dad's wood work

My dad  made one of these cutting boards for each of us kids for Christmas.  I was so happy when he took us out to his shop and let us pick one out.  I had seen the project in the works earlier before they were all finished, but I thought they were for his friends.  So, I was pleasantly surprised when he had one for us!  Isn't it pretty? I don't want to use it and scratch it up!

Thanks Dad! You're the best!

christmas fun a g g's

Whenever we go to Grandma G's you can count on her attempting a group photo.

Which I  love... the kids?

Not so much...

 So, here is the best of 6.

I told Jord and Tay that they get a special prize for being the most well behaved of the bunch!

and.. I couldn't resist posting this photo of cute little Keegen...mesmerized by grandmas snow globe.

la bella fleur

Introducing: 

 La Bella Fleur

My sister Carmen's blog about her flower business. 

Check it out!

santa

Our tradition.  Photo with Santa.

Merry Christmas!

g-day

Happy birthday to our friend and "O-L-D" man: Giovanni!

 That's what you get for teasing your wife incessantly! (and for tickling me until I have to "tap out")

the whole gang that came for the celebration

 Brenda and her good friend Jo

 Erin on rt. (Gio's little one) and McKenna (belongs to Jo)... having a good time face painting

and little Max trying real hard to fit in with the crowd

dojo

So, Friday night was the pre-opening night launch for our friend Kelly's new restaurant downtown. 

Introducing... dojo

 If you like Asian food, this is your new hot spot.  It is great.  Ambiance, food, service, variety, everything.

A new place to love. Please support our locals, and go give it a shout out.  You'll be back for more. 

In between 400 West and Rio Grande, right next to Iggy's.

 Kelly with his servers

 Group photo. 

We were all teasing Kelly about the fact that is was so nice to actually see him working for once.  But, in reality, we are very happy for him, and wish him all the success and prosperity that the good 'ol slc crowd can offer him!

A goodbye hug that I had to capture.  It is not often that one can get lucky enough to receive p.d.a. or any kind of touchy touch from Melis. 

friday project... update

So, here it is.  With our new cabinet.

I love. 

chairs

With the help of my friend Melissa, I finally added more than a couch to our front room.

The chairs, area rug, and plants are part of my Christmas. 

Just early. Cuz I'm impatient!

It feels a little more put together.  The only thing left is a new cabinet that will replace that table to the right of the fireplace.  TBC...

stacia

Happy Birthday to our friend Stacia!

 even the dogs were at the party ;)

Thanks for having a party!  It is always nice to have an invite for some good food and friend time!

gno for jannie

My dear friend Jannie returned home recently from her brave tour in Afghanistan.  I am so very glad and relieved to have her home again.   Welcome home my friend!  And, thank you so much for serving for us!

 We wanted to get her out and have some fun.  Much different from the heaviness that she faced each day while deployed.  We had a little GNO, and lots of fun!

 Nikki, Sharon, me, Tracee, Jannie, and Tara.

 and... awhile later Jayci met up with us.

We dedicated a couple songs to her at Keys, and Eric the piano player called her up on stage. 

We had a good time, and she was a trooper, even in her boot and still healing from foot surgery.

We love you Jannie, and are so proud of what you have done, and the huge sacrifice you made.  

when we go away... my sister plays

Ryan wanted me to post this. 

It's the photo we received from my sister on

Thanksgiving day while we were out of town.

A message to say that HE missed us.

Although Bogey is not a girl, we had to chuckle at how cute he looked in his girl Build A Bear sweater.

thankful on the east coast

Our visit to Charlotte began at 348 Magnolia.

 It is so beautiful this time of year!

 We were content to just laze around, enjoying the fact that we could be kicking our feet up on the deck, while our comrades in UT were combating a blizzard.

 I had to capture the colors, many of which were just beginning to fall off the trees.

 this is part of the skyline of Uptown Charlotte

 the men on thanksgiving day...

 the women on thanksgiving day...

 but, we had time to relax later on that evening, playing some good ol' uno and mad gab

 Heiko surprised us with tickets to see Bret Michaels!  We were so excited!

 He preformed at a new place in the EpiCentre called Whiskey River.

 It was a pretty cool venue.

 My camera sucks in the dark, but here's Bret!

 Heidi and I were both so happy to know that we could ride the bull!  We were so much cooler and better at it than all the others! ;)

We had a great visit, and it was so nice to spend time with Heiko, Melis, and Heidi.  We were so glad she made the effort to drive from Columbus.  It wouldn't have been the same without her! 

Oh, yes, and one more thing!  I was so anxious to go shopping at my childhood discount grocery.  They are only on the east coast.  Although ghetto, nostalgic.  I had to have my favorite chocolate chip chewy cookies.  They still taste the same, but I think my taste buds have matured, because they were not worthy of eating a whole bag at a time!  Good stuff!

Yeah for Aldi! 

clt

We are off to the east coast.  I'll tell you all about Charlotte when we return!

Happy Thanksgiving!

it will be 70* where we are ;)