Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Random wrap-up

  
So now that I'm almost, halfway, kind of done catching up with all of you and halfway through my New Year organization frenzy that I do every year, I thought I should post something.


I know the holidays are over, but I realized that I hadn't posted any pictures since the Christmas decor.

Yikes!

So, please forgive me for the late wrap-up.

First up...

My son, Alex, came for a visit.

He's in Military school to become a pastor, so he's taking advantage of the no hair rules or facial hair rules.

Obviously :p

My children love to ham it up for the camera.





Okay kids.... please just give mom one nice picture.


Never mind lol

We played scrabble that night.


and took the time to make cookies, before Alex had to head back.


For Christmas Eve, I made dinner at home and my tradition is that I always invite any friends that don't have family to eat with. This year it was just my friend Sharon, so there was only four of us. Sometimes it's up to ten people so as much as I love doing that for my friends, it was much more relaxing this year.








Christmas Morning...


Christmas day and evening was at my mom's house, but I didn't take pictures this year.

Oops!


Christmas cleanup...


On New Years Eve, we were going to have a pajama cocktail party, but we had a scare with Mini and we thought she'd have to have surgery, but she didn't, thank God, so it turned into a pajama party for three instead.

There's Sharon eating all the glorious food...


There may have been a few cocktails involved ;)


But Mini partied the most ;)


The next day we watched the rose parade and then everything went back to normal.

Well, except for this new weird thing that Bubba does with his front legs...


Silly boy :)


So that's it for the wrap-up.

Oh and one last thing...

Apparently it's "the thing" to come up with a word for the New Year.

So, even though I'm not a "thing" girl, I came up with one anyway.

My word is...

 restore.

Not just my house this time, but an all around restoration of myself.

I've been neglecting myself for a long time for the sake of my family and my home (I'm sure you ladies know what I mean ;) ) and although I'm glad I sacrificed myself for the better of little lives and my passion of old houses, I believe that it's time to start taking a little care of "me" too.

So I am and I feel better.

A lot better :)

Take care of YOU too, okay?

xo
rue



61 comments:

  1. Love this. Beautiful adult children! My dogs give me lots of entertainment. Yours are adorable, and I am happy Millie is healthy. I have still not put away Christmas. Everyone became sick with flu, and I actually hurt my back while I was sick with flu. Restore is a great word. Last April or May I started walking 5 miles a day/ 10,000 steps, and it has been good. Best wishes for the new year, Rue. xoxo Su

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  2. What a neat post - so real - very nice to get to know you a little bit better. Your children are beautiful and your friend seems so much FUN!

    Your sweet pup with his legs sticking out, you know my kitty used to do that with just one - so funny. Here is a post that shows a couple of pics of what i mean - used to make me smile, b/c it is so strange, isn't it? LOL. Hugs.

    The post to cute and past in browser---> http://www.finchrest.com/2015/05/rip-sweet-romeo.html

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  3. It's nice to catch up, Rue, and see your beautiful family. I've also decided to take better care of myself and have gone on a cleanse (a mild one, very 'winter appropriate' I'm told). All I can say is that I so miss my morning coffee.
    Amalia
    xo

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  4. So good to see your lovely daughter and handsome son.

    I enjoyed reading about what you've been up to and seeing glimpses of your 'home sweet home'.

    Have a nice Thursday and a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  5. I so enjoyed reading your wrap up. :-) It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas and a good time was had by all! Bubba made me laugh out loud--what would we do without our furbabies? I'm so glad Mini is ok as well. Take care!

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  6. Aww, it looks like you guys had a great Christmas! Cozy and peaceful. I LOVE the photos of Bub! I absolutely love the Chihuahua breed. Every new Chi I've had has new awesome personality traits that the others never did. We just discovered that Mariota is enthralled with Wheel of Fortune. He barks as soon as it comes on and then he races to my husband's lap and watches the show. It's hilarious. You gotta love those fur babies :-) Have a great day Rue!

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  7. Restore! I love it for a new year. :)

    Your Christmas pictures are fun. Isn't it the best to have your kids together in the house?

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  8. It looks and sounds like a great Christmas. I love the idea of a pajama party for New Year's Eve. I need to steal that one for next year. I am glad Mini is ok and all is well!

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  9. such a festive holiday - hearts and doings alike. :)
    love sharon's robe!
    love your word .. i have one too though i haven't yet shared
    and don't know if i will. it includes a bit of 'self care' which
    complements your word 'restore' as well. :)

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  10. Dear Rue ... so lovely to read this post, and see the lovely photo's you've shared.
    It's strange but in many ways Christmas seems 'light years away' and already there are Easter Eggs in the shops and of course Valentine Cards ... I must come up with a special meal for that!

    I think restore is a great choice of word.

    Enjoy your day ... enjoy January

    All the best Jan

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  11. Dear Rue ... so lovely to read this post, and see the lovely photo's you've shared.
    It's strange but in many ways Christmas seems 'light years away' and already there are Easter Eggs in the shops and of course Valentine Cards ... I must come up with a special meal for that!

    I think restore is a great choice of word.

    Enjoy your day ... enjoy January

    All the best Jan

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  12. Loved seeing pic's of your family and your furry family. Glad Minni is okay. That will change your plans for sure if you think somethings wrong with your fur babies. I laughed out loud at Bubba's funny pose. Cute!It seem like you and friends and family had a great holiday. Love your word-restore. I need to that to myself!

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  13. Loved the post and your word is kinda awesome! Restore...I need that myself.
    hugs
    Linda

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  14. Rue,
    It looks like you had a marvelous holiday! Your children are so beautiful. I know you are so proud of them!
    Your word choice for 2016 is perfect for all us women of a certain age.;-)

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  15. Loved seeing your Christmas and I adored your Christmas table -- so real! Thanks for sharing your Christmas with us!

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  16. It was fun to see your Christmas photos, Rue. Your family is beautiful and your furbabies are so cute...love that pose of Bubba's!

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  17. Yu have a beautiful family including your furry babies. Taking care of ourselves is important. Hugs

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  18. Family and friends for the holidays, sounds like the past weeks have been good to you. Hugs to Mini, happy she's doing better:) and the little guy Bubba, love his profile:)
    Kathleen in Az

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    Replies
    1. I hope the past weeks have been good to you too, Kathleen. And thank you... we were really worried about her.

      xo

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  19. Great Christmas pics! I am cracking up at Bubba and his relaxation technique :) What a little cutie he is!!

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  20. Restore is great word! I need to do that, too. I am trying, in the form of claiming some real time to put work that I enjoy first, but it's not the same as doing yoga or reading a book! ;) Your kids are gorgeous, just like their momma. Glad to see you pop in my feed today. Hope it happens more often...missed you!

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  21. This post makes me smile, Rue...your beautiful children and friends, and your sweet dogs...it's all good. Love your word for 2016...xo

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  22. It's so good to hear from you again, Rue! And how wonderful that your son got to come home for Christmas. If you think his beard is big...you should see my son's beard! He's got that long, bushy hipster beard going; looks like a ZZ Top member. ha ha I love the word you have picked for the year and yes, I do know exactly what you mean. ;-) Like they say, "when mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy!"

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  23. Rue, thanks for sharing your life! I missed you while you were partying with your family and friends! LoL Love your beautifully simple Christmas table setting. Certainly glad that Mini didn't need surgery!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    Grace & Peace

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  24. Rue, restore is a great ideal and word, I need to do more of that. Fur babies are always entertaining. Enjoyed seeing your holiday events.

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  25. THANK YOU SHARON for posing for that photo / BUST out laughing :)

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  26. Restoration of life...love that. I am doing that now.
    Enjoyed the photos, especially the party one! LOL

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  27. I loved that little wrap up of your life for the last few weeks, Rue - and oh my, that Bubba - what a funny little monkey he is!!! Take care of you, my friend xo

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  28. how I love glimpses into your life rue! it's beautiful and yet calming.
    must be the 'old fashioned' touch. and your kids are gorgeous. and the expression on his face after you asked for one decent picture! LOLOL! they're so cute.
    and mini and bubba... well what's to say.
    you know how much I LOVE DOGS. ALL DOGS! what personalities they have.
    like bubba now at attention! LOLOL.
    the last post I did before the current one on the captain has hilarious pictures of dogs. I can't ever get enough of 'em. dogs just make me happy.
    and yes... high time to pamper your inner rue and outer scarlet!!! XOXOXO♥

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  29. Ok, I nearly choked on my cannoli when I saw Bubba's legs! What a knucklehead he is, but he keeps life interesting ;).

    Your son is a hunk, and your daughter is stunning, but you already know that I'm sure.

    It seems everytime I think of you, I see a post in my inbox. So maybe I should think of you every day? LOL On second thought, I wouldn't want to drive you nuts ;).

    (Yes I would)

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  30. Ok, I nearly choked on my cannoli when I saw Bubba's legs! What a knucklehead he is, but he keeps life interesting ;).

    Your son is a hunk, and your daughter is stunning, but you already know that I'm sure.

    It seems everytime I think of you, I see a post in my inbox. So maybe I should think of you every day? LOL On second thought, I wouldn't want to drive you nuts ;).

    (Yes I would)

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  31. My dear Rue, what a blessing and joy to pop in for a visit :) And what a delight to see your sweet kids! It sounds like your Christmas celebration was wonderful and extra special.

    I hope you enjoy the upcoming weekend, dear friend. Hugs!

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  32. Nice pictures of the son. The table was gorgeous. I was slow putting Christmas away this year. Some years you are doing all you can do.

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  33. Family together time...it's the best! Fun seeing pictures of your family and the fun you all have together.
    Yes, it's important that we as women take care of ourselves. We can't care for others effectively if we're not mentally, emotionally, physically healthy ourselves.
    Delightful post!
    Mary Alice

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  34. Hello Friend,
    I like restore...a great word. I have never picked a word out for the year. I should try it.
    I enjoyed catching up with you.
    Carla

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  35. I looks like you had a nice quiet holiday with your family all together, which is my favorite way to spend them, too. I think you've picked a good goal for the new year. I've been changing my eating habits over the past few years, but I can't seem to keep the exercise thing going during the cold winter months, so that's always on top of my list.

    What a wonderful idea you have to welcome those who are alone on the holidays into your home!

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  36. Restore - that's a good word for 2016. I could use a little (okay, a lot) of restoration myself. Had a good chuckle seeing the way Baba sits - that is too funny! Maybe he's doing some restoring too - perhaps it's a yoga doggy pose. LOL

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  37. Rue, cute pictures of the kids, and it looks like you had a nice Christmas and New Years. Love that picture of Sharon. :) I think it's a special holiday tradition that you invite friends that don't have family to eat with. Your table set for four is lovely with the red ribbons.

    I hope the new year is being kind to you, Rue.

    ~Sheri

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  38. Rue,
    Fun recap, especially enjoyed the silliness of your sweet son and daughters poses. Your Christmas table setting was very pretty, I noticed the lovely White embroidered napkins. Pajama parties are so much fun but haven't been to or hosted one for many years ... Rue I think "restore" is an excellent word. Health and mental outlook should never be neglected and I applaud your word and your mindset. Hey Rue maybe Bubba wants to fly like superman! Totally adorable, thanks for sharing your holidays with us.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  39. Your Christmas looked lovely. I giggled about your comment on your son's taking advantage of the lack of rules regarding his hair while he was home, our Josh did too! ;) YOur idea for a pajama cocktail party just sounds like so much fun!

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  40. So happy to see the family thriving and that you are being good to you!
    It looks like the New Year is going to be amazing:)
    xo
    Jemma

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  41. A great recap of a very special Christmas indeed! I loved your table setting, just beautiful! Glad you are taking care of you... and a great word for the year. :)

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  42. Restore is a good word.

    Take good care of yourself.

    BTW - the dog leg pics are hilarious!

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  43. Restore...what a great word. I think most women don't take care of themselves the way that they should. So glad that you are taking those steps to take care of you. Oh, and Bubba...hilarious!

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  44. Hi !! Que bonitas fotos de Navidad 'n usted tiene una linda familia !!
    Cariños

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  45. Missed you around these parts! Your home looked super comfy and festive for the holidays and the pics of the kids crack me up. My kitty used to do weird poses, too. I wonder what they are thinking when they do that...(: Restore is a great word that can fit so much. Good choice!

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  46. Glad you had a great time with your family and so glad Mimi didn't have to have surgery!

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  47. Love the doggie photo! And, I love your word of the year.

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  48. Hi Rue..
    Looks like you had a lovely holiday season with your family and friend.. I'm so happy for you!
    What a hoot Bubba is :)

    Love your new word and focus for this new year. Wishing you a very blessed and restored year :)
    Have a sweet weekend.
    ~K.

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  49. Loved the holiday and New year round up Rue! My word for the year is HAPPY, but I need to take some me time as well. Thanks for the reminder!

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  50. It looks like you had a lovely Christmas! Your pic of Bubba is hilarious. My Dolly likes to curl her front paw under and then rest her chin on it. Dogs can get into the funniest positions.

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  51. Pyjama cocktail party! Love it!! Oh and Bubba is adorable, my Tia just snores loudly on her back which is not the most ladylike thing to do! Enjoy your restoration :) Chel xx

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  52. I always love to see your photos - your house looks so beautiful!!

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  53. Nice to see a current picture of Alex and Annie. I'm sure you enjoyed every minute of having them both home. My Christmas was sad that way- either of my grown children were able to come :-( Oh well, there is always next year. In the meantime, we will go visit them very soon.
    Since I retired awhile back, I'm very aware of taking "quality" time for myself. I too feel much better since I've been taking care.
    Happy to hear Mini is ok - always love to see pictures of your pups.
    Have a good day
    Jeannette

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    Replies
    1. I'm sorry you didn't get to see your kids at Christmas. I hope you get to see them very soon, my friend :)

      xo

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  54. This post is the stuff of life that I love, Rue! Family and pets and friends and home and food and just enjoying it all. This is what we work so hard for. And then when life gets back to everyday, we can take time to take better care of ourselves, give ourselves more of what replenishes our wellbeing. And we should, because we deserve it!

    So glad Mini didn't need surgery after all!

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  55. Restore...a wonderful choice, and I like the angle you put on it! You know, 'new words' are new to me, too, having first heard of them right here in the bloggerhood. But, it wasn't until this year, when I really could relate to the concept, and felt the need to connect with one of my own.

    Your home is always pretty, but how I loved seeing it at Christmas, especially your festive mantel, so very cozy.

    xo
    Poppy

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  56. Hi Rue! So nice to see your beautiful family again. I cannot believe how grown up your kids are now. Love your table setting, love the flatware! I am still in Chicago, my mom's getting better but very slowly. Take care!....Christine

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  57. I am glad Mini is okay.
    Its lovely to see your kids. Good looking brood you have there!
    Everything looks warm and cozy. :)

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