Happy New Year

Here's hoping that 2012 will bring nothing but good things to us all.  It can not be harder than 2010 and 2011.

Happy New Year!

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins

Happy New Year to all of you!!! And...here we go!

1. Wait, wait I can feel the good vibes of 2012 already!
2. Every year is a little different.
3. In addition, this new year is going to be the year of change and possibilities!
4. The round about way seems to be  the way we do it here!
5. At the end of the year, I like to reflect and celebrate all that was good in the year and let go of the rest.
6. New and exciting career opportunity  is one of the things I'm looking forward to in 2012.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the shows with the kids...especially Grimm, tomorrow my plans include hopefully making something yummy to enjoy and Sunday, I want to preparing for the return to work and school for the kids!


In addition to all this my thoughts and prayers are with my dear friend M who was given some discouraging and frightening health news this holiday season.  If you are reading hear and are prayerful please add M to your thoughts and prayers.  I believe there is power in positive thoughts, intentions and prayer.  Thanks!

Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 52

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is bright and windy.  The light has a cold hue.

I am thinking...that good things will come along in 2012.

I am thankful for...all that I have experienced in the past year.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  I feel stronger than I was and ready for the challenges that inevitably come.  I look forward to the transitions that I will be making in the next three months.  


From the kitchen...it's been a catch as you can and take out week!  I guess after all the baking and cooking for the holidays I've been a bit unmotivated in the kitchen. 

I am wearing...my Christmas jammies. I think that pajamas are my favorite Christmas gift to receive.  I have two new sets this year.  I am wearing my gray cardinal pajamas.  I love them!  They are pretty and remind me of my Mum.  

What I'm creating: nothing but memories with my kids. 

I am going...to be going out with n today!  We have plans to pick up the puppy's license at the town hall,  enjoy one more run to Cupcake Charlies before they close down for February and March, shop at Kohl's so that she can spend her giftcard and I can spend my reward bucks, paint pottery at Claychick and then maybe even grab a sandwich for lunch.  It should be a fun day.  I also must plan a movie date with N.  He really wants to see Tin Tin.  Movies tomorrow I think. 

I am reading...not much lately.  Just working on finishing up an online class.   

I am hearing...Flicka wine to go out.  Besides that all is quiet. 

Around the house...organizing and cleaning must be accomplished before vacation ends.  Boo!  

One of my favorite things...is enjoying being home and dreaming about the future.  

A few plans for the rest of the week: relaxing, cleaning, relaxing and more cleaning. I'm also going to be saying a lot of prayers and sending positive thought to my friend who had her important drs appointment  a couple of weeks ago.  She found out she has cancer and now has to find out if it has spread.  Please if you are the spiritual type add my dear friend M to your prayers.  


A few pictures to share

Our first snowman of the year!  Isn't she cute?

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Texture Tuesday-Revisited

Peace!

All Said and Done

Well it is hard to believe that it is all over for yet another year!  I am sitting listening to N play his video game, R snoring, Flicka drinking and n on her computer.  It was a great Christmas here in our little home.  Now it's time to rest, reflect and think of the promise of a new year.

Peace!

Christmas Cards

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Better late than never!

Peace!

Merry Christmas

Personalize your own slideshow design

Friday Fill Ins

Here we go!

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you hear what I hear?





2. The first Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay.



3. Dashing through the snow, in a on horse open sleigh, ore the fields we go laughing all the way.



4. It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old.



5. When I was small I believed in Santa Claus, though I knew it was my dad. 



6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Christmas, tomorrow my plans include making yummy food to enjoy with the family for Christmas Eve and Sunday, I want to enjoy the day and take  lots of photos. 




Peace!

It's A God Thing...

So I shared my last post as a note on FB.  I had several kind comments one that has really stuck with me.  My sister D said that it was a 'God thing'.

After some thought I have had a lot of God things coming up lately.  We have been struggling for some time to rent 40 Mayflower well just as we were at the end of our rope we found a family, or they found us. Actually they had been following the Craig's list post for some time.  When we let go of our original preconceived notion about what we should get for rent these people contacted us about renting.  The lease is now signed and they'll be moving in on January 1st.  The feelings surrounding this will be saved for a different post.  I have also been personally struggling with a need to move on in some areas of my life.  Fear however has kept me where I am.  I should not be fearful but that is human nature.  I have been bombarded with messages from a variety of sources that have propelled me back into the public school arena.  It turns out I was in the right place at the right time and now have what could prove to be a very good opportunity.  We shall see.

We all have the ability to see the 'God things' in our lives if we only could stop and slow down and truly look.  During this time of year we can certainly take the time to witness the God things in our lives.

Peace!

Under Control?

This will be our third Christmas without Dad.  It's been a decade or so since our last Christmas with Nanny and Ma.  I have a lot of experience managing the holidays without certain loved ones.  There is always a wistful longing that goes along with the happy festivities.  I've become accustomed to this and try to stay focussed on the moment and on creating lasting memories for my children.  Well I have been feeling like I have this emotional piece pretty much under control.  Until just a few moments ago.

I have not walked Flicka around the complete neighborhood loop for a while.  Today it is relatively warm considering it is December 21st.  It is a great day for a walk with a puppy.  When I walk the complete loop of the neighborhood I always pass the home of my Mum and Dad's dear friends Polly and Al.  Passing their home reminds me of many years ago when I would see them each weekend at my home.  Friday or Saturday evenings were always enjoyed together.  Truly they were a part of my extended family.  As I approached their home I noticed a decoration hanging outside their door.  A flood of memories came at me.  You see the decoration.. a wooden santa image affixed to a three dimentional sled,  was lovingly cut and assembled by Dad almost 18 years ago.  The pieces were then painted by Mum and me.  I had no idea that Polly and Al even had this piece never mind that they made it a part of their holidays.  Needless to say the tears came as I walked home remembering.  

Just when I thought I had everything under control I am humbled by this experience.  I have such vivid memories of past Christmas celebrations.  I miss those days even as I try to stay present and carry on....  

Texture Tuesday-12 Days of Christmas

This is one of my favorite holiday pictures.  It is a photo of my Mum from many years ago.  I added one of Kim's 12 Days of Texture, textures with the text 'it's a wonderful life'.  The photo was old and textured on its own when I scanned it into my computer.  I like the final image. 

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday

Peace!

Relief!

Well this weekend went bye in a flash.  It has been a very exciting weekend.  Our renters have given us a deposit and are very excited to move into the house during the month of January.  They even showed R  a picture of a kitchen table they are picking up to go in the 'modern' house!  Funny I don't think of 40 M as modern.  I think we have found the right people to live in our house.  They will make it a home once again.   Their two little girls are adorable and excited to have a yard and a home where they can run and jump and make noise.  There is a level of relief as we move toward Christmas.  I am grateful.

There are other positives brewing on the back burner.  Things I won't write about yet.  My 21st Century Learner class is very inspirational.  I am excited by all that I am learning.  The information in this class gives me hope for our educational system... if only we could get the buy in from all the administrators out there.

Well after all the excitement I'm tired.  Time to rest up for a busy week ahead.

Peace!

Excitement

Well it's been a very long road but we have found a family to move into and care for 40 M.  They have been looking for a house to rent for a while.  They have two young children who have been cooped up in apartment life for too long.  They are excited to have a yard and view of the ocean.  We are excited for a bit more financial stability.  Yeah!

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins

And here we go:


1. Sleigh bells ring are you listening.



2. It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace.



3. You're a mean one Mr. Grinch.



4. Father Christmas by The Kinks!




5. Silent night  holy night. 






6. All I want for Christmas YOU!



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying shows and wine, tomorrow my plans include showing 40 M to a couple for the second time and Sunday, I want to plan the week so that I get everything done.


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 50

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is rising and the light is cool.  

I am thinking...that the tides might be shifting and this is a very good thing. 

I am thankful for...the life I live.  It is not perfect but it is mine and I am living it to the best of my ability, making choices and decisions and taking control of my own destiny.   


From the kitchen...it's been a yummy week!  Salad and rotisserie chicken, homemade chicken pie, pizza pockets to order.... yumm.  Tonight however will be leftovers.  

I am wearing...my jammies still.  I'll be getting dressed for work shortly and wearing my gray cords (that are too big but part of my rotation) a light gray turtleneck and a cream faux fur vest. 

What I'm creating: cards, hand mono printed with a hand painted christmas tree. I've scaled down my card list this year so I thought hand made cards would be fun.

I am going...to be working on my 21st Century learning class this weekend.  Hopefully I'll get all my lessons done so that I can move on to the next class.  

I am reading...not much lately.  N wants me to start one of his books but I'm short on time, we'll see. 

I am hearing...music.

Around the house...organizing, cleaning and decorating are on my to do list. 

One of my favorite things...is enjoying being home and dreaming about the future.  

A few plans for the rest of the week: subbing, baking, crafting, cleaning, and sending a prayer to a friend who is going to a very important doctors appointment today.  I hope that she gets the answers she needs.   


A few pictures to share

Miss my little Fluffy! 

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

The reason for the season!

peace!

Texture Tuesday-Revisited

So our weekly Texture Tuesday has ended for the year however I thought it would be nice to revisit some of my favorite texture pictures.  Most of my favorites have already been posted, some may be new.

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday

Christmas through the years.

Peace!

Shadow Shot Sunday

Shadows of days gone by....

Weekend Work

Well the weekend is here!  Yay!

Lots to get done.  I have organized my office area in the basement.  I have gifts to finish making and buying.  I think the buying will be saved until Monday.  I'm taking the day off so that I an get through my list.

Right now as I type this I should really be painting, printing and gluing.  I have tomorrow to get things done too so I guess a minute to post while watching Cupcake Wars is OK.

Hope everyone is having a productive weekend.

Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 49

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is up and the air is cold and seasonal it is beginning to feel like the holidays. 

I am thinking...that I have sooooo much to do over the weekend.  Baking, gift buying, gift making, wrapping, assembling, cleaning, mothering, ....the list goes on

I am thankful for...the ability to do all that must be done...even when it feels daunting. 


From the kitchen...simple foods this week, breakfast, ziti broc chicken, pizza pockets and takeout.  Tonight it will be raviolli and this weekend much baking will ensue. 

I am wearing...my jammies still.  I'll be getting dressed for work shortly and wearing brown pants, black top and vest.

What I'm creating: cards and gifts...baked gifts as well as simple handmade ornaments.

I am going...to be celebrating my A in my most recent class and moving forward with my second class on Dec 14th.  I have my third class going to and will need to get back to that this weekend.  

I am reading...not much lately.  I'm hooked on a new website called craftgawker.  It is a great place to find information and for me it makes more sense than pinterest. 

I am hearing...music.

Around the house...more decorating needs to be done and much more cleaning.

One of my favorite things...is enjoying Friday. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: subbing, baking, crafting, cleaning  


A few pictures to share

Peace!

Texture Tuesday-Celebrate

So we began our decorating yesterday.  It was a fun working with the kids to bring up, assemble and decorate the tree.  We also put up decorations throughout the house.  I guess this is what was on my mind as I worked on my photo for Texture Tuesday.   

Looking back at my image after receiving a kind comment I guess I should have written a child is born, rather than for he is risen.  I'm not going to change it because I believe everything happens for a reason and I like how this image looks.  Perhaps I'll go back and create an additional image.  

Peace!

Dad

Remembering Dad today on the second anniversary of his death.  Time is funny,  it seems so long ago yet like it was just yesterday.

We are honoring him by beginning a new family tradition.  This will forever be the day we set up the tree and decorate the house.  Both children are home today to help with this process.  We will create new memories and share stories of the past.





Peace!

Shadow Shot Sunday

I love the shadows that show up in this school yard!  The trees are tall and old and the shadows so dramatic.  

Peace!

Beach Clay

Well we made it down to the beach with Flicka today. n and I  walked to the clay deposit.  For some reason it felt like a shorter walk.  Not sure why.  We were struck by the fact that the entire beach looked very different then the last time we walked.  The sand was gone and the rocks were back.  I was hoping that the clay deposit remained.  I'm happy to say that while some of the deposit was covered with sand much of it remained uncovered and today I brought our small camera and was able to capture some good shots.

Peace!