Out With The Old. . .

Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown

Do you make resolutions for the new year? I usually don't, but last year I did. I made three resolutions. They were:

1. Eat less

2. Walk more

3. Be thankful

How did I do? Well, a lot of days I ate less and walked more. But, unfortunately, there were more days when I ate more and walked less. I will keep them on my list for this year.

As for being thankful~I believe that I was more thankful this year than last. But not thankful enough.

I am planning to start a Journal of Thanks. Everyday I want to write down at least one thing that I am thankful for that happened that day. I hope that I will write down more than one thing~but, at the very least, one thing will be required. This is something that I really want to do. God has blessed me with so much in my life and I want to honor Him and make being thankful all for my blessings a habit.

And this year I am adding a fourth item to my list. I want my house to be more organized than it is. It is something that I have been working on for several years and there have been many improvements. But, there is still room for more!

Blessings to all of you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Have A Blessed Christmas

A few decorations around the house. . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

R~Mary

Christmas Week

Good morning! I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend. We had a very cold weekend, but it was nice and sunny. The only way to enjoy the sun, though, was from inside looking out!

We had a very enjoyable Christmas program at church yesterday. A lot of singing, reading scriptures, and reading Christmas poems. One young man read the legend of the candy cane, and handed out candy canes to the congregation.

I especially loved the scripture reading and singing. We sang several Christmas songs that I'd never heard before. I love Christmas music. I listen to it throughout the year at different intervals. Do any of you?

This week is going to consist of a lot of cooking and cleaning~and I'm ready to get started!

R~Mary

Gifts

If you are like me, you don't really need any gifts this Christmas. Nevertheless, I will be giving, as well as receiving gifts this year. But we are really cutting back on our spending. I am making several gifts and they are very inexpensive to make. They are fun to make, and I hope they will be useful to the people that receive them.

When I receive a handmade gift, it always means so much to me. I think of all the work that went into the gift, no matter how simple or elaborate. In those cases, it really is the thought that counts, because they were thinking of me while they were making it!

Of course, the best gift of all has already been given to us many years ago--the main reason why we celebrate at this time of year!

Are you making many gifts this year?

R~Mary

Tuesday

We are having bit of winter weather here~lots of sleet with a little bit of freezing rain fell yesterday and throughout the night. Not a lot of accumulation, but it is very slick out there if you are not careful. The local schools have cancelled classes, so I'm sure all the kids in our area are enjoying themselves.

I wanted to share a picture of the Pashmina Wool Scarf/Shawl that I won in a giveaway at Barbara's blog. I'm afraid that the picture doesn't quite do it justice. Isn't it beautiful? Thank you so much for a great giveaway, Barbara!

And, there is more good news~she is having another giveaway, so click on over there and register for one of her beautiful scarf/shawls!

Have a great day~and stay warm!

R~Mary

Saturday Morning Drawing!

And the winner is. . .Marsel and family!! Congratulations! Please email your name and address to me so I can get the apron, recipes, and cookie cutters right out to you!

Thank you, everyone, that participated. This has been a lot of fun for me and I hope to do it again soon!

R~Mary

It's Friday!!

Today is the last day to put your name in for the apron giveaway~so scroll down to the post below and sign up if you haven't already. I'm so happy to see how many of you have signed up!!

Last night I won a Pashmina Wool Scarf from Barbara at The Serenity Gate! Thank you, Barbara. After I receive it, I'll post a picture of it for all of you to see.

Be sure and check out her blog today. She has a recipe posted for chocolate covered cherries that sounds easy to make.

R~Mary

Good Afternoon

I am having my first ever giveaway! I'm sorry that it is a little late for Christmas, but I hope to get it out to the winner before Christmas arrives!

This is a vintage/thrift giveaway. All items were bought second hand at my favorite thrift shop.

The apron is a cheery red check with white band and ruffle. It is perfect for Christmas and year round if you love red~which I do! The cookie cutters are a mix of vintage metal and plastic, all Christmas designs for those special cookies this time of year. There are a couple of more cutters that didn't make it in the picture that will be in the giveaway.

There is also a copy of Holiday Desserts published by Kraft foods in 1993. There are seventeen recipes in this little booklet and all of them look delicious!

Please register by Friday, December 12. I'll be drawing the winner's name on Saturday, December 13, and will get the package out to the winner as soon as you provide me with your address!

If you mention the giveaway on your blog, please let me know and I will put your name in the drawing bowl twice.

And you know what? Nothing goes with those Christmas cookies better than hot cocoa! Click on over to Sue's blog and register for her Holiday Hot Cocoa giveaway!

Also, check out the great giveaway over at The Serenity Gate and register!

R~Mary

Monday Evening

Thank you all so much for your well wishes! They were greatly appreciated. I'm finally back to about 95%, I think!

I did an ornament swap with my friend Allison over at Alpicks Treasure. This is the ornament, kitchen towel and sweet poinsettia soap she sent! Thank you Allison!

For all of you that like giveaways~I am having my first one!!! It is a little late, due to being sick for a week, but I hope to have everyone signed up by Saturday, December 13. Come back tomorrow, see the giveaway and sign up!!

R~Mary

Under the Weather

Be back soon!

R~Mary