R is for Ronnebeck!

New Years Eve is nearly upon us and I have nothing. Not one Resolution and I am pleased with that position. Every year I approach January first with a list of "to do" and "to be" and that first month I am all caught up in it, and then it slowly dribbles till April I find myself searching my blog looking to see what I resolved to do. I am content with life right now, I have things ahead of me, and things behind me, but for the most part I am ready to simplify life and just be. Just be in the moment, and not let things get too complicated.  I am the quintessential neurotic that over analyzes all too often and doesn't sit back and let things happen. I don't necessarily believe in "taking total control and making it happen" either. 2011 left me heartbroken, thankful, frustrated, blessed, angry, loved, sad, blissful and everything in between. 2012 will be simple. Happy. Less complicated. And hopefully, God will see it fit to be so. Drop the la

1| Sorry guys - today's Wednesday, only in my brain it's Tuesday. That whole not working on a Monday thing really throws a gal for a loop. Plus, you'd probably rather have wonderful fun Christmas photos than my ramblings on a Tuesday after Christmas. 2| I am severely angry with my orange pet right now - so much so that I've given though to giving her away. I had a mini break down last night when I realized if it came to the wire that I couldn't ACTUALLY give her away... Stupid cat making her way to my heart. Oh Gracie what am I to do with you? =^..^= 3| The book I created for Mom's Memory arrived just before Christmas - it filled my heart with Joy, and a little sadness all the same time. I did okay through Christmas, but the hardest part was sitting in church on Christmas Eve with all the candlelight - I pretty much sobbed through the last 15 minutes of the service. 4| Ivan and Dawn stopped by Christmas Eve and it was such a blessing to spend some time wit

This one doing what she does best. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were filled with relaxation, joy, Christmas movies, salted meats and cheese, and other yummy delights. Here's our  holiday retreat in Photos... They make me smile. Aquaman opening his present from Tony's Family He was licking his chops... he could smell what was coming. He kept sniffing, couldn't get enough of it. Happiness is a new bone! Forget you people - I have a yummy bone! Gracie got a few toys too - she even played with them for a short time! This was my Christmas Eve gift - JINGLE!!! The adorable Hallmark dog - Aquaman wasn't so impressed. My Test shot... Always full of glory. Merry Christmas from the Ronnebeck Family! Snuggling before presents! Christmas Eve was spent with friends, and church! Then Santa came, and in the morning.... We opened PRESENTS!!! Our way too fat stockings! Egg Nog and Coffee! Cutest Dog in the world... Dot Com. S

 I think blogging for several days in a row has been good for me; but I'm checking out for a few days.  Christmas vacation is so close I can taste it, and I owe it to myself to take it easy.  I need to soak in the season, and embrace the season of hope, happiness and HOME.  Eric and Aquaman (and I guess Gracie too) await me, and I will give myself entirely to them, all my attention, so none will be turned toward this blog until after Christmas. It's good for me to do this... and I will see how I do. I can't wait to report back the photos of my favorite days of the year. All my Love and hugs and warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and yours! ♥ Abby "I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” ~Harlan Miller

Thank you, this was the best Christmas gift - to know someone cares is priceless. It's been a hard year for all of us, but Shannon has tackled it with grace. Shannon received this card in the mail along with a $100 gift certificate to Wal-Mart. I don't know of many people who would deserve it more.  I love you my big sister, you're the kindest most generous person I know and I'm happy that you have a Christmas angel. Dear Shannon,  I have been asked by a friend of yours to send this gift card to you. Your 'Secret Christmas Angel' wishes to remain anonymous but knows you have had a difficult year. They want you to know that you are being thought of and wished the very best. Please use this for something that you, or you and Erica can use or need. If you have any questions, please give me a call. Enjoy this Christmas season, may 2012 be a better year for you and remember you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. Christmas blessings, Nancy Brinkman

Remember the post about Schweddy Balls? I was pleasantly surprised that my Husband had located the coveted Ice Cream at Albertsons today. It is delish! But more importantly, the curiosity is over. Insert dirty comment about Schweddy balls here... or just go watch the sketch on Hulu... and laugh... here's the link even... I ♥ you Alec Baldwin

 The first time I heard the phrase "first world problems" I didn't really stop to think what it meant. But the phrase came back to me this morning as I pulled my RED Coke can out of the box and sat it next to my WHITE Coke can. I thought about the great "Coke Can Controversy of 2011" and thought about how nice it is that the biggest complaint people have in their life is that their $2 soda is the wrong color... Sigh. Thank you America. And then it it me again, as I was walking down the street with my arms full of Starbucks (for my co-workers and myself) My arms were getting tired carrying all this hot liquid... again. First. World. Problem. My Starbucks being TOO HEAVY! UGH. I hate myself sometimes. Either way... YAY For morning Starbucks, and RED Coke Cans, or White for that matter! Happy Tuesday... (Ten on Tuesday may or may not be cancelled, we'll see how I feel later)