Arrived in NYC

Recognize that building behind us?

Packing...

This doesn't match either Ash Wednesday  OR Valentines Day... I am leaving for the East Coast -- on Friday,  my husband's birthday.   I am not taking him along either!

I plan to be blogging soon about my week in New York City with Auntie M!

Shopping for First Communion Dresses with Isabel Rose

My husband and I were never blessed with children, so it is very special to me to have moments like these... I am grateful to Sarah and David for letting me be a part of this day.  Looking forward to Isabel's First Communion in April!

 This is the one we finally settled on:

I love how good Isabel is with her little baby brother Xavier.  He is just 7 weeks old.

Lately....

I'm taking Improv 102.... We are on track to pay off the house this spring...... Arwen is coming over to paint tomorrow.    Robert bought one of these and is planning all kinds of adventures.....

My dear friend Stacy taught me to crochet....

I've been using my handy, dandy dremel on what I've decided to term My Mysterious Project.....

       

I've been playing in my art studio...

I'm hemming a dress to wear to my brother's wedding.

Lots of fun stuff!  Hope all is well with you, my dear readers!

Arwen Makes Gifts for Her Parents for Christmas

I was a guiding voice, but not a guiding hand: she did everything by herself, even the wrapping.

Now that the gifts have been given, I can post these:

 

Plans and Goals for 2018

1. Pay off the house.  (Almost there!)
2. Organize everything!  Papers, basement storage, art studio--everything!
3. Get my weight back down to where it was when I started my new job.  It's either that or a whole new wardrobe and ya'll know I'm WAY too cheap for that!
4. Pull my spiritual life back from the margins and put it front and center where it belongs.

Spend time in New York with Aunt Monica... go to my brother's wedding in NJ.....take an improv class....do some volunteering...make more art....spend time with those I love...

Oh, and check out my Christmas presents in greater depth:

Happy New Year!

May 2018 be filled with wonderful blessings for you!