Out with old and In with the new

Hello, out with the old and in with the new is the idea of the day.

It's a great time to reflect on the blessings and lessons learned in the past 12 months and take them with us into the new year.

It's a great time to ask the Lord to help us break bad habits we've been trying to break on our own but realize we can't conquer them by ourselves.

It's also a great time to ask Him to help us start new habits, good habits that will better our physical, emotional and spiritual lives.

So having said that, let's celebrate the new year.  Like each day, it's a new beginning, to be better than you were yesterday.  Does it mean you have to win the Noble Peace Prize or start your own multi-million dollar business?

No, it just means take a deep breath and determine to be the best you can be each day and the most important thing to me is to know you are at peace with your Maker.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 5:1

Hugs,
Sonia

PS ... I have update the Crochet, Etc. Tab.

My Christmas Week...

I had a nice surprise on Monday when my son, Joshua, came home for Christmas a day earlier than expected.

The days this week have been like old times.   I come home from work and hear guitars playing or a game going on.  So my Christmas thus far has already been wonderful.

Yesterday when I got home there were a lot of little black birds in the trees and I wondered what they knew that I didn't.  If they knew snow was on its way or something.

But on the way home today, there was no evidence of snow... just cold wind.   We went ahead and did our gift exchange with Josh and Audre this evening, so that we aren't rushed in the morning.  

So I'm home this evening, ready for my day off tomorrow.   Christmas day!  We get to spend time with both sides of the family, so it will be an all day event of good food, laughter and joy of watching the little one's opening their gifts.   

Let me share with you the desk my husband made for Josh.  It breaks down into four pieces so that he can easily transport it in his car.  Josh was very pleased with it.  It is a solid piece of furniture and will last him for years.

Elvis, who greets me every morning, has taken Josh being here in stride.  The two have had their time of wrestling and play over the years and he hasn't missed a beat with Josh this week.  I'm happy to say he no longer tries to take the Christmas tree out, like he did when he was little.  Elvis has been part of our family for around 13 years.

I think that catches me up for now.

From my family to yours....

Hugs, 

Sonia

Alight...

On the way home this evening it was cold and rainy.  Dreary to be sure, but I had a nice surprise when I got home.   My Christmas decorations were up and alight for the first time this Christmas season.  I went in, got my camera, and took a picture.

The first drink I made myself, after getting in the house, was a cup of hot cocoa.   The perfect thing after work on a cold day.

The movie "A Christmas Carol" was on... it was about halfway through, but I watched the remainder of the movie.  It's a classic after all.  :)

I'm finally beginning to feel better, and am to a point where I think I can relax.  Everything for Christmas is done.  Things are settling down at work.... until after the first of new year, then in a month or so... back to the crazy "hamster wheel".

So I'm going to try to enjoy the next couple of weeks.

I want to show you my new Christmas stocking.  My friend, Judy B. made it and I have it hanging proudly in place of my old one.

I've updated the following tabs.
- My Walk
- What is it?
- Giveaways
- Quilts
- Crochet

Hugs,
Sonia

Finally done with the blooming wall hanging :)

This morning I wrote that I hoped to get the wall hanging, I've been working on, done today.  Here it is.  I plan to hang this in my bathroom.

How Many?

One of the things I like to do during the Christmas season is sit with only the Christmas lights glowing, with a cup of cappuccino and a good book.  It's a time of quiet, solitude and peace.  As you know those things; quiet, solitude and peace, can be quite rare these days.

I'm happy to report I'm finally done with Christmas shopping.  I have a few gifts left to wrap and a few to mail out.  But otherwise finished.  

As far as quilting and crafting go, a wall hanging and fabric ornaments are all that's left to do and I hope to finish them this weekend.  The wall hanging, I feel confident will be finished today. The ornaments may not be finished until tomorrow afternoon.

On the radio the other day,  there was a discussion of how many Christmas movies are watched during the season.  One of the DJs admitted to watching 17 movies since Thanksgiving.   Now, I admit I like to watch Christmas movies, but I don't see how I could get in 17 movies.  I think I've watched maybe 5 at the most.  Of course there are still 11 days until Christmas, so I'm sure I'll get in a few more.  :)

How about you?  Have you watched any Christmas movies and if so how many?

And to those who watch Christmas movies, what is about them that keeps you going back to watch them every year?

It doesn't matter if they are corny or if we know the plot and how it's going to end, we continue to watch.  I know for me, it is the feeling of nostalgia and good memories when I watch movies like 'It's A Wonderful Life' and 'The Christmas Carol'.   It takes me back to my childhood when I watch 'Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer'.  I think my favorite childhood Christmas show though, is 'The Little Drummer Boy'.

Well, I better sign off and get to work in my sewing room.  Here's wishing you a super Saturday!

Hugs,
Sonia

All decked out

After being out sick for 2 1/2 days from work this week, I was finally able to go the doctor.  It seems I have a major sinus infection.  Thankfully I'm not and haven't been contagious but I have to tell you it has drained the strength out of me.  Today was the first day I felt half way back to normal but I still tire out quickly.  I'm on two prescriptions twice a day for the next ten days.

I was able to finally get my Christmas decorations up today.  I have worked on them a little at a time, taking rest breaks when needed.



The tree is up in the living room.










I have a Nativity on my cedar chest.












A bowl of beads and ornaments on a side table.







The snowy village is on the piano.

 There's a Nativity on the microwave.

Snowmen and Santa's above my cookbooks on the bakers rack.

Since we don't have a mantel and fireplace I hang the stockings from the china and crystal cabinet.

Then there's my sewing room.

So, I think I'm done as far as decorating goes.  My next goal is to get the Christmas cards done and wrapping gifts.

Hope all is well with you and I hope to be back in full swing soon writing to you more through the weeks ahead.

Until next time,
Hugs,
Sonia

PS... I have updated the What Is It tab.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning, I've got cornbread and biscuits in the oven, a pot of coffee brewing and thought I'd sit down to write you a letter today.

I stepped outside just a few minutes ago.  It's chilly and we had a visit from Jack Frost last night.

We have beautiful sunrise this morning too.  In my mind that's a great way to start the day, to see the sun rising as if to say "Good morning World, rise and shine! You have a great day ahead".

Though I won't be able to visit with you today or share a Thanksgiving meal with you, I'm writing to let you know you are a part of my life I'm thankful for. 

Your humor and creativity, your compassion for others, your willing to share ideas and promote others in the endeavors too... Oh I could go on and on... What I'm saying is you are a awesome, precious person and I'm glad I know you.

So, today when I'm thanking God for all of His many blessing, you will be mentioned too.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Hugs,

Sonia

Early morning visitor

I had today off!

Microsoft clipart

We had visitor early this morning.  A hawk was resting on our fence.  He sure was a beauty.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, but this afternoon I was able to work on some Christmas ornaments.  I made a set of them. 

They are made from cord, beads and butterfly paperclips.  You can find the pattern to them on Pinterest, look for "easy paperclip angel ornament".   

They are so cute!

My next project is a set of folded fabric ornaments.  I hope to have them to share by the end of the week.

Over all it was a good day and I'm thankful for that.  I have Thursday off for Thanksgiving and am already anticipating it.  I am making crockpot dressing to take to my parents house and then will make broccoli casserole for the family gathering my husband's side on Saturday.   Good food and family is always something to look forward to.

If you are traveling this week for the holiday, remember to buckle up and drive safely.

Microsoft clipart

Hugs, 

Sonia

Time for a change

I decided I wanted a change in the bigger bathroom.  So I went to my fabric stash and picked out some fabric and in any free moments and time of energy I made new curtains.

 When we first moved in I hung these brown curtains.  They went well with the tile work in the shower.  They have served their purpose and it was time for a change.

I decided I wanted to lighten up the room, so I chose a blue floral fabric and decided on using only valances.  This allows more sunlight to enter the bathroom which is good for one of the hanging plants we had to bring in.

So here is how it looks now.

I am ready, so very ready for the weekend.  It is supposed to be stormy this week, but I hope I am feeling energetic enough to work on some Christmas ornaments.

At some point, since I last posted about the Christmas stocking, I made a dust cover for it.  The stocking has a snowman on it and I had some fabric with snowmen, so I made cover out of it.  It has a drawstring closure.

I guess that's all I have for now.

I have updated the following tabs.

• My Walk
• Crochet, Etc.
• What Is It?
• Giveaways

Until next time,
Warm hugs,
Sonia

To grow your blog...

Hi, thought I'd share a blog with you that can help you grow your blog.  Check it out.  :)

http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com/2014/11/grow-your-blog-2015-party-this-is.html

Been busy this week, but hope to post again in the next day or two.

Here's wishing you a fabulous Friday!

Warm Hugs, 

Sonia

VETERAN'S DAY

THANK YOU!

Looking out over the valley

Thought I'd start out with a smile.   If this picture doesn't make you smile I don't know what will.

Audre and her best feline buddy (Elvis)

I have to share a bargain I found on my lunch break Friday.   I spent my time at lunch going to two flea market/antique shops, to unwind and try to de-stress...  little did I know I would find the bargain that I did.

I walked into a booth and saw this box set.  It had a price on it... I looked at the books inside the box, they looked liked they have never been used, and then looked at the price again thinking I misread it.

Box set of Scrap Booking books - $3.00

It was only $3.00.   Needless to say I snatched it up.   I think it's a pretty good find.

I also saw this oil lamp that I thought was pretty.  It had a good price on it too, but I left it on the shelf.

As promised I have some pics of the color change.  I have to say, I'm a little disappointed.  I guess, by seeing the maples changing in town I thought there might be more reds and bright oranges... but it is   mostly yellows this year.   Here are some of the pictures I took yesterday.

Audre looking out over the valley 

at Cameron Bluff

It was windy and chilly on the mountain, but otherwise a beautiful day.

I have finally finished the Christmas stocking, I have been working on.  I am going to make a dust cover for it to be stored in, as felt tends to collect what ever is in the air over time.

I've updated the CROCHET tab with the pattern to this snowflake.  Check it out.  :)

The WHAT IS IT? tab is updated too.

I guess that's all I have for now.  Here's wishing you a beautiful week ahead!

Hugs,
Sonia