Winding down from Christmas & an award

Another new award was just given to me by Sher. Thank you SO much, Sher. I'm really trying to figure out what this one means. Less than 3, so that means pass it on to 3 blogs or less, or what? I think it means that someone loves your blog, but I can't really tell from this. Anyway, I do appreciate it & thank you so very much. I have made so many new friends in blogland that I'm finding it so hard to pass these awards on, so I think I will not try to do that this time. I just have a hard time trying to play favorites, that just doesn't feel right to me.

Some time ago, I found these oh, so pretty trashcans in Homewood at the neatest store called The Royal Standard. You might remember me showing you pics from this store of all the paper mache stuff, trash cans & trays. I went back & bought these three, one for me, and the others for a friend here in B'ham (they didn't have her initial, so she got a fleur de lis) & my sister. The "M" is mine & the "S" is for my sister for Christmas, which she will get today when we go over to celebrate with my family. I thought these were the coolest trashcans, great concept & design. We really needed a new trashcan in our bathroom & this one looks great in there, so I treated myself to a December birthday present for myself. And, I waited long enough that they were marked down on Sale, which is my best kind of find!
I trust you are all enjoying this wonderful week of Christmas with lots of food, time with family, and a sincere reflection on what this time of year really means, aside from all the presents and hoopla. We spent Christmas Day with my hubby's dad and stepmother down in Montgomery. His 3 kids have all been with us for a short time this week & it's been good to catch up with them & have them with us too. We had a wonderful brunch with lots of good (and fattening) food that filled us with happiness & calories. What a way to end the year. I think it's time to cut back on all this heavy fat-inducing food really soon! I can see some extra workouts in my future in January.

This is Peter's stepmom and the newest addition to the family, baby T, who is 6 mos. old & belongs to Peter's sister. She was enjoying lots of kisses from the family dog, Peaches, which I was trying to capture, but missed. Peaches and Peter's son, Ben were having some playtime.
Peaches is a really sweet dog & loves to play & cuddle.

Wednesday a.m. was a good time to hit the after Christmas sales & I found a few things to add to my stash for next year (see post below). Love to find everything 1/2 price to add to my collection. It's always fun to pull out a few new things the next year. As you can probably tell, I'm in relax mode this week. Looking forward to a New Year & lots of new & exciting things. Can't wait to catch up with all of you too to see how your Christmas went. Enjoy your last weekend of 2007!