Getting ready for 2012

I recently discovered pinterest and now I'm loaded with ideas for getting ready for new years resolutions.

1. Lose weight, I will get down to my goal this year. I lost 35 lbs in 2011 (of course I gained a little back over the holidays....but we won't dwell on that) I will got back on the 17 Day diet...this is the best plan ever....I feel great, more energy, sleep better....when I'm following the plan.
   

   Source: my-wishful-shrinking.tumblr.com via Kimberly on

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2. Exercise.....this is my least favorite thing to do....but I will use my elliptical at least 5 days a week.....I will probably need to come up with a reward system for this.
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   Source: leopardsandprints.tumblr.com via Kimberly on Pint

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4. Declutter and organize.....I'm loaded with some great ideas for this. We really need to start simplify.....getting ready to down-size and retire.
   

   Source: mysimplerlife.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

5. Decrease debt and save.....live more frugally....again preparing for retirement.
   

   Source: satterwhite-log-homes.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

I will report my progress on these goals

Merry Christmas

OK...so I'm a little behind in posting pictures of the Christmas decorations...but have no fear...we were in the spirit in plenty of time! So here are the outside decorations:

then 2pictures of the trees, I forgot to take a picture of the upstairs tree.

This is the big tree, lit on Christmas Eve...with all the gifts.

Then without lights...same tree

My angel tree

the next few pictures are the tables ready for Christmas dinner

The children';s and Adult tables....I love my Christmas dishes.

Now a few of Christmas morning....Blake loved his Bacon shirt...Joey Loved his race car and drums....I was surprised with a new golf bag and key necklace....and I'm tickled with the iPad2.

Bill loves his kindle fire....

. We are waiting the the Cervantes crew to come over after the twins take a nap for round 2 of gifts...but so far Christmas 2011 is a great one!

It's beginning to look like Christmas

The big Christmas Decorating Extravaganza has begun! I like to get started right after Thanksgiving...but for several reasons I'm a little behind. Bill has been working a lot of overtime...and I need his help on some of this...like getting all the tubs out of storage...and setting up the 12 ft tree, but have no fear I will be done before Santa arrives! Here is what is done so far...I don't have pictures of everything....can't find the memory card for one of the cameras and the other camera will need to be charged at work tomorrow.

The first thing I did was get the linens and most of the decorations up in the grandchild room....I'll have to show a picture of that later, also got the Christmas linens on the bed in the guest room...I needed to change these beds anyway...but I'll get pictures when they are all done.

Next I did the mantel

We have fewer stockings this year, but that's fine. Then I did my Nativity scene, this display needs something...I just not sure what...suggestions welcome.

Now for a picture of my Christmas Village, I have two light bulbs to replace, but I like the dark sky looking fabric behind it.

Here is the big tree, before decorations, and a picture of some of the decorations on the coffee table....I was looking for two specific ornaments that need to go up first since they use lights. This tree and the downstairs living room are done in a woodlands theme.

I spent much of today making gifts for some of my co-workers (I'll share pictures of those after they are given; don't want to ruin any surprises)...so between that and the decorating that I did happen to get done....the weekend went by way too fast.

Here is my "to do" list to finish

• decorate big tree
• put up and decorate tree in the office
• put up and decorate tree in the upstairs living room
• finish decorating guest room
• decorate guest bathroom
• finish decorating grandchild room
• decorate our bedroom
• and our bathroom
• put out the Santa collection
• Bill will do the outside lights
• Formal dining room decorated and table set with Christmas china

Throw in some baking, wrapping gifts, a little more shopping and normal life...and this will be one busy Grandma

Black Friday

I'm in a fog after being up almost 24 hours....between Thanksgiving cooking and then Black Friday shopping....got home and in bed about 5:15....took a little while to get to sleep...because I hurt all over from the long lines....then for some crazy reason, I was up somewhere between 8:30 and 9...I wish I took a picture of the craziness....but I didn't...

We visited with some nice people while being in line outside of Old Navy for an hour....and we didn't witness this but heard about was two men got in a fight at Wal-mart over a Barbie.....I'm sure that was a sight to see.

My mother in law was a complete lunatic yesterday....my husband finally decided it was time to give her a haldol...the Dr prescribed them (as needed) for the times her had these complete breaks with reality...he has been reluctant to give an anti-psychotic.....partly because he is in denial on how bad off she is. She finally settled down once it kicked in....She so needs to be in assisted living....everybody sees it but him....and he is the one to make that decision.

OK.....I'm pretty sure I'm rambling now...

I'm in

A day or 2 after my vent about being snubbed by Pinterest .....I got an email saying "I'm in!!!" Well, all I can say is: this is the most addictive thing ever. I've been an absolute pinning fool this week....one problem I have though, is sometimes I'm not really sure what board to pin something on.....like do I pin it to the craft board....or the for the home board.....so many decisions. Having visual reminders of all these great ideas is so invigorating. In the process of looking for all these ideas....I've come across several great blogs to follow.....so that is a plus.

I got some great ideas for Thanksgiving next week, I'm going to print some name tags, have some printable actvities for the boys, and have a fall candy bar, with one of my vases holding cake pops....I can't wait to try these!

Pinterest

That is what is getting me back to blogging, I found out about this fun site last week and have had a blast going here and there....totally random..hence the new blog name. So at this site you have to be invited to join....whatever...I requested an invite.....got an email that I'm on a waiting list....again....whatever. So my blog is now my own "pinterest idea board"....so there!
as a practice here is my first "pin"......great idea for fall party or get together......or anytime owls would be appropriate.
Owl cupcakes - decorated with chocolate frosting, oreos and either m&m's or reeses pieces.

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenny on Pinterest