Welcome to our life...

On our Christmas cards we invited folks to catch up with us by reading our blog. So, I just wanted to welcome those new to the blog world. Instead of me squeezing the past 12 months into a one paragraph note tucked into our Christmas card envelope, I decided that everyone could just read about it for themselves....unabridged. :) ENJOY!

Holiday Exhaustion

Working retail at this time of year really sucks the life out of me. I want to be working on my Christmas cards and cookies, wrapping gifts, and decorating my house, but when you are at work for seven days straight, 10-12 hours each day, and only get one weekend off between Thanksgiving and Christmas - who wants to do much of anything? I must applaud my husband and myself because we at least have an advent calendar going and are doing it daily with JMS to try to start teaching him the meaning of Christmas. What is the treat inside you ask? An animal cracker...to him...WOO HOO!!!! For you and me...I'm looking for the starbucks extra shot....an extra strength tylenol, and a soft pillow to land on when I'm done. :) He tried to share his cookie with baby Jesus tonight. "Num num," he said.

Our Future Olympian

Last night we watched "60 Minutes" featuring an interview by Cooper Anderson with Michael Phelps. JMS was ready for bed, drinking his milk, while sitting on the couch with us. I asked him, "do you know how to swim?" He slinked off the couch, laid on the floor in front of us, and began kicking his feet. Then, his dad says, "you need to use your arms, too!" So, I got up to show him how to move his arms. He stood up, and started trying to take off his shirt. I said, "do you really need to take off your shirt to swim?" He said, "uh huh." So, I helped him take off his shirt. He went back to simulating how to swim on the floor. Then, he stood up again, and tried to take off his pants. I said, "do you really need to take off your pants to swim?" He said, "uh huh." Then he proceeded to "swim" on our living room floor.

Michael...do you really have to swim in a speedo? My son was ready for bed and is now stripped down to his diaper imitating how to win a gold medal in the 1000m free. How about the full body suit next time?

Where I'd like to be...

Can you tell by my new background that I'd rather be at the beach than working the weekend after Thanksgiving in a retail store?

I don't understand how our deals are SO enticing that folks would get out of their warm bed...on their day off of work...to fight and climb over others (who let me remind you got up before Starbucks opens)...to get a toy/game/tv....for that someone who will not appreciate their efforts....because they will never know that it was bought on the cheap.

Anyhow, my day went really well. No one was trampled (Walmart, NY)...shot (ToysRUs, California) or treated poorly. We were complimented on our "cattling" of the shoppers to the registers; we had a plan and appeared very organized. We had plenty of toys...and we were still going strong at 4pm when I finally got to leave the salesfloor, take a drink of water and go meet my ride out front (I didn't drive b/c of parking).

Thanksgiving went well the day before for us too. No pictures to show for it...but two (14lbs/ea.) turkeys got fried...we had garlic mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, corn bread biscuits, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, brown rice, stuffing, garden salad, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie for dessert. There were plenty of options to meet everyone's wishes.
I think everyone was STUFFED!

Anyone get any good Black Friday deals?

31 days until Christmas

So...have you done your shopping yet? Friday...I'll be working in the toy department...please pray that I don't get trampled. :)

I finished most of my shopping over a month ago, but now I'm trying to wrap up those few individuals who seem to have everything, not have a hobby, or just are plain difficult to shop for. I found a really cool gift today for the kids that are in JMS's playgroup/daycare class...remember those view finders...well, I found some at a reasonable price and you actually can see the pictures without going cross-eyed.

I hope everyone who reads this has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. We are having my parents and sister to the house for dinner. Then I have to be at work at 4am the next day...like I said before, I'll be in TOYS.

Four Days Away

We took a road trip to South Carolina and we got to see our newest nephew. I'll add some photos of the little guy. I'll post some of JMS and his cousin...JMS and his "mah" and "pop" as he calls them. It was nice to get away. Now I must dive into fourth quarter at the store. Speaking of work, we also were able to visit with some old folks from Lacey! Yep, Mark and Denise are now living in NC...so we ventured off course a wee bit and got to see some familiar and happy faces. Now for the pictures: Newest nephew, born on November 8th!

JMS fighting with Pop for his easy chair. Baby girl Cecily was taking notes. "Mah and Pop" below enjoying the cool fall air.

Cousins...Drew was a "big brother" to JMS.


Riding on Pop's tractor. We avoided the Sears Family Portrait Studio and did it ourselves this year.

Mark and Denise...glad we got to visit!

New Template

So...I am taking feedback that the contrast between the colors on my former template were too difficult to read for the over 55 crowd. So, I am using this template in the meantime until someone tells me how to make my own....anyone?