What a (mostly Fantastic ) Year this has been!

    It doesn't seem possible that just a year ago, I was counting down my last few days until retirement!  and yes, I had to count it down on an ordinary calendar, not a fancy one like the Christmas countdowns that I made so many of this year.  (Gee, there is another occasion for a special CC!).   It has for  the most part been an absolutely fantastic year for me--I do believe one of the best in my life.  At last I am doing exactly what I want, when I want too. 
    Let me first say, I never looked back--I've said it before--40++ years of nursing was MORE than enough!  In my next life, I will Not be a nurse, for sure.  It was a good career, but  it was just that--a living, a career.  Yes I loved it for the most part-more good times than bad.  However, it was really not my passion and often times got in the way of the things I really wanted to enjoy.  I do not miss it--not one minute of it!
    So on to this year--M y passion is creating--whether it's a scrapbook page, a card, a Countdown calendar, a Kids class project--I have been totally free this year to just be my creative self and in the process, have been so honored to do it with some of the most amazing people ever!
      My Memory Bound Family are some of the most creative people ever--they include the MB staff, the customers that have some of the greatest ideas, and our GNO group where creativity is so exceptional.  I have gotten so much closer to some of my bestest (yup, bestest!) friends ever, as we get together not only to crop and create, but to shop,  have lunch or supper, go to craft and junk shows, or just hang out!  I now have basically a free calendar to pencil in my own days of enjoyment.
    Yes I still "work"--if you want to call it that--I "work" at MB, with all those amazing people, having so much fun creating, learning, laughing.  They say laughing is good for your health--well, my health should be in tip-top shape.  How fun it is when you so look forward to going to "work" every single day --something I was starting to lose in nursing.
    My only regret--I wish I would have done the "saving" thing a little better (we didn't really think about it years ago), so I could have done this retirement thing several years ago.
     The other plus side is family time, tho I must say, everyone is so busy, I didn't really get a lot more of that.  I have had time to stop a few times and celebrate occasions with some of them.  My goal is to spend more time with my Brother and Sis-in Law, as we are all retired now.  I was able to enjoy Paiges graduation, Kristi and John moving into their new house, Todd and Ali's engagement, the county fair, Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day!  I didn't have to work around a schedule!
   So to everyone who's been a part of my life this past year--thank you for a great first year of retirement.  The whole world would retire if they could have a year like I've had.
     As I finish this post, I just want  to remember the 20 little angels and thier teachers that lost their lives in Newtown, Ct. last Friday.  I don't think there is anyone who has not shed many tears---nothing like this should ever happen--NEVER!  Rest in Peace little Angels.

Back to Pictures--at a Price!

Okay, third times a charm!  Did you know when you have "stored" too many photos--you have to start paying for more storage?  That was my first hurdle this morning, so I could get back to my blog.  I should be good for eternity now--I am "buying" storage! (they really should tell you about these things when you start a blog!)  Second, I had my blog post all done, went to post it and deleted it instead!  How does one do stupid things like that!  I am determined, however, so here goes another round!

So on to our "Christmas" photo (or maybe not ) sessions with the girls--if you follow me on FB you have seen some of these pics

It was a lazy, dazy, day--just hanging out and chillin  when Mom decided it was

Oh, No, Christmas picture Day! 

The hats were all gathered--quite a collection--all from the dollar store---ready to model--

 

Ho Ho Ho---why does Ella look like she is soooo embarrased to wear a Santa Hat --you can bet when the big guy himself brings presents,  she has a smile on her face! 

Lily looks ohhhhhhh so adorable in the Santa hat---- 

However, the "deer" look did not seem to suit either one of them-----Oh, my Ella--really-do you have to pout?

 They both looked really good in the "Christmas " tree----Hmmmmm-sure would save a lot of time decorating---a couple of "moving" Christmas trees--idea for 2013!

 But then I have to ask myself----how come these two adorable dogs pose so adorably when our two have to act like total Christmas party-party poopers!

and then there are these beyond adorable furbabies------- I think Ella could really "light up" too, if she would just co-operate!

 The other thing my girls don't do is decorate for Christmas (so like their Dad)---they just want the presents----without the Christmas Spirit!

Our furbaby niece, Sassie Sue isn't like that ---she knows the presents are bigger and better if Santa has a warm welcome on Christmas Eve! 

I know, girls, you think if you just lie there and look pretty like you do the other 264 days a year, Santa will lavish you with new toys and lots of treats--I guess you're smarter than we think--so we'll just put your Christmas collars on and call it good---but remember next year---that Christmas tree thing could have possibilities------Oh, yes!

So hopefully, I am back to blogging again with lots of new pictures to post---Just one last question for you------Have you been Naughty or Nice this year?--won't be long we'll know the answer

The "Unofficial" Christmas Card Photo Session

Well, having troubles loading pics today.  Just realized it's been over a month since I've posted and then this!!!  Can't win!  At any rate a 60 degree December day--thank heavens my Decos are up or I wouldn't be in the Christmas mood.  However, I did drag out the "doggie" Christmas hats and attempted ---that's the loaded word here-- "attempted"--to  First ---get the hats on the dog's  heads and Second---- Getting them to leave them on long enough for a couple of pictures.  Of course, they look like they've been beat in all the pictures--so don't think today's approach actually worked very well.
Will figure this picture thing out and maybe post a few later.   Now back to a beautiful 60 degree, non winter looking day  and maybe a few projects that need some work on them!

So it's election night-------and------

Quite frankly, I'm bored!  Finally turned my TV off!----even HGTV and DIY were getting on my nerves!  Got a lot done today--cleaned 3 big kitchen cupboards that were so in need.  It really hasn't been THAT many years since I cleaned them--really--I try to get them reorganized at least once a year--so did I just forget the last few times to check for outdates!  My spice cabinet which was bulging at the seams is now nearly EMPTY!  Oh, well the 3 large garbage bags of stuff were things I never ever use anyway!  Things like cumin (what the hell is cumin??) and dry mustard (and what kind of recipe would use an ingredient like that??)   Oh, my!  not in a million years can I remember why I bought most of them!  And then there's the economy size containers (bought only at Sam's Club) of things like fish and salmon rub, and whole pepper (the kind you need to grind).  I couldn't make fish fast enough to use up a 4 cup container of rub before it outdated!  and I have since lost my pepper grinder, so whole pepper is useless.
      Then there was my mint making, cookie decorating, candy molding phase and all the "solid" food colors,  (at least 50 colors--did you know they made that many??) assorted molds, volumes of sprinkles --at least one bottle for each holiday--10 bottles for most!  Yowsers!!!   THose days are soooooo over!  Walmart has decorated cookies!  That's my kind of decorating!
    Enough of my cleaning escapades (man, can you tell I'm bored!)   Troy is still out east and now they are predicting SNOW and wind!  Can they not catch a break?

Yesterday he sent pictures via FB of the tents they "live" in while out there--the "mess hall" above

This is the tent city they call home .  Hope this newest storm misses them and they hurry home safely!

 and I couldn't end my post without a couple of pics of the happy couple from last night and the beautiful "ring".  (For those who don't follow me on FB, my son Todd and his GF Aly got engaged last night and we all went out to celebrate after the happy occasion!)  We are thrilled to have Aly as a "daughter", tho I have thought she was for some time now.  They are a beautiful couple together and we love them both so very much. 

Boomer, Aly's dog should be excited!  He loves his 2 boys (well, most of the time--except when they are harassing him), but from the look on his face, he may not be so excited about sharing his momma with another guy!

Aly and Todd--the happy couple.

and Aly with her 2 silly boys, Nicholas and Aiden who love her so much.  Aiden said it best when asked  if he was glad about the engagement--he said "YES I AM!  Now Nicholas and Daddy and Aly and Me are one happy family"  only out of the mouth of a 5 year old!  Brought tears to a couple of Grandma's eyes, for sure.

Well, at some time, I will probably check in with the election results.   Happy Election Night!   I have never blamed the government for anything, because I'm a firm believer, only I can direct my destiny and only YOU can direct yours--no man can really make any laws or rules by himself, so I try not to get too excited about the outcome.  We are only one person and we are the only one that can make us happy.     No matter what happens tonight, I intend to be happy the next 4 years and just like the 60+ years I've already lived, in reality on a day to day basis, Washington can play their games,  my life is no better or worse because of their antics, and I don't think that will ever change.  The debt goes on, prices go up--people need to get a life --cuz as long as I can remember, that's the way it's been! and always people have complained --I can remember in the 50's when gas went from 35 cents/gal to 50 cents/gal, everyone was in an uproar!   Our gas today in proportion to our earnings is not that bad!  After all, back then--salaries were only $3-5000/ yr if that  !--and the government was in debt and everyone had to tighten their belts--sound familiar?   It'll never change and no one man, no matter what he thinks or promises is ever going to change that!  Debt & prices will go up, Unemployment will always be around-- No president will ever solve those problems .   Enjoy and love each day that is yours--God has given us so much to be thankful for--everything else will take care of itself!   Good Night!  Tomorrow is a Bright New Day!

After Christmas Open House Catch Up!

Well the Holiday Open house was a huge success by everyone involved.  Lots of people came to enjoy all the fabulous creations and made all our hard work worth while!  So Thanks to all who visited Memory Bound the past couple of days! 

While I was busy with Christmas projects, Life continued all around me --so I thought I would catch you up on some of it via pictures posted or sent to me  by my kids!  The first event was a Trout stocking event at a local lake the day after Nicholas's BD party.  I think I have mentioned previously, he got a new fly fishing reel for his BD (which he has wanted for awhile), so this event  fell at the perfet time!

The pictures are a a little out of order, but you'll get the idea.  Nicholas ended up getting his limit of 5 after they watched the DNR stock the lake.  He got one tagged one, which meant he won a prize!  --another rod and reel and some homemade flys (Nicholas now makes his own flys, so these were of special interest to him!) 

These pictures show his catches of the day, a very good meal to come! 

This is one of those out of order pics---this was the kids waiting for the DNR to come and stock the lake---some 200 people showed up!

And the best part is a local reporter was there writing an article and the next weekend there was the article, complete with this picture (below) of Nicholas and one of his Trout!  The article was all about the benefits of fishing for kids (and adults, too) and was a great article!  Thanks to Garry Brandenburg for another terrific article! 

The other big news is, of course, Hurricaine Sandy out East.  Though it didn't affect us directly here in Iowa, it did affect us directly!  Confused---well a lot of  people from Iowa have gone East to help out--the Red Cross, Humane society, etc.--but also a lot of power Linemen!  and one of those is our son, Troy.  I loved this little bit of humor (in a not so humorous sitution) that he posted one day . 

He is in the Caskill mountains (hope I spelled that correctly) putting lines up and has sent back via FB some pics of the region and of them working.  In a couple of days they will be heading into the city to help! 

 Tho much of this region is very pretty, it too has been hit hard.  The guys work long hours with little sleep, could be there a month or more --away form home and family and at times (most of the time, I think up in the mountains), sleep in tents when they do sleep!  Troy says the people in the mountains are very appreciative of their efforts! (I should hope so!)

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 These pictures just plain make me dizzy.  He does not get his ability to do Heights from me!  All I can say is stay safe you guys--and hurry home--we miss you!

And the last thing that came and went was Halloween!  I have a few pictures of our little ghosts and goblins, but haven't seen  all of them yet!  I felt really bad, since we never really have any trick or treaters out here in the country, so I never  have any "treats" on hand-----actually, I usually don't even know when T or T night is---so when Callie showed up at our door, I didn't have ANYTHING to give her!  I'm sure I can make it up to her--she said she was just here to show us her costume--she is such a little doll!

I didn't get to see Cloey in person (she was out with a group of her friends Trick or Treating), but here is a pic of them both!

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I also got a couple of pics of Nicholas and Aiden creating their Jack-o-laterns!

and as you can see, they were very creative!  What fun!

They looked great all lit up! 

Oh, to be young again and enjoy the simplest of pleasures!

So this was my Catch-up Sunday!  Hope everyone has a great week--mine will be very busy as I have 2 classes coming up next weekend and LOTS of prep work and kit work yet to be done.  It will all be fun and good tho!  Remember--your life is beautiful---take pictures and Scrapbook it!

It's Holiday Open House Time at Memory Bound

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas--well at Memory Bound, anyway.  This is our big weekend of Holiday ideas--and believe me, if you don't get in the spirit and get plenty of fun craft and decorating ideas in the process---well, I don't think you'll ever get in the mood!

It is so neat to see all the things we all have been working on (like little elves), all coming together in one display.  One of my last minute creations was the Santa hanging below.  I love those chipboard letters (which we do not carry, but I had on hand) and a new  Melissa Frances paper line (yes, we do have that),  I filled this 12 x 12 shadow box with "Santa".

I got the idea for decorating the letters from a post I saw on pinterest.  (THanks Bonnie K. for pinning it!)

As the display was set up, my calendars, a chipboard frame I decorated, and my Santa Hanging all ended up in a group.

Across the isle on another table, my Santa Countdown (now in kits and selling very well) is on a table with bright typical red and greens displays.  There's a CD calendar made of envelopes--very cute--and I wish I could give credit to it's creator--but I'm not sure who had this very cute idea.  My wreath is there and my ribbon CD calendar.  Above that is another one with adorable little doors to hide treats behind, also made by one of the other girls.

Below is a very awesome tree, all covered in some of the most unique handmade ornaments and banners ever.  I made a lot of the sizzix ones (shown on an earlier post.)  Diane, our manager, made the banners which are awesome and there are socks and a variety of other decorations made by some of the other girls!  I want a tree like this this year.  It doesn't even have lights on it and it's amazing! 

Below is my garland on display. 

and then last night, I whipped out this cute little favor set (also a pinterest idea)!  They were so easy, and look so cute filled with candy. 

Across from them, are 3 more of my calendars on display. 

It's surprising what a few pieces of  scrap wood can produce in the way of decorations.  Maggie even has a tree made from blocks of wood that is fantastic.

and then my cookie sheet CD calendar--- 

and my muffin tin CD calendar 

There are over 100 ideas, most of them very easy to accomplish, tons of kits with everythng in them, and so, so , so many ideas.  It's only something like 50+ days til Christmas--so give us a visit the next couple of days and get a start on a lot of fun ideas. 

Earlier tonight , I took the girls out (Ella and Lily) and there was the prettiest,  spookiest, halloween orange moon out--this picture does not due it justice.  It was perfect for Trick or treating--just a night  to late.  So with an orange moon lighting the landscape, I say good night all---see you at MB tomorrow to sing Christmas carols with us and enjoy all the sights of the Holiday!  Sleep tight.