Merry Season's Greetings, etc.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays! Oh...and almost Happy New Year! There I think I covered them all :).

Well, as ususal, I have been slacking on my posts again. A friend got me into Facebook, and I find I am on there more then anything. So, I will try to catch this and get up to date again...

For an early Christmas gift, I took Joe up North to Hinckley to see Terry Fator on Dec. 20th. Of course, the morning we left, we got a good snow storm. The driving up was not bad, and it was really pretty to look at.

View from our hotel room


Terry was AMAZING! He was the winner of the second season of America's Got Talent, and he starts his 5 year run in Las Vegas in February at the Mirage. We are planning to see him again! For those who don't know who he is, he is a Ventriloquist/Impersonator. Check out his website at www.terryfator.com to learn more.


Christmas with my family is alway a treat! With 16 people just in my family, it is a crowd. My youngest nephew Bradley is 5 ½, and just too funny. His stack of gifts was as tall as he was, and when it was his turn to open, he would take his gift to the middle of the room so ALL could watch him open.



Dad with his new hat



My friend Denise was able to join us this year. She was in Iraw for 18 months, and was there for Christmas last year. She has been in the Army since we graduated high school back in 1986. SHe figures 2 to 3 more years and she will be done, but would not turn down a chance to go back to duty again if needed.




Well that is all for now. Please have a safe and Happy New Year. Joe and I will be celebrating our 6 year anniversary on New Year's Day. We like to recreate our first date every year, so it is nice to know I always have something fun planned.

Until next time!

Lori

Brrrrrrrrrrr.......

Welcome to a typical Minnesota winter day! This whole past week has been in the 20's, and we finally got a break today with temps in the low to mid 30's. Woooohooooo!

Well as you can see, I have been slacking again on my posts (nothing new- but it is the holiday and I work retail- enough said ;)). Joe had the flu earlier this week, so we have been working on getting though that. This past Thursday we went to a concert that I had won tickets to. Ks95 radio station sponsered the live 95 concert with 5 music acts- Ryan Star, Matt White, Eric Hutchinson, Missy Higgins and O.A.R. Man, what a show! The theatre it was at sucked as there was no seating, so we stood for over 4 hours, but it was worth it. The music was great, and we even got to meet a few of the acts.

One other thing we have done recently was attend the Hollidazzle parade. What is that, you may ask??? It is where we "true" Minnesotan's go and freeze our butts off by standing outside in the winter to see a parade. And of course, we had to pick one of the coldest nights to go see it. It was all good, until a float stalled in front of us for about 20 minutes. I wasn't so worried about me, but there were maybe 15 little kids on this float dressed as animals probably on the verge of freezing. Once they got the float moving, we say about 3 more floats before we gave up and went inside to shop. I have pics I will have to post of us all bundled up....too funny!

That is all I have for now. I have more shopping to do, and not a lot of time to do it.

Until next time!
TTFN



Lori

And the good times begin.....

Happy day after Thanksgiving! Well here I am again, late in posting. Hope all had a great time with family and friends. The busy time of year is OFFICIALLY here....yikes!!! Being in retail, I start to dread this time of year.

We spent the holiday with my brother and his family (15 people total when you add in sis-in-law family). We were missing my oldest brother and his family as they went to his in-laws house. It was a nice day, spent with fun people.

Well since the last post, the movie that I have been waiting for FINALLY came out- Twilight! Joe and I went to the midnight screening and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Some things were out of place from the book, but overall I would go see it again. My 13 year old niece finally got into readint the books, and now we are planning to see the movie together soon. I can't wait!

This weekend will be pretty low key. joe works all weekend, leaving me to fend for myself. I may head off to Archiver's to work on my Christmas cards so I can get them out soon.

TTFN!

Lori

What a week!

Well, as usual I am behind again on my posts- but with good reason.

Let me start with the weekend of Nov. 1st. Joe and I took a road trip again, this time we went to Rochester & Winona, and back up through Red Wing again. We really lucked out and had another perfect day for a drive. Weather could not have been any better!!

What a great weekend for a road trip!

Joe was off this past Saturday, so we decided to take a road trip while the weather was still nice. As we had a pretty hard frost a week ago, it took its toll on the fall colors that was left. We still took a chance, and headed to Wabasha and Red Wing to check out some fall colors.

While in Wabasha, we went to check out the new building for the National Eagle Center. Wow, what a change! So much more space, and they even gained another eagle since we were last there. From Wabasha, we went across Lake Pepin into Nelson, WI. and hit this cheese store I love to go to when I am nearby. We found some wonderful sounding cheeses, and will try later this week with my mom (who is as much of a cheese freak as Joe & I).

After the cheese trip, we stated back towards home, and made a stop in Red Wing at the Uff Da Shop (gotta love the Scandanavians, eh?). While there, they were demonstrating how to make Lefse (which I have never been a big fan of). Well, I changed my mind after trying what they made there- yummy! (shhhh....don't tell my mom...she has been trying to get me to eat it for years.)

Below are some pictures from our outing. The first 2 eagle pictures are of Angel, and the last is Harriet. Both eagles were saved and rehabilitated, but will never fly again.

Joe is off again this coming Saturday, so we are hoping to plan another road trip if the weather cooperates.

TTFN!

Lori

Rainy, gloomy day :(

Well I have missed a few days again (no surprise there)- my bad. It is so gloomy and yucky right now as the rain has been coming down most of the day. I guess I shouldn't mind when it rains while I am at work, but none the less, it still stinks.

I am off to my stamping group tonight, which should be fun as always. We are making a card with the sock monkey set- I CAN'T WAIT!! She has been promising us to do this card for a few months, so I will make sure I post tomorrow. I may also have the Halloween things I have been working on ready to post as well (keep your fingers crossed ;)).

Until tomorrow, TTFN

Lori

Wonderful fall weekend...

Well as usual, the weekend went too fast. Saturday at Archiver's with Ang and Michelle was a blast. I got a jump on cards for the exchange we do at work, as well as scoping ideas for Halloween treat bags and gift card holders for Christmas (I am keeping these a secret for now while I tweak them).

Below are pictures from the weekend. The first was the inital card I made for our card exchange, but then I changed it up some. I am still working on the updated card.



Sunday was Gabe's birthday party....so much fun. Below are pics from Gabe's birthday. The before and after of the cake, as well as pics of his sisters Olivia and Lindsey.






That is all for now.

Until next time..... :)

Lori

Happy Fall.....

Well, as you can see, it has been a month now since my last post. Yikes!! Too much going on and not enough time to keep up with everything. Plus the fact I don't have a computer at home to just make updates as I please, so I rely on computers at the library, or my parents house, or even work.

What has been going on this past month.....

~Welcomed my best friend home from her 18 month tour in Iraq :)

~I have been busy with numerous volunteer projects through work.

~My friend Michelle celebrated her 25th anniversary for work, and I got to celebrate with her.

~Spent some time with my parents

As for this weekend, it will be just as busy. Tomorrow, Michelle, Angie and I are hitting Archivers for the day again. Working on getting started on some Christmas cards, as well as finish the last 9 pages of my first scrapbook....YIPPEEE!!

On Sunday, Joe's nephew Gabriel is having his first birthday party. That should be fun- Gabe is such a cutie. I will try to get some pics to post next week.

Have a great weekend and I will catch up next week!!

Lori

Oops...time got away again

Man where has the time gone? I have not posted since Aug. 27.


This past weekend, Michelle, Angie and I met at Archiver's for another craft day. This was the first time Angie has joined us, and I hope she had a good time. It was not as productive as most days have been in the past, but it was just fun spending time with good friends and to be out of the house :). I did get a few more pages done in my scrapbook, and only have 9 more pages to go (as I don't want to add anymore to the book- it is getting too fat). I plan to have this done at our next outing so I can start another scrapbook- maybe from my Memphis trip last year Aug, or the most recent Vegas trip from June. We will see.


I also made a few cards, as well as some bookmarks. Angie brought her Cuttlebug and I was having a field day with it. I will have to make a few more bookmarks for a book basket we are creating at work. Maybe I can get those done tonight. Below are pictures of the card and bookmark.






The below pictures are from the 2nd trip to the State Fair on Labor Day. To honor Minnesota's 150 year anniversay of statehood, this mural was made. Though you cannot read this, there is a list on both sides of the mural showing all of the counties in the state. The images making up the letters are things associated with the state- the Lady Slipper (state flower), Paul Bunyon, the state capitol, etc. This is a new permanent fixture at the fair.

Well, time to run. Until next time...TTFN :)

Photos from the weekend

Here are some photos from the Brandi Carlile concert we went to on Monday.

These are the CD liners that we had her autograph

Joe sitting with Snoopy at the state fair

These have nothing to do with the fair, but this is the hibiscus bush I saw while out hitting garage sales on Saturday. ONe half was light pinks and the other dark pinks.

Enjoy!

What a perfect day!

Man did we luck out yesterday. What a perfect day to have off and be at the state fair! Joe and I made it to some of our usual favorite food spots (Tom Thumb mini donuts, pronto pups, cheese curds and absolute favorite- the fudge puppy), but we missed some as well (guess that means we have to go again, right? ;)). We ran info his parents and uncle there and spent some time with them. I also ran into my friend Diana and her spouse as well (small world considering there are thousands and thousands of people there each day).

As for Brandi Carlile- what a concert! I already had her most recent CD, but found her first CD for sale there, as well as a live CD, so of course we had to get those as well. Man was the place packed. Even though her show did not start until 8:30, we went to find seats at 6:00 as they fill up fast. Good thing we did as it turned out to be standing room by the time she started. Joe was totally jammin when she cranked out a classic Johnny Cash song (one of his favorite artists). I have to say though that the best part was after the show. Some of the previous shows I have been to at the Leinie stage have had the artists come out and give autographs, so I thought I would see what the chances that Brandi might do that. Well, it paid off! We only had to wait about 15 minutes before she came out to sign items. We had all 3 of the CD's signed and had a chance to chat with her for a few minutes. All I can say is she was really cool!

I did get some pictures of the concert that I will post tomorrow (as I am at the library now and have no way to post at this time).

Until tomorrow, TTFN!!

Lori

What a beautiful weekend!

Man, where is the summer going?? The Minnesota State Fair started last Thursday, the Olympics end tonight, and my friend JJ's kids start school on Monday. I just don't know where all the time goes. At least this weekend had some cool and comfortable weather!

I didn't do too much this weekend as Joe worked goofy hours again. We ran some errands after he got off work on Friday, I hit some garage sales on Saturday (and saw the most amazing Hibiscus bush I have even seen along the way), and today I spent with my parents.

Joe and I are both off tomorrow to go to the fair. We normally go around 8:00 a.m. and head home around 5:00 p.m. or so, but tomorrow will be a looooonnnngggg day. Brandi Carlile will be at the Leinie Lodge stage at 8:30 p.m. doing a free show, and I can't wait! I absolutely love her song "The Story". For those who do not know who she is, her music is a lot like the Indigo Girls (actually I think they discovered her). I fell in love with the song when it was featured on "Grey's Anatomy" last season. Check out her website at www.brandicarlile.com


I will post some pictures from the fair when I get a chance (maybe Tuesday or Wednesday).

Take care until I post again!

TTFN!

Lori

Woooohoooo for Michael!

Michael Phelps has done the unthinkable! He accomplised is eight for eight gold medal quest on Saturday. Way to go!!!!

(photo Star Tribune)

Happy Monday!

What a busy weekend! Friday a co-worker had a Stampin' Up party, and the top 2 cards were the ones we made.


Saturday, my friend Michelle and I got together for the whole day at Archivers. We go for the morning and stay for the evening scrap mania. I made a bunch of cards, and even got in about 4 pages of my scrapbook.

I had seen the idea for the first card and loved it, but it was done in a hot pink. I think the groovy guava works really well....don't you?? :)

The other card may look familiar as I made it last week, but I loved the card and decided to change up the colors a bit. I used all of the in colors from the beginning of the year.


This was a fun card I had done for a card exchange we do at work. I thought it was great as it was made with punches. I used a quote from the sassy susie set : your friendship is the most uplifiting thing in my life without underwire. Too cute!

Can you feel the thrill???

Go Team USA!!! Does Michael Phelps rock or what??? He is now the most decorated Olympian in history with 11 gold medals total (he reached his 5th of these Olympics last night!), and he is still working to get 3 more. I can't wait!! Go Michael! Go!

(photo from Star Tribune)

Threshing weekend photos

Here are some photos (finally) from the threshers weekend (Aug 1-3). The photo to the left is my dad with my sister in law Jacque, and her 4 kids (Rachel in green is 13, Hailey in gray is 11, Mitchell in blue is 9 and Bradley is 5).
This is my dad taking the kids for a ride in a friends wagon

This is my nephew Cory driving in the parade. This is the first year he got to drive by himself!

Stampin' up open house

Greetings all!! What a great weekend! We had fabulous weather here, and it was so great to let the fresh air in!

Friday was my Stampin' Up demonstrator's open house for the new catalog. We made the great cards that I have posted.

The above card was fun, and used 2 of the new in colors for 2008-09. Pretty simple 3x6 card.

This card is my absolute favorite! It is done using the large oval punch, then cutting the ends off to form a vase. Shade the matching coloor on one side with a sponge, then use the white craft ink and do the same to the other side. Too easy!

Enjoy!

Lori

Other events from this past week....

My family participates in a threshing event every August. This past weekend was spent in Jordan, MN at the Scott Carver threshers. My dad and oldest nephews (Joey & Cory) work out in the fields with the threshing or bailing. My mom & myself help out in the kitchen serving up lunch. I will add some pictures of this past weekend, as well as some previous ones in a few days.
As for this weekend, I am off work tomorrow to go and see the new Stampin' Up catalog and check out retired stuff my demonstrator will have for sale. I will post some of my new creations from this weekend on Monday!

Also, some GREAT news! A great friend of mine is back safe and sound from her tour in Iraq. It had been a long 14 months, and we are so grateful she is home again! I can't wait to see her!

Have a great weekend and see you next week!

TTFN

P.S. I have to show you a picture of a friend on mine from the other side of the world. Annu is from Bangalore, India and we have become great friends in the past year. She is one of the most positive people I have met, and reminds me a lot of myself. I hope to one day get to meet her in person :)

35 W memorial

Well, I have done it again. I have let the week slide by again without any updates. My apologies. One major event from this past week:

Friday, August 1st was the 1 year anniversary of the 35 W bridge collapse. The picture on the left (from the Star Tribune) shows the numbers of people that turned out to remember those involved in the collapse.

At 6:05 p.m., survivors, first responders, bridge workers, political leaders and everyday Minnesotans bowed their heads in silence as an American flag was slowly unfurled, and as if on cue, a bald eagle flew over.

I hope everyone remembered those who lost their lives on this day, and be thankful for the loved ones we knew that made it out ok.

Where did the week go....

OMG! I have not posted in over a week! What is wrong with me :) Last week just flew by, as has this week. Joe had his 20 year class reunion this past weekend at Lord Fletchers on Friday, and a picnic at Baker Park on Saturday. We had a blast! It was so nice to meet his old friends. Later Saturdaynight, we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Nothing will ever compare to the original ones, but it was still pretty good.

Sunday, I got to choose what we did, so we went to brunch at Granite City, then went to see Wall-E. What a cute movie, as well as one with a great message.

This weekend is the threshing show in Jordan. My dad has a vintage tractor we show there, as well as use to give all the kids a ride. As hot as it sounds like it will be this weekend, it should still be a great time. I will post more info on this on Monday.

ONe HUGE note- I have 3 great books listed that I LOVE. Well the 4th and final book comes out on Saturday- Breaking Dawn. I am saddened to see this series come to an end, but an so anxious to see what happens at the same time.

To learn more about these books, check out the author's website: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com


Until then , have a great weekend (mine is just beginning...hehehehehe)

TTFN
Lori

Monday morning blahs

Another day, another dollar. There is just something about Monday's and the blah feeling. I was on my way to work, feeling blah, when I saw the most amazing sunrise. I have been in the habit to carry my camera with me lately, as you never know what you may see during the day. Today it paid off :). I was trying to find the perfect spot, and drove right by it off Cedar Lake Road. I made a quick detour back to the lake and snapped the picutres below. I don't know what it is about a beautiful sunrise, but it changed my mood instantly!

Enjoy!
Lori

Clean bill of health

Well I just got the good news that my mom has received a clean bill of health. She had to go in this morning for an angioplasty, and everything came back good. It appears she may have just had some severe anxiety as she hadn't felt good in a while. Whew! Happy news :)

Joe is off on Sunday again- Yeah! We have his aunt and uncle's annivesary party tomorrow, then not sure what the plans are for Sunday yet- maybe go see the Twins play.

Until next week. have a great weekend!

Updates and weekend adventure

Sorry I have missed some posts from the last few days. Things have been busy since last week. My mom came home from the hospital late Thursday. They still don't know what is wrong with her, but the doctor referred her to a cardiologist. They think she may have heart disease. More to come on this.

Saturday was spent with my friend Michelle at Archivers. I swore I was going to keep up on my scrapbooking, and I held my own end of the deal. We did the WHOLE day thing- from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm. What a long day, but we had a blast- it is fun spending quality time with good friends! I finished all the pages in the 8x8 book, and even added some more. I still have lots of pictures from the 2007 Vegas trip to add, but I am looking for just the right papers. I will post some pics of my pages in the next few days.

Joe was actually off again on a weekend day, so we took advantage of it and went to Como Zoo. It was such a beautiful day we just wanted to be out side, and what better place then the zoo. I have not been there in at least 10 years. I forgot what fun it is at the zoo. Since my last visit, they added the merry go round carousel that used to be at the Minnesota State Fair (visit the link http://www.ourfaircarousel.org/history.html to learn more of the history of the carousel). Boy did that bring back memories of my childhood. Every year we went to the fair, we had to ride the carousel as that was the one ride my dad would go on. They have also added on to the conservatory. I love that place- all the beautiful flowers and scents. As I love taking pictures, I have to say I went a bit crazy while at the zoo (I took over 200 photos- wow). I have shared a few of my favorites below.

Enjoy!
Lori

Flowers at the Como Zoo Conservatory





A few of the animal shots I got

Scary news

Sorry I missed my posting yesterday. I received a call from my Dad as I was leaving telling me my Mom was in the hospital complaining of chest pains. I guess they had adjusted her blood pressure meds over a month ago, and she has had pains on and off since then, but never said anything. She had gone in for a follow-up appointment yesterday, and the doctor said she needed to go to the emergency room. Needless to say, they admitted her and ran more tests.

She seems to be doing better then my dad at the moment. They have been married 48 years, and have rarely spent a night apart. I feel bad as I see my dad struggling with the fact he can't do anything to help her with her pain. I can say I know that feeling as well as Joe was in the hospital for 2 weeks in 2003. I felt so alone and helpless.

So far, they have eliminated a blood clot, leaving the focus now on her heart. They will inject her with something today to speed up her heart and monitor her some more. She seems to be doing better then my dad at the moment. They have been married 48 years, and have rarely spent a night apart. I feel bad as I see my dad struggling with the fact he can't do anything to help her with her pain. I can say I know that feeling as well as Joe was in the hospital for 2 weeks in 2003. I felt so alone and helpless.

I will post later when I find out more info. Below is a picture I took of them about 5 years ago (sorry for the bad quality as this is a picture of a picture).