Back To Work

It's Tuesday morning and I have to go back to work. I've loved having a long break for Christmas. I only have to work 2 days this week, so it won't be too bad. Next year though, I'm off the entire time.

A Marion Resident

Joel is now a resident of Marion. Officially, he becomes a resident on January 19, 09.

After a day of seeing really crappy apartments, he ended up choosing a really nice one. This is a really big step moving into your first apartment. He seems a little down. Marion, was not where he hoped to end up after graduating college. His hope was to work in a city in Chicago or Florida.

Only time will tell what the future holds for him.

Addicted to Showtime

I am so addicted to this show. We got I season 1 & 2 for Bob for his birthday! I think me and Joel got more pleasure out of this gift then he did. What an addiction! The only downfall is the language....(my pet peeve is foul language in movies). It's really not needed and it really puts a damper on it!

Today, I'm going through withdraws since we made it through the first 2 seasons and the 3rd hasn't been released yet. We don't get Showtime so we haven't seen any of the episodes yet!

If you want to see a good series (overlook the language) you won't be disappointed.

Tyler, just think what you would have got, if you sat on Santa's lap!

Joel & Tyler trying out the new wagon from Great Grandma & Grandpa.

And To All A Good Night....

December 23, 08 we had our family Christmas get together and gift exchange. Today, I'm totally exhausted. I have run my self ragged getting shopping, cooking, decorating, wrapping and cleaning completed on time. Several nights staying up till 2 am and heading off to work with only 4 hours of sleep.  Have I turned into one of those who ends up saying I'm so glad it's over? Let me answer my own question... I am!

Tyler was sooo much fun to watch... Doesn't open a present but does he love getting them. The electric 4 wheeler proved to be his favorite. I think we got to see the future daredevil. It was hysterical watching him. He would ride in many position ending with him standing on the seat.

He definitely inherited his parents athletic ability. 

Tonight the house is quiet. Funny how a house come alive when a child is in it.

I find myself wondering how the Angel Tree Children are enjoying all the gifts the HMG/MRDD staff purchased for them. Hopefully, their Christmas was a special as Tyler's. 

I'm grateful for my family, our health, that all my children have jobs in this economy and for all my friends. May your New Year be a blessed, happy and healthy.

The Ten Things I love about Christmas!

1.  The hustle and bustle of getting the shopping and wrapping done.

2.  Christmas Eve Mass - Has always been my favorite time to go - With taking my mom.  

     we go when she feels up to going - either evening or Christmas Morning.

3.  Christmas Cookies - My families all time favorite "Cheryl the Cookie Lady's". If I don't have 

      these our Christmas just isn't complete.

4.  Christmas Music - I start listening as soon as Thanksgiving arrives. My favorite Songs:

      Mary's Boy Child - by Boney M and Allan Jackson's Let it Be Christmas.

5.  Christmas Movies - I'm loving that the Hallmark Channel has them non-stop! Been seeing 

      quite a bit of tear jerkers.

6.  Snowmen decorations - Love them.

7.  Having all my kids together at home.

8.  Christmas Candles - Love the smell - Yankee and Gold Canyon

9.  Opening presents - I love the exchange at work - always a lot of fun!

10. Tumbles finding her presents under the tree - This is one of the things I'll miss about her!

       16 years of Christmas' and she finds them every year!

11. Of course my most favorite thing of all is having my grandson Tyler to share it with!

Christmas Cookie Exchange...I've been searching and searching for the cookie I want to exchange this year! I'm getting down to the wire and I still haven't made a choice. I'm leaning towards Peanut Butter Cup....What do ya'll think?

Snowman Tree

Found the cutest Snowman Tree at Friday's yesterday! This has to be a must do next year....

Happy 50th Bob!

Happy Holiday Birthday!

Yesterday our family celebrated Bob's 50th Birthday. We all met up in Canton at Friday's for lunch. I love getting us all together, cause it so rare that it happens these days.

State Auditor Position!

Joel finally heard from the State Auditor's Office, he'll be starting work January 22, 09. He will be based near Tiffin, so he's hoping to find an apartment there. Of course Sammie has another year of college after she completes this year in Spain, then she'll be back in Tiffin!

Courthouse Light Show

Friday night found us in the mist of an ice storm on our way to Bob's company's Christmas Party. After seeing 4 wrecks and driving on a sheet of ice, we decided to head back to the Cambridge area see the much raved about courthouse light show and grab a bite to eat.

The light show is pretty amazing and well worth the trip. The Dicken's Village is improving each year. The volunteers who put this on are doing a tremendous job. Thanks!

Hope you enjoy the quick tour of the Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show in Cambridge Ohio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm5kP__AjcQ

Introducing The Gray's Primitive Tree and Mollie Their Cat!

Angie Gray - my co-worker and friend, inspires me daily with her creative ideas and decorating skills!

It's so fun working with a crafter! I think we feed off each other to challenge a new idea!

I can't wait until next week to see what she's put together for her Secret Santa Partner!

Congratulations Joel

Congratulations Joel and graduating from Heidelberg College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Computer Science Information Systems.

We're so proud of you!

The Polar Express

On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that's headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus's home.

Saturday, after hours of debating if we would chance the snow and make the hour drive to Canton for the Polar Express.

How could we miss a chance to see Santa!

Erica and Tyler started out from Cleveland. Vickie, Stacy, Maggie, Kyle, Ronnie, Ryan and myself piled into 2 SUV's for the Christmas Carol filled ride.

It was magical! The reading of the Polar Express story gave you an overview of what to expect during the ride. Thanks Ronnie to pointing out the reindeer was fake! The conductor, cook and PJ elf and CJ elf kept the spirit going...Singing Christmas Carols and entertaining the riders throught the trip!

The smiles on 5 little ones faces was well worth the expense and the stress of getting all of us back safely after departing the train and finding snow covered untreated highways.

Tyler seems to be expressing his thoughts of What's a Santa Claus!