Three Amigos

Ok, Ok, Ok---I just GOTTA share one more picture from our Christmas! I promise, I won't share tooooo many more. But I think this one is soooo cute!!!

These are the children of three first cousins. And the boys are born in the same order the three cousins were born. Hank is the oldest at 2 1/2. Michael is next at 2, and Tucker is 1 1/2. They don't see each other toomuch, but they had such fun together during our Christmas celebration. Their great granny got them all the same gifts---so most of the toys were interchangeable. And she got them some fun stuff---like drumsticks that are battery operated and make lots of bangs and other noises when waved about in the air. Hank proceeded to turn them into swords! Great Aunt Juli got this fire truck to leave at Great Granny's house. The two younger boys wanted to sit in the truck, but Hank wanted to put out the "fires". So, all had a happy position!

Kids really, really do make Christmas sparkle! On this side of the family there are 5 grandchildren---all born within 5 years of each other. When they were little it was a blast to have Christmas --then they all turned into teens--YUCK!!! But now they are repaying that debt by turning out little ones of their own, and the sparkle has returned!!!

Just had to share that bit of useless info!!!

So how is the new year treating you? My sister & I treated ourselves to a day of shopping & lunch. She found this wonderful boutique "Bella Dames" and we headed there. She MADE me spend money---she really, really did!!! That's a store we can only visit once or twice a year--some of their things are a bit pricey & those are the ones that call our names!!! But we resisted and didn't over do it toooo badly!! Then we had lunch at a pub---McNellys. I wasn't certain what to expect, but it was like a neighborhood pub that I imagine from TV! People were sooo friendly, and the food was delicious!!!! I'm definitely going back and taking hubby. One can dine in jeans and ball caps if desired. It's comfy!

Well, must run---gotta catch up on some magazines I didn't have time for before the holidays. And my pjs are calling!!

Have a great weekend!!!

The First Day of The Year

This first day of the new year, 2009, was spent taking down the Christmas decorations, boxing them & returning them to the barn; then a quick trip to daughter's house to bring Hank home for the night.



We had a family dinner (minus daughter & son-in-law) of roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli salad, rolls, black eyed peas, banana pudding, pumpkin pie and gooey cookie bars. And would you believe my mom made it all except the peas, rolls & bars??? And she brought it all over to my house so we could feast like the piggies we have become, and play with Hank. Oh, and watch some football!



We had a great time. Ate too much, enjoyed the company of all and was (internally) reminded of what a wonderful life we have. So much of what we take for granted is actually blessings given. Blessings and miracles that we tend to look over and past. The economy may be faltering, prices may be rising, the future may seem uncertain, but if we have the love and support of such a marvelous family, we can perservere through it all. Ups & downs, good & bad, certain & uncertain, joy & pain. God has blessed and I accept His blessings without question and with a grateful heart.



Hope your new year is off to a good start.



I'll try to get off the philosophical soapbox--it just seems this time of year rips the fog off my brain and I understand so much more clearly!



Back to the kitchen on January 12---that should take this emotional state away!! ha ha ha




Good night all---

The Happiest of New Years To You!!!!

To one and all-- I hope your New Year is full of blessing & brightness.






Resolutions? Moi? No way!!! I'm finished with the custom of resolutions. I just end up disappointing myself when they are all left undone! Perhaps each new morning I'll just remind myself of my blessings, and that it's up to me to make the most of those blessings. Each morning offers a new day to be one's best; to make the most of the next few hours; to smile more, complain less, help others, do my finest labor. So I'll just do the "resolution" thing daily.





What are you most proud of looking back over the past 365 days? Hmmmmm--in trying to accomplish less pride in life, it's hard to say. Maybe jumping out and purchasing the kitchen--especially in the economic realm facing us. Maybe how I cleaned up and prepared the job I left for the next person to take the reigns (and may I say she is doing a marvelous job). Maybe of how passionately I loved my family. Pride comes hard for me.






What do you want to accomplish in 2009? PAYING OFF THE NOTE ON THE KITCHEN!!!!! Now that most likely won't happen this year, but I'm sure going to work on it. The sooner it's paid off, the less worry I have and the more time I can give back to ---- me!---- And, I want to spend more time with Hank. It's difficult as he lives an hour away, and his mom works and doesn't want to share him (yeah, yeah, I totally understand that).









I found a greeting card that showed a "retro" lady sleeping; inside it said "I dreamed my house was clean". I think that is great----I have those dreams. Then I wake up and it hasn't happened!!! Where are those darned elfs????









Well, I'm off to put away the multitudes of boxes containing Christmas decor and to cook for a New Year's Eve party I'm catering. And--Hank is coming to spend the night! Whoopee!!! So I'll close for now.







Sweet Dreams & Sweeter Days!