Merry Christmas Eve.....

From my family to yours ❤

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays

Joyeux Noel

Frohliche Weihnachten

Feliz Navidad

War Horse

Last night was my theater group we saw "War Horse"

I loved it

I cried 

I was amazed 

the puppeteering ( is that a word) of the horses were incredible!

Eight women are in my group 

Mixed reviews from all 8 

It was a bit long and 

the audio was low 

and the accents were strong!

But all and all it was AMAZING!

A must see! 

Happy Friday 

Have a great weekend! 

Sophie is eight...

Sophie turned eight on the 7th of November

I thought yesterday was the 7th....

It wasn't 

It was the 8th....

So in our house Sophie turned 8 on the 8th! 

She went to daycare and played with friends

Got a new toy 

and a few extra treats

gotta go bye bye twice....

A think it was a pretty good day in Sophie's world...

Thank goodness she doesn't know her parents are a bit forgetful! 

Sunday in my City

Happy Sunday! 

Stop by Unknown Mami for more Sundays in My City

Best Sunday surprise...

Katelyn and her roommate Amanda

are visiting until late Wednesday!

Unfortunately the President of her University passed away,

and classes have been canceled.

So since she has her car until Thanksgiving

"road trip"

Can you believe all the stuff for two girls!!

My hubby ask her if she dropped out?

I'm afraid two of those bags look a lot like dirty laundry! 

Amanda texted me along the way...

They are making really good time...

Better time than I ever made....

ummmm someone has a heavy foot! 

Amanda said they have been followed by three cars full of guys

for over an hour....the guys have held up signs asking for their numbers! 

Not sure I like hearing things like that...

But it's never a dull moment to be college age girls all of 19! 

Gonna be the best day...

wish I could call in sick until Thursday...

cough cough 

Happy Sunday! 

I ❤ Buffalo...plaid

My love for Buffalo Plaid this season

has nothing to do with where I live...

These are all going on my Christmas list

In case Santa reads my blog

They can be found at Talbots

Sophie said she wants a new coat too!

She has good taste like her mom!

Only 7 more Saturdays until Christmas 

or 52 days.....

Happy Saturday 

Get shoppin!

Friday Fragments......

Joining Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissin Time 

Happy Friday and Hello November! 

 Love my new scarf Katelyn gave me for my Birthday! 

I had a wonderful Birthday and was spoiled by 

my family and friends.

 Sophie waiting on the porch for trick or treaters

last night.....

6 kiddos that was it 6!

So much candy left....

 Even though the door bell only rang twice 

my lil cheerleader was pooped! 

We stupidly watched Paranormal Activity 2

Holy cow scared the bejesus out of me and I had nightmares all night! 

Just look at my data from my Jawbone Up

The orange is all the times I woke up! 

Do you have a Up or Fitbit ?

I love my Up

I sit all day for my job so I can set a timer for my Up

 to let me know after 15 minutes I need to move!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge and a Birthday!

Joining Joyce @ From this side of the Pond today! 

1. What's something you're dealing with that might be described as tricky?
Nothing that comes to mind.....2.  What's your treat of choice?
Anything salty and sweet3. Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional 'Jack' would you most like to meet in person? Why?
We bought a couple and haven't carved them...probably just get the seeds out and cook up and toss when done. Which "Jack"  maybe Jack Nicholson would be fun to have a drink with or Jack Sparrow to go on an adventure with.4.  In your opinion, what's the grossest sounding word in the English language?
boogers or snot...ewwww!5. When did your heart last skip a beat?
Every time I see my husband....love him! 6. Monster Mash by Bobby 'Boris' Picket, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters...your favorite 'scary' tune?
Easy one I love Thriller! 7.   It was a dark and stormy night when______________________________.

the house shook and the lights flickered! Pretty much what happens when storms roll though these parts.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Today I'm turning 40 again....it's my eighth time! It's weird to be away from family and friends on your birthday! I have to work tonight so Craig took me to a nice dinner last night. I love this restaurant the food is amazing and the scenery is quaint and quiet....it was perfect. 

What a week- Sunday in my city

 Joining Unknown Mami today for Sundays in my City

 Lots going on this week in our neck of the woods.....first off this guy has been working up on ladders painting and repairing our front porch....it's coming along but he needs a harness and a helmet after falling off a ladder earlier in the week. I was deep in my closet cleaning and organizing away until I heard the crash. Luckily 911 was not necessary but the boy is covered in scratches and bruises. So now I'm on the crew and helping by holding the ladder and giving my two cents where needed!

Seriously the colors this year! Wow I'm loving this season! 

Just thought I'd throw that in! 

My theater group started up this week. This was our first show of the season....we've added a few more women to our group and of the nine there were mixed reviews. I loved it but I love them all! It was well done, a mix of big screen theatrics and stage...I wasn't sure how they were going to pull off such a big movie into a musical but they did it and I loved it as much as the movie. I'd say see it if it's in your city.

Big news this week and some unfortunate news, our neighbor was arrested for 2nd degree murder.

The neighborhood has been a buzzing with unmarked cars, news crews, looky loos....it's pretty sad!

He actually hasn't lived there since this summer thanks to a domestic violence charge, but his wife and three children live there. I saw him there last week playing catch with one of the kids and now he is awaiting trail for murder. Guilty or not I think it's the best he is far away from these kids, word on the street it's been a tough year for them and having him behind bars will be a blessing. I just hope there is justice for the victims family. You really just don't know what drives people to violence. 

I'm looking forward to a quieter less exciting of a week!

Happy Sunday! 

Oh Wednesday how I love you....

Joining From this side of the Pond today!

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago?  Is it still a worry? 


Five years ago we had moved from Salt Lake City, Utah to Bremen, Germany....I had a lot of worries. Now fast forward five years all the experiences have been priceless and worth the worries.  Now my worry is when will we return to Utah and call it home again....4 years, 5 years more...who knows. 

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?

Rude and unreasonable people....oh and bad drivers! Or no coffee! What cheers me up...my family, music and coffee possibly a glass of wine and a few deep breaths! 
3.  In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?


Ugh I'd rather not be!

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain. 


My husband he empowers me everyday! 

5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?


Apples

6. What's the most useless object you own?


Probably our video game machine....what is it called.....it's collecting dust! Oh yeah its a Wii

7.  Share a favorite fall memory. 


Love when Katelyn was little and we were raking leaves for her to jump in...It's my favorite season...I love going out on drives and taking in all the colors. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I love walking amongst the leaves crunching at your feet. This picture is one of my favorites, I think I photographed it for every season while we lived in Germany. We spent many hours walking and talking on that road. Today I miss our life in Utah and our time in Germany.....but the gorgeous Autumn we are having in WNY is warming my heart. 

Happy Wednesday! 

Shhh I know I'm not suppose to have a favorite......but

I have fourteen nieces and nephews...

I love them all.....

But this guy he is special 

He always makes me laugh,smile 

 pretty much makes my heart sing

Today he turns 17!

Happy Birthday K

 All grown up!

 Photo sabotages

 Huggable

 Adventurous

 Up for anything!

 Will go anywhere with you

Will do anything you ask....

Love you with all my heart! 

Happy Birthday! 

Happy October

A couple weeks ago we went to visit Katelyn for parents weekend! It pretty much rained the whole weekend! We had a fun but quick visit. Loved visiting with her friends and their parents. Katelyn's main goal not to eat on campus!! Oh and see us! 

Now some two weeks later it's already here October break! A much needed break after midterms!

We are lucky, most of her friends don't have break until next week. So lots of Katelyn time. 

Fall colors have been gorgeous this year. Today it was rainy and muggy almost 80 degrees out! 

We have loved having her home and wish I didn't have to work tomorrow and I could hang out all day.

Happy Fall Y'all!

9/11

My heart is heavy today, as are many....

I remember this day like it was yesterday...

Two years ago we visit NYC

and the 9/11 memorial

As sad as that day is it's worth a visit 

to pay respect 

to honor those lost souls

God Bless America!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joining Joyce @ From this side of the Pond for Hodgepodge today!

1. What's something you're never too young or too old to enjoy?

I'm gonna say cotton candy.....I love it!

2. Share one happy memory from your high school years.

I really hated HS so this is a tough one....Probably graduation and hanging out with friends...being carefree. 

3. A nationwide strike of fast food employees took place in the U. S. last week...they're calling for higher wages and the right to unionize? Your thoughts?

My opinion is working at a fast food restaurant is meant for a stepping stone not a career for life. 
4. September is National Honey Month...what's a favorite dish you make or eat that calls for honey?

Kale salad or Honey mustard pecan crusted Salmon...both yum!

5.  If you notice someone with a tag sticking out, a button unbuttoned, a shirt on inside-out, or some leftover lunch stuck between their teeth do you say something or do you keep quiet? 

I say something...cause I'd want someone to tell me!

6. What movie always makes you cry?  Or at least makes you feel like crying?
Any Nicolas Sparks movie....I'm a crier when it comes to movies and commercials....so just about anything can do it for me! 

7.   'Mary Had a Little Lamb' was written in May of 1830, and published in Juvenile Miscellany in September of that same year.  Now for the fun part...create your own four line rhyme using that same tune.
My computer gets too much spam too much spam....lalalala♫

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Five things on my mind right now....

2. I'm happy it's September

3. In love with Pumpkin Ale Beer

4. I miss my girl

5. Wish I had some candy corn and that my friend would be my dinner....and the pumpkin beer!

Happy Wednesday! 

Katelyn's pets...

Sophie tried to go with Katelyn.....

 But than she realized she could have her bed all to her self....

And she has taken full advantage

And Katelyn's state fair fish

Goldie...

didn't fare so well

RIP Goldie!

Sorry empty nesters are busy and forgetful!

Two weeks ago...

We loaded up the car and took Katelyn back to school for her Sophomore year.....

 See that lil spot left? That was my seat....by default cause I'm the shortest in the family!

The girl has a lot of stuff....but it all fit

If you don't count the storage unit at school full also!

Her home away from home..

First day of Sophomore year photo!

Her suite mates!

We miss her a ton....

But seeing that smile makes it easier!

She is one happy girl!