Beautiful Christmas

The sun is shining and the doors and windows are open. I kinda wish it was cold here so we could have a fire in the fireplace. We did our Christmas yesterday on Christmas Eve since Jimmy is working the Cardinals game today. BOO! So I am here all alone watching movies. Matt is supposed to get here but until then, I'm flying solo! Here's some pics to highlight yesterday's events. Ava and Callin made out like bandits. Ava LOVED opening the gifts and was just so adorable! Callin got a bike from Grannaran and Ava got the cutest table and chairs that she just loved. We are excited for NEXT Christmas when Norm, Florence, Marissa, Alex, Phil and babies will be her e in AZ!

To Tamale or Not to Tamale....

Greetings! It is December 4th and I don't want to even blink because December will be over before I know it! There's a lot going on and every year I ask myself, "Am I going to make Tamales this year?" I think the answer is yes. I didn't do it last year because I was sick so I guess that means that this year it's on!!! I just need helpers. I am thinking the week before Christmas I will do it but I really don't want to do it by myself. I am gonna have to recruit some helpers! Are you making tamales this year???

Remembering Mom on Thanksgiving

It was mom's birthday yesterday. I wish she were here to take part in the feast tomorrow. It was one of her fave holidays (because there was glutonous feasting involved). It would fall on her birthday some years. I miss her dearly and think of her daily. Click here for pics and a post I did this time 2 years ago. She was a fun-loving, crazy lady that loved us like no other. I know that she would be proud of Matt and I. I hope I get to see her again someday.

Mel and Jimmy play in Flagstaff!

We trekked up to Flagstaff last Saturday and played till Monday! It started to SNOW on Sunday! It was the first snow of the season. We loved seeing Mark, taking him to Lunch and Dinner and getting him some groceries! Here's some highlights! We got to relax and enjoy each other. Little America has one of the largest fire places that I have ever seen! We got to sit by the fire and read the newspaper Sunday morning!

We also got to meet Mark's new friend Maria. We of course ate at Oreganos and she joined us.

50 Free Holiday cards from Shutterfly!

This is the first time I have ever tried this so here goes! Thank you Charlotte for the info! I am excited to get free cards but now the hard part is trying to decide which design is best. Unfortunately I won't be able to have all the kids together this year for a family portrait so I am going to have to get creative!

If you are a blogger and want to get in on the action, click here. I really like the card pictured here and I toyed with the idea of not doing cards at all. OR maybe doing New Years cards since I will get the opportunity to get all of the kids together for Christmas Eve.

Every card has to have a picture. Check out this link and pick out your favorites. There so many cool things to choose from and I am surprised that the prices are so reasonable! This card is pretty festive and I would be so torn on which pictures to choose. What do you think? Please drop a comment and let me know which design/direction I should do.

Now that I get free cards, not doing cards is not an option right?

Visit with Aunt Wilma!

Aunt Wilma was here visiting and we got to spend some time visiting! Here are some pictures.

A storm like no other

Last Tuesday, there was a severe storm here in the valley that produced winds that had to be atleast 70 mph, golf ball sized hair, quarter sized hail and was over all, unlike any storm I have ever been through. This is the aftermath. I took video and will try and upload it. I wanted to take pictures of Jimmy last night sweeping the roof. We lucked out at the house and the only damage we have is a broken condensation line on the air conditioner and plastic chairs with big holes in them that are now going to chair heaven. The neighbors trees were shredded onto the lawn and into the pool. Jimmy is cleaning up the yard today. Stay tuned for video!