The Last 12 Days

The 12 days leading up to Christmas... Wow. They've gone so fast, but it's been wonderful getting ready for our first Christmas in our own home.

I have to say it feels like it's our very first Christmas all over again. Only way better. The first Christmas after we got married, Chris got mono- and I spent several weeks praying, care-taking, wondering what he had, and begging God not to let him die. We didn't know what he had for awhile, and I was really scared. It wasn't an especially merry time, but we did the best we could, and God was so good. Chris got better, is absolutely fine, and I am so thankful to our merciful Lord.

Because I'm quite behind on blogging, I'd like to say happy belated birthday to Eric and Grandma Rosie. Sorry I don't have any current pics. We're going to have to work on that (hint, hint). But Happy Belated, anyway! Love you guys!

Also, Congrats Eric, on your new home! We're so excited for you. Welcome to the neighborhood...

We have had several celebrations already, but my favorite was our "progressive" day where we went to each family's house to eat and play a game or some other 'Christmassy' thing. Our house was first where we hosted brunch, and played what-if. It was so much fun, and a good chance to try some new recipes.





Last week we had a bit of excitement- the house down the street blew up. Literally. They think if was because of a faulty furance. Fortunately no one was hurt. It was a miracle really. (The pile is where the house was. It also damaged houses on both sides)


Tonight, we're staying home and watching The Nativity Story, eating Italian, maybe doing some baking, and just enjoying being together.


Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Coffee Break: Wednesday, December 12th 2007

Stopped for a cup of coffee, and came across this video. I thought it was really well done and it made me cry. Hope you enjoy it.

All About My Dog- Marimo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DGQVX8iGbgk

Winter Wonderland (Continued)

Winter Wonderland

We're currently living in a winter wonderland. It's so beautiful everywhere, I just can't help staring out the windows a little too much. Doesn't help the productivity level, but it's absolutely wonderful just the same. It seems like all the trees have been covered in diamonds or fine crystal... Isn't it amazing that God makes the world so beautiful just before Christmas? Gotta love that...

Following, are a few pics from our little corner of the world:

Congrats...

to my friend Sarah! She's an awesome photographer who just started her own business. She's also one of my best friends in the entire world. She just won a photo contest, which you can check out on her blog:
photoeyelove.blogspot.com

Congratulations, my friend! I'm so proud of you. Happy Shopping!

Christmas Preparations

Just wanted to share a few pics of the progress. I've been home the last two days, which has been so nice. I love being home! Plus, there's so much that has to be done before this weekend. We're helping with a party on Saturday, then have Christmas and family pictures with my family on Sunday after church.

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Last year, a friend told me that every Christmas Eve they make a big lasagna with garlic bread, salad- the works, to enjoy after the Christmas Eve service at church. I'm thinking that would be so much fun! Nothin' says lovin' like Italian food...

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Does anyone have special Christmas traditions they'd like to share? I love hearing what other people do...

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This snowman was a gift from my friend and former employer who passed away this year. She made a huge impact on my life, and is greatly missed. It's on my desk to remind me of her.









Our tree this year is very similar to the one we had two years ago (Last year's was 12" tall because of the remodel). I've been entertaining the idea of having a black, white, silver, and pink one next year. Probably not as the main one, but you never know...



One of the gifts I'm making...

The First Real Snow of the Season

So, it's been a bit since I've posted- I've been busy trying to catch up with work, presents, and decorating. Promise there will be future pics of the progress. In the meantime, I couldn't resist taking a few shots of our first 'real' snow of the season (enough to have to shovel). It makes me happy, and you can just feel the Christmas spirit in the air. These were taken when it was just starting, so hopefully I can get more later.

The first one is of ZsaZsa looking out the window above my computer.

Happy Belated Birthday!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday, Micah (sorry it's a day late)! Hope you were able to celebrate. :-) Our prayers are with you. Thank you for being willing to serve...

Thanksgiving 2007

I love Thanksgiving. Great food aside, it's nice to pause with a grateful heart and to re-connect with family. This year things went a bit differently than normal. We spent Thanksgiving day at my parents' with family, and then went to Chris' family's house that night. We then ended up shopping all night on a whim. Fun to do once- not something I'm planning to do again; well, at least not anytime soon!

The picture above is probably one of those snapshots that, while nothing spectacular, will be treasured for years because it captures the moment so well.

Here are a few other shots from the day...

Grandpa

Grandma

My Parents- Laughing til they cried

This last one is from outside the fabric store at 5:30 in the morning. (You would not believe the line outside there that early. Crazy!) They opened at 6:00, and had a great sale I just couldn't pass up. It was our last stop before going home. I waited in line for an hour and a half (and I was only about six people back). In retrospect, it probably wasn't worth it, had I known ahead of time. But got some stuff I needed to finish some presents!


I'm so thankful for all the blessings I have been given! Even those I don't even know about... Here are some of my favorites (both large and small):

1) Family- Both those assigned and chosen
2) Love
3) A Warm Home
4) Dreams
5) Health
6) Peace in our corner of the world
7) Coffee

But seriously, may we always pray for and remember those not blessed as we have been- there but for the grace of God, go I...

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

The Day in the Middle...

Today is the day of recovery, and preparation. Yesterday was a bit of a marathon, and we're getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow, more company, and the other necessary holiday preparations.

Yesterday was the memorial service for my great-aunt, Evlyn, who passed away last Monday. She was one of "The Aunts". They are the sisters of my grandmother, all of whom I love dearly. They are all dignified, well-cultured, have impeccable taste, and are funny and sweet. I adore them. Evlyn was 96, and up until very recently still went for walks quite often, exercised "with the lady on TV" daily, and was still very fashion conscious. She was friendly, brilliant, and made me laugh.

The drive home...

I think the shower went well- people seemed to have a good time, anyway. Truthfully, I was a bit numb by the end (so probably not the best hostess), but all were close friends- so I think it was comfortable. My one regret is that I got busy and didn't take photos. Here is a bit of the aftermath, though (the pom-poms hung at varying heights from the ceiling, thanks to Chris)... We also finally got the dining room painted. Chocolate brown- not quite as dark in person, will be perfect once we get the mouldings up.

Also here is the dry-erase board, and bathroom (it's not done yet- but at least functional :-) Yeah!)

'Welcome Kealy' Party Preparations

We're having a "Welcome to the World, Kealy Marie" party/shower at our house on Tuesday night, so preparations/construction are in full swing today. Here are some of the current project photos:

Inspiration Paper for Shower

My Kitchen Right Now- (Needs more painting before the party, but I'm loving it right here.)

Materials for Dry-Erase Board in Kitchen (Have it planned out- hope it works!)

Then here's one I'm just loving because it's fall

Progress- November 13, 2007

Here is the progress in our downstairs bathroom as of yesterday afternoon. Although it looks like a wreck, I am greatly encouraged! Chris has really been getting some things done in there. I am so proud of him, as he works so hard to take care of me. As you can see, the old cabinet is gone, he has built part of the box out (chase?) around the return-air, and get this...

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A LIGHT!!! Yes that's right, no more trying to use the restroom in the dark, or relying on a desk lamp. Oh no, my friend, we have actual hard-wired electricity with a switch and everything. Like I said in my last post, we are so blessed.

When we were in the heat of remodeling last fall/winter, Chris and I agreed that the comfort-necessities to live in a home were as follows in no particular order: (1) Flushing Toilets, (2) Running water- preferably with the option of hot water, (3) Heat, (4) At least some walls.

Everything else is gravy. Trust me, it's really true. But how sweet that gravy can be!

Last night Chris' dad came over and helped. Plumbing work, I think. Thank you so much! So- here's to the gravy of having a second functional bathroom. Just makes me happy...

We're Finally Connected to the Outside World!

I am pleased to announce that Chris and I have officially entered the 21st century- the information age... the world of education, entertainment, and communication. Today, the cable guy came and hooked up both cable and internet. YEAH!!! We are so excited, having felt out of the loop for way too long. I know this shows how truly dependent we have become- not to mention overly pampered. After all, there are so many people in the world so much less fortunate. We are so thankful for all our blessings- no matter how insignificant...

For the Love of Paint

I have long had this incredible fascination with color. Seriously. (Probably a good indication of why I majored in Interior Design in college- that and I had an all-beige bedroom for most of my childhood) It's a little insane, really. This fascination is most often lived out in paint, at this point in my life. What else makes such impact for so little? It can be an instant mood-lifter, room-brightener, and therapy tool.

I love how a such small investment can make such a difference- that can last for years, or easily change on a whim. I love how it makes one's home seem so much cozier and more personal. I love that the same product (generally speaking) , can protect surfaces, give clear direction, beautify our nest, and has given us some of the greatest art of all time. It's been around practically forever, yet is changing all the time.

As you can see in the background, we're finally finishing up on painting phase 1 in our kitchen. Thank you, Sherwin Williams, for the $3.00 mis-tint. LOVE that! More photos to come. For now I have more painting to do, as I want to be as done as possible for the "Happy Birthday to Us" party tomorrow.

So Happy Belated Birthday, Sarah & Holly- two of the dearest friends in the world! Tomorrow will be a blast.

And They All Said, "Welcome Home..."

Today, Chris' great aunt, Elizabeth Bishop (Aunt Betty to us), went home and met Jesus.

On the drive home from the nursing home, I asked Chris what he thought it will be like to go to Heaven. I personally think a bright, sunny fall day when the air is clean and crisp would be a wonderful time (if you were allowed to see it for a split second as you traveled, of course). Not that there could possibly be a time that wasn't wonderful- but, you know what I mean... I just think a day like today would be especially perfect after being bed-ridden and ill for so long. Then flying off through a sea of twinkling stars, to meet our Savior, face to face. Wow...

Like the song says, I can only imagine what that will be like. Makes one pause, feel wistful, and maybe even a bit homesick.

I just like to think that when she got there, that the Lord, the angels, and her loved ones all opened their arms and said, "Welcome home, Betty, welcome home..."

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my blog- the place where I record the thoughts, events, photos, and the random miscellany that makes up my everyday life. Please feel free to comment. I hope you enjoy...