A Merry Hodgepodge

 







1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

 

Our unexplained infertility. We are blessed to live in a country where there's doctors, medications, vitamins and tests - although I don't care for being poked and prodded.

 

 

I've written about our journey here and here.

 2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? 

 

Angela Merkel, an interesting choice.

 

Although not a public figure, I would declare my mum as person of the year. My mother graduated and worked in finance for eighteen years before deciding she wanted to help people. She has worked in healthcare for over twenty years now, and has been self employed for over a decade. She has cared for those near the end of their lives, during the final stages of cancer, the blind, and those with dementia. However, she doesn't need to be on a magazine cover, as she will forever be a part of her patients hearts.

 3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

 

Yes. We have a gingerbread nativity.

 

When my mum and sister came to stay with us for Thanksgiving, we had an early Christmas and exchanged our gifts. One of the gifts I gave my sister was a gingerbread house, and one of the gifts I gave my mum was a gingerbread nativity. They are great reminders of our family time together, displayed on our kitchen sideboard.

 4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

 

I help with a mental health support group that has over 4000 members worldwide. Although, I'm not a licensed therapist, I lend an ear.

 

During this season there's a lot of people who either don't have a family, or they have a dysfunctional family. I try encourage them to create new traditions, to celebrate with others - even if it's at a restaurant, and to reach out to others who may be alone for the Holidays.

 5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

 

Everyone. If I'm out-and-about and see something I think someone would like.  I purchase it and put it in the draw until either a birthday, or Christmas. I cannot wait for a bundle of joy, that would make Christmas shopping a blessing.

 6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

 

Breakfast. After my doctors appointments, hubby and I a-l-w-a-y-s go for breakfast afterwards. We went to The Flying Biscuit, which is kind of a big deal in the Queen city. I had the smoked salmon scramble with cream cheese, served with wheat toast and sausage gravy. So good!

 7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.

 

To "let your light shine before others" Matthew 5:16

 8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Ten days until Christmas Day. . .

 

. . . and eight more days until my hubby's company (Insp & Inspiration Ministries) closes for the season. He has a twelve day break. So he's been planning a project - creating a wet room - and I've been planning festive activities for our social calendar. Yay!

 

Have a Merry Christmas,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

A Christmas Miracle

This week flew by. Sometimes, I have to journal or blog to remember all that has happened.

 

On Friday night, we watched Dolly Parton's movie Coat of Many Colors. It's based on a true story from her childhood. Her Momma sewed her a coat using scrap pieces of fabrics, known as the coat of many colors. I posted the trailer, however if you wish to see the whole movie here is the link.

 



I enjoy watching Dolly, she's so uplifting. If you haven't seen her 1990 Christmas special it is festive to have on while wrapping Christmas gifts, baking cookies or to sing along. We also visited Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains in the Spring of 2013 what a family friendly place to visit.

 

 

The following day we went to our downtown for BBQ. I know, it sounds unusual in the middle of December, but the high was 77 degrees and we were walking around in t-shirts. Here's our town decorated for the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also saw some flowers making an appearance. The yellow rose is from our garden.

 

 

 

On that day, December 12th it was also the wedding anniversary of my Nana and Grandad (pictured) and my Granny and Grandpa. My Nana once told me the story of being a little girl who liked the Church's floral decorations at Christmastime and that's why she chose a winter wedding.

 

Her floral bouquet was made of cream and red carnations, so I made a Christmas floral arrangement with red carnations. The greenery on the shelf was decorated by my sister from the bottom branches of our Christmas tree.

 

 

Lastly, yesterday we had brunch after worship at Cracker Barrel. Then we meandered through several antique stores where I found a Susan Branch Christmas Memories keepsake book, and a gold mirror I'd like to hang in the nursery one day.

 

 

Those who know me well, know I love all things Susan Branch. I have a collection of all her books, and cannot wait until the new one arrives next year. If your looking for some cookie recipes for the season, her recent newsletter has many. Just click on the words in the bauble and you can view her cookie recipe collection. I'm going to try the ginger crisps

 

As the day, and weekend came to a close we went on a dinner date at PF Chang's at Phillips Place in Charlotte. The whole area is decorated with light, trees and wreaths.

 

 

That's when I opened my fortune cookie that said: "Life's contentment is just around the corner." I had to share it with my TTC group.

 

Wouldn't that be a Christmas miracle. We have two doctors appointments this week, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree a Downtown Lighting

Friday

 

Every day, around lunchtime my hubby messages me to ask, "what's for dinner?". I look in our fridge and consider the options. This Friday, like clockwork I got the message and responded with one of his favorite, "how about Thai?" 

 

 

Let's just say he liked that suggestion. We went to Thai Taste in downtown Matthews. They serve family style so we usually choose a chicken curry and a sweet and sour stir-fry and share. That way we each get to taste a little bit!

 

Saturday

 

The following morning we had to be up early to visit our RE (infertility doctor) to have my baseline scan. Everything looked good and the nurse called later to say I could start taking my medication, Clomid that evening. My previous two cycles I also took Clomid, so like clockwork I called the pharmacist and requested a refill. Well the lady on the phone said "we're out". I was a little panicked at first, as anyone whose gone through infertility knows everything has to be well timed. After some calling around we thankfully got the prescription filled.

 

 

 

After our appointment we went for brunch at one of our favorites, Flying Biscuit at the Park Road Shopping Center. I got the salmon scramble with a side of sausage gravy and toast. Oh my, it is so good!

 

That evening, after a bike ride we headed to our small town to see the Christmas tree lights switched on by Santa. But first we had dinner at Café 157. I ordered the white wine fettuccini and asked for it to be served with grilled vegetable's.

 

 

After dinner we strolled to see the Christmas tree light up. Lot's of local families gathered and we counted down 5...4...3...2...1.

 

 

They also had a snow machine. Anyone who isn't from around here probably thought we were shooting a Hallmark Christmas movie.

 

The musical accompaniment was a band that played with various drums and even a xylophone. Children were singing along before going on a stroll, mapped out around downtown to see all the lit up and decorated small town buildings.

We also got to see the gingerbread house competition. There were entries from children as well as adults. Some of the designs were so creative!

 

Sunday

 

On Sunday after worship we went to have our Christmas Card pictures taken at  Portrait Inovations in The Promenade Shopping Center. 

 

Afterwards, we went to our lunch reservation at The Gallery, located inside The Ballantyne Hotel. Hubby ordered the eggs benedict and I had the salmon benedict. Both were delicious!

 

 

 

 

When we got home we got ready for the week ahead, and relaxed with a Hallmark Christmas movie. We have so many of them recorded onto our DVR, don't know if we'll be able to watch them all before Christmas.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

 

 

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Imparting Grace, Grace at Home #183

World Congress Of Families

Today, I watched this video presented by Richard and Linda Eyre at the World Congress Of Families.

 

 

"Society will be saved on the micro level, one family at a time."

- The Eyre's

 

 ~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.