That whole New Year thing.

I had to get glasses this month.  That was...interesting.  Now i leave them everywhere, but never where i need them.  I'm guessing it takes some getting used to.  The good thing is my headaches have eased off.  The bad news is I spend a good 10 minutes trying to find them every time i settle down to start a project.

A new year brings change - always - kind of like the glasses thing - and every year about this time I find myself thinking about what i might want to improve, or change in myself.  Don't say resolution.  I never resolve (that sounds so strong, doesn't it?) to make permanent change...ever.  I make notes on things i might want to....attempt.  My list is much shorter this year.  Not sure yet if that's good or bad.  But it's definitely an easier read.

So far on my list:

1. Slow down.  This means my laptop shuts down at 5:30 (latest) and i don't pick it up (or my droid) after dinner.  Yes...this will be hard.  Yes, i know there are going to moments where I cave. But i promise to at least be more aware, and to stop myself if the office isn't burning down.
2. Instead of dieting i'm just going to buy clothes that fit.  There. I said it. Oh yes i did.
3. And those clothes I'm buying? Less Ann Taylor and more...bohemian.  More Anthro. More Urban. More....FUN.  I'm not my mother...yet.
4. Vacuum my kitchen floor after dinner.  I started doing that this past week, and it makes such a difference in how i feel when i walk into the kitchen the next day that's clean down to it's floor.  Silly but true.
5. Buy some of that jewelry on etsy that i have been coveting for such a long time.

Told you it wasn't a long list.  Just my list.  My sanity savers for 2011.  I think i can do these.

Linking to Vanessa's Inspiration Friday

What a little time buys you.

Here are a few sneak peaks at what we've been up to at casa Kibler (aside from gorging ourselves ourselves on homemade cake, cookies, candy and developing quite the eggnog butt).

This precious thing is covering one of my front door windows - it's twin is not finished yet.  I had high hopes for using a set of roman blinds that i got from Sears at a great discount but they were too huge and it was more fight than i had in me to figure out how to modify them.  It does not escape me that i probably worked twice as hard on this thing since i did it sans pattern and i lost my cool a few times....ahem.  However, i think it's kinda cute.  I promise to show more once i get the other one up.

And here's the man-project.  What i am not showing you here is the fact that the fireplace had no surround.  No trim. No molding.  Just gross big ceramic tile that they tore off the wall yesterday.   Taking the drywall with it and leaving a gaping hole.  That the cat tried to crawl thru.  Here is the drywall back up, ALL TV CORDS HIDDEN INSIDE - YAY and a new outlet pushed to the outside for the summer kitchen we hope to have (SOMEDAY).  I'm told tomorrow brings new trim, and travertine for the inset.  Here's hoping...i think i'm drinking tonight.  

all so that it can look like this by week's end...courtesy of Centsational Girl...she had me at hello. So, for the next few days, just imagine her fireplace in my family room...

That's it for now girlies.  Anyone thinking yet about New Year's Resolutions? I am....

How many? Only one.

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe after all we’ve projected

A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl

Just a child

Is this who we’ve waited for?

 Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

How Many Kings is probably one of my most favorite contemporary Christmas songs.  If you have never heard it, i urge you to listen here:

It was all good until the Christmas Ninjas showed up.

Little boys.  They amuse me so.  This is what i found yesterday morning on the way through the living room.

Do you see it?  No?  Here...go in a little further...

Is that not hilarious?  Those poor villagers have no idea what's about to happen.  Those carolers up there? Totally clueless.

Hiding in the church...no santa in this chimney!

 Hmmm....  that's one way to raid a toy store.  After visiting ToysRUs yesterday - i kind of get that approach.

Dear Florida, we have to talk.

This is totally unacceptable.  You're making me wrap pipes, cover plants, and do other 'northern' things that just.aren't.right.  ESPECIALLY since you're not even being nice and giving us something like....SNOW.   Do you know how nuts you're making me my kids right now??

entryway pics take 2

For whatever reason, my pictures disappeared after a few days...so here they are again :)  You'll have to take my word for it that it looks much chunkier in real life.  And it fills out the wall quite nicely.

Here she is...up closer.

  

Still working on the black door, the rug, etc..

New Entry Pictures - A Work In Progress

Is it just me? Am I the only person who looks around and finds the HARDEST way to do a project?  

It's been a pain in the youknowwhat.  

Couldn't find a ledge to fill the expanse of the wall.
Dear man tells me - "I'll build it".
Sarah paints it.
Found hooks.  Too tall.
Found new hooks.  Too big. (But ohmyword so very pretty. cry.)
Found New new hooks.  Too twisty. Yes, twisty.
Found the RIGHT hooks. Didn't come with screws.
Found screws - TOO BIG FOR HOLES AND THE WERE THE SMALLEST LOWES AND HD HAD IN BLACK.  Yes, my typing DOES indicate i lost it right.about.here.
Wonderful man bores existing holes to make them larger because wife is crazy.
Hang ledge. Top is flush.  Bottom half is surfing out into the foyer. That's not gonna work.
Wonderful, now irritated man, takes down ledge and shaves top half to be equal with bottom so entire ledge lays flush against wall.


All is well.  Until pictures fall off and smash to the floor.

    Isn't she pretty??? i heart her. 

 I need to rub a darker stain on the frames - but these were a deal so I picked them up - for $3 a piece at Sears a few weeks back.  Exactly what i wanted, just a tad too orange brown.

Also, i have picked the pictures out but they need to be printed out in black and white - i think color pics wouldn't look right...? 

He did awesome. I am so very proud of this sweet wonderful man that told me without any sighs "sure i'll build that for you." And he did.  And i absolutely love it.


Ignore that stack of boxes in the DR corner, and the broom.  I have some wrapping to do and for whatever blessed reason, the boys have not realized that some of their Christmas is right there, under their nose.  


I still need a rug.  
I would really like an antique, aged bench.  
And some roman blinds.
And the door still needs to be painted. I bought the paint - does that count?

Seas and Greetings

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our father
Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment
And live each moment 

With peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and The Christmas Tree Party at TDC please visit and soak up all of that wonderful Christmas spirit.  Peace to you all.