~~October 2016~~Sew, it was the greatest Stitch Experience ever!~~Final Update 3/19/2017!

[heatherwith3]

Happy Thanksgiving to your family, too!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving, too. My sister is having Thanksgiving at her place for the first time ever and I am off the hook for the first time in 20 years.

 

[mymainmouse]

Just dropping by to say Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[DMGeurts]

I love your tree skirt! It's adorable! We also have an artificial tree and I've never washed our tree skirt, so yours should hold up just fine.

At one point in time you shared a quick and easy meal idea to use the bagged coleslaw or salad mix, stir fry it, add use that as a base for meals. I'm so glad you shared that -- I've been doing that for breakfasts lately, adding compliant sausage, and it's so good, and quick and easy.

I love being with our family for the holidays, even though it does tend to get loud and crazy...and there is always some kind of drama with one particular person. But it's so wonderful to be able to be together. It is definitely loud here, but I love it.

Thanks! This is good to know... I know, with our real tree, I did have to wash it at the end of every year - and often, just at the beginning of the season too, just to get it fresh again. I will probably still wash it every once in a while - but knowing me, I"ll switch it out as I get bored with it anyways... LOL

You are welcome!!! I eat fried coleslaw and broccoli slaw all of the time... Any veggies really. Lately I've been able to find some fun new bagged varieties... Some are good this way and some are not so good. LOL

I hope you are surviving the weekend! And I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Up until the time I was 13 years old my father would drag our family off to his parents house 300 miles away. There would always be lots of cousins to play with and so many people that there were tables set up in three different rooms. All of us except my mom really enjoyed the Thanksgiving trip. We stopped traveling for Thanksgiving by the time I was in high school. Then we started our own tradition at home with just our family and a couple of my mother's widowed aunts. It just wasn't the same but it was nice not to travel.

I have a beautiful skirt that has embroidery that I never use. I also have a cheap, quilted one that my mom bought me that I use every year. I throw in it the washer and dryer every year to get out the dusty smell. The skirt is mostly invisible under the tree anyway, so it doesn't matter.

I have to put up the outside light this weekend. With a trip to Disney the weekend after Thanksgiving and a trip to Colorado to see our daughter the weekend before Christmas, we only have the weekend of Dec 10th to do everything else.

That sounds like it was a fun family tradition... Growing up - I spent all of my holidays with my extended family... My mom's side was always the Sunday before Christmas (still is) - starting off with mass and then the noon meal, Santa comes and hands out gifts and then anyone interested plays Bunco (I don't play... I typically only see this extended family this one time per year - so I like to visit...). My Dad's family was always on Christmas Eve... It was always a mess of food and people everywhere - it was crazy! Decorated over the top and just a warm and happy place to be... I loved both traditions. Now - since my Dad's family no longer gathers, I've stolen Christmas Eve for myself and our family... There is nothing better than opening the gifts with all of the lights on... Typically, we have lasagna or something easy to make a lot of, a nicer dinner anyways - then we open gifts to/from each other... After, we have Trifle for dessert... Gifts from Santa and everyone else, we open Christmas morning. I love this little bit of time with just us - it's small and it's my favorite!

Yes - true... Isn't it funny how sometimes the practical items get used more than the beautiful items? I am more of a casual person anyways... So, something easy and maintenance free really appeals to me the most.

I hope you were able to get your lights put up? It wasn't too unbearably cold here yesterday, Allison and I managed to get the porch "decorated"... If you want to call it that. LOL We took down the fall decor, threw up the spare tree - put my ribbon topper on it from last year, swapped out the wreath on the fence, put up a piece of garland under the kitchen window and called it good. LOL However - now that I"ve looked at it for a day - I think it's still missing something, so if I can find some cute cheap pillows to go on the chairs out there, that would be good.

Wishing you safe travels to Disney - is it now? Or this coming weekend? Regardless - wishing you many happy memories to be made.

Love the tree skirt. Can't wait to see the tree when you finish it.

Thanks! I'll be sharing pictures of it today! We are in FULL ON Christmas decorating mode! LOL

I wasn't that behind! Yay me!

I kept looking at both pictures of the wall and wondering if the one Josh is in is the missing piece his brother is in? If not i would lie and say yes. Make a cool story even better! LOL

The tree skirt came out really really cute! Can't wait to see your all new home turned into Christmas FUN!!

Yah - I've been a slacker here! Shame on me!

I don't think so? It just doesn't match up... That would be the coolest though!

Thanks!!! I am excited to share it! The living room is mostly done now... I have a few things I would like to Christmas-ify, but for the most part, the living room is done... I'll be moving on to the kitchen area today!

It was fun reading about your get away! Sometimes even a 1 night trip can make it seem almost like a vacation. I'm sure your nephew really appreciated you coming so far to his game. The wall - what a coincidence! The skirt looks great! Can't say I've ever washed a tree skirt. Love the truck and trailer - cute!

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it! We had a fabulous time, and it was fun to go off and enjoy some time together!

He did - he was very appreciative of it... Having been to nearly all of his college games - it was a real treat to be able to cheer him on at this level.

Thanks! I am really enjoying decorating for Christmas this year... I always enjoy it a lot, but I feel like - now that my living spaces are done the way I like them - it's even more fun to put it all together!

How fun to get away for the weekend and see Matt play. It was great you missed any snow. We only got about an inch but after the rain it was a little slippery. I had started putting up my outdoor decorations on a beautiful day without a coat last week. Then it snowed and I put off finishing until yesterday. It wasn't too bad but now I was in my winter coat. I wanted to get it done before this next snow.

I have a handmade tree skirt and I've never washed it. I'm afraid the red will turn the white pink. I also have an artificial tree and it doesn't really get dirty. Of course after I start putting presents under it you can't really see it. I always put them in the back first, but with 3 grandchildren it doesn't take long to cover up.

We go to my husband's sister's house for Thanksgiving now. We used to alternate having Christmas and Thanksgiving. Now they have Thanksgiving every year and we have Easter dinner as we are both so busy at Christmas. It's worked out great for us and I like to do an egg hunt so I've just kept Easter. And they live only 10 miles away. One year there was a fairly heavy snow, but the main roads were ok. I like not having to drive far though. I hope you are still able to have your own Thanksgiving. I really miss leftovers!

I really thought about putting up our outdoor Christmas decor last week, when it was nice, but I just couldn't bring myself to change it out before Thanksgiving... Believe me though - I had things staged in my living room all week, and the minute I woke up yesterday - I pounced on Christmas! LOL

I totally undestand, our tree is much the same way... Christmas will be very lean at our house this year - which is OK... The girls are growing up and don't need as much... And to be honest, we've taken a lot of trips this last year, and a few coming up - most of our excess budget is going for that... Thankfully, they understand.

That is really nice that you are able to alternate like that - and that you don't have to travel far. I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving! We are working on that part of it - The girls and I have decided that Josh puts on the best Thanksgiving meal ever, and we NEED it. LOL We are hoping we can persuade him for Christmas.

You are inspiring me to get out the Christmas stuff. I usually don't do much at home because we usually go see my parents in FL for Christmas (South FL, unfortunately nowhere near WDW lol) But anyway...so our Xmas stuff is all down there. But this year we are going so late (Dec 23) that I think I may have to try to make things a little festive at home as well. I love your tree skirt!! So cute. I know I have said this before, but I'm really in awe of you and people like you who are so crafty and can make something from nothing! WISH I could do it!

I would put a few things up, considering that you are going down so late in the season... I love, love, love decorating for Christmas - but I hate taking it all down... I am trying hard to keep that in mind this year.

Thank you - it is fun to be able to make things when my brain needs them a certain way... But sometimes it's such a stress too - LOL... As if I don't have enough on my plate already. LOL

I hope you are able to compromise with yourself a little bit and find a few ways to make the Christmas season shine in your home!

The skirt looks great. I can't wait to see it under a decorated tree.


Today I got rid of my old car. It's a little strange not having my old car anymore. It was my first car and I had it for 12 years.

I also got some Christmas shopping done today. It's so nice with everything that is done. Also it's wise to get the Christmas gift shopping done as early as possible while the shops still has the items I want to buy in store. The shops don't order more items to the store when they get close to Christmas because they want to have as few items in the store as possible when the new year comes and they have to count every item in the store and report it.

Today Tromsø got a new snow record. Actually it's a record of the lack of snow. The last record of this sort was set on 21st November 1944 which was the last day of no snow in Tromsø that year.
There is no snow in site on the weather forecast so this record can go on for a while.

I'm glad for every day I can practice driving without a lot of snow outside. The roads are very narrow at some places here in Tromsø without the snow. When the snow comes it will get even more narrow. So it's best that I get as much practice as possible now so I'm as best prepared as possible when the snow arrives.

Thank you! I really like it too... it's a bit more casual than I normally do, but who says everything has to match? LOL

Awwwh... I am sure it was a little difficult to let it go... I remember when we had to get rid of my old van - I loved that thing - it was a great vehicle and it kept the girls and I safe and connected to those we love during many difficult times... I hope your new car brings you many new place to explore!

Yay for getting some Christmas items shopped for - that's always a good feeling... I wish I was further along in my shopping than what I am - I have no ideas for the girls really...

I like your snow record... LOL Then only time I actually enjoy snow is up until the New Year - then I am over it quickly... LOL

I hope you are able to get more practice... It seems like you are getting a lot done.

Thank you D!The roads have gotten much better in the past few hours so the drive home should go pretty smoothly
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving as well

And I love how the tree skirt turned out - super cute. The font of the letters really adds something special!

That is good - I hope you are enjoying your time with family!

Thank you!

Thanks - those letters were such a pain to cut out, but I really like them a lot!

So glad that you and Josh had a nice weekend away. Glad you made it back safely with the weather. We had a good dusting of snow here again and the temperature has definitely dropped. UGH!!!
Looks like you had a nice time at Universal. Sorry you both were not feeling well. Glad Cindy was able to give you a ride.

LOVE that tree skirt and the old fashioned truck and camper. Just too cute!!

On a side note, my mom had a follow up appointment with her specialist for her kidneys. Her numbers improved significantly and told her to continue doing what she is doing. We are so thankful. She will follow up again in a few months and then we will decide on the next plan of action of removing her kidney stones.

Wishing you and your family a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Yes - thanks! It was a lot of fun! I am not ready for the hard winter to come though - although, now that our house it completely done, it's very cozy and I sure love the feel of it. So, maybe this winter will be different?

Thanks! I hopped on the "red truck bandwagon" this year - as it seems they are everywhere... I love them though!

So glad to hear this - what wonderful news!

Thank you - same to you!

I was pretty behind, but now all caught up. Loved the photos of the Berlin wall and the brothers.

I don't know where to begin on the trip report, because I was so far behind. I wasn't overly impressed with Soarin' either. I wish the transitions would have been a little different.

We so want to try Universal again. Last we went, only the Islands portion of Harry Potter was complete. Plus, we would love to try out some of the rides we did enjoy back then. From what I can remember, Universal seemed so much hotter than our WDW days. Not sure what it was. I am glad V liked the area and got to experience it.

Update from Japan and Marissa. Well, she has been really homesick. She was tempted to take a flight home for a 4 day weekend. I told her that wouldn't be a very wise decision, especially with the flight times and the 10 hour layover in LA. This week, she is missing mashed potatoes. She did feel the earth quakes and was concerned about tsunami. However, that passed. I think she is getting a tad more used to the constant earthquakes, but it alarms her when her host family or her teachers seem alarmed, because that is when she knows it is a bad one. She went to DisneySea and I tried to share the photos on FB. She loved that one, even though she went with a "friend". That friend didn't show up on time and they arrived an hour after park opening. Then the person she went with (no longer friends at this point), didn't want to ride any of the rides and was already wanting to go home. Marissa told her to go home and tried to enjoy the rest of the day. She loved this park so much. She wasn't impressed with the Gaston though, Styrofoam muscles. On our first trip to WDW, she met Gaston and went to feel his bicep and gasped and said "It's real!" Well, Gaston had a hey day with this. So, this has been her pose ever since. So, to have fake muscles was a disappointment. Pretty sure she could have beat him to a push up match up (and she can't do one). She is planning to go to Tokyo Disneyland tomorrow on Thanksgiving, to try to cheer herself up. Her host mom is pregnant and her host family is moving to a bigger place, so she will be placed with a new host family and she is stressed about that. She had just kind of gotten used to them and to finding her way around where she lived. The new place could be up to an hour away, so she is worried.

On Sunday, Jacob, Chelsea and I were sitting around talking about summer plans. The dance studio was planning a trip to New York City, and I always have wanted to go. However, they are planning it before Marissa comes home. Plus, it is only 3 days and 2 nights. It would cost about $6,000 for the three of to go and we didn't really think we wanted to go in those circumstances. I had also read that Pandora is opening in Summer of 2017, so as of now, we will be going back to WDW in 2017. Haven't been since 2014. I am trying to figure out resorts and timing. Trying to figure out if Chelsea (almost 14 by then) can fit on the murphy type bed at Port Orleans Riverside. Otherwise, we might do 2 rooms at Pop Century. Last time we did Pop Century, Jacob didn't want to share with anyone, so slept on the floor for the 9 nights. No one really wants to share with him either. So, the rooms with only 2 beds don't work for us. AND, I have less than a year to plan.

Anyway, that is about all. We are driving 4 hours for Thanksgiving dinner to eat and come back home the same day. Chelsea has a dance performance on Saturday. A girl in her dance classes dislocated her knee on Monday, so Chelsea's classes get to meet on Friday to re-choreograph the numbers. This girl has not made it to Nutcracker the last 2 years, so I was kind of expecting this.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Hi Shannon! It's great to see you here! I know life has been busy!

I do hope you try U/S again - I truly loved the Diagon Alley section much better - it's worth another trip, IMO.

I totally understand the home sickness... As we went through it with Allison... I don't know that it ever really got better for her - about the time, I think, she was starting to get used to being away - it was time for her to come home. I will say, she is VERY much a momma's girl now - even more so than before. My foster-parents have hosted MANY foreign exchange students - and they tell me often that it's very tough through the holidays - and after that, they seem to have a turning point of sorts, and it gets much easier after that time of year... I hope the same for Marissa. How terribly sad and hard though, for her, that she has to move and transition into a new family... That makes a hard situation even harder... Praying it goes easy for her and she is able to adjust quickly. Hang in there momma!

Yay!!! Love trips to Disney!!! That is awesome that you are planning to go back - hopefully you are able to make it work out! I can't wait to hear all about it! And all that planning will make time go faster for you, before you know it - Marissa will be home and you'll be in WDW!

I feel your pain... We drove 3 hours each way on Thanksgiving too... Wouldn't trade the time with family - but it does make for a long and exhausting day! I hope you had a wonderful time, and your weekend goes smoothly... Good luck to Chelsea - even though her performance is over now.

Thanks for stopping by to catch up - it's always wonderful to hear from you!

I'm glad you and your husband had a nice weekend away! I'm sure your nephew loved having you two at his hockey games.

I love your tree skirt. We have a tree skirt that we've used for many years and I've never washed it for fear the beading will come off. We also have an artificial tree so I don't have water and sap to worry about.

I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes - it was a lot of fun! We truly enjoyed the whole trip... And it was great to see Matt too!

Thanks! It was fun to make it and super easy - I see many table cloth tree skirts in my future. Good to know about washing - that's what I was thinking, I just wanted to confirm. LOL

Thank you - same to you!

Happy Thanksgiving to your family, too!

Awwwh - thank you - same to you!

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving, too. My sister is having Thanksgiving at her place for the first time ever and I am off the hook for the first time in 20 years.

Thanks Sue - same to you! Enjoy the time with family, where you don't have to cook and clean up.

Just dropping by to say Happy Thanksgiving!

Awwwh - thank you - same to you!

********************************************************************************************************

Alrighty! Sorry I was so far behind everyone! The last few days have been madness around here... Between staying caught up with work - doing a shift at Target - getting the girls to/from work and school, and then the holiday thrown in there... Yikes! I've fallen behind here - which I don't like to do.

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful... It was so awesome to be able to spend it with family. The drive was a little long and made the day long - but we all drove at one point during the trip - so that made it a bit more tolerable. We made it home at about 9pm on Thanksgiving night, the girls and I decided to go out black Friday shopping a little later than we normally do... We decided that sleep was much more needed than bargains that didn't exist. LOL

So, we crawled out of bed at 6am yesterday - threw on clothes and ran out the door, we were at our first store by 6:30am, LOL Starbucks was first though.

We honestly didn't have much on our list to buy... I did grab Finding Dory for $10 at Target, but that was my only BF purchase there...

Then we drove to Walmart - I am on the hunt for either their $18 flocked tree or their $25 - I'd be happy with either or 2 of each... so far I haven't had much luck - I'll admit though - I've only looked at one Walmart for these trees. LOL It's the only Walmart in our area that I am willing to brave - so if they never get them in, I guess I am out of luck... It's not that big of a deal though.

After - we headed to Michael's... I did some damage there. They had great deals though - so that was nice. I honestly didn't do badly there though... Half of the amount I purchased was V's Christmas gift - so some of what I spent comes out of our Christmas budget. I found a few great things though, which I am excited about... And a bunch of great ribbon for bow making for an awesome price - so that was fantastic!

We came home immediately after - I think we were back here by 8:30am? And we went straight to decorating the house for Christmas...

We started with the TV console... We seriously couldn't decide if the Christmas Village should go up this year or not? Two years ago was the last time I had it up... and I had to pay Allison and Gus to take it down - in March... I didn't put it up last year, because I was honestly still kind of sick of it. I really wanted it up this year - but I let the girls decide and they thought one more year without it might be good. So, I went with that. I am OK with it - but I do know it will be going up next year for sure... Especially since I have such a great space for it now... Instead - this is what we did on the console... Simple and a bit rustic...

Then it was time to work on the tree... Allison and I set it up on Tuesday, we were waiting to decorate it though until yesterday... Once we started decorating, we realized that we were seriously LOW on small gold ornaments - as we decided our tree would be red and gold this year. So, Allison ran to town to purchase more gold ornaments... While V and I continued with what we had. When Allison came home - she also found a few other cool things - the gold icicles (which I just love) and the deer ornaments... Both super cool and fitting. It was a really fun tree to put together, and I really love the look of it this year! It is so nice when it's all lit up at night. My only complaint, with this particular tree, is that it's only a 6 ft tree... I am going to hunt this year for an 8 ft tree in this style. We were able to make it work, by setting it on an 8" box, and my tree topper is incredibly tall... Hopefully at the end of this season, I will get lucky again. Anyways - some of you saw these pictures on FB last night...

As an added note - I did make my tree topper again this year... They are so fun to make... Although - I do fumble a lot with it, and I have a hard time pairing ribbons together... It's difficult for me to visualize what looks good together. Funny, huh?

When we were nearly done with the tree - the girls were 1000% done with it... It was all I could do to get them to help me clean up the disaster that was our house... Thankfully they helped with most of it - before I lost them completely.

After, I worked on different bows... A new bow for the lantern that I was displaying the Nativity in... I just love how this turned out! This is my Grandmother's Nativity which was gifted to me last Christmas season by my cousin... I love that I have it and I am able to display it in my home... I love that it has memories for me as a child and it will one day be in my girls' memories too!

I also hung the stockings... Josh thinks they are dumb with that saying on the wall... And maybe they are? But I really have no other place to put them, so it will have to work. LOL He came home from work - and he was like "what, you're thankful for a bunch of socks hanging on the wall?" LOL Sure! I decided not to hang the stockings I made a few years ago - I like them a lot - but they don't go well with our decor this year... Instead, I hung the stocking that we used for the first 15 Chrsitmas' the girls had... Lots of memories with these too...

And finally - both puppies enjoying the holiday decor last night... MM sure loved the new pillows on the couch. LOL

Today, first things first... I have to run to the other Vet office... I tried to stop at the Vet's yesterday for dog food - but they were closed through the holiday weekend. This other Vet is more of a "store" - I am *praying* that they are open today - otherwise the dogs will have to have different food for the remainder of the weekend - which I don't like to do.

Then I will come home and work on getting the Christmas decor up in the kitchen... I don't have much to do in there, just switching out some of my fall greenery for more pine type branches... I am thinking of decorating our chandelier too? We'll see? Since the girls and i picked out all the red/gold ornaments from our massive bundles - we have a lot of green left over - I suspect our kitchen will be using a lot of green.

I also have to work upstairs for a couple hours at some point this weekend...

I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday weekend! Continued safe travel wishes for all of you that still have to travel... Prayers and pixie dust to all!

D~

 

[rdkeim]

Glad you had time for an update! Your house/tree look great - you're making me feel lazy. Need to get to work on mine before time gets away from me. Our first grandchild arrived Tues. 3 weeks early so I've been preoccupied I especially love the nativity scene - it looks so pretty inside the lantern. You and your DD's are so creative. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving.
Your Black Friday shopping sounds nice.

Your Christmas decorations looks great. My mother always decorates their tree in red and gold.

I hope you got the dog food you needed today.


I still have some cleaning of the house left to do before I can start on my Christmas Lego that I want to display. The plan is to get Ulf to help med clean because I get exhausted and my back really hurts after a short while. I can't wait until the cleaning is done

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Norway so my week has been normal. I didn't go shopping on Black Friday. Firstly there isn't many great deals out there. Secondly they said on the news that they expected thousands of people shopping for very bad deals. I had to go to the grocery store though for some food, but I chose to go to a smaller shop than I normally go to because the smaller shop isn't at a shopping mall. So I thought that there wasn't going to be so many people there and I was right.

 

[KathyM2]

otherwise the dogs will have to have different food for the remainder of the weekend - which I don't like to do.

Hope you got lucky with that dog food. I get my dog's food at the vet too and they never have it in stock - I always have to place an order...and remember to do so a good 3-4 days before I actually run out. This is always a challenge and Snickers often ends up with too much people food when I run out! Not good!

 

[andera42]

First of all, your decorations look great. I need to muster up the courage to decorate around here. I wish you could help me, since you have the eye for decorating, also I ordered a few of the Alex & Ani bracelets as my Christmas gift and I really love them.

 

[Clio]

Your tree is beautiful. My tree is only 6 foot tall, too. It'm thinking of putting it on the old tv stand that I'm using as a table right now. One of my friends crocheted a tree skirt for me last year. I'll be using that one. My niece would love the rv and truck you have on yours. She actually owns a rv like that.
I'm still debating about putting up the outside lights. Most nights I get home after 8, so they wouldn't be on much.
I hope you can find the flocked tree you're looking for.
Enjoy your weekend
Liz

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Your tree is beautiful and I love how you are displaying the nativity set! Such a treasured heirloom. I've decided I want a really nice nativity set to display on the back of my piano so I'll be watching the after Christmas sales for that.

I didn't go out Black Friday shopping this year...first time ever! The deals weren't that great and my mom and sister were here and they didn't feel a need to go, either. We did a lot online. I have a few more gifts to get but I'm in good shape on that.

The house is quiet again as all the company has left. True to form, one of my nieces left some damage behind - she gouged and carved on one of our banisters....not good since this house is a rental. *sigh*

We saw Moana on Friday - loved it!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Glad you had time for an update! Your house/tree look great - you're making me feel lazy. Need to get to work on mine before time gets away from me. Our first grandchild arrived Tues. 3 weeks early so I've been preoccupied I especially love the nativity scene - it looks so pretty inside the lantern. You and your DD's are so creative. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Thanks! It's been a bit crazy here- much crazier than I expected, considering we didn't even make Thanksgiving dinner this year. LOL

Thanks! I am having so much fun decorating - it's so festive in our house - but at the same time, I don't feel like it's too overdone... I like the balance.

Congratulations!!! That is wonderful - I hope mom and baby are doing well?

Thank you - the Nativity I really struggled with - I had to ask a lot of opinions in one of my FB groups before I got it how I wanted it. LOL

Same to you!

Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving.
Your Black Friday shopping sounds nice.

Your Christmas decorations looks great. My mother always decorates their tree in red and gold.

I hope you got the dog food you needed today.


I still have some cleaning of the house left to do before I can start on my Christmas Lego that I want to display. The plan is to get Ulf to help med clean because I get exhausted and my back really hurts after a short while. I can't wait until the cleaning is done

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Norway so my week has been normal. I didn't go shopping on Black Friday. Firstly there isn't many great deals out there. Secondly they said on the news that they expected thousands of people shopping for very bad deals. I had to go to the grocery store though for some food, but I chose to go to a smaller shop than I normally go to because the smaller shop isn't at a shopping mall. So I thought that there wasn't going to be so many people there and I was right.

We did - it was a lot of fun!

I was able to get dog food - LOL - the dogs were very happy.

I hope you'll share pictures of your Christmas Lego set when you finish - I am anxious to see it!

I understand - I think Black Friday is an American thing? Since it follows our Thanksgiving... However - I am sure it is sort of a "bench mark" for other countries? I don't feel like there were any great deals at all - just normal stuff you can really get any time if you are watching for the deals.

Hope you got lucky with that dog food. I get my dog's food at the vet too and they never have it in stock - I always have to place an order...and remember to do so a good 3-4 days before I actually run out. This is always a challenge and Snickers often ends up with too much people food when I run out! Not good!

I was lucky - they were open, and puppies were fed. LOL That would be annoying, I don't think my dogs would ever get to eat - or have to go days with out their food - because I'd never remember to order it. Thankfully - our vet stocks it, and so does this other vet - but the other vet is a 30 minute drive (one-way) for me, so it's a little more difficult to get there.

First of all, your decorations look great. I need to muster up the courage to decorate around here. I wish you could help me, since you have the eye for decorating, also I ordered a few of the Alex & Ani bracelets as my Christmas gift and I really love them.

Thank you - I've been having a lot of fun with it! Today - my list is to put the last 2 bins in the basement, and tidy up a little more - it's quite messy around here since all I've been doing is decorating... To top it off - Josh made dinner last night - and he isn't a "clean as you go" type guy - the food reward is well worth it though - so I try not to complain too much. LOL Anyways - I have a kitchen to clean this morning, as well.

Which ones did you get? I'd love to see them, if you can post! I've been wearing my A&A bracelets almost every day... I wore them quite often before V and I went to WDW in October, enough to justify the purchase of a few more... Now that I've found the wraps though - I wear those all of the time, and they kind of hold my bangles in place, so they don't annoy me as much as they used to - LOL. They are so fun and I love the look of them!

Your tree is beautiful. My tree is only 6 foot tall, too. It'm thinking of putting it on the old tv stand that I'm using as a table right now. One of my friends crocheted a tree skirt for me last year. I'll be using that one. My niece would love the rv and truck you have on yours. She actually owns a rv like that.
I'm still debating about putting up the outside lights. Most nights I get home after 8, so they wouldn't be on much.
I hope you can find the flocked tree you're looking for.
Enjoy your weekend
Liz

Thank you! I definitely had to put the tree up on something - the only thing I have that's big enough is my stair stepper - which I use when I am lifting weights... During the holiday season - I have to use my actual stairs - which the rise isn't as high as my stepper is... Oh well - it's better than nothing.

I think that's wonderful that you are using the tree skirt your friend crocheted for you... What a lovely gift!

I would love to get a little Shasta trailer like that, some day... It's kind of Josh and I's dream to pull a little camper around behind the Jeep in the summer time... However - sine the Jeep is small, we are very limited on what type of camper we can pull behind it - I think we are limited to a Teardrop size... Which might be a bit too cramped for my liking? We'll see...

The only lights we have outside at the moment, are the ones on the 2nd tree I put out there - and currently - it's not even plugged in. LOL I am certain those are the only lights we will have this year - which is OK. I understand where you wouldn't want the hassle of putting them up if you aren't there to enjoy them.

Thank you - I hope you enjoy your weekend, as well.

Your tree is beautiful and I love how you are displaying the nativity set! Such a treasured heirloom. I've decided I want a really nice nativity set to display on the back of my piano so I'll be watching the after Christmas sales for that.

I didn't go out Black Friday shopping this year...first time ever! The deals weren't that great and my mom and sister were here and they didn't feel a need to go, either. We did a lot online. I have a few more gifts to get but I'm in good shape on that.

The house is quiet again as all the company has left. True to form, one of my nieces left some damage behind - she gouged and carved on one of our banisters....not good since this house is a rental. *sigh*

We saw Moana on Friday - loved it!!

Thank you - it was really difficult for me to figure out how I wanted to display it... I had to ask several opinions in one of my decorating groups on FB, before I settled on this. I've seen where Costco has an AMAZING Nativity set this year - it's large though - but beautiful - not sure if you have the space?

I don't blame you - the deals weren't worth the hassle in my opinion... It is my belief, until retailers go back to the "closed on Thanksgiving, open early BF morning" - the BF deals really won't be that spectacular... I think they lost a lot by doing it this way. Hopefully only a few more years of this nonsense and they will wise up?

Oh no!!! That is terrible!!! How old is she? I assume she is pretty young? Although, my girls were pretty destructive children... I remember, vividly, cleaning marker and crayon off of the walls well into their 5 and 6 y/o years... I guess, not much has changed - V is still painting her walls. LOL Anyways - I sure hope there is some way this can be easily fixed??? Can you hand sand it down a bit and restain??? Or even one of those inexpensive stain markers (I have a few that somewhat match my counter tops - just in case) to fill it in and make it not so noticeable...

I've heard great things about Moana... I cannot wait to see it myself! It sound like you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

***********************************************************************************************************

Well... I ran out the door yesterday morning - just as soon as I was done here. Thankfully the Vet was open and I was home by 9:30am with puppy breakfast. They were thrilled. LOL

I relaxed for a little while, and then I started working on Christmas-ifying my kitchen... I tried to keep it simple in there, as it is a working space, and I do use it all... I just put a few things here n' there.

I started off with this long counter top by our front door... We rarely use this as a "working space" - it's more of our "catch all" space, LOL... So it tends to get crowded with mail and purses very quickly...

This first display is almost all Target dollar spot items... The car and the little pine tree, also the wooden box came from there. The towel, I believe was deep clearance from Kohl's last year. The wax melt thing was a Christmas gift a few years ago from Josh - right now I am melting Christmas pine scents in it. And the little canvas doily thing was from Michael's this last fall... These are gone, but they now have burlap ones which are similar.

And here's Allison's first place Gingerbread house from her Design and Housing class last year.... This house not only took first place, but it also was the reason for one of her Excellence awards she received before she graduated. I preserved this last year and saved it - I am so happy I did. I hope it lasts many years - as it is so fun to display! The chalk board I copied from Pinterest - it looks terrible, chalk is not my best medium - LOL...

Then I decided to decorate our chandelier... Due to the fact that our globes point down - this is a difficult chandelier to decorate... I wanted something pretty with pine garland, however - it just doesn't work well... I did this instead. Not the best, but it will be easy to take down and put away - which is also something I put a lot of thought into. LOL

I added a Christmas ribbon to my sewing display on my China hutch... I was getting pretty lazy at this point, LOL

And then for my table centerpiece, I swapped out my fall flowers for pine and pinecones... Put a couple of candles in the center (which - on a normal day - I have napkins)... The table runner is from Target's dollar spot...

Quite honestly - I really want to make a holiday themed valance for my kitchen window... I love the one I have up there now - and it's great for every other time of year, I think my kitchen would be even more warm and inviting if I changed that out... I have an extra table runner (Christmas color plaid) from Target's dollar spot - I may try to get creative with that today, and make it into a valance? We'll see how ambitious I am...

Finally - I did take pictures of my front porch yesterday... There are still a few things I'd like to add - if I can find them cheap enough... Pillows to the chair and a red Believe sign to my fence gate... I am trying to keep it simple out there too - as we do get snow on our front porch and it does get windy out there too... (forgive the blue arrow on the one picture - it's covering my house number)

That's about all for yesterday... Josh made a wonderful dinner and we were lazy all night.

Today - I will be cleaning up the last of my Christmas bins and putting them back in the basement...

Then I will be cleaning the house a bit.

Maybe working on a valance for the kitchen? And that's all...

Oh and a quick Day 4 update here... You all have been so patient.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - Our first day off

Day 4 Part 1

I was up at 5:30 - I rolled over and went back to sleep. For those of you who know me, you know this is very unusual. I think I was just exhausted from 3 solid days of going non-stop and the headache I was fighting.

I reluctantly crawled out of bed at 6:30.

I sat on our balcony and did my favorite morning ritual of coffee/FB/Dis... It was a very nice morning, and it was nice to just sit there and relax, with no urgency to get moving.

I started to get ready for our day at 8:15.

I woke V at 9am.

We were out the door early at 10am, we were both hungry, so this was motivation for us to get moving... (Side note... V is wearing her shirt today that she purchased in Epcot at Mouse Gear... I have a photo of the back of it later in this day's updates...)

We boarded the Shady Shuttle for our ride to the Poly... I specifically took this picture to show you all that the "Shady Shuttle" is a real thing - this is the name of it... So many people laugh at the name, understandably so.

The Poly this morning was particularly beautiful... I love staying at SoG for this reason - the resorts are so close, it is almost as if we are staying at the Poly too... Kind of like how when you stay at FQ, POR is right there and convenient to get to... SoG and the Poly are the same.

We took the Monorail to the Contemporary... Passing MK on our way... This was a bit brutal - as we had been in the World for 3 days now, and this is the closest we've gotten to MK...

We browsed the shops at CR for a while, as we were still a bit early for our ADR... I purchased my first A&A wrap - which I love (and I'll show a picture further down)...

It was at this time, V and I saw this guy... I kid you not, both of us at the same time said "Dad???" - LOL He was a DEAD RINGER for Josh from the back... This, my friends, is typically how my husband dresses... Hat, orange shirt, phone, shorts, glasses, (not green) shoes... I could go straight up to his closet at this moment and dig out this exact outfit... Same build (this guy is about 50 lbs heavier than Josh though)... My gosh - we frequently laughed about this guy for our entire trip... V even texted the photo to her dad. LOL

(A photo of Josh and his dad at the lake this last 4th of July for comparison purposes - Josh isn't wearing his signature Henschel hat in this photo though...)

Anyways... Back to the TR...

V and I ran outside for a quick photo in front of the Mickey Ears... We found an unsuspecting construction worker to take our picture...

And then, this was it... We checked in a little early for my favorite meal of the trip... The Wave... I was hoping that V would love it too (she did)... We had a really nice waitress (I didn't note her name), but she was going crazy over my entire outfit, nails, shoes, bag - all of it - I have to admit - this was one of my favorite outfits of this trip.

The food was delicious, as usual.

With our bellies full, we decided to walk to the MK for the bus... I didn't realize, as this time, that there was a dedicated bus to Mk from CR - we should have taken that to save our feet... I was only thinking that there was a monorail to MK from CR - and I figured by the time we walked from the monorail at MK to the bus stop for AoA - it would be just as easy to walk from CR.

On the way - I took a picture of my updated A&A "stack"... I am still sooo in love with the "Believe" wrap... It is one of my favorites!

The walk to the buses was hot and long... The AoA bus stop is like the furthest one ever... Still - we took our time and really tried to relax on this day...

I am going to save our tour of AoA for my next update, as there are a lot of photos. ​

Link to Day 4 Part 2

D~

 

[Terkina]

Your Christmas kitchen looks great.

I understand - I think Black Friday is an American thing? Since it follows our Thanksgiving... However - I am sure it is sort of a "bench mark" for other countries?

Yes Black Friday is an American thing, but as everything else the shops has imported it to Norway so they can earn some extra money.


What a great start on day 4 of your trip. Sounds like you had a nice relaxed start to your day.



Today Tromsø woke up covered in snow. We got almost 8 inches of snow during the night. It's still snowing outside, but according to the news paper we won't have this snow for long. Already on Tuesday we are getting temperature right above freezing point and rain. On Wednesday the temperature is going below freezing point again so then everything will turn into ice I hate when the weather changes like this because the result is always ice everywhere.

 

[WDisneyMom]

Love all the Christmas pics you posted on FB. Your house just looks so warm and cozy and inviting. Love it. I posted our Christmas decorations on FB as we always spend Black Friday weekend decorating. It really changes the feel of everything and I just love it.

I really wish I could post a pic on here but I just can't figure it out with my phone - anyway you saw them yesterday!

Nice start to your day off! We have an ADR at The Wave in February and I cannot wait! It will be our first time there.

That pic of Josh's 'twin' is hilarious!! It really does look like him.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

 

[Kari0180]

Joining in very late, but very excited to read the rest of your report! I love your Christmas decorations, everything looks so beautiful!

 

[Texan]

Sounds like ya'll had a wonderful Thanksgiving D - chiming in late but was thinking of you. No leftovers this year? We usually go to my sister in law's on Thanksgiving day, then I make a full meal on Friday for just us. I love the leftovers, probably too much. Tyler and Ariece were able to make it by late lunch on Friday. Were you able to see your Dad?

Your Christmas decorations are so creative; love them all. This will be an interesting Christmas for our house with a kitten on board; I am going to have think twice about what I put out. He is so sweet but definitely a high energy kitten. I haven't been able to put out my Nativity for a while now; I am afraid to with the cats. My mother in law gave it to me when we were first married and it has very limited pieces and I haven't been able to find additional pieces any where. You are so lucky to have some help from Allison and Victoria.

Loved the trip update; your Wave breakfast made me so hungry just now. I can eat breakfast food any time, any where. Did ya'll have a buffet breakfast there?

Have a wonderful week D! Sending a huge hug.

 

[DMGeurts]

Your Christmas kitchen looks great.

Yes Black Friday is an American thing, but as everything else the shops has imported it to Norway so they can earn some extra money.
What a great start on day 4 of your trip. Sounds like you had a nice relaxed start to your day.

Today Tromsø woke up covered in snow. We got almost 8 inches of snow during the night. It's still snowing outside, but according to the news paper we won't have this snow for long. Already on Tuesday we are getting temperature right above freezing point and rain. On Wednesday the temperature is going below freezing point again so then everything will turn into ice I hate when the weather changes like this because the result is always ice everywhere.

Thank you - I love that it's so festive right now!

True - I get it. It makes sense that BF has spilled over into other countries too.

Thanks - it was a great day!

WOW!!! I knew you'd get it soon - that is a lot of snow in one night, I know that you typically get a lot more snow than we do though. Hopefully it does melt so you can get a little more drive time before the roads freeze. Be safe out there!

Love all the Christmas pics you posted on FB. Your house just looks so warm and cozy and inviting. Love it. I posted our Christmas decorations on FB as we always spend Black Friday weekend decorating. It really changes the feel of everything and I just love it.

I really wish I could post a pic on here but I just can't figure it out with my phone - anyway you saw them yesterday!

Nice start to your day off! We have an ADR at The Wave in February and I cannot wait! It will be our first time there.

That pic of Josh's 'twin' is hilarious!! It really does look like him.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Thanks!! I am so happy that we did the remodel this spring - I do love how all of the Christmas decorating has made our home very comfortable and cozy - such a nice change! It's so fun putting up the Christmas decor - it's my favorite time of the year!

It's a bit confusing with my phone too - which is why I don't update much when I am mobile... What I do, is I upload my photo to PHotobucket, and then I copy the link from there on my phone and post the link here... It's very time consuming and somewhat annoying to have several pages open at once on my phone - so I understand.

It's a great restaurant - I know you will enjoy it. Make sure you try the grits! YUMMY!

LOL - doesn't it though? V and I nearly died of laughter!

Thanks! I hope you enjoyed yours as well!

Joining in very late, but very excited to read the rest of your report! I love your Christmas decorations, everything looks so beautiful!

Welcome!!! You are never late here! I am looking forward to sharing the rest of it - trying to go a bit slower with this TR, because as of now, I don't have another trip booked - so it's looking like the end of my Dis days are near. I am very sad about this, as I have been writing TRs now for 6 years.

Thank you - I am really enjoying making our home feel festive... We remodeled our living room and our kitchen this spring/summer - so now I am finally getting to enjoy some of the benefits of all of our hard work!

Sounds like ya'll had a wonderful Thanksgiving D - chiming in late but was thinking of you. No leftovers this year? We usually go to my sister in law's on Thanksgiving day, then I make a full meal on Friday for just us. I love the leftovers, probably too much. Tyler and Ariece were able to make it by late lunch on Friday. Were you able to see your Dad?

Your Christmas decorations are so creative; love them all. This will be an interesting Christmas for our house with a kitten on board; I am going to have think twice about what I put out. He is so sweet but definitely a high energy kitten. I haven't been able to put out my Nativity for a while now; I am afraid to with the cats. My mother in law gave it to me when we were first married and it has very limited pieces and I haven't been able to find additional pieces any where. You are so lucky to have some help from Allison and Victoria.

Loved the trip update; your Wave breakfast made me so hungry just now. I can eat breakfast food any time, any where. Did ya'll have a buffet breakfast there?

Have a wonderful week D! Sending a huge hug.

Sadly, no leftovers this year... We were invited to Thanksgiving at my foster-parent's house... So they got all of the leftovers. That being said - we are trying to talk Josh into making us a Thanksgiving dinner - as we miss his meal very much... We are hoping for Christmas.

Glad to hear that Tyler and Aerice were able to make it... I am sure it was wonderful to spend some time with them!

I did not get to see my dad, he spent Thanksgiving with my brother and his foster family - he had made those plans long before we were invited out to my foster family's house... So, when we went by his house, he wasn't home. I felt terrible about it, but I have to release myself from some of that guilt as there is only so much I can do during the holidays... And as a retail employee and with Josh as a hospital employee, it's difficult to plan too far in advance, as I don't know my work schedule, and Josh is sometimes on call. It's just hard... Not how I like it to be, but it is what it is.

Thanks! I am enjoying the Christmas decorating process very much - I am loving our tree this year! Yikes about the little kitty - I almost brought one home with me the other day - LOL... It was at the Vet's and sooooo cute! And I am not a cat person - well, I love cats, but I am not a cat owner. LOL I thought we may have issues with Cooper - but he is doing great this year... No interest in the tree at all - and since we don't have to water it this year, no issues there either... I guess, another benefit to the artificial tree.

Have you tried Ebay for additional pieces to your nativity? I always head there first, I seem to have the best luck - although, this time of year, they might be more expensive than any other time of year...

Yes - we had the buffet breakfast there... But we were way too preoccupied with how tasty it was, I was lucky to get that one picture of my plate. LOL However - I really tried hard to be good in Disney at the buffets, most times, I had my initial plate and then a plate of fruit after... I never left any buffet too stuffed, which was good. Although - this time - I am pretty sure my 2nd plate was all grits. LOL I need to figure out how to make those - I know their recipe is out there.

Thanks Carol - same to you!

********************************************************************************************************

We had a really nice low-key day yesterday... It really was the perfect lazy day...

I took V to church in the morning, and then after we stopped at the grocery store... Josh offered to make me anything I wanted for dinner... I was seriously in the mood for home-made chicken pot pie, something I don't normally eat or crave due to the crust... but we had an extra crust in the fridge from V's Thanksgiving pie making - so this was the perfect opportunity to have some good comfort food.

I came home and I whipped up the valance for above the sink... I debated on making something a bit more elaborate, but in the end - this fabric is a bit more woven than anything I have on hand, so I just chose to go simple and enjoy the fact that it's still Christmas-y. In the end - I love how it turned out! (and after I took the picture, I realized that my sink needs to be scrubbed in the worst way... It doesn't look that bad IRL. It's on my Monday cleaning schedule...)

And then I tidied up a little bit - put away all of the Christmas bins and bags I still had laying around...

Then Josh and I watched Hallmark Christmas movies for the remainder of the day and evening - taking a break long enough to make and eat dinner - which was delicious!

Today - I will be working out shortly...

Then I am back to work upstairs all day...

And that's all.

I hope you all have a wonderful day - prayers and pixie dust to all of you!

D~

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Your Christmas décor is all so cute -- I love the way the valance turned out and I love that you decorate your kitchen! You're inspiring me to do more.

I love good homemade chicken pot pie. Yummmmmm.....

My niece that did the "carving" on the bannister is 9 years old...but she has significant impulse control issues (she is adopted and birth mom did drugs and drank a lot while pregnant...so my poor niece has issues that are caused by the prenatal drug and alcohol exposure). Anyway, I'm hoping we can sand it down and find paint that matches (it's painted wood). *Sigh*

It's back to work for me today....company is all gone (except my Mom -- she's staying in town to finish her Christmas shopping today and will leave later tonight). My husband had early morning basketball practice today so I'm hoping he might get the Christmas tree set up after work today so we can start on it.

Can you believe that, in all of our trips, we've never eaten at The Wave??? I need to add it to my list of places to try!

 

[ljcrochet]

I took V to church in the morning, and then after we stopped at the grocery store... Josh offered to make me anything I wanted for dinner... I was seriously in the mood for home-made chicken pot pie, something I don't normally eat or crave due to the crust... but we had an extra crust in the fridge from V's Thanksgiving pie making - so this was the perfect opportunity to have some good comfort food.

Sounds yummy especially since you had extra crust.
I was shocked at how few left over we had. Dh told me my turkey was too big. I had a 22 pound bird for 18 people ( 3 were under a year old, and one was 2 1/2 years old). I did make both my brother in laws take home the stuffed cabbage my mother in law made.

I came home and I whipped up the valance for above the sink... I debated on making something a bit more elaborate, but in the end - this fabric is a bit more woven than anything I have on hand, so I just chose to go simple and enjoy the fact that it's still Christmas-y.

Your valance looks amazing!

We had a lazy weekend, but did run around a bit. I would up going to joann fabric on black friday. I'm going to make my girls and my 4 nephews matching pj pants. Saw the flannel was on sale, so went to pick some up. I also got some solid flannel to back the t-shirt quilt that i started way too long ago.
Saturday we went to see Fantastic beast and where to find them. I was surprised at how good it was. We go to the first showing since it is a lot cheaper. Went to a mall to return to Hot topic. My daughter bought white t-shirts that did not look good on her so need to return them. I also had a pair of jeans i had bought for her but it was a size 1 instead of size 0. They were on clearance, and I lost the receipt. Figured what did I have to lose trying to return the, now i have store credit which i think is for more than we paid for the jeans.
Sunday we went to see Moana. Then came home to watch the Giants game. After the Giants game , we cleaned up the leaves in our front yard.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Love all the Christmas decorations. We didn't have much time to do that with the Nutcracker performance. I am just going to say I am glad it is over.

The drive to Thanksgiving wasn't too bad (less than 3 hours). The drive home was a bit worse. It took over 4 (very rainy and dark). However, the time there was very nice.

I took the kids to see Moana on Sunday. I really get baffled at people sometimes. I went online first thing in the morning and saw that there was only 1 matinee showing of the movie for the day. So, we arrived 2.5 hours early to buy tickets (day before had sold out). Then we ate lunch and came back an hour before the show to stand in line. We were 2nd family in line. They let us into the theater about 40 minutes before the show. What I don't understand are the families that come in 3-5 minutes before the show expecting to find seats together and they get upset when there aren't any. I guess no matter what time people show up, that there are always going to be ones that can't sit together. The movie was good. Not in my Top 5 princess movie list, but it was cute.

Have a great day.