Home and Family

Welcome, 2009

Treat yourself to a little something. You deserve it.

Have you seen the great sale here? Check it out. (and don't forget to enter 'JAN2009' for free shipping on orders over $150.)

I think I want this ($24.99).

these ($29.99)

this ($129.99). Perfection with a patent skinny belt.

Ruffles on a trench coat? Yes, please! ($99.99)

Ruffles on any coat, really. ($69.99)

or sweater ($29.99)

I'm pretty sure I need these gray patent beauties ($129.99) although the turquoise is also calling to me...

and these would be nice, too ($79.99)

So many to choose from! All the good stuff is going fast though, so hurry. In fact, earlier today I was eying a velvet blazer, but was having a hard time choosing a color. They're completely sold out tonight. So sad. My resulting #1 on the resolutions list: Live more in the moment! :)

I hope you're having a happy and safe New Year! I have a feeling 2009 is going to be amazing...

Kaiya working on her pre-school

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful day!

Ours was in every way.

Sorry to be MIA. I have lots of pics to load but my parents internet has been on the blink. OH DESPAIR! ;0) I am using our mobile card but it's pretty slow.

Anyway! More coming soon. Enjoy every moment. Hugs, Angel

What do moms DO anyway??

My friend Sara sent this to me and it made me laugh so I had to share.

A Christmas Gift For You!!

Dear Blogger Buddies... I have a present for you. This is my gift to each of you who care enough to be reading this right now. It's my 3rd annual blogger buddy present!

My first year there weren't all that many of you out there. LOL! The blog world was a much lonelier place. ;0) I actually didn't have very many blogs to choose from at all. Most of the pictures from other families were sent to me by e-mail.

Last year was a different story. Suddenly the blog world had become a hoppin place and I had so many new faces to add in. This year... well I don't know where to begin. This year it took 12 hours to make the gift and worth every second!! I have been honored to get to know SO MANY amazing people who are making this world a better place because of who they are.

I am certain that I missed some of you- I am sorry. I tried very hard but I have lost a 4th of my brain function with each child. That means I am only running on 1/4th brain power!! I'm surprised I could even figure that out! Please know that each and every one of you matter to me. I hope you enjoy this video.

If you see someone you know in the video would you please help me by letting them know? If I try to track down everyone in the video to tell them it'll take me another 12 hours. LOL! I really don't want anyone to miss it though!

Please feel free to post the video if you want. It is YOUR gift.

(I use only pictures from public blogs or with permission to respect the privacy of the families)

I have listed all three years of my blogger buddy Christmas present for your viewing enjoyment. It's fun to look back and see how our families have grown.Can you imagine what it will look like in ten years? :0)

THIS YEAR'S VIDEO!!! 2008 Blogger Buddy Christmas Present! I would like to send a special hug to all of you still waiting this year- for all of you who have lost someone this year. My love to you.

Last year's blogger buddy Christmas present 2007!

2 years ago- Blogger buddy Christmas present 2006!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with joy. Let's spend 2009 doing something that matters. Love God, love people.. that is the definition of success. Love, Angel

And THAT is what Christmas is all about...

and it's not so much about this.... thank goodness...

It's almost Christmas. Let's soak it in and enjoy it. Have a great week. :0) Angel

LAST DAY: Amazon Free Shipping

Today is the last day to order books for Christmas arrival on Amazon with free shipping. Doesn't get much better than free.

Also, a lot of people have Amazon wishlists. Mine is chock full of design books. Here a few of the books on my list that would be great for other interior design enthusiasts (or for a little holiday cheer for yourself!).

Textile Designs: Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns Organized by Motif, Style, Color, Layout and Period
(be still, my beating heart)

Russian Textiles
(The real question is do I have to go all the way to Russia to find this gorgeous red fabric??)

The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton

(In case you didn't know, Edith Wharton, who was an American aristocrat and is most famous for her fiction works, had impeccable style and a great eye for interiors.)

The Domino Book of Decorating. (I really, REALLY want this one!)

Celery Kemble's new book. She is one my short list of favorite designers.

Michael S. Smith Houses

Decorating Master Class

(Look at that laquered wall.)

Search for your friends and family's Amazon wish lists here (column on the right-hand side). Or start your own. But don't forget - free shipping ends today!

Australia

As promised, my trip so far has been full of endulging (in mom's pies), decorating (for Christmas) and relaxing (all sorts).

Saturday night we went to see Australia.

It was breathtaking. You will cry and laugh and laugh and cry, over and over again.

And of course you will love seeing the leading lady's run-down ranch in the Outback transform into a beautiful English manor, full of antiques.

Have you seen it yet? Did you love it as much as I did?

In honor of Josi

Josi was supposed to be home from Guatemala in just a week or so to be with her forever family. Tragically she was murdered along with her foster family in their home. Her family is grieving deeply for her loss. Here is a beautiful slide show that someone has made them to honor her. Josi, sweetie, we are so grateful that you are safe and loved and free. You are missed so very much. We will hug you soon.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Would you please drop by their blog and leave them some love today. They need us right now. azhderianfamily.blogspot.com

Love, Angel

YAY!!! THE CAST IS OFF!!!

It's time to CELEBRATE! Kaiya's cast finally came off on Monday!!!

They also had to take these out of her elbow. :0(

When she saw me taking pictures of the pins Kaiya pointed to the pins and said, "This Owie."

Then she pointed to her elbow and said, "Owie, Owie."

Sweet girl!! She is so brave. She has been very tough.

She had to have the cast on two extra weeks because we COULD NOT get the hospital in Florida to transfer the records through the longest time. No doctor would remove it without the records.