Back in the Saddle Again

(I wish I was referring to a real saddle on a horse. That would definitely cheer me!)

Thank you to all of you that commented prayed and sent positive energy. I indeed felt it. Sometimes my depression gives me a little butt kicking and, well, I felt a whopper last week.  I do have wonderful coping methods to utilize and usually they work, just some days are tougher.

I come from your typical dysfunctional family with scary skeletons in the closets. A long history of depression on both sides as well as suicidal tendencies (more unsuccessful than successful). This family background also packs a lot of love and stories of happily ever afters as well as survival skills. 

Anyway, I feel back on track after a loving weekend and some spiritual growth. A Wedding, a Sister get together, a Daughter for dinner, some great Spouse time, chatting with a Bestie, enjoyment of beautiful weather, some work on the Baby Clothes Project, and some deep talking with God, made for a wonderful weekend.

I may not be perfect. I may never feel the self confidence and worth I should. But I am a fighter. I do know that God, my family and friends all love me very much. Once I start learning to accept, respect and love myself, then I can truly be happy. 

A work in progress... 

I have some challenges to get through this week. But with my head up, eyes wide open, I will face them, and do my best. This too will pass and I will have new challenges to come. How I deal with today's will help me prepare for tomorrow's. 

I am adding a couple of coping skills to my daily routine.  I started an Daily Audio Bible app on my phone. Determined to get through the entire Bible within a year. It's been a while, referring to my favorite scriptures is great but time to rediscover some others.  I am also determined to get healthier. Eating habits as well as excercise.  Is it too late at 48 to start running? I have NEVER been a runner, but I have been thinking about it.. Perfect neighborhood for it. If not, then my bicycle is getting the dust off and I'm replacing the rotted tires. Or maybe for the upcoming Mothers Day / birthday I can get one of these groovy vintage style bikes. Either way, I have 14 months before I turn 50 and I WILL get in shape by then, by Golly!

Well, neglected home is begging me to clean. Time to throw some tunes on. Maybe I will go to Brookie's Cookie Jar  I love her playlist, go check it out!

Love to you All♥

It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas

It started snowing this morning. Chilly too. My most current excuse for not attempting to finish with the lights. (I have gotten the two boxwoods finished & 1/3 of the Magnolia tree).
Trying to finish things up around the home. I got the tree done. I let the dogs see it & Bandit got a little too excited... He won't be allowed back in the living room until after the tree is down.

Our Tree this year, is a mismatch of new and old. It has a lot of old hand-made from the girls, Precious Moments, their favorite hallmarks over the years, as well as this & that's we have collected. The girls use to have their own tree in their bonus room that was always very fun. I have done all home-made, and I have done all white or other themes.

My old glass ornaments go in a fishbowl on the coffee table.  I wish I had thought of this years ago as many have not survived children & cats. Here they are safe and I can see them well.

The mantel is coming along. I love the old Tonka truck that was Sergio's sitting on the hearth. I also love catching him smile at it.

A gathering of Santas. I do love them. In different styles and vintage as well as new.  The two old ones in the center belonged to my Grandmother Peggy & maybe Grandmother Noel prior to that. The one with a light bulb in his nose is so frail.  I never plug it in as the cord is older than I! I remember my parents sitting hit up on the bar when I was young.

Finally the good stuff.  The best Christmas decorations, the ones that I will never part with.  The precious goodies my babies made. These are my favorites.  Some have permanent spot, displayed through out the year.

My dear Blogger friend Linda over at Over the Fence inspired me to share a little of my Christmas cheer. I love how she gives us glimpses. It's like sharing a cup of coffee while enjoying her Christmas cheer.

I still have a ways to go.  But, getting there gradually.

Got some great music on too.  I am playing my friend Brooke's playlist from  Brookie's Cookie Jar . She also has a lovely Blog and always great jams. Gosh... so grateful for my Bloggy Buddies!
One more picture for you...
This is my bed last night @ 2am. Im am actually squeezed in between the cat & dogs, with the rest of me up the pillow side.  With Sergio out of town on business, four of the 6 critters that live with us, like to keep me warm at night!

Love to all♥