Happy 2010!

I hope everyone had an absolutely wonderful Christmas and are now looking forward to a hap, hap, happy New Year.

Can you believe it will be 2010?

It seems like yesterday was New Year's Eve to the year 2000.

I worked at a newspaper at the time. The "powers" that were, were so worried about y2k causing havoc on our computer systems that we reported to work at 10 pm and stayed until 4 am. So much for Dick Clark rockin' that year, LOL!

After much consideration, I bring you:
My Resolutions for 2010

1. Be happier: Stop worrying about things that may never happen but wisely prepare and be prepared financially. The knowledge of our own security leads to greater happiness. We all have taken a hit to our 401-k, stocks, etc. I'm looking to replenish our options in 2010. Where is that piggy bank by the way?

2. Be smarter: Consider twice, the outcome of spending and credit choices. I hate to admit that I have gotten spoiled about spending money without much thought. IDK when that happened, I remember having to count every penny for umpteen years. I think 2010 will be a great year to revisit that "old way" of doing things.

3. Spend time wisely: Pay attention to the moment at hand. I have the horrible habit of multi-tasking through everything. The girls come to visit, I wash dishes. My goal this year is to actually stop and be in the moment, not fluttering around the edges.

4. Be grateful: I wish there were more hours in the day to take stock of all the wonderful things that we have in life. I seem to be so busy running around in constant pursuit of "something else" that I don't enjoy what I already have. 2010 will be a good year to take stock by keeping a Gratitude Journal. (making one, watch for the post!)

5. Be healthier: Exercise more, eat less, lose 10-15 lbs. (This is always on my list)...I think this year I will strive for just being the best Dena that Dena can be!

6. AND My one fun resolution for the year: spend more time with my friends, make more fun crafts, be more creative and just have more fun! (I think I can handle this one)

We are traveling to Maryland for more Christmas tomorrow. 

When I blog again it will be 2010!

I simply cannot go until I wish you all a

Happy New Year!

Yippeeee, WuuuHuuu, Yeaaahh! A brand new year of  choices, experiences, chances and happinesses!

Remnants 2009

After our Anniversary dinner, hubby and I took a stroll in downtown Raleigh.

 Here are the photos we took of some historic homes.

The Governor's mansion.

And a city street as we wiz through it.

We were so frozen that night and so stuffed with steak, salad and shrimp that we didn't spend much time taking photos. We managed to snap a few good shots between shivering and teeth chattering.

The next day, Dec 24th, I made 2 batches of cookies and by the end of the day we had 2 more plates of cookies delivered from awesome neighborhood families!

Oh Diet Fairy, be thy friend of kindness through the

new year!

That is it! I promise, no more Christmas until November...ummm, maybe October.

I did it!

I am so proud of myself!

I changed my blog to 3 columns,
added a new header and
crafted a signature 
without messing the whole thing up!
SO SWEET when a plan comes together!

For the 3 columns, I have to admit I was nervous about changing the code on the template but I had very good instructions from The Cutest Blog on the Block! 

On the new banner, I used a free trial of Picnik.
You just choose collage, upload your photos and then add your special touches!

And yesterday I got a nifty new signature with instructions from Becca at Blue Cricket Design!

If there is anyone in blogland as far behind the times

as I am, 

here are the links to all:

Craft your Signature with Becca at Blue Cricket Design!

Get a 3 Column Blog Template with The Cutest Blog on the Block!

Create a Photo Banner with Picnik!

Chalkboard Wall

There is this funny, little, skinny wall leading into the

kitchen from the entry hall.

We had the phone jack installed here

right after we moved in.

Shortly after that, I painted the wall with chalkboard paint

and we added door frame trim to all four sides.

When we remodeled the kitchen last year we had to remove the trim because the new floor was higher than the old.

This is what we were left with:

Below are photos of the new and improved chalkboard wall.

After I sanded the patched areas and repainted with the chalkboard paint.

We used wide chair rail molding on all 4 sides.

The chalkboard really comes in handy when we need to jot down a phone number from the answering machine.

I'm sharing this post at all of the wonderful blogs listed below!

I hope you all got what you wanted for Christmas whether it was a gift or visit or special visitor.

Happy Monday Ya'll!

Dena

   

 

Great Joy

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Dena

Merry Christmas to all!

'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And ma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all,

and to all a good-night!"

Happy Anniversary!

Today is our 26th wedding Anniversary!

At the ripe old age of 19

we were married in Steve's parents living room. 

We stood in front of the Christmas tree on Dec 23, 1983 and promised to love, honor, and obey till death do us part.

So far we haven't committed death upon each other!

I have major issues with obey.

But we do love and honor each other as promised!

Here's to a minimum of 26 more years!

(OMG! that just sounds like forever and a day! Is it too late for last minute wedding jitters?)

Happy Anniversary!
With Love,

Dena

rockin' around the neighborhood

Walk with me as I take a little stroll through the neighborhood

I love to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights and displays! 

Unfortunately, the camera never gives them the justice they deserve

Santa's new mode of travel?

It just wouldn't be Christmas without Frosty

I just love this time of year, the night air is crisp and fresh and all is quiet and peaceful

Santa!

And home again!

I hope you enjoyed the stroll

as much as I did!

Wednesday is our 26th wedding anniversary!

Since it is so close to Christmas, we usually take a little stroll through Raleigh's Historic Oakwood neighborhood after a dinner out.

I'll post some photos on Thursday!

I hope you all get a chance to get out and see some beautiful Christmas homes in your area too!

Dena