Christmas Memories...

My most memorable Christmas was the year I was about 10 or 11 and we were living in Negley, OH. Life was good...I had a dog, my best friend lived next door, I was within walking distance of the local 5 & dime, school and post office and I had an enormous bedroom. It was the entire upstairs of the picturesque rough red brick house we'd moved into from the "little house." (The little house is a story for another day)

On Christmas morning I was disappointed to only find a couple small gifts under the tree and my stocking filled, I guess that's proof I was spoiled, huh?. I tried to hide my dismay, but I'm sure it was painfully clear on my face. The last gift was a Christmas card my mother handed to me.

My Mom had said she was repainting my bedroom and was not allowed in there due to the paint fumes. I was forced to sleep in the little walk-thru room next to my bedroom. And as if that wasn't bad enough they broke my nightstand lamp while carrying painting supplies past my bed.

Inside my card my Mom told me the rest of my presents were in my bedroom. I ran upstairs, flung open my door and was greeted with the most amazing bedroom EVER!!! Mom had purchased the entire white bedroom suit from Sears (maybe Penney's) complete with canopy bed. I had my own dresser, night stand, desk, vanity and full length mirror. And as if that wasn't enough I had brand new bedding with wallpaper to match!! As I scanned my new bedroom trying to make myself believe that this really was mine, my eyes stopped at my nightstand, there stood my lamp. It hadn't broken...but Mom knew I liked that lamp so she had to make up that little white lie so she could include it in my new room.

I still use that nightstand, and while the lamp has changed, the memories are still as vivid as the light cast from that lamp. THANK YOU MOM, for being the greatest Mom, EVER!!!

'Tis the Season...

I think December is the fastest month of the year. It seems compounded when you have hunters in the family. We have been very busy making sausage and jerky, going to Christmas concerts (both kids play instruments in the band), dances, shopping, decorating, baking...and we can't forget the usual work, laundry, dinner, paying bills, grocery shopping....blah, blah, blah. I'm ready for a nap just thinking of all of the things that need done in the month of December. My picture taking hasn't been very good lately but I've included pics just to give you an idea of what we've been up to.

One blessing so far this year is thanks to the internet, the wonderful internet. My husband is from Croatia, he was born here, but he's first generation born here. He still has a lot of family in Croatia. Well thru cousins here in the states his first cousin on his Mom's side contacted us and would like to get to know us better. She remembers Frank from when they were little, but it's been decades since they've seen each other. She lives in Austria now and we've been exchanging photos and "letters" thru the internet.

I've also become friends with a wonderful lady named Amy. She was so gracious in giving a tour of her beautifully decorated home. Take a look just by clicking on the red home.

I hope everyone Christmas is safe, happy and healthy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Baby, it's cold outside...

It's sooo cold outside this weekend. Mom helped me get revved up for the holidays when we went Christmas shoppping on Friday. I haven't done anything except buy a few gifts on "Black Friday", amazing huh...it's what the 7th of December?! So I told the kids we were going to get our Christmas cards made this weekend. So we drug everything to the kitchen table and in between the pancake breakfast at the church, a "quick" trip to WV and church service this morning I think we succeeded. Granted, it just dawned on me all of the things I didn't get done...check register for attorney, treasurers report for band boosters, just to name a couple...and Jon's band concert is tomorrow and my band booster meeting is Tuesday...but my cards are done!!! We made lots of cards, some money/gift card holders and even some tags. We had a good time singing carols and just being together. I guess I should make a list so I can keep everything straight.

By the way, does anyone know where I can pick up a couple extra hours?! haha