REMAINS OF MY DAY and of the YEAR

Slowly but surely, I've been working on taking down and putting away all the remains of Christmas. I took the tree down in the living room the other day, so I thought I'd tackle the big one in the family room . I hate to take the tree and lights down in the family room, that's where we sit in the evening and it's so pretty with all the lights and decorations. Now it is back to aaack...looking all January-ish. All that's left to do is to take the garland, lights and wreath off the fireplace. Well, that's all that's left in the family room, the basement is another story - for another day.

Life is back to normal. I still don't like January and February for the weather they bring, but where I live, it is what it is. It does cause me to dream and plan for Spring and gives me something to look forward to!

There is one ornament left on my tree. Here is a picture of it:

PEACE...I leave you with that one word. Peace in your home...peace in the world, peace in your life. May God Bless you and our nation with peace in the coming New Year.

PLANS AND CHRISTMAS TREES

Have you taken down your Christmas tree yet? I haven't. I hope to take the one in the living room down tomorrow, it's the smaller of the two and the one you can see from the street. I'd like to the leave the family room tree up till next Christmas, the lights are so pretty, besides...it's a lot bigger and more work!

Like many others, once these Christmas decorations are put away, I have plans to reorganize the basement storage shelves. Every thing has gotten kind of helter skelter and willy nilly down there. I'd like to blame this all on the other person who lives here, but that would be a lie. We are both guilty. Actually he's been working on his stuff and it looks better then mine, but mine includes the grocery area as well as my home dec things. Excuses, excuses...I need to get busy.

The thought of a new year starting fills most with plans of improvement of one sort or another, doesn't it? My mind is whirling with all the things I want to improve....around the house. I'm taking the pressure off of myself by not resolving to lose weight. Something about making it a priority seems to put it on the back burner for me! I'd rather take one day at a time and work on it then to try to live up to any long term promise, and then feeling guilty if I fail.

One day at a time seems to work best for me in most areas of my life. I can't see what my future holds, but for today, for this moment I can work on controlling my heart, my thoughts and my actions. I can tell myself that if today fell short, it's OK because there's tomorrow and a fresh start is only a sunrise away.

Be kind to yourself.....you're worth it.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

Psalms 40:5

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare.

HOW BLESSED

Another Christmas has come and gone. More precious memories made, mixed with memories of many celebrations of our past. Each and everyone of them a blessing. No snow this year, no white Christmas. Now if this would just last the entire winter, I would be very happy! Not to likely, but a girl can dream!
We ate (too much). We opened gifts and we played games -while snacking- once we figured out how to play them.

As the day was winding down we heard a news alert on the TV. A terrorist attempt on a plane landing at Detroit Metro Airport had failed. We live very close to that airport, only about 7 or 8 miles away. Had it worked out differently, that plane could have blown up over our home. We are blessed.

Merry day after Christmas to all of you.

Now I'm going to eat some left overs!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

I REMEMBER

I remember the Christmas of my childhood. We lived in California and I remember my Dad taking us to Candy Cane Lane - I think it was in Woodland Hills - to see how the entire street was decorated for Christmas. It was like something in the movies!

I remember the bubble lights on our tree. They were so pretty and I could stare at them for the longest time! In my child's eye, they were much prettier then the plain lights I have on my tree today. Maybe in my adult eye too.

I remember the ornament of the times. They were very colorful, intricate and even a bit on the modern side. I wonder what happened to them, probably broken one by one over time.

I remember the house being filled with the fragrance of my Mother's baking. She made oodles of goodies, gave most away and never said she was tired from all the work...and she kept the house spotless at the same time!

What I don't remember are the gifts, except one which was a record player. There were gifts every year under the tree, we were never without. That speaks loudly to my heart that gifts are NOT the most important thing at Christmas, nor what will be remembered years later.

What do you remember most about your Childhood Christmas?

HO HO - NO!

I was brushing off the snow from my car this morning..it felt kind of nice out. No wind, just a dusting of snow...perfect to finish my grocery shopping.

I walked around to the passenger side, and what to my wondering eyes should appear?

A FLAT TIRE! Well, not 100% flat, but close enough.

HO HO HO!

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

Matthew 2: 1 & 2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

PEACEFUL SATURDAY

When I woke up this morning there was a covering of snow on the ground. It was so pretty and clean, not enough to cause problems, yet enough to get into a "Christmasy" spirit. I have my gift buying finished, and will pick up a few remaining groceries probably on Tuesday, I feel peaceful and happy knowing I don't have to go out into the crowds this last weekend before Christmas!

Hal just left for one more attempt to get that elusive deer. He'll join cousins Tom and Bob out in Bronson. That means I have the house to myself for a couple of days...no dinner to prepare, but evenings just aren't the same without him here, and I'll have to make my own coffee in the morning! LOL!

Enjoyed a great dinner at Mexican Gardens with the family last night. Grandson Jordan was missing though, he was in Chicago with friends. See what happens when you let them grow up?!

Think I'll make a cup of Chai tea, watch an old movie and enjoy the rest of my peaceful Saturday. Hoping yours is also filled with peace...and love.

FRIDAY FAVorite

I have been a fan of today's favorite for a long time...even though I don't make it alot, I love....

MEXICAN FOOD

Tonight we're going out to celebrate two family birthdays at a Mexican restaurant, I can't wait!

I don't know what I'll order yet, what's your favorite?

MMmmm - SMELLS SO GOOD!

It smells so good in here...I'm baking my Hungarian goodies in preparation for sending them to my brother. I always cross my fingers and hope they turn out OK. It seems that every year is a surprise!

It feels like such a perfect day to me. I'm warm in my home while we're having a few snow flurries outside. There is NOTHING I need for Christmas, God has answered my prayers and the news of my sister in law Maggie's, wonderful report that she has been pronounced cancer free is the greatest gift of all.

In a few days we'll be celebrating my son in laws birthday as well as Mac's girlfriend, Lexi's. We'll go out for Mexican food, laugh and eat well.

I need to get back to my baking, I just wanted to share a few thoughts and give thanks. God is so good.

SWEET TREAT

This weekend I had the pleasure of finding a box on my doorstep...with my favorite candy inside! The post office had just delivered a box of chocolates (pictured at left) from my brother and sister in law. What a sweet treat! They are from Monica's Chocolates in Maine. Click here to go to their website if you like. These are the most incredible chocolates I've ever eaten...much better then Godiva's. If I ever make it to Maine...I'm going to their shop!

I didn't do much this weekend, other then the happy dance I did when I opened the box of candy. We did watch an unending stream of Christmas movies on ABC's family channel. I have to say we enjoyed them for the most part. All the happy endings....if only!

Today, I MUST get out and get some baking supplies. My brother said he asked Santa for some Hungarian Pastries. I asked him if he knew anyone who baked them? HA! Maybe that's why he sent the chocolates...he's buying me off so I'll start baking! Any tips on mailing baked goods so they arrive in one piece..in reasonable time?

It's supposed to reach 40 degrees today, which for me is tolerable. I just don't like it when it falls below 25 degrees out there with high winds, ice, snow, and all that other ugly winter stuff. Then I want to hibernate till Spring.

Hal has had a fire going every night and sometimes when he gets up in the morning. It's so pretty to see, but boy..it really warms the place up! I have to put the thermostate way down so I don't melt! Sometimes I feel like getting my suntan lotion out!

Well, this isn't getting a thing accomplished...time to hit the road.

Blessings on your day!

PSALM 85:10

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

FRIDAY FAVorite

Today's favorite...and the BEST FAVORITE of all...is

A GOOD REPORT!

My brother posted on his blog yesterday, that my Sister In Law, Maggie got some good news!

I have posted before about Maggie's battle with Pancreatic cancer, her surgery and chemo and radiation. I've also posted this picture of Maggie, with her chemo bag hanging by her side while always showing that beautiful smile of hers.

After finishing all her treatments, having a scan, the doctor pronounced her clean! No cancer to be found! This isn't just a Friday Fave...this is a miracle and I give glory to God for His healing, and His boundless love.

I also want to thank all of you who have visited Bob's blog, and left encouraging words, I know how much both he and Maggie appreciated it. Most of all, thank you for all your prayers, this is going to be a most wonderful Christmas!

CHRISTMAS CARDS

No time for a long blog today...gotta get my Christmas cards in the mail!! The days are quickly flying by and Christmas isn't too far off! Catch ya tomorrow, and hopefully my cards will be in the mail!

MY CROOKED CHRISTMAS STAR

Can you see the star on top of my Christmas tree? It's crooked, it's leaning to the right and it shows a lot more obviously in person. This is something that would usually drive me to distraction. I would risk breaking a limb -either mine or on the tree, to straighten that star...to make it perfect. Not so this year.

This year I see that imperfect star and I see myself. I see the reason that star appeared in the sky. I see the reason that the birth of Jesus was necessary...to forgive, redeem, and love all the crooked stars in the world - just like myself.

I'm leaving it that way this year, it speaks to my heart. There is no perfection in man, just forgiveness and restoration through Christ. We are all that crooked star. To repeat a well known phrase....

Jesus Is the reason for the season.

MY ACHING FOOT

I'm off to see the Podiatrist this morning for my aching foot.

Catch you on the flip side!!

UPDATE:

Foot surgery will be Jan 12. I have a large bone spur on the joint of my first metatarsal (big toe) which prohibits any range of motion....and hurts alot! The metatarsal bone is longer then normal, causing it to arch and jam against the joint, and it has worn away the cartilage between the joints. Hopefully when corrected the cartilage will regenerate itself.

The first Dr. I saw told me it was just arthritis...sometimes a second opinion is called for.

I will remind you all in January...so you can send candy!!

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

Job 37:6

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

FRIDAY FAVorite

Today's favorite makes you clean, smell good and makes your skin soft. Its from:

BODY OF WATER SPA

While strolling through Facebook one day, I came across my husbands cousin, Ruby. I noticed a small ad on her FB page for Body of Water Spa. She never mentioned that it was her company, I only found out after clicking on the logo! Of course I had to try the products ! I would not include them as a Friday Fave had I not tried them first. They are WONDERFUL! I bought the scrub and gave it to my girls, and my grandsons girlfriend, as well as the Exfoli feet which I gave to Sarah, and I also bought the soap (Black Canyon) with embedded sponge for Hal. They smell so good and work so well. She has a variety of soaps, lotions, salts scrubs, etc. I would highly recommend you go to her site and check it out at:

www.bodyofwaterspa.com

I will be going back, they make great stocking stuffers or gifts for friends, or in my case...for myself!
Also, I would love it if you checked out an article the local newspaper wrote about Ruby and her husband. One night after work, they met for dinner, kissed goodbye to meet at home. As he left the restaurant, he was assaulted and left in a coma, unable to walk, talk or feed himself. This article tells a story of great love and determination. Here is the link:

www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2004/09/19/localnews/20040919-archive.txt

My personal favorite? That's difficult, but I really like "Walk the Beach", But I wouldn't turn any of them down!

WHAT DAY IS IT?

My days have all blurred together since Thanksgiving. I was under the weather from the day after Thanksgiving until late Sunday. Nothing major, just a fibromyalgia flare up, but enough to keep me home bound and still. I almost anticipate them any more after lots of activity.

My grandson put my tree up for me, then Hal and I looked at each other and the pile of lights on the floor...and down the tree came. We decided to come into the current century and buy a pre lit tree. So the new tree is up, and partially decorated. I don't feel like putting all those many,many ornaments on it like in the past, mostly just the sentimental ones this year. Simplify is my new motto. Don't rush is my second motto. I couldn't even if I tried!

I went to Target and JoAnn Fabric & Crafts today, that was enough for me. I picked up the few things I needed (and a few I didn't) and called it a good day. I did have a hot dog at Target, I don't know why they always taste better then making them at home. The popcorn was smelling good too, but I passed.

I do believe it's time to end this account of not really anything, and start some dinner. Pork chops tonight!

PS

prayers for my girls (Sara & Amy) would be greatly appreciated....they could both use a healing touch. thank you!