So as you can tell, my tree is up. Mark had a game in Okoboji and Robyn decided not to go or take the boys so I stayed home. Mark has been hinting about putting up the tree and even cleared a spot in the living room. So while he was gone, I put up the tree and even decorated it. This will be new since we didn't put one up last year so Gracie nor Izzy have been exposed to a Christmas tree. They both were sniffing around the tree and batting at the ornaments but both have been content in sleeping on the tree skirt under the tree. Now I just have to wrap presents to put them under the tree, or maybe not since the kitties have adopted that as their new getaway spot. We'll have to wait and see.

We are going to go to Okoboji for Thanksgiving. We are just heading up for the day so it will be fun to see the boys. They are having Griffin's 2nd Birthday party on Sunday and Mark and I won't be able to make it. Good thing I got his present...I just hope I remember to take it with on Thursday.

Anyone braving the crowds and hitting the Black Friday sales? I have never done it and have always wanted to. Those Cricut cartridges at Walmart for $30 might make me try it. I don't think there will be a big run at our Walmart in Atlantic so maybe I can go down at 8am. Wait and see, I guess.

Well, Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for all of you. You make my life meaningful!!! Thank you all!!!

Well, I still don't have any photos up...for some reason it says my files are too big. I will have to switch to my little camera and of course the battery is dead. I am so not prepared... Today was my last day at the house I have been in for 9 months. Not my choice but I am required to go where they tell me so instead of the young guys house I will be headed to the older guys house. It is the only house in the company that I haven't worked in. Originally it was the house I wanted to be in when I first started but I have build such a strong bond with my young guys I am sad to leave. My first shift at the new house will be next Saturday. I am sure it will be fine..I keep telling myself at least.
So what else has been going on in my life....I have been enjoying myself in the scrapbook studio. I made an ABC book for Griffin for Christmas and some calendars, mini paper bag albums, mini chipboard albums, Christmas cards, etc... I love this hobby!!!! I have so missed that creative outlet and am so glad that I jumped back in again.
So what is on your Christmas list? I had two items, and already bought my new winter coat. It is light blue and so pretty. I had looked at some and the ones I liked were $229. Unbelievable! Mine was a great deal!!! The other thing I want is a cricut cartridge, From the Kitchen. Pretty simple shopping for me.
Mark and I are heading to Okoboji on Tuesday for a basketball game and then again on Thursday for Thanksgiving. Work on Wednesday and Saturday and who knows what will be going on Black Friday! Maybe some deals out there???? Anyone know of any??? Let me know!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!!!

Family photo shoot

So here they are...my adorable little ones. They are growing up too fast and to think in late January or early February there will be another little boy to add to the mix. How did we get so lucky? This was taken before they left on Sunday morning. We did the pumpkin patch on Saturday and it was perfect. We had a great time and according to Mark it was the best trip out there yet. I will blog more and post some of the photos later. I do have 3 mini albums of the trip to the pumpkin patch done already. I get to keep 2 and one is for those guys. I will post some photos of the albums too. They are really cute. So I wanted to make sure that you didn't think I had fallen off the face of the earth so I will blog later.. Take care everyone!!

Christmas shopping DONE

Well, it's official! I am done shopping for Christmas!! Mark decided not to go so I went by myself and got done in under 4 hours. I got some good deals and a couple of GREAT deals! I got home and Mark suggested we put up the tree....I said we should wait until after next weekend when the kids and grandkids will be here to go to Vala's Pumpkin Patch. I can't believe I said to wait. I am always wanting to put it up so we can enjoy it...maybe November 1st. I posted yesterday that I made some gifts and need to make a couple more but I now have free time so I will start on them either tonight or tomorrow. So, I am heading to the studio to work. Wish me luck. I need some creativity juices sent my way!!!

Christmas!!!

I know, it's still too early for this post but I have been really busy in the scrapbook studio the last two and a half days. I have been having a ball making Christmas presents!!!! I have made 7 presents so far. I have more to make but there are only 24 hours in a day. I worked the first couple of days of the week so I am off until Tuesday! I have the kids coming this next weekend and our annual Vala's Pumpkin Patch trip and I have been looking forward to this since last year.

Mark is going to watch the Iowa football game tomorrow and then I think we are off to Des Moines to do the Christmas shopping! Mark's idea!! So it will be a great trip with him and supper out...maybe Famous Dave's!! My mouth is already watering! I have my list made out and the shopping plan in my head and Mark and I will get our shopping done in a hurry! Yeah for us!!!!

Well, I am watching Grey's Anatomy and waiting for Mark to come home from his football game and then he's going to another one. We are going to get groceries after that so I better get a move on... Just wanted to update my blog... Let me know what you think!!??

I can't believe it is October already!! It's definitely fall outside...the wind is blowing, it's cold and damp outside and the leaves are falling all over the place. It's time for pumpkin patches, chili and cornbread and beautiful colors!! We have been busy working in the basement and outside (ok Mark has been working outside) but we've kept ourselves busy. We have company coming next week...my mom and stepdad and then we have a family reunion next weekend in Illinois. I'm excited to head east...hopefully the leaves will still be on the trees and not blowing all over. I also get to see my dad and stepmom, whom I haven't seen in over a year... pretty sad that it's been a year. I guess everyone is too busy these days.

So what's new with all of you?? Got your Christmas lists ready and the shopping started? I can say "yes" to both of those questions. I remember a few years ago that I had all my shopping done by October 1st. it was awesome because then I could enjoy the sales and pick up items for Mark and me without feeling guilty. Not sure that I will be done as early but want to be done by November 1st this year.

Well, take care and drop me a line and let me know you are all ok!!

Well, this has been a week of news...not really good news, but news. My mom and her husband bought a new house in Huntsville, TX. Now that is good news for them but sad news for me since both Mark and I LOVE their house in Houston. The pool and hot tub in the back yard makes it feel like you are in a secluded getaway while you are there. We love the peacefulness and it is really beautiful out there and you don't really notice you are in Houston, Texas. A bummer for us too since they will be out of Houston and all the great sights and attractions in Houston. But good for them... And in my job, we have five people who work in our house, which includes 3 full-time workers and 2 part-timers. Well, at our weekly meeting this morning they dropped the bomb that they were moving workers around and are moving my biggest ally in our house to another house. That is such a BUMMER not only for me, but the rest of our staff and not to mention the three clients in our house. This week has just been...yuck!! And to top it off, my favorite soap opera is going off the air on Friday. Guiding Light has been going for over 70 years and it will end this week. It was sad today... I know...as Mark would say..."It's fiction, Dana. Get over it!" I have watched that show for as long as I can remember. OK, I know this has not been worthy to even mention in a blog but it's what I've been thinking about this week... so I will come back when things are blog-worthy... Soon I hope!!!