Tuesday's Tip

Have you bought some brand new shoes for fall? I just love my Tory Burch revas, but boy, can they rub some blisters when they are new! Has this happened to you? If so, my friend, Victoria, has the BEST solution!! She recommends rubbing DEODORANT on your heels and any other places where blisters are typically provoked. She does this and has no blisters from new shoes! Make sure you use a deodorant solid and not the liquid. Give it a try, girls! Happy Tuesday's Tip!

I have a new love!

I have told you peeps before of my love for Macs and their people. I mean, I wrote a whole post about One to One! Well, I have found a new love. My HP printer died after just one year. I am not finished with the folks at HP. They didn't even apologize when I called. Instead, they told me I can send them my old printer and BUY ONE JUST LIKE IT for $90. Does that sound like a deal to you? I don't think so, but that's a separate post.
My DH is the best and he feels my pain. He knew I needed a printer for work and home. So, we bought a new printer. Sadly, our desktop is old enough that it simply could not support the software installation for the new printer. The printer folks could not send me a CD that would work with our older operating system. I was stuck.
I had passed the iHospital many times. I had seen the signs for Mac and iPhone repair. I googled them and called them after finding out that I had to have a newer operating system and some more Ram. The iHospital said they could help me, so I drove to their store. It was clean and BUSY. I never knew how many people drop their iPhone in a day! I wish I had thought of this brilliant idea! The men were all dressed in doctor's scrubs. They were friendly and knowledgeable. I filled out my info on the iPad and went on my merry way. The computer was back in my hands in about 5 hours. They were fast, efficient, and guess what? They threw in the RAM for FREE and I just paid for my new operating system and the labor. They're nice like that! When I left my old faithful G5, they did not give me a claim ticket. I admit, it made me nervous. In fact, I told them so. I teased them that I am a blogger. They assured me that they would treat me right. And they did. If you live in Tampa or have an IHospital in your area, consider yourself blessed.

National Velvet

Our D is blessed with 2 wonderful godmothers. Last Christmas Frances gave her a gift card to Blockbuster so that she could have her own copy of Elizabeth Taylor in "National Velvet". We tried to buy it and Blockbuster did not have it for sale. With my mind on Christmas once again, I pulled out her gift card and tried again. It was there! I ordered "National Velvet" and another horse movie for our sweet horse lover. She is going to be THRILLED!

Citiblocs

It's Black Friday!! Many of you have just embarked on your Christmas shopping. Some of you finished in October. I have completed the bulk of our shopping, but still have some photo calendars to make and other items to purchase. All of us have that moment where we are stuck and have no idea what to buy our child or niece or nephew or godchild. Last year, I wrote a post about Magnatiles. They are still one of our very favorite toys of all times. I highly recommend buying a set if you haven't already!

This year I wanted to tell you about Citiblocs. They are an all-natural wooden block with pine from New Zealand. They are unique in that each block is the exact same size. Children can build tall buildings, ships, castles, and houses without the use of glue or magnets. They are safe for children which is a huge plus at Mama Henley's house! You can find a set on Amazon.com, Ebay, or by searching good toy websites like Fat Brain Toys or Back to Basics. Children of all ages will enjoy these blocks, but they are best for children over age 3! I love it that now you can buy cool colors or hot colors in a set to liven up your buildings.

In a world that is fast-paced and motivated by tv, internet, and video games, it's nice to find a toy that truly captures a child's imagination and helps them learn and grow. Happy Black Friday!

Psalm 100

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100

Today I am especially thankful for God's gift to us on the cross. I am thankful for a loving husband and 5 miracle babies. I am thankful for the soldiers who fight to protect our freedom and for their families who sacrifice along with them. I am thankful that I can buy what I need freely at the store. Though I am often tired, I am able to rest at night in a comfortable bed. All of our needs are met, and that is a huge blessing. God is my strength and refuge in times of trouble. He is the great Comforter, the Great Healer, and the Great Physician. He knows my heart before I speak. He loves me.

Today I will delight in the tiny handprints all over our doors and windows and mirrors, for I remember what it was like to long for a baby. I will delight over the mess I make in our galley kitchen because I am thankful to have a kitchen! When my feet ache at the end of the day, I will rejoice that I have the ability to feel pain and hot and cold. When my hair doesn't look right in the morning, I will rejoice that it is all mine. Too many I love are going through major heart ache, pain, and loss right now. I have been there too. Therefore, I will choose to count my blessings and to thank the Lord in all things!! His faithfulness endures forever!

As I write this, I am praying for those friends who have lost a loved one, who are fighting cancer or some other sickness, who long for a baby, who have lost a baby, who are overwhelmed, who know the Lord, who need the Lord, who have been betrayed by a loved one, who have lost their job, who are oversees at war, who would do anything for one more hug. You are in my heart and prayers. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! May you spend it rejoicing in God's bountiful goodness, even in times of trouble!!!

Talk to Me, Baby! I need your DSi wisdom!

Our precious boy is about to die to have a DSi! We are the last holdouts in his circle of friends. They all have them and we have learned that it's hard to share. It just doesn't happen. So, Santa baby might bring our boy his dream toy. He has saved his money from his grandmothers to help him purchase one. We haven't started giving allowance, so this is quite a big feat. If Santa were to give him a DSi, what games do you recommend? What games would his sisters enjoy? Do we need a nerf case? Do they make one for the XL? What are the necessities and what are extras? Help Mama Henley, if you please!

Tuesday's Tip

Do you just love s'mores? My friend, Anne, told me that she eats one almost every day after school. She is a teacher, so she has earned an after school snack! Well, my new Tampa friend, Cathy, taught me the neatest trick! Ritz crackers has some new chocolate-covered Ritz cookies. Perhaps they are trying them in Tampa and they haven't made it to other cities because I could not find them on the Nabisco website. Anyway, Cathy recommends cooking your marshmallow over the campfire and then placing it on chocolate-covered Ritz! This eliminates the need for a chocolate bar! Cathy said that you can sometimes find chocolate-covered graham crackers at Sam's Club or Costco, and you can also use these for s'mores! Your next camping trip will be much easier!

More Reasons to Give Thanks

I am thankful that although our icemaker leaked frozen water all over our entire freezer, it's not the end of the world, and I can buy a new icemaker.

I am thankful that while our dishwasher leaves our dishes with a white film, I can try vinegar and Finish and get rid of some of the white stuff. Phosphate free detergents to not mean that life is over.

I am thankful that while our dryer was making a noise for DH and his mama this weekend, it has been reverently silent upon my return home.

I am thankful that while some little things were broken this afternoon, I was able to mend the little spirit that I hurt while not being the best mama in the world.

I am thankful for time away with my sweet mother because I know how blessed I am to still have her. I am thankful for a mother-in-law that I love like a mother and for her sacrificial love for our family.

I am thankful to have the children home for an entire week of rest and play and decorating for Christmas.

I am thankful that while sometimes he has to work really long hours, my husband is not deployed or working out of state. Most nights he is right here at home with us.

I am thankful that while I have lots of things to work on in this dear body of mine, I am healthy and happy. I can run and jump and sing and play with my children. I can empty the dishwasher and fold their clothes and take them to their activities and hold them in my lap and snuggle beside them in their little beds. I don't take these little things for granted.

I am thankful that while my "to be ironed" pile is overflowing, I know that I can be the one to wither it down to a more manageable size. It's a great accomplishment to iron the shirt that goes on dear hubby's back:).

I am thankful for a husband who loves me more than I deserve.

I am thankful for five miracle babies. I am especially thankful that our tiny 2 and 3 pound babies are taller than 4 feet these days and growing like weeds!


I am thankful for 2 brothers and 2 sisters (in laws) who I love deeply and who have given me our precious niece on one side and precious nephew on the other!

I am thankful for our niece and 2 nephews out west!

I am thankful for friends who show me the love of Christ in how they treat me and others.

Most of all, I am thankful for a Savior who chose to die on the cross for my sins. I did nothing to deserve His infinite grace and mercy. Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given each of us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

3 Things Mama Says All Women Should Have

The things you learn when you put a bunch of women together! I just had the MOST fun on a Mother/Daughter trip with my Mama! We went on a trip with my BFF and her mama and several other friends were there too. These ladies are a HOOT!!! Do you readers know the three things every woman should wear in order to look fantastic? Well, if you don't, Mama Henley will enlighten you. According to my Mama, you should wear:

RED LIPSTICK

Every woman should wear a great shade of red lipstick. Mama says red always looks good. I am more of a ginger girl myself, but sometimes I do listen to Mama.



A GREAT looking handbag



If you wear a cheap handbag, dahlin', then you look just that... Cheap. So, stay away from the street knockoffs and buy yourself a less expensive bag that is the real thing and looks great. You will always feel confident if you have a good handbag....that's what Mama says!




A REALLY FANTASTIC haircut



Supercuts just does not do the trick. I should know as I've tried some cheap places. Pay for a good haircut. It plays up your facial features and just makes you feel good. When I was 13, Mama and Papa took me to New York. They made an appointment for me at Elizabeth Arden to have my hair and make up done. It was one of the best haircuts I've ever had! My face looked great after Constantine was finished with me. Honey, you do get what you paid for!

Now, do y'all agree or disagree with my Mama?

Start Spreading the News....

Sorry I haven't posted in the past few days... I am in New York City!!! I'm on a mother/daughter trip with my darling mother. While I'm here, I spent the night with my BFF who is also the author of 400 Square Feet and one of the TOP designers in New York! She works in the magazine industry and in designing and staging. She can transform a dump into a palace! When I arrived at her chic New York apartment, I was greeted by this:


How does she think of these things? She left me some New York favorites including a New York red apple, some really good chips, gourmet cookies, and a darling note on a stump. LOVE IT! We had the most fabulous dinner at the Standard Hotel. Then we walked around the Meat Packing District and had a drink at Budakan. If you haven't read Frances' blog, then you are missing out and need to stop everything and click NOW.

My other dear buddy lives here too and just happens to be the famous trainer to the stars, Joel Harper. Joel also happens to be pretty easy on the eyes.. He literally works out all day every day while training others. He met us for dinner last night, and the women at our table fought over him. I just love Joel. You will love his website,



So, get moving and visit these 2 sites! You'll be so glad you did! I'm off to see the CITY!

Thankful

Wow! This week has flown! Sometimes I feel like life is moving forward without me while I try to hang on as tightly as I can! We've had a normal week with homework, activities, lots of hugs, laughter, ballet, golf, piano, family dinners, and school events. Life is full, but life is so good. I have been praying that I will delight in the mundane including washing clothes daily, emptying the dishwasher twice a day, and meal planning. I am much happier when I delight in these things rather than dread them. I am thankful that my body is healthy enough that I can do these things. I am thankful that I get to share my life with such a wonderful husband whom I love more each day and five beautiful precious children. I am so blessed.

As we enter Thanksgiving week and enjoy celebrations at school and with family and friends, for what are you thankful? Are you thankful for the mundane day to day activities? Have you been a good friend this week? Have you reached out to your parents and in-laws? What about your siblings and neighbors? Pray about how the Lord might use you in someone else's life. When we were first married, my Bible Study leader, Laura, said that she would often double their dinner. While she was making it, she would pray that the Lord would reveal who most needed the meal. I love this. What a way to love your neighbor! How will you show your thankful heart this Thanksgiving? Inspire me! Mama Henley can always be more giving and more thankful!

Tuesday's Tip

Are you plagued with a dishwasher that leaves you with dirty dishes? Do your "clean" dishes often have a white film on them? This seems to be a constant problem here in Florida. Perhaps it is because of the salt content in the water. This past week our dishes were looking REALLY dingy. DH was particularly discouraged. I happened to talk to my friend, W, as we were planning a party together at her home. She commented that she did not know what she was going to do about glasses because her dishwasher was not working correctly. "What do you mean?," I asked. She explained that her dishes has a white film on them and looked dirty after being washed. I told her I felt her pain! We have the same problem!

Well, her dishwasher repair man gave her the answer we both needed. I do believe that Florida dishwashers have a shorter life span because of the hard water. However, he suggested filling a Pyrex glass measuring cup with 2 cups of white vinegar and then to place it in between the rungs so that it stands up. Then, you run the dishwasher. It will remove the film from your dishes. It has made a huge difference at Mama Henley's house! Happy Tuesday's Tip!

It's Better to Give than to Receive

Christmas is right around the corner. Have you started your shopping? One of my sisters-in-law was wrapping all of her gifts yesterday! I like to buy gifts all year long, but I have only wrapped the ones I took to North Carolina during my 24 hour visit home for sweet nephew's baptism. Have you started your shopping?
This time of year reminds us first of all of the reason we celebrate: Jesus Christ was born and later died on the cross for our sins. Stores and the media encourage us to get wrapped up in Santa Claus and gift-giving, but Jesus' birth is the real reason we are celebrating. Our children receive 3 gifts since that is what baby Jesus received (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). They seem to enjoy thinking of three things they'd like for Christmas. They also know that all 3 gifts will not be huge gifts. In fact, the sisters have told our son that if he gets his DSi, that will count for all 3 gifts! Ha!
I thought I would highlight some of our favorite places to give. This year our church is supporting the Angel Tree Ministry once again. These children have parents who will spend Christmas in jail. DH and I allowed our children to choose some children from the tree that they would like to bless with gifts. It was sweet to watch them pore over the names and the sweet wishes of these children. We were saddened by the ones where there was no message from their parents. Our D chose a 9-month old baby boy. When she went to the desk to have our name put beside this baby boy's name, D asked about the baby boy. The lady from our church knew his whole story and shared it with the children. They were captivated by the story and couldn't believe a new baby had never met his father because his father is in jail.
Later that evening I thought our D was upset because she did not get the new bunk beds in her room. I called her name because I was going to hug her and love on her since I thought she looked disappointed. When she walked in the room, she said, "Mommy!", and dissolved into huge sobs. "Mommy, that baby doesn't even know his Daddy. It makes me so sad. I am also so sad for the family from home who lost their grandmother. Mommy, I have been praying for them because I am so sad." As you can imagine, my steel magnolia self (more like mushy oatmeal than steel!) joined her sobs with tears of my own. I sat and rocked our big 9-year old girl and held her and cried. How humbling to me. I thought she was sad over a set of bunkbeds but she was sad because of real brokenness and despair. Her heart had been touched through one baby boy's story on the Angel Tree. What will you be touched by this Christmas? How will the Lord use the heartbreak of others to teach you things in your own life?
If you are interested in the Angel Tree MInistry, just click here. This is one of many wonderful places to give this Christmas!

What We Miss....

We absolutely LOVE living in Florida. Our school and church are teaching us all in ways we never imagined, we have the dearest friends, and 80* and sunny in November is quite wonderful! However, as the holidays are upon us, we are reminded of what we miss. We miss our family and friends in North Carolina. We miss our precious angels interacting with their cousins. Is this not precious?

Slip Sliding Away....

My Mama has always been a princess at heart. Don't let her fool you! She loves luxurious niceties, and I can't help but enjoy them too. Growing up I remember that Mama had the most beautiful bedroom slippers. They were not the fleece wonders that I often sport in the winter. They were usually gold or ivory leather. Sometimes they were quilted, sometimes they were silk, but they were always beautiful. Mama preferred Jacques Levine, but she has also worn Daniel Green. Another great brand is Patricia Green.

Don't you think these are so lovely? Look at the attention to detail.

Have you fallen in love yet? Check your specialty lingerie stores for some of these beauties for yourself or someone you love!

What a GREAT Christmas gift!

Tuesday's Tip

Do you love Greek yogurt? You can make your own! A very smart friend shared this recipe! Thanks, Ashley! Buy a large container of yogurt - I like Stonyfield Farms but you could use Dannon too if you wanted. You can buy flavored or plain. Scoop some into either a cheese cloth or an extra-fine sieve and suspend it over a small bowl. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a day. Voila! You have thick, Greek style yogurt. If you use the plain, add some strawberry jam and a little fruit to the bottom of the bowl and it is just like Chobani. Or, you can add a touch of honey on top. I also like to use the strawberry flavor and add sliced bananas. It is Ashley's favorite new snack for half the price!

I am Bound

I have been learning so much at church in the past months. This week we learned about living our lives "as if not". The sermon was on not focusing on things and the love of money, but that our lives should be spent loving and worshipping the Lord. (My summary may not be perfect, but it is what I took away from it). As a girl whose mind can drift during a sermon to thoughts of the week's menu, I was convicted. What does the way I spend my time tell you about what is most important in my life? Am I focused on the next big purchase or on our Great Big God?
With the news of so many tragic events from the hurricane that hit Haiti to things much closer to home, I am reminded that this life is not forever. I am prodded to turn to the Lord in ALL things. I want to know Him better and to love Him more. I am praying that my life will truly glorify Him and Him alone. It's hard in a society that encourages glorifying oneself in how we act, dress, or even how we give. May my heart be His and may I live "as if not". How convicting and encouraging at the same time. I don't pretend to be a perfect believer. Rather, I am a very sinful, flawed person who is saved by grace. Thank you, Lord! I think this hymn puts things in perspective:).


On Jordan's Stormy Banks

1. On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.

2. All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.

Chorus: I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for promised land,
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for promised land.

3. No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.
(Repeat chorus)

4. When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
(Repeat chorus)

©1997 Christopher Miner Music.

New York City Favorites

I love to hear from my readers! What are your NYC faves? Do you go for a frozen hot chocolate or to see the latest styles at Barney's and Bergdorf's? Have you hit the Carlyle outlet or are you an H&M fan? Does Chinatown captivate you or scare you? Will you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade? Share your New York City faves! This will be fun!

Tuesday's Tip!

Good Morning, dear readers! It's that time of year where parents are having CONFERENCES with their child's teacher! We are in the midst of conferences right now. Our teachers work HARD for us and are not always paid generously. As a former teacher, I LOVED it when my parents pampered me. I love to think of things I wish they had done or to remember the special things they DID do! So, I try to do small things for our children's teachers throughout the year. Pampering your teachers does not have to be elaborate! If a teacher loves Diet Coke or wasabi spiced walnuts:), then surprise them with a little treat every now and then! I try to bring something with me on Conference Days, though I am prone to forget. My friend, W, brought all of her children's teachers a fun fast food lunch this past Friday. They ATE IT UP! Literally!

Voting

Don't forget to vote tomorrow! Personally I am endorsing those on the Republican ticket as I want to see some CHANGE!