What Mimi loves

My trip to St. Louis

2012-01-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

She was a little thirsty.

What is this?

I think it is yummy.

REALLY YUMMY! I WANT TO EAT IT ALL RIGHT NOW.

The best part is the icing.

My Pretty Girl!

I had to include this picture because she always comes up and hugs your leg. I love it.

I am always excited to visit Missy and the family. There is nothing better than pulling up to their house and Molly running as fast as she can in to my arms. And now every time I visit, Delainey has grown a little more and has learned something new. She is climbing on every thing. We had some delicious enchiladas for dinner and then we had a pink-a-licious cupcakes. Then of course we had to hit the mall on Saturday and ended the day with a nice dinner. But when we got home we took all the cushions off the couch and built a bridge that Molly had to answer a question before she could cross. Missy and I were the grumpy old trolls. Good, good times.

The Simple Things - figuring out how to ride with a little help

2012-01-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

I was cracking up watching my almost 11 month granddaughter trying to get on her new riding toy. It was so cute. She is so short I wasn't sure she get her leg up that high. So cute it is all about The Simple Things.

I'm linking up with The Simple Things.

Cupcake Party

2012-01-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Her picture frame before we printed the picture.

YUMMY BLUEBERRY

My cupcake pillow

Making polka dots

Look how good Gigi is doing making hearts.

She also cut out all these hearts by herself.

While Gigi and Addi stayed with Mimi and Papa we decided to have a cupcake party. Our cupcake party was really a muffin party. But Gigi still loved it. We made blueberry muffins and chocolate chip muffins. They were yummy. Then Gigi made a cupcake craft that was a picture frame and she wanted to put her mommy's picture in it. We also made water color hearts. They turned out so pretty.

WIWW - my new coat

2012-01-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would show my new coat. I got this from my momma for my birthday and I love it. It is a cape style black coat. It has these great buttons that you probably can't see. I got this from Von Maur (one of my favorite stores) and I got my boots for Christmas. I also love my new bracelet at Forever 21.

The Simple Things - when tickling still makes you laugh

2012-01-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

This little guy loves to be tickled! I love his laugh.

Addi loves to come to Mimi's and loves to play in the bedroom.

And he loves sprite!

Papa loves the Colts and Addi!

Beauty and the Beast in 3D

2012-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

While Andrea and friends are in New York having a great time, I picked Gigi up from school on Friday. We had lunch at Qdoba and then went to see Beauty and the Beast. It is so amazing. Gigi loved it. She said that she is no longer Sleeping Beauty but is now Belle. She likes to pretend that she is the beautiful girl in whatever show or movie she is watching. It was great. And I couldn't believe she wore her 3D glasses most of the movie.

Oh and I wanted to tell you the story of the necklace. We were changing her clothes from her uniform and she thought that mommy packed her necklace. I think mommy forgot so we had big tears. So the only way to fix it was to go pick out a new necklace and this beautiful gem is what she picked out. She loved it.

first post for WIWW

2012-01-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

I've been watching Andrea (my daughter) do this for a year or so and love it. So I thought I would try. I felt really silly taking the pictures. But here goes!!!

Jacket - Von Maur, Scarf - Target, boots - Macy's

I'm linking up with www.thepleatedpoppy.blogspot.com

Making a Valentine Necklace and a pillow fight

2012-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night Gigi and Addi came over for the evening while mommy and daddy had a date night. We always have so much fun. Addi loves to play in the bed and Gigi likes for me to read to her in there. She wanted us to have a blanket tent but we couldn't keep the blanket over our heads. Addi loves to jump and turn off the light. Gigi thought it would be fun to have a pillow fight so we tried that. She also likes to make a craft. So I saw this necklace on eighteen25. And I had the beads and hearts painted and John had drilled the holes and we were ready to make necklaces. They turned out really cute. And I made one for Molly so she will have one too.

Happy Birthday Nick and Caitlin

2012-01-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Nick turned 21 on the 16th. He has had several celebrations. Tonight John and I took him and Micah to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Caitlin's birthday is today. I'm not going to tell her age but we wish them both a very Happy Birthday.

The Simple Things - Making a Valentine's Card

2012-01-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

When Gigi comes over we always try to do some kind of craft. So I had plans to make a Valentine necklace that I saw on eighteen25 (more on that later). At the last minute after reading to Gigi a new Fancy Nancy (my favorite) Valentine Book we decided to make Valentine cards. Gigi wanted to make one for her mommy and daddy, Papa, Ashley and Claude and Sara. So we got busy. These pictures show just how excited she was to give her cards. The Simple Things make me smile and warm my heart. I'm linking up with Rebecca Cooper and The Simple Things.

Quilts

2012-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I make T-shirt quilts for people. I have an Etsy website for my quilts. Before Christmas I had four to make and just finished one for a girl who wanted her sorority shirts made in a quilt. She also wanted the quilt outlined with material. It was the first time that I had done one like this. It was a lot more time consuming but turned out really nice. You can see my quilts at www.dcarmean.etsy.com.

The Simple Things - Enjoying a "pupcake"

2012-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

There are some things that kids say that just make you smile. Things I hope I always remember. Gigi loves cupcakes. This red velvet cupcake with little candy pearls on them where REALLY good. Gigi calls them pupcakes. Such a Simple Thing but I love it. I'm linking up with The Simple Things.

Around the World and back!

2012-01-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

The girls got lei's and the guys got bandana's. The kids got crazy hats.

I think something was hot!

IRISH MUSICAL CHAIRS

AND THE

WINNER

IS? GIGI!!!!

I decided to have a little get-together and make it a theme night. John and I thought of this idea one day at the grocery store. So we had food from China (egg rolls), Italy (mini pizza's and bread sticks), England (fish sticks), USA (potato skins and of course Apple pie), Sweden (Swedish meatballs) Mexico (chips and salsa). Then we played Irish Musical chairs. And we played a small version of "GUESS THE COUNTRY". We also had each adult try to place all the States names on a map. We had a great time and the food was pretty yummy.

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

2012-01-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

I saw this advertisement in my Scrapbook Etc. magazine. I immediately wanted to do this. The pillowcases go to cancer patients, foster kids, domestic violence victims and others. So I ask Andrea if she would make them with me. So I took my sewing machine to Andrea's on Thursday and we made 4 pillowcases to donate to the challenge. We went on the website and added our count to the total. If you want to help you can see more information at allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases.

Snowman Party

2012-01-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

John and I took care of Addi and Gigi tonight because Andrea and Baron went out for dinner with Jessie and Tom to plan the girls upcoming trip to New York (I'm so jealous). Gigi decorated her snowman and Addi loved his Snowman hat. We made sugar cookies and Gigi decorated the cookies with Snowman sprinkles. We also read a book about building a snowman. We love theme parties. It wasn't a big party as Gigi said it was a "yittle" party Mimi we need to have a big Snowman Party.

What better to do when your off work?

2012-01-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Go to the movies. I love to go to the movies. So when all my kids were in St. Louis for New Years Eve and John hates going out on New Years Eve, I decided to use it to my advantage. I said if we go to see a movie we can eat early and be back home before all the crazies are out. So I got a bonus we went to one on Friday and Saturday. They were both terrific. I definitely recommend The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Mission Impossible was really good also. I think I'm going with Andrea and Gigi this week to see We Bought a Zoo. I love it!!!

The Simple Things - Building a Snowman

2012-01-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Building a Snowman with my grand-daughter.

SURPRISE!!!!!!

2012-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Every year John and I try to do something to surprise the kids. They give us a wish list each year and we try our best to get those things. And then we try to come up with a game with gifts to surprise them.

This year we had a game where each couple had to pick a grocery item and tell us how many of them would add up closest to $30.00 without going over. Missy and Andy won with $28.80. Every other couple went over. They all got the groceries that they were able to bid on and taped to one of the back of one of the items was a $30.00 gift card to one of their favorite restaurants. They had a great time.

The kids had to sing a song for everyone and the girls all got a unstuffed Build-a-Bear and a gift card to take them back to stuff them. Addi got a box full of his favorite snacks. I think the girls were afraid they would have to take their bears back and give them back. But all seemed really happy.

We also got each of the big girls a craft to do over 2012. Caitlin and Micah got scrapbooks and supplies. Missy is making a game crate for the kids games. Andrea, I wasn't sure and what she wanted so I gave her a new glue gun and gift card to Michaels.

Christmas with my brother

2011-12-31T07:28:00.000-08:00

Gigi loves watching movies with Ashley but she is only good for about a 1/2 hour. There is just to many fun things to do at Claude and Sara's house.

A friendly game of Friends Trivia.

Claude is so good with Addi and Addi loves this window seat and being tickled!

Christmas at Claude and Sara's is always so nice. The food, the atmosphere and family is always great. We had so much fun this year visiting with everyone. Evan and Ashley are always so sweet and love playing with the little ones. We had a great lunch of honey baked ham, pea salad, mashed potatoes and rolls. Then it was off to open presents and then yummy desserts.

Christmas night is the big night

2011-12-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

A few years ago we decided to have our Christmas on Christmas Day in the evening. It has been great. Everyone comes over and the wonderful chaos begins. This year we had 14 people. We began with everyone's big gifts and then on to the rest of the gifts. We always have so much fun. I love seeing everyone's faces.

Christmas Day - morning

2011-12-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning is always exciting looking forward to our big night. Mom came over for breakfast and brought little gifts for the kiddies. Andrea, Baron and the kids came over for a quick visit before heading off to his dad's. It is such an exciting day. I love it.

And they all come home for Christmas...

2011-12-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

It was almost finished. And about 15 minutes after we finished, Missy's dog Annabelle, jumped up on the table and licked all the icing off. Needless to say Missy was a little angry. :)

Getting ready to open Christmas eve gifts. NEW PAJAMAS.

Christmas is so much fun at our house with everyone here. Missy, Andy, Molly and Delainey came home around 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. We had a casual dinner ready for them and then it was time to decorate the Gingerbread House. This has always been one of Missy's favorite things to do. I, however, can never get the thing to stay together. But this one was great because the house was already together we just had to decorate it. Andy did the icing and he did a great job. It had a very detailed roof that included icicles hanging down. Molly, Missy and I put on the candy. When we were finished it was beautiful.

December 24 - Christmas Eve Breakfast

2011-12-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ernie, the elf's, note goodbye for a year.

Andrea and Baron have hosted Christmas Eve breakfast for the last two years. We love it. We brought the Biscuits and gravy and Andrea made monkey bread. Andrea decorated their kitchen, along with the help of their elf Ernie, some very creative snow flakes. It was very festive. And the food was delicious. Of course, I had to bring Addi and Gigi their Christmas eve pajamas. It was great and I think a great tradition to continue.

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS - DECEMBER 24

2011-12-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

As our family come in for the Holidays I'm overwhelmed with love. I count my blessings everyday for my two beautiful daughters. Missy, my oldest, who is the most organized, beautifully fashionable, big hearted person I know. Andrea is the most creative, always excited, and unconditionally loving. They are two of the best mother's I know. My four grandbabies who make my day every single day. Even if I don't see or talk to them, just a memory I have of something they said or just one of their goofy smiles. Addison who doesn't always talk to me or hug me makes my heart melt. He is my first and will always hold a special place in my heart. I love to watch him act, sing and dance. I love his toothless smile. Molly my second is so beautiful and is so excited to see me every time I go to St. Louis. She is so imaginative in her play it is fun to just sit and listen to her. I only wish she was closer to us. Gigi my third is so extremely funny. She cracks me up. She is a diva and already ready for the runway. Delainey bug is so sweet and smart. She is 10 months and is already walking and in to everything. She has the funniest faces and is so much fun to snuggle with. If these 6 people weren't enough I have two of the greatest son-in-law's a person could ask for. I'm so blessed that my daughter's have them and they are so happy. I love all these 8 people so much and am so glad that I have that they are in my life.

John is definitely a roller coaster ride but is starting (finally) to even out. He makes my laugh everyday. But I love him. His son's Vince and Nick are amazing in their own rights. Vince who I totally respect and am so proud of has made a success of his sales career. And he and Caitlin, who is so fun and I hope to spend a lot more time with in the future, have a great life in Houston, Texas. Nick is still finding his way but he is the sweetest kid and loves to be around us. He and his girlfriend Micah and fun to be around.

I also have to mention the best brother in the world. I can't say enough how proud I am of him and how very lucky I am to have him. His family, Sara, Ashley and Evan are amazing. Sara has become a great friend. Ashley, I'm sure will be on the news one day. And Evan will be playing college ball and I can't wait.

My beautiful, sweet, loving MOM is the beginning of all this and the reason why my family is soooooo great. I love you mom. Thank you.

As you can see I count my blessings everyday and I am so happy to have them in my life.

December 23 - hot chocolate for a bell ringer and Tea

2011-12-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

While at Kroger yesterday I took a hot chocolate to a bell ringer and she was so appreciative. I didn't have my phone with me so I couldn't take a picture. I'm so happy that I completed my 12 giving days of Christmas.

TEA WITH MRS. CLAUS

Andrea, Gigi and I went to tea with Mrs. Claus. It was beyond beautiful. The treats, the place and the atmosphere. We loved it. Mrs. Claus even sat with us and talked to Gigi about what Santa would bring her. It was so cute. Then we got to tour the house. It was so pretty and we learned a little about the history.

December 22 - took gift bags to the Nursing Home/Chipmunks

2011-12-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was suppose to take coffee or hot chocolate to a bell ringer and I was crazy busy and didn't get it done. But I did get the bags taken to the Nursing Home (that was suppose to be today) so I will have to make up tomorrow when I'm out finishing up my shopping.

Tonight while Andrea, Baron, Addi, John and Vince went to the Colts game, Gigi and I went to the movies to see Chipwrecked. I loved it and so did Gigi. We love the Chipettes. We had a great time and she stayed awake the entire movie. Naps help a lot.

After the movie we made a quick stop at McDonalds and Gigi wanted her picture with Ronald.

Having a Great Time at the Colts Game!!!!

December 21 - Craft Night

2011-12-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight Vince, Caitlin, Andrea, Baron and the kids came over. We had The Ordinary pizza that we got with a Groupon. It was delicious. We also had some cookies from our Cookie Swap and John's famous cheese ball. We were so excited to see them. We got to meet Lola and Bella.

Then the girls got to do a craft. It was so much fun.

December 20 - Give cookies to a stranger/filling bags for the Nursing Home

2011-12-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

A few friends and I started around Thanksgiving doing Blessing Bags for the Homeless. We had so much fun together and were so touched with the good they did that we wanted to get together and do something for Christmas. So we decided to put gift bags together for some "folks" at the Nursing Homes. We have puzzle books, nice pens, candy in cute dishes, granola bars in adorable stockings, chocolate in whisks, pudding and even an oatmeal packet. I have dubbed these girls the "Blessing Girls." I hope the people at the Nursing Home enjoy these gifts.

One of the cute candy dishes.

One filled bag.

P.S. I gave a bag of cookies to a few workers this morning at the gas station. I hope they enjoyed them.

December 19 - Treat a Teacher

2011-12-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight a couple of my teacher friends hosted a Cookie Swap. It was the first time that we had been to a cookie swap. Cindy (one host) had chips and salsa and spinach dip. Heather brought her famous pita chips. Then we tasted all the different cookies. There was a creme cheese tart, an oatmeal cranberry cookie, a chocolate chip cake cookie, a brownie peppermint cookie, a coconut macaroon and a chocolate covered Oreo. We enjoyed three fun games (I won the first two but passed off the second prize, :). Then we left happily with our cookies. To get ready for tonight's Cookie Swap, Andrea, Gigi and I made our cookies yesterday. It is so fun to get together and bake during the Holidays.

I took Heather and Cindy a little Christmas surprise for my Treat a Teacher Day!

DECEMBER 18 - BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY

2011-12-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

So far this is my favorite "giving day" so far. I was busy today; finishing up my shopping and then Andrea and I made cookies for our 1st ever Cookie Swap Party. I called John to say I was on my way home and he wanted to meet at Steak and Shake for dinner. I said that was fine. While I was sitting there I thought I would get a gift card and give it to someone who was eating there. So after we paid I took a gift card over to a family that was busy eating. I just said "Merry Christmas" and left it on the table. At first they just said Thank you and then as I was leaving they were all waving at us through the window and as I drove away. It made me feel good!

P.S. I did get my toy dropped off today. Thanks to Build a Bear for still collecting the toys.

December 17th - Give a toy to TOYS FOR TOTS

2011-12-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to give a Toy to Toys for Tots. I was a little nervous when I went on line and found out that yesterday was the deadline for donations. I found out that Build a Bear is still accepting donations. So I gave the Chocolate edition Candy Land.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - ARNI'S

TELLING SANTA WHAT YOU WANT IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!

December 16 - Take Treats to the Fire Department

2011-12-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today I took treats to the Fire Department. I was a little nervous going in. I didn't know where to go so when I walked in and I didn't see anyone, I just left them in their break room. Hopefully they found them and enjoyed a surprise treat.

December 15 - Give books to a children's hospital

2011-12-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

Today I started collecting books to give to Riley Hospital. I sent out an e-mail to a few friends at work and got a few of my own. I plan on calling my friends Lacey and Karli who work at Riley to take the books next Tuesday. I hope the kids enjoy the new books.

I also wanted to add a few fun things that I've done this season.

Sharing a milk shake during Happy Hour at Steak n Shake with Gigi!

My first time at Long's Bakery, YUM!

German Chocolate Brownie!!!!!

One thing I wanted to do was to shop and then go to McDonald's and have a Peppermint hot chocolate

and we did!

Going to see The Muppets with Gigi! Little Miss fell asleep 1/2 hour after it started.

December 14th - Do something for a co-worker/Bookstore Party

2011-12-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

OUR BOOKSTORE CHRISTMAS PARTY!

I have a friend at work that is retiring this year. I took her a glass with her initial on it filled with her favorite candy - York Peppermint Patties. I forgot to take a picture before I packaged it. But I didn't put my name on so I could surprise her every day this week.

Each year I take the bookstore kids out to eat for a Christmas dinner. They look so forward to it. We had a great time and they really loved Bravo.

December 13th - Do something nice for a neighbor

2011-12-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight I took these really cute paper plates to two of my neighbors along with a Christmas Card. Hopefully it brightened their night!

JOIN ME IN THE GIVING TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

2011-12-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season for a lot of reasons but mostly for the giving. I participated in THE HAPPY DAY PROJECT and decided that I wanted to do another one for the Christmas season. I am almost to late because we have to start tomorrow, December 13th. Our last day will be December 24th. I will give you my ideas for the next 12 days but if you find give in your own way that is fine also. Please leave me comments and let me know what you did and how your giving, spread the Christmas cheer. I will check out your blogs to see your pictures and hopefully others will too.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF GIVING CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 13TH - DO SOMETHING NICE FOR A NEIGHBOR

(I am going to give some paper plates and add a little note that says: LET OUR FAMILY DO THE DISHES TONIGHT)

DECEMBER 14TH - DO SOMETHING FOR A CO-WORKER (if you don't have a co-worker maybe a friend will work)

DECEMBER 15TH - SEND OR TAKE BOOKS TO A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (I will be collecting books for Riley Hospital here in Indianapolis if anyone local would like I can take them for you)

DECEMBER 16TH - TAKE TREATS TO A FIRE DEPARTMENT

DECEMBER 17TH - GIVE A TOY TO "TOYS FOR TOTS"

DECEMBER 18TH - BRIGHTEN SOMEONES DAY

DECEMBER 19TH - TREAT A TEACHER

DECEMBER 20TH - GIVE COOKIES TO A STRANGER

DECEMBER 21ST - GIVE A CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE TO A BELL RINGER

DECEMBER 22ND - TAKE A GIFT TO A NURSING HOME (I'm going to put together a gift bag of small goodies and take them to a nursing home and let them give them to someone who needs a little cheering up)

DECEMBER 23RD - TREAT YOUR MAIL PERSON

DECEMBER 24TH - COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope these gifts help spread cheer and give you and your family a wonderful feeling during this Christmas season.

What Make Me Smile Monday - Christmas Decorations

2011-12-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas and decorations. Every time I walk in to the kitchen and see all the stockings or drive up at night and see our decorations it makes me smile!

What makes you smile today?

Christmas Party with Image Works

2011-12-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

IU took top priority at the party, especially with guys.

Let the stealing begin!

Each year my friend Mary hosts a party with everyone from Image Works. It is a deliciously fun time! Our dinner included lasagna, sun dried tomato rigatoni, chicken florentine alfredo, chicken marsala and a lot of bread. Then they added a new game this year where we all had to show our dance moves (a little embarrassing). And then of course we do the gift card stealing game. It was a great time.

Our Annual Ornament Party

2011-12-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Andrea and I started an hosting and Ornament Party about 10 years ago. We love having our friends over and sharing our love for Christmas and ornaments. This year we did a little throwback with our decorations. We drank out of Ball jars and had our pasta salad in small ball jars. It was so much fun. We were missing a few of our regulars but we still had a great time and everyone got some really great ornaments.

Ornament Party Fun

2011-12-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

What a feast!

A crowd of 41 people

You can tell they love ornaments!

On Tuesday night Andrea and I and 39 other people went to Missy Shadday's ornament party. This is the ornament party that started it all for us. Missy has been having her party for 24 years. Andrea and I started ours about 10 or 11 years ago. Missy has the most beautiful Christmas trees and great food. The laughter at this party is heartwarming. It a great way to visit and see friends that we haven't seen since last year. And the ornaments are great also.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-05T03:20:00.000-08:00

We had Breakfast with Santa on Saturday with Andrea, Baron and the kids. We went to Bravo and they had a buffet breakfast with beautiful decorations. They also had a room with an artist who did characatures and a coloring table, ornament making table and a table to decorate a cookie. The kids loved it. We had a great time.

This is what makes me smile!

Let me know What Makes You Smile on this Monday!!

Thanksgiving with my brother

2011-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

I love visiting my brother and sister-n-law. We always have so much fun. I'm sure that when my whole family comes it is like a tornado inside the house. But they seem to enjoy the tornado. We had a great Thanksgiving with lots of yummy appetizers. My brother and I agree that is our favorite kind of food. It was so fun to fix all the food together. They had a chicken wing bar with lots of hot sauces. And we all made some appetizers to go with it. It was a great way to enjoy the family.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - Shopping with my girls

2011-11-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Well like half of America my two girls and I go shopping on Black Friday and we can hardly sleep we are so excited. This year I found a Living Social deal we couldn't pass up. I bought a VIP pass for Black Friday. This enabled us to have a special parking area (three spaces from the door) and we could leave and come back all day. Of course, we ran out of spending money before we could come back. Then we got wrist bands and they had a hospitality room where we could go in and pick up a goody bag with coupons, water and lots of treats. You could check your coat, check packages and sit down, relax and plan your shopping attack. We had a great time. We shopped and shopped and shopped. We got free Chick-fil - a sandwiches for lunch. And we got a lot of gifts for Christmas. We had so much fun I'm just sad it is over.

Let me know what makes you smile today!

The Simple Things - My beautiful girls with really big hearts

2011-11-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Day Andrea, Missy and I put together more Blessing Bags. I know this seems repetitive but the more cheer we can spread at the Holidays the more we can help. I love these two girls so much and I love that they have the giving spirit. Remembering those in need!

I am linking up with The Simple Things.

Our 1st Gingerbread Party

2011-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

We had our first ever Gingerbread Party after our Thanksgiving Lunch. I have been working on this party for a couple of weeks. First we rolled out the dough and the girls got to cut out the Gingerbread Men. Then we baked them. Of course each of the 4 Grandbabies got a Gingerbread headband. Addi didn't like wearing his and Delainey was asleep. Then while the cookies were baking the kids all got Gingerbread beanie "men" that I made. While I read them the story they acted it out with the GBM. Then they did a Gingerbread Man craft ($1.00 at Target) that was perfect for 4 year olds. And it was so cute. Then it was time to decorate the cookies and eat them. The decorating didn't last long. But the cookies were good even with no icing. I had as much fun as they did I loved it.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from two really cute turkeys!

Loving the plates...where's the food.

The place cards were really each adults Christmas Ornaments! I thought it would be so cute to wrap them like a barn with a little turkey on the outside.

Funny girls

Yummy!

Three little turkeys sitting at a table

Andrea gets her Barbie Celebration Ornament - a tradition

Nick got Scooby Doo and Scooby "got" his ball. :)

Cheers!

Each of the kids got a Christmas outfit, movie and a book.

We had such a great Thanksgiving Day. Everyone was here except for Vince and Caitlin. We really missed them. But are looking forward to seeing them at Christmas. We had a full day with preparing the lunch with all the Thanksgiving Day staples; turkey of course, green bean casserole, yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn and rolls. It was so yummy. We also had a Gingerbread Party after lunch (I'll get back to that later) and put together some Blessing Bags for the homeless. And of course looked at the ads and started planning our Black Friday shopping. I am so Thankful for my family and the time I get to spend with them.

The Blessing Bags spread cheer

2011-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today a few "fun" girls got together at Warren Central and put some Blessing Bags together. We each brought a few items and were able to make enough bags to take and have a few left over. It was fun to get together and do something so meaningful. They were a little giddy after a long day but wanted to know if we could do it again for Christmas. I loved this idea when I saw it on Joy's Hope when we did the Oh Happy Day Project. So I wanted to spread the giving spirit with those girls I work with. I told the girls to let me know their stories as we give these bags for the Holidays.

My daughters and I are also doing blessing bags on Thanksgiving Day. I hope you all have a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving!

(Also, have fun on Black Friday)

Thanksgiving here we come

2011-11-22T15:20:00.000-08:00

A little Pilgrim! How cute is this!!!

What are we thankful for? This is our family's thankful list! And a cute centerpiece.

I had to include another picture of this cute little turkey!!!

I just wanted to share a few of these pictures. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

What Makes You Smile Monday

2011-11-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

This weekend I made a quick trip to St. Louis to surprise Molly at her Day Care for her Thanksgiving Luncheon. Missy and I went out on the playground and surprised her. She ran to me and jumped in my arms. She couldn't stop saying Mimi, Mimi. It does your heart good to know that someone loves and misses you that much. We had a nice lunch and her classroom was packed with lots of parent and grandparents. Then I got to take Molly and Delainey home for the afternoon. We ate dinner out that night and then started our shopping frenzy for the weekend and finished up last night seeing Breaking Dawn. I loved the movie as much as I loved the books. It was a great weekend. But back to our theme Monday, the memory of seeing Molly's surprise and happiness when she saw me MAKES ME SMILE!

Let me know what makes you smile today!

The Simple Things - Exploring new things

2011-11-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

I went to St. Louis this week and Miss Delainey was very busy exploring everything. She is quick and can reach just about anything she wants. You have to be watching her all the time. But these simple things that seem so big at the time are just precious. But then I'm Mimi and I don't have to watch out for her all the time. Seeing her smile makes me want to squeeze her!

I'm linking up with The Simple Things.

My New Bedspread

2011-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

I decided to make a new bedspread. I had a black and white one and a pink and white one and my dog Bruiser decided to chew it up. He is 9 years old and hasn't chewed on things for many years. So needless to say I was very upset. So I wanted to try and make one. It turned out really great. I love it. When Gigi saw it she said "MIMI" look at your new blanket. I love it.

Gigi's first manicure

2011-11-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

Gigi and I had a manicure last week at the high school Cosmetology Department. One of the girls that comes in the bookstore is in the program. I ask her to make Gigi and I an appointment and they did our nails. Gigi was a little shy at first. She wasn't sure what to do and didn't know what to say. I let her pick out the color for our nails and of course she picked out pink. It was really cute but the girls who did our nails were as nervous as Gigi was.

WHAT MAKES ME SMILE MONDAY -RIDING IN A GOLF CART

2011-11-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

The other day when I got off work John was golfing and ask if I would bring Gigi by to ride on the golf cart. I wasn't sure if she would want to but she loved it. She wanted to drive and push the gas pedal. She also wanted to write down his score. She did a great job stayed in the little box but she also wanted to hold the pencil in her mouth like Papa did. It ended up being so cute and a beautiful day to ride around in a golf cart.

WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE ON THIS MONDAY? LINK UP WITH ME HERE AND TELL ME.

OH HAPPY DAY - DAY 7 BLESSING BAGS

2011-11-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

I went a long with Joy's Hope and made Blessing Bags to those less fortunate than us. I also am going to try to set it up so that our family can make them on Thanksgiving. I have enjoyed paying it forward this week and I hope to continue it through the holidays. Have a great new week!

OH HAPPY DAY - DAY 6 CELEBRATE A VETERAN

2011-11-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a salute to veteran's. I wasn't sure at first what I wanted to do but decided that I would take flowers and a flag to John's Dad's grave. He was a veteran of the Air Force and stationed in India. I met Tony when John and I first got together. He was already in the last stages of Lou Gehrig's Disease. His speech was very slurred but his spirit was always happy. He was loved by everyone who knew him. We are so thankful for all our veterans who because of them we are free to celebrate and live our lives in this great country. Thank you Tony!

I'm linking up with Joy's Hope.

Oh HAPPY DAY - DAY 5 - Refresh someone

2011-11-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was not the best day for me when it comes to refreshing someone. I wasn't exactly sure what they wanted us to do until later in the day. We have a new teacher at school and she is so bubbly and happy all the time. So I brought her a big chocolate chip cookie back from lunch and took her a Warren T-shirt. She was beyond excited (so cute). I told her what I had been doing all week and she wants to do it next week. I said I would. Oh I almost forgot, I went to McDonald's just to buy the persons order behind me and no one came. I have never taken so long paying for my food. :)

Then we went to the Harvest Auction and Dinner. I love this night. It is so fun to bid on the awesome baskets that they have every year. Then to zero in on the one (or two) you really want and try to outbid without spending to much. But the best part is that the money goes to help feed the hungry people in Hancock County. I got two baskets but I can't tell what they are because they are Christmas presents and someone might read this.

OH HAPPY DAY - DAY 4

2011-11-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today was the day to give a book to a friend. I had originally thought I would give one of my favorite books to a friend at work. But then I forgot to grab it when I left for work this morning. So I decided, after I heard what Andrea got from a good friend, to e-mail a gift card from Amazon to a special friend. I sent Cindy the gift card. She was so happy and her e-mail Thank you made my day.

I know these pictures are bad but I took them of the computer.

Then at lunch I decided to get candy bars for the kids who work for me.

I'm linking up to Joy's Hope and The Gambrel 4 to spread a little joy in the Oh Happy Day Challenge.

OH HAPPY DAY #3

2011-11-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Today was a little harder. I didn't have anything planned or set in stone. I am veering off the path a little. Yesterday I had bought a McDonald's gift card because I saw a man with a sign asking for donations at the intersection by McDonald's. But by the time I got out of McDonalds he was gone. So I was trying to think what to do today....

So in walked a lady who drives the Pony Express for our school system. She is out in all kinds of weather all the time but she does so much for me by delivering boxes and talking up all my spirit wear at the other schools. So I thought who better to get an unexpected surprise. So I hope "Pony Barb" had a great day.

Then after school Gigi and I went to the grocery store and got the supplies to make cookies for my neighbors. I have them all ready to take over but I think they must be at church. And it is VERY windy so I can't leave them outside. So I may have to take them over in the morning.

I hate this picture I look like I'm eighty. So I'm leaving it as little as possible. So DON'T JUDGE! :)

Tomorrow I'm not sure what I'll do but I will PAY IT FORWARD!

I'm linking up with Joy's Hope and The Gambrel's in OH HAPPY DAY.

OH HAPPY DAY 1 & 2

2011-11-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

It is only day 2 and I have had a lot of fun. I hope the people that received the goodies had a "Happy Day". On Day 1 I taped 4 quarters on the coke machine in the teachers lounge at school in the morning. I went back and checked at the end of the day and they were long gone.

After school I had to go pick up Andrea because her car was in shop being worked on. So I knew the best gift to Pay it forward for her was a big Diet Coke from McDonalds.

Day 2

I left a cute little note and a Snickers bar for my PostLady! She left me a nice note to say Thank You.

I also took in 20 cans for the Can Food Drive. I don't know if that is a Random Act of Kindness but since it was for charity I included it.

I also left a box of yummy cookies and a handwritten note to a teacher who lost her daughter last year. I think about her all the time and my heart always goes out to her. I hope this brightened her day.

I can't wait till tomorrow. I'm linking up with Joy's Hope.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - My Sweet Mom celebrates her birthday

2011-11-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite people in the world!

We were being goofy and all picked a column!

My brother, John and I met in New Castle to celebrate with my mom for her birthday. We had to eat at our favorite pizza place, Pizza King. I love you Mom!

DON'T FORGET TO LINK UP WITH ME AND TELL ME WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE TODAY!

A HAPPY DAY

2011-11-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

I am joining Joy's Hope by "Paying it Forward" this week. I will be doing something nice and unexpected for someone everyday this week. I will let you know each day what I did that day. There was so many cute ideas on Mix Mingle and Glow's blog. I may have to use some of those and add a few of my own. I'm asking all my followers to join me in doing at least one thing each day this week starting tomorrow to "Pay it Forward".

Trivia Night 2011

2011-11-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

DETECTIVE DC!

CLUE CHARACTERS

RAFFLES

PARTNERS IN CRIME WON FOR BEST COSTUME FOR THE ENTIRE TABLE

ERIKA IN THIS PICTURE (FOURTH FROM THE LEFT USE TO BE ADDI'S THERAPIST)

SUPER SLEUTHS (THE GROUP FROM WCHS)

A GREAT TURNOUT

THESE TWO TIED FOR THE HALF-TIME GAME AND BOTH WON A KINDLE.

SCOOBY AND VELMA

Once a year I put together a Trivia Night Fundraiser for Serendipity. Serendipity is a Warren Central High School Guard for special needs kids. This guard is one of three special needs guards in the country. This was our 6th Annual Trivia Night and our theme this year was Mystery, Murder and Thrillers. It is always a good time. There are 8 people to a table and they bring food and snacks. They dress up like the theme. The volunteers who helped this year dressed up like the characters of Clue. A couple girls dressed up like Scooby Doo and Velma. I was a Police Detective. We had lots of raffle prizes and for the half-time game we gave away a Kindle. It was a great night of fun, trivia and we raised a lot of money for Serendipity.

Recap of my October to do list

2011-11-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

1. Go to Pumpkin Patch

2. Jump in the leaves

Looks like I have a leaf beard. But it is proof. LOL

3. Sit on the Front Porch and read

4. Make my front garden and plant flowers - DIDN'T GET DONE

5. Buy new shoes

6. Go To or Watch a scary movie

7. Go to an outdoor movie - DIDN'T DO

8. Dress up for Halloween

9. Make Crafts for someone - I made these for the big girls in the family

10. Try a new restaurant - Tommy Bahama's

11. Go to Apple Orchard - Went to Tuttles but were mostly there for Pumpkins

12. Make a new dessert

13. Follow a new blog weekly - I've been following Atlantic-Pacific a great fashion blog.

14. Clean out a closet. I know that it doesn't look that great but it looked a lot worse before.

15. Do Something Charitable

I'm making a T-shirt quilt to donate to the Treefest at the Warren Performing Arts Center.

A Spooky Halloween

2011-11-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

THE BEE AND THE BEE KEEPER

Andrea and Baron decided to play a trick on us and Tee Pee our house.

Yummy goodies!

Pin the table on the Cat. Andrea was the winner.

scary spider webs

goody bags

The Monster March

a little foot anyone?

Addi wanted to sit on the Ghost's lap

The last couple of years we have hosted a little celebration of Halloween on the Saturday before Halloween. We can also celebrate my mom's birthday. This year Gigi really wanted a spooky party. So we did a Monster March outside. I think Gigi was a little scared but she wouldn't say so. We had so much fun. We also played pin the tail on the Cat. We had some very yummy food with a little spooky to it. Gigi could hardly wait till it was dark enough to go outside. It was such a fun night.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - Grandparents Day

2011-10-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

I love Grandparents Day's. I know some people hate those things but I love it. John and I and Bob (Baron's Day) went to Gigi's. We watched a play, then went back to her classroom where they sang three songs then presented us with the sweetest handprint. Then we did a craft. It was so much fun to have Gigi tell me who all her classmates were. Then we got to watch them do their calendar. Count to 30 and tell us what month it was.

What Makes You Smile on this Monday - Halloween? Link up and tell us.

The Simple Things - The joy of a book

2011-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm linking up with Rebecca at the Simple Things

A table remade

2011-10-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

These pictures are of the finished product. I had a little trouble getting the pictures in the order I wanted so you get to see the finished product and then the work I put in to it.

As some of you might have read, my daughters and I spent some time this summer garage sale-ing and antiquing. At a antique shop in McCordsville I bought this little table. I loved it but wanted it to pop. I saw a great table/vanity on an etsy site that was red. I loved it and decided to do this to my little table. I think it turned out really cute. So I wanted to share.

A little Halloween fun

2011-10-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween and being a little "elementary" in my creativity. Here are a few pumpkins I painted. And I love the little stands I got at Target last year when they were 90% off. Have a "ghoulishly" fun week.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - Gigi's last soccer game

2011-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Addi had to get in the picture! I love it.

Saturday we went to Gigi's last soccer game for the fall. It has been fun watching her and Coach Baron. It is also fun to meet and cheer with the other parents and grandparents. This was a special day because they got their trophies and Gigi has been saying for about a year that she really wants a trophy. It was a really cute trophy. She said she was never going to break it. :) This makes me smile on this Monday!

What makes you smile today? Link up with us and let us share and spread the joy!

The Simple Things - little feet

2011-10-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Miss Delainey spent the night with Mimi and Papa while Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 6th anniversary. I love these little feet. So excited to eat!

I'm linking up with Simple Things.

<

My Trip to Florida

2011-10-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

My first day we ate lunch at the Beach House Restaurant for lunch.

The weather was a little gloomy but we didn't let it stop us. This is the view of the Sandbar Restaurant where we ate lunch one day.

We ate at Tommy Bahama Restuarant...

Yummy appetizers from Sandstone!

This past week I was lucky enough to travel to Floriday and spend almost a week with my sister-in-law and my nephew. We had such a great time. We ate at some amazing restaurants, did a lot of shopping, went to see the new Footloose move (which I loved) and see Evan play basketball. He is attending IMG Academy. His day starts at around 6:00 a.m. with practice and then they break for breakfast. He has four hours of classes and then back to practice, weight lifting, and work outs till 6:30 in the evening. He loves it and is really growing. It was so much fun to see him play and see some of his routine. I had a great visit and hope to visit again soon.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - Gigi's birthday

2011-10-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

Look how creative Andrea is!

What cuties....

Washing your hands before going in the kitchen.

The tour..

Making pizzas

Gigi's adorable Olivia dress and apron

Chef Gigi

Making felt pizzas

Addi lost his tooth at the party

The presents

Blowing out the candles turned out harder than you would think

good cake

The guests

Sunday was Gigi's 4th Birthday party. Andrea and Baron had her party at the California Pizza Kitchen. The kids got to have a tour of the kitchen and then make their own pizza's. They got a coloring book and then make a felt pizza while waiting for their "real" pizza's to cook. The Pizza Kitchen and their management did a great job with the kids. Andrea, as always did a great job. She made apron's for each party goer and each one got a rolling pin and chef's hat. All the kids had so much fun. Gigi loved her party and had a great time opening her gifts. They all loved eating the red and white polka dot cupcakes. It was an amazing party. I'm so impressed with the party and what a great job every did. I'm so happy for my grandbabies and the wonderful parties they get to have each year. I know that as they get older and see pictures and hear all the wonderful stories that these parties will mean even more. Happy Birthday you make me smile everyday!

Link up with me and let me know what makes you smile today!

Saturday fun with family

2011-10-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Happiness! They can't wait to see each other

Looks like serious business

Mom had to fix the hair for the game.

I love this boy!

Missy and family came in this weekend to celebrate Miss Gigi's birthday. So on Saturday we all headed to Gigi's soccer game. Gigi was so excited that she could hardly watch the ball. She waved at us a lot and came over for hugs. She ask to sit out once or twice. Then we headed to the pumpkin patch/orchard. It was a busy day for the patch and very windy. We played in the playground and headed out to pick pumpkins. The kids favorite was the playground. We had a great time.

Gigi's Birthday Week

2011-10-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

The world's largest hopscotch!

A long time ago I started doing birthday week for my girls. I love being able to do something fun each day for them. Even though it is usually something small. This is Gigi's birthday week. Her big party is Sunday. I love seeing there little faces light up. Gigi has gotten some little dolls, a jump rope, a purse and some makeup. Besides her birthday gifts, we've played hopscotch, rented movies and played "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed. All these activities really wear you out.

The Witches of the Read it and Eat Book Club

2011-10-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

The party favors, wreaths.

The Read it and Eat Witches. Looks like I need to raise up my hat a little.

Baby Richard

The Birthday Witches

My cookies, witch hats and witches brooms.

I hosted our October Book Club at my house. So I decided to make it a Book Club/Halloween Party. I had so much fun making wreaths for everyone and thinking up some simple games and prizes. I gave everyone the challenge to bring and decorate a Witches Hat. They were so funny and creative. One was made from a diet coke case and we had a couple of Princess Witches and my favorite and the Winner of Best Hat; Ghost Writer! I love these girls and meeting each month and finding out what is new. Julie made an announcement that she is going to be a Grandma to twins! Jessica ventured out after giving birth only 3 weeks ago. And little Richard Miyamoto joined us at book club. It was a fun night.

What Makes Me Smile Monday - My family

2011-10-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

October 9th is Andrea and my birthday. And we got to spend it with a lot of our family. Although we were missing some very special people it was nice to be able to have dinner with some of them. We met at The Three Wise Men Brewery for dinner. We really like this place for the food and atmosphere. They gave a table that was way to big but we always have a good time together. Thanks to all my family for sharing our special day!

Saturday of our Birthday Weekend

2011-10-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, John and I went to Gigi's soccer game. It was so fun to see how much their team had improved. The Kangaroo's are so cute to watch. They played their hearts out and did a really good job. We think they won. :)

After the game John and I had a quick lunch and then I worked at the house to get ready for Book Club on Monday.

Baron said that Gigi was representing the 317 area!

Gigi's aggressive face!

Gigi was really excited about her treat.

Then John and I had a really nice dinner at McKenzie's Pizza Company.

The Simple Things - innocence

2011-10-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

How absolutely sweet is this?

I'm linking up with The Simple Things

<br /> <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img

The Start of our Birthday Weekend

2011-10-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Thirty Two years ago I received the best Birthday present I could ever ask for. I gave birth to my daughter Andrea. And ever since I have loved our birthday. It is so nice to spend this special day with her. So this year Andrea found out about this Food Truck Festival. So on Friday night we all went. It was really fun and a beautiful night. The food was good but it was so fun to be downtown and see all the people and participate in all the activities. They had a place where you could pick a small pumpkin and paint it. Then they had a booth that you could get it and try to grab tickets. If you got a dark blue ticket you could win tickets to see Max and Ruby (one of Gigi's favorite cartoons) at the Murat. Gigi tried and almost got one. So I tried and got two so Andrea and Gigi will get to go and see the show!! It was a great way to start our Birthday Weekend.

Fall To Do List

2011-10-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have seen all these really neat To Do Lists on different blogs. I wanted to do one and John said we were too old. I say only in HIS head! Ba Hum Bug! So the high school girls that work for me and I are going to do an October To Do list and then have a little party on the 31st to share what we did. I'm excited and I thought I would share it with you.

DENIECE’S OCTOBER TO DO LIST

1. GO TO PUMPKIN PATCH/BUY A PUMPKIN

2. JUMP IN LEAVES

3. SIT ON FRONT PORCH AND READ

4. MAKE MY FRONT GARDEN AND PLANT SOME FLOWERS

5. BUY NEW SHOES

6. GO TO OR WATCH A SCARY MOVIE

7. GO TO AN OUTDOOR MOVIE

8. DRESS UP FOR HALLOWEEN

9. MAKE CRAFTS FOR SOMEONE

10. TRY NEW RESTAURANT

11. GO TO APPLE ORCHARD

12. MAKE A NEW DESSERT

13. FOLLOW A NEW BLOG WEEKLY

14. CLEAN OUT A CLOSET

15. DO SOME CHARITABLE

Weekend at Missy's

2011-10-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

A little help blowing out the candles!

Who is that movie star riding the horse?

Posing in for fall!

This past weekend I decided to go to Missy's and see everyone. It is always so much fun to pull up in the drive-way and see Molly so excited to see me. She runs out and gives me the biggest hugs. We we out and grabbed Chinese and then spent the evening playing and they had a sweet celebration for my birthday.

On Saturday we went to a Corn Maze. It was really nice. The farm was beautiful and the maze was really fun. Molly and Delainey liked the corn they could play in. There was also a hay mound with a slide. Then it was off to shop. We got some good deals. Then pizza for dinner.

It was a great weekend.

What Makes Me Smile Monday

2011-10-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend I visited Missy and the family. It is so amazing how much little ones learn in the first year of their lives. Even after three grandbabies and two of my own, I'm still surprised. My new grand-daughter, Delainey, has just started crawling and could be cutting her first tooth. Just seeing that gummy smile and watching her little arms and legs move across the floor MAKE ME SMILE! What makes you smile? Link up below and let me know. Visit and comment on other followers.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

2011-10-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

A four year old reading me a story!

AND SHOWING ME THE PICTURES...

I'm linking up with Simple as That!

"S'more" love for 8 years!

2011-09-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, Andrea and Baron went out to eat and to a movie to celebrate 8 years of marriage. I thank God everyday that both my girls are so happy and have such great husbands. Congrats, Andrea and Baron!

We kept Addi and Gigi and as always I try to think of fun things to do. We went to the grocery store and got snacks and ingredients to make Smores. Gigi was eager to help me make the smore's and then decorate them. But mostly she was excited to lick the spoon and eat the chocolate. Addi was happy watching the Wiggles, playing Cowboy's and eating all of his goodies.

WHAT MAKES ME SMILE MONDAY!

2011-09-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

I love doing things with my grandbabies. It always makes me smile when I take them to do something that they really like. Yesterday I took Gigi to see The Lion King. I remember how much I loved it when I saw it the first time. But I did forget how scary some parts of it could be to a little one. She was concerned about the Daddy getting hurt. But she really liked Simba but wanted him to stay little. When it was over she said "Mimi I really liked that movie. Can we see again some time?" Also, when we got there I ask her if she wanted popcorn and Sprite. She said "No, I phink I want somephing different." She picked M & M's and a very big Chocolate milk. That makes me smile!

What made you smile today?

My first time watching The Kangaroo's

2011-09-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

We were so happy that Ashley got to come and see Gigi play!

On Saturday, I got to go see Gigi play soccer. It was so cute seeing her in her little uniform. I loved watching her wave at us from the sidelines. It was fun watching Baron coach. And it was so funny to see those little 3 year old's kicking the ball toward the wrong goal. But it was so heartwarming to hear all the parents rooting for their little ones and watching their smiles as they kicked the goal. Gigi didn't disappoint, she scored another goal. I love being there and seeing her play.

GETTING READY FOR HALLOWEEN

2011-09-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is charger that I made in exactly 5 minutes. The charger was on sale for $1.50 at Michaels and the bat is a sticker and I used a 40% off coupon for that. I love it!

The "sack" Halloween photo album I made at my class.

The inside of my small photo album.

The outside of the mini version

These are the sacks before I started my project. Then all we added was some scrapbook paper and stickers and now it is ready for some pictures of Halloween.

I am always so excited for each Holiday that I can't wait to get out the decorations and start making new ones. So I've started. Here are a few things I've been making and some of my decorations that I've put out.

A new member of our family

2011-09-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

We have a new member of our family. Butler, my brother's dog, came to live with us for a while. My nephew is attending a school in Florida now. It is IMG Academy. He will be going to school four hours a day and play basketball the rest of the day. He actually lives on campus. He is only 14 and is destined to be a great basketball player. But back to Butler we are very happy to have him with us. Bruiser and Butler are not great friends yet but they are now tolerating each other. And sometimes forget that they are males and play together.

WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE MONDAY

2011-09-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE?

A BIRD CHIRPING IN A NEST ON YOUR FRONT PORCH?

READING THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF THE LAST PAGE OF A GREAT BOOK?

WALKING ACROSS THE FINISH LINE OF A CHARITY WALK?

A FUNNY LINE FROM A FUNNY MOVIE THAT YOU SHARED WITH SOMEONE?

WATCHING YOUR BABY CRAWL FOR THE FIRST TIME?

SEEING YOUR FAMILY LAUGH WHEN YOU PLAY A GAME TOGETHER?

WATCHING YOUR LITTLE BOY WHEN HE SEES THE OCEAN THAT HE CAN'T WAIT TO GET IN?

SEEING YOUR GIRLY GIRL PUT ON MAKEUP AND POSE IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR?

OR IS IT THE MEMORY OF YOUR TIME WITH A PARENT THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET?

My daughters and my grandbabies make me happy every day. My most treasured memories are with my daughters and their children. We've shared so many smiles, laughs, tears. This was at Kings Island it was 100% and we still found so many things to laugh and smile about.

WHATEVER IT IS CAPTURE IT IN A PICTURE OR JUST TELL US ABOUT IT BY LEAVING A COMMENT OR LINKING UP EACH MONDAY. MAKE SURE TO VISIT OTHER BLOGS AND LET THEM KNOW IF YOU WERE INSPIRED OR TOUCHED OR YOU'VE SHARED THAT SAME SMILE.

**Note; I'm having trouble adding the tab that lets you link up. If anyone can help me please let me know.

Autism Walk

2011-09-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today Andrea, Addi and I walked with Addi's school, Little Star, in the Autism Walk. It was so nice to see Addi's teachers and how much they love him. They had some activities for the kids to do, like a bounce house, a slide and some crafts. One of the most beautiful moments was the balloon release at the beginning of race. They played a song called "Any Other Way" by Beacon Daniels. Then explained how each balloon represents a child affected by Autism.

I love this little boy!!!!

Addi really likes Matt!

Addi's teacher, Amy.

Taking a rest after the walk. But soon he was "rolling down the sand hills".

Addi was a trooper and walked the entire walk even though about 1/2 way through he was asking for the car. But when the walk was over he got an apple and a yummy cookie. Then he played in some of the balls and made some crafts. It was a great event and it looked like they raised a lot of money.

Saturday! Saturday! Saturday!

2011-09-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday started out with a yummy breakfast at Le Peep. I had a great yogurt parfait and John had the Monte Blanc (omelet). Then we did some shopping (yeah). Then John went golfing and I went to Michaels and signed up for a craft class which I am taking tomorrow night. Then Addi and Gigi came over to spend the evening with us while Andrea and Baron had dinner at a golf outing that Baron was in. We ate at Puchini's and then we were off to Chuck E. Cheese. OMG! it was crazy buzy. But Addi and Gigi had fun. Addi got a big sucker. Gigi wanted more than we had tickets for so I talked her in to lip gloss at CVS. Then we had a dance party on our back deck in the moonlight! It was a great Saturday.

My Fall Front Porch

2011-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Andrea didn't go to any garage sales because she had lots to do. So I thought I would just concentrate on some things I wanted to get done. Well on my way to Michaels, I saw a garage sale in my neighborhood. I thought I would drive by and I saw this really cool rocking chair. It was only $5.00 and I could not pass it up. I thought what a great piece to make my front porch look like fall. So that ended up being my Sunday project. Let me know what you think.

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had more computer issues but I am up and running again. I hate that too because now I am far behind in my blogging. So I'm going to start with Labor Day and work forward.

We spent the weekend at my brothers house. It is always so nice, comfortable and fun. We went to Claude's house on Friday evening and had a great Pasta Buffet. Then we took the evening to catch up and visit with his family and they with ours. On Saturday, they bought us all tickets to Kings Island. It was 100% and very hot. But we had a great time. Ashley, Addi and I came home a little early but we thought it was time to hit the pool. We had a great cookout with burgers, hot dogs and brats. On Sunday the guys golfed and we were going to hang out at the pool but it was very rainy and cloudy so we hit the mall. Never a bad thing! That evening we got carry-out from Chipolte's. Yummy! Claude and Sara had an event downtown and looked so nice when they left.

I made them a Scrapbook of the Hilton Head trip. A small thank you for such a great vacation.

It was such a nice weekend. Thanks Claude and Sara for another great time.

DAY 30 -PHOTO CHALLENGE - IN MOTION

2011-08-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a breaker problem and so last night my computer wouldn't come back on. I was so bummed since it was the last day of the Photo Challenge. I got this picture of my grandson, Addi, jumping on the tramp at horse therapy. Look at how high he gets!

Day 29 - Photo Challenge - purchased

2011-08-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

I got a new outfit that I'm wearing tomorrow. I'm not usually a fan of peach but I like this outfit.

Day 28 - Photo Challenge daily routine

2011-08-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

At the end of each day I scrapbook at least one page. I am so far behind but it is a nice way to end my day!

Garage Sale-ing

2011-08-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

file:///Users/deniece/Desktop/simpleasthat-logo-small-1.jpg

Over the last month or so, Andrea and I have been hitting garage sales looking for special things. After following several blogs, we've seen so many really neat things so we thought we'd start collecting. We have found some really cool "OLD" chairs and tables. On Saturday, Andrea found a desk that she has been looking for to use as a sewing table. We worked for a long time trying to sand the top, it was not an easy job. I found a really neat fold up chair for $1.00 and painted in black for my bedroom. It is so fun even though our guys think we are just buying other people's junk. Oh well it is fun and put's a smile on our faces. The simple things!!

Day 27 - Photo Challenge after dark

2011-08-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is my backyard after dark.

Day 26 - Photo Challenge - something old

2011-08-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

The chest was my grandfathers and has been passed down to me. It is a beautiful piece. It has lots of scratches and nicks but I still love it. My grandfather died in 1964 after a tragic accident so I'm guessing this was his about 20 years before that. I wish I would have known him better but from the stories I've heard he was a gentle man. Thanks Grandpa for the beautiful chest.