christmas is...

tins full of my mom's christmas cookies
harry belafonte christmas album
wrapping presents for my mom
gatherings with our families...the schleyers, feeneys, and powers
missing snow this year
traditional cinnamon rolls christmas morning
generosity
change

we had a great christmas season this year...it was restful and enriching to spend time with our families. a lot of changes to some christmas traditions (opening presents in the kitchen, hot potato yankee swap...it was crazy!!!) sometimes the holidays can leave you exhausted but this year mike and i have felt so blessed and just adore our families!

you can check out some images of our celebrations...http://share.shutterfly.com:80/action/welcome?sid=8caMmzZqzdI

peace to you...

the walls are a tumblin'...

we've taken advantage of the christmas break to work on our new home...most of our time is being spent on the kitchen, basement and bathrooms. here are some pics to show you the progress...

BEFORE




AFTER...expanded the countertop, built in a bar seating, all new appliances...next step will be countertop and tile backsplash






we love demolition!!!!


we ripped down all the drywall ceiling in the basement/laundry room...next step paint the whole room and floor and add in new lighting and shelving



bye, bye old wallpaper...

in the dark...

this morning some light was shed into my reality...

some interesting stats shared at my church this morning:

$348 billion-what the U.S. has spent on the war in iraq (and this number is growing)

to provide basic education for the whole world-$6 billion
for healthy water and sanitation-$9 billion
for reproductive health for all women-$12 billion
to provide basic health and nutrition globally-$13 billion

this past day after thanksgiving shopping day the U.S. spent $9 billion

"the U.S. can't win the war on terrorism unless we confront the social and political roots of poverty." colin powell