Twenty-Eleven

The New Year is just hours away.  Plans have been made for its celebration and midnight kisses are awaited.  So many people consider January 1st a fresh start and as the day draws near, I can feel that urge to start anew.

I have thought a little about what I hope the New Year will bring… or rather what I hope to make of it.  There are exciting events on the horizon and the wish for more joy than ever.  My focus words for 2010 are still entirely relevant, especially the idea of simplifying.

Last year, my Mom blogged that she would like to live a “simple, tasty life; a quality life.”  Reading back for inspiration, these words caught me and stuck in my mind.

I wish to eliminate all the excess, the junk, and make room for the good, quality things I love and enjoy.  There is plenty of clutter to liquidate from my home and from my heart and I am looking forward to getting started.  Of course I know this is a continuing, lifelong process, but that does not discourage me.

My life is blessed and I am thankful.  In the New Year, I will continue to develop into myself and hopefully learn how to suck as much marrow from the bones of life as possible, to be more grateful than ever- another lifelong process, but if I get started early, the benefits can only be greater.

Oh Christmas Tree

I don’t take a lot of pictures during the celebrations of Christmas.  I’d rather be caught up in the moment than taking a picture of it, but I do try my best to take a picture of the tree at each event.  It’s the center of attention (or at least the gifts under it are) for a time period during each celebration, so it’s a good thing to capture.

Our first celebration was on Friday afternoon at Casey’s Aunt Gloria’s with his family.  There was a yummy lunch and then their annual secret Santa swap.

Later in the day we went to my Meme and Grampa’s (my dad’s parents).  We opened presents first there and followed it with a buffet style dinner- which was awesomely untraditional.  No turkey or ham in sight – we had venison and steak!  Oh, and rolls… Meme’s rolls with icing are my favorite and everyone knows it.

On Saturday, Casey and I woke up to have brunch at his parents’ house with a small exchange of gifts with them.

After brunch, we headed to my parents’ house for the remainder of the day.  We opened presents and lounged around, later having a delicious dinner of stuffed shells and garlic sticks.  This has become the Christmas meal for us… though it’s usually manicotti instead of stuff shells; they are essentially the same thing.

Finally, on Sunday, we went to my aunt and uncle’s house for Family Christmas.  This is my mom’s side of the family celebration.  We had a big potluck and did a mild-white elephant swap… mild meaning the gifts were numbered, we drew numbers, and there was no battling, just enjoying of gifts.

It was a great weekend and so wonderfully filled with family.  Now tomorrow is New Years Eve and there will be so much more to look forward to, with family likely at the center of much of it.

The In Between

Casey and I arrived at my parent’s house in the early morning hours on Christmas Eve, heading straight to bed for as much rest as we could get.  Now it is Monday evening and though it was expected, I am still amazed at how quickly the days go by.  The weekend was wonderful, though, filled with five celebrations of Christmas gift giving, food, and family.

Today my family and I recovered a bit, sleeping in with no places to be.  Most of the day was spent huddled inside, periodically admiring the snow falling outside.  The big storm that covered the east coast and inland last night dropped about nine inches or so on my parent’s back deck, the actual inch amount hard to guess due to gusting winds.

Karen and I sat at separate ends of the couch reading for much of the afternoon, spread out with my feet on the inside and hers near the outer edge of the cushion.  In between chapters, we took short naps, until just before dark when we decided to take a walk in the cold to get the mail, as well as do a little sledding.  Our main intention, however, was to burn off a few cookies.

Tonight we’re sitting in my Mom’s “studio” catching up on Internet business while Mom works on a project at her desk.  Later we’re going to eat pizza and play games, after which we may watch a movie.

The rest of this week between Christmas and New Years will be spent much the same way as today, resting, and also preparing, whether it be by making resolutions or just looking forward to what life will offer us in the three-hundred and sixty-five days following this upcoming Friday.

Right now, though, I’m going to finish up my computering and go downstairs… Runtley’s sweet rubbing against the computer has turned to sulking at the other end of the desk, waiting for me to get the picture and get out of her seat.

Welcome Winter

Today was my last full day of work until the New Year.  My commute was not horrendous, especially because I took a different route for a change of scenery.  When I got home, I took a quick refreshing shower, dressed in cozy jammies, and used some lavender lotion on my arms for a relaxing scent the rest of the evening.

I was tempted to eat cookies for dinner, but I resisted… not that I wont have some for dessert!  I’ve completed a couple of make gifts and only have a few more to finish.  Once those are done and wrapped, I’ll only have housekeeping and packing left before our travels.

I have tomorrow off and look forward to getting everything completely done so that I can go to work for a half day on Thursday with no anxiety about being ready on Thursday night when it’s time to head north.

Christmas is just a few days away and I’m excited for it and the time we’ll spend at home the week following!

Getting Ready

My shopping is done and most everything is wrapped.  I still have a few handmade gifts to complete, but I’m feeling really good.  I wanted to get everything done over the weekend, but I’m kind of glad for some tasks so I can keep busy between now and when we head north.

Things would have been a little better, but traffic tonight was absolutely horrendous.  Fortunately, the Christmas music in the car and a little prayer for patience got me home in good spirits.

I only have one full day of work left this week and that is tomorrow.  Wednesday will be my flex day, Thursday is a half day holiday, and Friday is a full day holiday.  We’re hoping to head out Thursday night and I’m excited to spend the next few days in preparation for the trip home and the celebration of Christmas!

The Boy is Back in Town

Casey is home after being at training in Texas for a week.  He got an earlier flight than originally planned and I’m so glad he’s back… and that I don’t have to pick him up at 1am.  We’re going to cozy up in our designated spots and clear off the DVR list.  Right back into our swing of things and it feels so good.

Snow Day!

No, that post title does not mean we had the day off because of snow, but it does mean that it snowed enough to stick for the first time today!

I think there was more snow in the city where I work than where we live, but the dusting looks pretty on the trees.  The only part I didn’t like is that I’m driving Casey’s car this week while mine is getting fixed and his car has big rims, low profile tires, and it’s rear wheel drive.  That’s a little scary to drive in the snow when you’re not used to it!

Fortunately, I made it home safe and sound.  I finished my Christmas cards and had a yummy dinner, followed by some hot cocoa and two delicious snickerdoodles on a pretty Christmas plate.  After being up late last night making cards, I am glad they are done and I’m hoping to go to bed much earlier tonight… like after I write this post.

Like right now.  Goodnight!

Roller Coaster Weekend

Mom and Karen are safely back in Vermont after a weekend full of ups and downs.  We laughed, we cried, we laughed until we cried.

On Thursday, we just lounged around after they got here.  It was late, so there wasn’t much else to do.

On Friday, we did some more lounging in the morning, resting and relaxing, before heading out to do a little shopping and to lunch at the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg.

We’d never stopped in Middleburg before, so it was a nice treat to check out the shops and enjoy a fairly fancy lunch, which started with delicious warm mulled cider.

On Friday afternoon, we did a little more shopping, mainly to get me a pair of shoes for Casey’s company Christmas party, which was Friday night.  When the right pair was found, we hurried home so Mom and Karen could change for their dinner out and I could get ready for the party.

On Friday night, we spent the night at a hotel in Leesburg.  We did this so we could get up in the morning to go swimming at an indoor pool.  A silly, but simple pleasure.

After our swim and some breakfast, we went into Leesburg to walk around and do some shop browsing.  They had a Christmas parade in the morning and some of the characters were still walking around, including Santa, Rudolph, and a snowman… oh, and Queen Karen.

On Saturday afternoon, we made our way back to the condo to rest, relax, and even take a nap.  On Saturday night, we intended to enjoy the Bull Run Festival of Lights.

Sadly, before we got to see the light show, my car overheated in the slow moving traffic and we had to have it towed.  It was a super bummer, but fortunately it was something minor and will be fixed soon.

Sunday morning was probably my favorite part of the weekend.  Mom and I got up to go to church and then came home to prepare a brunch.  We had cucumber sandwiches, raspberry scones, cannoli, and fresh fruit.  The table was festive and it was a wonderful, peaceful way to spend the last part of their visit.

I am so glad they were able to come down and visit and I look forward to this being an annual event for years to come!

Last Year’s Visit

Mum and Karen are on their way here… actually they should be here very soon!  As I look forward to what festive wonderfulness we’ll fill this weekend with, let’s take a look back at what we got into during our visit around this time last year.

On Friday, Mom and I went to the Lucketts Holiday Design House.

After the Design House, we traveled north to hang out with Karen in Philly.

We went to the Christmas Village next to Philly’s City Hall.

And had dinner at a restaurant called Nodding Head, where we had an awesome appetizer platter that included fried mac and cheese, which was delicious!

We spent the night just outside Philly, got up and used the pool, and then headed back into the city.  We went to Macy’s to see the light show…

And to Starbucks for peppermint hot cocoa.

After Mom went back home, I opened my advent calendar to find this little prize, which she got at the Christmas Village.

We had such a great time last year and I’m really looking forward to this year’s visit!

Housewife Humility

Last Tuesday, I did several loads of laundry.  It was late by the time they were done drying, so I put them in a basket and set the basket just inside the master bedroom so I could fold the items the next day.

Tonight, I folded all that laundry and put it away.

Yes, that means they sat there in the basket for a week.  Well, actually, they got dumped out on the bed and then put back in the basket at least once.  And by tonight, lots of things had begun to creep out of the basket onto the surrounding carpet.

I told Casey last night that it was the most shameful moment in my housewife career to look at that pile of CLEAN clothes strewn about the floor.

Tonight, with everything put away, I feel much better.  And hopefully I can redeem myself by not letting it go that long again.  I really need to learn to fold as things come out and put them away immediately.

It will take some work, because putting clothes away is one of my least favorite chores.  But I suppose getting it over with is less painful than being a slacker.

2010 Holiday House

This past Saturday, I went to the Lucketts 2010 Holiday Design House.  Typically I’d visit Lucketts with Mum, but this year her visit didn’t coincide, so I went alone.

I missed her bunches, but I was glad to go and take plenty of pictures to share and gain inspiration from.

I don’t think it was the best Design House I’ve been to at Lucketts, and not just because Mom wasn’t there.  There was just something about it.

It was still far beyond anything I could ever do in my own house and I’m glad for talented people who are able to put such an event together.

After the Design House and a brief walk through the Lucketts General Store, I also stopped in next door to the Beekeeper’s Cottage, which is a place that really knows how to fill a small space with a lot of amazing.

A New Week

As is often the case after returning from a trip to Vermont, last week was a bit of a drag.  I was tired, didn’t sleep well, and overall just wasn’t in the best of spirits.  It didn’t help that I didn’t go to the gym or create much of anything.

This week is going to be much better.  I’ve tidied things after a busy weekend out and about.  I baked some mac and cheese for a church organized charity dinner, as well as a cake for a coworker whose birthday is tomorrow.  I also went to the gym, which really does make things better!

The rest of the week I plan on working on Christmas cards, gifts, and projects.  That is until Thursday night, when Mum and Karen will arrive and we’ll spend the weekend enjoying festive activities- like hot chocolate with peppermint and Christmas lights and the National Tree in DC.  It’s going to be wonderful!

December?

Yesterday morning was rainy and strangely warm for a December 1st.  By afternoon, though, the rainstorm  had passed and a blistery wind had taken over.

It remained cold today and I was glad to be inside, though I wasn’t glad to be doing dictation ALL DAY.  It is probably the part of my job I like the least.  My neck and shoulders even hurt when I finally finished.  I think maybe I should fix the ergonomics of my desk situation before I do another marathon transcript.

Tonight I came home and made a yummy dinner of stuffed shells, watched Top Chef Allstars, and went to Bible study.  Now I’m going to turn on some Christmas tunes and start to deck the halls.

I’ve been super tired this week and I hope infusing some festive wonderfulness into my surroundings will make me more joyful and inspired about, well, about life in general.

Bye Bye Fall

Poor Casey had to work late tonight and didn’t get home until 8.  So, no birthday steak dinner this evening.  It will actually probably have to wait until Friday because tomorrow there’s a Mason game and Thursday he has class.

Before he got home, I put away all of our fall décor and pulled out the boxes full of Christmas.  The cats were as excited as I am… though probably more about having boxes to sit on than about what’s inside them!

I put out a few things, but I’ll really get things decorated on Thursday night while Casey is in class.  A few days to look at the boxes, but soon enough it will be super festive around here!

Phew!

Thank goodness this week is over.  Like I mentioned on Wednesday, it was leaning towards hectic.  Yesterday seemed even more ridiculous and today just flew on by.  There was something in the air, and it was wild.

It must be the hustle and bustle of the holidays already beginning to infiltrate.  On the radio on the way home tonight, they played a Christmas song.  I had to change it.

I admit when we went to the mall recently to pick up clothes for Casey, I  got a cozy and joyful feeling seeing everything decorated and stocked for Christmas.  But I’m not ready for the music yet; not until Thanksgiving, after dinner, as is tradition in our family.

Of course, Thanksgiving is less than a week away.  I am so glad it’s the weekend, then there’s just two days of work, and then we’re headed north for the big feast.

I’ve got plenty of projects to work on this weekend, including starting to think about and plan Christmas cards and gift ideas.  Then when we get back from our Thanksgiving travels, I’ll be ready to crank the Christmas tunes, deck the halls, and start making cards and presents.

Gosh, I love this time of year… even if it does get a bit frenzied!

What a Day

It was one of those days where hectic courses through the air, almost causing the day to be a disaster, but lets off just in time to keep things sane… or at least as sane as things can be… almost.  Really, it’s kind of been one of those weeks.

I got up at 4:45 this morning to get ready and take Casey to the airport.  He’s on his first business trip.  It’s only training, it’s only today and tomorrow, and it’s in Atlanta, but I’m still proud of him.

After dropping him off at the airport, I went to work… early.  Which means I was there at 0630 instead of 0700… which is fancy talk for 6:30am instead of 7am.  When I got there, the power was out, with only the things plugged into the battery surge protector available for use… aka just my computer, which worked for me.  Apparently there were some strong winds in the area last night that I didn’t know about because I was sound asleep, preparing for my early morning.

The work day went by pretty fast.  Well, it seemed like it had once it was over.  Then I got in the car and drove for an hour to get home.  This time of year really stinks in terms of commuting around here… especially because both my morning drive and my evening drive are pretty much in the dark.

I warmed up leftover soup for dinner when I finally got home and watched “Parenthood” while I dined.  Then I read (and edited/improved) a paper Casey needs to turn in tomorrow for a class and now I’m writing this post.

After this, I’m thinking bed and a book sounds pretty grand.

Lyrical Inspiration

I love the song “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice.

I like the lyrics so much that I decided to make some art with them and hang it in our home, kind of as a mission statement/reminder of good values to keep in mind each day.

I wasn’t sure where the idea would take me, but I ended up with the lyrics in black and white, surrounded by some swirly doodling.  I thought maybe I’d add color, but when I matted it with white and put it in a pretty wood frame, I decided to keep it simple.

It now hangs in our living space as a reminder to “Be a best friend, tell the truth, overuse I love you, go to work, do your best, don’t outsmart your common sense, never let your prayin’ knees get lazy, and love like crazy.”

Pillows!

As I mentioned on Friday, I made new decorative pillows for our bed.  Awhile back, my Mom bought me a sea foam colored sham using a gift card she had.  Ain’t she nice?

The sham was the same design as others I already had on my bed, but the others are cream colored.  While in the store, I developed an idea in my head to turn the sea foam sham into a decorative pillow, and last week I finally made it happen.

Below is before pretty pillows and then with pretty pillows:

These pictures don’t do justice to how much more cozy and lovely it looks.  I am extremely pleased with how the sea foam pillows came out- not to pat myself on the back too much, but they look wonderfully clean and well-made… must be the nice fabric!

The little pillow at the front is not quite so nicely made – it’s very lumpy, because I stuffed it instead of using a store bought pillow – but I still like it and I can always restuff if it bothers me too much.  The light blue fabric is from a t-shirt and the patterned fabric is from a tank top.  Repurposing is great!

So, the sea foam pillows went from this (except in sea foam, not cream!):

To this:

It took me some time to figure out how to make one sham into two pillows, because I didn’t have quite enough fabric.  Fortunately, Mom had given me some leftovers from pretty totes she made for my bridesmaids that went perfectly with it.  I used that at the back after cutting the square pattern out for the front.

I used this pattern once I figured out how to have enough fabric.  It’s the same pattern I used for the pillow covers that are now on the guest bed.  The measurements are easy to figure out and the pattern is simple to execute, so I highly recommend it if you’d like some pretty pillows of your own!

Favorites (3)

An English muffin with peanut butter and mini-marshmallows – childishly delicious, especially when served with chocolate milk…

Sleepy hubby and cuddly kitty…

Even though the song is somber, I think these lyrics from “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry are beautiful: “Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother, She’ll know I’m safe with you, When she stands under my colors.”

“If I Die Young”

Homemade pumpkin bread…

New (decorative) pillows on our bed… with pillow covers made by moi! (Pictures to come!)

A four day weekend… which is sadly half over, but there’s still plenty of time for goodness!  Looking forward to time with Casey tomorrow, maybe going to the Mason game, and a quiet, relaxing day on Sunday.

Veterans Day

“I am 76 years old, a veteran of the European Theatre of Operations and went in to Omaha Breach on the 14th of July, 1944 when the Germans were just six miles inland.

This past week ago Monday my wife and I attended the Memorial Day services at a small town in Wisconsin.  As was my custom, I wore my Eisenhower jacket (which I can get on but can’t button) with my T5 rating on the sleeve along with 4 gold stripes for two years overseas and the few ribbons I picked up along the way and my overseas cap.  I stood at the right times and saluted at the right times.  As we got up to leave an army officer from the Vietnam conflict who had been on the band shell as one of the speakers came up to me and said: “I saw you in your uniform and I just wanted to say thank you.”

~ An excerpt from The Greatest Generation Speaks (p. 167) ~

Without veterans, this country and every life of every person living here would not be what it is – blessed by extreme freedom and opportunity.  On this Veterans Day, take into consideration the life you live and especially those things you can be thankful for.  Then go and thank a veteran, because they’ve helped make those things possible.

Good Eats (3)

I love dinner at the table and I’m glad we fit it in this week.  Tomorrow we are going to a happy hour with Casey’s friends from the job he’s leaving and Thursday he has class.  Friday night is pizza night in front of the TV.  Tonight was really our only option, so yay to us for making it happen!

We had Taco Stuffed Shells.  They were alright, but I liked the Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Shells I made a few weeks ago better.

The Big Flea

A couple friends and I went to the DC Big Flea today at the Dulles Expo Center.  It was a building of around 600 booths with plenty to look at it.  As I’m aware of the things I like, I just kept my eyes peeled for those things.  If I had more money, things definitely could have gotten dangerous.

I hope that Mum and I can arrange to go to one of the Big Flea events next year.  This November show was only 1 building, but sometimes they have two buildings with up to 1100 booths!

The table below made my heart pitter patter, but unfortunately my budget isn’t quite up to par with collecting more jadeite yet.  Someday though, someday.

After browsing the whole show, I went back to a table of linens.  There was a vintage tablecloth with a pattern I’ve been desiring for a long time.  It was more than I like to spend on tablecloths, not to mention my entire budget for the day, and I told the lady so, at which time she dropped the price $5.  It was still a bit much, but I don’t see the pattern very often, so I went for it!

It’s a Wilendur tablecloth and I’m in love.  The colors are vibrant and it’s in great condition - totally worth the money I spent.

It is a grand prize and the Big Flea is awesome and I look forward to going again with Mum next year!