing y'all a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ December 19, 2021

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ December 12, 2021

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Review~ The Giving Manger from WorthyKids

Disclaimer~ I received a COMPLEMENTARY copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

 

Good morning! I'm so excited to share with you a wonderful activity to add to your Advent traditions! 

The Giving Manger from WorthyKids is a wonderful way to bring the true meaning of Christmas into your family. It will help your family learn about the importance of giving during Advent and Christmas. 

The beautiful book and activity will help your family get back to the real meaning of Christmas. 

For this review, we received the box set.

Each box set contains everything you will need to start this beautiful tradition. 

The Giving Manger Picture Book

A heart-warming story with beautiful illustrations that bring to life the tradition of giving. The story helps get children excited about participating in this new tradition of giving back. The book has a hardback cover so it will last for years.

Wooden Manger

A simple wooden manger that should be placed in a visible spot in the house. This will help keep the idea of giving front and center.

Bundle of Straw

A piece of straw will be placed in the manger after the children perform an act of service. 

Baby Jesus

A simple swaddled Baby Jesus that will go in the manger on Christmas Eve after the manger is full of straw from all the acts of service the children will do during the Advent season. 

I love the idea behind The Giving Manger. 

It is a wonderful way to bring the real meaning of Christmas to your family.

I wish I would have had this when my kids were little. We made our own wooden manger out of popsicle sticks when the kids, This box set is so much cuter!

I love the idea of encouraging the children to work on little acts of service. 

We called them good deeds. It brings to life the true meaning of Christmas for children when we live in a world so focused on the commercial aspect of it. 

Since my kids were a little old to enjoy this. I have taken it in to use with my Sunday school class. We already have a good deeds jar to fill for the year. This tiny manger will be a wonderful way to encourage them to do more during the season of Advent. Too often, the season of Advent is overlooked. People focus on Christmas and think the season starts before or after Thanksgiving. Christmas actually doesn't start until Christmas Eve! I love helping my little ones learn about Advent and the importance of preparing for the Christmas season. 

This beautiful box set would make a wonderful gift for a family with young children. The family could start this tradition when the kids were little and continue to grow with it over the years. When my kids were little we had the tradition of searching for the traveling wisemen (instead of a certain elf that is so popular). That tradition was fun, but the giving manger is fun while encouraging children to have a giving heart. A giving heart is one way to encourage them to grow closer to Jesus and the kingdom of Heaven.  

And if you are worried about the straw getting lost or ruined, I figured replacement straw can be found at your local craft store or dollar store. Parents will be able to continue the tradition for years. 

Just a word of advice, keep Baby Jesus away from puppies. They tend to eat him. We've lost two Baby Jesus dolls over the years. One was eaten by the dog, the other went missing after a cat decided to steal him out of the manger! 

Life with kids and pets is never dull!

Learn more about The Giving Manger and Worthy Kid Books

Facebook

Instagram~ The Giving Manger

Instagram~ Worthy Kids Books

Pinterest

Want to see how families with young children used The Giving Manger?

Check out the rest of the reviews from The Review Crew!

Till Next Time,

Monique

Merry Christmas

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Wishing you all a very, merry Christmas!

Till Next Time,

Monique

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Happy New Year!

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

"Should auld acquaintances be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintances be forgot and auld lang syne?"

~ Robert Burns

Till Next Time,

Monique

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

"And behold an angle of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.

And the angel sand to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David."

        Luke 2: 9-11

Merry Christmas!

Till Next Time,

Monique

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Reading Through the Christmas Season

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Over the years we have discovered many wonderful books to read aloud together during the Christmas season. Of course the books have gotten more advance over the years, but we still revisit the charming books from our childhood days.

Here are just a few of the books we have discovered over the years.

This a first for us this year. I read it many moons ago but we've never read it together as a family. The kids and I are going to read through this classic Christmas tale this holiday season. 

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without reading the The Night Before Christmas or The Polar Express. 

This was a gift for Michael for Saint Nicholas Day. He loved reading this book. I keep meaning to sit down and read it to, but I just haven't done it yet.

He's a mean one Mr. Grinch. The kids always enjoyed listening to how the Grinch's heart would grow with love.

This is a classic golden book from my childhood days. My mom saved my book over the years and I have enjoyed reading my book to my sweet children.

This is one of Therese's favorite Christmas books. She loves this charming tale all about Christmas. 

This was my all time favorite book as a child. My book was literally falling apart but I refused to throw it away. Thankfully my mom found a new copy one year and gifted it to me for Christmas. I was beyond thrilled.

Of course I had to include some fiction for the moms. I love reading Christmas theme books during the holiday season. It just helps me get even more into the Christmas spirit. 

Here a few more of our favorite Christmas books!

Christmas Books 2015

Christmas Treasury 2016

Christmas Treasury for Girls 2016

Christmas Treasury for Boys 2016

Do you have some favorite Christmas books?

I'd love to hear what they are!

Till Next Time,

Monique