The Holiday Barn: I am so surprised!

The Holiday Barn: I am so surprised!: I am so surprised at how fast this Christmas Season was! It's been absolutely wonderful! The first weekend of December, we were in New...

I am so surprised!

I am so surprised at how fast this Christmas Season was!
It's been absolutely wonderful!
The first weekend of December, we were in New Orleans with sweet friends Steve and Gina Kinchen. We even got to attend the Christmas party at their gorgeous Steinway Piano Store.  If you need a piano, Hall Piano is the place to go. True story

While there, the sad phone call came that my sweet birth mom had crossed over to the other side.  We had to make a trip to Arkansas that following weekend.  So many emotions and feelings, but mostly love.  Lots of love for a dear woman who was brave, full of courage, and strong. My heart still aches for my baby sister, Mandi.  She's so beautiful, smart, talented, and...perfect! I just wish we didn't have hundreds of miles between us.

Shannon, my younger sister on the far left, baby sister Mandi in the middle, and me on the right.

I love these girls so much.  I think about them and pray for them daily.

Then, Sunday the 10th, we got to be in church with my dear brother, Jimmy Bobo.  He pastors First Assembly of God in Malvern, AR.  I love going to his church!!  The worship is always on point, the message is always just for me and what I needed to hear.  The fellowship is always spicey at Chili Peppers! hahaha  It's our favorite Arkansas restaurant when visiting our family.

Rev Jimmy & Kathy Bobo

Then, the following Sunday, I was at Metro Life Church, Lafayette, LA with my son John-Andrew. (JARM Ministries)  We were in a Christmas show together.  Oh it was so much fun!!!  There are some really great folks that attend that church, and I LOVED my time there.  They have so much talent in that church. It's awesome!  I was so thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of the Charles Dickens production.  

That's me on the far left of the photo, rocking my snowflake Christmas socks no doubt! LOL Precious people, talented people, dedicated people, and fun to hang out with!!  They made me feel so young! LOL  If any of you are reading this, I love you so much!!  Thank you for welcoming me warmly to your team for a few days!

The first show, Friday the 15th, my precious father in law almost lost his life, and as soon as that show was over, John had to drive to Waco, TX to be with his dad.  God touch Will, and within a few days of being airlifted to the hospital, John drove him home.  He still has some health issues, so please keep Pops in your prayers!  Love him so much!!

That evening, we got to attend our church's Christmas banquet! The Living Glory Church.  Carl Benton is our pastor.  There are some very precious folks in that church, but one of my absolute favorites is Maddie.

Maddie is a miracle.  She was born in January 2017.  She wasn't DUE TO BE BORN until May 7th. But look at her now.  God touched that baby.  She's a very bright spot in my heart and in my life.  I just thank God every day that she is a strong, healthy, and very beautiful little girl.  

Then this past Sunday, we were at our home church.  So thankful to sing praises to the Lord, and hear the Word of God on Christmas Eve Sunday morning!!  

                                Pastor Carl Benton, The Living Glory Church, Lafayette, LA

Then on to Christmas morning.  John doesn't have all the pics downloaded yet, so when he does I hope to share them with you.

Anyway, this month has been full.  Very full.  I've enjoyed the good parts of it immensely.

John Claus

Chippy, our Elf on the Shelf singing "In the Arms of an Angel"

My stepmom Virginia, and my sister in law Kathy

John, me, Nathan and Hagin

Des and Rex

These folks went to see the new Star Wars movie.  That was a fun night!

Hope you enjoyed my pics.

The Holiday Barn: What's in a name?

The Holiday Barn: What's in a name?: This morning as I was perusing Facebook, my memories popped up from a year ago. I enjoy reading through those because there's usually s...

What's in a name?

This morning as I was perusing Facebook, my memories popped up from a year ago.
I enjoy reading through those because there's usually something hilariously funny one of my younger kids has said, and I appreciate the opportunity to remember them. What parent doesn't?
This particular memory was from Hagin, my now 7 year old son.  Hagin loves the Lord, and tells us all the time that he is a "God boy".  Interpreted, that means that he truly has a love for God and the things of God in his little heart.  So precious.
A sweet friend sent a video of Santa Claus saying Hagin's name. I have never seen a child so excited to know that someone as important as Santa Claus knew his name. Hagin got so excited he started clapping his little hands and jumping up and down saying "He knows me.  He knows who I am!!" My heart just jumped. It was such a precious moment.
But seriously, what's in a name?  I know my first name, "Linda", means beautiful in spanish. That's what my dad used to tell me all the time when I was about Hagin's age.
I think names are very important.  You do NOT want to name your new puppy, Yappie Doodle!  Guess what he'll turn into?  A yappie doodle! LOL
I think about the name of Jesus.  Oh that precious, beautiful, powerful name!!!  There is nothing like the name of Jesus!!
JESUS - He is my Advocate, Alpha & Omega, Ancient of Days, Author of Life, Bread of Life, Bright and Morning Star, Chief Cornerstone,  Emmanuel,  Good Shepherd, Great Physician, Head of the Church,  High Priest, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Lamb of God, Light of the World, Lion of Judah, Living Water, Lord of Glory,  Prince of Peace, Rock of Ages, Savior, The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Word, True Vine, Wonderful Counselor!!
He is this and so much more!

And the One who IS -the Great I AM - knows YOUR name!  How marvelous and wonderful is that?!
The Creator of the universe, Almight God, the One who gave you life and the very breath in your body - HE knows YOUR name.  Oh how HE loves you!!  You're very valuable and dear.  Your life is so precious to Him.  You are not "invisible" to Him.  He knows you! HE knows your name!!  Get a revelation of the love God has for you, it will CHANGE your life!!!

This precious little boy was shown a video of Santa Claus. Santa actually said Hagin's name. After the video ended, this little boy who is filled with so much anticipation, and hope, and joy excitedly started jumping up and down squeeling that "he knows me! He knows my name!"
I immediately was in tears and then the thought came to me, gently whispered into my spirit, "How much more do I know your name?" I wanted to start jumping up and down in delight because He knows me! Jesus knows my name! He sees me! He loves me!

Please click the link to hear a beautiful song about some names of of Jesus. It's one of my favorites.  It brings tears to my eyes, because I just LOVE Jesus.  He's my personal Lord and Savior.  I can't imagine living life without Him.  He's my Prince of Peace.  He's been so good to me.  Even in the dark times that life has brought.  Jesus is Lord and He is MINE, and I am HIS.  His banner over me is Love.  Please - click the link to youtube and listen to this beautiful song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXBGdUVAvPM

and yes, I have to add this song.  Perfect for Christmas and year round!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE

What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions?

As a lover of all things Christmas, I really want Christmas Eve to be something fun and something to look forward to by our kids ages 27 to 7!
The past few years we have gone riding around town to look at Christmas lights in neighborhoods.
I enjoy that as do the kids.
What type of Christmas Eve meals do you have?
Something formal?  Something that has an easy clean up?
What's your plan? LOL
I'd love to hear what your traditions are.

Have you counted your blessings?

I'm playing the piano for a Christmas program in a few weeks, and at the practices, one of the songs in the line up is called "I Fall to Sleep Counting my Blessings" or something like that.  It is one of the sweetest songs ever, and the young man singing this song, sings it better than Bing himself.  True story.
But, have you counted your blessings?  Or are you counting your troubles, woes, trials of life, and miseries?  Everybody on earth has their own battles they're fighting, and if you fought them from faith instead of in the natural, you'd be an overcomer and a champion!!  (Read Mark Hankins book "In Christ"!)  You do not have to live as a down and depressed human being.  God did not create you for that!  The Bible says to "Rejoice in the Lord always"!!!  Why aren't you rejoicing then if the Bible says to do it? Philippians 4 - check it out.
Sometimes it is so easy to get distracted by the things of this world, the bills, the money - or as my pastor, Pastor Carl Benton says it so eloquently, LOL, "We all have 'opportunities'(to trust and believe in God) when the paycheck comes in and there's more month than money!" Or your kids aren't acting right, and trying to leave God out of their lives, or you have that one co worker that drives you insane, or your spouse isn't living right and is making life unbearable, or you're so alone you're depressed and lonely. Maybe your health is failing, and your worried.  Just STOP.
Count your blessings!  Your immediate thought was "I don't have any blessings".  Yes, you do!
Did you eat? If not, I can hook you up!!
Did you sleep in a bed with a blanket last night?  Did you watch tv today? Did you read? Did you take a bath/shower and have a toothbrush to brush your teeth with?  Do you have a roof over your head?  Food on your table?  We have so many blessings, but many times we choose - we make a decision - we set our minds on - what we dwell on and choose to dwell on - are the bad/negative things.  Yes, those times come, but what you do with it says a lot about you!!  You can dwell on the negative, or dwell on the Word of God!!!
I am so blessed.  I have a husband who loves me (even when I look like Witch Hazel in the mornings - or act like her! LOL
I have had 6 precious children!  They bring such joy to my heart and my life. I see such potential in each one of them.  Isaac has reached his max potential though, as he went to Heaven already!  I have this blessed HOPE!!!
I have a house to live in.  It's warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and I am grateful for it.
We have clothes to wear, we have food to eat, and we have a few luxuries.  I am thankful for each one!
It's your decision to make.  Count the sheep or the Blessings?  I choose Blessings!!

Click this link and listen to this precious little song!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qmMaPTuTEE

Thanksgiving 2017

I have had such a lovely Thanksgiving Day with my precious family.
I didn't get any pictures! LOL
But feeling so very blessed this day after Thanksgiving!  Looking forward to my daughter, Destiny's, birthday!!  Hopefully we'll get plenty of pictures of her celebration around December 6th!!

Peace on Earth and good will towards men...

Tonight was "date night".

Every Friday night, our adult daughters, one or the other, babysits for us, and John and I hit the town!

Tonight was so fun!  John came home from work around noon.

We got the boys some of their favorite fast foods, came home, took a nap, and then John and I left.

We went to Olive Garden for supper.  It was good, and the service was really good.

I had eggplant parmigiana (sp?), and Zuppa Tuscana soup.  John had plain old spaghetti and meatballs! LOL  He enjoys the salad so much.  I enjoy the green peppers and olives out of the salad the most.  

Then we went to Hobby Lobby so I could get some fabric.    Then we went to Dillards so we could see Lydia.  John spoiled me tonight though.  I fell in love with one of the holiday dish sets. Oh my. So elegant and beautiful!

After Dillards, we went to Barnes and Nobles where we found my niece's books she's written.

You need to go to Barnes and Nobles and get your children these books!

They'd make excellent Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, or even "just because I love you" gifts!

http://www.thetinytraveler.com/

And the Young Historians series.

There's nothing like walking into the local B&N store, and finding your niece's books!  I would like to see our B&N get The Tiny Traveler series in.  I looked and looked, but didn't find them.

If you'd like to order them, just go to

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

and do a "search" for these books.

Your babies, grandbabies, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church friends all needs to have copies of these books in their personal home libraries!  :)

It's been a fun day.  I hope your day has been good.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner....

and I am so excited about it!!!

Thanksgiving is next week! It's so hard to believe the Holidays are HERE.

I've been sewing Christmas stockings for the family.  I got more fabric from Hobby Lobby tonight to finish that project.  I also need to make a Christmas tree skirt.

Lydia and I might make a few more Christmas ornaments for the tree.

Plus finishing homeschooling for this week so we can take next week off.  Cleaning.  I mean C L E A N I N G!  Then getting all that laundry done.

Have you compiled your Thanksgiving menu yet?  I have.

Turkey and dressing

ham

giblet gravy

mashed taters

broccoli/rice casserole

green bean casserole

rolls

green stuff (it's pistachio pudding with stuff in it LOL)

chocolate pie

plain chocolate cake

and whatever other desserts they...THEY...all want! LOL

Then we'll go deep into our turkey coma for a few hours.

Then who knows.....Can't wait!

I love this time of year!

Hark the Harold Angels Sing...

The angels didn't just sing praises to and about Jesus that one night so long ago.
They've never stopped. 
We shouldn't stop worshipping and praising our Savior.
Not a day should go by that you're not loving on Jesus.
He's done so much for us, and He. is. so. good.

The Holiday Barn: To sew or not to sew

The Holiday Barn: To sew or not to sew: Well, I will wait to sew until my sweet Lydia gets off work. This evening at 6:00 PM. That is a long time to wait, but I'm sure I will ...

To sew or not to sew

Well, I will wait to sew until my sweet Lydia gets off work. This evening at 6:00 PM.
That is a long time to wait, but I'm sure I will be able to fill my hours with plenty to do.
I have plenty of school to do,
I have plenty of laundry to do,
I have plenty of Cinderella duties to DO.
I have plenty to do, but I just want to sew! LOL

My current sewing projects are (but aren't limited to)  Christmas stockings for our family.
The ones we've had are years and years old, and when I washed them, they started falling a part.
So this year, I am making everyone their favorite character stockings.
John's is to be determined.  Does he want a camo stocking? A fishing themed stocking? Star Wars?
John-Andrew's stocking will be Star Wars themed. 
Lydia is making her own, and I will let her share what her theme is for her stocking.
Nathan's stocking is his favorite gaming character, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Hagin's stocking is Star Wars.  He. is. stoked.
Mine would be a sewing themed fabric if I could FIND sewing themed fabric that wasn't over $10 per yard.  But, I'm still looking.  I need to just go to Joann's and look.  Hobby Lobby didn't yield the coveted fabric. 

Are you sewing? What's "under your needle" currently?

Dear Sutherland Springs, TX -

Our hearts go out to you.
Just know there are people that really care about you and all you've been through on this day.
Hugs and prayers...

I never thought this would be me....

I am now a coffee drinker.  Let me rephrase this.  I am now a hooked coffee drinker, like a fish that has swallowed the hook down it's throat hooked. Yes. Me.
How did this even happen?  I know how it happened.  John Reddoch, the man I married and had 6 kids with, got some bulletproof coffee.  The real deal.  I tried it once and was HOOKED!!!
I can even drink Folgers now.  BUT - I don't add sugar.  I put SweetLeaf (that is stevia for those of you scratching your heads over that), heavy cream from the farmers market (its been slightly pasteurized but not all the way), a tsp of MCT oil, and a tsp and a few drips of sugar free salted caramel extract.  Lord have mercy it's so good and I think about this coffee before going to bed at night, and then upon arising from bed.  That coffee is the first thing on my tastebud brains.
Then sweet bliss once it touches these lips. hahaha
It's also delicious with a TABLESPOON of butter, and a TABLESPOON of coconut oil.  Then I flavor it sometimes with pumpkin spice extract.  You have no idea the yummy goodness until you try it.  I sometimes let it cool down a little and then put it in my ninja to mix it really extra well.
Either way - b l i s s.

Hey all yall!!

Just wanted to remind you that there are only 52 more days until Christmas!!
Has anyone started their Christmas shopping? I've got a few gifts on my radar!

52 more days people!

And now we're back in a slightly chilly south Louisiana after a glorious weekend in Texas!
Getting myself and the kids back into our regular daily routine isn't the battle I was thinking it would be.  I am thankful for that!
What are you up to today?

The stars at night are big and bright....

Deep in the heart of Texas! 
This is where I woke up this morning.
I just love Texas.  I hope to move to Texas in the future.
Hopefully in the NEAR future.  I always hope and dream it'll be day after tomorrow.

We would like to build a metal building home on our property.  We already have the plans drawn out.  It's just getting the money saved to DO it.  See, John and I don't believe in going into debt, not even for a house.  DEBT is a ball and chain to your life.
So we're going to keep trusting in God for a financial miracle.  Our God is mighty, able, and willing. Psalm 37:4  I will never give up believing, hoping, and trusting.  I will receive my house.  WE will receive our house!
Somewhere inside the green circle - will be a house.  I am looking forward to that day!!!!  So many plans and ideas.  Looking forward to implementing those plans and ideas! 

Tidings of Comfort and JOY!!!!

Good Morning once again!

While I'm quite sure I won't be blogging every single day, I was so excited about blogging yesterday, I decided to do it again today.  LOL

The boys have eagerly been anticipating this day due to the fact that "Disney's Cars 3" came out on digital.  Guess what they're currently doing while I blog?  That's right, and then we'll have school.  I call this "bliss"!

I have a lot to do as we're going to Texas for the weekend.  I am looking forward to seeing our Texas family and friends.  They each mean the world to me.

So until then, I will try my hand at making a KNIT raglan shirt.  Yes.  You read that right.  Linda is going to try sewing with knit.  I made a lace jacket over the weekend. Surely if I can do that I can sew with knit.  My life is never dull.  Unless you don't like sewing. LOL

Two months from today is CHRISTMAS EVE!!!  I feel like I'm already behind on my gifts and such.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays of the year.  I'm sure nobody knew that.
I have several Christmas ornaments I'd like to sew, as well as our Christmas stockings, and a tree skirt.  Not to mention other clothing articles I'd like to work on.
My wish is to someday be the proud owner of an embroidery machine!!  I would love to be able to personalize my sewing projects.  Some day will come for me!  I shall remain content with what I do have. I am very very grateful for my sewing machine. 

By the way, if you don't mind sharing your Thanksgiving recipes and menus, please comment with those!  My daughter Lydia and I have been compiling our Thanksgiving menu.  Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, broccoli/cheese/rice casserole, rolls.  The desserts will be chocolate pie, cherry cheesecakes, and probably chocolate chip (homemade of course) cookie or a plain chocolate cake for the little boys.  They don't like anything good! LOL

Tidings of comfort and joy!!!

Monday Monday!!!

Good Morning!

I realize it's been forever since I've blogged.  I hope to change that.

I am so excited it's FALL now!  We even have fall temps to boot.
We've already broken out the pumpkin spice everything, as well as the Christmas music.
Life is pumpkin sweet, as well as good!

Some of you may be surprised that we're listening to Christmas music already.
I found a youtube video that plays the good Christmas music for over 11 hours!  I wonder how long it took to upload it.  LOL
But when I hear lyrics, "God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan's power"!  Yes!!  That!!
"O tidings of comfort and joy"!!  Who doesn't need comfort and joy in the world we're living in today?  These songs lift my spirit, and even though I already have the joy of the Lord dwelling in my heart, these songs just add to that ever increasing joy!!  It makes me so excited about Christmas!
Also, I just LOVE babies.  To think that my Savior left the splendor of Heaven to come to earth for me, as a precious, tiny newborn baby is quite overwhelming to think about.  Oh how much He loves us.  We need to get a revelation of that love.  It's definitely overwhelming.
"Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord".  Yes, let's adore Him.  After everything He's done for us, I can't help but lavish my love on Him, and adore Him.

Well, can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner??  I l. o. v. e. Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful for the Lord and all He's done for me.  We have a lot to be thankful for.

Beginning either Thanksgiving night or the next night, be watching for my Facebook Lives.  We have something very special we will be sharing with you then!!  You won't want to miss it!!!
So until then....

Tidings of Comfort and Joy!