The stocking are finally hung, the candles are up in the windows, the tree is lit and decorated with presents busting out the bottom........ ornaments are spread around the house in tall glass cylinders for additional decoration along with cinnamon scented pine cones and candles......... candy dishes are filled with chocolate and candy canes........ snow is falling outside and firewood is stacked by the fireplace ready to burn brightly....... the dining table is set with holiday dishes while the kitchen and bath towels have been exchanged for those with red and green patterns of ornaments.......
We are lucky enough to have all our family close enough that we get to see everyone! Christmas will be with my husbands family and then we'll be hosting my family at New Years'. So until the New Year, I wish you all nothing but the BEST holiday wishes and hope you'll be spending your days filled with family, friends, delicious foods and lots of laughter and hugs!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Birthday Reflections
This past Saturday I was thrown a wonderful surprise birthday party by my husband and best friend (who traveled from Baltimore!) A great time was had by all and I'm so appreciative of all the work that went into planning and putting everything together. I was thrilled by those that came from all over to our home for the event. A total bonus is my visiting brother up from Texas :-) Thank you All!
Today, is the calendar day of my 30th year and as I was driving to work this morning I started thinking about where I had thought/ planned to be at 30yrs when I was 18yrs. Let me share with you what I can remember:
First off, I thought 30 was a total adult and meant having life completely in order and planned out. I dreamed about a business career, a fancy apartment with the accouterments, 2 cars (yes! 2!!!) a classic black sedan and a green truck. I had planned a career first and a family second getting married at 32yrs and adopting children before 40yrs. I wanted a career that had the traditional 9 - 5 suit and briefcase look. (oiy!)
I honestly think I read too many books and watched waaaaay too many movies!!!! because as I look around now at my actual life with an incredible husband, close friends, family - there are no people in that 18yr olds plan!!! In addition to all the people I love and that care about me, I have a goofy dog, a beautiful home, a job, a car, food in the fridge, etc. I don't have my life planned out: it's messy and crazy and wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I'm so glad my life didn't turn out the way I had planned at 18.
So. I'm now 30yrs old. And while the number doesn't thrill me, I can hear my husband in my head telling me that I'm only as old as I feel - and I don't feel 30! I don't feel grown-up all the time! As Kel and I have agreed many times, sometimes it feels like I'm a little kid and I wake up and WHOA! I'm married??? I have a house? A Job? Bills to pay? when the heck did this happen?? But then, you look around and you recognise people who have been there all along and you know that you are still you and it's just time passing. Clearly, if time is passing this fast we must be having a blast!!
So here's to 30! May time continue to fly by filled with people I love & new adventures.
PS - To Aunt Vicki: no, I do not feel any different than I did yesterday at 29 :-)
Today, is the calendar day of my 30th year and as I was driving to work this morning I started thinking about where I had thought/ planned to be at 30yrs when I was 18yrs. Let me share with you what I can remember:
First off, I thought 30 was a total adult and meant having life completely in order and planned out. I dreamed about a business career, a fancy apartment with the accouterments, 2 cars (yes! 2!!!) a classic black sedan and a green truck. I had planned a career first and a family second getting married at 32yrs and adopting children before 40yrs. I wanted a career that had the traditional 9 - 5 suit and briefcase look. (oiy!)
I honestly think I read too many books and watched waaaaay too many movies!!!! because as I look around now at my actual life with an incredible husband, close friends, family - there are no people in that 18yr olds plan!!! In addition to all the people I love and that care about me, I have a goofy dog, a beautiful home, a job, a car, food in the fridge, etc. I don't have my life planned out: it's messy and crazy and wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I'm so glad my life didn't turn out the way I had planned at 18.
So. I'm now 30yrs old. And while the number doesn't thrill me, I can hear my husband in my head telling me that I'm only as old as I feel - and I don't feel 30! I don't feel grown-up all the time! As Kel and I have agreed many times, sometimes it feels like I'm a little kid and I wake up and WHOA! I'm married??? I have a house? A Job? Bills to pay? when the heck did this happen?? But then, you look around and you recognise people who have been there all along and you know that you are still you and it's just time passing. Clearly, if time is passing this fast we must be having a blast!!
So here's to 30! May time continue to fly by filled with people I love & new adventures.
PS - To Aunt Vicki: no, I do not feel any different than I did yesterday at 29 :-)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Christmas Decorations in Progress
So this year is Matt's Tree. For those of you who don't know, Matt and I trade off who decides the decor for the Christmas Tree. On years Matt is in charge, the tree is covered in multi-colored lights and every ornament we own. On years I'm in charge, there is usually white lights and some sort of colored theme. In past years it's been red, or silver and blue, or antique ornaments.
This year is Matt's year. So multicolored lights and all the ornaments we own, it is! This means that the rest of the house will be more subdued with red and silver colors. Below are some examples of works in progress :-) I'm using a lot of candles this year along with ornaments in tall glass cylinders.
The mantel has a bit of decoration with candles and a mini village.
This is one of the taller glass cylinders with candles in front. Pardon the TV cable wires!
Other end of the mantel with more candles. The large pine cones are for hanging stockings - which I haven't unpacked yet :)
Almost all our windows now have candles in them and extra festive pillows make every corner x-mas-y!
X-mas candy in crystal bowls with candles and little silver sparkly sticks? tree branches? twigs? :)
Cinnamon pinecones waiting to spread around the house, another glass cylinder filled with traditional candy canes and a sparkly reminder sign a-top the bookcase!
This year is Matt's year. So multicolored lights and all the ornaments we own, it is! This means that the rest of the house will be more subdued with red and silver colors. Below are some examples of works in progress :-) I'm using a lot of candles this year along with ornaments in tall glass cylinders.
The couch is currently covered just in case Reese jumps up - we're trying to get him to not be on the furniture. His foster mom allowed him on beds, couches, large chairs, etc. It's a work in progress, so in the meantime, the couch is covered :) And a fun Gingerbread man!
The mantel has a bit of decoration with candles and a mini village.
This is one of the taller glass cylinders with candles in front. Pardon the TV cable wires!
Other end of the mantel with more candles. The large pine cones are for hanging stockings - which I haven't unpacked yet :)
Almost all our windows now have candles in them and extra festive pillows make every corner x-mas-y!
X-mas candy in crystal bowls with candles and little silver sparkly sticks? tree branches? twigs? :)
Cinnamon pinecones waiting to spread around the house, another glass cylinder filled with traditional candy canes and a sparkly reminder sign a-top the bookcase! Tomorrow we are off to pick out the Christmas Tree & a Wreath for the front door and maybe, maaaayyyybe some extra greenery for the house!
More coming soon!
Friday, December 10, 2010
New Pics of Reese
Matt took these photos with the tagline: after a long day chasing the elusive rope cow, every good dog deserves a nap.
This is Reese and his ever-favorite rawhide bone. He is slowly settling in but still trying to determine if we are for real and if we are going to leave him somewhere....... he's a great guy though with lots of puppy energy and loves (and licks) everyone he meets!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Reese
For those of you who don't know - we've been going through the process of adopting a dog from a rescue league in our area. We met this guy in Maine - where he was staying with his foster family - and totally fell in love with him! Matt will tell you that I've been going a bit happy-crazy to get the house ready to bring this guy home. I can't help it! I'm just so excited :-)
These are old pictures of Nero (whose new name will be Reese) . His coloring has changed to all black except for his paws and the two brown dots on his eyebrows have stayed. Even the brown has darkened. He has also gained some good muscle weight and has widened through his head, nose and chest.
I didn't even think to take photos when we met him - I should have though. There was this great moment when he sat on Matt's boot and looked straight up at him. Or when he decided I was ok and put his head on my knee and hung out for a while.
These are old pictures of Nero (whose new name will be Reese) . His coloring has changed to all black except for his paws and the two brown dots on his eyebrows have stayed. Even the brown has darkened. He has also gained some good muscle weight and has widened through his head, nose and chest.
I didn't even think to take photos when we met him - I should have though. There was this great moment when he sat on Matt's boot and looked straight up at him. Or when he decided I was ok and put his head on my knee and hung out for a while.
We are bringing him home this weekend :-) and hope to get him settled in a bit before visitors, but then we'd LOVE to see you!!! We know you'll love him like we do!
School House Studio Open House - RI
HI All!
For those of you in RI or near RI this weekend, there is an Open House event at Lorraine Mill. I highly encourage you to stop by and visit!
School House Studios
The Weave Shed at Lorraine Mill
558 Mineral Spring Ave
Pawtucket, RI
School House Studios is a sewing school where students age 4 to 94 can come and learn something new or just enjoy classes together! One of my personal favs is the Grandparents class where one grandparent and a grandchild come and build projects together - like the popular teddy bear and coordinating blanket!
Older students have been known to build Halloween props and costumes, prom dresses, gifts for family and friends as well as those working on home dec, quilts and embroidery. Please note that you can choose to come and create your own project or have them commissioned by the talented Mr & Mrs Love (founders & teachers of the Studio).
Dream it. Draw it. Make it.
Hope to see you there!
For those of you in RI or near RI this weekend, there is an Open House event at Lorraine Mill. I highly encourage you to stop by and visit!
School House Studios
The Weave Shed at Lorraine Mill
558 Mineral Spring Ave
Pawtucket, RI
School House Studios is a sewing school where students age 4 to 94 can come and learn something new or just enjoy classes together! One of my personal favs is the Grandparents class where one grandparent and a grandchild come and build projects together - like the popular teddy bear and coordinating blanket!
Older students have been known to build Halloween props and costumes, prom dresses, gifts for family and friends as well as those working on home dec, quilts and embroidery. Please note that you can choose to come and create your own project or have them commissioned by the talented Mr & Mrs Love (founders & teachers of the Studio).
Dream it. Draw it. Make it.
Hope to see you there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)