Reflections of 2013

As 2013 comes to an end, it is time to look back and reflect on the year that was!

January saw me choosing my word of the year

It was subtitled 'the year of Linda' but not everyone knew that (Smiles)

I made the decision to take my trip to Paris in 2013 and had the best time planning it for most of the year.  I'm sure you are not surprised to find out that some of my most viewed posts were about Paris!  

I had the time of my life and made memories I will never forget.  

It was truly a dream come true!

I took about 100 photos of the Eiffel Tower while I was there...oh yes I did!

The other big event of 2013 was my decision to sell my home and move closer to my daughter and her family.

Once decided I moved in July and it was a crazy time trying to settle into my rented duplex.

I really only partially moved and it took me another six months to finish moving all my 'treasures' to my new home

During this move I also purged so many things and re-thrifted them as I worked on downsizing

Charlie has adjusted to his new home but isn't really happy that I am still traveling a lot

I hope that 2014 will see a little less of that!

The best part of moving, of course, has been the time I have been able to spend with my daughter Sara, my son in law Blake and of course the love of my life...my Grandson Tiger!!

This was one of his first visits to Grandma's house in the summer and I knew I had made the right decision!

This is six months after I moved and now he has spent the night here at Grandma's!  I see many more fun times for Grandma and Tiger in 2014!

I Love my sweet Tiger!

I did feel like I was not able to give my blog the attention I wanted to this year.  My posts dropped to a couple a week, but you my faithful friends stayed with me and I am so grateful for your friendship!

Another popular post is always my Worlds Longest Yard Sale adventures

This year I joined my friends Kathy & Jeff who had a booth and sold amazing stuff!

I bought these wonderful bowls there!

Another blog change was joining my friend Diann at The Thrifty Groove as co-host for Thrifty Things Friday this year.  I've enjoyed it so much!

Thank you Diann!

So it's been quite the year!  

I know that 2014 will hold more challenges as I work to move my Mom here to Georgia.  I want her living closer to me and she has finally agreed it is time to move. 

This year's word JOY has been fulfilled three fold!  I am so happy and yes filled with JOY!

I'll be back with my new word for 2014 and my Thrifty Favorites for 2013.

Meanwhile I'm joining Kathe at 

You're Gonna Love It 

and 

Brenda at Tweak It Tuesday

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

A Tiger Terrific Christmas!

I had the best Christmas! 

This year Tiger was filled with joyous excitement!

I arrived at his house right before he woke up!

Wearing the cutest new Thomas the Train PJ's

he was slow to wake up...but when he did!

This was the first present he saw! 

(He kept asking for a red sofa for Christmas)

It unfolds into a little bed

He loved it!  I liked how he took his time to open his gifts and enjoy them

Stocking stuffers while his Mimi and Pops watch on phone face time 

(you have to love modern technology)

He got pretty good at ripping the paper!

The tree with all the presents

The tent was a big hit!  He loved moving his sofa in there and having his own little place!

He was wiggling with happiness

Mommy got a much wished for Dirt Devil

Which thrilled Tiger since it was his size and he can help clean up which makes Mommy 

So very happy!

Tinkertoys

for lots of creative play

It was a wonderful day! 

Oh and yes the adults received presents also, 

but we were all focused on this little one!

Merry Christmas Tiger! 

Please join me at

 

Thrifty Things Friday

Hope you will join Diann and I share something from your Christmas Day! 

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

It's Christmas Eve Eve!

I can't believe it is almost Christmas 2013

I am celebrating today with Tiger having his first sleep over at Grandma's!  

Today is his parents 7th Anniversary and the first alone getaway since the little one was born!

Saying goodbye to Mama and Daddy

So we had lunch at McDonald's and played and played and took a nap and played and ate dinner and played and took a bath and played.

Whew!

He is on a mattress on the floor and I'm on the couch while we watch the movie CARS and get ready to go to sleep! 

It's been a good day but Grandma is tired!

I wanted to share some photos of the Christmas tree in my bedroom

It is done in white, pink, silver and Paris! 

Sent to me by my friend Susan, this ornament is very special to me

This ornament was purchased last Christmas in anticipation of this year's trip to Paris

Lots of pink ornaments

I faded pink vintage Shiny Brite

Hearts

a sweet snowman

(I used my pink scarf bought in Paris as the tree skirt)

Topped with two clip on flowers and my birthday tiara, I really love this little tree

Thanking all my blogging friends for sharing the joy of Christmas with me!

Sending warm hugs and lots of love to all of you

Merry Christmas!

Joining

Kathe at You're Gonna Love It

and 

Brenda at Tweak It Tuesday

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

Family Dinner

Please join Diann and I for
Thrifty Things Friday

I love family dinners!

A time to gather and talk and enjoy catching up on busy lives.  Since moving here I try to have dinner with Sara, Blake and Tiger at least once a week.  

Last weeks tablescape

I love the little tree, so kept it as a centerpiece and changed up the linens and dishes

The red and white place mats and matching napkin added a nice homey touch.  

I used a white ironstone dinner plate and added the Sakura plates for fun.  All found at the thrift shops these 4 designs are a fun addition to my Christmas dishes.

Of course Tiger had the Santa plate

I changed out the red candles for white and added a woodsy snowman to the centerpiece

Candle glow is so magical

My everyday flatware and a green glass completed this simple table setting

This wooden high chair belonged to my Mom

All her siblings sat in it, most of the grandkids (me for sure) and then both of my children used it.  Now Tiger uses it when he visit here.

Four generations and it's going strong! 

Christmas is all about the memories for me

Past, Present and Future!

Wishing you JOY!

Joining 

Let's Dish

Share Your Cup

Fun Christmas Touches

These are some FUN items that I enjoy using at Christmas!

This snowman pillow is a favorite!

I found it at a craft fair many years ago and it just makes me smile.  Made from an old chenille bedspread, it looks great on the new chair!

This vintage Christmas sweater is very special.

It belonged to my Dad (I really can't see him wearing it but who knows).  It is wool and has some issues, but it is something I wouldn't have Christmas without!

A new Grandma ornament added to the Tiger tree.

Of course I had to add a Eiffel Tower ornament to the tree this year! 

And my newest favorite fun item was sent to me by my Mom

It's a Texas boot stocking!  

I love it! 

Once a Texan, Always a Texan!

I'm joining Kathe for

You're Gonna Love It

and

Brenda for Tweak It Tuesday

Wishing you JOY,

Linda