December 28, 2012

Christmas Day 2012

The kids (or specifically Colton) came in to wake me up at 8:00am.  I knew that it was killing them waiting for me to get up, so I made myself get up and moving for their sakes.

When I came downstairs this was my view:


After we had the Christmas music on, and video camera in hand, I called the kids down.  They came bustling down the stairs with shouts of "Oh Yeah!" and "Sweet"! 

Obviously Colton seen he got the electric scooter he requested, and Ashley got the Rip Stick she asked for - neither of which were wrapped, since they were big items.

Then the fun began.  Colton tore through his gifts like lightening.  He continues to fill me with holiday magic, because each gift he opens, whether it $1 or $100, he gives the same type of response.

Ashley is a little more slower in her approach.  She watches as her brother tears through his, and open hers, and proceeds to give me a 5 minute speech on why it's great, or what she's going to do with it.  I sometimes have to remind her that we can talk about everything after she's done opening her stuff.




Ashley's Haul:  Rip Stick, Electric Keyboard, clothes from Aero, jeans, sweaters, camis, boots, books, movies, video games, diary, note pads, Duct Tape How Too Book, bean bag chair, ring, iTouch case, electronic bank, glitter tattoo kit, slushy maker, gift cards to Jets Pizza

Colton's Haul: Electric Scooter, too many Beyblades, Beywheelz and arenas/domes for them, Mario Sports Mix, Wii Sports Resort, xbox basketball and football games, 3 Nerf guns, electronic AK-47 gun, clothes, electronic bank, slushy maker, books, gift cards to Jets Pizza

Then it was my turn to open a few gifts.  I got a couple of sweaters, socks, footies, ironing board cover and Ashley made me a few things.  This being my favorite:


It's actually a purse with a beaded handle (made out of duct tape) that has picture frames on both sides, and she put pics of the two of us together in them.  Her little note made it the best gift of all.  I know she is getting older, and soon, we will be butting heads more than agreeing on things, so I am cherishing these times while they last! I love that little lady so much. 

Boo had her turn for presents too: 


Boo got two new Nylabones, a new Kong, 3 different types of bagged/boxed treats, a new collar and new food bowl.  Her new Nylabone was her favorite though!

After we cleaned up the paper mess, it was time to get back to work on the food for the day.  Mark outdid himself on the food this year.  We had turkey and stuffing, ham, meatballs, holiday and fresh sausage, potatoes and gravy, mac n cheese, broccoli cheddar bake, cinnamon apples, sauerkraut, deviled eggs, green bean almondine, Brussels sprouts with bacon and rolls.  And that isn't even including all the appetizers we put out.  To say we had TOO much food, is an understatement.  One thing about it, it was all amazing. 





I didn't get pictures of the desserts, but we had cheesecakes, cookies, cobbler, Better Than Sex Truffle, pumpkin pie, eclairs and cream puffs.  I barely had room for anything.  Thank goodness for day-after leftovers!!

It was a long day, and by the time I made it to bed it must have been midnight! 

My hope is for each and every one of you has a safe and Happy New Year!  Until 2013...... 

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December 27, 2012

Christmas Eve 2012

This year my sister volunteered to host Christmas Eve dinner at her house, so that meant, I had all day to get some last minute shopping and wrapping done. 

All day long, and I'm not exaggerating, the kids would ask "Is it almost time to go?", and my response would be no, at 5:30pm.  Well when 5:30pm finally rolled around, the Prime Rib wasn't done cooking so this really put them in hyper mode.  We got out of the house around 6pm - not too bad I guess.

The Kids & Boo in their Christmas Duds

It had already began to snow, which made the short 5 mile ride, seem like 20.  When we arrived, it was full on Christmas excitment in the house.

First thing on the agenda, try out my new wine glass that my mom bought for us girls.  She buys us a cute wine glass around most holidays.  I love it.

Santa's Favorite

I may or may not have drank this whole bottle.


My sister-in-law had picked up a bottle of cider and whiskey to make a warm, spiked cider.  I of course took the bottle of whiskey and used it as an oppoturnity to make everyone do shots!  Even my mom (who NEVER drinks) humored me by drinking some!  Mom, Seester and I all agreed - EWWWWWWWW


Then it was time to get the herd fed.  The kids had pizzas, as well as veggies with dip and some fruit.


The adults feasted on pierogies, crab cakes, crab legs, lobster tails, chicken wings, prime rib and shrimp.  For dessert, an array of Junior's cheesecakes.


Then it was time for gifts!  This year, "Santa" (Grandma and Papa) brought my kids Chromebooks with carrying cases and a mouse.  They were overjoyed for sure.  Colton also got a Detroit Tigers shirt and thermal bag from my seester.  I think he was more excited about them than the Chromebook! Ashley got PJs from my sister, and couldn't wait to get home and put them on. 


Even I got a few presents!

From my Seester - ELVIS!!!
Mixer / Soda Stream Supplies / $$$$ / Silverware (from the Parents)
I was happy to get a picture of my parents and us 3 kids.  I think the last one we took was at my Seester's wedding 13 years ago.  Although we get together often, getting them to pose for pictures is nearly impossible.  This year, I made it happen.


After visiting for awhile longer, it was time to head home and get the kiddos in bed.  Although they were extremely excited, I got them up the stairs by 10:30pm.


Then it was off to bed with anticipation of Santa's arrival. 

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December 21, 2012

[Gurlee]Girrl Friday

Again this week, I wanted to add a little bit of festive to my nails, and I think I found just the right amount:



I grabbed the dotting tools and got to work.  I love the way it turned out!  What do you think?

Have a fabulous weekend!

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December 19, 2012

So What Wednesday


SO WHAT!!....

       ·        If I  haven’t felt like blogging this week, sometimes you just need to take a break.

      
·         If I need to wrap ALL of the Christmas presents I’ve bought, at least I’m done shopping!

·         If I’ve read like 20 zillion books in the past couple of weeks (when I should have been wrapping), I absolutely LOVE escaping into a book.

·       That I tried to avoid going to Costco this evening by shopping during work time, it was a freaking zoo and I still have to go back.  No time saved.

·       That I keep putting off the start of my diet.  Come January 1st, there will be no excuses!  It’s going to be on like Donkey Kong.
 
·        That I am more of a blog stalker than commenter.  I hope everyone I follow knows I read their blogs every day, even if I don’t comment. 

·     That I am super excited to take Malibu (my dog) to get her haircut this weekend, although I hate spending $40 on it!  She always looks so stinking cute when they are done with her.

·        If I was super excited to get the Unicorn Power Up free for 60 minutes today from Jewels with Friends.  I still suck at the game.
 
What are you saying SO WHAT to today?


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December 14, 2012

[Gurlee]Girrl Friday

Holy cannoli what a week.  Work has been crazy busy, and I've had no time to scour blogland!  Glad to be finally slowing down.

This week we had a our holiday luncheon at work, so I decided to dress my nails up accordingly. 


I Googled "Christmas Nails" and then used that for my inspiration.  I was happy with the turnout, especially that it only took me about 1/2 hour to complete them and I only had to re-do one nail due to a mess-up (since I'm not a perfectionist).

What do you think?


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December 12, 2012

The Things I Do For Blogging

If you really knew me, you'd know that I am one of those people that cannot go #2 in a public restroom, at a friend's house, or at work, etc.  I seriously will hold it for days if I have too.  Not quite sure why I am so crazy about it, but I am.  I can count on 1-hand the places I feel comfortable enough to take care of my business.

I think I've mentioned before that my mom is a shop-aholic and when she buys something for herself, she normally buys it for my sister and me too.  Last week, she came over and said "Ya-Ya (that's what she calls me), I have something for you. "  She handed me this:


First thought:  WTF? She must be crazy. 

Second thought:  Can't wait to try it out.

So, me being a trooper for you all, I decided to give it a shot.  I guess I should have done it at home, but no, I totally decided the first place to try it out was at work!  The one place I spend a minimum of 9 hours a day at and a place I refuse to do my business at, unless it's a SUPER emergency. 

So, first I checked the bathroom out to make sure no one was in there.  Then I ran into a stall (#4 in case you are a visual person):


I proceeded to follow the directions, which is to spray directly on the surface of the water with 4 - 6 sprays until all the water is covered. 


Then, as quickly as humanly possible, and praying for no interruptions, I "tested" it out. 

Results:   COMPLETELY, 100% AWESOME! 

Now, it won't be 100% odorless, as the spray itself has an odor to it.  The smell is more of a "cleaning product-type" smell.  It isn't offensive, but it doesn't smell like anything you'd buy at Bath & Body.  It for sure won't leave the stall/bathroom smelling like you just baked a pumpkin pie in there, it will however, not stink.

Bottom line, if you are anything like I am, this might just be the right "aid" to help make your day a little more comfortable.  Thanks again mom for taking care of your little girl.  I love you.


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December 11, 2012

My GurleeGirrl Weekend


Friday night, after I dropped Ashley off at a sleepover party with her friends, I headed out to 2Booli for some incredible dinner.  That my friends is Chicken Schwarma with extra garlic sauce and spicy hummus.  It was heaven.  After dinner we did a little bit of shopping at the mall, which was surprisingly not overly crowded.  Of course I went to my favorite store JCP.  Then it was off to see Silver Linings Playbook for the 2nd time.  I kid you not when I say it is the Best Movie of the Year!

Saturday morning I went and picked Ash up from her sleepover, and raced home for her to change into her volleyball clothes.  We weren't able to attend Cole's game, as his was earlier and at a different location than hers.  Her game was at 11:15am.  After losing their first game, and a few pep talks from Chrissy and me, they won their next two games, and since it's the best out of three, we won.  It was pretty awesome for them.  Of course we had a Panera lunch date and headed home. 
Spent some time catching up on this weeks TV shows.  The kids' love watching Last Man Standing, The Middle and Modern Family.  Thankfully they are mostly "clean" and appropriate for the whole family.

I had to pick up some presents I ordered from Best Buy, and found myself at Southland Mall for the first time in my life.  It wasn't as far as I thought it would be.  Afterwards, we grabbed some dinner at Amantea and watched some Parenthood/SOA.


Sunday started bright and early and I met up with the Gotts/Gutkowski's for breakfast.


Then we spent the better part of the day baking/decorating cookies. 


I may or may not have had a few of these too:


After baking all day, we went to GTuck's house for some COD and Tripoly play, while he slaved away grilling up the turkey.  I didn't win, but I had a crazy good time.


How was your weekend?  I also happend to squeeze in reading this book.  It was bliss.


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