Happy 2009!!!

Happy New Year! Our New Year's Eve was filled with party hats, noise makers, sparklers and fireworks. It was a low key evening at home, but I bought party hats, noise makers and sparklers to add some excitement. The neighbors across the street let off some fireworks and we watched from our kitchen window.

The boys got to stay up as late as they wanted. Little E fell asleep around 10:00 and Mr. P went to bed around 10:30. BUT, they were both up at the normal time of 7:00am. Lucky us, NOT!!! Our computer is on the fritz right now, so I'll have to upload pics as soon as I get the problem solved.

Now, the Rose Bowl Parade just started, football is on today and we're having Italian Beef later. YUMMY!!! We're also working on organizing the house and purging, so some of that will take place throughout the next few days. My goal is to have everything done by Jan. 31st. We'll see! I have some other resolutions for this year. Hopefully I accomplish a few of them.

Okay, so have you ordered your KOTM from Becky Higgins. Project 365....I can't wait!!!!

Home again...Home again...jiggety jig

We are HOME!!! Just pulled into Charleston and it's 70 degrees!!!! Yes, I said 70 degrees!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!! I'm SO EXCITED!! We had a wonderful visit to Illinois, but the weather was not fun! We experienced all spectrums: 0 degrees, saw a little snow, experienced an ice storm (a first for the boys..not for the hubby and I), temperatures below zero with the wind chill (YUCK!) and ended the trip with thunderstorms and 60 degree weather. Can you say INSANE? Yes, the weather in Illinois is an adventure. Unfortunately the boys did not get to experience playing in the snow or sledding, as my in-law's yard was an ice rink! So, they "skated" out to the van a couple times and wound up on their rear-ends.

I will post pictures soon! We're about to pull in the neighborhood and then it's time to unload all the "stuff." At least we were able to do lots of laundry before returning, so there's not a lot of that to do. That brings a smile to my face! But, there's plenty of other stuff to do.

Check out Becky Higgins' blog to see her new KOTM. It goes on sale Jan. 1st. I began my pics yesterday! Can't wait to get this one!! Oh, and anyone out there interested in owning a scrapbook store, Elise is looking for a buyer, as she's needing to do more for her family. I hope she can find a buyer, as I don't want to see the store close. Keep your fingers crossed for her!

Dashing through the snow...

or ice... Well, not really, but we're headed for Illinois, and it's going to be FREEZING COLD!!! They had an ice storm yesterday, but I've been informed the roads are clear by my dad, the "Pathfinder." So, we're taking a slightly different route, but should pull in this evening! We left this morning, 71 degrees the van read, and when we arrive it will be in the teens or twentys. BRRRRRRRR!!!!! Sunday the high is 9, yes that's 9 degrees!! The boys have no idea what cold is, and I remember it, but am not wanting to live it again. The things we do for family and friends. :):) I wouldn't have it any other way.

It may even be a white Christmas, which I'm pretty stoked about. Because if there's ever a time I want snow it's Christmas day. Our boys have NEVER seen snow, oh wait they did see a slight dusting a few weekends ago when we were up in the mountains on our way to the Polar Express, but it wasn't much. So, they may actually be able to go sledding and everything. WOOHOO!!! And, I hope there's hot chocolate involved after that!

I hope everyone who reads my blog, all 2 of you (just kidding), has a safe and happy holiday!!! Will post more from the freezing north!

Yea, we got it....

Hot Chocolate!!! We are on our way home from riding the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC. It was an AWESOME trip! The boys really enjoyed it and E and I enjoyed it also! The boys were in their pajamas, as were all the other kids and lots of adults too! We travelled all the way to the North Pole last night and saw Santa Claus. He joined us on the train for a little while and each child got the "first gift of Christmas," a bell. It was great! Lots of pictures were taken, so when we get home I will upload some.

It was COLD there, highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s. And, the boys got to see their first bit of snow. There was just a little bit on the mountains going up there, and Mr. P said "that's a lot of snow." Little does he know it was just a dusting! He said Grandma and Grandpa need to order lots of snow. When I told my parents that they laughed, and so did I. When we head back to Illinois for Christmas they are going to get to see LOTS of snow, I think. And, it's already freezing there, GREAT!! I guess my blood has finally thinned a little.

LOTS to do in the next couple of weeks before we head back. I'm putting my creative hat on when we get home, I need to make the boys' teachers gifts this week, as Thursday is their last day for school. Then they're with me for 3 weeks, YIPPEE!!! NOT! :) Actually we'll be gone for a little less than 1/2 that time, so hopefully it won't be too crazy! Is anyone else having a hard time believing that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. WHOA!!! What does everyone have on their list of things to do??!! Leave a comment, and there may be a goody in store for you. :):)

Almost Turkey Time

Sorry for such a lag in posts. I've been busy and gone and busy! We wrapped up the soccer season for Mr. P., my mom came to visit, the hubby and I went to Asheville for our 10th wedding anniversary while mom watched the boys, my mom left, we celebrated my hubby's birthday and now it's almost Thanksgiving! WHEW...it's been a crazy 3 weeks!!!

Asheville was BEAUTIFUL!! We've lived here 8 1/2 years and have NEVER been there. So, I booked a surprise weekend trip, which he guessed where we were going, but oh well. I made reservations for a nice dinner and then had tickets for a candlelight Christmas tour of the Biltmore. The house is AMAZING!!! We saw it at night and went back for an audio tour the next morning. One man built 175,000 sf house for himself as a bachelor, then got married and they had a daughter. It was massive and I was in awe each time we visited, and I still can't fathom it. The weather was a bit chilly, but still beautiful and the colors....ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! If there's one thing I miss about the Midwest, it's the changing of the seasons! I don't miss winter, but I miss the fall foliage and the beautiful colors. Luckily we got to see it this year.

And, the Biltmore winery was amazing as well. We spent a good bit of time there, and had a BLAST! We definitely want to go back. Mom, when can you watch the boys again?!?! :):)

I've been doing a little creating too. For the store and myself. My friend Kim and I have a Christmas Card Express class tomorrow afternoon and I'm looking forward to it. 8 cards will be made during this class and each "student" gets the stamp set with their class kit. This set is ADORABLE. It's from Hero Arts. Here are the 8 cards that will be made:

Okay, and I'm SO excited to share this one. I made it today with the same Hero Arts stamp set and packaging from American Crafts brads. It turned out way cute, if I do say so myself!!! I'm thinking an ornament for the tree. My husband said I should make these for the boys teachers, so I guess I'll need to buy more brads or eyelets. ;) ;)

Oh, and one more share....the birthday card for my Mr. E. Kim let me use her Owl stamp from Hero Arts, and has enabled me to want one, REALLY BAD!! Elise.....when are you ordering them!? :):) (She wants one too.) I really LOVE this stamp.

Okay, sorry for all the pictures. But, I wanted to share what I've been up to. What have you been up to???!!!???