Resolutions.

I know this resolution thing is all little behind in the times. 

But, as I said yesterday, I'm catching up...slowly.

I'm one of those people who likes making New Year Resolutions.

I'm pretty good at sticking to them too. 

Mostly, because I am realistic about it and I don't do it every year. Only when there is something I really, passionately, want to work on or change.

Six years ago I quit smoking.

It's hard for me to even imagine that I ever smoked.

This year was coffee. 

Or at least the habitual morning use of it.

I mentioned a bit about my coffee drinking here. It has the back story of why I started drinking it habitually in the first place.
You can probably guess.


Exhibit A

I only indulged in (and really enjoyed) one cup in the morning but after a while I noticed I just wasn't myself. 

I was a bit...nasty and impatient.
Thumbs down!

Two things I never want to be. Especially, while trying to be the best mama I can be.

Being sick made this transition very easy.

I didn't want coffee and I felt like crap anyway, so if I had any kind of withdrawal from it I was unaware.

So it's back to my Silver Needle White Jasmine tea.

I forgot how wonderfully fragrant it is. 

What a beautiful way to start the day!

Quietude.

Thinking I probably won't be blogging this week

 (does this count as blogging?).

Still nursing this damn cold or whatever you call it.

Now it's in my chest. 

Actual all three of us have it.

Also, trying to wrap (get it) up all my last minute projects and shopping.

Merry Christmas!

and 

Happy Holidays! 

We've got spirit, yes we do!

Christmas spirit that is!

I don't like to go overboard with the decorations (mainly because I don't want to clean it up) but I love a real tree, a wreath and stockings on the fireplace and some boughs (trimmed from the bottom of the christmas tree) on the top of the entertainment center (no pictures of that yet because I have to add the lights).

I use wire edged ribbon in lieu of the metallicy fuzzy garland. I think it looks elegant.

And, of course, I kept the glass ornaments up high.

I have yet to decorate the wreath. In past years we've ordered one already decorated and delivered right to the house but in order to save a few bucks ($35 to be exact) I purchased one undecorated when we bought our tree.

Tis the season for a sniffle too.

Here's a recipe for my herbal cold and flu remedy.

Medium sized knob of ginger sliced

1 lemon sliced

2 sticks of cinnamon

4 cardomom pods

5 whole cloves

6 cups of water

Bring all ingredients to a boil. Turn heat down to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, turn heat off and let steap for another 10 minutes. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and heat and serve as needed.

I have been making this recipe since I was about 19 years old. It hasn't failed me yet. 

Now we just have to keep this little rascal from yanking down ornaments.

The house smells wonderful and the ambient glow of a christmas tree in the evening makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.


Now...back to that knitting!

The Pumpkin Patch

This was last year's pumpkin outing. It was just me, baby and the husband. 

It's always kinda been our thing to get pumpkins and carve them together, secretly competing for the best pumpkin.

And this is now...

Iris and her BFF Vivian

Cousin Matthew ringing the "Fun" bell.

The cousins.

Snack o' war.

Finally, a smile.

She enjoyed being pulled around in her wagon and she didn't even try to jump out.

That wagon used to belong to her Aunt Nicole (my sister from another mister) who is now 17.

I think that's pretty cool.

We haven't carved our pumpkins yet. 

I'll post some pics when we do and you can be the judge.