Happy Birthday Aiden!!!

I had given a call to my dad, Mike, to check up on him. He was doing well and was out for lunch with my sister and her kids. So, I got to wish Aiden, who is now three, a Happy Birthday!!! Also talked with Summer and Tate who told me about their Christmas.

Back to Work

Only for a day! Now, I'm back on vacation. But this time at the house.

Back in Town

Got back in town by mid afternoon. Rested until I heard from my Dad, Steve, who was in town on his way back to SC. We had not eaten so we met him at the Cracker Barrel for some dinner. Then, headed back to our place to chat for a little while. Got to give me him his Christmas gift to open!!!

The Day After Christmas

We ended up sleeping in this day! I think I was finally worn out from all our activities. Had a late brunch. Portia made pumpkin pancakes and a root beer syrup. Took a afternoon nap. Woke up and chatted with Rachel and Gordon who were back in town. Headed out to dinner at Tomato Head with everyone. It was a neat and trendy little place which happen to be located very close to the theater we planned on going to that night. Gene and Portia came with us to see a movie, Did you hear about the Morgans ?. This movie had Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. We all agreed that it started out very slow, but it later picked up with some funny parts. Our movie rating: Not a great movie, but okay! Went back to the house, chatted some more around the fireplace before heading to bed.

Merry Christmas

Woke up Christmas morning to see that Santa had left a boot print in the fireplace! Portia and Gene made us breakfast - sausage, eggs and biscuits. After breakfast, we started getting ready to go over to Leisa's house. Got to visit and exchange gifts with Leisa, Steve, Elisabeth and Eli for a little while. Then, we headed back over to Gene and Portia's place. Exchanged some more gifts too. Portia had made some yummy appetizers, meatballs and spinach/artichoke cheese dip, for us to snack on while she prepared for dinner. Sipped on some red wine and then a crantini especially made by Portia. Leisa and Eli came over briefly. Of course during this time, Michael showed Leisa some old videos of Elisabeth that were too funny. By early evening, I had made all my phone calls to my family. Not long after that our dinner was ready - Chilean sea bass, grilled vegetables and homemade mashed potatoes. Yummy! With full tummy's, we settled down on the sofa to watch a movie as the day came to an end.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Christmas Eve

We got up to get ready to board the dogs. They were so excited, so they must of known they were going for a car ride! Got the car all loaded and were ready to get on the road, but the husband was missing his wallet. After we tracked it down, which was in his office at work, we were finally able to get on the road to visit with some of my family. Picked up Chick-fil-a to eat with Mike while we chatted with him for awhile. Then, we headed to visit Chris who had my niece and two nephews. They were all so excited! The kids had gifts for us that they wanted up to open, which was very cute. They (my niece) made her uncle a keychain and her aunt a bracelet. We let the kids open the gifts from us and of course that meant we had to play. So out came the play dough!!!! After we finished we headed to my sister's place to drop off her gifts and to visit with her before heading out. She gave us lots of pictures of the kids which I can't wait to put in frames. About 4pm we were finally on the road for our final destination. The weather was really windy and the roads were slick from the rain. Once we got out of the wind gusts the ride was a lot less stressful. Made it to Knoxville around 8:30pm and were ready to eat some dinner. Portia had a roast with potatoes and carrots. Yummy! Later on Elisabeth arrived from her event and we watch old videos of Elisabeth and Michael. Portia also made some yummy pomegranate cosmopolitan - strong but good. Only needed one of these and I was going to sleep well!

Elisabeth's MTSU Graduation

Friday afternoon we headed to Murfreeboro, TN for Elisabeth's college graduation from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon arrival and changing for dinner, we headed to Elisabeth's place to check it out and take a few pictures before going to dinner. We had dinner at B. McNeels with some of her family and friends. Afterwards, we headed back to the sports bar in the hotel for a few more drinks and festivities! I headed to bed by midnight, but others were up much later. Graduation was a 9am in the morning. Parking was insane and the weather was cold and rainy, but we made it in time. Ceremony lasted about two hours and then we got to see the new graduate!!!!! Took a few family photos before she had to head to Atlanta for a wedding.

HR Holiday Breakfast

Went into work for the HR department holiday breakfast. Even though it was my off day and the weather was really bad, I was glad I made the effort to attend for it was really good. The theme was around the American Idol and the different departments sang holiday songs which were judged by the HR Director, his assistant and someone from training. Many laughs that morning!!!!

Comp Holiday Party

Our department party was at the boss's new house. He had his awesome cheese dip, cookies, brownies, holiday petit fours and some Grinch drink. We played a round of Dirty Santa and we do not hold back when it comes to stealing someones gift! Many laughs there!!!

Shopping Together

This weekend my husband and I got to do some Christmas shopping together. Not done, but got a good start. It was nice having him along to help me and drive me around cause the traffic around the mall was CRAZY!!! At the mall, we were about to enter Belks where we could hear loud music playing and some woman yelling into a microphone. Turns out Steve Madden, the shoe designer, was there to sign autographs if you purchased his shoes!!!! I wish we had the time to be a part of that madness!!!

Holiday Party

My husband's branch and another branch held their holiday party at our house. This was technically the first party we have ever hosted since purchasing our home. We had a nice turn out of guests. There was fajita bar, ham, turkey, fruit, vegetables, cheese/crackers, desserts and drinks. After eating, there was a brief game of Dirty Santa played. My husband was thrilled to take the Krystal's gift card from one of his employees!

Painted By U

For our Christmas gift, our boss took us to Painted By U to paint our own ornament. It was a neat idea and something different. I did a large ceramic ball shaped ornament which I painted red with green polka dots. Hopefully, it will turn out pretty!!!!

Dinner With Steve & Ellene

My Dad, Steve, and Ellene were passing back through Alabama on their way to Atlanta. We met up at the Macaroni Grill for dinner. Then headed over to our house so they could see our Christmas Tree. Got to show them the video from Summer's Christmas Concert too.

Christmas Concert

My niece was in the school Christmas Concert on Sunday. As a member of the band, the beginner group, she played her clarinet. With the use of the video camera we were able to see her very clearly performing her part for the four different songs performed. Glad we could make it and we are very proud of our her!!!!

Salon

Saturday afternoon I had a hair appointment. As the stylist was wrapping up, she wanted to try a new technique with one of the new toys, aka a really fancy curling rod. This technique with this fancy tool gave my hair a wavy look that is currently popular.

Tree is Decorated

Saturday morning, I finished the lights on the tree. I had actually started this during the week but ran out of lights and didn't get back to them until the weekend. Then, I was able to move on the best part - adding all the ornaments as Christmas music played.

Back to the Hospital

I found out Thursday that my step-dad was having to be readmitted to the hospital due to an infection with his hip replacement. After work on Friday, my husband and I headed to the hospital to visit with him for a little while. Luckily, one of his Christmas gifts had arrived and I was so excited about it that I took it to the hospital.

Christmas Tree

Sunday afternoon we picked out our Christmas tree from one of the local Boy Scout troops near our home. Now I just need to find time to decorate!!!