Haley and Jason, along with Elvis and Pennelopie, are on their way to Jason's mom's home. The house sure is quiet all of a sudden...

Haley and Jason, along with Elvis and Pennelopie, are on their way to Jason's mom's home. The house sure is quiet all of a sudden...

Haley and her Bampa (my dad).

Why the teary eyes? Because my dad put in her Christmas card a letter she wrote to him when she was a little girl. She read it and began to cry, so I read it out loud for everyone to hear for her. She wrote in the letter about how much she loved him and then signed it, just in case he couldn't figure it out, "This is a love letter." It was so sweet....My little girl grew up on me.

Haley and her Bampa (my dad).

Why the teary eyes? Because my dad put in her Christmas card a letter she wrote to him when she was a little girl. She read it and began to cry, so I read it out loud for everyone to hear for her. She wrote in the letter about how much she loved him and then signed it, just in case he couldn't figure it out, "This is a love letter." It was so sweet....My little girl grew up on me.

Amy posted a link to a fun test called the Typealyzer. You type in your blog address and it will analyze your blog to find out what type of blogger you are.

Here is the result of my blog analysis:

ESTP - The Doers

The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

It hit the nail on the head...

Amy posted a link to a fun test called the Typealyzer. You type in your blog address and it will analyze your blog to find out what type of blogger you are.

Here is the result of my blog analysis:

ESTP - The Doers

The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

It hit the nail on the head...

My contribution for this week is the gift I received for Christmas from Brooklyn and her parents. Jen has no idea that I have picked up the needle and thread and began a few embroidery projects, so this is perfect on so many levels...But the best part? The sentiment that this picture conveys...Words just can not even begin to express how grateful I am for the generosity Steve and Jen extend to me (and my family) by allowing me...us to be a part of Brooklyn's life.

Come join us for Things In My House Thursday and share your stuff!!

My contribution for this week is the gift I received for Christmas from Brooklyn and her parents. Jen has no idea that I have picked up the needle and thread and began a few embroidery projects, so this is perfect on so many levels...But the best part? The sentiment that this picture conveys...Words just can not even begin to express how grateful I am for the generosity Steve and Jen extend to me (and my family) by allowing me...us to be a part of Brooklyn's life.

Come join us for Things In My House Thursday and share your stuff!!

If you are looking for a Christmas devotion to meditate on, this one by my pastor is superb...

Though He Was Rich, He Became Poor For Our Sake

Merry Christmas!

If you are looking for a Christmas devotion to meditate on, this one by my pastor is superb...

Though He Was Rich, He Became Poor For Our Sake

Merry Christmas!

Wha???

Global warming must be the reason for the reindeer looking so strange this year...

Global warming must be the reason for the reindeer looking so strange this year...

I get such a kick out of these guys. My favorite is when you don't type anything in the box and listen to what they say. We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a good one, too.

Have fun!!

Carol of the Chins...

I get such a kick out of these guys. My favorite is when you don't type anything in the box and listen to what they say. We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a good one, too.

Have fun!!

Carol of the Chins...

Haley and Jason got home last night after driving straight through from Vegas. It's going to be fun surprising Russ' family today. Because of the weather, no one was expecting them to make it for today's Christmas celebration. :o)

Haley and Jason got home last night after driving straight through from Vegas. It's going to be fun surprising Russ' family today. Because of the weather, no one was expecting them to make it for today's Christmas celebration. :o)

I didn't realize I haven't posted here in four days. The days are flying quickly by and there is much to be done. I haven't baked one Christmas cookie yet! My goal today is to get to the post office and get my gifts mailed to Brooklyn and the gift I bought for Loretta.

The latest update is our den is done and we are all moved back in, though the walls are still bare.

We decided to try having the piano in the den instead of the living room. It's working out very nicely. I can still hear the boys play (which I really enjoy) and they can play while I am on the phone. It's nice having the living room back in order. I found a home for my new table in front of the picture window. Come Spring, I'll get it refinished. :o)

Haley and Jason are heading our way to spend time with us. I haven't seen Haley since last Christmas!! It will be interesting to see how their two pups do with my 3 pups. We are hoping the weather will cooperate and they will be back in time to go with us to Russ' family Christmas party on Saturday.

School is going better for Reagan, after a rough start with a new curriculum program this year. He's ahead in several subjects, so I am letting him take a break with those classes until after the New Year. Mitchell is continuing to fly through his school work. He is such a sponge! He must be going through a cognitive leap or something.

Time to get my day started!

Have a blessed day, everyone!!

I didn't realize I haven't posted here in four days. The days are flying quickly by and there is much to be done. I haven't baked one Christmas cookie yet! My goal today is to get to the post office and get my gifts mailed to Brooklyn and the gift I bought for Loretta.

The latest update is our den is done and we are all moved back in, though the walls are still bare.

We decided to try having the piano in the den instead of the living room. It's working out very nicely. I can still hear the boys play (which I really enjoy) and they can play while I am on the phone. It's nice having the living room back in order. I found a home for my new table in front of the picture window. Come Spring, I'll get it refinished. :o)

Haley and Jason are heading our way to spend time with us. I haven't seen Haley since last Christmas!! It will be interesting to see how their two pups do with my 3 pups. We are hoping the weather will cooperate and they will be back in time to go with us to Russ' family Christmas party on Saturday.

School is going better for Reagan, after a rough start with a new curriculum program this year. He's ahead in several subjects, so I am letting him take a break with those classes until after the New Year. Mitchell is continuing to fly through his school work. He is such a sponge! He must be going through a cognitive leap or something.

Time to get my day started!

Have a blessed day, everyone!!

My daddy surprised me yesterday with my birthday/Christmas present (for the next 5 years). He bought me a Kodak EasyShare M1020 Digital Picture Frame!! He and I both like gadgets, so we tore into it to play with it right away. It's awesome!! I love that it has no buttons, but instead has touch screen access to the settings. The resolution is outstanding!!

With the internal memory it can hold up to 300 pictures and there are several ways to store more, if I want to. I love that I can have my favorite pictures to look at anytime I want. There are pictures I enjoy looking at, but didn't really want nor have to the room to frame them all. This is perfect! I chose to hang it on the wall in my office. It seems to me that it would be safer that way from the dangers of being knocked off a table by someone or from a wild ball throw for Scotty. Getting it hung straight was a challenge, but it's close enough.

I love it!!

Thanks, Daddy!!

My daddy surprised me yesterday with my birthday/Christmas present (for the next 5 years). He bought me a Kodak EasyShare M1020 Digital Picture Frame!! He and I both like gadgets, so we tore into it to play with it right away. It's awesome!! I love that it has no buttons, but instead has touch screen access to the settings. The resolution is outstanding!!

With the internal memory it can hold up to 300 pictures and there are several ways to store more, if I want to. I love that I can have my favorite pictures to look at anytime I want. There are pictures I enjoy looking at, but didn't really want nor have to the room to frame them all. This is perfect! I chose to hang it on the wall in my office. It seems to me that it would be safer that way from the dangers of being knocked off a table by someone or from a wild ball throw for Scotty. Getting it hung straight was a challenge, but it's close enough.

I love it!!

Thanks, Daddy!!

My birthday was especially memorable this year. For many reasons, my mom was at the center of it...

My step-dad gifted me with my mother's sewing machine. It's an oldie but goodie. I know my mom spent 1000's of hours creating quilts and other projects on it. I am slowly, but surely, figuring it out.

My darling hubby purchased the table for me. We found it at a consignment shop. I know it's really ugly, but I have a good feeling that under all that horrendous peeling paint, there is a treasure waiting to be revealed. I know my mom would have purchased it in a heartbeat. As for where I will put it, I share the same answer as my mom...I'll find a place. :o)

And last, but not least by a long shot, Shirley, my mom's best friend of 48 years shared a memory of my mom that is perfectly fitting...

Me: Tell me how you and my mom met.

Shirley:

We had moved on Maplecrest 3 1/2 years earlier but your mom and I were both working and did not get acquainted.................then Bob got drafted right after our first anniversary and left for basic training the end of Oct. 1958 and I lived alone across the street that winter before leaving to join him in N.C.

We returned the end of Oct., 1960 from our Army assignment, two years in North Carolina, and I was expecting my first baby the end of December! Your mom was watching from across the street and saw "my condition" from day one, I am sure. When she returned home from the hospital with her new baby AMY........................ she called and invited me over to see her beautiful baby! I was so excited to meet her and of course, see the new baby girl, as that was what Bob wanted us to get! We had become well enough acquainted by the time I went to the hospital early on the morning of Dec. 26, that we were reporting in to her from the hospital hourly! Our boy arrived late that night, after being in St. Lukes, in Cedar Rapids, ALL DAY! At that time new mom's could not have company in the hosp. so we did not get together for 4 or 5 days but that was when the fun began.......................

What is amazing is that Shirley still lives in that same house and I live just a few blocks away. I never really left home...I can honestly say, it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. :o)

My birthday was especially memorable this year. For many reasons, my mom was at the center of it...

My step-dad gifted me with my mother's sewing machine. It's an oldie but goodie. I know my mom spent 1000's of hours creating quilts and other projects on it. I am slowly, but surely, figuring it out.

My darling hubby purchased the table for me. We found it at a consignment shop. I know it's really ugly, but I have a good feeling that under all that horrendous peeling paint, there is a treasure waiting to be revealed. I know my mom would have purchased it in a heartbeat. As for where I will put it, I share the same answer as my mom...I'll find a place. :o)

And last, but not least by a long shot, Shirley, my mom's best friend of 48 years shared a memory of my mom that is perfectly fitting...

Me: Tell me how you and my mom met.

Shirley:

We had moved on Maplecrest 3 1/2 years earlier but your mom and I were both working and did not get acquainted.................then Bob got drafted right after our first anniversary and left for basic training the end of Oct. 1958 and I lived alone across the street that winter before leaving to join him in N.C.

We returned the end of Oct., 1960 from our Army assignment, two years in North Carolina, and I was expecting my first baby the end of December! Your mom was watching from across the street and saw "my condition" from day one, I am sure. When she returned home from the hospital with her new baby AMY........................ she called and invited me over to see her beautiful baby! I was so excited to meet her and of course, see the new baby girl, as that was what Bob wanted us to get! We had become well enough acquainted by the time I went to the hospital early on the morning of Dec. 26, that we were reporting in to her from the hospital hourly! Our boy arrived late that night, after being in St. Lukes, in Cedar Rapids, ALL DAY! At that time new mom's could not have company in the hosp. so we did not get together for 4 or 5 days but that was when the fun began.......................

What is amazing is that Shirley still lives in that same house and I live just a few blocks away. I never really left home...I can honestly say, it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. :o)

I have two more sheep to clutter decorate my home. Aren't they darling? For now they are keeping watch under our Christmas tree.

The one on the left is made by Rowe Pottery Works. The one on the left is made by Isabel Bloom.

Come join us for Things In My House Thursday and share your stuff!!

I have two more sheep to clutter decorate my home. Aren't they darling? For now they are keeping watch under our Christmas tree.

The one on the left is made by Rowe Pottery Works. The one on the left is made by Isabel Bloom.

Come join us for Things In My House Thursday and share your stuff!!

A Swappie posted this for me today. Cute or what!?

A Swappie posted this for me today. Cute or what!?

Me: Look, Russ...I made a hat! What do you think?

Russ: *head tilted to the side as he studies me sporting said hat upon my head* It's a nice hat, but I don't think red is your color.

Me: Oh...So, when I ordered my new winter coat, why did you tell me to get the red one?

Russ: *trying to tap dance his way out of this faux pas* Maybe it will look better on you when you add some embellishments.

Anyone want a beautiful red wool hat? :o)

Me: Look, Russ...I made a hat! What do you think?

Russ: *head tilted to the side as he studies me sporting said hat upon my head* It's a nice hat, but I don't think red is your color.

Me: Oh...So, when I ordered my new winter coat, why did you tell me to get the red one?

Russ: *trying to tap dance his way out of this faux pas* Maybe it will look better on you when you add some embellishments.

Anyone want a beautiful red wool hat? :o)

Look at what the mailman delivered today. :o)

Look at what the mailman delivered today. :o)

...then YOU can do it. I spent the last two days making a Raggedy Quilt. Easy peasy!!

The sheep flannel was from a set of full size sheets that don't fit any of our beds. I think my mom bought them for me years and years ago. The denim came from old jeans that I saved over the years.


One word of caution...It makes a huge mess when you wash it the first time. Our washing machine does not have a lint trap, so guess what my hubby had to do last night...Our drains clog easily anyway, so I really should have waited and taken it to the laundromat.

And, yes...I thought about my mom the whole time. I know she would be proud of my effort. :o)

...then YOU can do it. I spent the last two days making a Raggedy Quilt. Easy peasy!!

The sheep flannel was from a set of full size sheets that don't fit any of our beds. I think my mom bought them for me years and years ago. The denim came from old jeans that I saved over the years.


One word of caution...It makes a huge mess when you wash it the first time. Our washing machine does not have a lint trap, so guess what my hubby had to do last night...Our drains clog easily anyway, so I really should have waited and taken it to the laundromat.

And, yes...I thought about my mom the whole time. I know she would be proud of my effort. :o)

Poor Scotty, he has a swollen anal gland that may be infected.

*Don't look it up on Google unless you have a strong stomach. You have been warned!*

I've never had to express any of the pups' anal glands and I really don't care to, thank-you-very-much, so when I noticed that Scotty's was very swollen, I knew a vet visit was in order. He HATES the vet. He gets extremely stressed out and has been known to lose his control of his...Ummm...Never mind...

Scotty also has terrible breath and his teeth look horrible. I have been meaning to get him in for a dental. The vet suggested that we go ahead and schedule a dental so both procedures could be done at once while he was under anesthesia. I agreed it was a good plan, even though it was going to be a financial ouch.

To make matters worse, I just got a call from the vet. She is recommending that Scotty have 10 teeth pulled!!

Poor Scotty, he is going to be sore on both ends. O, the joys of being a fur kid owner, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. :o) Well, except for a baby, but since that is out of the question and not in the realm of possibilities, I won't go there. ;o)

Update: The news got a bit worse...The anal gland had ruptured!! YIKES!! And, he had to have 11 teeth pulled. He will be on antibiotics for 5 days a month for the next 6 months to see it that helps keep the bacteria down in his mouth to prevent him from losing more teeth. The sticker shock hurts, but not as bad as his mouth and bottom hurts, I'm sure. *wink*

Poor Scotty, he has a swollen anal gland that may be infected.

*Don't look it up on Google unless you have a strong stomach. You have been warned!*

I've never had to express any of the pups' anal glands and I really don't care to, thank-you-very-much, so when I noticed that Scotty's was very swollen, I knew a vet visit was in order. He HATES the vet. He gets extremely stressed out and has been known to lose his control of his...Ummm...Never mind...

Scotty also has terrible breath and his teeth look horrible. I have been meaning to get him in for a dental. The vet suggested that we go ahead and schedule a dental so both procedures could be done at once while he was under anesthesia. I agreed it was a good plan, even though it was going to be a financial ouch.

To make matters worse, I just got a call from the vet. She is recommending that Scotty have 10 teeth pulled!!

Poor Scotty, he is going to be sore on both ends. O, the joys of being a fur kid owner, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. :o) Well, except for a baby, but since that is out of the question and not in the realm of possibilities, I won't go there. ;o)

Update: The news got a bit worse...The anal gland had ruptured!! YIKES!! And, he had to have 11 teeth pulled. He will be on antibiotics for 5 days a month for the next 6 months to see it that helps keep the bacteria down in his mouth to prevent him from losing more teeth. The sticker shock hurts, but not as bad as his mouth and bottom hurts, I'm sure. *wink*

Reagan with his brothers Drew and Michael and his first dad, Michael Sr.

Reagan with his brothers Drew and Michael and his first dad, Michael Sr.

Look at the haul I bought at Goodwill today. 3 bags full of wool sweaters! And the colors! I am in wool heaven...

I am so excited to see how the bunny sweater felts up.

Holden has claimed the stripped sweater for me to make mittens for him. :o)

I ordered the book, Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects, by Betz White yesterday. I want to learn how to make the cupcakes for Brooklyn. Aren't they darling? Make sure you check out Betz White's web site.

My mom would be so proud. :o)

Look at the haul I bought at Goodwill today. 3 bags full of wool sweaters! And the colors! I am in wool heaven...

I am so excited to see how the bunny sweater felts up.

Holden has claimed the stripped sweater for me to make mittens for him. :o)

I ordered the book, Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects, by Betz White yesterday. I want to learn how to make the cupcakes for Brooklyn. Aren't they darling? Make sure you check out Betz White's web site.

My mom would be so proud. :o)

I love the new swag light that Russ put up in my office, except for one thing...the light bulb shines in my eyes. So, today I made it a skirt out of an old curtain. It works beautifully to keep the light out of my eyes and still allows light to shine through. (The light and skirt are white, not yellow.)

I've been busy today. :o)

I love the new swag light that Russ put up in my office, except for one thing...the light bulb shines in my eyes. So, today I made it a skirt out of an old curtain. It works beautifully to keep the light out of my eyes and still allows light to shine through. (The light and skirt are white, not yellow.)

I've been busy today. :o)

Mittens..Update

Goal for the day...To make myself some mittens from a felted wool sweater. Then, see if I can make some for gifts. :o)

Success! Not perfect, but I am pleased. :o) And, I am no longer afraid of my sewing machine. :oP

Goal for the day...To make myself some mittens from a felted wool sweater. Then, see if I can make some for gifts. :o)

Success! Not perfect, but I am pleased. :o) And, I am no longer afraid of my sewing machine. :oP

It's been a few years since we have put up Christmas lights, so Mitchell took things in his own hands and put up the lights himself...Well, after a bit, Daddy came outside to help, too. The house looks pretty. :o)

It's been a few years since we have put up Christmas lights, so Mitchell took things in his own hands and put up the lights himself...Well, after a bit, Daddy came outside to help, too. The house looks pretty. :o)

Black Friday and stuff

Hubz is doing the Black Friday runs since I still have this pesky migraine. I know it's from the varnish fumes AND there is more varnishing to do...The trim for the windows and the base boards.

But look at how gorgeous the floor turned out! I am amazed!! It will be so nice to have the whole house done, now that we can see what a little hard work can produce. It's so worth it!!

Hubz is doing the Black Friday runs since I still have this pesky migraine. I know it's from the varnish fumes AND there is more varnishing to do...The trim for the windows and the base boards.

But look at how gorgeous the floor turned out! I am amazed!! It will be so nice to have the whole house done, now that we can see what a little hard work can produce. It's so worth it!!