life – Page 30 – This Old House 2

…Really?….

Me: You have midterms all week, don’t you?

Him: Yup.

Me: How come I haven’t seen you studying?

Him: I don’t need to. I’m relying on the excellent teaching abilities of my teachers when we’re in the classroom!

**SIGH **

Oops I did it again.

Day One – 2012

Initial thoughts:

Look at the dirty floors

oh my aching back

loving that pile of dishes in the sink

WHY are the chickens picking on that one poor chicken!?

Son is off on his scooter with friends again..

will everyone please exit the roads, back away slowly with your hands up

until he returns safely?

I caught myself.

How I reversed the negative thought process:

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential.

~Ellen Goodman

I’ve been dwelling on the negative too much lately, and quite frankly it’s exhausting. It’s not the stuff I want to be made of, either. So, if we must call it a resolution… mine will be to look for the potential…MY potential.. and to make an honest effort to walk the walk and talk the talk of positive thinking.

… because we only come through this way once.

My favorite part of this blog is when you participate on the posts.

Please join me by sending me a photo of yourself.. either a self portrait or

one someone has taken of you..

and a brief statement that expresses your outlook, hopes or goals

for the New Year. E-mail entries to karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com

As you send me your entries, I’ll post them right here, below Ben and I.

In 2012, I hope for good health, financial prosperity, abundance, peace, contentment, laughter and love * I pray for healing for my parents, my dogs, and all the beings in our world that suffer for any reason * I pray for an end to war and endless fighting, whether here at home or around the world * I pray that every child has a roof over his head, love surrounding him and a sense of hope about the future * I pray that every dog or cat that needs a home is adopted. And that man stops hunting and maiming innocent animals * I pray that everyone who has lost a job, or a home, and is bewildered about a country that seems to value the very rich over the poor, finds work, a home and begins to feel valued by their country. xo Claudia

My hopes for 2012 are to be more positive and kick the negativity out…
and make sure I get to the Vineyard for soul restoration.

Happy New Year ~ Joan

He turns 18 next week. He graduates soon. He is our last one. I also became a grandmother in 2011. I’m entering a new chapter in my life. It’s a little scary. I want to make it less scary and more exciting. I almost feel like I will be re-inventing myself in 2012. And… Time seems to be going faster and faster. I wish I could slow things down. I realize I can’t. So I hope to make the most of every minute, hour, day, week, month, opportunity…. ~ Jodi

I want to cut out ALL processed food, start walking and using weights– I want to get fit–not just to look better, but to feel BETTER! This year has been difficult, but I have hopes 2012 will bring new blessings! I’m praying that eldest daughter comes through this difficult pregnancy without any more complications, that the baby is well (it’s a GIRL) and son heals from the divorce, and youngest daughter finds happiness and direction in her life. I pray for all my children and grandchildren that they will be faithful and protected from evil. I hope I can stay with my Read the Bible in One Year project–we’ll see. I’m seeking a job transfer and hoping for the right decision. I have several projects in my home I would like to have accomplished by this time next year! I hope we can have a real vacation this year–not another staycation!
Hope 2012 brings peace, hope and joy to all! ~ Cowgirl V

***

I pray for balance and peace; for the grief to lessen and for life to begin again.
In time, it will happen but probably not soon enough to suit me.

May the worst of 2012 be from the best of 2011;
Happy New Year from Thistle Cove Farm.

***

My goal for 2012 is to make a good memory for someone each day. I retired last February, and 2011 has been a whirlwind. When we retired we decided to make the move to spend our days at the cottage. Our summer was filled with fishing, pontooning, and ATV’ing. Besides these activities, I also enjoy photography and sewing. My kids call me gramma jamma, as I make my granddaughters summer nighties out of recycled bed sheets. This holiday season was a very emotionally mixed up season. My two grown children and their families spent their last Christmas in the house they grew up in. The Monday after Christmas we packed our belongings, donated or gave away the things we didn’t need, and took the rest to our cottage. As of January 15th we will be permanent residents of Pearson, Wisconsin. (Try and find that on a map!!!) We still have a lot of stuff to deal with, but will all straighten out in time. The first of February we are taking an hiatus from the cold, snowy weather by driving to Lake Havasu, Arizona for a month or so. Then back to our new home to make some summer memories. – Mary Ann

My wish is good health for everyone, a cure for diabetes, happiness, warm homes,

friendship, prosperity and at the risk of sounding like a beauty queen, world peace!

Happy 2012!
Mary

As this year ends I face two difficult situations . my grandfather , mentor , teacher , best friend was diagnosed with bone cancer this week and I’ve been told today 6 to 7 months . As this new year comes I pray and hope for a great year . I want to share the knowledge and great family values with my children what he has taught me . He has taught me to do what ever no matter how hard it is to support my family .
So i have come to the conclusion they I may loose him in 2012 but I pray he leaves me comfortable and not in pain. – Andy

This was us last night, celebrating the New Year with friends. We were all talking about resolutions. But I explained that there are no resolutions, only recommitments to our healthy lifestye, spending time with positive people and not squandering one single moment. Every day is a gift. We are so blessed!
~ Raven

My goals for the New Year is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and move forward. I would like to improve my health, get in better shape, walk more and even hike. I’m getting a dog, she’s just a small pup right now, and I should be able to bring her home in February. It will be nice to have a pal to walk and hike with. I have hopes that this election year, a GOOD President will be elected, that more people will have jobs, roofs, food and comfort in their lives. I really hope for world peace, it would be wonderful to have, but I’m skeptical on that. I hope for our soldiers to be reunited with their families, and that they will get the attention they need to ease back into life without war.
One more thing, I am so grateful for all I do have. ~ Susan

My “word” for 2012 is TIME. I want to spend more time with God, more time with friends, more time building relationships. ~ dorothy

My wish is that we may touch one another’s lives in a tender manner. To be more than tolerant . (Elie Wiesel) May we be sensitive of the needs of others. Personally, I hope to lose some of this weight that I have regained. It is a continual journey. I hope to be able to know where I am supposed to be. I don’t think I’m quite there, yet. I was so blessed to become a first time grandma in 2011 and now I have a new person looking to me for an example of the woman she may be one day. I also hope to get out of debt and to save some money. I hope to be brave and to listen to the voice in my head that tells me everything is o.k. and to silence the voice that tells me it isn’t.

Warm wishes from Whosyergurl in Southern Indiana, xo, Cheryl

My resolution is to let it be. I find myself getting stressed out over the small stuff in life and I know I have it better than so many people. So this year I am going to let things roll off my back and take the time to enjoy life. ~ Elaine

My goals for 2012 are to be the best wife and mom that I can be! My
baby goes to 1st grade next year and will be in school all day
everyday. I am going to make the most of these last few months of
having her to myself for part of the day and create memories that will
last a lifetime. I am going to lose 3 to 4 lbs. each month by eating
better and exercising and I am going to go for my dream and make my
photography business a reality!– Kat

T’is the Season through your eyes…

Quiet Reflections of the season ~ There’s a bit of melancholy in the holiday season for me, but it’s also filled with bursts of joy, and the quiet contentment I find in simple things that gladden my heart. Candlelight is one of the things that warms my heart.
Kate Young ~ chronicles of a country girl

My fondest Christmas memories are when we would travel to my grandparent’s house in Greensboro, NC to stay with them through Christmas. We didn’t go every year, but when we did it was great. I would walk in the house and go straight to the kitchen where I would find Christmas tins filled with home baked cookies. Some in the traditional sugar cookies made with cookie cutters and sprinkles and some other varieties, too. My grandmother was a teacher of first graders. She taught for 35 years before she retired. When I was young and her school was not out for Christmas break yet I got to go with her to school and spend the day in her class. I had to do the lessons just like all the other kids, but I loved it. Of course, I had the big head thinking that the other kid’s teacher was my grandmother. I will never ever forget her letting me go to work with her.

Kim ~ http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Christmas Magic
Sue at Beach Bungalow http://sue-beachbungalow.blogspot.com/

Nancy ~ A Rural Journal

December 1952

I am actually holding a doll that belonged to my older brother, Wesley. It’s name is Patti, and that is what they named me. Mother still has this doll, however my brother is no longer with us.
Patti – Osage Bluff Quilter

Happiness is….

Joan of http://www.mvobsession.com/

There’s no rhyme or reason why this picture is my favorite today.

It makes me smile and want to go hug my grandpup.

“Taking a break from wood-chopping”

Gwen http://www.fourwilkies.blogspot.com/

Sandy at Aging Disgracefully

http://newfie-girl.blogspot.com/

Tradition – Family Portrait on Christmas Day

Sara – http://www.sharleystudio.blogspot.com/

I choose this picture because these two silly little ornaments mean so much to me. The angel was made for us over 30 years ago by our niece. We didn’t have children but my sister selflessly shared hers with us, this little angel is on my tree every year. The trailer park ornament was given to me by my dear friend of 27 years who passed away this summer. We travel and live in our motor coach most of the time, so we jokingly call ourselves trailer trash. I must have cried buckets today as I put all the ornaments she has sent to us over the years, on the tree. To me this is what Christmas is, family and friends.
Joyce Ann – http://joyceagray.blogspot.com/

Christmas in Florida! …Santa on the Rainbow River.

Diane – http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/

“And the stockings were hung…” I don’t know how I found the time to stitch four such intricate stockings… one for each son. The smaller ones behind the stitched ones are for the boys respective pets. And the blue store bought one is for the new daughter-in-law….it’s too bad for her that my stitching days are over!! 🙂 Grace ~ http://www.newsfromthehill.com/

*Letter for Santa *

Kathryn at Take my Breath Away – http://www.jemsmom.blogspot.com/

“Missing you, dad” Sheryl ~ ain’t for city gals…..

I was thinking last night while watching my favorite Christmas tv program, the Andy Griffith show “A Christmas story ” … what I love about Christmas is the great food, the look in your kids face Christmas morning, being with 60 family members Christmas eve night, and being at moms for christmas morning breakfast! Merry Christmas to you – Andy – http://thelittlewhitehouse-andy.blogspot.com/

This is my Scottish grandmother’s Christmas pudding recipe. Passed down to her from her mum. This was taped inside a very old cookbook that was passed on to me! It is really yummy. A traditional Xmas

pudding. May your holiday be merry and bright!

Shelagh ~ http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com/

Vicky ~ http://thewestraworld.blogspot.com/

Deborah ~ http://fashionplate-hungryforstyle.blogspot.com/

Lynn ~ I love to decorate my house with both real and artifical greenery –

First white Christmas in 60 years!
Andy ~ thelittewhitehouse-andy.blogspot.com

I’m dreaming….

… of a white Christmas. But so far, it ain’t happen’n.

Now that College girl has graduated, what do I call her here for you… grown up girl? Sounds silly. Hmmm… anyway… Daughter is out for a walk with Ben this morning (HIGH PRAISE to the manufacturer of the Easy walker harness. It’s a miracle item for those of us who have dogs who pull when you walk them.) Back to the weather … It’s downright balmy out. Weird weather for Christmas time. How do you people do it in Florida??… it just isn’t the SAME, I tell ya! ….

Today, the manchild will clear out the old ashes and restock the fireplaces for

the company we’ll have on Christmas day…

but I fear it will be too warm outside to have the fires all aglow.

I’m continuing the holiday baking with Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes…

Why I torture myself so, it’s beyond me.

I lost 20 lbs. this year, and that’s a wonderful thing.

This holiday baking could throw it all to hell, ya know.

*sigh*, what I do for my family.

Mike loved George’s picture, and I love the topiaries I found to help the mantle balance out.

We’re also amazed at how the filtering light through the woods in this print

is visible even in the dark. Now that’s some talented painter.

And this is just a copy! I hope to see the original some day.

I am LOVING all your entries for my Christmas Day post. If you haven’t done so yet

and you’d like to join us, send me a photo that represents the season in some way to you…

e-mail to karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com

Write a caption for the pic, and send me your blog link as well.

Thank yous, updates and a request

Thank you all for your kind words, always. Whether it’s a loss, or a heartbreak, or a teen or senior moment, you’re there with a kind word or a suggestion or a commiseration, and I appreciate every one of you. Well, except for the guy who periodically leaves that boycott-american women comment. You gotta feel sorry for him, obviously he picked some real winners. Dude… it’s you.

The old grey mare of a house? REALLY ain’t what she used to be… M and J have decided she’s too soft in the rafters to give another go. So.. the owner might find someone else to do something with her, but it won’t be us. My guess is she’ll be bulldozed into the ground, and it’s just sad that she was let go for so long.

Some of you have expressed a dislike for all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and some of you are overwhelmed. Some of you go all out with the decorations and gift hunting and some add just a few simple touches. There is no right way to be here. What brings you joy? That’s all that should matter.

I hope you find joy this season, whatever that means for you.

If you’re so inclined, tell me your favorite piece of holiday spirit…

whether it’s grandmas cookie recipe or a favorite old stocking,
the religious meaning or a big family gathering.

For christmas day, I’d like to do a post consisting of a picture from each of you
who would like to participate… any picture you have that represents the spirit of the season.
It can also be of anything at all – a bird, an ornament, a holiday party, a place..
It can be recent or from days gone by.. up to you.
E-mail your photo and the caption you would like me to put underneath it
to karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com
Also include your blog address so I can link it.
We’ve got just four days to put this together…
lets see how many of you I can get to participate.

Traditions

Every year at about this time we pile into the car and trek over to the Yankee Candle Flagship store in Mass. to stock up on candles and eat lunch at Chandlers restaurant nextdoor (oh, the smell of sizzling steaks, apple brown betty and those creamy rootbeer floats!) . My kids used to love it. Used to. This year? Not so much. Grown up girl was plugged into her ipod and cell phone from the time we entered the Jeep, and Rising son plugged himself into his ipad and headphones alongside her. Mike and I shrugged and sang old rock tunes with reckless abandon since no one in the back seat could hear us. (I think we did Aerosmith proud with Dude Looks Like A Lady)

Once we got there, the kids untangled themselves from their electronics long enough to trek through the stores begrudgingly, sniffing new candle fragrances to appease mom for about two minutes and 37 seconds. I counted. We trudged through the snow village where younger kids stared wide-eyed in awe of the falling fake snow and train that choo-chood through the mountain tunnels below the ceilings. We browsed the homegoods section where they perked up considerably because that’s where the check-out lines were. And we were out the door in 40 minutes flat. It takes an hour and 15 to get there, for cripes sake.

A couple next to us saw me trying to coax my son to “Smell this! It’s a new christmas scent!” to which he replied in a bored monitone voice accompanied by a heavy, heavy sigh…”No mom, they just renamed it so you’ll think it’s new and buy it”. The couple glanced at me with a commiserating grin and said “we left ours home this time”.

What I’m learning?

Apparently some traditions are eventually outgrown.

I’ll get over it.

And I bought the damn candle anyway.