Black Friday Shopping

Today I met up with my sister and Mom and headed out to do a little shopping. We were not those out there early in the morning...nope...we started at about 10:00 am. I feel like we got a slow start....but by mid afternoon, I felt like we were getting a few things accomplished. I wish I had taken some pics of what we saw...oh my goodness!

My sister and I helped our Mom find an outfit for a wedding we are all going to next weekend.  While waiting outside the dressing room, Kid and I had a good laugh at some of the lace tights and snakeskin tights that were hanging in the junior section next to us. Oh my! You should have seen these things....girls really where that stuff? It looked like it should have been in a Halloween store. Ha!

Mom successfully found a new outfit and I parted with them about 4:00 this afternoon. I still have shopping to do, but at least I got a few items off my list.  I had such a good time with them both, very rarely are the three of us alone together...it was good bonding time!!! Thanks for the good times!! XOXO

I am counting down the hours...we are heading to the 9:00 showing of the Blindside! I can't wait!!! I haven't been to a movie in a while...and I am so excited to see this movie! One, I LOVE true stories...and two, I LOVE Sandra Bullock...my favorite actress.

I am feeling a little behind at our house...last year I was the first in our neighborhood to have Christmas lights up.....this year...I am one of the last! I pulled in this evening and all my neighbors were out putting up lights and decor...you should see it....we have reindeer, christmas trees and even a manager seen at the end of the culdesac...starting to look very Christmas like! I love it! Tomorrow is the day for me!! I can't wait!! I have a new plan to...for the outside of our home. I can't wait for you to see it!  Kid was asking me while we were in Michael's what I was buying all this greenery for.....but I decided to not tell her and let her see it for herself Monday night when she stops by! I can't get Hubby to hang up any lights...so I have to figure things out on my own to make it festive....hoping the plan works! :)

I think that about wraps up my day! Loved having the day off!! :)

My list of "thankfuls"

This year will be low key for Hubby and I. We are heading up to my parents for lunch with them and my Aunt and Uncle. My siblings rotate whether they spend Christmas/Thanksgiving with our family or their spouse's. This year, we will all be together for Christmas. I am SUPER excited for this holiday...as Y will be here....and I is at the age now that it will be fun to watch his reaction to EVERYTHING.

I am looking forward to some yummy turkey and PUMPKIN PIE..

I have tried to compile my very own list of what I am thankful for: (not in any particular order)

1. My Hubby - he loves me unconditionally, listens to me, supports me, and is my best friend. He is such a hardworker and supports our family. He has a job that he doesn't like and he still sticks to it to provide for our family.
2. My stepson - Y. Although we do not see him as often as we would both like, I am thankful for the times that we do get to spend with him and am so proud of the young man he is becoming.
3. My amazing parents who taught me right from wrong, the value of hard work and honesty and showered me with their love and affection.
4. My salvation. Thank you Lord for giving us Jesus who died on the cross for my sins and giving us the opportunity to believe and follow you. Thankful for the forgiveness of my sins....as I know that I fail miserably every day. I think I should mention this more than once.
5. Military men and women who keep us safe and fight for our freedom. They are so brave and give us so much.
6.My relationship with my sister and brother.....we sure got on each others nerves a lot when we were younger...but I am so thankful we all get along and enjoy spending time together. And I am thankful for their spouses too. I couldn't have asked for better inlaws who are so good to my siblings!
7.My nephew...oh goodness....he is such a delight. I love everything about him! I just can't seem to get enough hugs and kisses from the little guy. I love being an Auntie!!
8. My Christian foundation. My parents raised me in a church and set me on the right path.
9. My grandparents - they taught me the importance of family and traditions and to always keep Christ first in my life.
10. The church I have found....oh how I longed to find the right one for so long....it is beginning to feel like home and I miss it when I don't go. I look forward to the many friends I hope to make there.
11. The clothes that I wear and the food that I eat. Lord knows I have more than enough of both!
12.  Friends. I have made friends everywhere we have lived. I am thankful for each of them. I also thankful for all my new blogging friends! I love the sweet comments that I receive!
13. Freedom.
14. The home that we live in. Vegas was our first trip anywhere since living in our home....sure does a make difference of wanting to return home. Living in an apartment...I never missed it much...but now that we have room...oh I couldn't wait to get home and have some space! :)
15. My job that I love!
16. Nature - all the beauty that God gives to us each day whether it is hot/cold, sunny/rainy/snowy. I have learned to take the time to look around and see the beauty he puts right in front of us.
17. Music - I rarely go anywhere without music on....and when I am at home...I must have some too!
18. Living closer to my family and friends.  After living clear across the country, I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for the chance to live closer to them again. Sure makes me thankful for the times we spend together.
19. My dog - Bella...she loves me no matter what. :)
20. There are many many more....the list never ends.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thankful

I have been trying to figure out the way in which I want to write about Las Vegas.  I have mixed feelings about the trip. 

You see, I heard so many great things about Vegas before going and I had my hopes set pretty darn HIGH...I must admit.  I was looking forward to just having TONS of fun with my hubby.  I thought I knew what I was getting myself into....I mean...what could be better than a weekend away with my hubby..no worries about work, dog, etc. I was so excited as our hotel was reasonably inexpensive, the flights were a decent price...I thought...hey..not bad. We didn't book a show for a couple of reasons -1. There wasn't a show we were wanting to see and 2. We didn't feel like forking out the money.

I didn't expect to get a horrible cold right before we left....never a good way to start a trip/vacation.  By the time we had arrived on Friday night, my left ear was so clogged- I couldn't hear out of it and I was EXHAUSTED...I didn't want to do much of anything but sleep.  We went to a late night buffet at our hotel, walked around a bit (which I will talk about in a minute) did go and check out the Bellagio Fountain show (which was one of my favorite moments), and then crashed...we were so tired.

Now back to the walking around....I knew Vegas is known as "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas", but I really didn't know there would be that many "porn hander-outers", I will call them, on the street - I have never been so disgusted......never been so disappointed with the world we live in....never felt so sad for those standing on the street trying to hand out pictures/pamplets of "girls"...I am not sure the majority of them even spoke English...I asked Hubby if they are paid....and he assumed so....who PAYS them???? Why??? I don't get it...it makes my heart break...it makes me MAD.....there were SO many families walking around....and they would try handing them to young boys...all the way up to Grandpas.....I just wanted to SHOUT "Can't you see!!! They don't want your CRAP!".  Hubby could tell it was getting the best of me by the end of the night.... it was time to go to our room for rest.

Ah yes...our hotel...it was BEAUTIFUL...our room was great...we had a room of the Eiffel Tower and Bellagio hotel....nothing at all to complain about the room...but....the bed...HARD AS A ROCK....now...if you know my Hubby.....you know..he isn't a small guy....nope....not at all...and we have been spoiled for almost 2 years now to sleep in King bed....well...lucky us...we had a queen bed in our room (2 of them)....I have never woke up so SORE from the mattress....I was already aching for my bed by the next morning.

Saturday morning we awoke....headed down to the cafe in our lobby....and had a WONDERFUL breakfast....oh the most delicious coffee...and our waiter was SO NICE.  It was a great way to start the day....however I was begging for a Starbucks shortly after...so we began our walk down the strip....we decided that the plan was going to be to cover one end one day and the other end the next.  So off we went. We found a Starbucks...I stood in line...Hubby played a slot machine...and won his $20.00 he had lost the night before...so he was feeling good about that.

We headed through Planet Hollywood, MGM,

New York New York

Excaliber,

Luxor

and Mandalay Bay...yes sir...we covered them all in one day......oh...and we even had time to go into the M&M store....had to get a few pics for a special almost 2 year old!  We even bought some yummy M&;Ms....that were WAY over priced!

Walking around during the day...was...well...more calming to me....yes indeed. The weather was gorgeous...and well...I seemed to enjoy myself a bit...besides my ear still being clogged and having a stuffy nose. We ate at an Oyster Bar in the Mandalay Bay for lunch....(way over priced)....then ended up with dinner at another restaurant in our hotel (again..way over priced).

I must say...the idea behind each of the hotels in Vegas is pretty cool. The fact that they each have their own theme is neat to see...however...once you walk into each (some you must go into further than others)...there is the sound of shot machines dinging......smoke in the air...and then you realize you are in yet another casino.  Since Hubs and I aren't big gamblers...it just wasn't a lot of fun for us....you can only play slot machines a few times..and if you aren't winning..forget it. I will say that we did have a couple of good streaks but nothing to write home about.  I don't like to LOSE money...so even just sticking a small amount into the slot machine made me feel sick like....I will say we saw several "High" rollers wheeling and dealing and the several losing what seemed to be their life savings....I can't even imagine what they were thinking...

One of the saddest sights I saw while walking around were two homeless young girls...all curled up with signs....asking for help (both were in different locations during the evening)....they were both shaking horribly and rocking back and forth..and Hubby said it was probably due to "drug/coke" addiction.  I can't get their pictures out of my head....I wonder where there families are...what happened to these girls....how did they end up like that?....they had a family/friends at one point....why no longer?....even if giving them money....will they go and buy more drugs....I just wanted to offer them a place to stay and a warm shower...they were so dirty, sad and lost...and in my heart...I kept saying "give them Jesus..be with them Lord". They need him.....they need our prayers....is their family out there somewhere praying that they come back home some day?  Never give up on God and what he can do for you. Oh goodness....I have seen homeless people in New York City....Kansas City....and other places....but these girls just struck a cord for me....again I was upset...Hubs knew it...and we went back to our hotel room for the night...

Sunday....well..let's say..Hubby began feeling bad. He felt like he was getting my cold and then he was having issues with his tummy (he always tends to eat more on vacation - which ends up causing problems). So we were off to the Bellagio Buffet for breakfast.  OH...DELICIOUS. And...the hotel....GORGEOUS....and they were decorated for Christmas too! 

Then it was onto Caesars Palace

And then onto the Venetian...my FAVORITE!

And of course...we had to check out where Donny and Marie perform....

By the end of the day we were exhausted....and wishing we were home.  Two nights of not getting much sleep and waking up with back aches.....oh how we laughed...we are SO getting old.  We headed out for a while Sunday evening...and walked around a bit more...we headed back to New York New York and found a little place on their cobblestoned streets to grab a bite to eat...this was my best dinner...and the cheapest! Hubby kept saying that Sunday it should die down because of the end of the weekend...but instead it was busier than Saturday and Friday night! I think everyone must have flown in for the holiday week.  We headed back to our hotel and watched some football and slept.

Our plan Monday was to check out of the hotel, find a movie, and have the concierge hold our luggage...well when we found out the movie times...they weren't starting until late afternoon....so we both decided to just go to the airport and see if we could fly standby on an earlier flight....we tried...but were unsuccessful due to the price we paid on the tickets we were not able to fly standby...go figure! So we spent approximately 7 hours at the airport. I ready Harry Potter and Hubs did some word search puzzles.  We arrived home late Monday night....and both said to one another we were so HAPPY to just be HOME.

Next time we plan a trip....we are going to a beach or on a cruise....it's more our style.  I am sure that some of you reading this love Vegas....and I don't see a thing wrong with that at all....it just isn't something for the two of us. I think I am most shocked at how bothered I was with all the "things" that go on out there. I knew that there was evil in this world - pornography, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc...but I have never felt it so much as in Vegas.  I know it's out there....I know...and I know that there are those who LOVE Vegas.....but it just wasn't our style. I am glad to say that I have been....as my Jersey girls said I can now mark it off my list. 

Anyways, looking back I am just so thankful for the life that God has given to me, the love and support of my family and friends, the safe place in which we live where I have a bed to sleep in and food to eat. I have been given more than I deserve and will be forever thankful for God's blessings in my life.

Noel Banner

So we are back from Vegas....I will share more about that in another post....tonight I am just excited to hang out with my hubby and enjoy being in our home. Remember the item I mentioned last week that I ordered off of etsy.com.....oh my goodness!! It was waiting in my mail box today! Is it not the cutest Christmas Banner!!! I love it! I can't decide where i will hang it....I am actually thinking about ordering another one that says something else and hanging them together....we'll see what I come up with.

I just had to share with you all...stay tuned to see where I place it!

What's on my mind...

Well, I didn’t think I would take the time to blog again before leaving…but my afternoon has given me some free time…so I thought I would take time to write about 5 things…


First, I hate colds/allergies..whatever the case may be….I am completely congested…I don’t feel bad…but sound horrible. Oh it’s a fabulous way to begin our trip! Ha! I took some Afrin (recommended by Mom aka…Nurse Al)..it has helped...so we’ll see how it goes.

Second, I ran to Walmart during lunch…I am not a HUGE fan of Wallie World…but there isn’t a bookstore near buy…and I wanted to grab a couple of magazines….(Southern Living, US, and Good Housekeeping..to name a few)…and I grabbed the paperback version of Harry Potter for hubby. The flight is 3 hours long…we should be good to go.

Third, while I was at Walmart…I decide to browse the scarves….oh my….scarves are my newest love! I found one….in red and black zebra print….and I just love it! $5.00 too! Can’t beat that…I have quickly added it to my ensemble today! I was speaking with one of the ladies I work with who always has a scarf on..and it looks great…and we both watched the same episode of Oprah where they walked through the steps of how to wear a scarf….Now that I understand HOW..…oh my..I want one to wear all the time! 

Fourth, I am getting so excited to put up our Christmas decorations. Last night, Bella and I went on a short walk….and one of our neighbors that lives on the street behind us has their tree up..it looked gorgeous! I am just not sure I can’t wait much longer….if I wasn’t going on a trip this weekend…I would probably be working on it instead!

Fifth, it’s official. Mr “Y” will be here for 16 days with us in Dec/January! Once I return from Vegas, I will begin planning our ski trip to Colorado…he and hubby are looking forward to snowboarding…..I don’t think I will be joining them with the boards….skis are all I can handle! I am excited to have him here for Christmas…I don’t have to ship gifts this year!! WOO HOO!

Anyways…that is a little bit of what is on my mind at the moment…Happy Friday!

Is it tomorrow yet?

Tomorrow....we are out of here! But first, a full day of work...and the it's off to Paris....ok ok....the Hotel Paris in Vegas...but hey...it's as close as I can get right now. :)

No worries, I plan on taking lots of pictures and will have a lot of stories to share I am sure! I just can't hardly wait!

I have come down with a cold....nothing worse than that though...so I can handle it.  Sore throat is gone (thanks Cold Eeze); however my nose is kind of plugged...but nothing to bad.  Hoping another night of good sleep will have me all prepared for tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Ordered something new

Today I bought something I am SO excited about! I don't want to tell you what it is yet....but I can't wait for it to come in!! Yes, it is something to hang up with all my Christmas decorations! I can't wait!

I am still feeling a little off tonight....I am hoping to get to bed early tonight and sleep it off! I have homemade chicken noodle soup on the stove top....can't wait to dive into it!  The weather doesn't help either...the snow has melted now...just rain....bummer.

Three more days until our trip....have I mentioned that I can't wait!! Hubby and I haven't taken a trip just the two of us for almost two years....we are BOTH really looking forward to it.  We had thought about going to see Cher in concert....but last night we decided to not buy tickets and just go without anything planned...I am just looking forward to some good food...sleeping in...and seeing all the sights....we may try to see a show at the last minute...but will play it by ear.

Regis and Kelly are going to be there next week....I wanted to get tickets on Monday to see them...but can't seem to find out how....probably would have to stand in a long line....sure would be fun to see them though!! (My Mom would love it too!)

I am off to eat some soup...and try and rest.  Enjoy your evenings!!

Snow

I love waking up to snow gently falling on the ground! What a beautiful site!! Since switching jobs, I have come to appreciate cold weather and snow too....I have been told we "want cold weather"...never thought I would say that...but it definitely helps business and keeps us going!

I also woke up this morning to a scratchy throat...UGH! We leave Friday for Vegas....and I am hoping and praying I am not coming down with anything. I feel fine...it just annoying.  I checked my throat (yes mom)...no spots....I can't even hardly tell it is swollen...so hoping some Cold Eeze, advil and vitamins kick it in the butt!

This weekend was so busy...but wonderful! I had the best time with my family and enjoyed every minute together.  My sister has put pictures on her blog so if you would like to see more than just the one...be sure to check it out here

My Dad is an amazing man....and I am so thankful to have him in my life. I love you Dad!

Off to get ready for work.  Happy Snow Day!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!!

Cant' wait to see my Dad this evening and have our immediate family all together to help my Dad celebrate his 60th birthday!

I will write more about all this later....I am off to prep for my busy day!! I love you Dad!

Phew!

What a weekend it has been! I am EXHAUSTED! My sister and I left after I got off work on Friday night and drove up to my parents house to spend the night. The next morning we were all up by 5:30 and on the road an hour later headed to set up for the Me Market.

We got everything set up just in time before it began at 9:00.  My Mom's tupperware tables were right next to my tables...so it was fun to be so close to her.  She sold lots of Tupperware! Good job Mom! You are quite the sales lady!! :)  And THANK YOU KID!!! My sister ROCKS and she was SO helpful to me!! (sorry about the ceramic!!)

I didn't do to bad myself.  I had several orders that were placed, sold some cash N carry items, and I even sold some of my Anna Phyllis handbags and my rag quilt!  I even have a special request to make a couple more handbags! I must say....the Mizzou bag was a hit!! (even though they lost...boo!)

Thank you to all of you who came out! It was great to see you all!!! And a BIG thank you to everyone who bought something!

I have a Holiday Open House this coming Saturday here in the area...and I can't wait to tell you all about it!  I am really looking forward to this event....and I am really looking forward to Saturday night....my family is all getting together to celebrate our Dad's 60th birthday....my parents will be spending the night with us as well as my brother and SIL....I can't wait to have the whole family together. :)

Today has been a day of craziness in our garage....I am so tired! Hubby is still out there now working on his project.....I won't share with you till it is done....but oh my...sure do know how to make a mess!

I had better get some more laundry finished...Happy Sunday night!

The Dark

I have been so tired in the evenings this week. Getting home around the time the sun is going down....makes for a long night.  I have been going to be so early! It has been easier getting up in the mornings....but not sure I am getting as much accomplished at night!

Maybe, I will get in a routine soon.

I have all my Thirty-One products boxed up, labeled and ready to go for Saturday. I have been finishing up a few products with my handmade items too. I am not sure how many handmade items I will display and sell...I am thinking I am going to test the water and see what happens.  I think my 31 items are going to over take my display (which is fine by me).  Plus......I just want to see what kind of response I will get with just a few of my items....and I will post the rest on etsy.

Hoping for a great turn out Saturday.  Should be lots of fun! My sister will be sitting with me...and our Mom is having her tupperware tables right next to mine!  I know a few other ladies that will be having tables too....so hoping to see a lot of people I know and meet new faces too!

I am LOVING my full-time job! It is one of the best decisions ever! God truly knew what he was doing! My manager I have always enjoyed working with and for...and when the opportunity came to work for her again...I just had to jump at it...even if it was a cut in pay....she is so inspiring, encouraging and challenges me!! I am learning so much from her....and am excited about all the opportunities it is giving me.  The added bonus...is that I go home for lunch when I want to....and it is such a great change!

I hope to take some pictures of this weekend...I will be sure to post!