Christmas 2015!

Another Christmas has come and gone.  We welcomed six adults and seven grandchildren into our home on December the 19th.  There was much excitement...and love...in our little home!

I try to include homemade gifts every year.  I think that this is an important reminder that gifts should be given from the heart with less inclusion of commercial products.  I think that  a perfect balance was reached.

I total, I made 20 pillowcases!  Below is one, but all reflected the receiver's interest.  There were bears and deer, butterflies and birds, chef inspired, elephants and fish, and so much more!  They were a great hit!

I also knit 10 hats for the all the ladies...big and little...in our family.

My proudest accomplishment this fall, was learning how to make soap.  I gifted friends and family and this, too, was well received!  It was so well received that I will have to make more soon!

The new year is fast approaching and my wish for you is peace...good health...and happiness in the coming year!

Blogging and working...and retiring!

I let my blog go .  I let many things go.  I just found that I was unable to do anything except work and sleep over the past several months, but I have thought about my blog, and what I would write...and the blogs that I used to visit...often.  I haven't lifted a paintbrush, and quit all the lessons I was taking.  I lost contact with the friends I made while putting paint on paper.  This led me to a decision that was made after much thought, and that is, that I am retiring this April.

I enjoy nursing, and I have enjoyed my pay check, but I can no longer keep up the demands of working a 12 hour night shift.

I miss my family.  I miss my friends, and I miss my blogging buddies.  I want to spend time with my dad  who has been patiently waiting for me to retire.

The thought of retiring is scary, however.  Will I be able to make ends meet?  Will I be able to keep myself involved? Is this the beginning of the end...or a new beginning?

Regardless of any apprehension that I have, I am leaving nursing....and I will be leaving in April.  

I wanted to wish anyone who might stop by this blog, a very Merry Christmas!  May your homes be blessed with Peace, and love, and good health!  

I leave again, (hoping to return in April), with a picture of my grandson on Santa's lap.  I hope it makes you smile, as it made me smile!