Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The last photos...

....of 2009 and my hopes for 2010.



I have been reflecting on the
year 2009 and have come to many new conclusions.


It's been an amazing ride for this cowgirl and by God I am still on my horse.


Here are just  few of my many tangled thoughts.


I have learned of a wider world out there and I know
it has so much more to offer... I only need to ask for it.


If I search out the answers to my questions
I will find them...eventually.


It only takes my time and desire to get more out of life.
Put forth an effort and the rewards will be ten fold.


There are good people in this world, who are ready to
open up their hearts and offer a kind
word or a compassionate gesture.
They are hiding in the most interesting places...just seek them out.


As the world seems to be falling apart all around us we need to 
 look into each others souls because, deeply
embedded in this world is its heart, a heart that thrives on the goodness that
is the human spirit.


I believe the human spirit keeps this world together.
With all the terrible things we hear each day,
we can counter those stories with 100 more
great stories of human kindness.


GOOD OUT WEIGHS THE BAD!


In 2010 my goal is to search out the positive in life, look for the goodness
in others and continue my quest for happiness in all that I do.


Sometimes easier said than done.


The road before me is filled with potholes waiting suck me in...but I am much
better prepared for this trip ... I have sharpened my defensive driving techniques this time around the block.  My reaction time will be much quicker as I approach the rough roads because I have learned
and I will continue to learn how to keep focused on what great things lie ahead.


I will not get stuck on the negative...I will pry myself from its grips.


They say... take things in small step for best success.
In my world it's baby steps...
...each day needs to be taken on an individual basis and lived to its fullest.


If I can remember that...I should be good.


I am the TURTLE you know.


Finally...my pictures from Christmas Eve.
























Oh ...you just had to be there.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !
MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY.











Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas to all...

...and to all a Good Night!


Our Christmas Cards have finally arrived and are now in
transit to family and friends.



I have finally finished the decorating...



...well in my life it is never completed.







My gift to our feathered friends, covered with berries, bird seed ornaments and
stockings filled thistle.




We have had snow and now we have ice...



Oh the dichotomy in the midwest...


















Wishing all of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.
A toast to the year ahead...
2010 will prove to be a wonderful
year for all...I know it!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

All American....

...Casserole Night

It was my youngest
6th Birthday


Since he really doesn't like
much food, I decided to pick a menu
that would stir memories of childhood delight.

Comfort food that would bring us all back
to the olden days of casserole night.



Now, for those of us that eat healthy on a regular basis
or those of us that have gone organic...
...this might make any of us ill.

But, bear with me this is good...it will remind you that
everything in moderation is the right way to go in life.

So, here is the line up of All American Classics...it will make you proud
to be an American.




To start out with with had to have my favorite,
Spinach Dip
Creamed Spinach, Chopped Spinach, Knorr Veggie Soup Mix
Just a dash of Miricle Whip, Sour Cream, Onion and Swiss Cheese.
Don't forget the red pepper flakes.




Trust me...it has spinach it has to be healthy.
You warm it up and it's the perfect winter treat.

Now the main course...hold on to your heart.


Broccoli Cheese and Rice
Made with Cheese Wiz, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Minute Rice and Butter



Enchilada Casserole
Made with Refried Beans, Cheese Soup and Cream of Mushroom Soup
I used turkey meat just to health it up a little.
Smother in Enchilda Sause and bake.
Much better the next day.




Chili Chicken Casserole
Made with Chunks of Chicken, Chicken Soup, Cheese and Grands Biscuts





"Somore Please"
Ground Beef, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Onions and Chinese Noodles on Top




"Goolosh"
Noodles, Ground Meat, Tomato Soup, Dried Onions, Durkee Onions
It's the item on the right.
Yes, I used our best china and silver for this dinner.



Baked Mac and Cheese
Sure sounds harmless enough...but added bacon, ham and peas, topped off with
Ritz Crackers


Now, I didn't provide all this food, guest were invited to bring their favorites.



We had a blast reliving our youth and remembering why
we all eat much healthier these days.
But, as I said before...
...everything in moderation is good!

LEFTOVERS ARE EVEN BETTER!!!!

This week you will find me walking my butt off and trying to
drink enough water to get my sodium levels down.


Thursday, December 10, 2009

Oh the weather outside is...

....DELIGHTFUL

With the first snow comes complete and utter joy in the Doherty Home.




Snow is clean, fresh and darn right fun.





Snowballs, Snowmen, Sledding, Skating, Snow Angels...



Busted!

you name it we do it, even eat it !!!

My kids almost jumped out of their windows when they saw our first snow.
Shea, even went as far as to put on his snow clothes
over his jammies and headed out the door.

He barely ate his cereal (which to those of you who know Shea...he survives on cereal)




After playing in the snow as long as humanly possible, the next great event
is "hot cocoa". 



  
Shea's new favorite beverage.
"I need hot cocoa to warm me up, my bones are reawwie cold, REAWWIE MOM!"




The fresh air and fun seem to have created extra love in all of them.
Not as if they didn't have it before but... something is different.



This is Bob.
Our new snowman and latest magical friend.
They check on him every day and even go so far as to adjust
his pink scarf and insure he is not melting.
(Given it is sub-zero today I think we are safe)

So now that you know where I have been, please understand the lack of posts
these days.  The Christmas Holiday has made for a very busy family and my mind
to be truthful is off in a far away land of sugar plum fairies and wrapping paper.

When I emerge on the otherside covered in tape I will report back.




Friday, December 4, 2009

HO HO HO...

...Merry Christmas


"It's the time of year when the world falls in love..."

If I keep saying it...will you believe me.



My lapel pin from childhood.

This is going to be the greatest Christmas season ever.



Current mantel display in the Great Room.

Santa Claus or by whatever name you call him
is an icon of happiness and pure love.


Santa toy from my first birthday.
It is now an antique :)


Jolly, silly, chubby and generous.
Out of the kindness of his heart he gives to those who believe.

But, what is it that we are suppose to believe.
In our home we believe in love and the power that it holds over us.




Love doesn't act alone...it brings along with it so many more emotions.
Happiness, joy and kindness are just a few you will find.
Fill your heart with love and you will find your soul is lifted to a new place.




Believe in love and its magic.
Although it is important to remember...
the real reason for the season is the Birth of Christ and I honor
that moment every day of this Christmas Season and never forget
it's importance in our life.



Keep Believing.


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Technology Vacation...

...has ended.



When I looked at the date of my last post
I almost fell over.

I took a technology vacation, not by design but, by the sheer
fact that life just got too busy.



Oreo our Thanksgiving Vacation guest.

Christmas is here and it started well before
Thanksgiving.




As, soon as Halloween is gone I am well onto Christmas.
This is my season to shine!!!

I did a stint as a Christmas Designer for a local florist.
It was one of the best jobs I ever had.
We did Holiday designs and installations for businesses in the Chicagoland Area.
Can I just tell you...you have to love Christmas to
spend July through January emersed in tinsle and greens.





I find the cheer and happiness intoxicating.
It's not about the shopping deals or commercialism.
It's about good cheer and well wishes that we share with one another.
My kids have adopted the same philosophy and we have even
infected the Accountant.




Christmas lasts for more than one day.
It gets a whole "season".
We surround ourselves with happy thoughts and joyful
songs.  We remember to be charitable and kind to others. 
We remember to care about one another.


Looks like the right size according to the Accountant

Saying "Merry Christmas" is an opening
line most people can't refuse. 
You can say it to a complete stranger and more often than not
that person will smile and return the sentiment.
You can't do that in the middle of the summer heat.





So, as I put the finishing touches on my my house today
I am going to think of more reasons as to why
I feel so giddy.




Tomorrow I will share the photos of the "almost" finished product...
what my dear neighbor calls...
"the house that threw up Christmas".