Christmas is coming! Are you ready?

Now that we are officially into December, I thought I would pop in and check on how everyone is doing with Christmas preparations?  Me? Getting there....s-l-o-w-l-y.  I am taking this weekend off from homework and using the time for cleaning house and decorating.  We put up our main tree today and hopefully tomorrow can get the outside done (fingers crossed!)  Of course,  I don't do nearly as much decorating as I did in the past, mostly from a lack of time but some from a lack of help in some of the harder to do decorating.  Either way, this year we are again revamping our holiday traditions as it seems change never seems to stop.  

Last night my youngest son, his girlfriend and I enjoyed our town's tree lighting ceremony, complete with Christmas music, beautifully decorated storefronts, and even a Christmas Sweater Contest (my son entered!)  There was snow...yes, snow magically fell from the sky, even with the temperatures in the 60s!  Maybe Santa had something to do with that?  

It did put us in the mood for putting up our tree and beginning to decorate.  So today we decorated and baked cookies and had a relaxed day (very much needed!) But, like everyone else, I have wondered what goodies you may have found that you love for gifting this year or you might want to receive?  Of course, I love jewelry and as I have gotten "more mature" I find I like my jewelry to have some sentimental value.  A day doesn't go by when I don't wear something that connects to my children.  It just makes me feel closer to them.  Along those lines I have seen these beautiful circle necklaces lately and just think they would make a great couples gift or family gift.  

I love these!  Wouldn't they be the perfect, meaningful gift for someone on your Christmas list? 

 Find them here: My Name Necklace

By the way, this is not an affiliated post, I truly just wanted to share something I thought was unique and help you out with those hard to buy for people on your shopping list!  Happy Shopping....and remember this season is about more than gifts!

Christmas is coming...

You should be impressed that I haven't posted about Christmas before now!  Yes, I have often been one of those who start prepping for Christmas in advance...including more Christmas music than my children could stand.  The last couple of years. though, have not brought me that enthusiasm or energy to get in the spirit.  Last year, in particular, I really wanted to skip it all the way around.  The holidays aren't the same anymore and some have been easier than others to adjust to.  If it hadn't been for my boys I am sure we would not even have had a Christmas tree last year. 

But this year...I feel some of that childhood excitement creeping back. I am tentative about it all in some ways, not wanting to feel disappointed or disappoint my children; but some of the magic has touched me.  I have even already been listening to White Christmas in the car!

This is the first year in several that I have looked forward to putting up a Christmas tree.  I even have a theme that has caught my fancy and I can't wait to see it come together. Items have been being gathered for this tree for several weeks now.  I know financially our Christmas will be scaled back but I am already excited to know all my children will be here along with my parents (if their health allows.)  When the kids are here and all the dogs are here it can be quite a raucous crowd but nothing is better than the sound of a house full of joy and love. 

No, I didn't do any Black Friday shopping as I am afraid that might have put out the small little spark of Christmas Spirit I have!  I a protecting this spark and hoping it grows into a flame and fills my heart with the true spirit of Christmas and gives me the energy to celebrate fully and make memories that will last for a lifetime.  Lets get this party started!

Congratulations Class of 2015!

I guess the time always sneaks up on you and it did when  my oldest son graduated from High School a couple of weeks ago.  Some how I have been bombarded with memories of him as a chubby baby and growing into the young man I am getting to know each day.  He has come through some rough patches and I am proud of where he seems to be heading now.  It is always bittersweet at one of these milestones because you are so happy for them and their accomplishments but you miss that baby that used to sleep in your arms. 

He and I have had a hard time working out what our new life looks like together but I think we have finally gotten a groove that works for both of us.  He has helped me and taken care of me in ways I know he never wanted to have to do, but he stepped up and did it.  He has a big heart, but tries to hide it but I still get glimpses from time to time.  He is going to be a good man, a real man.

 I was so proud to be with him at his special day and celebrate his accomplishments.

 I love him more than he will ever know and am so very proud of him.

I think one thing I will miss most is the trail of boys that seem to wander through my kitchen on their way upstairs to watch TV or play video games.  Having them in the house this past year has kept it from feeling so lonely and I know that God has something special in store for each of these friends and I hope life allows them to keep their bonds.

 

 I can assure you these boys kept things lively and I never knew what silly, craziness they would come up with but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

 





Happy National Dog Day 2011!

Did you know it was National Dog Day???

How are you celebrating???

I am going to start the party by showing you a couple of pictures of my fuzzy mut, Macy:

This was taken right after she got her "summer hair cut" and she wasn't too pleased.

But, I just love those big, old, brown eyes!

Here she is, feeling a bit better about her new do!

From the National Dog Day Website I found these 50 ways to celebrate the Canines in our lives:

1. Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a dog, clean cages or anything else they need help with.

2. R U prepared for a new dog? Purchase "The Good Behavior Book for Dogs" {Rockport/Quarry Books} to help you with everything you need to know to raise a well behaved and happy dog!

3. Donate blankets, food and toys to organizations such as Blankets of Love.

4. Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells puppies.

5. Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of Puppy Mills in your state.

6. Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.

7. Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs!

8. Join a fun, dog friendly community online and post pics of your pooch for the world to ooh and ahh over!

9. Host a National Dog Day event to raise money for your local animal shelter.

10. Have a Witty Wocks made to preserve the likeness of your dog forever.

11. Have a portrait paintedof your dog to suspend the fleeting magic of dogdom.

12. Buy your dog a fun new dog toy.

13. Give your dog some fun exercise by taking him or her to a doggy play resort.

15. Brush your dog to eliminate excess fur.

16. Give your dog a massage or holistic spa treatment.

17. Get your dog some leash training lessons.

18. Buy your dog a cute new outfit or fashionable collar and leash.

19. Purchase a fabulous new carrier for your small breed dog like this one from Mommy Bus.

20. Take your dog to the beach.

21. Throw out all your chemical cleaners and purchase non-toxic cleaners for your home to keep your dog cancer-free!

22. Dog-proof your home and yard with a "dog safe" inspection by pet safety expert, Colleen Paige

23. Buy your dog a beautifully designed original accessory like these beaded collars from ZanyZak.

24. Install a car safety harness to keep your dog safe during travel from

25. If you haven't already, switch to a holistic brand of dog food to keep your dog healthy.

26. Hire a pet photographer to capture your dog's life moments, such as Susan Sabo.

27. Pamper your dog in pure luxury by purchasing something fabulous from a popular shop.

28. Buy your dog a chic and comfy new bed.

29. Take your dog on a pet friendly vacation.

30. Buy yourself and your dog some matching tee shirts!

31. Create a profile and share your dog photos at Purina's petcentric.com

32. Have a custom Dog House built for your dog.

33. Buy a dog gate to keep your dog out of hazardous areas of the home.

34. Dog-proof your pool to prevent the risk of drowning.

35. Buy a canine first aid kit and put it in your car in case of injury while away from home.

36. Microchip & I.D. Tag your dog so the shelter can locate you if he gets lost.

37. Make sure your dog has all vaccines and a regular health exam.

38. Wear a tee shirt with a cute dog on it.

39. Switch to filtered water only from now on, to prevent illnesses related to toxins in normal water supplies.

40. Teach your children and their friends to be kind to your dog by never pulling on his ears or tail.

41. Pledge to walk your dog every day for proper health and behavior management.

42. Teach your dog some obedience skills.

43. Take your dog to an elderly community and spread some love.

44. If you like your little dog to snuggle in bed with you, buy him some doggie steps to make it easy for him to join you.

45. Buy your dog a designer crate that fits with your interior décor style.

46. Make your home pet friendly by choosing pet friendly fabrics that hold up to your dog's wear and tear.

47. Install a fence around your unfenced yard so your dog can run and enjoy some freedom at home.

48. Pledge to never chain your dog to a tree or doghouse. Always include your dog in your family by letting him live inside the home with you.

49. Carpet any stairs you may have to reduce risk of injury to your dog by slipping and falling.

50. And last but not least - pledge to never yell at or hit your dog...to be patient and kind and give your dog lots of love and praise every day.

Happy Easter...the greatest day!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ~1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I pray you know the blessings of a resurrected Christ! 

Happy Easter!

My Birthday Boy!

It is hard to believe this adorable little guy has up and become a full fledged big boy.

He informed me on the way to school, that he is exactly 2 years from getting his permanent drivers license. Great.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!
You are loved more than you could ever know.

We aren't doing Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I think we are going to skip Thanksgiving and Christmas and just celebrate Thanksmas or maybe, ChristGiving (I like that one better, anyway).  You see, around these parts, we start the holidays in November – way before Thanksgiving - and they run clear through until Christmas.  Seriously…it all becomes one big holiday anyway!  So this year instead of Thanksgiving and Christmas…I believe we will just do Christgiving…thank you very much.

Sweet Southern Wedding...

Last weekend, I attended a wedding that was simple and southern. It was a small, sweet ceremony and reception held in the Bride's family church with a gorgeous fall afternoon as backdrop.  The Bride, her Mother, her family and friends came together to create a beautiful start to a life time of wedding bliss!

Anticipating the start...

 red roses for love....

 Her Daddy walking his baby girl down the aisle. 

 Beautiful....

 with this ring....

 beauty in the details...

 Mother of the Bride holding the sweet Ring Bearer (her 1st grandchild and nephew of the Bride).

 A time to celebrate...

 My daughter and the sweet Bride...

 The handsome Groom and his Bride cutting that delicious cake.

 She is a beautiful and happy Bride.....

and now they are off for the ride of their lives.

Happy Birthday!

Today my sweet baby boy is 9 years old. 

DS2 is such a light in my life.  He is a child that likes everyone & everything. He is compassionate and loves animals so much. He is full of life and personality and keeps me on my toes. 

Although he is the youngest of three, he definitely is his own person.  I am so blessed to share life with such a wonderful little man. 

Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children a reward from Him." ~ Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

So, how did you ring in the New Year?

Did you go out and party the night away? Did you have a quiet dinner with someone special? Did you go to bed early and skip the hoopla? We, here at the Southern Somedays house, rang in 2010 in a new way this year! It was the 1st time in many years that we had all 3 children home with us (in the last few years the boys have spent the night with my parents and our daughter has been out of town with a group of her friends). It was also the 1st year that they were all old enough to be excited about New Years, so they wanted to do something special. DH and I decided we would have our 1st Annual Family New Years and it was a blast. We went out to dinner (BBQ - not fancy, but yummy and fun) then we came back and the boys played a game of Risk , then we laided out a little mid-night spread complete with sparkling grape juice. We then danced a bit, and took part in Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve from the WARM comfort of home. It was different but really fun and I think we may have the makings of a new tradition.

Also, of course, the arrival of 2010 brings me to my yearly resolution (yes, I make them and really, really try to keep them). I love the new year and the chance to mentally wipe the slate clean and re-evaluate what/how I am living my life and what I would like to change. Just like our celebration on New Year's Eve was different, my resolution is a bit different in the fact that it isn't different. It is the VERY same resolution I made last year,"to pare down and simplify my life. I want to rid myself mentally and physically of all the clutter that has gathered in the corners of my life." I made this resolution last year and it has served me well. I still have a ways to go, and want to continue the refining and decluttering my mental and spiritual life and also declutter my physical life. So...not original, but I am committing to continuing this process. What was your resolution?

Happy New Year, blogland!

Wedding Bells are Ringing...

This past Saturday we attended the sweetest wedding. Before I launch into the details of this particular wedding I need to preface it by saying this sweet, bride wore white once before (20+ years ago!) as one of my flower girls! Her Mother, my 1st cousin, was my Matron of Honor.

Circa: 1988

Don't they look precious together? I wonder if, in this picture, this Mama thought about the day when her sweet baby girl would put on another white dress and make her way down the aisle to meet her own groom?


Flash forward 20+ years and this little flower girl has planned her own wedding. She and her handsome groom decided on an outside venue that has much family significance, as they married outside the Clubhouse, by the lake that her Great-Grandfather/Grandmother founded (my grandparents). My parents and the Bride's Grandmother still live there.

What a pretty walk she has! I love the pomaders lining the aisle.

The Groom getting "before" instructions from the Minister?

Weren't these two Ring Bearers adorable?

A fresh faced flower girl contemplating that walk down the aisle.

Oh, my...she has really grown up since that little, tiny, three year old in a white dress, dropping flower petals down my aisle.

Lovely.


The couple performed a Salt Covenant during the ceremony. It was a beautiful symbol.

Love....







Love....

all you need is love.

The Father of the Bride, Mother of the Bride (who was my Matron of Honor) and Grandmother of the Bride (my feisty Aunt!!!).

I love this shot of the Bride's younger sister. It had to be a bit bitter-sweet for her. She gained a brother all the while seeing her sister begin a new family of her own.

The reception was held in the barn at the couple's new home and I loved these simple but elegant table centerpieces!










Gosh, I love weddings!!!!

For more information on the Salt Covenant see: http://www.marriagesaltcovenant.com/

Celebrate Spring!

I am a magazine addict, yes, I am. But in the name of frugality, I have tried to wean myself away from most of them. Today though, I saw one that I just couldn't resist: Celebrate Spring! It is published by the same wonderful company that now publishes Victoria and Southern Lady. (oh, and you know Southern Lady is my Favorite!!!) www.southernladymagazine.com

Celebrate Spring is just fantastic! It is filled with wonderful party themes, decorating ideas and tons of yummy recipes. You will find ideas for everything from Easter to Mother's Day, not to mention some fun party themes for April Fools Day and even a plant swap luncheon. I really loved the Monogram Shower idea at which any bride to be would be thrilled to be the honoree. I can't wait until the Celebrate Summer hits store shelves! My hat is off to Phyllis Hoffman and her team...another wonderful mini-vacation lies between the covers of this magazine!

I picked up my copy at Sams Club (Sams has discounted magazines and this one is a bit pricey -though worth it- at a retail cost of $7.99. I got my copy for a very reasonable $5.58 at Sams). You can get one online at:

http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/prodinfo.asp?number=CEL%2DSP09