5 Movies You & Your Mom Should Watch This Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day weekend everybody! I hope you and your mom are having a great day. Whether she's near or far, right next door or the next room, take the time to time wish her a wonderful day. And if she's deceased take the time to remember her and give thanks for her. The Bible says: 



Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. - Proverbs 31:30

My mom and I love watching movies - everything from chick flicks to comedies - and nothing says I love you more to her than chilling on the couch and having an at-home movie fest. So, in honor of my mom, here are 5 movies you and your mom should watch this Mother's Day. 

1. Disney/Pixar's Brave
Ok, so when you think of Mother's Day the movie Brave probably doesn't come to your mind right away but hear me out, Brave touches everything a mother/daughter relationship consists of. For those of you who've never seen it, Brave is the story of a princess named Merida who makes a wish for her fate to change. As a result her mother, the queen, turns into a bear and the rest is as they say history. 

Merida and her mom find out that if they don't appreciate each other soon her mom will stay a bear forever. So it's up to Merida and her mom to find a way to see each other's strengths and realize that even if they have they're ups and downs, they'll always love each other.

2.Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias movie is what Mom and I like to call a "good, old-fashioned cry-fest" film. It's about Shelby and her Mom, Mlynn, and not only the ups and downs of their relationship but their friendship with four other women. Plus it was shot in Natchitoches, Louisiana (shout to LA!) and had some amazing actresses before they hit it big - like Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, and Daryl Hannah just to name a few. 

This movie will make you cry and laugh. Like Trudy (Dolly Parton) said in the movie, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."

3.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood 
The next movie, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, is also shot in Louisiana (go figure) and my mom and I absolutely love it because it chronicles the rocky relationship of a woman named Sida Lee and her slightly eccentric mother, Vivi. When things go south (no pun intended) with Sida and Vivi, it's up to the Ya-Ya's to help bring them back together. Like Steel Magnolias, it's another tear-jerker but it'll definitely make you both laugh. 

 4. Monster-In-Law
Mother's Day is not only for your mom. If you're married you might have a mother-in-law to celebrate the day with. And if you do I have the perfect movie for you - Monster-In-Law. This movie is basically J.Lo vs. Jane Fonda and it's one fight you'll never forget. It'll touch your heart and make you smile and even laugh. 

5. Gilmore Girls the Entire Series
For the last movie on this list - it won't actually be a movie - but a tv show - Gilmore Girls. Mom and I have been a fan of Gilmore Girls since it first came out and we totally feel like we've grown up with Lorelai and Rory. We've laughed with them, cried with them, have even gotten mad at them during a few episodes but we always come back for more. This is the kind of show you and your mom can sit down and binge watch together. It'll be hours and hours of fun.

So there you have it, folks, 5 movies you and dear old mom can sit back, relax, and watch together. I hope you all have a great Mother's Day and if you know of any more great films of tv shows that you and you're mom love please feel free to let me know in the comments. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Until next time . . . 

XOXO,

Nellie

My Mushy-Gushy Valentine's Day Post

Hello, everybody, and Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you're all having a wonderful day. I'd promised myself I wouldn't get all sappy on this holiday but the closer we got to it the sappier I became.

Blame on hormones or all the romantic comedies I've been watching lately but I wanted to take the time to leave a Love Day shout out to my best friend and love of my - my husband, Denis.

Denis and I have been together three years in May and to be honest, neither Denis nor myself were looking for a relationship. We were introduced through a mutual friend and I'll never forget what I told her when she asked me to meet him: "Thanks but no thanks. I'm not looking to date anyone right now." Funnily enough, Denis told her the same thing. But God intervened and the rest is history.

For the first month of our relationship we just texted. Then we started talking and I basically asked him a million questions. He likes to call this time my "Interrogation Period." Anyway, we met in person for the first time at our friend's house and got on really well. I thought he was really kind and he told me later that he thought I was funny and liked my hair. Things seemed to getting off to a good start . . . until he asked me on a date . . .

He asked and I said no. I figured that if I said no and he reacted badly I'd dodged a bullet. He figured I was just trying to play hard to get. But sure enough he asked me again a few days later and this time I said yes and I'm so glad I did.

We've learned a lot about each other these last few years and now that we're married we're still learning. From road trips to hunting and fishing trips, we always have a good time when we're together. He's taught me a lot about myself in a short amount of time. Things like hunting isn't so bad and football might actually be a little interesting. I mean, before Denis I never would have put on camo and headed for a deer stand in the woods or watched the Super Bowl, but now I don't mind doing those things.





I think I've taught him some things too - like Downton Abbey is not a boring show and that yes, we do need 20 pillows on the bed - but even more importantly he says I taught him about Jesus and how to walk with Him every day.

I've learned that love - real, true love - is not a feeling, it's an action. The Apostle Paul gave us the most beautiful definition of love in his letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says this:

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

When we take the focus off ourselves and put our focus on Jesus, He'll show us the real way to love others.

I'm very thankful that God blessed me with not only a husband as kind and patient as Denis but with someone who's also a really good friend. I know that no matter what happens, Denis will have my back and I'll have his. We've been through ups and downs and we've seen our fair share of hills and valleys but the Lord always gets us through it. And He hasn't failed yet.

So we wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day. Whether you're spending with your best friends or your significant other, take the time to tell someone you love them today. You never know how much those three little words can brighten their day.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie 

My Christmas Gift Haul 2017

   

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the last Christmassy blog post of 2017. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday. Hopefully, you all ate lots of food and treats and your days were filled with laughter. My family and I had a great time. As usual the five of us piled up at my Grandpa's house on Christmas Eve and really enjoyed ourselves.

 

   

 

For my family one of our holiday traditions is that we open presents on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is for eating and relaxing and visiting other relatives. This year was especially special for us because my Uncle Terry came home for the weekend. He stays in a nursing home and last year was unable to come home for Christmas because my grandpa had been sick. But thankfully this year Grandpa and Uncle Terry were both doing great and we all got the celebrate the holiday at home.

Uncle Terry, Christmas Eve

I thought you'd might enjoy some family pics >>>>>

 

 

 

After we ate some chili we headed into Grandpa's living room and I read Luke Chapter 2 from the Bible. We do this every year so we always remember that Jesus is the best gift we could ever receive. Then we opened our presents. We tried to take turns so we could see what everyone got and see their reactions to the gifts we'd got them but Grandpa and Uncle Terry tore into theirs so fast we gave up the taking-turn thing and dug in.

 

Here's a quick haul of the gifts I received >>>>>

 

 

Got me some nail polish. I'm currently wearing the last color on the right.

 

This bracelet has the Bible Scripture John 3:16 engraved on it.

 

These necklaces came from Denis. This is called the Infinity necklaces.

Denis also got me this ring and the slippers below.

 

After presents we all went outside and Denis did a little firework show for us. Uncle Terry loved it. Then Christmas night Denis and I went to the movie theater and saw "The Greatest Showman."

 

So all in all we had a really great Christmas. We dropped presents off to other relatives and enjoyed spending time with the family. To me, that's what Christmas is all about - remembering and celebrating Jesus' birth and doing that with those you love.

I also just wanted to say thank you to you all. If you've ever took a minute and read one of these blog posts, thank you. I hope it's brought a smile to your face and maybe brightened your day. I've got some ideas for more posts for 2018 and I hope you'll continue to stop by my little blog.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

See you in 2018!

 



 

 

 

5 Things I Love at Christmas Time

 

 



There's just something about this time of year that makes me smile. And while it does get stressful sometimes, for me there's something magical about Christmas time. So as Christmas draws nearer I've come up with 5 Things I Love at Christmas Time >>>>>

 

1. Christmas Lights

 

 

 

Oh my goodness! I looooove Christmas lights. Actually, I love anything that sparkles but Christmas time takes the sparkle to the next level. Some people go all out with their houses and most stores and shops will light up their windows. I think Christmas lights can make almost anything look pretty. My favorite are the multi-colored ones but the white ones offer a more elegant look. Either way you can't go wrong with some lights.

 



 

2. Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

 

When Starbucks' red cups show up you know for sure that it's Christmas time. And for me their Winter menu is my personal favorite. Last year I became addicted to their Chestnut Praline Latte. I drink it decaf and the taste of it reminds me of Christmas in a cup. Am I the only one who actually gets sad when they no longer offer it? 

 

 

3. Christmas Music Takeover

 

One of our local radio stations turns into a Christmas station the day after Thanksgiving. On my way to work I listen to them and sing along to all the Christmas songs. Usually, I go for the old classics but this year I found 2 new Christmas songs that really touched my heart: Lauren Daigle's "Noel" and Matt Redman's "Angels (Singing Gloria)." If you haven't heard them feel free to take a listen >>>>

 

 

 

 

4. Christmas Movies & Specials

 

I love movies in general but a good Christmas movie in December does something to my soul. Every year the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime plays Christmas made-for-TV movies non-stop but I personally love the classic movies like "Miracle on 34th Street" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Denis and I bought a few classic Christmas specials on DVD (such as the Charlie Brown Christmas Special) and it's now become our tradition to watch them Christmas Eve night. I can't wait to snuggle on the couch and watch Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang celebrate Christmas.

 

 

5. Jesus' Birth

 

While I love all the things I put on this list my absolute favorite thing about Christmas time is Jesus' birth. If you think about it Jesus is the best Christmas present anyone could ask for. He - being all God - came down from Heaven, became a man, and walked among us. And then He grew up, did amazing things for people of all kind, and died on a cross for our sins. But His story didn't end there because 3 days later He got up from the grave and restored our relationship with God.

 

Without Jesus there would be no Christmas, there would be no peace on earth or goodwill to men. Because of Jesus we have peace, we have salvation, we have joy, and most importantly, we have everlasting love and life.

 

 





So this Christmas season enjoy all the glammer and glitz, enjoy the family traditions and gifts, but don't forget the real reason we even have a Christmas time - Jesus.

 

Until next time >>>>>

 

XOXO,

 

Nellie

 



5 Christmas Songs that Always Get Me in the Season

So I was driving home the other day and one of my favorite Christmas songs came on the radio, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" by the Jackson 5. And so for the 30 minute drive to our house I ceased the opportunity to sing the words at the top of my lungs. By the time I made it home I was in the Christmas mood, ready to put up the tree, and bake some cookies. Now, did I actually do any of that - nope - but I was definitely feeling the Christmas spirit.

That got me thinking: what other Christmas songs put me in the Christmas mood? And that's how this little list was born.

So, in honor of the Christmas festivities ahead here's the 5 Christmas Songs that Always Get Me in the Season >>>>>

Enjoy >>>>>>

 

5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

 

This song is one of my all time favorites. Every time it comes on the radio Denis and I sing it word for word. We both just love the cat and mouse playfulness Margaret and Johnny bring to it. And on top of that it gets stuck in my head. Definitely a Christmas classic.

4. "Winter Wonderland" Darlene Love

There a hundreds of renditions of this song but Darlene Love's cover is my absolute favorite. She adds a little Motown beat to it and really gets it moving. By the time she gets to the chorus you'll be dancing, trust me.

 

3. "Please Come Home for Christmas" the Eagles

Ok, so this song is actually kind of sad and should bring me down, but it hasn't yet. To me the best line of this song is the first one: "Bells will be ringing this sad, sad New Year's . . ." Yes, it's definitely the saddest song on this list but every time I hear it I think of my Uncle Terry. He loves this song and every Christmas when it comes on the radio he sings along to it.

2.  "All I Want for Christmas" Mariah Carey

This song is the only one on my list that was written and performed by the same artist. I don't know if it's Mariah's voice or the lyrics of the song but every time I hear it I can't help but sing along. Mariah's on point with every note and it's just so darn catchy you can't help but like it, unless you're a complete Grinch.

 

1. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" Jackson

If this song doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit then nothing will. Michael Jackson's pre-pubescent voice is so contagious and cute that I can't help but smile when I hear it. Thanks to Motown the Jackson 5 took a Christmas classic, sped it up a little, and put a soulful spin on it. When this song comes in - in the car or in a store - I got to sing along to it. Because hey, it's Christmas time and it's Michael Jackson. Put those two together and you've got a Christmas hit for sure.

So now you know the 5 Christmas songs that get me ready for the holiday season ahead. Now what about you? What Christmas song gets you in the spirit? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,


Nellie

Christmas Lyrics I Never Really Got

With all the Christmas music in the air I came across certain song lyrics that totally tripped me up. When it comes to Christmas songs I know at least half of the words to most of them but every once and a while I'll hear a lyric and think, "That can't possibly be right."

Exhibit A

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

Yes, I get that to many people Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year but there's this one verse of this song that never made sense to me:

There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snowThere'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of the
Christmases long, long ago

I guess it was the "scary ghost stories" part that always got me. I mean, who's telling scary ghost stories at a Christmas party? Total buzz kill. I always thought the song writer got Christmas and Halloween mixed up or something. But this song is just the beginning of my Christmas song lyric confusion.



Exhibit B

"Grandma Got Ran Over by Reindeer"

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eveYou can say there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and grandpa we believe

While this song may be a classic I always found it a tad bit morbid. I mean, come on, Grandma got killed by a Santa's sleigh. So does that make Santa a murderer? And if so why wasn't he arrested? We all know he lives in the North Pole and he only works one day a year so it's not like he's that hard to find.

And to make matters worst Grandpa didn't even feel bad about the fact that his wife was murdered by the big man in red. See >>>>>

Now we're all so proud of grandpa
He's been taking this so wellSee him in there watching football
Drinking beer and playing cards with cousin Mel

And last but not least Exhibit C

"Winter Wonderland"

In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No man"
But you can do the job, when you're in town

Ok, so I love this song but ever since I was little kid this verse didn't make sense completely until a years later. For years I didn't have a clue who Parson Brown was - turns out, he's a preacher. And to make matters even weirder the snowman starts asking this couple about their love lives. How weird is that?

So question time: is there a lyric in a Christmas song that you never really got? If so feel free to leave a comment below.

Until next time . . . .

XOXO,

Nellie