Get Talking - Smiles and Giving Things A Go

Ok, so you're probably all wondering what is going on. "Where are Beth's posts?" I'm sure you've been asking. My life has been crazy. 2 jobs plus church and family commitments mean I'm one really tired person, plus I've had to get a new computer because my last one was about to die, so I've had to find the time to transfer files over, particularly things that I use to post on my blog, plus the usual life essentials. The files are finally transferred, and I have 2 weeks off from the usual work hours - I still have to work a few days, but today is not one of them.

Since I missed last week, I'll give you 2 questions today.

What made you smile today?

It was something that you wouldn't readily think of, but today my Mum went out with a friend, and that made me smile. Mum hasn't done that much over the past few years due to things that have been going on in our family, so for her to get out without any of her daughters was an amazing thing.

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What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

If I could try anything, knowing that I wouldn't fail, I'd go ahead and learn to fly aeroplanes (of course I would also have to have the money to pay for the lessons). Ever since my first flight (even though it wasn't the greatest experience or for a nice reason) I've wanted to be able to fly myself. I love seeing what the world is like from the air.

What about you? What made you smile? What would you try?

Mother-Daughter Time at Christmas

Hospitality can be about time…one-on-one By Hannah Packham

Sometimes, it’s hard to find special time for your mom because she always seems available. The holidays can make it more difficult to nurture the mother-daughter relationship. However, this season allows for activities to do with your mom that are not available at other times. Here’s a list of activities that I enjoy doing with my mom:

Make Christmas cookies. You and your mom can make cookies for friends, a charity or for the family. In this case you are getting to enjoy time together, while serving others. The time alone baking is a good time to just talk about life. Go Christmas shopping together. It’s gotta be done so why not do it together and make it a date! Wrap together! You can talk while doing it and it puts you in the Christmas spirit. You could even add some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie into the mix to make it even more festive. Everyone gathers around and shares a meal during the holidays, but someone has to make it. Most likely that person is your mother. Not only would she appreciate your help, but also your company in the kitchen. This is a wonderful time to bond over tradition, family and yummy food. Take time for tea. Whether it’s at a cozy tea place or in your fire-lit living room, conversation over a cup of tea goes a long way. One of my family’s favorite parts of the holidays is the decoration. My mom is usually in charge of decorations and I happen to love helping decorate for the holidays. So, set aside a day or a few hours to deck the halls together. Choose a charity you both support. Make a meal, take people those cookies you made, think of some way you can give back in your community and do it together. Serving can draw you closer and change lives. With all the family, friends and parties that happen around the home during the holidays, the home itself takes quite a beating. Maybe, one way to spend some time together while showing your mom you want to help is helping her clean. Cleaning the house together can be fun and can result in some laughs and great conversation. Sit down together and write Christmas cards, or write individual cards to loved ones to accompany the gifts. You could even sneak your mom a note during this activity. It’s a gentle way to say you care. A little note goes a long way. Now, I don’t knit, sew or garden, but I can paint and so can my mom. If there’s any artsy activity that you both do, sit down together—or get up and go—and get creative. It might even make good gifts for your other loved ones. Some of these activities appeal to different people, and some are easier than others, but all are good ways to bond with your mom during the holidays while having fun and getting into the spirit! Enjoy! www.inspireddesignpublications.com ~ http://inspired31.org

At Peace in the Playpen

Mary was almost crazy with her three young kids. She
complained to her best friend Judy, "They're driving me
nuts! They give me no rest! I'm half way to the funny farm!"

"What you need," said Judy, "is a playpen."

So Mary bought a playpen. A few days later, Judy called to
ask how things were going.

"Superb! I can't believe it," Mary said. "I get in that pen
with a good book and a chocolate bar, and the kids don't
bother me for hours!"

Received from Ed.