Drowning.....too.....much......stuff.......

We're working toward putting our house on the market. I was hoping to do touch-up painting this week, but I looked around and thought I'd better get rid of stuff first. What a job that's turned out to be! I spent nearly two hours in the boys room yesterday going through their drawers and closet - I brought out 4 huge bags - 3 for donations and 1 full of garbage. GARBAGE!!! We're talking peanuts, peanut shells, candy wrappers, broken toys, ripped clothes, holey shoes, etc. Couldn't believe it. I keep passing Vicki's room, opening the door, and then shutting it again; I'm dreading that black hole.
I'm going through drawers and cupboards and closets, finding things I can't believe we have. Where does all this stuff come from? If I didn't know better I'd think junk is capable of asexual reproduction.
I have to admit, my office is probably the WORST place in the whole house. I don't have candy wrappers stashed anywhere, but I have books and papers and more papers and piles and piles of more books. The closet is full of mailing supplies, tax boxes, wrapping paper, mementos, and school supplies that I got for a bargain - bags of it.
So far I have 8 large garbage bags full of donations - and that's from going through three rooms.
It's all so overwhelming, and I feel like I'm drowning in stuff, and need to come up regularly for air.
After all this de-cluttering, painting is going to be a breeze!

Happy "Ground Hog" Day

Happy "Ground Hog" Day!!

Free Flight Joy

With the kids being off school today for Civil Rights Day, we took the opportunity to visit the San Xavier Mission and the Desert Museum. The absolutely BEST experience is the Raptor Free Flight. Each time I see it, I'm amazed anew at the absolute beauty of flight. My favorite Free Flight is when the Harris' Hawk family soars above us. Usually there are four birds out and about, and you are bound to have one fly a foot or less directly above your head. It brings absolute joy and wonder to be so close to wild birds. Here are some photos I took (Next time...I'm bringing my longer lens)!!

Getting ready for take-off

Mid-sweep



Looking for a landing



Scanning the ground

So close!!

New Year's "To-Do List"

One of my favorite comic strips is Non Sequitur. Until I saw it in the paper this morning, I was planning on doing a New Year's Resolution List; now it's a "To-D0 List".

I didn't make one last year, and just as expected, no goals were accomplished. Hmm. Two years ago, I had one goal - read a book a week. I exceeded that one, and it was fun!

This year, I have a few to add:

Deborah's New Year's To-Do List

1. Read a book a week. Each month read at least one classic and one non-fiction
2. Write in my journal everyday
3. Spend less time on the computer
4. Eat more organic food
5. Make more H&B products rather than buying them
6. Buy LESS
7. Start a garden and learn how not to kill it
8. Laugh more - life is SO short!

Now that I posted my list on the Internet, there's no losing it! I'll let you know how I do.

Ok, I'm getting off the computer so I can write in my journal and start that book!

I wish you all a blessed New Year. May you find joy and feel God's touch every day!

Christmas Day - Highlights

What a joy that we have a day to celebrate the birth of our Lord. All the rest...well, there's the good, bad and ugly!
Of course the bad is the consumerism (and one of the cats peeing on some Christmas presents) and the ugly is some of the horrible "Christmas" displays. The good, are those things that bring joy to God and remind us of WHY we celebrate Christmas.
Here are some highlights of our day:

- Christmas Eve at the Tumacacori Mission (see previous post)

- The kids wanted us to open the presents they got for us at the school's "santa store" before they opened theirs

- We shared what we are thankful for - none of it was stuff

- We spent time helping each other out, and I don't even think there was a fight

- Lots of family came over for a wonderful time of fellowship. What a gift it was to celebrate and spend time together. Everyone brought their dog along as well, so along with 16 people we had 6 cats and 6 dogs. There wasn't an alpha dog among them, so they enjoyed their party, too!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Tumacaccori Mission Front
Originally uploaded by kretyen

Once again we spent a beautiful Christmas Eve at the Luminaria Night at the Tumacacori Mission. It's very old and somewhat crumbling, but it shines in true beauty with all the candles lit in the darkness. Ken was busy taking pictures outside, while the rest of us walked into the church behind a group of carolers. They sang Christ child songs, and when we were inside the sanctuary, the voices echoed beautifully. I have to say it was a truly sacred moment for me. Seeing the gentle light of the candles, the beautiful voices singing of Jesus and being in such an old, old place brought tears to my eyes, and God close to my heart.
Nothing like the truly simple things that make Christmas a true joy.

Of a Certain Age

I'm quite belated in posting this....Yes, I am now of a "certain age"! I turned the big 4-0 this fall. Hard to believe that all those years have gone by. My birthday present was a Wii Fit, which has been a lot of fun. On the blurry t.v. screen is my Mii, all suited up for the ski jump. And there I am in a tank top - it was November, believe it or not. We had a warm autumn. I have to say the biggest surprise was how sore I get after playing tennis and doing yoga. I didn't realize how out of shape I am. Walking every day only does so much!
Turning 40 really wasn't that big of a deal, it just seemed unreal. Maybe it's because when my mom turned 40, she had an 18 year old, and my kids are still pretty young. They must help me feel young, although I can't help but wonder when all the stress will catch up with me physically with more wrinkles and gray hair!
My life crises happened at 30 when I was questioning my accomplishments in life and how I wasn't anywhere close to where I hoped and dreamed I'd be. That was before kids, and realizing that raising kids and making a loving home are accomplishments enough. Everything else is just icing.
And life goes on....