Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Happy New Year!

It seems like forever since I've been here, although it has been only a week.  I popped in only once to change the header from "Christmas" to "Winter".  Once again, my neighbor's red barn is... to me... a thing of beauty.

We enjoyed a lovely Christmas Eve with Mr. & Mrs. Christopher.  This was the most enjoyable Christmas season I've had in years.  I think part of it was managed expectations, partly all the glitz and glitter of the decorations and music and books, and I loved hearing from so many of you. 

Now well into my seventh year of blogging, I have found the best part of it all are the friendships made... most of us will never meet in person this side of Heaven but definitely kindred spirits.  :)

I normally don't mention anyone specifically as I don't want anyone else to think I am soliciting a gift!  However, I must send out a thank you to Cherri as I do not have an e-mail or snail mail address.  Your gift was lovely and your note made me giggle! 

I purposefully pulled every Christmas box off the shelves in the garage this year and left them in my office-craft room.  It hasn't seen such a mess since Christopher lived in that room! 

A couple days after Christmas, every decoration except what was on the tree was placed on the dining room table and the family room floor.  For three days I cleaned out Rubbermaid style containers and then rearranged the Christmas decorations safely in each clean box. 

Broken items beyond repair, crumpled tissue paper, and loose ornament hangers were all tossed into the tall kitchen trash container where they should have been placed years ago.  The last decorations to be put away were the ornaments and then the tree.

Yesterday morning I did the same with the two large Christmas bags which hold all the other bags, ribbon, whole tissue paper, stickers, etc.  They are now organized for the first time in years.   One can accomplish a lot when done a little at a time!  :)

So... after four exhausting days, it was good to wake up this first of January, 2013 to a lack of clutter and one huge project under my belt.  This was actually the beginning of my #1 organizing project for this winter... the garage!

We are enjoying a quiet day here at home for New Year's Day.  A day of rest and hot beverages is just what is needed to bring in the new year!  Oh, and yes... Victoria has had lots of attention this week.  How could one resist that face?

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Brenda. Whatever the year may bring, we know the Lord is in control and will use all things for our good and His glory.
We had a special blessing on Christmas Day - our fifth grandchild was born!
Blessings.
Vicky

Vee said...

I think that your task should also be mine...the reorganizing of Christmas things and giving away or donating those things no longer used or wanted. Right. That's how they all go back in the box. Perhaps I need a different perspective yet.

Enjoy your quiet afternoon...we are reading and goofing off, which is a wonderful way to do things on the first day of a New Year.

Your header looks beautiful! Love your neighbor's red barn.

Buttercup said...

I'm resting up today, too. Back to work tomorrow and I want to go back relaxed. Wishes for a happy and healthy year.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!

That's a good idea sorting the boxes of decorations. We should do that too.

loralie said...

woohoo! way to go.
it does feel good to get those "projects" taken care of.
I reorganized my studio this past year. It was a huge undertaking, but I am so pleased to be able to find supplies easily when I get started working on something.
Happy New Year!

Deb said...

Happy New Year, Brenda. We aren't quite all undecorated yet but are working on it today. It will be good to have everything clean and ready for the new year. I wish you much happiness and many smiles in 2013.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Happy New Year!

Glad you got started on your organizing! It always feels good doesn't it?

I am so happy you had such a wonderful Christmas season!

I am in love with your neighbor's barn! I am glad to see it back in your header!

Love
Deanna

Keri said...

Happy New Year to you! Glad you're able to enjoy a restful January 1, after the season of celebration and busy-ness.

I'm looking forward to 2013, which will no doubt bring a continued feast of ideas, inspiration, entertainment, and encouragement here at Coffee Tea Books and Me! :-)

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I always love seeing your neighbor's red barn!

I'm doing much the same as you with my Christmas Decorations. Repacking them better and I'm donating a whole bunch. Still working on it so unlike you I am not anywhere near done!

I'm so happy you had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy (especially you) New Year!

Thoughts for the day said...

That kitty is just adorable and I love the barn, it is awesome.

Karen Andreola said...

It was a day at home with hot drinks and homemade bread today. Crushed fennel seed made the bread special.

Each year I think I'll have less and less Christmas storage as I pass on ornaments, etc. to my married daughters. Seeing the familiar family ornaments decorating their trees is a delight. But I seem to have a growing collection of faux greenery. The last of it was tucked away today.

Looking forward to visits with you in this new year.
Karen A.

matty said...

It is so wonderful to visit again! May you be blessed with a wonderful New Year!

I agree with you about doing a little every day. It does make a difference, doesn't it?

Love that barn!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you and yours :o) Congrats on getting a big job done. I put away most of my decorations today and brought out my snowmen who will keep me company till the end of February. I went through them and donated a few as I only keep what fits in the storage box and hubby just bought me a "new" (thrift shop)snowman on a tricycle!
I am happy you had a lovely Christmas and am so thankful you are back. You are a blessing to many, Dee

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Welcome back and Happy New Year to you, Brenda...A little time off is a good thing! I am so happy that you had such a satisfying and joy filled holiday with family around! I've had a quite quiet day mostly reading and just of bit of moving things around. But not much. My Christmas decorations stay up until this coming Sunday, Twelfth Night, the day before Epiphany.

Anonymous said...

Love the red barn header.
Isn't it good to get things organized, and clear out things no longer good or needed? I love Christmas but it is good to have things put away now and come into the New Year a little better organized. Glad you had a good Christmas. Blessings for the New Year, Sharon D.

Front Porch Grace said...

"Managed expectations"-I like that. Here as well.
Congrats on getting a huge job under your belt. Excellent way to start the New Year.

God's Best to you and yours this year!