Happy New Year.....

Truth be told, having been a student and a teacher for many a year, my "new year" always begins in September.  So I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, nor mournfully or joyfully bidding the past year good-bye.

So the Englishman and I will share a quiet evening and most probably keep very close to our normal bedtime.  Having just enjoyed a lovely dinner at home together, I am quite happy to just settle in for the night.

My sincerest wish is for each of us to enjoy good health, peaceful lives in our homes and our country, and the love of family and friends.

And may 2013 be a year in which those who can, do. 

(Why yes, I mean those we have elected.)

Cheers!

Friday Fotos.....

Captured this adorable "Mini Chef" this morning with my phone.

The "kilted" basset hound appeared Christmas morning after a sweater mishap.

And here are the locals who frequent our outdoor eatery......

A chickadee

                                                      Mr. Cardinal







These photos are courtesy of the "BirdCam" I received from the Englishman for Christmas.  



The BirdCam is a unique camera, currently hanging on the other side of the bird feeder.  It takes both still photos and short videos, and even has a built in flash for night pictures.  I think the wee ones and I are going to have a lot of fun with this!

While I don't in any way claim to be even a good photographer, I do enjoy the convenience of using my phone (and now the BirdCam) to capture those special moments that come my way.  

Thursday's thought for the day....

"Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us ~ and those around us ~ more effectively.  Look for the learning."

                                                                                                              ~ Louisa May Alcott

One sincerely hopes that the recents events in this country, especially on the East Coast, will serve as turning points.  They have certainly caused me to increase my own "random acts of kindness" and to do whatever I can to make a difference.

Wednesday's wisdom....

In the grand scheme of things, how important is it?

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas Eve with all the family, followed by a special morning  Christmas Day, watching the wee ones come down the stairs and open their gifts from Santa.

During the past few days there were giggles which often turned to laughter, with tears streaming down our cheeks. There were truly priceless gifts exchanged - all given right from the heart.  Memories were made that I will cherish always.

And just as in homes around the world, there were items that were too small or didn't arrive in time. Dogs that took longer than usual to settle and children far too excited to sit any longer at the table. Place cards were twisted by tiny hands, as stains appeared on the cloth napkins. 

Did any of that matter?  Not one bit.

 We were together. That was all I cared about.

With everything that has happened in the world, our country, our state, our family, this past year - I've learned to pick and choose what matters and what to let go of.

The health and safety of those I love is of the utmost importance to me these days.

All the rest, as they say, is just stuff.

One of the fondest memories I have of Christmas Eve as I was growing up, occurred just before we scooted down the hall and off to bed.  My mother would gather my siblings and I in front of the tree, where out manger set was placed.  She would then read to us from her Sunday Missal, the Gospel of Luke and the story of the Nativity.

I came across my Dad's missal last week, which had been tucked away in a box on my nightstand.  I thought it fitting to bring it out and place it on the new cloth I purchased in Germany this past Spring.

 Old traditions blending in with new traditions. 

I can't wait to see the expressions on the wee ones faces when they discover Grandmom's Santa Village.  I've saved it as a surprise for this special family night, when we all gather to feast on the most wonderful spread, thanks to the Englishman.  And yes.  There will be trifle!

Wishing you and yours 

joy and magic 

this Christmas Eve.....

Friday Fotos and Fitness Friday....

How handsome are these two boys in their winter jackets?

It's all about love for one another this week....

What a treat it was to spend extra time with this most precious wee granddaughter!

This lovely photo, taken by daughter #2 of her girls, sums up how we are all feeling at the moment ~ hold on tight to those you love.

Then pop over to Mommy Musings for Fitness Friday.

I've been making more conscious decisions about what I eat and cutting back on portion size.  I've also been parking farther away from my destinations and walking more.

It's all good, as they say.

(Click on the Mommy Musings link below)

http://www.mommymandymusings.com/2012/12/fitness-friday.html

(If that doesn't work, go to Mommy Musings on the right side of this page!)

Have a lovely weekend....

Thursday's thought for the day....

"In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and energy into something positive."
                                                                 ~Lee Iacocca

 Oh, so very true.  

Also works when you are feeling helpless or afraid. 

Keep busy. Do some good.

Then eat a piece of chocolate.

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