Desperately needed weekend away!

Last week my husband and I decided to make last minute plans to escape from our world into fantasy land. No, we did not go to Disneyland. Instead, we chose a small Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Cloverdale, California (just outside of Napa).

After quick arrangements with my parents to watch my two boys and two dogs, I made reservations at the Inn. We left mid afternoon Friday, arriving around seven. After receiving a tour of the Inn, we settled in our room in front of the fire with a candle lit picnic for two. We were the only couple there that first night. It was unbelievably quiet. No TV or arguing teens... just us. This was the most relaxing night we have had together in a long time.

The next day we were served a delicious breakfast made by the owner, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Then, wine tasting at recommended wineries. We toured four wineries, tasting about 25 different wines. You must be thinking, 25 wines! Yikes! Don't worry, most places served sips not a full glass. We then stopped for a quick sandwich and headed back to the Inn for a desperately needed nap. Dinner that night was a Thai restaurant recommended by the owners, yummy!


This was a beautiful Inn. The owners have a great eye for detail. Many antiques were throughout the Inn. The rooms are fabulous and beautifully designed, again with careful attention to detail. Our bathroom had a claw tub/shower combo. The shower was a bit small and the curtain had a tendency of sticking to you. No worries, I quickly figured out how to roll the curtain over the tub so the water could pool there. No sticking for me!

I highly recommend a weekend get-a-way for all married couples, regardless of how long you've been married. Our lives have been so caught up in work, raising kids, homeschooling, and other responsibilities, that we lost sight of each other. It was so nice to not have to worry about stuff and focus on one another. Alone time with your spouse helps you to reconnect on a different level...a more private, personal level. This was so refreshing for both of us we are going to try to do something like this at least twice a year.


Hope you enjoy the enclosed photos...eat your heart out!

Vintage Towers Inn

Our room.





Our picnic.

His and Her robes.

The famous shower.

Breakfast (photo from their website)

Resolution 2009

This has been a long, painful year. This year, I renewed my relationship with God and have been blessed in many ways. So why such a difficult year, because I have not trusted God with ALL things. I've given him a few things, but not everything. I've tried to control so many aspects of my life and have failed miserably.



I've realized that God allowed my suffering to make me realized I simply can't do things all my own. He has a plan for me and I have failed to trust in Him with ALL my life, which leads me to my New Years Resolution:

To trust God with ALL things. I know I'll be challenged (I'm a bit of a control freak), but I'm determined to make this work. Through Him ALL things are possible, it's time to let him take the wheel.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

God's blessings for all of you next year.

Hallmark

I love Hallmark Ornaments! Okay, I'll be honest, I'm obsessed with Hallmark Ornaments. This year there are so many I'm in love with. Let me explain why I'm so hooked.

Let me first tell you about a post written by Angie several months ago entitled, Blink. It's a beautiful post, be sure to check it out. In her post she explained that moments she treasures she tends to see as photographs. It could be any moment you want to capture, just "Blink," a picture taken and forever held in your memory.

That's exactly what I do with my ornaments. Every year I carefully select one, two, three or...(you get the picture) that reminds me of things that has happened throughout the year or past. My ornaments are my photographs, forever held in my memory and my heart.

This year I could easily purchase 10-12 ornaments. Unfortunately, that is not in my budget this year. I did get a few that hold very special memories for me. All purchased at Hooked on Hallmark. What a great site, you can even get ornaments from years past.

Where the Wild Things Are

Purchased two of these, one for me and one for my Grandson, Logan. All of my children and grandchildren loved when I read this story to them. It is a great book and brings back cherished memories.

Very Hungry Caterpillar

This one I just couldn't pass up, another favorite story. I love reading this story to the grandchildren. This one is for my granddaughter, Abby. Trust me when I say she is one very hungry caterpillar.

Wish List

I can still see all five of my children riding their trike for the first time. Sweet memories!


Again, cherished memories of all of my children playing with this toy. It actually makes a "moo" sound when you open the barn doors.

I love The Wizard of Oz. I remember watching it with each of my children. Can still picture their faces the first time they watched the movie. Push on a button and the guy behind the door says,"Who rang that bell?"

The Polar Express, one of my favorite movies this time of year. This is an ornament from the past. Not available at this time, but I'll keep checking.

Every year I try to purchase an ornament for my children, a reminder of that year. When they marry they will get all their ornaments. My oldest already has hers. I'm now doing the same for my grandchildren. What traditions do you have for this time of year?