So glad we have a video tonight. Haven’t ever asked for prayers but am asking for them this week. I have rotator cuff surgery scheduled for this Thursday. Asking for prayers for a quick recovery and the strength to get through the holidays as a mom of 3 without the use of my dominant arm 😂 thanks to everyone in advance! 🥰
I have been watching you for a while. I usually dont ask for prayers but i truly feel you have a gift to reach people that truly care . I am a grandma raising grandkids its a struggle they are nureo spicy issues. I been fighting cancer and a broken leg and hip this year and a half today i start chemo. I need strength.
Hey guys, I’m glad Marina is known to have a prayer request in her comments. My husband just lost his little brother December 1st he was shot. My husband and his family need all the prayers they can get! I appreciate everyone praying and taking time out of there day! I will be going through the other comments and praying for as many other people as I can! God bless! Marina thank you for having such a good soul! I’m so thankful and blessed to have found your RUclips channel! ❤
That’s A Great Teaching Tool For All Of Us, Getting Our Kids A Few Nice Gifts & Having Them Pick A Name Off The Tree And Making Someone Else’s Christmas Splendid.😊 Thank You Merina.
Hi !!!! I am actually a professional seamstress, I worked in sewing factories for over 25 years and got hurt and ended up disabled. However, I have been able to continue on with sewing for people. Quilts and pillows are my favorites, although I have everything from wedding dresses to swimsuits; and, I have never been able to use a needle threader!!! 😂😂😂 I know it's nuts!!!!! I love to cross stitch!!! I am doing pillow cases for my daughter and my sons girlfriends for Christmas!!! So very happy you enjoy threading. (Special note: on the back of your cross stitching, when you finish with the thread, loop your needle underneath your threads 2 or 3 times. There is no tying and then all you have to do is trim your thread.). Much love sent to you and your precious family.
Glad y'all are finding some time for hobbies this month--a little fun mixed in with the craziness of December. I hope the kiddos enjoy their gifts. Continued prayers for Nanny.
OMG! Merina, I have been saying for days that I want to pick up cross stitch again. My grandmother taught me when I was very young but after she passed I never did it again. I'm going to start again! You sparked a memory that I can bring into my current life.
My Dear Marina , I am asking for many prayers for my wonderful Brother- in-law, He is battling brain cancer , Him , my sister and his children really need all the prayers they can get ❤️🙏
Each year my kids had to donate at least 10 items from their room to unfortunate children. Then if the received more than 10 gifts in total, they had to donate the amount over.
We always did the read, wear, need, and want, then starting Dec 25 through Jan 6. (Epiphany) 12th day of Christmas. They were given a small gift each day. We also started reading a chapter a day in Luke from December 1st through 24th. My kids are 42 and 45.
Really loved your Christmas gifts you are giving to your precious children sweetheart. You and Shane are raising wonderful children,and you are a true blessing to us all.
I was a teen mom and was very poor I also grew up a poor kid so when I had triplets at 37 and we are now financially comfortable I definitely go over board for my littles .. book fair money, school trip money, bigger birthdays and family trips. It’s part for them but it definitely heals the little girl in me who didn’t get those things and the guilty mom who couldn’t do everything for my older kids .. for me it’s also about balance so we do a lot of charity and make sure my kids remain humble ❤
Hiya merina, what a great vlog! Im 61yrs and what I've learnt is time goes very quickly, you have 4 beautiful children, if you want to spoil them then do it! When they are gamers it is very expensive but you want to make them happy. They are growing up, so enjoy being around them. ❤Please don't feel you have to justify what you spend, it's your money. Anyone moaning is just them trying to control you. ❤❤
Hey, the hat on your cross stitch isn't messed up. It's unique. One of a kind. I think I've heard that the mayo makes the cake moist. I think it's awesome that you are trying new hobbies and also that you want to be a better you. I find it's easy to get "lazy" and just accept myself as I am now when I could be a better person.
I’ve been thinking about you all day. My poor kitty got a blood clot and all I can think is I wish I can have someone pray over him. He’s sedated and we are waiting to see if he will regain control of his legs or if we need to let him go. If anyone could just think about him tonight I would greatly appreciate it. His name is Mr. Mouse and I raised him since he was 3 weeks old. He doesn’t like anything in this world but plastic and running water and just recently meat sticks.
I have totes full of cross stitch thread and kits but my favorite hobbies for winter are sewing and crochet, my favorite in summer in gardening and canning.
Medina. You are such an inspiration. Don’t ever apologize for whaat you are able to get your children for Christmas. You plan and save for it all year. Your plan this year is ingenious. Great job of raising loving, caring children
Perfect Christmas gifts for the family. You put a lot of thought into picking them out. Angel Tree gifts are going to brighten many faces Christmas morning. ❤🙏 May God Bless you all ! Glad the dogs had fun in the snow.
One, it’s not that we are “smarter” than you Merina, it’s that we have gained experience aka wisdom making mistakes and learning from them; you are much wiser than you believe of yourself, one area is Cammy- I do not have a child who is autistic so I have no clue on how to interact with one or what to buy for one, then, gaining wisdom is also listening to others and learning from them before you make the same mistakes or failures we already have. May God’s light keep shining on you and your family!
My Hubby does all the cross stitching in our home. I don’t like doing it. His pictures you can hang up backwards because his stitches are so good and tight. Keep at it and you will have a wonderful gift of love for your Hubby.
You are doing a great job with the cross stitching gift for Shane. Your daughter did a great job with her gingerbread cross stitch project. It's really sweet that you two are bonding and making memories with cross stitching. That mayo cake didn't look bad at all. It was hilarious seeing your kids' reactions when you told them that the cake had mayo in it. I hope that you and your family are doing well ☺️♥️ God Bless!
Hey Merina. First of all love your videos. You could be part of my family. Your very down to earth and humble. I can tell how much you love your kids and husband. You made a good statement about how material things for our children can out grow them within a year. I have a friend who instead of giving a lot of gifts to their kids. They made a new year renewal to take that money and plan family trips with eachother. They plan every year to go skiing are skating trying new things. They love it they have family pictures and all those memories. Im a grandmother and im so glad that we took vacations together when my child was young. Just something to think about and of course we could take those trips with you on utube. 😊 Your such a good mother and Shane is a wonderful father. Thanks for sharing your family with us each week.
Lived your video.❤ I have watched you since the beginning of your Utube channel. U my dear R one VERY SPECIAL PERSON. U have always had the compassion in your soul. I'm 75 yrs old. I knew the first time I watched the channel that U were one special lady. When God created you, he really broke the mold.❤❤ God bless you & your family. Tell Nanny, hello & God bless. 🥰🥰😍😍
Too fun, Merina! I used to cross stitch a lot when I was younger. I don't know that i could do it now, though. I love your kiddos' gifts. I hope y'all have an amazing weekend! 💜
You can also hold your yarn tail (an inch or two) against the back along the line of your stitches. Your back stitches will cover that tail and secure them without having to make a knot. When you finish the rows/need to change colors, just run your needle under an inch or two of the back stitches to secure it before cutting it. It helps save you from having lumps from the knots on the back of your work. Good Job!
Its only used to give moisture to the cake. You know its egg and oil mixed together. You never taste it. You can fry grilled cheese in mayo The mayo taste is gone. You can use it any recipe if you don’t have oil and you will never get a dry cake unless you just way over bake it. Try making a grilled cheese. You put mayo on each side of bread and make sure its the side that is fried. Just cook it until its crisp and browned. You will be surprised. ❤
Good idea for Christmas. It’s about God and we are to help others. We are blessed when we give or help others. Kids these day are so spoiled and out of hand . I like what you are doing. I cut down a lot for my grands this year.
I used to cross stitch and as I got older I haven’t done it in years. I done a huge Bass for my hubby . He loves fishing. Still have that one. That’s a wonderful idea as far as the Christmas gifts , that is a huge life lesson. Always a blessing when you give. ❤🌲
I fell right down the Flosstube rabbit hole here on RUclips when I got back into cross stitching! I stitched decades ago when all we had was aida cloth and DMC floss. There are so many new options out there and many free charts online. I like to be purposeful with my projects so I have been stitching smaller project turning many into pillows for dough bowl fillers. I want to stitch a couple of ornaments this year too, but I fear time will run out before I finish them as I am somewhat of a slow stitcher. I am just savoring the process. So happy to hear your daughter is enjoying this creative art form! So enjoy how you celebrate Christmas and the desire to spread joy to others. ❤
Love your family.. My grandson is always wanting to make slime. That mayonnaise cake looked good. Your kids are gonna love what they got for Christmas. You are doing so well in teaching them the right values. Giving is better than receiving ❤😊
I love cross stitch. I’ve been doing it for many many years. Made Christmas stocking for my two girls when they were born ( they are now 41 and 43). Made cross stitch stockings for my two grandchildren. Those stockings stay at my house for me to fill. I find it so relaxing. You’re doing great. Enjoy your new hobby. What a great gift and memories for your loved ones
Great vlog. Don’t ever apologize for why or how you give to your kids. You work hard and that’s your business. I do think the older they get, the fewer actual presents they get just mostly because of the price point. Love the Angel Tree giving. Bless you, Miss Linda 🙏🏻🎄🙏🏻🎄
Mayonnaise cakes were popular back in the depression days. My mother made them all the time. It was a family favorite! That cake became popular because it doesn’t take eggs or oil. Since mayonnaise is made of oil and eggs! We love that cake. Did you know something else was popular during that era. It’s called a water pie. But I’ve not made one of those yet. I was told it’s very good also! 😇🩷
I am a Momma that buys excessive things for under the tree. It is a mix of less expensive to the more expensive items. It's a personal thing and I personally love the feel of a tree skirt hidden by the love of thoughtful gifts I have picked out for my husband and little ones. I feel like they are only little once so I do what I can to fill up that skirt! lol. It is perfectly fine to do a one gift under the tree or 20 it's up to you and your family. Merry Christmas!
I've been cross stitching since I was 16 in 2000 and what my sewing teacher told me to do was take the thread and tie a knot at the bottom of it and then pull it through and she also told me that the canvas has to be pulled tightly between the circles and then after your done with the whole entire thing then take it out of the circles and hand wash it so no dye doesn't transfer to anything else and then after the hand washing air dry it for a few hours and then put a towel down and put the cross stitching down on it and put another towel over it and iron it to get the wrinkles out and then you can put it in a frame. I can tell you more about it if you're interested in it.
Great video I only have 1 little one and that’s my great granddaughter I’m getting her baby alive with a target grocery basket it’s bright red I’ve been told by my heart and kidney drs this will be. My last holiday season on this earth which means I’ll be with my Saviour 😊 I think I’ll be here till Jesus calls me home. Lovenhugz from the capital city of Illinois ❤
Prayers ascending for you..the doctors don't always know..was a nurse over 40 years🙏 🙏🙏 May you be blessed always 🙌 Enjoy your Little One this season ❤
@pammpowers3149 praying for you. Please don't believe everything doctors say. I'm here because my mom didn't give up on trying for healthy kids. She had 4 miscarriages before my brother, then 3 in-between us.
I know I've asked for prayers a lot and y'all always come through. I need major prayers. I have to have surgery soon to fix 2 fistulas that are connected from my bladder to my intestine. I don't know when surgery is. I'll let y'all know when surgery is. I also ask y'all to please pray for a dear friend of mine I've met through RUclips. Her son-in-law has lost over 60 lbs in a short time and having some serious health issues. He's in the hospital waiting for surgery right this minute. Thank you in advance. God Bless.
@@suemiller2099 thank you, friend. I've been getting your comments I just can't write everyone back and don't want anyone to feel left out. I hope you and your family are doing well. We're continuing to pray for y'all.
Praying for successful surgery, quick and easy recovery and strength as you go through this in Jesus Name. Praying also for this gentleman and his health issues. Jesus is the Great Physician and is All Knowing! He knows our need before we even do. Prayers for answers and solutions for him in Jesus Name. ❤❤❤❤
I am praying for you Alma. I hope your surgery goes well and a fast recovery! I am praying for your friend’s son in law as well along with his health issues! ❤️
Welcome to the wonderful world of cross-stitch. Tucking the stitches in behind the back is just fine. Your piece is great & something to be proud of as you progress. Kindest regards from a fellow cross-stitcher who is picking back an entire row of stitching done the wrong way. LOL It happens. 😁 Cross-stitch can be any time for any reasons. 👍
I’m just watching a video from 3 years ago where you’re cleaning and a massive snow day. It’s just before 3:00 am. To see you worshipping after you said you spilled a bag of rice and I just felt the Holy Ghost all over me, I was raising my hand praising JESUS. Three weeks ago there about RUclips highly recommended your channel for me to watch and Praise JESUS I’m so Thankful I started watching. I’ve been binge watching and I’m so thankful for your channel and the fact that you give the Glory to God. You’re not ashamed to speak JESUS. I’d like to ask you to pray for me and my kids and grandkids please. You and your husband are so wonderful and y’all make people laugh. I’d love to see y’all in a church service. Exactly what RUclips channels need more of people who ain’t ashamed to speak JESUS and worship. I’m a born again Bible believing JESUS believing Christian. I’m subscribed and ALL GLORY TO GOD. Thank you for sharing your videos and your Love for JESUS on your RUclips channel. THE GOODNESS OF GOD AMEN 🙏🙏. I just want to say me and a prayer warrior are praying for you for your weight loss only for your health because several videos back you asked people to please pray for you. 🙏🙏 Gloria.
I'm so very happy to hear that you have evolved into buying fewer things for Christmas. And that you have found other ways of spending or not spending money. I know God wants everyone to be a good steward of our blessings so you are definitely making Him smile Merina. God bless.
Thank you for sharing this video. I always enjoy watching your family interact with each other. The kids' reaction to the cake was priceless. (Especially Colton's, when he liked it until he realized that there was mayonnaise in it...) The gifts you have selected for them this year will be a big hit, I'm sure. Especially the gift of giving. I'm pretty sure the gift of giving will be the longest lasting and most remembered gift for all of them. Good luck with your cross-stitch gift. I'm sure it will be very special. I look forward to seeing it once it is completed and given to Shane. God Bless.❤
I'm sorry, whoever tells you you're doing too much for your kids is wrong. You know your kids better than people watching a video and judging. If you've prayed about it and God is directing, that's what matters. You and Shane are fantastic parents. None of us are perfect. We do the best we can. I enjoy all your videos. My favorites are the DIY but I love watching the kids too and the home making.
The Miracle Whip takes place of the egg and oil you normally add to your cake. Talking about cake. If you replace the oil in a box cake with apple sauce, equal measures, you will have a moisture rich cake. So good! My grandma did this all the time. She always made the best cakes. But I wanted to let you know is this. Never sell yourself short when it comes to cooking. I heard this recently "You are not growing as a person unless you are uncomfortable." I had to think about it. Unknowingly we all set boundaries for ourselves and we get comfortable inside those boundaries. But when we grow, we are uncomfortable. Your doing an amazing job at showing your kids it's OK to try new recipes, and be uncomfortable. If the recipes do not turn out good, well you learned from that too. Saying all this your doing a great job, and I enjoy watching you grow has a wife, mother, teacher, chief, baker, farmer and over all else a chaos wrangler. Ok, bye! ❤
My dad was the artist in my family..but my 8th grade teacher came into our math class a couple of days before Christmas...she had bought us all crosstitching kits...omg!! I instantly fell completely in love...she said to have all stitches going one way...then come back and cross them..(unless its a like 2 or 3 blocks) they all need to be going the sames way...as you get better you will go faster..then you will be doing dishtowels, pillow cases, pillows..😂 it is so much fun...time consuming....use 2 strands at a time..so the image is thick...but not too thick...and make sure you you use the crosstitching needle..it has the dull end...but now I mostly do diamond painting!! I love it!!
If you like to cross stitch you should try diamond painting. The kids might like it too because they have lots of cool paintings for kids too. I would start with small ones first if you do try it. Love watching all the fun with the elves.
I bought one of your hoodies that said fearfully created I gave it to my baby sister today. I say, baby sister she’s 68 years old. I told her I bought it from a Sweet lady that reminded me that my baby sister needed to know she was fearfully created
You’re such a beautiful young lady inside and out and you’re a wonderful mother and wife . You’re husband is so sweet and he’s so funny I get so tickled at him sometimes . You’re children are going to love their gifts they’ll be so excited and happy ! God bless you and your family sweet lady. 💞💞
You could put a dot of paint on each white stylus like the blue and red so each child will be able to locate their stylus. Love from your virtual grandmother ❤🎉
I love watching what you got your kids for Christmas 🎄 I love watching you make slime with your kids it looks like your elves were having a ball you enjoy your day God bless you 💖
My late Husband and i both worked very hard outside the home. To have what little we had. We made sure our kids were clothed and fed and Christmas we tried to get them some of what they wanted. Not all because we saved some things for birthdays. And our kids did chores for money and saved for some of the things they wanted. And im glad we did that because it not only taught my kids about earning for what they wanted. But how to do things when they were grown . We didn't have a lot of money but my children and i always picked a boy and a girl off of the angle tree to buy for every Christmas. And that also taught them about giving. Also we tried to help a family with Christmas dinner we bought their turkey and a sm ham and fixings for a dinner. And a couple of years we picked a family and did the dinner and presents for the kids and Mom and Dad. It wasn't big expensive but they had a Christmas. Because we didn't have much ourselves.. And there were a couple of years i even heard if a couple of people that didn't have Thanksgiving dinner. So I took them the things to make their dinner. Love ya Hugs ❤️oh yeah i make mayonnaise biscuits and they are easy and delicious and you just spoon them out.
You actually don’t knot the thread in cross stitching but just pull it threw a few back loops you have already done and hold the tail end till you do a few loops and then it will not pull out…does that make since? Also if you knot when you go to frame it, it won’t lay flat in the frame and glass…and the back looks clean and neat also…Great gift idea!!! I enjoyed doing cross stitching and have things to complete still, so ai may pull them out and complete them…great winter hobby also….thanks for sharing and encouraging new things, well old hobbies but new to most!! 👍💕😊🙏🇺🇸🐾
Marina oh my GOSH! YOU are doing really good. I used to do that and needle work with my grandma when I was 10 - 14 and my grandma said I was almost as good as her and she did an absolutely perfect job. So that was a big compliment from my grandma. FYI Marina they sell like a 3 count kits and each thing on the how to ones is the set of 3 and it teaches you all the different stitches. I loved it. It had been 50 years plus since I had done this. It was so much fun. If you get the kit of 3 and then also watch the things on RUclips that showed you also, some are better than others.
Oh goodness! Girl, I scrapbook and I am as far from organized as you can get! Lol. My husband retired Dec.31st and he started a crossstitch project that he printed off the internet. The last supper. It is large. He did it in 3 months. It is absolutely gorgeous! So much detail. I had it framed and it hangs in my living room. The back is as pretty as the front! I've never seen anyone do it so neat. I'd love to show it to you but I don't know how to show you on here. You're doing great.
I wanna start by saying thank you for everyone's prayers after I mentioned interviewing for a job. I got the job!! I will be working as the office manager / administrative assitant at a local church. I am so excited! Now to the video...thank you for sharing the list from the elves on how to make slime! My ten year old daughter is in her slime era and will be so excited to try this. You have sparked interest in me to try cross stitch again but doing it with plastic canvas and yarn. I used to do that with my Grammy growing up. I remember I found it calming for some reason. That cake looked so good! We are also having a small Christmas for our kids as far as gifts go. I love the ideas you gave as both my kids are big gamers as well. I feel like gamer kids can have a negative stereotype sometimes so it is refreshing to see supportive parents of gamer kids....hope that makes sense lol. Another lovely video with our besties!❤
Mayonnaise cakes are just eggs and oil subtracted from cake. I have always used mayo if I did not have eggs or oil in my cakes. You can also use applesauce in place of oil.
In a cake that uses mayonnaise. That is used as the oil or butter in a cake. You dont taste it when the cake is baked. My little sister (who is almost 59 now) does the most beautiful counted cross stitch. She made me a picture of a noahs ark with all the animals 2x2. Its so pretty. She had it matted and framed under glass for me. I have it hung up in my family room. Still love it so much. Must have taken hours and hours and hours. Ive done pretty much all needlework there is. As i love crafts, always have. I need to start knitting again. Merry Christmas everyone!
So so excited to see a video!!! I've been watching videos from the single wide and going down memory lane from when I first started watching you ❤❤ Also looking back I can't believe how little the kids were when you lived in the trailer park!!!!
Thank you for sharing. You are a smart lady, taking your negative comments and turning them in something smart, good, better. Very wise. Great gifts for your children. How do you save the money for your Christmas. You do the envelope system. Have a Blessed day. Thanks again.
I would love one of your handmade ornaments for my tree! ❤️ I collect Christmas Ornaments. Your cross stitching looks good! You should also try diamond painting, it is so much fun & relaxing!
I think whatever people can do is awesome! Everybody has different budgets and lives and anything you can get your kids, is going to be great. And thank you for reminding people that sometimes we can and sometimes we can’t and that is okay. ❤
Greetings from Minnesota! Great video... fun gifts! Good luck with the cross stitch. It's good for us to find something that ... something like that! 😄
Hey Marina. Glad to see your taking up the hobby of crossstitch. Being an avid stitcher I have a piece of advice if you take your needle down in the hole your loop will be on the top then feed your needle through the loop and the bring it back down through the same hole Hope that helps. Also there are you tube videos called floss tubes to help you. You should see some of the gorgeous work people do. Love your channel
Merina, is there any way you could possibly link to the gifts you talk about on this video? I hate to ask/bother you, because I know that you are super busy, but there are several things that you have bought for your kiddos that I am really interested in getting for my son and nephews, and I don't know where to start looking for them. I would really appreciate it if you (or anyone watching that may know, please, feel free to help a Mama/Aunt out! It's VERY much appreciated, and I hope that you are ALL having a great week!
My grandmother used to make mayonnaise cake and now I make it. I think it is one of the best tasting chocolate cakes there is! Lol. It's never dry! You have to try it with some peanut butter icing! So good!
Thanks for sharing. I’m new to watching you and just love your channel. Just bummed it took me so long to get here. I’ll have to enjoy going back to the beginning and watching through the years.
I'm literally so happy that you posted a video tonight so I have something to listen to as I drive home from work not to mention I'm overly concerned about the whole alien thing so it's taking my mind slightly off of it love you girl
So glad we have a video tonight. Haven’t ever asked for prayers but am asking for them this week. I have rotator cuff surgery scheduled for this Thursday. Asking for prayers for a quick recovery and the strength to get through the holidays as a mom of 3 without the use of my dominant arm 😂 thanks to everyone in advance! 🥰
Sending lots of prayers
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Praying for you, friend.
Prayers for you!
Praying for you.
I have been watching you for a while. I usually dont ask for prayers but i truly feel you have a gift to reach people that truly care . I am a grandma raising grandkids its a struggle they are nureo spicy issues. I been fighting cancer and a broken leg and hip this year and a half today i start chemo. I need strength.
Praying for complete healing and for strength of mind and body in Jesus Name.
Prayers ❤
Sending prayers 🙏
Prayers going up for you
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hey guys, I’m glad Marina is known to have a prayer request in her comments. My husband just lost his little brother December 1st he was shot. My husband and his family need all the prayers they can get! I appreciate everyone praying and taking time out of there day! I will be going through the other comments and praying for as many other people as I can! God bless! Marina thank you for having such a good soul! I’m so thankful and blessed to have found your RUclips channel! ❤
Prayers to you and your family for your loss
@@tinadenike2357 Thank you so much!
We will pray for your family! I’m so sorry that happened 😢😢😢😢
Thank you so much! I love your channel! We appreciate it so much! ❤️❤️
Prayers to your family God bless y'all from East Tennessee
That’s A Great Teaching Tool For All Of Us, Getting Our Kids A Few Nice Gifts & Having Them Pick A Name Off The Tree And Making Someone Else’s Christmas Splendid.😊 Thank You Merina.
Hi !!!!
I am actually a professional seamstress, I worked in sewing factories for over 25 years and got hurt and ended up disabled. However, I have been able to continue on with sewing for people. Quilts and pillows are my favorites, although I have everything from wedding dresses to swimsuits; and, I have never been able to use a needle threader!!! 😂😂😂 I know it's nuts!!!!! I love to cross stitch!!! I am doing pillow cases for my daughter and my sons girlfriends for Christmas!!! So very happy you enjoy threading. (Special note: on the back of your cross stitching, when you finish with the thread, loop your needle underneath your threads 2 or 3 times. There is no tying and then all you have to do is trim your thread.). Much love sent to you and your precious family.
Glad y'all are finding some time for hobbies this month--a little fun mixed in with the craziness of December. I hope the kiddos enjoy their gifts. Continued prayers for Nanny.
You guys have earned everything you can do for your kids!! You have a great family and you all deserve everything you have been blessed with❤❤❤
OMG! Merina, I have been saying for days that I want to pick up cross stitch again. My grandmother taught me when I was very young but after she passed I never did it again. I'm going to start again! You sparked a memory that I can bring into my current life.
My Dear Marina , I am asking for many prayers for my wonderful Brother- in-law, He is battling brain cancer , Him , my sister and his children really need all the prayers they can get ❤️🙏
Prayers ❤
Each year my kids had to donate at least 10 items from their room to unfortunate children. Then if the received more than 10 gifts in total, they had to donate the amount over.
We always did the read, wear, need, and want, then starting Dec 25 through Jan 6. (Epiphany) 12th day of Christmas. They were given a small gift each day. We also started reading a chapter a day in Luke from December 1st through 24th. My kids are 42 and 45.
Praying for them.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Really loved your Christmas gifts you are giving to your precious children sweetheart. You and Shane are raising wonderful children,and you are a true blessing to us all.
Hey baby girl, my 32yo granddaughter, came back to the Lord, heaven on earth ,I am the happiest Nana ever❤ just had to shair with you😊
Praise God 🙏 I'm so happy for you! He will leave the 99 to go after the one!!
@@robertalordagarcia9992 that's wonderful news. Praise God.
I have been watching for about 6 months. You have been growing like crazy! What a blessing you are !!
Marina I can tell that you spend time with your kids because the gifts that you got for them suits their mind frame I'm one your new silent viewers
I can't believe Colton is 14!!! I remember when I first started watching you. It was right before the girls' 6th bday. ❤❤❤
I was a teen mom and was very poor I also grew up a poor kid so when I had triplets at 37 and we are now financially comfortable I definitely go over board for my littles .. book fair money, school trip money, bigger birthdays and family trips. It’s part for them but it definitely heals the little girl in me who didn’t get those things and the guilty mom who couldn’t do everything for my older kids .. for me it’s also about balance so we do a lot of charity and make sure my kids remain humble ❤
I love seeing the different personalities of your children.Mom and Dad your doing a great job with them.
Hiya merina, what a great vlog!
Im 61yrs and what I've learnt is time goes very quickly, you have 4 beautiful children, if you want to spoil them then do it! When they are gamers it is very expensive but you want to make them happy. They are growing up, so enjoy being around them. ❤Please don't feel you have to justify what you spend, it's your money. Anyone moaning is just them trying to control you. ❤❤
Hey, the hat on your cross stitch isn't messed up. It's unique. One of a kind. I think I've heard that the mayo makes the cake moist. I think it's awesome that you are trying new hobbies and also that you want to be a better you. I find it's easy to get "lazy" and just accept myself as I am now when I could be a better person.
You Guys are such amazing parents ,you see the joy in your childrens eyes love you ❤
I’ve been thinking about you all day. My poor kitty got a blood clot and all I can think is I wish I can have someone pray over him. He’s sedated and we are waiting to see if he will regain control of his legs or if we need to let him go. If anyone could just think about him tonight I would greatly appreciate it. His name is Mr. Mouse and I raised him since he was 3 weeks old. He doesn’t like anything in this world but plastic and running water and just recently meat sticks.
Praying for Mr. Mouse and you.
🙏🙏
Praying for you and Mr. Mouse.
I am praying for you and your kitten!
We are praying for Mr. Mouse! 😢❤❤
I have totes full of cross stitch thread and kits but my favorite hobbies for winter are sewing and crochet, my favorite in summer in gardening and canning.
Medina. You are such an inspiration. Don’t ever apologize for whaat you are able to get your children for Christmas. You plan and save for it all year. Your plan this year is ingenious. Great job of raising loving, caring children
Perfect Christmas gifts for the family. You put a lot of thought into picking them out.
Angel Tree gifts are going to brighten many faces Christmas morning. ❤🙏
May God Bless you all !
Glad the dogs had fun in the snow.
Those are awesome gifts. The kiddos will love it all. 🎄🎄🎄🎄
One, it’s not that we are “smarter” than you Merina, it’s that we have gained experience aka wisdom making mistakes and learning from them; you are much wiser than you believe of yourself, one area is Cammy- I do not have a child who is autistic so I have no clue on how to interact with one or what to buy for one, then, gaining wisdom is also listening to others and learning from them before you make the same mistakes or failures we already have. May God’s light keep shining on you and your family!
My Hubby does all the cross stitching in our home. I don’t like doing it. His pictures you can hang up backwards because his stitches are so good and tight. Keep at it and you will have a wonderful gift of love for your Hubby.
You are doing a great job with the cross stitching gift for Shane. Your daughter did a great job with her gingerbread cross stitch project. It's really sweet that you two are bonding and making memories with cross stitching. That mayo cake didn't look bad at all. It was hilarious seeing your kids' reactions when you told them that the cake had mayo in it. I hope that you and your family are doing well ☺️♥️
God Bless!
Hey Merina. First of all love your videos. You could be part of my family. Your very down to earth and humble. I can tell how much you love your kids and husband. You made a good statement about how material things for our children can out grow them within a year. I have a friend who instead of giving a lot of gifts to their kids. They made a new year renewal to take that money and plan family trips with eachother. They plan every year to go skiing are skating trying new things. They love it they have family pictures and all those memories. Im a grandmother and im so glad that we took vacations together when my child was young. Just something to think about and of course we could take those trips with you on utube. 😊 Your such a good mother and Shane is a wonderful father. Thanks for sharing your family with us each week.
Lived your video.❤ I have watched you since the beginning of your Utube channel. U my dear R one VERY SPECIAL PERSON. U have always had the compassion in your soul. I'm 75 yrs old. I knew the first time I watched the channel that U were one special lady. When God created you, he really broke the mold.❤❤ God bless you & your family. Tell Nanny, hello & God bless. 🥰🥰😍😍
Too fun, Merina! I used to cross stitch a lot when I was younger. I don't know that i could do it now, though. I love your kiddos' gifts. I hope y'all have an amazing weekend! 💜
Always love all of your videos and seeing your children you and Shane are wonderful parents and really no the meaning of love for your children ❤
Cross Stich is a great way to keep busy and I love doing it and I also love to embroider. I love what you have done with this
You can also hold your yarn tail (an inch or two) against the back along the line of your stitches. Your back stitches will cover that tail and secure them without having to make a knot. When you finish the rows/need to change colors, just run your needle under an inch or two of the back stitches to secure it before cutting it. It helps save you from having lumps from the knots on the back of your work. Good Job!
I am asking for prayers
My son just got to Navy boot camp. When he called, he sounded so scared. Prayers for strength & motivation to push forward
Its only used to give moisture to the cake. You know its egg and oil mixed together. You never taste it. You can fry grilled cheese in mayo The mayo taste is gone. You can use it any recipe if you don’t have oil and you will never get a dry cake unless you just way over bake it. Try making a grilled cheese. You put mayo on each side of bread and make sure its the side that is fried. Just cook it until its crisp and browned. You will be surprised. ❤
Blessing's from Tampa Florida love y'all marrychirstmas ❤
Good idea for Christmas. It’s about God and we are to help others. We are blessed when we give or help others. Kids these day are so spoiled and out of hand . I like what you are doing. I cut down a lot for my grands this year.
I truly love you all! Your kiddos are so very blessed by having you both for parents! No wonder they’re great God loving children!
Hahahahaa I'm dying when you zoomed into Jolie's face as you're trying to cut the glue. Shes like "poor mom she tried, bless her heart.".
I used to cross stitch and as I got older I haven’t done it in years. I done a huge Bass for my hubby . He loves fishing. Still have that one. That’s a wonderful idea as far as the Christmas gifts , that is a huge life lesson. Always a blessing when you give. ❤🌲
The manners just makes it moist. I haven’t had that cake in years forgot all about the mayonnaise cake.
I fell right down the Flosstube rabbit hole here on RUclips when I got back into cross stitching! I stitched decades ago when all we had was aida cloth and DMC floss. There are so many new options out there and many free charts online. I like to be purposeful with my projects so I have been stitching smaller project turning many into pillows for dough bowl fillers. I want to stitch a couple of ornaments this year too, but I fear time will run out before I finish them as I am somewhat of a slow stitcher. I am just savoring the process. So happy to hear your daughter is enjoying this creative art form! So enjoy how you celebrate Christmas and the desire to spread joy to others. ❤
I think you’re teaching your children a great lesson. Good job. Mama!!! By the way, your hair is beautiful!
I learned fractions from my elementary school teacher making a mayonnaise cake!! Thank you for reminding me of that great experience ❣️❣️❣️❣️
Love your family.. My grandson is always wanting to make slime.
That mayonnaise cake looked good.
Your kids are gonna love what they got for Christmas. You are doing so well in teaching them the right values. Giving is better than receiving ❤😊
I love cross stitch. I’ve been doing it for many many years. Made Christmas stocking for my two girls when they were born ( they are now 41 and 43). Made cross stitch stockings for my two grandchildren. Those stockings stay at my house for me to fill. I find it so relaxing. You’re doing great. Enjoy your new hobby. What a great gift and memories for your loved ones
Great vlog. Don’t ever apologize for why or how you give to your kids. You work hard and that’s your business. I do think the older they get, the fewer actual presents they get just mostly because of the price point. Love the Angel Tree giving. Bless you, Miss Linda 🙏🏻🎄🙏🏻🎄
Mayonnaise cakes were popular back in the depression days. My mother made them all the time. It was a family favorite!
That cake became popular because it doesn’t take eggs or oil. Since mayonnaise is made of oil and eggs! We love that cake. Did you know something else was popular during that era. It’s called a water pie. But I’ve not made one of those yet. I was told it’s very good also! 😇🩷
I am a Momma that buys excessive things for under the tree. It is a mix of less expensive to the more expensive items. It's a personal thing and I personally love the feel of a tree skirt hidden by the love of thoughtful gifts I have picked out for my husband and little ones. I feel like they are only little once so I do what I can to fill up that skirt! lol. It is perfectly fine to do a one gift under the tree or 20 it's up to you and your family.
Merry Christmas!
I've been cross stitching since I was 16 in 2000 and what my sewing teacher told me to do was take the thread and tie a knot at the bottom of it and then pull it through and she also told me that the canvas has to be pulled tightly between the circles and then after your done with the whole entire thing then take it out of the circles and hand wash it so no dye doesn't transfer to anything else and then after the hand washing air dry it for a few hours and then put a towel down and put the cross stitching down on it and put another towel over it and iron it to get the wrinkles out and then you can put it in a frame. I can tell you more about it if you're interested in it.
You did great on the gifts! They will love everything!
😢
Great video I only have 1 little one and that’s my great granddaughter I’m getting her baby alive with a target grocery basket it’s bright red I’ve been told by my heart and kidney drs this will be. My last holiday season on this earth which means I’ll be with my Saviour 😊 I think I’ll be here till Jesus calls me home.
Lovenhugz from the capital city of Illinois ❤
Prayers ascending for you..the doctors don't always know..was a nurse over 40 years🙏 🙏🙏 May you be blessed always 🙌 Enjoy your Little One this season ❤
@pammpowers3149 praying for you. Please don't believe everything doctors say. I'm here because my mom didn't give up on trying for healthy kids. She had 4 miscarriages before my brother, then 3 in-between us.
I know I've asked for prayers a lot and y'all always come through. I need major prayers. I have to have surgery soon to fix 2 fistulas that are connected from my bladder to my intestine. I don't know when surgery is. I'll let y'all know when surgery is. I also ask y'all to please pray for a dear friend of mine I've met through RUclips. Her son-in-law has lost over 60 lbs in a short time and having some serious health issues. He's in the hospital waiting for surgery right this minute. Thank you in advance. God Bless.
Prayers for you Alma & your friends son-in-law! ❤🙏🏻
🙏🙏🙏
@@suemiller2099 thank you, friend. I've been getting your comments I just can't write everyone back and don't want anyone to feel left out. I hope you and your family are doing well. We're continuing to pray for y'all.
Praying for successful surgery, quick and easy recovery and strength as you go through this in Jesus Name. Praying also for this gentleman and his health issues. Jesus is the Great Physician and is All Knowing! He knows our need before we even do. Prayers for answers and solutions for him in Jesus Name. ❤❤❤❤
I am praying for you Alma. I hope your surgery goes well and a fast recovery! I am praying for your friend’s son in law as well along with his health issues! ❤️
Welcome to the wonderful world of cross-stitch. Tucking the stitches in behind the back is just fine. Your piece is great & something to be proud of as you progress. Kindest regards from a fellow cross-stitcher who is picking back an entire row of stitching done the wrong way. LOL It happens. 😁 Cross-stitch can be any time for any reasons. 👍
Idk if you plan to film the kiddos opening their presents, but I’d love to see their reactions to the wonderful gifts!
I’m just watching a video from 3 years ago where you’re cleaning and a massive snow day. It’s just before 3:00 am. To see you worshipping after you said you spilled a bag of rice and I just felt the Holy Ghost all over me, I was raising my hand praising JESUS. Three weeks ago there about RUclips highly recommended your channel for me to watch and Praise JESUS I’m so Thankful I started watching. I’ve been binge watching and I’m so thankful for your channel and the fact that you give the Glory to God. You’re not ashamed to speak JESUS. I’d like to ask you to pray for me and my kids and grandkids please. You and your husband are so wonderful and y’all make people laugh. I’d love to see y’all in a church service. Exactly what RUclips channels need more of people who ain’t ashamed to speak JESUS and worship. I’m a born again Bible believing JESUS believing Christian. I’m subscribed and ALL GLORY TO GOD. Thank you for sharing your videos and your Love for JESUS on your RUclips channel. THE GOODNESS OF GOD AMEN 🙏🙏. I just want to say me and a prayer warrior are praying for you for your weight loss only for your health because several videos back you asked people to please pray for you. 🙏🙏 Gloria.
I'm so very happy to hear that you have evolved into buying fewer things for Christmas. And that you have found other ways of spending or not spending money. I know God wants everyone to be a good steward of our blessings so you are definitely making Him smile Merina. God bless.
Thank you for sharing this video. I always enjoy watching your family interact with each other. The kids' reaction to the cake was priceless. (Especially Colton's, when he liked it until he realized that there was mayonnaise in it...)
The gifts you have selected for them this year will be a big hit, I'm sure. Especially the gift of giving. I'm pretty sure the gift of giving will be the longest lasting and most remembered gift for all of them.
Good luck with your cross-stitch gift. I'm sure it will be very special. I look forward to seeing it once it is completed and given to Shane.
God Bless.❤
I'm sorry, whoever tells you you're doing too much for your kids is wrong. You know your kids better than people watching a video and judging. If you've prayed about it and God is directing, that's what matters. You and Shane are fantastic parents. None of us are perfect. We do the best we can. I enjoy all your videos. My favorites are the DIY but I love watching the kids too and the home making.
The Miracle Whip takes place of the egg and oil you normally add to your cake. Talking about cake. If you replace the oil in a box cake with apple sauce, equal measures, you will have a moisture rich cake. So good! My grandma did this all the time. She always made the best cakes. But I wanted to let you know is this. Never sell yourself short when it comes to cooking. I heard this recently "You are not growing as a person unless you are uncomfortable." I had to think about it. Unknowingly we all set boundaries for ourselves and we get comfortable inside those boundaries. But when we grow, we are uncomfortable. Your doing an amazing job at showing your kids it's OK to try new recipes, and be uncomfortable. If the recipes do not turn out good, well you learned from that too. Saying all this your doing a great job, and I enjoy watching you grow has a wife, mother, teacher, chief, baker, farmer and over all else a chaos wrangler.
Ok, bye! ❤
I watched this during lunch and just made my day. Love the kids faces when they found out there was mayo in the cake.
My dad was the artist in my family..but my 8th grade teacher came into our math class a couple of days before Christmas...she had bought us all crosstitching kits...omg!! I instantly fell completely in love...she said to have all stitches going one way...then come back and cross them..(unless its a like 2 or 3 blocks) they all need to be going the sames way...as you get better you will go faster..then you will be doing dishtowels, pillow cases, pillows..😂 it is so much fun...time consuming....use 2 strands at a time..so the image is thick...but not too thick...and make sure you you use the crosstitching needle..it has the dull end...but now I mostly do diamond painting!! I love it!!
If you like to cross stitch you should try diamond painting. The kids might like it too because they have lots of cool paintings for kids too. I would start with small ones first if you do try it. Love watching all the fun with the elves.
I bought one of your hoodies that said fearfully created
I gave it to my baby sister today. I say, baby sister she’s 68 years old.
I told her I bought it from a Sweet lady that reminded me that my baby sister needed to know she was fearfully created
❤❤❤❤ that’s what it’s all about 😊😊😊
I love that!!
@billandbeverly that's a Beautiful story.
I think you both did a great job on the kids Christmas this year. I have enjoyed this very much thank you. God bless all of you 🙏❤️🌹
You’re such a beautiful young lady inside and out and you’re a wonderful mother and wife . You’re husband is so sweet and he’s so funny I get so tickled at him sometimes . You’re children are going to love their gifts they’ll be so excited and happy ! God bless you and your family sweet lady. 💞💞
You could put a dot of paint on each white stylus like the blue and red so each child will be able to locate their stylus. Love from your virtual grandmother ❤🎉
Could you maybe link were you bought that small game thing with a bunch of different games I know my daughter would love one ❤
I was thinking the same.
@lg1582 I went to the site Anbernic and they have a lot to choose from pretty much all have the same games but you can get different styles of it
I love watching what you got your kids for Christmas 🎄 I love watching you make slime with your kids it looks like your elves were having a ball you enjoy your day God bless you 💖
My late Husband and i both worked very hard outside the home. To have what little we had. We made sure our kids were clothed and fed and Christmas we tried to get them some of what they wanted. Not all because we saved some things for birthdays. And our kids did chores for money and saved for some of the things they wanted. And im glad we did that because it not only taught my kids about earning for what they wanted. But how to do things when they were grown . We didn't have a lot of money but my children and i always picked a boy and a girl off of the angle tree to buy for every Christmas. And that also taught them about giving. Also we tried to help a family with Christmas dinner we bought their turkey and a sm ham and fixings for a dinner. And a couple of years we picked a family and did the dinner and presents for the kids and Mom and Dad. It wasn't big expensive but they had a Christmas. Because we didn't have much ourselves.. And there were a couple of years i even heard if a couple of people that didn't have Thanksgiving dinner. So I took them the things to make their dinner. Love ya Hugs ❤️oh yeah i make mayonnaise biscuits and they are easy and delicious and you just spoon them out.
You actually don’t knot the thread in cross stitching but just pull it threw a few back loops you have already done and hold the tail end till you do a few loops and then it will not pull out…does that make since? Also if you knot when you go to frame it, it won’t lay flat in the frame and glass…and the back looks clean and neat also…Great gift idea!!! I enjoyed doing cross stitching and have things to complete still, so ai may pull them out and complete them…great winter hobby also….thanks for sharing and encouraging new things, well old hobbies but new to most!! 👍💕😊🙏🇺🇸🐾
Marina oh my GOSH! YOU are doing really good. I used to do that and needle work with my grandma when I was 10 - 14 and my grandma said I was almost as good as her and she did an absolutely perfect job. So that was a big compliment from my grandma.
FYI Marina they sell like a 3 count kits and each thing on the how to ones is the set of 3 and it teaches you all the different stitches. I loved it. It had been 50 years plus since I had done this. It was so much fun. If you get the kit of 3 and then also watch the things on RUclips that showed you also, some are better than others.
You should be able to give your children anything and everything you want. And everyone should be happy for you and yours!❤
Preach 🙏
I agree. I don’t like gift shaming. If you wanna buy the world for your kids…buy it.
Oh goodness! Girl, I scrapbook and I am as far from organized as you can get! Lol. My husband retired Dec.31st and he started a crossstitch project that he printed off the internet. The last supper. It is large. He did it in 3 months. It is absolutely gorgeous! So much detail. I had it framed and it hangs in my living room. The back is as pretty as the front! I've never seen anyone do it so neat. I'd love to show it to you but I don't know how to show you on here. You're doing great.
Last year’s gifts were amazing because she give a lot good ideas! This year was boring!!!
I am so proud of both of you. I went and ordered a kit to do over the holidays. lol. I used to cross stitch a long time ago.
I wanna start by saying thank you for everyone's prayers after I mentioned interviewing for a job. I got the job!! I will be working as the office manager / administrative assitant at a local church. I am so excited! Now to the video...thank you for sharing the list from the elves on how to make slime! My ten year old daughter is in her slime era and will be so excited to try this. You have sparked interest in me to try cross stitch again but doing it with plastic canvas and yarn. I used to do that with my Grammy growing up. I remember I found it calming for some reason. That cake looked so good! We are also having a small Christmas for our kids as far as gifts go. I love the ideas you gave as both my kids are big gamers as well. I feel like gamer kids can have a negative stereotype sometimes so it is refreshing to see supportive parents of gamer kids....hope that makes sense lol. Another lovely video with our besties!❤
Congratulations sweetie !!! 💞🙏🏻💞
@aimerandolph644 congratulations.
The reactions to the mayonnaise cake has made me laugh at least 11 times since you posted it - it's the best
Mayonnaise cakes are just eggs and oil subtracted from cake. I have always used mayo if I did not have eggs or oil in my cakes. You can also use applesauce in place of oil.
I love chocolate mayonnaise cake with peanut butter frosting, my favorite!!
In a cake that uses mayonnaise. That is used as the oil or butter in a cake. You dont taste it when the cake is baked. My little sister (who is almost 59 now) does the most beautiful counted cross stitch. She made me a picture of a noahs ark with all the animals 2x2. Its so pretty. She had it matted and framed under glass for me. I have it hung up in my family room. Still love it so much. Must have taken hours and hours and hours. Ive done pretty much all needlework there is. As i love crafts, always have. I need to start knitting again. Merry Christmas everyone!
Marina you are adorable working on your cross stitch. I so love watching your channel you have an awesome family. I love you guys God bless you all ❤️
So so excited to see a video!!! I've been watching videos from the single wide and going down memory lane from when I first started watching you ❤❤ Also looking back I can't believe how little the kids were when you lived in the trailer park!!!!
lol merina the side eye from your daughter when you dropped the slime tub was hilarious 😂😂😂
Thank you for sharing. You are a smart lady, taking your negative comments and turning them in something smart, good, better. Very wise. Great gifts for your children. How do you save the money for your Christmas. You do the envelope system. Have a Blessed day. Thanks again.
Make sure when you work on the cross stitch, you are working in very good light. It will help against eye strain. You are doing a really good job!❤🎉
Hershey's frosting is the best!
I would love one of your handmade ornaments for my tree! ❤️ I collect Christmas Ornaments. Your cross stitching looks good! You should also try diamond painting, it is so much fun & relaxing!
I think whatever people can do is awesome! Everybody has different budgets and lives and anything you can get your kids, is going to be great. And thank you for reminding people that sometimes we can and sometimes we can’t and that is okay. ❤
Oh my goodness I am so glad to have the opportunity to see merina Shane kids fur babies yaaaaa ,,,I needed this tonight love ❤️ from NY
Great gifts for the kids , I'm sure they will love them.
Greetings from Minnesota! Great video... fun gifts! Good luck with the cross stitch. It's good for us to find something that ... something like that! 😄
Hey Marina. Glad to see your taking up the hobby of crossstitch. Being an avid stitcher I have a piece of advice if you take your needle down in the hole your loop will be on the top then feed your needle through the loop and the bring it back down through the same hole Hope that helps. Also there are you tube videos called floss tubes to help you. You should see some of the gorgeous work people do. Love your channel
Merina, is there any way you could possibly link to the gifts you talk about on this video? I hate to ask/bother you, because I know that you are super busy, but there are several things that you have bought for your kiddos that I am really interested in getting for my son and nephews, and I don't know where to start looking for them.
I would really appreciate it if you (or anyone watching that may know, please, feel free to help a Mama/Aunt out! It's VERY much appreciated, and I hope that you are ALL having a great week!
I just started the exact same hobby, I’m stitching a Christmas village ❤❤❤ so fun.
My grandmother used to make mayonnaise cake and now I make it. I think it is one of the best tasting chocolate cakes there is! Lol. It's never dry! You have to try it with some peanut butter icing! So good!
Thanks for sharing. I’m new to watching you and just love your channel. Just bummed it took me so long to get here. I’ll have to enjoy going back to the beginning and watching through the years.
I'm literally so happy that you posted a video tonight so I have something to listen to as I drive home from work not to mention I'm overly concerned about the whole alien thing so it's taking my mind slightly off of it love you girl
You have gotten them some amazing presents I just know they are going to love them ❤️🫶🏼❤️
I've stitched for 32 years and it calms my brain.