Tomorrow's Forecast....

According to WNDU - Saturday : Mostly cloudy. There is a chance of snow arriving in the afternoon, possibly changing to sleet or freezing rain at night. High: 33

Sounds like a good day to stay in my flannel pajamas, make a pot of vegetable soup and put up my Christmas tree.

New Product Lines

Just completed two layouts for the store - one using the new WeR Whiteout line. There are some beautiful papers, ribbons and rub-ons with this line, plus some great chipboard embellishments. This layout is entitled Sweet Summer Sips and uses a photo of Grace from last summer, with her HiC drink box.

The second layout uses the new KI Elsie/Toby line. This has a lot of travel products, acrylic embellishments, rub-ons and ribbon, and the paper colors were perfect to showcase my Key West photos from July.

Doggy Spa Day

It's "spa day" for Rigby - and trust me, he's in dire need of a bath and haircut. Poor thing can't even see out of his eyes - through all the hair. At least he'll smell good and look handsome for the holidays. This morning, he looked like a wooly bear cub. Tonight, he'll look like a black lab puppy instead of a cocker spaniel. He loves spending the day with Andrea because she talks "baby talk" to him and tells him how "cute he is". The funny thing is that when I pick him up, he always struts around like he "knows he looks good". Then he goes home and sleeps for hours because we all know how stressful it is to look good.

Scarf Frenzy

I started making the "FLOWER" scarf for Gracie a couple of weeks ago - had the flowers finished, just needed to stitch them together. I think it will be a cute accessory for her pink winter coat. I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn - Blue Heather, Azalea, Avocado, Lemongrass and Violet. The pattern was shown on their website http://www.lionbrand.com/

The tweed scarf was made in just one day, using Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in Prairie. This yarn is so soft - just perfect for a scarf. In fact, I bought some more to make one for myself. The scarf shown here was made for Kelli. We were on our way home from our Thanksgiving holiday and stopped at a Cracker Barrel to eat. She found a scarf similar to this one in the gift shop with a $30 price tag on it and really wanted to buy it. I told her I could make one for a whole lot less - and I did - $4.99 to be exact. I gave it to her last night and she was thrilled - posing in front of the mirror - tying it, wrapping it. So, scarves are done and it's back to my final afghan to complete before Christmas. It helps that I was able to crochet all the way to southern Illinois and BACK!!!

Thankful for Monday.....

The last four days seem somewhat of a blur in my mind. After spending Wednesday evening up to my elbows in pumpin pies, cornbread casserole, brocolli salad and party mix, we were up and on the road at 6:30 Thursday morning. Traffic was light and we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house at 11:00 (their time). Needless to say, little Anna was the highpoint of the day for many family members - getting their first chance to hold her and kiss her. I just couldn't believe how good she was - being passed from person to person and hardly a nap all day. Here she is about 9:00 on Thanksgiving evening - passed out!

It's tradition for all of the Knight children to pose in their "oldest - youngest" photo too.

After lunch, my group headed to the retirement home to visit Aunt Mabel. The sight of this BUNCH brought tears to her eyes.

Some of our kids had to work on Friday, so they journeyed home after our visit with Aunt Mabel. The rest of us relaxed and stayed until Friday afternoon before starting home. The girls did some shopping and the boys spent the afternoon visiting the old neigborhood where Bob grew up near St. Louis - and of course a stop at a favorite bar for a couple of cold ones. It was late afternoon before we started for Indiana and well after midnight before getting home.

Saturday morning, it was up and out the door for Allegan, Michigan for the wedding of Jessica Gibson and Brandon Mock. Jessica played softball at LMC with the twins and Katie was a bridesmaid in the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and reception - held at The Silo Banquet Facility. It was decorated for a "country Christmas" and really put us into the holiday mood.

It was fun to see the girls celebrating with all of their old college friends. I remember when these kids would show up on my doorstep and would sleep on the couch. Now, they're all grown up and college grads and making their way in the world.

And of course, the hi-light for some of us was having Bob's band play at the reception. This was a first for the band - never had played at a wedding before. The bride was insistant on the fact that she wanted his band to play. All I can say is that it was a great success!! The band was supposed to stop at 11:00 and at 11:30, the dance floor was still packed and everyone was chanting, "ONE MORE SONG - ONE MORE SONG".

Happy Thanksgiving....

Two carloads left from South Bend early this morning and two more carloads will leave at 6:00 tomorrow morning - for our yearly trek to the St. Louis area for Thanksgiving. I'll be spending my evening cooking and packing and then Bob and Kevin and I, followed by Bobby, Angela and little Anna will be on our way bright and early in the morning. The rest of my children were lucky enough to have today off of work and should be arriving at Grandma's house as I type this.

So, to all my friends - have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and enjoy the blessings that surround you.

Grandparent's Day

Today was "Grandparent's Day" at Corpus Christi - my very first one. Bob and I decided that we were definately the YOUNGEST grandparents in the gym. We were treated to coffee and donuts and then some songs by the Kindergarten students (Nolan) and the 4th graders. After the entertainment, we went to Nolan's classroom where he showed us his desk and all the stuff that makes learning FUN. We even stopped by Mrs. Urbanski's 3rd grade room to see our oldest in action. It's still hard to believe that after graduating seven kids from this school, we now have grandchildren there and our first born teaching there.

What a Weekend.....

Seems like we were going non-stop all weekend and the next seven days don't look much better!

Friday night, Bob and I attended "1964-The Tribute" at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. Just an absolutely AWESOME show!!! It was a sold-out show and the audience was filled with "baby boomers".

Saturday morning, we woke up to a clogged kitchen sink and after 3 hours of plunging, snaking and just a few curse words, Bob finally gave in and let me call Roto Rooter. The plumber came out on Sunday afternoon and remedied the situation in less than 30 minutes.

Saturday night, ONION paid to a packed house at the Hideaway Lounge on Baron Lake in Niles. If the audience keeps getting bigger - we're going to have to find places with MUCH BIGGER dance floors!

Now, it's time to start thinking about casseroles and pies to prepare and take with us on our "home" trek come Thursday. Looks like all of our children, except for Carrie will be making the trip. Then it's back home on Friday and a wedding in Michigan on Saturday. Hopefully by next Monday, I can RELAX!!!

For Kelli.....

Earlier this week, Kelli informed me that she was born in the wrong decade - she wishes she was a child of the 60's so she could have experienced BEATLEMANIA. At least she agrees with the fact that like her mother, she would have had a "thing" for Paul McCartney. So Kelli, this is for you - some great photos and one of your favorite Beatle songs....

http://

1964 - The Tribute

The #1 Beatles show in the world.


Enjoy the classic Beatles from the early 60’s, complete with period instruments, clothing, hair styles and onstage banter.

This is what we'll be enjoying tonight at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. Of course, it helps when you're daughter works there and could grab some tickets for her dad's birthday. Needless to say, our #1 Beatle Fan was thrilled and is definately looking forward to tonight's performance.

Time to Start Thinking....

We cruise in 142 days. Thanksgiving, Christmas, a little snow and cold and we'll be on our way. On last year's cruise, we snorkeled in Belize with the nurse sharks and rays - something I'll always remember. This time, it's been recommended to us to do the Cave Tubing. I've been researching it online for months and had it narrowed down to two companies. I emailed both for a little more info and one of the owners called me - all the way from Belize. Well, that was all it took for me to go ahead and book with his company. Today was payday - and we are paid in full. The photos on his website are so beautiful and we're excited to experience something we've never done before.



https://www.cave-tubing.net/Default.aspx

Creative Cafe

We have a new line at Pages in Time - Creative Cafe. Lots of bins full of lots of items - buttons, velvet ribbon, felt words and shaped embellishments, velvet covered brads. Here's my November DT assignment using some of the new papers and products.

One More Weekend of Peace and Quiet....

It's cold and dreary and the Irish just keep on losing. Another weekend here in northern Indiana. I'm looking forward to one more quiet weekend and then it all falls apart.

A Thanksgiving trip, a wedding in Michigan, ONION gigs, our wedding anniversary and a weekend in Chicago to see "PHANTOM" - all squeezed in before Christmas.

Everyday Minerals - November Special

The website has their monthly special listed: enter coupon code QRXeOi and get a 7% discount on your total order. Spend $45 (before discount and shipping) and get the Festive Fall Collection for free. The collection incluces a brow brush and an angled eye shadow brush along with three eye colors - Dark Brown Eyeliner, Hot Chocoate and Countryside.

Here's your tip for "turning back the clock". Right underneath your brow bone use a light color eye shadow -- such as Floating Feathers or Chamomile -- to highlight the brow bone. This technique will open up your eye giving you an alert look and taking the tired appearance away. And I need all the help I can get to decrease that "tired" look! http://www.everydayminerals.com/ Kelli and I have both been using their mineral makeup now for several weeks and I'm NEVER going back to liquid makeup!

November Theme Table Display

This month's Design Team theme for November was things that we are "thankful" or "grateful" for. Our group of myself, Pam and Michelle had the the theme table at the store entrance and Pam did a beautiful job of setting it up and showing off the product and items that the three of us made for the display. This table is an "eye catcher" each month as customers enter the store. Kudos to my team for the November assignment!!!

Rudy

Brock gave Chrissie a little yellow lab puppy for her 22nd birthday. Now, two years later little Rudy is well over 100 pounds - but still thinks he's a puppy. Next to Brock, he's the LOVE of Chrissie's life!!!

Relaxing Weekend

I spent Saturday scrapbooking with Carrie in my basement craft room. Grace, Nolan and Jack dug through Grandma's toy box and watched Disney movies. Carrie and I spent hours working on our scrapbooks and devouring a crockpot of homemade vegetable beef soup.

Kelli had to work early at the Bed and Breakfast, since the Irish were at home. By Saturday night, she was exhausted - as were most of her friends. After the bitter disappointment of the Irish loss, they all opted to stay at home and "chill". At 7:30, I found myself in bed with a movie and my latest crochet project. A few minutes later, Kelli came and climbed in bed with me. I realized then that I needed to set the clock back and push the alarm so that she would get to work on time on Sunday morning. I set the clock to 6:30 and she burst into laughter. "MOM, we are such losers!!! We're in bed at 6:30 on a Saturday night!!!!"

Sunday morning, we were up early and she was off to work again. I went to Mass and then picked up Bob at the airport at 12:15. He looked happy and relaxed. It was good to get him home.

22 More Fridays......

You know how you live all week for Fridays? It's the last day of the work week, the start of the weekend. Sometimes it means dinner out, or shopping or just hanging with your friends. Well 22 more Fridays and we'll be starting on the ultimate "friend adventure".

That's right - 22 more Fridays and we'll be en route on an American Airlines flight from O'Hare to Orlando, where we'll meet up with friends and family flying in from St. Louis. Then it's on to Melbourne, Florida for a Bon Voyage party before we set sail on Saturday.

The holidays are soon upon us and then we'll have to deal with the dreaded cold and snow of January and February. But before we know it, those 22 Fridays will fly by and we'll be soaking up the warmth and sun of the Caribbean.

What I Do From 8 - 5

For the past 13 years, I've been employed with The Robert Henry Corporation - the first ten years as a receptionist and the last three years with a promotion to Project Manager Assistant (and my own office). Our company has two divisions - construction and electrical. I work with the construction division - taking care of three project managers. They bid the projects and run things once we're awarded the project. I handle all of the contracts, purchase orders, billings and insurance for the subcontractors. Our electrical division is contracted with American/Electric Power and we do all of their overhead and underground electrical work. It's a family-owned business and after 13 years, I feel like these people are all a part of my family. We've shared the joys of weddings and babies. We get into some pretty good discussions on politics, religion and sports. (It doesn't help that most of them are Cubs fans - but at least we all love the IRISH). I feel blessed to be here - and I remind myself of that each and every day.

http://www.roberthenrycorp.com/index.htm