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!