Blessings

Wishing all of you blessings in abundance in 2011!

Even on the dreariest day, a day when nothing seems to go right, blessings are all around us.

I have had to remind myself of this fact many times over the last month. 2010 surely didn't end on the sweetest note. You all know we lost our Kipper in late November. Our hearts are only just beginning to heal thanks, in part, to all the kindnesses & love shown to us by our friends and family. I can never fully express what it has meant to us.

My mother has not been well and was unable to do so many of the things she loves. I have been spending as much time as possible with her and helping her get to doctor appointments and tests, doing her shopping and running errands for her. It is just a blessing to be able to do it for her!

As well, my brother and sister in law's marriage is ending and my heart breaks for them, for all of us. As you can imagine, when a family is as small as ours is, this comes as such a blow.

To say the least, the holiday season was decidedly different! Tinged with worry and sadness yes but blessings were still to be found.

Sunlight on a field of snow, singing along with a favorite song on the car radio, a gentle hug from a loved one, Grace & Dan's happy laughter as they challenge one another to a Wii game! Holding Bill's hand as we take a drive, our cats sweet purrs as they make themselves comfortable on our laps. My nephew Brady's kisses, an unexpected call from an old friend, watching a great old movie while snuggling on the sofa. Buttered popcorn, hot cider and a good pot of chili simmering on the stove.

Lunch out with girlfriends, planning our next vacation, the delicious smell of an apple pie baking.

These are just a few blessings that made me smile during the last few weeks.

I do hope that you, and those you love, are finding blessings aplenty to make your heart sing!

...and I count all of you among my blessings every day. Thank you for being a part of my life!

It's 2010 Already?

Wait a mo...wasn't it just Halloween? Now we are done with Christmas and looking forward to Valentive's Day? Whew...yes. I actually saw a stand for Cadbury Easter Eggs in our grocery yesterday. What does this all mean? I don't know except that I better get back to posting before it is time to weed the garden!

This was the calm before the storm that is Christmas Eve!

 Getting ready for dinner...

Yes, we always have our Christmas Crackers. Inside each one is a joke or riddle, a tiny toy and a paper crown. Uh huh, I decree you MUST wear it!

Brady's daddy showing him the proper way for a royal to wave...

The Queen Mum...

Our neighborhood set out hundreds of luminaries this year...it was perfect!

We get to open one gift on Christmas Eve...this year Grace opened a silver

cheerleader charm. Yes, she loved it!

On Christmas Day we all were together at Mom's home.

Grandma got them both games for their Wii...

Boo and his pretty Mama checking out his presents!

My Mom got a beautiful pin with charms from my brother and sister in law.

Brady decided he like the game that Daniel got and wanted to *trade*!

Boo and his Daddy high 5 the fun day!

My best gift ever...Billy!

It was a busy, busy, happy, happy holiday! We spent almost every day, for 10 days, with family and/or friends. There were delicious dinners and lunches, great movies, games, laughs and lots of love.

All will live on in our memories always.

But now the decorations have been stored away once again and we have begun another year fresh and look ahead with sweet anticipation.

I hope your holiday was especially joyful and that 2010 will bring you more laughter than tears...and with that, shappy smiles, a sense of purpose, a peaceful heart and spirit, good health and love.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Resolutions? Oh WE'VE Got Resolutions...

We all make a few resolutions as another new year dawns fresh and bright and then, often as early as January 2nd, we break our resolve and forget the promises we made. Just this afternoon I compiled a list of resolutions that I intend to keep in the new year...uh huh. I think that 2009 will see old Susie Q succeed with her new year resolutions at long last!

I will lose weight the fast & easy way!

I will order a catalog of new clothing ideas... ...and begin to dress with a greater sense of style.

I will improve my parenting techniques...

I shall discover new ways to beat hot flashes...

I will join some new & exciting organizations...

I will abolish my wrinkled hands by doing more dishes...

I will purchase a lovely wig so I can see how I would look in the young & hip styles...

I will always have a smoke to prevent loss of temper...

I will buy soda as gifts for all those 2009 babies!

I will update all of my make up... I will get a nice tan and help all the infants I know to get one too (while they are swigging their soda pop)

I will wear only my undies while doing farm work...

...or fighting fires!

I will keep my family free of goiters...

I will dance with Bill no matter how silly we look doing it...

I will get more strenuous exercise like this...

I will gather the family 'round the kitchen table more often...

I will keep my car cleaner...

I will travel more...

I will show Bill more affection...

I will meet with my girlfriends for lunch more often...

I will work on my cooking skills... ...and I won't burn the beer!

I will sing and sing and sing...

I will take my dog for longer walks...

I will get new and more fashionable glasses...

I will try new photography techniques...

I will keep a cleaner house...

I will get out the old bathing suit and hit the beach... ...and I will continue being so, so grateful that I am a member of this sweet blogging circle of amazing people. Each one of you has blessed my life in so many ways.

God bless you & may 2009 be filled with joy for you, your family and your friends.

Happy New Year!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q Many of the vintage signs and advertisements were found at : Found In My Mom's Basement