Goals

I haven't made a New Year's Resolution in a very long time. I think it's silly to wait for a particular day, make an unreasonable "I'm never going to do *this* again" or "I'm going to start *this*" or "I'm going to quit *this*".

The end of one year, and the beginning of another has to be a bit more significant than simply getting a new calendar... Doesn't it? Instead of making New Year's Resolutions, I'm going to set a few New Year's goals.

- attend one pet therapy visit per month with Callie Mae.

- run at least 5 races in the year 2012.

- Have a weed free garden.

- Visit someplace I've never been before.

- Focus on the positive things in life, while eliminating the negative.

**If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things**

Searching...

Anyone know where I can find this exact picture?

I would like it in a 16 x 12 1/2 print - but this is not set in stone. I will most likely take what I can get.

I have just started my search - but I will gladly take all suggestions...

If there were a winner

You may recall that last year B & I decided to start the tradition of giving one another an ornament every year - and while it's not a competition - - -

he kicked my ass this year.

Miscommunication

My Mom - (excuse me.... Santa) - gave this ornament to B for Christmas.

Mom told me ahead of time that she wasn't sure how to spell Callie & Chloe, so she left them blank for me to fill in - and later B says to me, "your Mom sure isn't very subtle with letting us know that she wants grand kids."

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 - I can sum it up with one word.

Fabulous.

Christmas Eve morning, I woke up - made four pies for the Reed Christmas dinner the following day - had everything finished by 11:00, did some running around with B, stopped and had lunch - then headed down to Christmas Eve mass with the Ball family.

Dinner was good, spending time with family is always nice.

B & I on Christmas Eve:

The girls were so excited for Christmas - their excitement was contagious! Loved it.

Afterwards, we came home and had our Christmas celebration/gift exchange so we could sleep in the next morning. The puppies knew there were 'things' in their stocking - and they could hardly contain themselves when we took them down. Callie Mae found her bone - and Chloe Fae just didn't have a big enough mouth to hold all of her new stuffed animals...

And they got new beds - which Callie lays in regularly - and Beaner.... intermittently. I'm thinking once the Christmas tree is down, and we put them in their regular spots in front of the window, she'll lay in hers regularly also.

Christmas morning - slept in (just like we planned) and then headed up to the Reed family Christmas. It was the big one this year. 30-some people in one house... But it was fun. We had a great time.

B & I on Christmas Day 2011:

And here's the fam-damily: (at least those that were able to make it to town this year - yes... there's more that weren't able to make it. Like 15 more...)

I got to meet THREE of my GREAT nieces that I had never met before. So this was a super-exciting Christmas for me. Here's little Peyton Ann (complete with her air hockey puck-to-the-head injury) She's still cute, even with the head injury - poor little thing - she looks exactly like her mother did when she was a baby... Only she has blue eyes - and better clothes.

And then we have Madelyn (Maddy) & Eleana (Ellie) - I hope I spelled their names correctly... these two little girls were added 'officially' on December 22nd, to my niece Stace & her husband Eric. They did foster care for these two little girls, Initially with visits to their biological mom, with hopes that she would get her life together, (I don't know the full story - so I'm not going to try to guess) - but time goes by, and the girls went up for adoption - Stace & Eric had fallen in love with them - so they adopted them into their family - and I have two adorable new GREAT nieces. What a special Christmas for them...

Ellie:

Maddy:

The Heating Pad

B hurt his back a while back - and he had the heating pad out, alternating that and ice to ease the discomfort.

While he was icing, he set the heating pad off to the side. It was warm, and Chloe Fae happened upon the heating pad. When she figured out that it was warm, she plopped down and didn't leave the heating pad until it automatically turned off, and cooled down.

B said that she 'stole his heating pad'...

A few days later - (the heating pad is still on the couch) - and she jumped up, started 'digging' on the heating pad, and then would stop and look at me.

'Dig' on the heating pad.

Stop and look at me.

I reach over, turn on the heating pad - she is still 'digging' on the pad, intermittently stopping and looking at me... When the pad [finally] heats up - she lays down with her front paws spread, her belly on the pad, and her head down against the warm pad.

Then she curled up, into a little tiny ball, and laid on the warm heating pad.

Then she rolled over, onto her back, spreading the warmth all over her little 10 lb. puppy body.

This was all within a 4 minute time span.

I looked at B and said - "if we had an electric blanket, this dog would never get out of bed."

He agreed.

Don't think I haven't considered it...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Twas the night before Christmas

Santa comes tonight - Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Friday's Surprise!

The entire week has been filled with candy, chocolates, popcorn, cookies - all different varieties - and it seems never-ending. And I can't keep my fingers out of it. Not all of it, mind you - but more than is necessary!

Take the cheese popcorn for example. If cheese popcorn didn't turn my fingers orange, and coat them with whatever is used to coat cheese popcorn with, I might eat it every day of my life.

I get to work, it is the bosses turn to bring in the Christmas goodies for the day, and I say offhandedly to my co-worker, "I wish it were breakfast week instead of candy/cookie week. I'm kind of Christmas cookied out."

It gets closer to the 8 o'clock hour, and I ask if she wants to head down to the vending machine with me - I'm gonna have to break down and eat a bag of Cheez-Its... because I'm starving!

And I really didn't want another cookie, or piece of candy.

We hit the elevator down button.

We wait.

The elevator doors open - in the elevator is our boss with A PANERA BAG IN HIS HANDS!!!

We laugh and then tell him the story of how I was wishing for breakfast instead of the scheduled Christmas candies. He proceeds to say how he thought everyone would be sick of sweets by now. (he couldn't have been more right)

Me: "I like that we can communicate telepathically now. I think it will really save us some time. Thanks for bringing bagels, you're the best!"

The Shortest Day...

I cannot believe that it is already December 21st - today is the winter solstice, which means that little by little, the days will get longer.

Starting tomorrow...

Just in time for Santa

I can't even begin to express how awesome this surprise was - when I came home from work to find the [new] 'stockings hung by the chimney with care'...

I love, love, love, love, LOVE them!!!

One of those small, amazing, thoughtful things that my fabulous husband does - and reminds me how lucky I am that he's a part of my life.

Teddy

I still have my teddy bear that I got when I was 2 - there's a slim possibility that I could have been 3. But I'm not willing to go any older than three....

There's a picture of me with that bear (who I so cleverly named Teddy) at Christmas one year - and the bear was beautiful, with a light blue ribbon, and a music box in the back.

The ribbon is long gone, the music box broken, removed, and sewn closed. He has been repaired time and time again. He has been there when I was sick, when I was scared (of the monsters under the bed), that little bear soaked up every single one of my tears when I was growing up - and even some when I was a grown up.

B calls him 'creepy bear' - mostly to [attempt to] antagonize me - he's not a 'pretty' bear anymore - but I don't care what he says - I think he's beautiful.

Getting in the Holiday Spirit...

Whew! It has been a busy last few days...

Wednesday night: B & I went to dinner and then 'A Christmas Carol' @ The Community Playhouse. Such a great production - I enjoy it every time I see it. Plus, I can't think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit. All of the actor's, actresses, and the children, do a great job.

Thursday night: It was the second annual happy hour for people that I don't get to see very often - and some that I see quite often. Happy hour generally turns into a few hours past happy hour - but it is fantastic to see this group, and I had a great time! I forgot my camera - so there are no super-fun [or silly - you decide] group photos...

Friday night: I took my nieces & nephew, Madisen, Lily & Elliott, to the work holiday party that they put on for kids. It was held at the Children's museum - and what a blast they had! The oldest was resisting going - because she was 'too old' - she was giving a little bit [ok, a lot] of attitude on the drive down. I told her she had two choices, she could drop the attitude and have fun - or she could sit in the lobby while Lily & Elliott played.

I'm sure she rolled her eyes at me... However, she must have decided to drop the tween attitude - because she went in, got her name tag, and had. a. blast. Face painting, the ball factory, the dinosaurs, it really is a cool place - they were totally entertained the entire time - I didn't have to do anything...

Before we left, she was upset that she would have to see Santa (she was too old and too cool) - so I didn't press the issue. Heck, if they didn't want to see Santa - they didn't have to. About two hours into the evening - she came up to me and asked if they could go see Santa now.

And she posed. And she smiled.

It was such a super fun night. Doing things like this is how I keep my super-cool-aunt status... Plus, I had a great time too. I like to hang out with them, so I take full advantage every chance I get.

Some of the better pictures...

Elliott in the ball factory - he loved it when the balls fell.

He was very excited about the dinosaurs.

Climbing on the toys that I climbed on as a kid. The toys from the old Richman Gordmans.

Pictures with Santa!

And finally, cookies & punch!! (and a close up Lily's face painting - Madisen was the artist)

Saturday: woke up and shopped all day. All. Damn. Day. But the day was spent with my Mom - so I really can't complain. But now, all of my Christmas shopping is complete. I've never finished so close to Christmas in my entire life - but now it's done.

Better one coming...

There's a better blog coming - I swear - and it will explain why there hasn't been a blog in several days...

I've. Been. Busy.

So... cute pictures of the babies until I can find the time necessary to formulate complete sentences in a fashion that will make sense.

When it's cold outside - they bring the 'playing' inside. I love this picture...

Have I mentioned that these spoiled rotten little brats think that every time I come home with bags/packages - they think something is for them???

Never mind that 98% of the time they DO get something. Whether it be a new ball, a new frisbee, special treats, a stuffed animal...

My point is... they are starting to expect it.

Seeds of Discovery

My niece's book hit number one on Amazon's best seller list yesterday.

It's her first published book.

Take a minute and let that sink in... Her. First. Published. Book.

Do you have any idea how awesome that is - and how proud I am of her???

She is amazing!

Go check it out - I believe the kindle version is free today.

Merry Christmas!

Santa!!

Yep. I took my dogs to see Santa Claus. And I got this super cute picture of both of them on Santa's lap (hating every minute of it) for a low, low price of $7.00.

It was a fund raiser for the Jack Russell Terrier of Nebraska Rescue Group. I wouldn't say that I'm super active with JRT Rescue, but I do like to help out when I can. We helped Charger find a home, and who knows, maybe when things calm down, maybe we'll take another foster dog. I have no immediate plans, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out...

The photo op was held in Gretna at Lucky D Tack Shop. We showed up with the pups, and there was a short line, but lots of people and dogs - the JRT volunteers brought a few of the available rescues, and I'm not sure what the other people were doing there - but it was obvious - they were all dog lovers!

Callie & Chloe always do great when they're out in public. They are always so well behaved. People were giving love, and getting kisses from Callie Mae - Chloe is a little less approachable, but true 'dog people' respect that and mind their space.

So it's our turn, and the usual "OMG! She's so cute!!" (they're talking about Callie Mae - poor little Beaner - she's cute too!!!) and Callie's full of love for everyone - - - and then Santa came over.

Just like a true 'child' - Callie turned away and buried her little head over my shoulder, under my hair, and wanted nothing to do with Santa.

Neither one of them were overly excited to be sitting on Santa's lap with me & B more than 5 feet away - but overall they did great - and it went to help a really good cause. One of my favorites...

Renewed!

A couple weeks ago, or maybe it was already a month ago, who can tell?? Time goes so fast anymore that it's just plain scary. I mean, seriously... can someone tell me how on earth it is December 13th?? It seems like just a few weeks ago, it was my birthday - and just a few days ago, I was extremely warm, to the point that I was almost sweating - yet here it is... December 13th...

...and I digress.

So a while ago I received a post card in the mail that stated my drivers license was coming up for renewal this next February - and to go online to see if I qualified to renew my license online.

I logged on - followed the appropriate steps - answered the questions - and it turned out that I DID qualify. Even with that one speeding ticket...

I fill in the necessary blanks, I submit payment via VISA, and the website thanks and congratulates me. (how feel good is that??) I will receive my new license in about 20-30 days.

The entire time I'm wondering - what will they use for a photo? Will I have to submit a photo? Similar to how you submit a photo for a Passport? Will they process everything then I have to go to the DMV and have my picture taken? (that can't be, I mean, what's the point of renewing online - but I wouldn't put it past the state)

Well... a few weeks go by, and I receive my new driver's license, good until the year 2017. They reused my previous picture - which is fantastic, because it's a decent picture, and those are few and far between with state issued ID's.

Not to mention... I haven't aged a single day in the last 5 years!

Made me giggle...

Not as easy as it looks...

Yesterday I posted a link to where we have our photo cards printed - it was the only way (short of scanning in the actual card) to 'save' the photo card to upload to the blog to wish my blog-reading family a Merry Christmas.

I think it's pretty safe to say that getting a photo with B, me, and two little pups to look normal is NOT an easy task.

Normal meaning: we both have to be smiling, it can't be unflattering for either of us, we should not have a dog in front of our face, the dogs should be looking at the camera - etc., the list goes on and on...

This is difficult because the dogs are in a new environment, there are other people and dogs in the area, and they want to go run and play... And explore - - - wait. Was that a rabbit they just saw???

You get my point.

Here are a few of the shots taken until we got one that we decided was 'good enough' and we ran with it. (some of these are pretty bad...) Everyone involved had pretty much lost interest anyway...

In Case we Missed anyone - Merry Christmas from the Ball Family!

Nativity Blue Christmas

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View the entire collection of cards.

Bringing it all together...

My Mom & Dad on their wedding day - November 19, 1955.

It's the start of something.... well, it's something alright!

All that aside, (those stories will follow) Isn't my Mom beautiful???

A bad movie

The movie 'Failure to Launch' is probably one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

Sure, it has super sexy Matthew McConaughey in it, along with one of my favorite actresses, Zooey Deschanel - but it's still a bad movie - in fact, the only part(s) of the movie worth watching can be summed up in this you tube clip.

All five minutes and thirty one seconds of it.

It's always something...

I don't remember what day exactly that this took place - but about a month or so ago, I was in the backyard (probably playing fetch with the puppies) - I look up at the master bedroom window and I notice that the trim around the window is 'falling off' of the house. It's not actually falling off, but it is certainly in need of repair.

The following day, I make the necessary "come and take a look at my window" telephone call.

After a quick visit, and a not too invasive investigation - - - yaaaaay... (dripping with sarcasm) not only is the trim around the window rotten, the window itself is rotten, and needs replaced.

B & I discuss, and make the decision to have the window replaced. I mean, was there a viable alternate decision that we could have made? I guess we could have left the window alone until it just up and fell out of the house, but that didn't seem like the best choice. I knew the window wasn't great, but I had no idea how bad it really was.

Due to the impending cold weather - we opted to replace the window that was in dire need - the rest will have to wait until spring/summer, because there just wasn't enough time until it turned freezing cold.

I call this a win

Me: You have to buy Parker (their little Boston Terrier) a toy.

Mom: Why?

Me: Ummm... because we're out shopping. And he needs a present. I buy my dogs a little present every time I go to the store.

Mom: Good lord... if you ever had a kid, they would be spoiled rotten.

Me: That's not even true! If I had a kid, it would be my responsibility to teach them about life, disappointment, and that they don't get everything that they want, among many, many other life lessons - I would also have to raise them to be productive, respectable members of society. But my dogs don't ever have to go out into the world, support themselves, or survive. So I can make them little assholes, because they get to stay with me forever.

*a bit of an extended silence*

Mom: So what should I get Parker?

Not pouting - not shouting

Little Bean dog has been sweet as sweet as can be lately - she sits there with her tiny little baby face, wanting some hugs, love and belly scratches...

It's almost like she knows... Santa Claus is coming to town...

New Ornaments - 2011

My Mom buys me the new Barbie ornament every year. While we were out fighting the snowstorm Saturday afternoon, we stopped at Hallmark, so she could pick up the current years' ornaments for everyone on her list. It's not just me she buys an annual ornament for, there's a few different people...

The 2011 Barbie Christmas ornament:

While I was there, wandering around while my Mom was finding all of the ornaments she needed, I came across the 'Angels of the World' ornament - and it was the first in the series! FIRST in the series...

Typically when I come across any ornament that I like, it's like 6th in the series, and if I like it enough, sure I'll buy it - but I've never had a full set. I think I'm interested in getting the entire series - unless the subsequent angels are terrible.

The first country was Ireland - so maybe I was only interested because B is part Irish.

Eh - we'll see.

I guess I'll have to wait until next year to really know...

My [Mini] Three Day Bender

Wednesday: met my friend KCox (and brother Jim) - had drinks. One too many drinks maybe - but it was fun - and we hadn't seen each other in months. KCox, not Jim - I see Jim all the time...

Thursday: friend MRE had a Pampered Chef party - theme was 'alcohol' and peppermint martini's were served to highlight December's dots martini glasses special, normally $45 - on sale for $29 - and Chocolate Kahlua cake was served. I did not drink during the show, (that would be unprofessional) but after the show was over, and everyone left, I enjoyed a few beers. We got to yapping and lost track of time.

Don't tell me you haven't done it.

Friday: Bowling. Need I say more?? Who bowls without having beers?? It was tough - I had to drink 'red' beer - and I was responsible. No need to get caught up, lose track of time, and go overboard - I see them every week.

Saturday: I woke up, braved the snowstorm, and went shopping with my Mom. My Mom and I had a 'shopping date' and I was not going to let a little bit of snow get in our way! Plus... I have now finished buying all Christmas gifts for the Reed side of the family. It feels good to be done. Well.... half way finished anyway.

Which brings me to my favorite night of these last four days.

I'm sitting at home, watching football with my husband, Callie Mae on one side of me, and Chloe Fae on the other.

I couldn't think of a better place to be...