Happy New Year!

We don't have any exciting New Year's Eve plans - what about you friends? But, we will be going out to dinner when my husband wakes up. He had to work last night and needs his rest. I did manage to get all of the Christmas decor put away, phew that was a task! And I guess I need to get back in the "working" mode as I go back to work on Thursday. Staying home can really make me "lazy" - ha! So, it's in my best interest and that of my thighs - to get back to the office I assure you. I don't have any new photos to share as my home now looks plain without all the Christmas stuff - ha! But I will share these photos of bedding that I found while browsing, and well that is certainly inspirational for me - I guess I love toile and checks...and a pattern quickly emerged - HA! I hope to redo the master bedroom and bath in 2008, and I'm looking at something like this for the bedding. I wish you all a very Happy New Year! Be safe...and have fun!

A Time of Renewal....

Phew....well that went well! My boys have proclaimed that this was the best Christmas EVER! Thank you Santa! Ha! And look at this cutie pie that I found while Christmas shopping. Ok, is he adorable or what? I've put him on my kitchen window so I can stare at him when I do the dishes - and yep I've kissed him and kissed him and nada! HA!

Well...it's all over now, and it's at this time of year that I get the urge to refocus, redecorate, renew...and anything else that begins with "re" - HA! And...yes, trying to really focus on a healthier me and family...like so many of us do at this time of year. And I usually fall off the wagon pretty quickly on the working out stuff...so once again I'll try. BUT, recently I've really tried to evaluate the way I do things, and the way I run my household. Keeping in mind that my family is depending on me to keep them healthy. So, in an effort to be more "Green" minded, I've really focused on getting rid of those nasty toxic chemicals that I use to clean my home. Target has products that they sell named "Method" - they are biodegradable and toxic free...which in turn means a healthier home for my children. And I've given in to the milk that is free of growth hormones too after my girlfriend recounted a documentary she had seen on tv. And it doesn't take much to make me paranoid - trust me...so it's a step in the right direction I suppose. Yep, I have paper bags in the back of my truck that I carry in to the grocery store to re-use....but I've forgotten to carry them in more times than not - darn! I'm tryin....it's going to take me a little while to get this stuff - ha! But I must tell you that these toxic free cleaners do a wonderful job! And I also found some laundry detergent at Costco that is green friendly too.

Ok, now that I've spilled my guts....I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Hugs to all of you who have made my life a little more special with your friendship.

Merry Christmas to All!

Well the day is quickly approaching, and I'll be busy spending time with family and friends. I managed to bake finally, and I've made a few trays to give to my guests. Tomorrow I'll wake up early and prepare our traditional Christmas dinner. My parents will join us as well as my closest friend Diana and her family. And...we'll get to enjoy a nice dinner in our dining room. It's a room that doesn't get used often, but it's nice to be able to have an intimate dinner with close friends on special holidays. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you will all enjoy the special time with those you love....

One For You...Two For Me...

Ok, so I go out shopping and I buy one gift for someone and two things for me. I have got to stop this! I went out to get a couple of last minute gifts...and of course I had to stop in to see if I spotted any home stuff at a few of my favorite hot spots - ha! And I found a couple of bird houses....I love them both, but the red one melts my heart! I just love the color red on this little birdhouse and I especially love the glass knob on it. I also came out with the Christmas birdhouse, how could I resist it was already marked down to 50% off...I just didn't have the heart to pull it out of my cart, and I love the little brick detail that surrounds the little bird hole oooo so adorable. So, I bought them both.

I also wanted to share with you my wallpaper project that I tackled this summer, I was down in my basement dusting, and realized that I hadn't shared that project with my blogger friends. It was a spur of the moment selection, but I'm sooo pleased with it. My basement just looks sooo very cozy, and it matched perfectly with my couch, don't you agree? Well...my boys hang out in the basement with their friends, so it makes for a nice cozy spot for them. Hope everyone is having a happy day. I suppose I'll get started on my baking tomorrow.

Here is my red birdhouse - just lovely isn't it?!

And here is the Christmas birdhouse...it's so sweet in person with the fake snow

A snapshot of the walls in my basement, the wallpaper is black and

cream checks - it's just adorable, and it goes nicely with my

Warren Kimble artwork. I have several Kimble prints down there.

I found this couch years ago, and I fell in love

with the fabric....still love it just as much today...

Christmas Hoopla!

Well....thanks Nan! Ha, I've been tagged by Nan at On My Porch to tell 12 random things about myself that have to do with Christmas. Sheesh Nan, I had a long day and really didn't feel like putting my thinking cap on. But...oh well here goes...

1. Growing up we always celebrated on Christmas Eve, with a big special dinner, followed by midnight mass (I loved to sing at church out loud - ha), and then we'd come home and open our presents. On Christmas Day we just hung around the house and enjoyed our gifts and leftovers.

2. We ALWAYS eat tamales on Christmas along with the traditional Christmas dinner.

3. I love getting presents, but most of all - I enjoy giving and saying thank you to the people who helped me throughout the year.

4. I look forward to shopping for my Christmas cards for the following year, carefully searching for the perfect one...

5. I love how fresh falling snow brings a sense of peace and serenity to my soul.

6. I love to bake lots of cookies, and make trays to give to my family and friends.

7. I hate how plain the house looks when I put all my Christmas decorations away for the season...always makes the house feel so empty.

8. I love to see the look on my boys faces when they find the crumbs on the plate where Santa ate the cookies we left him on the fireplace on Christmas Eve...

9. I love how my husband always has several Christmas gifts for me that he's hidden at my sister's house until Christmas Eve....and they are always beautifully wrapped, with a very special card he's carefully picked out.

10. And most of all, though I can do a lot better, I try to remember those less fortunate than me, and I try to give to each salvation army collector that I pass during this season, and donate whatever I can at the grocery store...but it's something I need to remember all year too...

RULES: 1. List 12 random things about yourself that has to do with Christmas.2. Please refer to it as hoopla and not the dreaded m-word.3 According the the creator, Andrea, you must specifically tag your people. There's none of this saying, "if you reading this consider yourself tagged.4. Hurry, Christmas is coming and Andrea would like as many people to get involved in this as possible so it can make the rounds and we can read 12 things about everyone and Christmas. I tag the following friends to join in the Christmas Hoopla!

Marcela

Mary

Nesting Giveway Prize!

Sooooo, today when I got home from work, there was a package waiting for me on the kitchen counter....oooooo I love packages with my name on them! I WON the Nesting Giveaway that Deborah featured on her blog Pictures, Pots, and Pens, and I am so excited about starting to read my new book. Go and check out her blog. The measuring spoons are ceramic, they are just adorable - Thank you Deborah! The magnets, and notepad are already hanging on the side of my microwave....ready to be used. Hope everyone is having a happy day! Thanks for stoppin in.

Family Time....

So I'm back home from my sister's, and we had a wonderful time. We went to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family, and although the weather made our commute a little scary, we made it there and back safely. My sister had her house decorated so pretty, I took a few snapshots to share with you. She's the sister that tells us she has no clue how to decorate....I think she's been pulling our leg all along. HA! She also has two boys about the same age of mine...so you can imagine the four of them running around the house like mad....phew they'll sleep good tonight!!!

And of course as we do each and every time we go to visit Teresa - the sisters have to take our trip to the local "Home Goods" one of our favorite places to shop for home stuff! And this time my brother and his wife tagged along with their 3 kids....when we got there my sister Martha announces "quick each of us grab a kid" - ha can you just picture it! So, this is how it goes....we like to take our initial scan of the entire store, filling the cart with all of the treasures that we spot, and then at the end...we start going through the cart and deciding what we'll buy. Ha....I had the cart FULL of stuff, and by the end of the shopping tour...I ended up with ONE thing - can you believe it???! And it was a clearance item too for only $3.00! (oh my husband will be proud!) A cute little frame with fabric stitching on brown plaid - it's adorable...so I found the perfect spot in my family room for it. Isn't is just so cute?!

Family RoomFamily Room Front RoomAs you walk through the front door
A view from the front door My $3 Home Goods treasure

Wrapping and Baking....

I've been really busy this week trying to get ready to head out to my sisters house in Fishers, Indiana bright and early tomorrow morning to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family this weekend. That means I had to have all of the gifts bought and wrapped, and I'm finally done. I got up early today, cleaned house from top to bottom, got all the laundry done, and baked some pumpkin bread....phew I'm pooped! So, now I'm just trying to relax a little.

This year I decided to do red and white with gold ribbon on my gifts, and they turned out so pretty. We started a tradition years ago where us three sisters, and my sister-in-law exchange ornaments. So each year I buy 3 of the same ornaments and they do the same. It's been such a wonderful tradition. I look forward to finding that special ornament each year. I bought a lot of gift bags this year too. I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the weekend. Stay warm...and happy wrapping to all!

These are my 3 special ornaments this year...

Ice Storm and Prayers...

This is the entrance to our offices in Tulsa

This is a picture of the street my friend lives on...she says the entire

neighborhood looks this way.

Well I must say that we were not hit as hard as predicted here, but my friends in Tulsa were hit and hit hard. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers this week, as they recover from the storm. Here is a picture my friend sent me to show me the terrible ice storm...this is the same picture I showed you on my post of my Tulsa trip. Amazing what can happen in a matter of days....when I was there everything was so calm. Keep them in your prayers...there are over 185,000 residents without power, and they do not expect them to have power for about a week.

Happy Birthday Dad...

Today is my dad's birthday (my favorite guy) - he turns 73!!! Happy Birthday dear dad. We already called him and are planning to take him to lunch at his favorite restaurant in the town where we grew up. It's not a fancy restaurant by any means...but he loves the authentic cooking of this Mexican restaurant, and it's going to be a treat for all of us. So...we're picking up my sisters and her boys (Andy who is 20, and George who is visiting from Lafayette 22) yep we're all piling up in my truck and taking grandpa for a nice lunch. Then we're headed over to my son's basketball game at 3pm. It's going to be a busy day....but it's one of my favorite celebrations. We ADORE dad, he's the rock of this family. He's the reserved type...and he has the biggest heart. He is a dedicated father, and a wonderful wonderful grandfather...and we are truly truly BLESSED to have him at the reigns of this family! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD - WE LOOOOVEEEE YOU!!!!

I have this photo from last year, but he looks exactly the same...

IF YOU READ THIS...LEAVE HIM A COMMENT,

I will share it with him later, he'll get such a kick!

Home....

I'm just now getting back to updating my blog, phew...it's been a long busy week. I'm pooped...and I just found a little time to relax and enjoy home... Well, I know in my previous post I promised some pictures of Tulsa. Truthfully, there wasn't a lot to see where we were. The interesting part is that our offices are located inside of Oklahoma University campus...I thought that was pretty neat. So, I did manage to snap a few photos of the campus to share. And for now...I'm just going to sit back in my favorite chair...enjoy a nice toasty fire...and get caught up on my fav magazines that have been patiently waiting on me... Wishing you all a great weekend, and I'll be stopping in to catch up with my friends so put the coffee on!

Here is a pic of the hallway inside of the college, right as you enter the front foyer area...there were groups of students dressed in their white medical jackets....it made me wish I should have studied to be a doctor...(maybe I wouldn't be so terrified to see one now -ha!)

this is the view from the entrance below. It's just a beautiful park-like setting...it was a pretty day, in the low 60's...all of the trees still have their colorful leaves.

and this bench looks like the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view...but we were on the run and it really was too cool to sit for very long anyway...but it is so peaceful to look at

Here is the entrance to the university, and our offices are located on the second floor. It was neat to be there. And I was proud to find out that our company donated this entire campus to the state of Oklahoma for the university. Our company used to occupy this entire area for years, until they moved most of our operations to Houston

P.S. notice their flowers are still in bloom

And....finally....Home Sweet Home...this is my spot, and where you'll find me when it's time to relax and unwind. And my sweet boy is never to far from mom...

ahhhhh time to indulge in the pages of my favorites....

50th POST...

Wow....time sure flies when you're having fun, that's for sure! Yep, this is it - my 50th post in blogland...and it hardly seems like any time has passed. I remember thinking to myself that this was going to be kinda tough....would I have enough to write about and share? Ha - that's a laugh now that I think about it. Sheesh....you can't shut me up sometimes! I was certainly blessed with the "gift of gab" - - ask my sisters!

So, I have a busy week...leaving for Tulsa today on business....blah (fraid I got myself into this one with the ole yapper)...and we're expecting snow. GREAT! I'll have to juice it up on the airplane to keep me from going into a panic state - HA! shhhhh can't let my company know that! I've never been to Tulsa before...well maybe drove through there when I was a kid on my yearly road trips to Mexico with my family. Ahhhhh such fond memories of our vacations each and EVERY summer! My dad would load up the car, my my mom would pack up the cooler of lunch meats, mayo, and avocados and wonder bread....and we'd be off. Huh? Yes....my mom would put avocado slices on our sandwiches....our Mexican roots I suppose! Try it it's delicious. And...my siblings and I would set out the seating arrangements in the back seat...usually our brother, the youngest of the bunch got the raw deal...but he didn't know that back then. Poor guy, traveling with 3 sisters - yikes! And yes he still speaks to all of us - ha!

So....I'll try to capture some photos of Tulsa to share (if I have time that is)...and I'll see ya in a couple of days. My boys are soooo sad that I'm leavin, but dad worked round the clock to be able to be home with them for the next few days...so they will have a good time together.

Hope everyone is having a happy Tuesday, and I'll see ya later! (got this post ready last night...cause I know I'd be running this mornin)

Meet Rose...

Ok, so the time has come I suppose to show you the face behind Classic Charm...I was prompted to do it because I received a Friendship Award from Lynn at "The Vintage Nest" - by the way she is a complete sweetheart and you have got to visit her boutique, just don't buy the black rooster plaque...that's got "ROSE" ALL OVER IT!!!! Thank you so much Lynn - you made my day...ok night...it's 7pm here! And in her comments she thought I was the gal in the photo with Jim Brickman (previous post)...well I didn't clarify in my post either....so...hmmmm I thought what the heck, I'll give my blogger friends a peek at me, what have I got to lose right? Ok, no darts please! This is just a snapshot my co-worker took of me in my office, hard at work mind you! And well...it's the latest photo I have of myself solo, anything else my husband is in...and he would KILL me if I posted it, Ha! So....I am pleased to meet you my friends, and please know that I appreciate each and every one of you. You all make my life so much brighter!

P.S. - Thanks Lynn from Vintage Nest...for dragging me out of the closet!

AND I'm suppose to pass this on. I'd like to pass this award on to Nan at "On My Porch" who is so charming and warm! And my all time favorite - Kim at "Daisy Cottage" who is a wonderful person, great decorator, and perfect spirit lifter!

Jim Brickman Holiday Homecoming Concert...

Well....I have to share this wonderful story and music with you. For those of you who never heard of Jim Brickman....well let me tell you that you are certainly missing out on some lovely...lovely melodies. Yesterday evening was my office Christmas Party, we were taken to dinner and a show. And this is the first time I've ever listened to Brickman....all I can say is WOW. I LOVED this concert, it was truly a treat http://www.jimbrickman.com/. So, he also had as contributors Richie McDonald (previously the lead singer for the country band "Lonestar" http://www.richiemcdonald.com/, Victoria Shaw http://www.victoriashaw.com/, and the UNBELIEVABLE David Klinkenberg http://www.davidklinkenberg.com/, CLICK ON EACH LINK AND TURN ON YOUR VOLUME. If you do nothing else on my blog when you visit...please stop in and listen to their music at their websites. I'm now a true fan! Sooooo, during the concert they asked the audience to fill out cards, they were raffling off a Valentine Cruise...and on that same card you can ask a question. Well.....of course I had to ask something...and I directed my question to David Klinkenberg....here goes - "I'm truly enjoying this wonderful concert, but I'm blown away by David Klinkenberg's talent and I'd like to know if he can give my boys' lessons?" - Ok so after intermission the concert continues and they ask for the cards....someone walks across the stage with a huge stack of cards....and they begin to read a FEW of them. Suddenly I hear "A question from Rose of Schererville" - my heart starts pounding and my palms sweat....I squeeze my husband's hand and sigh "oh my...." and they read my question. David responds by saying that he lives in Oregon, so it would be quite a hike....and he gives us a sample of his mystical talent - phew.....what a night!!!!!

Soooo, after the concert our large group of about 200 employees start to walk back to our banquet room, when all of a sudden David Klinkenberg walks passed us - AAAAAA I quickly turn around to follow him, I JUST HAVE TO TELL HIM HOW GREAT HE IS.....so I catch him...tap him on his shoulder. He turns to look at me, I say excuse me I'm the lady who wants you to teach my sons.....he smiles....I say I THINK YOU ARE JUST WONDERFUL, thanks he says politely.....then I did it.....I asked him if I could HUG him.....yes he says with a smile. I squeezed him and told him how touched I was by his music and that I thought he was just amazing....he thanked me....and then we both walked our separate ways.....My husband was watching me.....just smiling...and well I was on cloud nine for a moment. Please go listen to him and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I've attached a photo of the group - he's the one with the violin (what a cutie pie too!), Brickman is standing with the striped shirt, Richie McDonald is next to Brickman (and you when you hear his voice, you'll know who he is, he has some pretty popular songs out). And I found this link to a video of a beautiful Christmas song that Richie sang to Brickman's piano at the concert. ENJOY!

http://www.richiemcdonald.com/video36.htm

A video of David Klinkenberg

http://www.davidklinkenberg.com/radioshow-156/videos9.htm

Oh no you didn't...Oh yes I did.....

this is a pic of my small bathroom off of my family room, it's my favorite room in the house....love my English Hunt Scene paper. It's not for everyone, but it is for ME....

I love putting fresh tree sprays over my prints at Christmas...it's soooo pretty.

Ho! Ho! Ho! I went over to Lowes to buy some fresh garland for my front porch...and as I was at the register I noticed some greenery freshly cut from some Christmas trees they had just sold. So....I ask the cashier if they were throwing those branches away....uh I think so she replied. May I take some please? Sure....and before she could turn around I had dashed over to the branches and loaded up my truck - ha....I knew exactly where those branches were headed...and the trash wasn't it! So...here are a few pictures of the outside decorations....the branches look so pretty in my pots don't they? Well...we're only at the beginning...much more to do this weekend. Burrr....it's really cold out today too! Hope everyone is enjoying the day. I've got my office Christmas party this evening....I'm really excited...I'll post pictures later!

Oh Santa...plates please...

uh - these need no explanation! Roosters...roosters...roosters....


oooo love these 12 days of Christmas plates....they are just soo pretty!

AND....I adore these doggy plates....I would love them for my family room! ooooo I love them!
someone please stop me!

Oooo I was just sitting here browsing through some of my favorite home websites...and I found the most adorable plates....they are just too pricey, and I won't be able to splain to hubby....so I'll plead to Santa...and maybe....just maybe....he'll add them to my list. I've been so good Santa - ha! I first found the 12 days of Christmas plates and oooooo I was sooo excited - ha! Yes lovely plates like these really make me happy!

The decorating continues...

Well...I think I'm almost done with the inside...and my husband told me he'd take care of the exterior, so I'm happy! I'll be tied up most of the day tomorrow with work, so I thought I'd post a few more pics of the holiday decor. I also wanted to share a photo of a platter I picked up last year during the after Christmas sales....it's very pretty in person. But what I like the most is what is written on the platter...

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON...

THE WONDER OF GIVING...

THE CALM OF NATURE...

THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS...

Ahhhh such beautiful words...I decided to display this lovely platter on my kitchen counter so that I can see it each and every day, it's a gentle reminder of the magic of Christmas...