Traditionally at my house I put all my trees (yes I said trees, I have 4 of them) up in my home and all the other decorations that go with the holiday up on Thanksgiving weekend. I'm a collector. One of the things I collect is Christmas ornaments. I have quite a collection! I have a Hallmark ball from 1973 to the present. Well, actually I don't have a 2012 one yet. It's on the list to complete my decorating. I started with them when we celebrated our first Christmas in our new home. They are all carefully kept in their original box and then carefully put into another box when they are not on the tree. I also have a lot of ornaments that stand for something we did as a family or an individual. I have a tennis racket (Jim played tennis), a ball glove (Barb played softball), a mailbox (Harry is a mailman), and a whole lot more of that kind of ornament, and then I also have different ornaments from different states. My latest is from Hawaii that my sister brought me from their recent trip. I have a lot of Cyclone ornaments (mostly hand painted on tin or wood) and some that date back to when I first got married. I have been very fortunate that only one has ever been broken and we were able to replace it. I have a JOY tree. With a name like Joy your obviously can find all kinds of ornaments for your tree. About 3 years ago my daughter gave me her 5 foot tree to do whatever (actually I think we were going to give it to Mike, but I kept it, and I'm glad I did.) That tree is strictly JOY ornaments. I have all sizes, colors and shapes. But it's a cool tree! I love it. Normally by now it would be up and lit but I seem to have a bunch of light strings that don't want to work so . . . next weekend the JOY tree will be erected!!! I also have two of the little 2 foot trees. One goes in my craft room and is all silver and white and the other goes up in the kitchen and is just a traditional Christmas tree (only with little ornaments). I do truly love Christmas.
The beautiful thing about Christmas is that everyone seems to be so much more friendly. People seem to care more. Too bad it can't be that way the whole year. I love the colors of Christmas! My new tree has LED lights and they are so bright and beautiful! When Christmas is over all the color leaves my living room. So my tree usually doesn't come down until President's Day (I have a long weekend and it gives me a chance to get everything down at one time, plus I usually have some help from my daughter.) Beth gives me a rough time about when my tree comes down, but it usually is pretty late in the season,. One of these days I'll fool all of you and take it down over New Year's!!!
I also have a thing for snowmen! The top of my entertainment center is full of snowmen . . . and there's even some leftover! And yes, I still have one of those big entertainment centers! When I get a new TV the center will disappear and then I'll have to find a different place for all the snowmen!!! They don't melt so I can put them pretty much wherever I want!!! There's lots of snowmen on the big tree in the living room.
I'm putting off finishing this little book because I have to drag some boxes downstairs to my storage closet and figure out what I'm going to eat. I'm just lazy! Plus the Broncos are playing right now too!
Gifts are ready to be wrapped (that means bringing paper and ribbon upstairs too). I wished I were done with my shopping, but that's also part of the Christmas experience at my house . . . shopping! Christmas comes early this year at my house, we're celebrating on December 15th. Hope I have everything bought by then!
Peace.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Actually it's over already but it's still Thanksgiving weekend and a lot of people are still celebrating.
I have a lot to be thankful for. My family especially. I have two wonderful children, three with Mandy. Two beautiful grandchildren, Charlotte & Oliver (the lights of my life). I have a sister that I love dearly. Her family is just an extension to mine (one great neice and a super husband, one nephew, one brother-in-law, and two of the cutest little great-nephews you'd ever want to know). I have a brother and sister-in-law that I have come know much better these past years. They're great. They too have two children and grandchildren. And are also part of my extended family.
I have a job -- and there's a lot of people out there that don't. Most days I like my job, some days I actually hate my job. But I think that's the way a lot of people feel about their work. I'm 65 years old and doing some thinking of retiring in a couple of years. I have 28 years in at New View and would truly like to make the 30 year mark. I have some health problems. They come and go. They make me neverous at times. I also have some very dear friends that are always here when I need them. Without my friends I know that there would be days when nothing would matter . . . . they get me through some of those dark days!
Traditionally on Thanksgiving I get together with some of my family. This year was a little different. Jim & his family were just coming back from a Disney trip. Glee & her family all got together with Ron's side of the family. It's pretty cool when they get together as there's a pretty good-sized bunch of them. This year they were here in Dubuque at Jim & Diane's. I'm sure they had a great time. Barb was able to come for a few hours and then was off to her Dad's for dinner and home for a weekend full of things to do. I usually put up my tree and decorate my house on Thanksgiving weekend. Last year my tree died!! I had bought a pre-lit tree and for some reason, the majority of the lights gave up last year. By Christmas I had two whole string of lights still lit! Barb and I decided that we'd just put addtional strings of lights on the tree for this year. Her plans were to come in Wednesday night, have breakfast with me and then head out for her dad's. She requested meatloaf for supper so it was almost done when whe got here. She also brought me a new tree! It's very pretty. Has the LED lights and one of the colors is purple. I love purple lights!!!! We had supper, did some quick clean-up and put the tree together. It's got all the bells and whistles that a person could want. I think we have it figured out! It rotates (if you want it too). The lights can fade in and out, blink, stay on all the time, etc. There's like 7 different combination that you can use. I chose the lights steady at all times. It looks real nice. Barb did a great job of putting it together and helping put ornaments and garland and beads on it. I have two special new ornaments this year. One from Hawaii (my sister's gift) and one of the painted inside ornaments from Estes Park, Co. This one is a believe one. Barb brought it back for me when she went out to help close up the cabin! We deocrated on Thursday morning before she left for Harry's. She drug the majority of the boxes up on Wednesday night. That's a job in itself. Actually the majority of them are still sitting here in my living room.
I slept a lot on Thanksgiving Day. I have no idea why, but I did. I have the living room finished and the majority of the kitchen finished. I still have to put together my JOY tree. First I must check to see if I have any lights that work for that tree. I'll put it together later this afternoon. If the lights don't work, I'll get them this coming week and finish the decorations. That tree doesn't take very long. And it looks pretty decent sitting in the corner of my short but sweet hallway!
I have some gifts already bought and can begin to wrap them. We're celebrating Christmas here on the 15th. Don't know if I'll be with any of my family on Christmas itself this year. Things change. My children have started traditions of their own and the old ones go by the wayside. I'm looking forward to spending some time with Charlotte & Oliver. They're both growing and changing so quickly right now. Especially Oliver. He's trying to walk, but finds that crawling is so much quicker! By our Christmas gathering he'll probably be running all over the place. It will be great having them here. Jim and the kids came in May but Mandy hasn't been here for a couple of years!
I have a list of things to buy. I basically know what I'm getting everyone, now just have to wait for the payday to purchase them! I also have a trip to Des Moines before the holidays. I'm planning on driving down on Thursday morning, spending the night in Ankeny and heading back on Friday morning. It's board packet week for me and I'm pretty sure we won't be ready to send it out on Wednesday! That's life! Maybe I can get some shopping in in Ankeny before Barb comes home on Thursday! We'll see.
It's getting colder . . . and Christmas will soon be here.
Here's hoping everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and looking forward to the holidays. God Bless.
I have a lot to be thankful for. My family especially. I have two wonderful children, three with Mandy. Two beautiful grandchildren, Charlotte & Oliver (the lights of my life). I have a sister that I love dearly. Her family is just an extension to mine (one great neice and a super husband, one nephew, one brother-in-law, and two of the cutest little great-nephews you'd ever want to know). I have a brother and sister-in-law that I have come know much better these past years. They're great. They too have two children and grandchildren. And are also part of my extended family.
I have a job -- and there's a lot of people out there that don't. Most days I like my job, some days I actually hate my job. But I think that's the way a lot of people feel about their work. I'm 65 years old and doing some thinking of retiring in a couple of years. I have 28 years in at New View and would truly like to make the 30 year mark. I have some health problems. They come and go. They make me neverous at times. I also have some very dear friends that are always here when I need them. Without my friends I know that there would be days when nothing would matter . . . . they get me through some of those dark days!
Traditionally on Thanksgiving I get together with some of my family. This year was a little different. Jim & his family were just coming back from a Disney trip. Glee & her family all got together with Ron's side of the family. It's pretty cool when they get together as there's a pretty good-sized bunch of them. This year they were here in Dubuque at Jim & Diane's. I'm sure they had a great time. Barb was able to come for a few hours and then was off to her Dad's for dinner and home for a weekend full of things to do. I usually put up my tree and decorate my house on Thanksgiving weekend. Last year my tree died!! I had bought a pre-lit tree and for some reason, the majority of the lights gave up last year. By Christmas I had two whole string of lights still lit! Barb and I decided that we'd just put addtional strings of lights on the tree for this year. Her plans were to come in Wednesday night, have breakfast with me and then head out for her dad's. She requested meatloaf for supper so it was almost done when whe got here. She also brought me a new tree! It's very pretty. Has the LED lights and one of the colors is purple. I love purple lights!!!! We had supper, did some quick clean-up and put the tree together. It's got all the bells and whistles that a person could want. I think we have it figured out! It rotates (if you want it too). The lights can fade in and out, blink, stay on all the time, etc. There's like 7 different combination that you can use. I chose the lights steady at all times. It looks real nice. Barb did a great job of putting it together and helping put ornaments and garland and beads on it. I have two special new ornaments this year. One from Hawaii (my sister's gift) and one of the painted inside ornaments from Estes Park, Co. This one is a believe one. Barb brought it back for me when she went out to help close up the cabin! We deocrated on Thursday morning before she left for Harry's. She drug the majority of the boxes up on Wednesday night. That's a job in itself. Actually the majority of them are still sitting here in my living room.
I slept a lot on Thanksgiving Day. I have no idea why, but I did. I have the living room finished and the majority of the kitchen finished. I still have to put together my JOY tree. First I must check to see if I have any lights that work for that tree. I'll put it together later this afternoon. If the lights don't work, I'll get them this coming week and finish the decorations. That tree doesn't take very long. And it looks pretty decent sitting in the corner of my short but sweet hallway!
I have some gifts already bought and can begin to wrap them. We're celebrating Christmas here on the 15th. Don't know if I'll be with any of my family on Christmas itself this year. Things change. My children have started traditions of their own and the old ones go by the wayside. I'm looking forward to spending some time with Charlotte & Oliver. They're both growing and changing so quickly right now. Especially Oliver. He's trying to walk, but finds that crawling is so much quicker! By our Christmas gathering he'll probably be running all over the place. It will be great having them here. Jim and the kids came in May but Mandy hasn't been here for a couple of years!
I have a list of things to buy. I basically know what I'm getting everyone, now just have to wait for the payday to purchase them! I also have a trip to Des Moines before the holidays. I'm planning on driving down on Thursday morning, spending the night in Ankeny and heading back on Friday morning. It's board packet week for me and I'm pretty sure we won't be ready to send it out on Wednesday! That's life! Maybe I can get some shopping in in Ankeny before Barb comes home on Thursday! We'll see.
It's getting colder . . . and Christmas will soon be here.
Here's hoping everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and looking forward to the holidays. God Bless.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Pity Party
I couldn't decide how to label this post . . . but in all truthfulness, it was very easy. I'm having a pity party! I'm feeling sorry for myself and no one does that better than me!!
I haven't felt well all week but Thursday it really got bad. I had a great weekend with my daughter, sister and niece at the North Pole Craft Fair in Ankeny last weekend. My body told me I overdid it before I even got home on Sunday evening. It was a great fair and I found lots of things that I wanted (and some I really need). Got some Christmas shopping done, a date set for the Davis Christmas gathering and got to spend some time with my grandchildren.
Charlotte and Oliver are the most beautiful children in the world (I might be a little prejudice as they're my grandchildren) but I truly do believe that. I don't get to see them very often. They and their father were at my place in May and before that was before Oliver was even born. They just don't head east very often. I just love the time that I get to spend with them. Barb ordered pizza for all of us and we had a very enjoyable evening together. Charlotte & Barb put puzzles together, Oliver played with whatever he wanted and we went looking for clues throughout the living room, dining area and kitchen. Charlotte has a very vivid imagination! It's so much fun watching her. I love my son and daughter very much, but get such a thrill out of being around Oliver and Charlotte! It was great.
I ended up with a left foot that wouldn't fit into any of my shoes by Monday morning. And it hurt! We still haven't completely figured out what happened but I'm happy to say that it's not swollen like it was last weekend. I also ended up with a very sore throat, headache, stomach problems and very, very tired, by the end of the week. Went to the doctor today. He's given me a release to go back to work on Monday, but only if I feel better. I wouldn't feel wonderful (it's going to take a bit to get to that point) but I have to feel better OR go back to see them. My blood pressure is elevated A LOT! I was told to be sure and check it out by Wednesday. If it's still high I'll need to head back to the doctor's office. My pressure has been so good lately, so hope it's only that I'm sick that is causing this problem. If not, well I guess we'll just have to run more tests, etc.
I can't talk very well as my throat is very sore. I called Jim tonight after work and told him I didn't think I'd make it to Oliver's party on Saturday. He thanked me for that . . . seems they have all just gotten over cold-like symptoms too. They have a trip to Disney scheduled for November 15th and I wouldn't want to spoil those plans. To be truthful, I really don't feel like driving for 3 1/2 hours. I'm just pooped! Can't breath worth a darn, so am hopeful that the weekend will take care of the majority of my problems and I can get back to work on Monday. I've already made some appointments to meet with new people for orientations and have a couple of reports that are overdue. I will try not to push myself too hard so that I don't end up in this same situation again.
I celebrated my 65th birthday in Ankeny this year. Jim and the kids came over on Thursday night for a bit to eat and to relax. Charlotte helped me open my present from Barb and we read books.
Charlotte & Oliver played with a number of toys, but had a great time playing with Charlotte's beads. She was more than happy to share with her baby brother!
I love this picture. Oliver is a very loving baby. He puts his head on your shoulder and cuddles! And then pulls back and gives you a great smile!!!
Charlotte helped Barb decorate her patio door windows for Halloween. They looked great.
Charlotte and I were watching a movie and Oliver decided he wanted in on the fun too! He was welcomed with open arms!
The birthday weekend was fun. I always enjoy seeing Oliver and Charlotte. Time seems to go by so fast when I'm with them. They're so darn cute! I'm so lucky to have such wonderful grandchildren!!!
Well, the party time is over. I'm finally getting sleepy again. Maybe I'll try and sleep in my bed tonight. I have problems with gunk running down my throat and giving me that choking feeling. Sometimes it's just better to sleep in my recliner and let everything else go. I'm not going to be very productive this weekend even if I do have a number of things that need to be finished, started and continued. It'll get done eventually!
I haven't felt well all week but Thursday it really got bad. I had a great weekend with my daughter, sister and niece at the North Pole Craft Fair in Ankeny last weekend. My body told me I overdid it before I even got home on Sunday evening. It was a great fair and I found lots of things that I wanted (and some I really need). Got some Christmas shopping done, a date set for the Davis Christmas gathering and got to spend some time with my grandchildren.
Charlotte and Oliver are the most beautiful children in the world (I might be a little prejudice as they're my grandchildren) but I truly do believe that. I don't get to see them very often. They and their father were at my place in May and before that was before Oliver was even born. They just don't head east very often. I just love the time that I get to spend with them. Barb ordered pizza for all of us and we had a very enjoyable evening together. Charlotte & Barb put puzzles together, Oliver played with whatever he wanted and we went looking for clues throughout the living room, dining area and kitchen. Charlotte has a very vivid imagination! It's so much fun watching her. I love my son and daughter very much, but get such a thrill out of being around Oliver and Charlotte! It was great.
I ended up with a left foot that wouldn't fit into any of my shoes by Monday morning. And it hurt! We still haven't completely figured out what happened but I'm happy to say that it's not swollen like it was last weekend. I also ended up with a very sore throat, headache, stomach problems and very, very tired, by the end of the week. Went to the doctor today. He's given me a release to go back to work on Monday, but only if I feel better. I wouldn't feel wonderful (it's going to take a bit to get to that point) but I have to feel better OR go back to see them. My blood pressure is elevated A LOT! I was told to be sure and check it out by Wednesday. If it's still high I'll need to head back to the doctor's office. My pressure has been so good lately, so hope it's only that I'm sick that is causing this problem. If not, well I guess we'll just have to run more tests, etc.
I can't talk very well as my throat is very sore. I called Jim tonight after work and told him I didn't think I'd make it to Oliver's party on Saturday. He thanked me for that . . . seems they have all just gotten over cold-like symptoms too. They have a trip to Disney scheduled for November 15th and I wouldn't want to spoil those plans. To be truthful, I really don't feel like driving for 3 1/2 hours. I'm just pooped! Can't breath worth a darn, so am hopeful that the weekend will take care of the majority of my problems and I can get back to work on Monday. I've already made some appointments to meet with new people for orientations and have a couple of reports that are overdue. I will try not to push myself too hard so that I don't end up in this same situation again.
I'm not sure Oliver really liked us reading books, but he seemed interested!
He does make me laugh.
The birthday weekend was fun. I always enjoy seeing Oliver and Charlotte. Time seems to go by so fast when I'm with them. They're so darn cute! I'm so lucky to have such wonderful grandchildren!!!
Well, the party time is over. I'm finally getting sleepy again. Maybe I'll try and sleep in my bed tonight. I have problems with gunk running down my throat and giving me that choking feeling. Sometimes it's just better to sleep in my recliner and let everything else go. I'm not going to be very productive this weekend even if I do have a number of things that need to be finished, started and continued. It'll get done eventually!
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