Goodbye 2010...Welcome 2011!

Looking back, 2010 was a year full of joy and surprises, disappointments, grief and uncertainty. Change in visions, both personally and in business. The Joy and Surprise most definitely out weighed the sorrow and loss. I think that without joy and happiness, grief and sorrow would be so unbearable.  Large doses of love and happy and those that bring  it,  help make loss and sorrow bearable. The losses have been heartbreaking. I have mourned for friends and loved ones who are gone, my heart feels their absence daily. I am forever hopeful for those who are still here, but their minds or bodies have betrayed them. I am grateful for relationships that have run the course. I believe people come in and out of your life with purpose. I embrace the experiences and lessons that came from those relationships.
Some of the changes have been unplanned, but change is good. Sometimes something unplanned sheds light on the big picture. I am a lemonade maker, you know, a glass half full gal, always have been...just the way I'm built...it has served me well.

I believe we are the source of our own happiness. Regardless of external influences, it is our decision to choose to be happy or unhappy.  2010 was a very happy year!

 I am blessed to have an amazing, supportive, understanding husband, 2 fantastic, great, talented, smart and beautiful children, a home filled with laughter,  a fighting strong mother, wonderful brothers, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews who I love madly. I am truly so lucky to have so many dear friends, both old and new.  Welcome 2011, I will be sure to look for the lesson. I will let in and then let go of anger and hurt feelings and I will continue to choose Happy everyday! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Merry Christmas

The Hellier nativity scene...my children first constructed  this when they were 4 & 7, and have assembled it every year since...I am unable to ever want another. I still love this so much.

Tthe stockings are hung and filled...Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Happy Holidays to all!

After all the work making...these for fun.

Since they were wee ones my children have  have made ornaments for our tree. Now 16 & 13 they still enjoy, so much that our tree only has hand made ornaments on it (with the exception on my Nana's glass garland). Mostly made by my children, but a special few have made it to the tree that have been made for us by friends. What are your favorite ornaments?
So from our 2010 creations to some old favorites...Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Advent calendar

Day 9, tiny chocolate balls of joy. I love that my 13 &  16 year old still enjoy the little things.

Winter Faire

I will be heading to Blue Hill for the Bay School Winter Faire this weekend. I am looking forward to a lovely show in a lovely little corner of Maine. My 16 year old daughter will be making the trip with me again this year What a treat, I get to hang out with my daughter! As she gets older and becomes more independent,(working,driving,sports,friends), I look forward to times spent alone. I truly cherish time spent without distractions of every day. Since she was a babe, Eliza has always been a joyful companion.