It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...part 1

Today I put up the First of my trees at work.  We have two 7 foot trees.  One goes in the lobby, one in Room A-our main Rental/Multifunction Room.  The one I put up today was the one in Room A.  We have our first Holiday Party in Room A tomorrow (a rental) and it had to be done.  So, I pulled out the tree, my box of 'good' ornaments and decorations and got to work.

This is my good tree.  I work hard to make this one look nice.  Nice ornaments, good ribbon, primping, etc.  The tree in the lobby will have some of the older decorations, and stuff made by the children.  (Not that I don't adore their work, I do, but this one is a bit more refined.)  It took a while, (about an hour and a half) mainly because I am sooooo meticulous, but I think she turned out pretty stinking nice for an at least 10 year old artificial tree.  What do you think?  Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

And this is a preview of my Christmas Cards!  I've been working on them and hope to have them done by the end of the week and in the mail.  Didn't want to give too much away, but had to share something!  I am loving them!  I hope you will too!

Rain & Fog

On my way home today I wanted to stop at a Nature Preserve outside of Logan.  But, I found out it is only open through October and by appointment.  That sucks...so, I just went driving through the hills of southern Ohio/Hocking Hills and since its not very well populated was able to get some good shots.

I loved the fog and rain and really enjoyed the way these pictures came out.  I hope you do too!  Enjoy and have a great night!

Thanksgiving

I didn't get that many pictures.  Isn't it always the way it goes that when you want the most pictures, you're too busy living to actually remember to take a few shots?  But, I did get a few and I think I might have been the only one to do that of the entire family.  So, yeah me!  Anyway, some are okay; some are terrible.  But, I can't help it, genetics suck!  (hahahahahahahahaha!)  No seriously, the lighting wasn't great and I wasn't paying that much attention.  So, this is what you get.  Enjoy!

Dad's welded wrench Christmas Tree.  He is very creative.

Isn't this adorable?  I had to really work with Duke to get him to sit but it was worth it.  This tree is at the front of my parent's property and they have decorated it with large ornaments.  I just had to get a shot of Duke in front of it!

Paul eating Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma & Grandpa B's.  He liked my applesauce best of all!

Dad is an excellent waiter!

Fishy face!

Pooh (aka Kayla) starting on dessert, and Nick asking me if he can have a 3rd helping of mashed potatoes and a roll.  (With the roll, he really just wanted more butter!)

Let the games begin!  Mom & Michelle are ready to get things going.

My sisters-in-law, Angela (left) and Megan.

My Aunt and my odd older brother with his hand raised.  Andy can be a bit of a strange one!

Phil, Aunt Eileen, Andy and Mom.

Megan laughing hysterically.

The kidos getting a lift around the living room.

Paul beating up Uncle Phil.  Way to go Paul!

All About Me

I love all of the crazy catalogues my mother gets in the mail.  They have insane, dirty, tacky, strange things in them and are generally very amusing.  As I was looking through them tonight I thought I'd share a few saying from shirts that seemed to fit my personality very well.  Just as an FYI.  If you know me, what do you think?

1. Don't make me put my hands on my hips!
2. Life is easy.  It's the freakin' people who make it difficult!
3. I'm not bossy...you just need to be told what to do.
4. I'm just one BIG freaking ray of sunshine aren't I?
5. Never argue with a woman, they know lots of words.
6. Stupidity kills, but not nearly enough.
7. Yes, I know they pick on you at school and call you names, but you still have to go, YOU'RE THE TEACHER!
8. Oops!  I bought another pile of books!
9. Yet, despite the look on my face, you're still talking.
10. You don't have to agree with me but I'm still right!
11. Life is a circus and I'm stuck in the freak tent.
12. Just be happy I'm not a twin.
13. The Queen is not amused!
14. Please take a moment to appreciate my vast knowledge and experience.

Now, this last one is not one I like but actually HATE!  But, I had to put it out there.  It is just wrong and I hear people use this type of language on a regular basis.  If they are children in my programs (or just children in general) I correct them.  I also correct my employees, family members and friends.  It is an annoying habit but I will never stop doing it.  Anyway, here it is...beware the shock of the terrible grammar.

'Funner, gooder than just fun!'

Malabar Farm State Park - November 25

On the drive home yesterday I took a slight detour and stopped by Malabar Farm State Park.  I wasn't able to do much walking (my knee is not doing well right now) but, I drove through the park and was able to get some good shots anyway.  Hope you enjoy them!

Almost a HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!!!!

I'm very excited to have a holiday weekend coming up.  After working tomorrow (for only FOUR hours) I will be off for the next FIVE days!  Yippee!  I am so excited.  Of course, when I return...oh, well, we'll worry about that when it gets here.

Anyway, it's been a while since I've written.  Sorry, things have, as per usual, been crazy at work, with my health and I've been so super busy!  But, I have shot a few photos in the meanwhile.  Hope you enjoy them and are all as excited as I am for the upcoming Holiday. 

Took this last Friday while waiting outside with the Before School kids for the bus.  Just liked the way the shot of the moon lined up right between the flag poles.  It was a cold, but pretty morning!

A rainy, miserable, Sunday night drive through Columbus.  But, at least the lights were pretty!

My preschoolers painting with Indian Corn.  (I had to pixilate her face, for privacy.)

My Preschool Class at our Thanksgiving Program today.  They are wearing their Native American Headbands or Pilgrim Hats.  Above them are their corn paintings and our giant turkey!  They did such a great job with the songs we sang!  (Again, faces pixilated for privacy.)

After the performance and eating, we had some time to take turns in the brand new bounce house.  I wish you could have heard their squeals of joy as they bounced!

I tried to get a shot today of all the water running down from the hills with all this rain we've been having.  There are mini waterfalls everywhere!