I have got an early jump on Christmas for next year. Yep, got my cards, some new gift tags, a new Christmas CD, and even a new orchid colored table top tree. Am I the same person who likes simple decorations for the Christmas season? Well, yes, but you'll just have to come see this orchid Christmas tree when it's fully decorated. I'm sorry, I am apparently still the seven year old girl who fell in love with this color many years ago and when I saw the tree at Kohl's yesterday, I couldn't leave the store without it.
Actually, I have two trees to decorate for next year, in addition to the tree that serves as our "Christmas Tree" downstairs in the great room. I hadn't even dragged that tree out this year, when my mom called to say that they were coming for a visit to see my tree and decorations. Well, I got it dragged out of the back room with the lights still on it from previous years, but that was it. It all worked out, however, as my mom offered to help me decorate it. That turned out to be a lot of fun, putting on the ornaments that she and I had got for the kids over the years. I did have a bit of a time super-gluing the right rung back on the Lego Santa's sleigh that I got Dustin when he was around eight. Apparently, superglue does better at gluing plastic to fingers than to other plastic. But, back to the trees. I'll have the orchid tree and another little three foot tree that was the top of a tree that was headed to the dump. I salvaged it and turned all the lower branches into greenery for my deck and then Mark put the stand on the bottom of the top portion, and voila, it looks like a perfectly fine little tree. I never found the time to decorate it, but I have so many decorations from past years of "after Christmas" shopping, it shouldn't be a problem to have them both decorated for Christmas 2012.
I will use today to get caught up on cleaning and laundry that was put off during the holiday festivities. I never could figure out how to do all the festive decorating and additional Christmas shopping, wrapping, planning and cooking, and still get all the routine stuff done. Now is the time to catch up.
Pudge has not been feeling himself these past weeks. He's actually been dragging his tail around. The malti-poos always have their long, luxurious tails curled up over their backs, so this has been especially troubling to see him with his tail drooping behind him. It seems to be sore at a certain spot, but we haven't been able to determine what the problem is. I guess if it persists, we'll be going to the vet to have it checked out.
And, speaking of dogs, it appears they are needing some attention or they have merely spotted some deer out the window. There were four standing on the hill just outside our window earlier, so not sure about the reason for the current disturbance. We're experiencing a dry and very frigid morning here after making the record books for the wettest year on record earlier in the week. I expect I'll be staying warm inside today while I get caught up on housework.
I hope you are enjoying the closing days of 2011. I expect to be seeing and hearing a lot about this past year as we begin our count down to the new year. Stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Remembering Christmas Everyday of the Year
Wow, Christmas yesterday was awesome. We three Six sisters had family at each of our homes over the past couple days. Kathy had a wonderful Christmas Eve gathering and Pam had us over Christmas day. It was wonderful, I don't know how she does it. Because I had Thanksgiving at my house, I was able to slide by for those couple days with just having my own kids over and keeping it really low key. It was nice having Dustin and Christina and Joe here at the house opening presents together. Once kids get to be adults and have their own homes, jobs, lives, etc., you never know for sure when you'll be able to recreate that together time that was simply taken for granted when they were under your own roof. Anyway, Mark and I were blessed this year to get to visit his family in Florida after Thanksgiving and then celebrate with my family here in Central Kentucky, as well as our own kids, in our own house. We were truly blessed.
I hope you had a similar experience for your holiday season. It was especially special on Christmas morning hearing our young minister, Andy, remind us of the whole reason of the season. With readings from Genesis, Isaiah, Luke and Matthew we were able to hear of God's plan for the salvation of His world, the simple introduction of His word as it became flesh and came to us into a lowly stable in Bethlehem and the worldwide rejoicing and celebrating that followed His birth and takes place each and every year to allow us to express our unending gratitude for His love that he bestows on us daily. Following up each reading from the Bible with Christmas carols of miraculous birth, worshiping kings and shepherds and expressing our faith and adoration is one of my favorite expressions at Christmas. My wish for each of us is that we can keep that spirit of celebration and gratitude each day of our lives and always remember how fortunate we are to have a God who lavished us with the gift that keeps on giving every day of our lives, our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, our king.
Love to all and Merry Christmas. Stay safe and have a great day, Susan
I hope you had a similar experience for your holiday season. It was especially special on Christmas morning hearing our young minister, Andy, remind us of the whole reason of the season. With readings from Genesis, Isaiah, Luke and Matthew we were able to hear of God's plan for the salvation of His world, the simple introduction of His word as it became flesh and came to us into a lowly stable in Bethlehem and the worldwide rejoicing and celebrating that followed His birth and takes place each and every year to allow us to express our unending gratitude for His love that he bestows on us daily. Following up each reading from the Bible with Christmas carols of miraculous birth, worshiping kings and shepherds and expressing our faith and adoration is one of my favorite expressions at Christmas. My wish for each of us is that we can keep that spirit of celebration and gratitude each day of our lives and always remember how fortunate we are to have a God who lavished us with the gift that keeps on giving every day of our lives, our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, our king.
Love to all and Merry Christmas. Stay safe and have a great day, Susan
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
FUN IN THE FLORIDA SUN
Previously, I posted that the weeks following Thanksgiving had been a blur. Let me dwell a bit on what transpired during those days.
Thanksgiving was wonderful here in Central Kentucky with the majority of my family in attendance. The following day we turned our attention to Mark's side of the family, and for the past several years, we've made the trek to Florida to visit his folks and his baby brother and his family. It's wonderful having the opportunity to not only spend time with family, but also to enjoy the beautiful, balmy weather of the Sunshine State. Thankfully, I'm able to leave Riff and Roy with a very loving friend who cares for them while we're away and Taffy stays with her grandpa Doug and grandma Kathy, so to speak. Pudge and Pepper get to take the trip down south with us.
This year was particularly special because Christina and Joe had actually celebrated Thanksgiving day with the Libby clan at baby brother Scott's house. This is a big family gathering for Scott's wife, Judy and all her clan. Mom and Dad Libby, brother Jeffrey, from NYC and the rest of the Libby's are outnumbered by Judy's Spanish speaking family, but I hear it's a really festive and fun time for all.
Mark and I arrive Saturday and we get to have another Thanksgiving meal with Mom and Dad, Scott, Judy and their three children, Christina, Joe and brother Jeffrey that evening. We are all amazed that Judy actually can put another meal together after entertaining and feeding over thirty just a couple days earlier. We are truly blessed to have our families to celebrate with and be thankful for over the Thanksgiving holiday. Mark and I are then grateful for the following week when we have the opportunity to spend precious time with Mark's mom and dad. We especially enjoy getting caught up with family stories and reviewing family pictures. Mark gets a big kick out of taking care of his Dad's to do list, which usually has him accomplishing outdoor tasks in the yard. Pruning lemon, grapefruit and orange trees in December is not a bad gig.
In addition to spending time with mom and dad, I am able to forget about the frigid weather left behind in Kentucky and take Pudge and Pepper on many long walks through the rural Florida neighborhood of Jupiter farms. We enjoy seeing all the beautiful homes and the diverse array of dogs that greet us from their side of the many fenced and gated yards. I was especially tickled this year to even see a huge, and I mean huge, potbellied pig napping in the sun, just inside a neighbor's fence. We also saw an array of other animals, birds and especially horses. But mostly, it's lots and lots of dogs from little chihuahuas to great danes. Many have their own little signs of warning, especially the Rottweiler's, that state, "We can get to the gate in 8.3 seconds, can you?" In other words, don't even try to come in the gate.
But, alas, after five days of Florida weather and relaxing family time, it's time to head back north to the frigid weather and hectic holiday preparations. Talk about switching gears. And did I mention that while in Florida I watched the Kentucky
Wildcats beat the Tennessee Volunteers for the first time after a 26 year losing streak against them. The Libby family thinks I'm weird for hooping and hollering over a silly football game. Ya gotta love 'em, they don't have a clue about being part of the Big Blue Nation, but they're learning.
Again, I hope you enjoyed as wonderful a time with family over the holidays as we have. Back in Kentucky, after our first real cold spell and even some snow flurries here and there, we are actually going to get back to about sixty this week. If I have the time, I'll try to work in a walk or two. However, I have to get back to preparations for this most special day of the year that is a mere twelve days away. And, if you get the chance, check into what Tim Tebow has been up to this past week. I had to laugh when I read that they're actually calling him the "Mile High Messiah" after his many comeback victories. Denver definitely has something to celebrate. May we all look towards celebrating the birth of our messiah, Jesus Christ these coming days. Take care, stay safe, luv, Susan
Thanksgiving was wonderful here in Central Kentucky with the majority of my family in attendance. The following day we turned our attention to Mark's side of the family, and for the past several years, we've made the trek to Florida to visit his folks and his baby brother and his family. It's wonderful having the opportunity to not only spend time with family, but also to enjoy the beautiful, balmy weather of the Sunshine State. Thankfully, I'm able to leave Riff and Roy with a very loving friend who cares for them while we're away and Taffy stays with her grandpa Doug and grandma Kathy, so to speak. Pudge and Pepper get to take the trip down south with us.
This year was particularly special because Christina and Joe had actually celebrated Thanksgiving day with the Libby clan at baby brother Scott's house. This is a big family gathering for Scott's wife, Judy and all her clan. Mom and Dad Libby, brother Jeffrey, from NYC and the rest of the Libby's are outnumbered by Judy's Spanish speaking family, but I hear it's a really festive and fun time for all.
Mark and I arrive Saturday and we get to have another Thanksgiving meal with Mom and Dad, Scott, Judy and their three children, Christina, Joe and brother Jeffrey that evening. We are all amazed that Judy actually can put another meal together after entertaining and feeding over thirty just a couple days earlier. We are truly blessed to have our families to celebrate with and be thankful for over the Thanksgiving holiday. Mark and I are then grateful for the following week when we have the opportunity to spend precious time with Mark's mom and dad. We especially enjoy getting caught up with family stories and reviewing family pictures. Mark gets a big kick out of taking care of his Dad's to do list, which usually has him accomplishing outdoor tasks in the yard. Pruning lemon, grapefruit and orange trees in December is not a bad gig.
In addition to spending time with mom and dad, I am able to forget about the frigid weather left behind in Kentucky and take Pudge and Pepper on many long walks through the rural Florida neighborhood of Jupiter farms. We enjoy seeing all the beautiful homes and the diverse array of dogs that greet us from their side of the many fenced and gated yards. I was especially tickled this year to even see a huge, and I mean huge, potbellied pig napping in the sun, just inside a neighbor's fence. We also saw an array of other animals, birds and especially horses. But mostly, it's lots and lots of dogs from little chihuahuas to great danes. Many have their own little signs of warning, especially the Rottweiler's, that state, "We can get to the gate in 8.3 seconds, can you?" In other words, don't even try to come in the gate.
But, alas, after five days of Florida weather and relaxing family time, it's time to head back north to the frigid weather and hectic holiday preparations. Talk about switching gears. And did I mention that while in Florida I watched the Kentucky
Wildcats beat the Tennessee Volunteers for the first time after a 26 year losing streak against them. The Libby family thinks I'm weird for hooping and hollering over a silly football game. Ya gotta love 'em, they don't have a clue about being part of the Big Blue Nation, but they're learning.
Again, I hope you enjoyed as wonderful a time with family over the holidays as we have. Back in Kentucky, after our first real cold spell and even some snow flurries here and there, we are actually going to get back to about sixty this week. If I have the time, I'll try to work in a walk or two. However, I have to get back to preparations for this most special day of the year that is a mere twelve days away. And, if you get the chance, check into what Tim Tebow has been up to this past week. I had to laugh when I read that they're actually calling him the "Mile High Messiah" after his many comeback victories. Denver definitely has something to celebrate. May we all look towards celebrating the birth of our messiah, Jesus Christ these coming days. Take care, stay safe, luv, Susan
Saturday, December 10, 2011
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
Happy Holidays! We are sure smack dab in the middle of them now. I hope you had a really wonderful Thanksgiving with family and lots of turkey and the fixings. We sure did here. Most of the family was here, this is my fourth year to host the festivities. We were missing Christina and Joe and our family's only great grandchild, Alex, but other than that, the entire Six clan was here for our annual gathering for giving thanks for our many blessings.
I'm not sure about anyone else, but since Thanksgiving, everything has been a bit of a blur. I'd love to say that all the cleaning, decorating and shopping has been done, but that is not the case. I've got cards out to address and outdoor decorations have been taken out of boxes and contemplated, but not completed in any sense of the word. Actually, I started putting up greenery and lights on the railing of the deck, only to realize that I had been bunching them too much, so I'll need to redo them today.
I'm happy with the simplest of decorations; a multi-colored lit tree, outdoor greenery and white lights and several indoor lights and nativities will do just fine. However, I still can't seem to get the hang of getting things done in a timely manner, so I'm always in a rush it seems, hence the redoing of the outdoor lights.
My number one concern as December arrives is making sure that I have enough cards to send out to friends and family. I'm a stickler when it comes to my cards. They must have the manger scene complete with baby Jesus and all the animals. I was so thankful when I found the cards that I purchased at the end of last Christmas season, in my Christmas closet. I imagine I will be addressing cards later today while I watch Kentucky and Indiana tip off. I only hope that by then I also have a deck adorned with beautifully lit holiday greenery. We'll see. I would like to add that it was wonderful being in Rupp Arena this Thursday to be part of the record breaking attendance for the UK women's basketball game. It was so awesome seeing the arena rocking as the Hoops Squad of UK knocked off the #6 ranked Duke Blue Devils.
I actually bought the dogs some Santa suits that were on sale last year, can't imagine actually finding the time to chase them down and put them on all five of the doggies, let alone getting a picture, but we'll see how it goes. I don't think I have a family picture to put in cards this year since Christina wasn't in Maine for our family vacation or at the Thanksgiving dinner. Next year I'll try to remember we need everyone of us Libby's together for a family picture. With facebook and email, I think most everyone has seen pictures of us at some point during the year.
I've been enjoying wonderful Christmas music on a Dish Network music station called the Christmas Message. It's wonderful to just change the channel and have beautiful Christmas music while getting things done. CMT will also have many country holiday videos to enjoy if you can catch them at the right time.
This is such a special time of year and I hope that you are enjoying all of your family Christmas traditions. As long as we are healthy and together and able to celebrate the miraculous birth of God's greatest gift to us is all that is truly important this season.
The doggies and I won't be walking today cause it has really gotten cold this week, frost on everything this morning. But, we will be spending time outdoors decorating and hopefully, the sun will keep us from freezing. In addition to seeing Kentucky basketball, it will be fun to catch Tim Tebow and his Broncos. He has really garnered a lot of attention winning five of his last six games, usually coming back late in the game. So many of the sportscasters and professional athletes hardly know what to make of him and his amazing faith in God. I just pray that he remains true to himself and continues to let God use him to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
And, if you've had the chance to see the Charlie Brown Christmas Story, you'll remember from Linus that the true meaning of Christmas can be found in the book of Luke, chapter 2, "..she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger..." That's what it's all about, Charlie Brown.
COME, LET US ADORE HIM !
Have a great day, luv, Susan
I'm not sure about anyone else, but since Thanksgiving, everything has been a bit of a blur. I'd love to say that all the cleaning, decorating and shopping has been done, but that is not the case. I've got cards out to address and outdoor decorations have been taken out of boxes and contemplated, but not completed in any sense of the word. Actually, I started putting up greenery and lights on the railing of the deck, only to realize that I had been bunching them too much, so I'll need to redo them today.
I'm happy with the simplest of decorations; a multi-colored lit tree, outdoor greenery and white lights and several indoor lights and nativities will do just fine. However, I still can't seem to get the hang of getting things done in a timely manner, so I'm always in a rush it seems, hence the redoing of the outdoor lights.
My number one concern as December arrives is making sure that I have enough cards to send out to friends and family. I'm a stickler when it comes to my cards. They must have the manger scene complete with baby Jesus and all the animals. I was so thankful when I found the cards that I purchased at the end of last Christmas season, in my Christmas closet. I imagine I will be addressing cards later today while I watch Kentucky and Indiana tip off. I only hope that by then I also have a deck adorned with beautifully lit holiday greenery. We'll see. I would like to add that it was wonderful being in Rupp Arena this Thursday to be part of the record breaking attendance for the UK women's basketball game. It was so awesome seeing the arena rocking as the Hoops Squad of UK knocked off the #6 ranked Duke Blue Devils.
I actually bought the dogs some Santa suits that were on sale last year, can't imagine actually finding the time to chase them down and put them on all five of the doggies, let alone getting a picture, but we'll see how it goes. I don't think I have a family picture to put in cards this year since Christina wasn't in Maine for our family vacation or at the Thanksgiving dinner. Next year I'll try to remember we need everyone of us Libby's together for a family picture. With facebook and email, I think most everyone has seen pictures of us at some point during the year.
I've been enjoying wonderful Christmas music on a Dish Network music station called the Christmas Message. It's wonderful to just change the channel and have beautiful Christmas music while getting things done. CMT will also have many country holiday videos to enjoy if you can catch them at the right time.
This is such a special time of year and I hope that you are enjoying all of your family Christmas traditions. As long as we are healthy and together and able to celebrate the miraculous birth of God's greatest gift to us is all that is truly important this season.
The doggies and I won't be walking today cause it has really gotten cold this week, frost on everything this morning. But, we will be spending time outdoors decorating and hopefully, the sun will keep us from freezing. In addition to seeing Kentucky basketball, it will be fun to catch Tim Tebow and his Broncos. He has really garnered a lot of attention winning five of his last six games, usually coming back late in the game. So many of the sportscasters and professional athletes hardly know what to make of him and his amazing faith in God. I just pray that he remains true to himself and continues to let God use him to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
And, if you've had the chance to see the Charlie Brown Christmas Story, you'll remember from Linus that the true meaning of Christmas can be found in the book of Luke, chapter 2, "..she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger..." That's what it's all about, Charlie Brown.
COME, LET US ADORE HIM !
Have a great day, luv, Susan
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