~AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE GOES UP~

~ALL PAINTED UP~

(frosted white and totally yummy)

Yesterday evening my Mr. AGPMan and I packed up our fall decor and returned it to it's hiding place safe within our attic.  And, there the two boxes will stay until we haul them back down next year.  I feel like 2011 has blown by us in a flash, do you?

"Like a commet blazing 'cross the eastern sky, gone too soon...".

 ~WIREY and BRANCHY~

(just love the texture)

Christmas bins are currently stacked up all over my downstairs and just like I've down for all my married life (and then some!) I'm about to begin another season of holiday decorating.

I love CHRISTmas and all it represents.

New life.

Growing Peace.

Constant Hope.

Fresh Promise.

I'm thinking the year has gone especially fast for us because as you may remember last May my guy returned to school.

Here's a quick update for you:

 ~STUDYING TAKES HOURS~

Of the three accelerated semesters my hubbs had on the horizon he just finished the first one.  That means he's one-third of the way through the process of getting his degree in computer science.  It's been grueling.  The study time has been challenging to work through, more-so for him than for me.  Don't get me wrong...I absolutely hate the fact 'his time' is no longer 'my time' (just keeping it real here!).  I terribly miss the fun times we've always had as they've been replaced with hours and hours apart.  But, knowing he's working towards completing some unfinished business is making it MORE than a worthwhile experience.  I'm more proud of him than I can say.  Sooo proud.  School is always tough...but when you have a full-time job, life responsibilities, a wife, family and home maintenance chores, etc., the balancing act can be a bit difficult.  Anyway...like I said~one semester down and two to go.  Next year at this time we'll be planning his graduation and boy am I excited about that!

Oh...and his grade for Semester One?

A BIG FAT "A"!!!
(nothing less for my guy I can assure you!)

And so...we are pressing on and excited about the

Season of Light!

The Tree at the top is exactly where I'm at in the decorating process.  A couple of days ago I showed you how I painted my new Christmas Tree from SAM'S CLUB.  If you missed that post you can find it HERE.  Currently our new girl is standing proudly in the corner of our formal dining room just waiting to be dressed.  More soon!

Now...as if my day isn't convoluted enough (much to do!) this is the security word I got earlier this morning...  

~FLABI or FLABBY~

(doesn't matter to me HOW you spell it!)

Do I need to tell you that seeing that word was MORE than depressing?  I've kept off all but TWO of the forty pounds I lost earlier this year, but man, it's been hard to stay focused with so much food around!!!!  Anyway, that word was NOT what I wanted to read the Monday after Thanksgiving!

Exercise Bike HERE I COME!

OK peeps...hope your Monday is fabulous!  I'm back in my studio working on painted pretties.  The decorating will have to wait until this evening...  I owe, I owe, so off to paint (and sew) I go...

Love to you...