New Year's Eve 2008

Here at last...the last day of 2008. John, Brandy and the kids will be here to have some tacos and then it's just the two of us. Finished the above scrapbook page of the rest of the Christmas card photos received. Have to admit that some are from Alex as we didn't send out any cards this year...but we know all of them pictured.
Soooo.....Happy New Year everyone! And hope the new year holds a brighter & happier year.

Monday, December 29, 2008

So the new year is almost here. For the first time in a looonnnnngggg time we aren't doing anything. We used to have a taco or tostada party on new years eve but it just is getting to be too much work. It's a lot of work making all those tacos and there are time when we make sooo many because people say they are coming and they just don't show. Juan will still be making tacos but just for us, John, Brandy and the kids. Did the above scarpbook page of some of the photos from Christmas day and when we went to Ann and Reno's this past week-end. Alex went back to her place on Sunday since she had to be back at work today. She will be going to Chicago this coming week-end. John took the girls to The Henry Ford Museum today as they had never been. Guess they had a good time and were able to make some things there. They also had their photo taken in front of a blue screen to make it look like Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz. Sierra is the Tin Man and Alexis is Dorothy with her basket. And that's about it.

Last Saturday of the Year

Well...Christmas is over...kind of. We are off today to get together with more relatives. Christmas was different this year for us. Christmas morning was only Juan, Alex and myself as John now is with Brandy and her girls. They did come over for brunch and opening of more presents and to see what Santa brought in their stockings. Was a good Christmas day and I think everyone received what they wanted. Did the above scrapbook page of cards or photos we received with Christmas wishes. You can click on the photo for a larger view. Not that many cards this year but then, we ended up not sending out any. Know I had mentioned about typing a Christmas letter but just never got around to it.
Can't believe it's going to be 60 degrees today. One of the gifts I got for Juan is a five day forecast of your local weather. Lately this seems to be one of Juan's favorite things to talk about....which drives me crazy!...the weather. So now he can have his very own weather station and know all the latest predictions. It's a digital thing that gets it's signals from a satellite to keep you updated. Has a lot of other American cities you can scan through if you want. He loves this gift. So easy to keep him amused. Ü

Almost Christmas Day

Well, the day that most people have been waiting for is almost here. One more day to go out and try and find something for the special people in your lives. Yesterday Brandy had to take Alexis to emergency as she had a fever...again. Found out she had quite a few things wrong with her including pink eye and is now on antibiotics. She is such a cute little thing and is finally feeling better. Juan calls her "the little munchkin". Not fun for a child to be sick on Christmas Day so hopefully she will be much better in a couple of days. Alex will be coming in tomorrow sometime. Know she still has all her presents to wrap. Went out today and brought food to get us through for a few days. Christmas day we will be having brunch. Just remembered...have to get the apple loaf bread out of the freezer. We should be all set. Lots of traffic out there and I suppose there will more tomorrow so didn't want to have to go out.
Anyway....Juan and I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and will be talking to you soon.

And so it's my birthday....

Can't believe another year has come around to December 22nd. Geeh! And, can't believe how old I'm getting. Of course, on one hand, I guess that's a good thing. Juan gave me a giant card and a gift this morning and Alex called to wish me a happy birthday. John I'll see later when he drops off Alexis on his way to work. Finished the above scrapbook page of the girls and John with their gingerbread people. Alex will be coming here on Christmas Eve morning and that's probably when I will go out to the store and pick up a few groceries. GiGi was a bad girl as she got a hold of the one Santa hat, the one that Sierra is wearing, and pulled off half of the white poof on the top of the hat. Poof all over the family room floor. When I came into the room and said, "What did you do?"....she sulked and went under the table and laid there. Well...can't be mad at her for long. She's our baby....lol.

Gingerbread Day

Today was Gingerbread Day. Sierra and Alexis decorated gingerbread men to take home. John was here to help with the process. I had made the men the day before and they finished them. Alexis' gingerbread man is shown on top and is a woman with curly hair and earrings. Sierra's gingerbread man has lots of hair and is wearing a belt. Brandy showed up later as she was out shopping. All the pictures taken are further down on this site if you want to see them all. Each girl had two to decorate and also put some decorations on the cardborad holding each man.
Think they are going to give one to their father and their grandmother. Seemed to be a good time for them both.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Did the above scrapbook page of Alex with some of the other people in the Lansing JayCees when they did the "Stuff the Bus" earlier this month. That's Alex inside the bus...right side. They get donations of items to give to others at Chirstmas who are not so fortunate. Guess they got quite a few items this year. They were even written about in the local newpaper.

"For one day, a crowded bus was a cause for celebration.On Saturday, a Capital Area Transportation Authority bus parked outside Eastwood Towne Center's Wal-Mart was overflowing with hundreds of donated gifts and items for 20 Lansing-area children and shelters.
The Lansing Jaycees held their fourth annual "Stuff the Bus" donation drive to collect Christmas gifts and basic necessities such as toilet paper and underwear for the needy.
Standing outside the shopping center, Jaycees and volunteers handed lists containing the needs of the children and shelters to incoming shoppers.
The 20 children were selected through the Salvation Army's "Adopt-a-Family" initiative. The Jaycees will deliver the gifts to them before Christmas.
Angela Clock, co-chairperson of "Stuff the Bus," said the benefit "gives families the opportunity to have a good Christmas" and lets them "know they aren't alone."
"There are so many people in dire need this year," Clock said. "Even though the economy isn't great, (people) are still giving. It looks we're going to get everything we need and a little more."
Shopper Marini Lee donated a pack of toilet paper on her way out.
"It feels great. Every little bit helps," said Lee, 30, of Lansing.
Event chairperson Colleen Burton said she enjoys brightening the holiday season for others.
"They're so happy," she said. "They get all this stuff for their kids that they could never get otherwise."
Lansing Jaycee member Sean Kottke said he was humbled by the needs of his community.
"The needs don't stop after Christmas. After reading the economic news, it may get worse," said Kottke, 37, of Lansing.
"We hope this giving spirit continues into the new year."

A Cold Friday

Cold...at least I am. Didn't really do anything today. Played some with Alexis while she was here. Juan found some coloring books and stuff a while back and she plays with them. One of them was Christmas related with stickers you had to punch out and place one on each page of the coloring book. I punched them out and wet a paper towel placed on a plate for her to get the sticker wet. You had to search where to put the sticker and she really liked doing that activity. Tomorrow I'm going to made my apple loaf breads...one for now and the other one to be put out for the Christmas morning brunch. Will also have some french toast that you make the night before and put in the oven the next day. Probably some bacon, juice and who knows what else. Just remembered...instead of the bacon Juan will be getting a ham from the coney island so will slice some of that up and use instead of the bacon. And that's it for today.

Hair Cut Day

Finally went today and had my hair cut and yes, colored. Almost three months since I had it done. I looked like late 60's all over again. More gifts came in the mail today...the ones for Juan...like he needs more stuff. These are kind of neat...kind of. Just think...what does Juan really like....and don't say BEER! As if! Alexis and I made some chocolate chip cookies and I let her take home some of them. She is a real junk food eater...and Sierra is just the opposite. Sierra will go for the more healthy item while Alexis is nothing but sweet, sweet, sweet! Will have to head out tomorrow and get some food for GiGi. Meant to stop tonight but passed the store right by. Hope everyone out there picked up a lottery ticket for tomorrows drawing. Don't know what the figure is now BUT....IT'S LOTS! You just never know...you might be the winner....of course, I hope it's me. Ü

Wednesday Evening

Well, I ended up making some cookies but not really Christmas ones. Had a package of those pre-made ones from Nestle's....Oatmeal Raisin...really good. This was the last of the packages I bought last month at Meijer's. They had them on sale and I had a good coupone so ended up getting them for only twenty-five cents each....and each package makes two dozen cookies. Pretty good. I used to use coupons all the time back in the day when I did refunding but stopped after a while. Now with the prices so high on everything, I started to use them again. Even made a new coupon box from one of Alexis' shoe boxes. You would be surprised how much you save.
Thought I would start writting some Chirstmas cards today and found out I have another problem. Have been having trouble with arthrites in my middle finger of my right hand. Well....now it is going to the pointer finger also and when I started to write...well...can't do it. But...I can type and do have some Christmas paper that once belonged to my mom so I just might write a Christmas letter. I'll have to see what I can put down without going on and on and on. Will see. When I told Juan he said to see if Alex will write the card...yeah right....and then he said John will do it....oh sure he will. I told him about the typing and he said, "Do we have a typewriter?"...as he is standing next to me while I'm on the computer. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Well, that's my Juan and only!

A Rainy Tuesday

Rain, rain, rain....phooey! Wish it were snow. Know lots of people out there are glad that it isn't snow but, snow is always good in December and January....after that...nah! Went and got a great gift today to take the place of the one I am sending back. Really like what I bought. Juan can drop the one to be returned off at the UPS store near the mini mall where he works. It is free postage for that item which is great. Wrapped up more gifts and will probably bake some cookies tonight. Don't know why??? as I am the one who eats them all. :p Have to go out and get some cards to send out. I know...I was complaining about it but the more cards I get the more I feel guilty about not sending some.

Monday, Monday....

A couple more packages arrived today and I'm not happy with one of them so will send it back but first have to find something to replace it. Not much going on today although I did get out to do some grocery shopping. John had to take his car in for brakes so he is using his father's truck. Think his car will be finished tomorrow but will have to wait and see. A friend of ours is doing the job so hopefully it will be cheaper. Heard the weather is not suppose to be that good tomorrow morning but I'm not the one who will be driving to pick up the car. Guess will just have to be careful. Thought I would run over to Penney's to see what they have. Got a coupon in the mail for $10.00 toward anything...hummm....pretty good. Found out that John, Brandy and the kids will be coming here Christmas morning for presents and brunch. Then they go to her mom's house afterwards. Am assuming they will be opening presents at their place first. Good....won't be here that early.

A Day That Will Live in Infamy

Can't believe that a week has almost passed since I last posted. Have all my gifts wrapped...well, the ones that have already arrived in the mail. Wrapped some of John's gifts for him...the ones I know to who they are going. Still toying with the idea of whether or not I'm sending out cards this year. I don't know...seems like kind of a waste. I mean...think you should only send to people who you don't see regularly...and that's it. So...guess I should send out some...and put a little note inside.
Put up the Christmas Village this year. That's part of it pictured above. Love that little village although I shouldn't say little. It has grown to a great size. I painted most of it and Alex did some of the pieces. If you click on the photo you can see a closer view. Will have to take more photos and post them on the following days I blog.

It's Cyber Monday

CyberMonday and I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done! Hurray! Good deals online and I didn't have to drive anywhere and fight the crowds. Just have to get stocking stuffer's and that's pretty much it. Still have to get something for Juan. It's getting harder now to get stuff for us as we have everything we need or want...mostly. Will have to think hard on what to get him. Oh...forgot...GiGi. Know what she likes...just have to go out and get it. A squeeky, fuzzy ball. Yup...that's her favorite!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Well...ended up not going to the Tut exhibit. Wasn't feeling that well this morning...probably from all the food I've eaten...so we will go next month sometime before it ends.
That's a picture of our tree this year. Put only a few ornaments up this year...mainly all the Wizard of Oz, all the Magic ornaments and the Barbie ones. Alex went out shopping this afternoon while I just straightened up the place and did some book work that needed to be done.
John just called as he and Brandy are coming over. Think they are going to pick up some of this turkey we have left over. That's good as then we won't have that much left.

The Day After

Did anyone see the sun setting tonight? It was beautiful!!! Juan called from another room and said to look out back....and there it was....the trees looked like they were on fire. Just the trees...nothing else. It was something to see.
Didn't go out into the mad rush today. Haven't done that since the kids were young...me too! John came by and brought some presents as he got up early this morning into the night looking for bargains. He came here with three large bags full of stuff. We are the official hiding place. He had some lunch and then went home. Alex on the other hand went downstairs, into my room down there, and cleaned. Forgot I had some of the stuff she straightened out. Ü Am upset with myself as I didn't take any pictures yesterday for a scrapbook page. We ended up not having dinner until around 7pm as John, Brandy and her kids went to her Mom's house for turkey dinner earlier. Tomorrow, Alex and I are going to see King Tut...How'd you get so funky?...Funky Tut. Anyway....the exhibition is at the African Museum by the DIA and will end the end of January...so we thought we would go. Will take my camera to see if I can take pictures. Thought Juan would like to go but...NOT! Yesterday I told him not to fool around with lights on the house....but NO....up and down the ladder he went. Now his legs are killing him. Oh well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

From our family to yours....have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Finished the above scrapbook page of Sierra's 8th birthday party. Inside of house if pretty much decorated for Christmas. Think just a couple of things need to be done. Tomorrow is putting stuff together day in preparation for the Feast on Thursday. We are not having dinner until later because of John and Brandy having to be at her mom's. Fine with me...don't have to get up early to put the beast in the oven. Juan went and picked up three pies...ahhh....Pumpkin, cherry and Coconut Cream. I told him to get a lemon...shoot...don't know how to spell it...you know the white stuff on top pie. Anyway...they didn't have any but the guy told Juan that this is just the same. Now why would they call it Coconut Cream if it was really Lemon! ???? Oh well...Juan like that kind of pie so guess it won't go to waste. Not sure of what else we are doing. Heard that some of my cousins will be in town for the week-end but not sure of their doings. Maybe will give them a call and go over to visit.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Today is Sierra's 8th birthday. It was celebrated Saturday night at a kids place called Pump It Up here in Canton. All kinds of blow up things where you slide down and crawl through and jump on. After the kids, and some adults, were finished doing their thing in that room we all went into another room where tables and chairs were set up for the cake and ice cream. Was a good time for the kids as they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The other picture is of Juan and the chichirones he made yesterday. He has been thinking of making those things since we were in Mexico.
This past week-end Alex came down to help put up the Christmas tree and help decorate. Sure was glad to have her help. So tree is up and all but one of the Christmas village is up. One of the pieces to the village needs to be painted and Alex took it back with her to paint....so that piece will be added on Thursday when she is here again.
Juan has a doctors appointment this morning....just a check up but know he will want something for his arthrites which bothers him now that the weather is colder. Power just went out for a few seconds. Hate that! Had to type all over again.
Better get going as lots to do. Back is much better and leg is not quite all the way healed but slowly getting there....ahhh.

Sunday...and it's snowing!!!

Leg is getting better but now it's my back that is out and I mean out. Started taken the Vicodin they gave me for my leg and instead, using it for my back. Hopefully this will get it back into shape although I am walking around here in a bit of a daze. Pills and all. Such fun getting old.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Photos on the scrapbook page are from Alex's trip to Baton Rouge last month. She went to a conference there for work. Veteran's Day today and I was thinking about my Uncle Joe. Don't know why...guess because they are showing so many war pictures on the TV and it is in the news today. He LOVED Luciano Pavarotti and would listen to his music all the time. Of course, I believe, Pavarotti's most famous aria would be Nessum Dorma from the opera Turnadot. Listening to Pavarotti sing I can appreciate Uncle Joe's fondness for him. He did have such passion in his voice...something that I think some singers of classical music lack...namely Andrea Bocelli. To me he sings flat! Just my opinion.
Tomorrow I venture out into the real world. Juan and I are going to Meijer's and Korger's to grocery shop. This will be the first time for me going shopping since...???? Think it is over two weeks now....yes, over two weeks. Will have to use one of those motorized carts but that's alright. Have all my coupons together and have made a list of what I have to get from each store. Am back to using coupons since the prices have gone up soooo much for food items.
Alex will be here not this coming week-end but the next week-end to help put up the tree. Should be interesting since this is a new tree and all. Am a little concerned about the size...9 feet. Guess that's was the size of our other tree. Will soon find out!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Leg is getting better but now it's my back that is hurting. Ahhhhhh...just love getting older! Went to the doctors yesterday and all they told me is what the doctors told me Saturday...rest. Was also told that my back problem is probably from the leg problem. Heard from my sister-in-law, Soco, and she just got out of the hospital from having her spleen partially removed. Talk about someone who has had everything wrong with her it's Soco. She just seems to always have something wrong.
Did the above scrapbook pages of photos of Sierra and Alexis when they were here earlier in the week. That's about all I have done but I did put in a load of wash just now. Juan tries to pick up stuff but all he does is put it in piles. Doesn't get rid of anything and I don't want to ask him to do more as he does enough. Just have to hurry up and get back on my feet.