2011 Memories

Everyone is reviewing 2011. Thought I'd do my small part, but I rarely link to the bigger blogs because I blog to satisfy myself. I don't kid myself about being a gifted writer, and tend to be brief and direct. If I'm going to read something, I want it to be a book, so I skim a lot out in the world of blogging. I do love all the eye candy I find and tuck those ideas into my memory bank! I am a visual learner, so that makes sense to me. (Strange then that I have no pictures today. Perhaps I can add them later).

In 2011 Sarah was married to the man I've prayed for even before meeting him. Alex is THE best-and he blessed me with the cutest grandson, Maxx. Happiness is the three of them here at home on Christmas morning (or any other morning) as it was so much fun to watch Maxx. I heard he had said that he didn't believe in Santa, but on Christmas Eve I peeked in his bedroom and asked him if he believed. He told me YES and I said that is the RIGHT answer because it is the SPIRIT of LOVE and GIVING that is Santa at our house.

Two of my pet babies left me in sorrow this year also. RooRoo, my crippled kitty that was born in the laundry room with two broken front legs, lived inside, but was fond of coming out with me into the garden. She had a unique way of getting around and when she was a baby, hopped like a kangaroo.

What can I say about my biggest baby? BooBoo always thought he should be a lap dog. That is something rather difficult when you are a Newfie. Each of our boys has had their own personality--this guy hated the lawn mower with a passion and wanted to tear it to pieces. You would have feared for your life if you saw him attack it. But the only damaged he could ever do was knock someone over if you weren't expecting him. Or I guess he could have gotten you with his slobber, but he didn't really slobber too much. Once there was a baby raccoon that got into his doghouse and he would NOT chase it out. He just barked and barked until I thought I'd go deaf. Instead, I had to chase the little critter out for him. Not the bravest of the boys.

2011 was the year I kept up with the pasture grass, a monumental task for me alone. But I didn't do so well with the weeds around in the back. It was also a year of simplifying around the house which means I took things OUT to the thrift stores, and limited myself on what came IN. My plan is to continue this into 2012. (I know Wally would be jumping for joy at this proclamation). In many ways Alex and Wally are alike and Wally would have been thrilled that his baby girl found such a nice person. Alex--you can jump after you learn how to mow the grass and pull weeds! :-)

2011...farewell. Memories are good for my soul.

Christmas 2011

Santa has a date with our family on December 24 each year. He magically appears after my nephew heads back to a bedroom for a nap after dinner. We welcomed Chloe nine days earlier this month and she's already to tell the big guy in red what she's thinking~and he is listening intently...

And here's Mom, big sister, Olivia, Santa, and Chloe. Mom and Santa are closely related, as in brother and sister!
Here's Alex's son that was able to fly in the day before to be my grandson! Yea!! I've been missing Maxx since the wedding this summer and am so happy to see him again.
One of two pictures I was able to get of Olivia's sweet dress with the red roses in the front. All the other pictures I tried to take ended up with a gorgeous view of her back. She moves quickly.
Cousins-Sarah and Jennell, with one of our 26 stockings we filled. This elf is simplifying next year and plans on making a family recipe book for 2012. It may be more work, but something I've had in my mind for a while.

Maxx on Christmas morning.

Alex, his dad, my son(in-law).

My baby, Sarah.
Oh, and Buster. So not excited.
Not even when he got a new watering bowl,
to remind him he is really a country boy-
a big, black rubber bowl.

When my babies got to the house after getting stopping at DIA to get Maxx, he saw the gifts in the living room and wondered if any were for him. Names were not in plain sight, so he couldn't tell, but we knew which ones for him. I'm pretty sure he was pleased.
Now, I will relax and enjoy the twelve days of Christmas. Everyone is always in a rush to put things away, but when you work, the time is too short to enjoy it. So, in the way of the wise men that had to make that long journey many years ago, Christmas will not be "over" for me yet.

Blessings to you

During this week of preparation for the celebration of our Savior's birth, may you and your family experience the PEACE and LOVE of the Christ child.

Merry Christmas.

S S S ABUNDANCE

Keep Calm...this is my motto I must repeat when trying to find the pictures deep within my computer! I still can't find some of them that I wanted to post, but am too excited to wait for my boy (Sarah's hubby) to come home this weekend. He knows his "MOM" is just computer literate enough to create lots of problems for him to solve. I am keeping him!!
This project has been so much FUN and we have had the most wonderful person in charge-- Suzanne, better known as The Coloradolady. Even though she says she likes sweet tea-I won't deny her that pleasure. Why? Because she has a cabin in my homestate and only gets to visit Colorado and wants to retire here - the best state in the nation. Suzanne, you blessed me with your time and organization in this project. THANK YOU!
And so, my box arrived! I took pictures of ALL the wrapped packages! I can NOT find them. GRRR.

LOOK:
A PERFECT, quilted table runner.
(made by my elf )
Exactly the right size for this buffet top!
an angel,
a Gingerbread boy,
Santa's list notepad,
a Wendy's gift card.

Wait, there's MORE~
Cranberry candles,
lotion and shower gel,
a roly poly gingerbread boy,
a tiny note pad,
a tea bag holder,
and four fat quarters in my very favorite colors!

Can I just say that my SSS partner was beyond generous and so thoughtful?!!! EVERYTHING fits me to a T! I must say I think I know who my SS is because I visited many participants on the list, although I won't spoil anyone's fun by telling. THANK YOU, my friend!! I hope your SS partner was good to you, too!♥♫

Oh, what fun it is to have a Secret Santa like YOU!!

A THIRD BOX!

Thank you, Anne! The box came the day after you sent it on its way to me! More than was expected was revealed when I opened the box. Let me tell you, it is so much fun to have boxes delivered from bloggers!

Floral stationery in my favorite color.

A sampling of different TEAS
and a 2012 calendar,

which I plan to take to school. I might just take the tea with me, too! Especially since I seem to spend most of my time there.

AND, this floral sugar and creamer set with vintage looking flowers--so sweet and pretty. I guess Anne knew that I would love the flowers because they remind me of my garden. It is the perfect gift for me.

Here's everything in one picture!

Did I say how nicely this set will be with my Tea Light wall color I have in the living room? Just perfect! Thank you, dear Anne. Happy BLOGaversary @ Phamily Blog!

I am so blessed with all the goodness that I've received this month!

Not Global Warming

One thing country people always seem to be interested in is the weather. Or in this case, the morning temperature. Not the best picture ever, but

MINUS 21!

Out here in Colorado we think this would be appropriate in January during the National Western Livestock Show aka The Stock Show. This is AFTER Christmas.

Santa's List

The mail carrier has been bringing me boxes from two dear blogging friends that had drawings recently. And will be stopping AGAIN with another box!

Yes, you counted correctly...
THREE times a winner!
Me!!

This folded fabric ornament was lovingly made by Donna from Sugar, Spice, and Southern Life. Her handiwork is absolutely exquisite! She told me there are a lot of pins, but I couldn't see any pin heads as they are cleverly hidden. Perfect points--I know it's difficult to see since I seem to still be on the "outs" with my phone/camera/pictures. Donna has so many great projects that she shares on her blog. Click on her name and be inspired! Thank you, dear friend.
The second box to arrive held this gorgeous handmade silk posie from Dana in Georgia. If you go visit Lambs and Ivy Designs you will be drooling... . I've been so blessed by both bloggers! I love it!! Thank you!
And Anne tells me her husband drew my name out of the hat for her blog anniversary post at her Phamily Blog. So you know there will be something else arriving soon!

It's been quite a week because my Secret Santa box also arrived. Will devote a separate post just for the party! Have a good week.

And a special note for Remington...I listened to the last 13 seconds of the big game and I know how disappointed you are.♥♫