And So The Countdown Begins...

Why do we look at ushering in a new year as an OPPORTUNITY to re-invent?  Possibly, a chance to get it right, or just be better or do better than we did in the year we're bringing to a close?  Are we excited because we feel as though we can put certain hurts, disappointments, or mistakes behind us?  Are we encouraged because the current year went so well and we can't wait to experience all the new year has in store?   Well, whatever our reasons, it is exciting, encouraging, and filled with promise!  

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Via joannagoddard.blogspot.com

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Via The Adventures of Tartanscot.blogspot.com

As quoted by Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Well my lovelies, whatever the New Year finds you doing, please be safe, have an amazing time, and prepare yourselves for a PHENOMENAL year!  The next time we meet it'll be 2012, but oh what an incredible ride it was in 2011!

All the Best!

Rhonda

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Happy New Year!!!

I just wanted to stop in really quickly and wish each and every one of you a very blessed, happy, and prosperous NEW YEAR!!! and to also thank you for your continued support!  I first must give God the Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ all of the glory!  2011 was an amazing year for me!  I have learned so much and have had so many opportunities to grow, develop, and accomplish all that I have!  I am truly blessed with countless wonderful family, friends, and colleagues who have been there for me in more ways than I can count!  Thank you!  I take none of you for granted knowing that it is you who have helped to propel me to the next level in both my personal and professional endeavors!  Thanks again for being a part of my growth and success in 2011 and I look forward to even more amazing happenings in 2012!  I love you all!

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Make 2012 the most incredible year ever!  Live on purpose!  Never settle!  Live as if you've never known failure!

Warm Hugs and Perfect Kisses!

Rhonda

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Merry Christmas!!!

Well my friends, the time has come for me to take a bit of a break to celebrate Christmas with my loved ones.  I hope you all have an amazing holiday and have enjoyed the season as much as I have!  

A good friend allowed me the pleasure of decorating their Christmas tree!  I had not ever used floral mesh before and was pretty intimidated by it initially!

I do think I got the hang of it fairly quickly and decided to use a narrow ribbon in green to add a little bit of umph!  I love the glitter, ribbed, and satin ball ornaments!

This lady bug found a nice snug place to hang out for the season!

I think Santa will be pleased to see a miniature replica of himself when he stops by to deliver the special packages!  Ho! Ho! Ho!

This very pretty wreath says it all!  Remember the reason for the season and keep that spirit with you always!

*Images courtesy of friends and family in Little Rock, Ar.

Merry Christmas!

Rhonda

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Ah Bah Humbug!

I really didn't feel this way.  Well, no, not really!  I told my kids we weren't doing a tree this year because we were spending Christmas at the Grandparents.  I just really didn't feel up to decorating.  The idea of pulling the decorations out of the attic and the garage was just not all that appealing to me.  Especially knowing I would soon be taking it all down and packing it back up until next year.  Well, they weren't having any of that!  So, I compromised.  Instead of going out and picking out a live tree, I went into the garage and pulled out old faithful!  This was the end result...

Moments after decorating began, while listening to Motown Christmas, I was in the spirit of Christmas!  Thanks Noah and Gillian!

Merry Christmas!

Rhonda

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My Favorite Christmas Memories #2

I have many favorite Christmas memories from grade school!  The class parties, exchanging Christmas gifts for Secret Santa, the Christmas programs filled with songs, speeches, and plays!  Oooh...Ahhh...such fun times; such happy times!  Those memories flood my mind and give me such a feeling of warm fuzzies!  They make me revel in the moments with Noah and Gillian, knowing they are only but for a moment!

When I was in grade school, these mesh stockings were the thing to get!  They were always filled with all of the great candy!  My brother and I would eat for a few days from theses stockings!  Are they still available?

I'm not so much of a candy buff now, unless of course it's chocolate; but back in the day, around Christmas I loved eating candy canes!

Who doesn't love Christmas cookies?  My favorites then and now are sugar cookies!

Hot Chocolate!  So warm and delicious on those cold evenings while watching movies or wrapping gifts!  Funny thing though, I didn't like marshmellows in my hot chocolate until I was much older!  Now, it's just not complete without them!

Well, there are many more favorites that I could add to this list, but finding just the right images to represent them would be challenging at best, to find!  One of my most favorite memory is one evening my mom, grandmother, and I went to Jefferson Square to by gifts on "the list".  This was an outdoor shopping center that everyone went to.  Well, this one particular evening it was misting rain, the temperature was crisp, the lights were bright and pretty, and people were everywhere!  I know it doesn't sound like much, but for me it stands as one of my best memories.  I love Christmas! 

Merry Christmas, my Friends!

Rhonda

*All images via google.com

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My Favorite Christmas Memories #1

Growing up, my mom introduced me to so many classic movies that I still love watching to this day!  They all hold a huge significance to me during the holiday season.  I've selected just a few to share with you.  I hope you'll click on the links below the photos to enjoy a little snippet of what I adore so much.  What are your favorite Christmas memories?

Meet Me In St. Louis "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Judy Garland)

My Favorite Things (The Sound of Music)

White Christmas

It's A Wonderful Life

Miracle On 34th Street

I watch these movies with Noah and Gillian all season long!  They truly enjoy them!  I hope that one day, when they're older, they'll look back on these Christmas memories as fondly as I do!  Thanks Mom for giving me memories that I will treasure for a lifetime and can share with two of the most special people in my life!

The Year Without A Santa Claus

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

A Charlie Brown Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

A few more recent movies that we love to watch!

Home Alone 1

Home Alone 2

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey)

The Santa Clause Part 1

The Polar Express

Elf

I could go on, and on!  Did I list any of your favorite Christmas movies?  I'm always open to new ones, so please let me know if there are some I have been missing out on!  Happy movie watching to you all!

Warm Hugs and Perfect Kisses!

Rhonda

All images via google.com

All videos via youtube.com

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