Happy New Year 2010

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I've never been one to make resolutions, ever, ever, ever. For some reason this year I felt the need to do so though.

Finish every project I start.

Make office hours (at home) I will stick with each day.

Paint my living room and redo fireplace.

Buy new living room furniture that includes two, yes two, recliners.

Make a headboard for our bed.

Now those seem to be things I know and promise that I will keep.

May the year 2010 bring peace, joy, laughter, blessings and the Lord to all of my dear friends in blogland.

Happy New Year,

Tablescape Thursday

I'm excited to say that part of the new changes around here is taking part in Susan's, Between Naps on the Porch, Tablescape Thursday meme. This is my very first one to take part in. I've enjoyed viewing and reading all about the others and decided it was high time I done this for myself. So without further ado, I hope you enjoy my New Years tablescape.

Once again for the most part I've used objects I already had here at home. What can I say, I'm frugal that way! The majority of these items generally sit inside my china cabinet and never get used. That's sad too, they were handed down and should be for our enjoyment and use. So why the heck not use them?

BTW, please try your best to ignore the run down, worn out, much loved table. It is going to be one of my DIY projects very very soon.




The centerpiece is the unity candle holder that Trucker and I used in our wedding. I simply glued ribbon around the pillar candle and tied the same ribbon around the tapered ones. The candle holder rests on a silver plate that was given to Truckers grandmother in 1974 from the Marked Tree High School in appreciation for her work.

To the centerpiece I've added some magnolia's in bloom and bud, a rope of crystal beads, and one lone sparkly ornament. I also tossed some blue and silver curly ribbon around for the "party look"




I set the table with two different place settings for something different. Sadly I could not find any silver chargers today while out shopping and settled for the gold ones instead. On top of that is a gold rimmed piece of china handed down from Truckers mother.





This place setting is the same except for the salad plate which is a piece in the set passed down from Truckers grandmother.



This is my favorite wine glasses. I adore these. They are each etched in a design depicting my favorite of all birds, the hummingbird. Until tonight I had a lovely set of four, that is until while placing everything I clumsily knocked one off the table. I could have cried.






I hope you have enjoyed my New Years as much as I had doing it. Well at least till I broke my favorite glass anyway.

Many thanks to Susan for being such a gracious host for our TableScape Thursdays.


Happy New Years My Friends,

All About The Changes

With 2010 drawing near I've been doing many changes. I took a blog hiatus for around 6 months and have came back renewed, refreshed and in need of change. I've changed in the last 6 months as well. I've taken time to reflect and rediscover who I am. I have learned to be me again, and learned what little things in life it takes to make me happy.

We, as women, often put ourselves last in our lives. We make and take time for family, friends, are towns and our churches, but when do we take time for ourselves? I had quit taking time for myself and almost completely stopped doing things I enjoyed. The little things that make me happy. Taking walks, reading my bible, taking pictures, redecorating and crafting, along with simple things such as: long hot baths by candle light, soft music, reading a good book and much more.

I am happy to say I have started taking time for me.

Along with these changes I've also given thought to changing my blog. As you can see I've started this already. I've changed the blog title (as it reflects more of who I am now), changing the background to suit my moods, holidays or whatever, and will slowly be changing the types of posts I do. I am going to be sharing the things that make me happy. Family and Home!

So hang around for DIY projects (before and after pics), photos of things that make me happy, an occasional recipe thrown in, family fun and more.





Making a House a Home

Three or More Tuesday

If you read my blog lately you know I've been searching for new ways in which to decorate Trucker House, as well as DIY projects for the coming year. While surfing various, and oh so many blogs, I ran across The Gypsy's Corner. Tam has a beautiful blog full of all sorts of varying and highly interesting decorating, photos, dishes and the like. While reading many of her blog posts I discovered she hosts "Three or More Tuesday". So this week and hopefully more to come, I am taking part in this meme. I do hope you enjoy.

This first group of pictures is one of the projects I have been working on since Christmas. It's a new way to decorate my fireplace mantle for New Years. I used things I already had around the house. The champagne flutes you see in the picture are filled with Epsom salts for that glittery, sparkly look and each has a tea light candle on the salts. My mind is not creative enough to have thought of using the Epsom salts but this is one of many ideas I found while searching through other blogs.

The middle of my mantle sports a mosaic candle holder that Trucker gave me our very first Christmas when we were dating. Normally it graces the entry way table, but for now it is displayed proudly on the mantle. It's beautiful when lit at night as well as during the day.

To achieve all the glittery effects I simply wrapped very old silver garland around the greenery garland from Christmas. The greenery is prelit and I added one more set of the white lights. Also added to the mantel is crystal candle holders, more candles and tea lights.











The next pictures is our "Ringing in the New Year" tree. I am a firm believer in leaving the tree up till after New Years so as not to bring our family any unwanted bad luck. Lord knows we don't need it. Once again I used things we already had around the house for decorating it. It is draped in gold beading (the same that was on the tree for Christmas) and the white tinkle lights. It is decorated with shiny silver ornaments shaped as music notes (hence the name Ringing in th New Year). I also embellished it with simple gold and silver ribbon (that has metallic thread running through it) tied into bows.

The topper is simple made from a sheet of scrap book paper in gold that has been shaped and glued together. Then I took some old gold garland and glued this to the bottom and the top. Now it resembles a New Years party hat.










I hope my ideas and pictures have gave you some incentive and ideas to decorate your own homes for New Years. I would love to see more ideas from my readers, so get to posting your decorations for the holiday.

If you would like to take part in Three or More Tuesday visit The Gypsy's Corner to take part. Also be sure and check out the many other links posted for more fab. ideas and inspirations.

Later this week I will be posting my Tablescape for Tablescape Thursday. Can't wait to show you the New Years table design.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY.....December 28, 2009

Outside my window...The sun is shining brightly, the squirrels are playing in the trees in our backyard, and it's a bit chilly today.

I am thinking...of how I am going to do my tablescape for New Years.

I am thankful for...God giving me a swift kick in the boot over Christmas to remind me of what is most important in my life, FAMILY.

From the kitchen...I smell my morning coffee and it's oh so good today.

I am wearing...my headache face today. Also my warm, snugly pj's and the new robe my parents got me. They called it my "go to the office robe". LOL.

I am creating...many things around the house this week in preparation for the new year. Be sure and come join me later to see the pictures of what I've accomplished.

I am going...slowly insane, thanks for menopause.

I am reading...lots of new blogs on decorating. Loving everyone of them. Watch for new ones in my blog roll.

I am hoping...that I start my new job online very soon. I've missed writing for pay.

I am hearing...pretty much the sounds of silence this morning. All is quiet in the "Trucker House"

Around the house...I still have some Christmas decorating to store away and lots of clean clothes to put away as well.

One of my favorite things...now is playing Guitar Hero with the kids. I recommend everyone get this game if you haven't already purchased one.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Work on articles, clean the house, pack away Christmas and spending time with Princess before she heads back to school and her dorm.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

To read other Daybook entries or to take part head over to Simple Woman's Daybook here. you'll be happy you did.

It's Starting To Look Like A New Year

I've been hard at it all day around "The Trucker House" getting rid of 2009 and bringing in 2010. I have been searching and seeking new decorating blogs for inspiration today, for most of the day, looking for new ideas for the NEW YEAR. I am happy to say that I have found many, many frugal decorating tips and photo inspiration. There are so many beautiful ideas only a finger touch away on the net. So much so that if not careful it will boggle the mind.

My winter nesting instincts are taking over and I'm having a blast at it. So come back this week for many photos of what I've done around here. You might not recognize the Trucker House. You might even find some inspiration for yourselves.




I also wanted to let you know that even though I despise and hate to do this I have changed the comment moderation to "word verification". I hate having to do this but am sick of the robot and crap ones. I do hope you understand. I don't tolerate SPAM well.

What a Wonderful Christmas!

I hope everyone's Christmas was as wonderful as ours ended up being. I say "ended up being", because you see on Christmas Eve I had a major meltdown here. To the point I was saying that I hated Christmas and all that came with it. Which is not really true, but just how I felt that day. You see, I am a planner. I plan everything! I've never been one for surprises or changes. I am a stickler for routine, over and over again. I can't help myself. So when something changes, or things don't go as I had them planned in my head, it completely upsets my "little apple cart". I hate my apples being tossed out and bruised! So I spent Christmas Eve highly upset, crying and to make matters worse, drinking. I am not a drinker anymore! I haven't had anything other than the occasional bottle of beer about 2 times this year and Yes, I do have Bailey's in my coffee each day, but hell that is about 4 TBLS, tops. So for me to hit the hard stuff..............well let's just say my Eve grew worse and worse. And so did Trucker's. It is not a Christmas Eve I wish to remember, and thanks to the consumption of alcohol, I might not!

Christmas Day however was nice, really nice. No hangover here.............yeah right! But I didn't let it damper my spirit for the day. We had a lovely dinner at my parents house with my sister in attendance as well. My brother could not make it as he chose to stay home and start his own families new tradition. They have a new baby as of Dec. 8th. Little Emma Sage came into our world then. What a Christmas blessing she is too. I haven't been able to see her yet, but will be doing so soon.

I learned a lesson this holiday.............................It's what you make it and how you take it! I hope my apple cart and apples are well next year.

In closing I'll leave you a couple pictures of Miss Emma. Isn't she just about as pretty as a new pup? LOL.

Wishing Everyone A..........

Wishing everyone single one of you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. May the Peace and Joy of the holiday season be with you the whole year through.

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Merry Christmas,

The Simple Woman's DayBook

FOR TODAY December 21, 2009

Outside my window...The sky is a bright blue, the trees are barren, and the wind is cold.

I am thinking...and praying that we have a white christmas this year.

I am thankful for...so many things in my life I can't name them all.

From the kitchen...I hear sounds of Frisky (my kitten) eating his lunch and can see the dirty dishes awaiting me.

I am wearing...my baby blue pj's. Yes, I only just got up.

I am creating...absolutely nothing,.

I am going...no where today but later this week to my parents for the holiday. Then to do some shopping, then later to see my grand children.

I am reading...Malice by Lisa Jackson I recommend this book to all.

I am hoping...and praying my Trucker gets his bonus before Christmas Eve.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer.

Around the house...everything is pretty much organized. The tree is lit, the mantel is finished and the gifts are wrapped.

One of my favorite things...is the quiet I have during the day time.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Last minute Christmas shopping, gift wrapping and fudge making.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

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To read others Daybooks simply click here.

The Simple Woman's DayBook

FOR TODAY, December 7, 2009

Outside my window...The sun is just coming up in the dark sky. It looks to be a beautiful day.

I am thinking...of how much I have to do today. I have to clean the living room and get the rest of the Christmas decorations put into place.

I am thankful for...having a wonderful bed to sleep in each night.

From the learning rooms...how to decorate on a budget, vewy, vewy cheaply.

From the kitchen...nothing is going on and won't be all day long. teehee.

I am wearing...the cutest baby blue pj set with eyelet lace trim in navy blue and little tiny blue flowers. don't laugh it's still early and more than likely I'll wear this combo all day long.

I am creating...new artwork for the house. Going through all my decorating magazines and cutting out my favorite pictures and putting them into my old frames. I'll post some pics when I am finished.

I am going...to the hospital on Wednesday to hopefully see my newborn niece. Her mother is being induced that day and I can't wait for little Emma Sages arrival.

I am reading...absolutely nothing lately.

I am hoping...that my son, DIL and grand babies get to come home for Christmas.

I am hearing...sounds of complete silence.

Around the house...it's extremely messy. Christmas decorations strewed all over and needing to be put up and away.

One of my favorite things...games on Facebook. Ok, I admit, I am an addict.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The usual, work, cleaning, and enjoying my home.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

To take part in the Simple Woman's Daybook just click here.

Until we meet again,

Christmas Memories

So who's ready for the Christmas holidays? What, no shouts of joy do I hear? Do I hear a few shouts of happiness and giddiness? I hope so because this is the time of year for celebrations, family and the joy of the birth of our baby Jesus. There is no other time of year that compares with this Christmas season.

This post is dedicated to the memories that we all have of holidays past. I know that you have quite a few of them yourselves. There is one in particular that I think of every year when I watch my favorite all time Christmas movie. The slapstick comedy and laughter gets me every time. The movie I am talking about is of course, "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation". This movie brings so many wonderful memories back to me. Good times with family!

I remember the first year I watched this movie. Believe me there is not a Christmas since that I haven't seen it either. The first time was many years ago, the first year it came out in 1989. My family went to the theatre to see it together. My little brother was all of 12 years old at the time and one of the biggest comedians. He loved to share laughter and jokes. Anyway, the family loved it. We were still giggling for many weeks afterwards.

But one particular weekend about two weeks after seeing the movie we all shared a huge laugh. You see, my families septic tank became stopped up. I remember very vividly that it was cold, we had a light snowfall, which is uncommon for us in Arkansas. My parents, sister and little brother and I were all out in the yard doing something, but Dad was working on digging out the septic tank. Not a chore he was fond of or happy about, let me tell you! When he finally got it all dug up and we were standing there looking at it, my little brother, the comedian, looked over at Dad in all seriousness and without missing a beat or smiling he said "Dad, the shitter's full". We all stood back to see if he would get into trouble for saying the word "shitter" and was half scared to laugh at him for it. We could hardly contain our laughter at this point, but Dad finally caught on to what he had said and then in the next breath he also burst out laughing. We all totally cracked up at this point and it helped a whole lot to put my Dad in a better mood! I swear that as old as I may live to be we still talk about this at Christmas and try our best to still get together and go to their house and watch this movie together.

I hope every single one of you who read this post has a wonderful memory of something at Christmas. I would love to hear them. Share one with me and help me get into the spirit of this holiday. Aw come on, one won't hurt ya.

I'll leave you now with one of the songs from the movie. In fact it's one of my favorite Christmas songs for the season.

Why Do People Do It?

Yup, that's my question of the day. Why do they lie? Steal? and hurt? Why do they gain your trust, admiration and love and then just cause pain in one way or another? Not only to you but others you have grown to consider as friends, and admire as well, why do they hurt them?

Someone has done this to me and others of my friends in the blogging world.

Today I found out that someone whom I considered to be a dear friend (even if I have never met them in person) has simply vanished. No more blogging, no more friendship on a social network and no more chats. I also learned that they are not who I thought them to be. This hurt more than anything. Once again I trusted, I gave of myself with my words and feelings, and comforting them in their time of need. I also gave them my worry and my prayers.

I will still continue to keep them in my prayers, only now it is for a completely different type of prayer. One that I ask God to "show them the right way", "give them the strength to learn that the truth is always best", "to let them know not to take advantage of others and their feelings and concern".

When will I learn to stop being so trusting of strangers? Maybe I should also ask God to help me with this as well.

Why Must