November Photo-A-Day - Day 30

"Funny Face"

I thought this was apropos for today!💜 It made me think of this song from the Gershwins' song "Funny Face" sung by Fred Astaire to Audrey Hepburn. The part I highlighted in bold especially. 💜

Frankly Dear, your modesty reveals to me

Self-appraisal often makes me sad

And if I add your funny face appeals to me

Please don't think I've suddenly gone mad

You've got all the qualities of Peter Pan

I'd look far before I'd find a sweeter pan

I love your funny face

Your sunny, funny face

Though you're a cutie

With more than beauty

You've got a lot of

Personal-i-ty for me

You fill the air with smiles

For miles and miles and miles

Though you're no Mona Lisa

For world's I'd not replace

Your sunny-- funny face

I love your funny face

Your sunny-- funny face

You're not exotic

But so hypnotic

You're much-- too much

If you can cook

The way you look

I'd swim the ocean wide

Just to have you by my side

Though you're no Queen of Sheba

For world's I'd not replace

Your sunny-- funny face.

November Photo-A-Day - Day 29

"Something Orange"

Everything in my house feels like it is red or green right now for Christmas! While thinking about orange, I noticed the roof of my "gingerbread house" ornament was orange. I have a few of these ornaments, houses and gingerbread people. My Mom and I made them when I was younger. I got to take them with me for my tree. I have a lot of gingerbread themed items on my tree, along with some cinnamon ornaments I must have made at some point that look like gingerbread as well. Kinda neat seeing all the various ornaments I've made and collected over the years. One of these days I'll share the wooden ones I found during out honeymoon to celebrate our marriage! They are quite beautiful!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 28

"A Wave"

This was a sweet gift from a lady at church for our wedding. I hung it in the bathroom as a daily reminder to pray. Even when the waves are still or rough.

"I said a prayer for you today 

And know God must have heard. 

I felt the answer in my heart, 

Although He spoke no word.

I didn’t ask for wealth or fame 

I knew you wouldn’t mind. 

I asked Him to send treasures 

Of a far more lasting kind.

I asked that He be near you

At the start of each new day 

To grant you health and blessings

And friends to share your way.

I asked for happiness for you 

in all things great and small, 

But it was for His loving care 

I prayed the most of all. "

-Author Unknown

November Photo-A-Day - Day 27

"A Dozen"

Looking around the apartment, I tried to figure out what I have that was a dozen. I didn't have a full carton of eggs, or a dozen of anything other than maybe books. I looked over at the window sill and saw "The 12 Days of Christmas". They are celebrated from Christmas to Three Kings Day which is January 6th. Over the summer when we decorated for Christmas for John's birthday, I had them on our table. This time I decided to put them on the window sill. Every time I see them, it makes me smile. You can see in the window to the right the snow-laden branch outside our window. Snow didn't start to accumulate until 2-3pm today. Now everything is covered in a thick blanket. I just checked and Harold's tree is almost unrecognizable! I'm glad for the snow though. I discovered that there is a pond that forms when everything melts off in the woods behind the house. And there is a long puddle that forms in the yard behind the apartment as well. Hoping the next warm-up will be a bit more gradual so the water can disperse better. :)

November Photo-A-Day - Day 26

"In the Fridge"

If our fridge looks empty, it's because we've been opting for non-perishable foods and frozen foods. I'd hate to waste perishable foods if I'm not feeling well. Besides, pregnant women live on pickles, right? 😉

November Photo-A-Day - Day 25

"Something Metallic"

Christmas is exactly one month away! It's coming soon! The house smells amazing, the white lights are growing on John, and our multi-color lights are half dead. A little annoying, but at least they were only draped over the window. I was trying to think of something metallic to take a picture of today. My brain is gone from the past few long days. I was switching a couple ornaments on the tree to free up a congested tree branch when I saw this ornament! I didn't remember it as John put it on the tree while I stopped to eat a snack the other day. (There is something to be mulled over when food is more important than Christmas to me for a change....) It was a good reminder of why we are celebrating this upcoming season! It makes me think of "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans, particularly the one quote in the movie:

"What was the first gift of Christmas?"

"A tie?"

And then he learns the following:

(excerpt from the book but also in the movie)

“The first gift of Christmas was love. A parent's love. Pure as the first snows of Christmas. For God so loved His children that He sent His son, that someday we might return to Him.” 

November Photo-A-Day - Day 24

"A Sign"

I got this sign at Bailiwick last year around Christmas time. I fell in love with it and have kept it up year round in our apartment. It's good to look for something wonderful happening throughout the year. Whether it's as simple as a flower or miraculous as something God is doing in your life. Keep your eyes open! Christmas isn't the only "wonderful time of the year"!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 23

"Unexpected"

We got our Christmas tree today! My sister-in-law came with us, "to be a tie breaker" if necessary. Turns out, she's a great tree finder. We wandered around the tree farm for a while, and then finally found this beauty. To give credit where it's due, she found it! It's so large and fluffy! We even had to trim the top when we got home. I love it! The house now smells heavenly...nothing beats the scent of a fresh pine tree!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 22

"Thankful for..."

~ I'm thankful for my hubby and the time we got to spend together today! It's nice when he has a day off and we don't have to rush somewhere.

~ I'm thankful for the little life inside me and the fact we get to meet the little bugger tomorrow! (Our first ultrasound!)

~ I'm thankful for the family we are becoming and for the family we got to be with today. And all the family we couldn't make it to see!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 21

"Breakfast"

Bagels with cream cheese have been my breakfast the past few days. It's been nice to enjoy my normal breakfast again! I mean, Cheezits were great and all, but bagels with cream cheese are way better! Perfect way to fuel a blustery day. I was happily surprised to cross everything off my to-do list today. I mean, motivation to be prepared for Friday to get a tree is pretty good. If you can't tell, we are excited for that!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 20

"Framed by a Doorway"

Breaking news! This lovely hubby of mine has had his "mugshots" taken in the doorway today. He went out for some cheese dip and tortilla chips (I've been loving them the past couple days). When he returned and made his dinner, I caught him eating my beloved cheese dip and tortilla chips! He is under wifey arrest for the snatching of precious commodities and deliciousness. He was required to wash the dishes in order to be pardoned. And now, other breaking news.... 😉

November Photo-A-Day - Day 19

"Walk"

I love walking around the library at night. The lights aren't as bright, there is a peace over the place, and sometimes I find some really great things! I didn't allow myself to get any books out today as my pile is knee high here at home, but I did wander down a few aisles just because. If I see something I want to read, sometimes I'll take a picture of it or write down the author so I can find it again. It was nice to get out this evening after I sat down for what I thought would be 20 minutes straightening my craft supplies next to the recliner. I decided to wind up some yarn since it was mostly used and it ended up taking 3hrs to salvage. Now I have yet another to salvage. Yeesh, new yarn seems to be more tangled every time I get it. I'm hoping to finish the project I have going on it so it'll be easier to detangle. 😊

November Photo-A-Day - Day 18

"Cold"

I took a nearly identical picture the other day, but by the time I woke up from my nap, daylight was almost gone so I snapped this picture before it was. The tree circled is a special tree outside. I'm pretty sure it is a walnut tree, but that's not why it's special. There is a little red squirrel that loves this tree. If it isn't snowing, he is usually on the tree's branches or underneath eating. Occasionally I'll see him on the tree on the far left, but I'm pretty sure this one is his favorite. Last week before the snow fell, I watched him bury a nut next to the base. I named him Harold. It's fun to keep an eye out for him. He is definitely a fair-weather fur-ball!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 17

"The Number 3"

I couldn't think of anything interesting that was the actual number 3, so when I saw that I had three stamps left on this book after mailing some things today, I decided to take a picture of it. I was very happy to get a large task completed today so when lunch came around, I celebrated with strawberries. I have a feeling John might need to get some more on Monday. 😉

November Photo-A-Day - Day 16

"Through the Glass"

When I first woke up around 7:40am, I debated about checking school closings. When I did, I was ecstatic to see that John only had his morning job today! Snow day with the hubby! It was great. We watched "The Christmas Box" and "The Timepiece", he brought home strawberries from work (and I've single-handedly eaten half of), and went out in the snow for a walk! That was great. We went on a long walk around our corner of Bville until my ears got cold cause I forgot a hat. Then we walked back and began a snowball fight! We ended up sitting in a snowbank chatting for a while until he began to get cold (Surprisingly my skirt was the only thing that got wet. My leggings stayed dry!) and we headed in. All in all, a great snow day! And by the way, no one told me that marriage was as great as being able to pelt each other with things in public...aka...snowballs! 😉

November Photo-A-Day - Day 15

"Fruit"

As the cold winter comes to my area I find myself in the house warming myself by the heater. During this time I can think about different things deeply. One thing that has really been in my mind have been the Fruits of the Spirit and how they both are a part of and effect my daily life. Each day I do so much without thinking about and even during those times the Fruits of the Spirit come out. Since I have been dwelling on these things I have found that how I act and treat others is beginning to change for the better. 

-John Schairer

November Photo-A-Day - Day 14

"A Stack"

In our spare room, my rocking chair is currently covered with books to be re-shelved and given homes. I might try and do that tomorrow as I do enjoy having my rocking chair.  

November Photo-A-Day - Day 13

"A Stack"

I took advantage of the snow this evening to wrap John's presents while he was "snug in the bed while visions of sugar plums danced in his head". I threw them on the growing stack of presents. I have some more to wrap, but I think I need some boxes or bags since they're awkwardly shaped. 9 more days and we'll get our Christmas tree!! I'm happy Thanksgiving is early this year so it's more socially acceptable for me to gush over my favorite holiday! I'm listening to Christmas music while I blog....

November Photo-A-Day - Day 12

"A Hug"

I'm thankful for my hubby always having a hug ready when I need one. He's been such a big help & encourager the past few weeks. Love ya, honey! 💜 

November Photo-A-Day - Day 11

"Family"

I didn't take this picture today. I took it a year ago today! My dad and sisters came in for cookies while I was working that afternoon and I snapped this picture of them. ❤ It was a fun memory to have pop up on Facebook!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 10

"Reflection"

This is Pluto. Pluto is one of nine brothers and sisters in the Kitty Solar System family that resides on my vanity. John gave me a "kitty bouquet" as a gift for my 17th birthday. Since there were 9 cats, I named them after the "original" planets in our system. Mercury through Neptune originally lived above my window, while Pluto went to college with John. He is now an intelligent kitty who resides higher than the rest of his siblings.

November Photo-A-Day - Day 9

"Out of Focus"

The leaves are "out of focus" and covered in snow! Well they were.... It switched back to raining so we will see what's happening in the morning. It was fun riding back from Syracuse to see no snow, to a healthy dusting-inch here! I'm happy. 😊

November Photo-A-Day - Day 8

"Current Read"

Um, my current read pile is taking over the couch that no one sits on. Well, rarely sits on. Some of these are rereads, some aren't deep reads, and some are just sitting there waiting. Waiting for me to pick them up. A few biographies, some novels, a book about house cleaning (should take the irony in having the couch consumed with library books to action regarding that one), and I honestly don't remember what else. Quite often, I order a book, have it come in, and then forget why I ordered it. Or have it come in sooner than I expected so I'm not prepared for the onslaught of books waiting on hold for me. One day recently I had at least 5 books and a couple movies. I guess I'm just keeping the librarians busy!

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” 

― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

November Photo-A-Day - Day 7

"Something Gold"

My bicycle bookends hold my extra cookbooks in the hallway. My grandma gave them to me as a Christmas present and they finally have a home! You can see in the corner, my wedding altar piece. My mom did a great job with it! It brightens up the hallway, and it's a plant I can't kill. I've had a terrible time with keeping plants alive. I thought I had a green thumb, but I guess not!

November Photo-A-Day - Day 6

"Favorite Shoes"

These are one of two pairs that are my favorite. I already talked about my blue sneakers here, so today I decided to take a picture of my favorite black shoes! They are great for throwing on to run to the library for books (or to vote!). I got them at Bon-Ton this spring before they closed down. I was glad to find them as my old pair of slide on shoes were pretty beat up. A majority of the beautiful yellow leaves I showed you the other day are off the trees. I heard rumors of snow next week, so I'm not complaining!! 

November Photo-A-Day - Day 5

"A Cuddle"

I wasn't feeling well, and my sisters were over. While the others played and watched movies, my Bestie came in and cuddled with me. It's been a long time since she's done that, so I enjoyed it. We discussed Christmas presents, and hopefully gained a few ideas for herself and the other girls.

November Photo-A-Day - Day 4

"Basket of Goodies"

My bike basket is currently re-purposed for a work basket. It has my wreath supplies (I'm nearly done, just need to figure out the jingle bells and the bow!) and some yarn for various projects. I'm working on some baby hats for New Hope Family Services. They've always had a special place in my heart. I'd make a hat for our baby, but it's too soon, plus the poor thing would end up with a hat for every day of the year! (I suppose then the baby would take after me with my hat collection with a hat for almost every day of the year....) It's been nice to be able to crochet when I'm not feeling up to much and to have a purpose for doing so. Hehehe, maybe if I make enough hats, we'll have to restock my yarn supply in the closet. 😉

November Photo-A-Day - Day 3

"Fall Colors"

I thought for sure when the tree in front of our apartment building would turn red. Surprisingly it turned yellow! The tree behind it turned a beautiful orange. This is a good year for yellow. I've been enjoying the various shades of yellows and golds.

November Photo-A-Day - Day 2

"Written Words"

I loved the opening of a book I picked up earlier. I didn't like the story though, so I ended up putting it down. This is how I feel whenever I select yarn for a project or go shopping for yarn. I love it when yarn has been recently restocked so everything is neat in colorful rows. Ahh, yarn is wonderful!! 💜

November Photo-A-Day - Day 1

So I figured I may as well keep going with a photo-a-day. It's a good way to remember to blog. Here is the next one I came across:

"where you sleep"

After finally getting used to sleeping on my stomach again, I've been slowly reverting myself back to my side. I don't want to get too used to it! Both blankets were gifts from the hubby. The smaller one is soft, but not as soft as I would've liked. So, he upgraded for a bigger one. I'm very thankful for them when the nights are chilly!