New Years Eve at work!

Today we dressed alike for New Year's Eve...Thank you to Laurie and Alyssa for sharing the shirts...it was fun! We may wear the shirts again on Friday....we are all going out for my Birthday! It depends on how work goes for us!

Back to reality!

I am hesitating and not wanting to turn my thermostat back to what I had it programmed before Ella came. It is so nice to get up and take a shower when it is 72 degrees and not 62 degrees. I have to go back to reality and the real world of saving money, the temperature is going down tonight. Max will not be happy; he hates the cold I may have to get his coat back out!

Thank you to my daughters and son-in-law!

Ella, Laurie and Joe were here for 2 weeks and Alyssa just the last four days! After tomorrow it will be just me and Max! I did try to fix Ella's hair while she was here...I put every hair product I had in the house to have it lay flat! It is meant to be...standing straight up! I have high hopes that the longer it gets it will soon decide to lay flat! But I think she looks adorable...it was so wonderful that my daughters and son-in-law were here in Iowa for Christmas. Thanks for making this another great Christmas!

My Little "Santa Baby"

Ella is the sweetest little girl...This morning she sat on the sofa and I played the little musical animals that I have and she talked to them....how sweet!

She really has a hair problem...she may have to wear a pony tail her whole life! (One on top of her head)!

We have been busy with friends stopping over and all of her grand-parents love her so much! She is just so fun to cuddle with...yes she is my little "Santa Baby"...

Stitches...

I worked at Holly's Shoppe yesterday with Becky and had a great time! Holly was out of town for a wedding. It was so much fun! My favorite thing was when a customer asked a question....I knew the answer! Alyssa said; this was my new "Phase"...I love that! I told her I need to keep changing my interests to keep my brain active! So now it is knitting and quilting....until the next thing comes around...

Beautiful Snow!

What a pretty site to wake up to! Max wasn't very excited...after the first step in the snow....he started playing and eating the snow....really funny to watch! I thought maybe you would like to see what you are missing...living so many miles away!

UPDATE:

I have shoveled 3 times today; the snow is so heavy...every 2 inches I go out. Too heavy for the snowblower! and it isn't winterized yet! Wasn't ready for it this year!

Maxwell

Max had a hard day yesterday....he got a new haircut and he was shivering and shaking so I had to put a little jacket on him....he didn't fight it at all...he was cold! He got bored watching me put up the Christmas Tree!

I love December!

The Christmas Movies have started...I wished I could cuddle up on the sofa and watch these movies all day long! They always make you feel good and everyone is always happy!

I Love it!

Santa's little elf helped me out and changed my layout....I love it! What would I do with you! Hugs and love ya lots!

No Black Friday for me!

I am not going near a store today...I am don't like crowds! Good Luck to any one that is heading out for the BIG DEALS!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for so many things this year! I have the best family...and the wonderful addition of "Ella" makes our family even more special this year.

Thinking of everyone that is so far away...love to everyone!

Shopping....online!

I have decided to only shop online for clothes....I have so many emails on sale prices....it is sad! Look at it...try it on...and then don't buy it!
Wait until it goes on sale; the chances or high you will still be able to get what you want...or else you then decided you really didn't need it!
My idea for saving money for today! LOL

Quilting Class

Went to my first "Quilting Class" yesterday and loved it! I am amazed what I can do and didn't know it! I planing on giving my projects for Christmas gifts sooooo.....I can't share what I am making; have to have a surprise or two! You know I don't like "Country" but you don't have to do
"Country" so much out there it is amazing!

ohhhhh is it cold outside!

Think of me.....it is 5 degrees outside....yes I do love living in Iowa! Just think only 4 more months...brrrrrrrr!

Knit four ... Purl four...

How easy is that ... Knit four then Purl four....
Not as easy as it sounds; just got back from a little knitting around that old fireplace at "Stitches" and I just have a problem of talking and not counting....but I do think my project is looking "Very Original"...not exactly like the pattern...but I love it! I don't think it will make it under the Christmas Tree....at least not this year!

Appointment today!

After the phone call from the bank with the news of checks coming into my closed account. I started my afternoon with my annual mammogram...either I am getting used to going or else my mind was in too many places but it wasn't bad at all! But I am very happy to have it done and over....oh...things you will have to look forward to as you get older...

Lesson Learned...

Spent another night on the computer completing a report to the State of Utah. I have learned several things that I will never do again!
1) Never carry my check book in my purse
2) Never carry any extra information in my purse
3) Never carry cash over $200.00 in my purse
4) Never keep my Camera-Ipod-Palm Pilot in my purse
5) Never keep it under the front seat/or in the trunk!

I am still surprised that someone went to all the trouble of making new checks with my bank account information and use a name that I could google....leave a phone number that I could google; but I am sure that was stolen also.
My account has been closed but she may write checks until they won't take them anymore! How sad are people. So I may start carrying a "Billfold in my front pocket"! Any comments or suggestions....

A little worried about the weather!

Snow is predicted for Friday!

But I will head to Minneapolis

on Thursday if I need too!

Ella have a nap before I get there so we can have fun Friday afternoon! See you soon!

Count Down!

More Days! "Ella"

anything do you want

Nana Di to bring for you...

It's together! Ella

I thought I had better get this up and ready for Ella; didn't want to not have all the pieces and Ella needing a place to sleep!

I thought you would be surprised I did it all by myself...and Max doesn't like it. I think he is worried I am going to put him in it!

He looked at it and ran upstairs and is ready for bed! Barking for me to lift him on the bed.....

Counting the days to see "Ella"

More Days!

Ella & Laurie

Moments of "Cuteness"

I love this photo of Ella....it shows her long hair in the back! I love this photo; it shows her bright eyes and she looks so good in pink!

Halloween @ Work!

Sue was a correction officer!

Misty was a hippy!

Kathy and I were "Smartie Pants" we had taped Smarties on the front of our pants.
The residents love Halloween

A Big Thank you to my Co-workers!

This is a little bit late in posting but missing 2 weeks of work; I have been a little busy catching up! But my co-workers are also great friends and everyone covered for me!

Flowers and donuts welcomed me back; and three envelopes marked

#1 Very Important ... Do this today! Don't wait!

#2 Very Important ....but do by the end of the week!

#3 Read when you have time :)

So after a few late nights and the weekend; I am feeling pretty good!

My Last 11 days....

Drama....I think my trip to Salt Lake was like being on a roller coaster! The ups and downs with Doctor Reports....driving in 6 lanes of traffic....not used to cooking and doing laundry and yes being robbed!

Sums up the last 1 1/2 weeks...but best times were being with Ella...even from 11:00 PM until 3:00 AM; we had lots to talk about. She definitely knows my voice and gives me a smile :-)

I never understood how wonderful changing, dressing and feeding a grandchild would be. The best two weeks of vacation anyone can have.

Today was another visit to the pediatrician (who is awesome -and of course IOWA Grad)...this little girl just doesn't like to eat as much as everyone wants her too! She is a little laid back and doesn't want to nurse; the bottle is so much easier. Her drink of choice is now...Fortified "Breast Milk" in the cheapo "Gerber Bottles" (like the ones from the NICU).... we will do what ever we have to!

So I told her mom; it has just begun! She definitely wants it "Her Way"... I just love it! I have been telling her already...not to worry just call Nana Di and I will get or do anything she wants or needs!

The sheriff's office called this afternoon and have my Police report ready.....I told them to mail it...I am not driving to pick it up! Wish me luck with my Insurance!

Tomorrow is my last day in Utah flying home to snow in Iowa! Catch you later.....

Nana Di and Ella

Ella is beautiful!

I think she knew that her new Grandma was holding her last night....she had a couple of big smiles while I was holding her. It was worth traveling all day!

(I have no idea why it is side-ways! I can't fix it!)

GAS Prices!

The news just said that gas prices have dropped to $2.47 per gallon; isn't it sad that I feel lucky to only have to pay that much! How much is it where you are?

The bridge by Maple Heights also opened this weekend. That really saves time; we can use that exit again; #212. I went over it; and they didn't change much at all....and it has been closed for one year!

Thought I would let you know so you won't have to call and ask "What exit do I take?" ...... LOL

Budget cuts for high heat bills this winter....

My goal for one week is to not spend any extra money! I read this article on how people spend money when they really don't need to. That is me...vending machine at work...fast food on the way home from work...bottle of water at the gas station.

I have groceries in the house and gas in my car. I am not going to take any cash to work! So I won't order lunch out; I can eat at home when I walk Max. I think I can do it plus save $$$.

I will not fail!

McDonald's

This is the old McDonald's going down...it is kind of sad! They couldn't get rid of the mold from the flood! It is going to be bigger and better.....but no play yard! Those days are over; but it will have a special coffee bar area! They plan on opening mid - December so maybe it will be done but the time your visit!

And the big news......Dairy Queen has chicken again.....Just for Joe and Alyssa! They won't be closing during December anymore....lucky for us!

Self Control

Check out Stitches Blog

Holly's shoppe is going to open October 1st; slow opening...she wants to work out the bugs before advertising she is open for business! Check out her blog for photos; she has worked so hard! It is really awesome when you see it all together! I saw it from nothing...to almost open. How cool to have a dream and then to have it happen!

Last ones, I promise!

I think I like this do. I may go darker once I drop my weight down. What'd ya think?

Alyssa - 1968

I have been working since this afternoon. I had to clear my head and laugh a little. I promise I will not do anymore photos of myself!!!!

Grandma Jean

Okay. The nose may be a little different! I wonder how Grandma would think I look like this!

Nelson's cookout! The Best Steaks!

We had an awesome dinner....the steaks were had picked by B.J. and Doug grilled them just right! Gwen had a picture of her new niece...so sweet. They all asked about both of you girls and what was going on with your lives....we talked about taking a long weekend 3-4 days and spending it together in condos....talked of maybe Wisconsin Dells, Lake Geneva & Las Vegas....of course I said "New Orleans" or "Salt Lake". They really didn't want to fly...and Dick wasn't there for his input! Devin and Derrick are looking great! Gwen and Derrick are such a cute couple...Devin didn't bring his girlfriend. It was great to see DeNeitt's brother and family also. Doug got kind of choked up when he thanked everyone for all of their help! Geri said they will never leave for vacation again during flood season! Oh...Doug and Geri... have a little cute sports care....I loved it. Everyone took it for a spin!

Working Weekend!

Saturday off and on I worked at edging the sidewalk and finished it this morning! My body is really feeling the pain! That was too hard of work; it had overgrown about 3-4 inches....did this just to make it easier to shovel....not the only reason....but it will help out this winter! I keep thinking I should pay the neighbor kid to shovel....but I am too cheap! and definitely need the exercise!

The real yearbook photo!

Many years later and you still look fabulous! AT - you do look alot like Mom!

Year book pictures

Which one is Diane?

This is so funny......

Gargage Sale Bargin!

Barb called me today and said that she found a "Palm Tree" at a garage sale and it was only $15.00 I told her to buy it for me; and I will pay her for it. She said she had the little car; and it wouldn't fit! I told her if I was supposed to get it; it will be there after work!

I was shocked to see how big it was; I had to have the guy from the garage sale deliver it! He was so nice he put it right on the deck! Isn't it cute...I love it! I wished we could sit outside and enjoy it during your visit! Maybe next 4th of July!

Looking forward to going to bed!

I am excited about heading to bed, to check out the new catalogs I got in the mail today "my favorites"-Pottery Barn and West Elm! I dream of making purchases from each of these magazines! I love checking out all of the "accessories" and the "Holiday Touches"...Thank goodness that I don't live by either one of these stores....I would have a credit card bill for sure!

The Boehmer boys....

Amanda Smith and Scott Boehmer

Cathy Bankhurst and Jamie Boehmer

Request the honor of your presence at their marriage

Saturday, the 18th of October!

I was really surprised to get this invitation and you are

invited also. It is at St. John's and reception and dance at the

Floyd community center. I haven't decided if I am going or not!

But I do think it is going to be the most interesting wedding I have ever been too! It may be too wild and crazy for me!

Ready for the new baby

Have the Pack n Play ready for "Baby Blueberry"

It has cute animals to look at....a little mobile....even a Giraffe! This will be perfect to sleep in during the Iowa visits! Warm fuzzy sheets for the cold Iowa winters...

Window Shopping @ Vonmaur

If it is a little girls these will be a purchase for sure!

This little jacket is so adorable at the store!

These little Jeans for a little boy with a "Hawkeye" T-shirt is a must!

He will definitely need this little suit to look just like "Daddy"

I am just patiently waiting till October......