Welcoming in the New Year with Friends

My friend Kelsie and her husband Bryan came out to the house after dinner at Monicals. Other than them being overwhelmed by our 3 dogs, I think we had a good time visiting! She's been a close friend of mine since high school and I really value her friendship. What a Great way to welcome in the New Year!

Happy New Year to You All!

New Year Resolutions

I don't usually make resolutions- that most people do- loose weight, exersize more, quit smoking or drinking. I really don't make resolutions at all. But I've been doing a lot of thinking and want to try and focus on changing some things about myself and the New Year is a great time to start.

1) Be less critical (especially at work ) and more forgiving

2) Really be in the moment with friends and especially family (we seem to take them more for granted)

3) Be more generous- with time, money and things (something my good friend Teresa and my mother are helping me with)

4) Find a cause to be passionate about (animals, those less fortunate in other parts of our world)

5) Enjoy each day- (while watching the mermaid girl I loved the delight in her voice at the simpliest things)

I won't say I will change the first day or that I will change at all- I just think I'm on a journey to learn these things. I hope you are making some resolutions that will really matter in your own life!

Looking Forward to 2010

Well, usually I'm not excited about the New Year, but for some reason this year I am. I think in some ways I'm hoping that I will continue to grow more in my faith, my relationships with my husband and family and in how I view my job. I'm working on some New Year's resolutions- which I don't usually do- but it can't hurt to think about what we can can be thankful for and what we can hope to change in the future!

It's Snowing!

Well, I love that it's snowing! Beautiful, pretty snow. It was nice that it snowed for Christmas. That's why I love/hate Illinois weather- but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Things are getting back to normal. Normal hours at work (at least I can get up at 5:30 or 6:00 instead of 3:30 or 4:00am). Normal as in getting everything cleaned up both at work and home. Looking forward to a better year in 2010!

Happy Jesus's Birthday

Well, I hope that your day has been filled with family and friends. I've learned some new things this year- don't take for granted your family and friends-you probably don't know how lucky you are! And the real reason for the day- as my nephew, Chris says-"Happy Jesus's Birthday!" I love that. I'm going to try to use that next year.

Off to Work in my PJ's

Well- today is the day when the employees can wear pajamas to work - Christmas Eve. Even the managers do it - so it's kinda fun. I'm wearing my Santa Baby hooded raspberry pink sweat shirt and a green t-shirt that says "Be Naughty. Save Santa the trip" with a big glittery pink kiss on it. I've picked out some pink long underwear bottoms with hearts on them for the bottom and big pink slippers. Hope it's fun!

The other inside Christmas Decoration

Well, this is it. It's not like I don't have enough decorations for 10 full size trees- I do- along with the trees. It's just that I don't have the time, energy, or spirit to decorate them. I used to love Christmas time. Now I always can't wait for it to be over with. I can't think of one thing to like about it except for the one and only reason for the season- the birth of Jesus. For me, I could do away with all the rest- just a simple day spent with family and friends at church rejoicing the day. Where would we all be without the hope and promise of the Son of God!

Kitchen window for Christmas

Just one of only two Christmas decorations inside. At least I see it everyday!

Outside Christmas Decorations

Well, this is all the decorating I do for the season. I'd love to do more, but working retail really takes all the energy and fun out of it with the long hours. So I put a spotlight on the antique sleigh, the house and the wagon and get to enjoy it when I leave for work and when I come home. I hope others driving past also get to enjoy it.

Santa Photo

Victorian Santa

Rebecca's computer has been kidnapped by a computer geek and he won't give it back!

A repairman is working on it for them and they are without until he gets it done. She is going through withdrawal, so I thought I would post for her.

Hopefully she will be back before the end of the week...

Victorian Christmas Photograph

I just love these old photos- I can study the wallpaper, furniture, ornaments and gifts and learn so much about the past!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone has so many things to be thankful for and I try to think of that everyday, not just on Thanksgiving. First and Foremost, God gave his only Son, Jesus, so that we may have eternal life with him. Without that- life would be pretty dismal. We are so lucky to live in this country. I don't think we think about that enough-unless we know someone who is serving our country. I know I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family who accepts me as I am- with all the weird quirks that I have! And great supportive friends- especially my best friend, Teresa, who is always there for me and I know I can call numerous times a day and she won't get sick of me talking! I know we all love the food - but what's really important is to tell those in your life how much you love them- so do that today! Have a Wonderful Day spent with Family and Friends!

Wagon Box Painted

Well, I got the box for the wagon painted before the snow flies. It will protect it better and stand out better in the snow. Now I just need to come up with an idea for the Christmas season to decorate it with.

Old Wagon Base

Well, Eric and I finally got the top of the hearse off the carriage bottom. It was no simple job and we should have had a couple more people to help. I asked my dad if he could build a box to put on the top so I could use it for the rest of the year to decorate for the seasons- flowers in spring, pumpkins after halloween, flags for the 4th, etc. He asked his friend, Ernie Newberry to help. I'm sure Ernie was the master mind behind the box- he's a great carpenter and has done several projects for my parents, including a beautiful vanity for their bathroom. It turned out perfectly and I can't wait to paint it and find a carriage seat for it. Thanks guys- It looks great!

Turkey Farm on the Zimmerman Estate

Our family farm used to raise turkeys. In this first picture you can see the windows before they were shortened. Also the barn in the back is still there. This is Aunt Ann- Uncle Glenn Zimmerman's first wife. He was the 3rd generation to live in the farm before my husband came to live here. Wonder what year this car is?

Outdoor Dinner Setting

Wouldn't this be beautiful for a Thanksgiving Dinner!

Strung Apples

I forgot to include this picture last nite of the strung apples. It was fun while it lasted.

Fall Party of the Past

The front gate at my house. I made the wreath with real apples and a twig welcome sign. The front of the house built around 1855. Notice the real apples strung on the front porch.

Pumpkins and a twig wreath in my urns.

The side porch.

The food at the party-carmel apples with real twig handles and pumkin pie.

Table set up with hot dogs, marshmellows, and popcorn for the fire.

A place to sit, relax, and eat by lamp light.

Always a hay-ride.

Front porch rockers.

Gourd Rack

I usually display my watering cans on this rack, but thought it would be fun for some more gourds-how many did I grow anyway? I had to think of a lot of places to put them. I'll store them and dry them for next year!

Iron Porch Posts

A few years ago my dad found and gave me this iron porch posts with acorns and leaves. I like to put them out next to my back entrance in the fall.

Urns

Flowers in the spring, pumkins or gourds in the fall, and real greenery in the winter. I love to change these urns for the seasons as an entrance to my house.

My Favorite Bench

My husband bought me this bench for Christmas one year(we usually don't exchange gifts). It had to be shipped from Texas by semi. I really like it because no one else in the are has one and it look good out under the big tree in our yard.