Friday, December 28, 2012

A New Year........

                                                 {photo: Barn House @ Camas Antiques}


A New Year is almost here, and what are you planning for yourself?? As for me, this year has been a very trying year. The ups and downs have left me breathless like riding a rollercoaster ride. It has been an exciting year don't get me wrong, but whew I need a break..... I knew what I signed up for, but this was the year it all hit me like a ton of bricks. I chaired an auction, ran a bookfair, moved to a new house {to do a complete renovation} my oldest started high school {without knowing a soul}and quit a job. For those who know me, know I believe in community. It makes us who we are. So I donate my time generously. However I ran into something I thought I never would. Resentment. That is a harsh word. But never the less, I did. My family has always been first. Period. Besides God, there is no other. However this year, even he felt like he took a back seat, which is bad. My kids and my husband had finally had it. I have heard it all before, and thought they are just so used to having me around, that they just don't know what to do without me. So when my youngest, didn't want to go to school, and my oldest quit talking to me, it finally sank in. They were done. {and truth be told so was I} I promised each of them no more. We will make family the only priority. So this year it is back to basics. God, family, and then everything will fall into place. {that is my prayer everyday anyhow...} So what is yours?
Thanks for reading.......
xoxo

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

After the Holiday.......

              So after the holiday is over, what do you do? Do you take down your Christmas tree right away, or do  you leave it up until after New Years?  Our holiday tradition is to get the Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and then take it down the day after Christmas. {the tree is usually pretty crispy about that time!} This is when we time to take stock of our ornament's, and trimmings to see if  have to replace any. Right now is the best time to buy for next years holiday.
             Getting organized right now is the best time rather than shoving everything away. We check our lights, and pack away our extension cords with the lights so we have them ready for next year. My hubbie thinks that the weekend we take our house lights down is the best time to clean the gutters too. {good tip... the ladder is already out so you might as well check them..}  We also,{who am I foolin?? you know its only me cleaning around here...} re-arrange the house, and deep clean everything. Hopefully some of these tips you found useful. And as always thanks for stopping by!
xoxo

Monday, December 10, 2012

 







Well we have a new house that we have been rehabbing for sometime, {since July} and we moved into this lovely house in August.....But as you all know, that my houses are never done.....We tweak, change furniture placement, and paint colors often. Until I feel its right....Here is a taste of what the Christmas tree looks like this year, and a little bit of the dining room........Enjoy!
xoxoxoxo

Monday, December 3, 2012

                                                                                                 {*our Christmas tree last year}
                                                                                                                 

Christmastime ......


Well tis the season, for stress, rushing, fighting crowds, money woes and the like...... Sound familiar?? Well, I have been there and done that. Seriously. A few years ago my husband and I would battle what the kids want for Christmas, and the list would always start with technology or a large ticket item. Now I am a fan of technology, however my wallet, not so much. With 4 kids in Catholic school, the budget isn't very forgiving. So we learned how to get creative and think outside the box! We adopted a new list style a couple of years ago that seems to have made the holiday less stressful. Here are just a few of our ideas:

1. gift of time, you and your kiddo at his/her favorite hang out spot.
2. gift of a treat: something they don't get very often {ie: ice cream treat, Starbucks etc...}
3. e-scrip cards to the movies {most schools offer these to regal cinemas, and other local movie houses}
5. boxed food fun: {this one goes over well in our house..} boxed cereal you wouldn't normally buy, fruit roll ups etc.

So there are 5 to give you an idea. Think outside the box, and you may be surprised how well these go over!

xoxoxoxox,
Em


 ~Back after being gone so long...........

Well, its been a long while since I have made a post, and now that most of the dust has settled, I can get back to what I love best.....taking care of my children, nesting and cooking. We have had a lot happen in our lives since the last post, and I cannot wait to share it all with you. Moving to a new city, chairing an auction, and finding new treasures... Stay tuned for a lot of helpful hints, ideas and decoration.
Its so good to be back.
xoxoxo,
Em