It's a good thing

My Mother has a special  talent with decorating. She understands the importance of making one feel comfortable and always welcomed into her home. 

Each holiday she places magical affects on everything she touches. Anytime there is a birthday or a special event my Mother knows how to pull it together. Personally,  I love the wonder of transformation on her home during this season.  Once my nephew George noted "Nana's house is decorated! Christmas is here! Christmas is here!"

Indeed it's a happy, warm and inviting wonderland. 

This year was no different. 

The front entrance is a simple of elegance of silver sparkling deer, plaid garland, and white poinsettia's. 

Turn to the left and you will find her living room glistening with crystal wise men, lights and angel atop a beautifully decorated tree.

Enter through an archway and you will find the dining room. Where Dickens village is placed on glass shelving overlooking  the festivities.

The table is set simply with an adorable reindeer runner and each plate meticulously placed in a strategic fashion for a wonderful social gathering.

I, like so many, love seeing the new, fresh ideas and decorations my mother originates each year.

Thanks Mom for teaching and passing on your welcoming views to the rest of us.

Alexander and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

My Alexander loves music! He plays the piano quite often and enjoys listening to musical orchestras. One of his favorite the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A classical rock band with the power to transform music into dancing lights,  pyrotechnics and fireworks. A year ago they came into town and he asked to go see them for his birthday but the tickets were sold out. 

So this year Reiner, my husband, heard that they were coming into town, and as luck would have it, his company was giving a special drawing for their employees for boxed seats right in front of the stage. "the box" is comfortably furnished with big leather chairs, a television and all you food you can the eat and drink! 

Thinking of Alexander without hesitation he jumped at the chance to put his name in the hat. 

 

He won!

(Just wondering. Did you think to play the lottery too, dear?)

Garrison Keillor! Make me laugh!

Brian, our nine year old's favorite all time radio host is non other than Garrison Keillor . Every Saturday night he sits with his ear close to to the radio and laughs at each delivered joke and story. Brian's ear is attuned to  stories of Lake Wobegon and the travels of Guy Noir and the cast of a Prairie Home Companion. It's really quite funny.

Recently, Brian and I where driving back from a visit to my sister Karen's home. We drove down Main Street in Greenville to look at all the Christmas attractions being offered in our town. As we past the Peace Center,

Brian shouted "WAIT!! Mom!! Stop! It's Garrison Keillor!"

"Where?" I replied.

"There! On the sign! At the Peace Center! He's coming! Mom! He's coming here!"

"Oh. That's nice." I replied.

"Oh. No. Mom. you don't understand. Please! Wait! This is an opportunity of a life-time! For Christmas. He's retiring. I have to go see him! Please Mom. I will never get the chance again. He's coming. It's all I want for Christmas!"

"Really? No gifts? No toys?" I said

"Well. No. I want. toys. too. BUT. Okay. Well. I didn't mean that's all I want. Listen. You can give Alexander 8 gifts and give me 7. Because this will count as a gift. Okay? Pleeeeze!?

"WOW! With a bargain like that how could we pass up an opportunity of a lifetime for Christmas, Brian!" I replied

 

Although the show was funny, the greatest part was becoming star struck by meeting the face of radio in person and have everyone standing around you while Mr. Keillor talks to a you, personally,  about his show and life on the radio.

"What did he say to you Brian?" I asked

"I don't remember, Mom. I was too nervous. But if you notice, Garrison Keillor wore a red tie with orange sneakers and I wore a red vest with an orange shirt. Pretty funny, huh? I wanted to stand next to him for a picture but everyone was near me and I was nervous."

"That's okay. I think it's pretty neat that he talked to you. But next time maybe you should wait to eat a mint until you get home." I answered.

"Heh. Yeah. Did you notice he autographed a book for me?" 

"Thanks Garrison Keillor"

"Oh yeah. And thanks Mom. And Dad too."

Travel School

The joys of homeschooling is that you can hold school just about anywhere. 

AND Since we are missing this guy 

way to much. 

I say...

It's time for a field trip! 

Round 'em up and Move 'em out.

Texas here we come!! 

13.1 things to think about

This weekend my sister Lisa and I ran in the Spinx !/2 marathon in Greenville, Sc

Although she's a runner and athlete 

This was HER First Official Marathon 

 

Anyone whose run long distance knows this stuff is tough!

 I was so proud AND happy to see her cross that finish line. 

In fact she bought a 13.1 sticker for the back of her car.

She's Hooked.

Official Recognition of a Real Marathoner!! 

13.1 miles = 21.0824064 kilometers

13.1 things to think about

Mile 1 ~ I'm cold

Mile 2 ~ This is so easy

Mile 3 - I'm hot, I hate this

Mile 4 - Are you kidding me?
Where's the finish line?

Mile 5 - I'm hungry, where's McD?

Mile 6 - I'm thirsty, I.need.a.drink.
Finish line, where are you?

Mile 7 -  Ya know,  this isn't so bad.

Mile 8 - Leg cramp. Where is that stupid Bus?
Finish? Line?

Mile 9 - Are you kidding me? Another dumb Hill?

Mile 10 - Ok yes! Only 2 miles left!

Mile 11 - Wait! No! 2 miles left? What? 

Mile 12 - Are my feet and legs still moving? Are they attached?
Okay. So where's the finish line? 

Mile 13 - You mean I still have to run?

Mile 0.01 - I did it! So much fun!!!!!

Where's the chocolate?

You can't just buy those goodies off the shelf.

(okay. well. your not supposed to)

Hey, guess what... 

I beat my old time and had a personal record. Fastest pace to date!!

(Which isn't really that fast but faster than last year so...)
BUT the last 5 miles of this race was uphill!

 

Hey. I'm happy.

To everyone out there who is thinking about signing up for a marathon. WE say...

GET

 On your mark

Get Set. 

GO!!

Sign up for a race today! 

Who knows my sister Lisa and I may join you in the fun!

Our fishing trip by Alexander and Brian

It appears that I have been busier than normal lately. My kids have been asking me to write a post about their recent fishing trip so their Uncle Mark can read about the great BIG FISH they caught. I suggested since they are in a writing class and wasn't there - They should write about it.

So without further ado may I present Alexander and Brian's first post:

 CAUTION

These following pictures may be disturbing to Uncle Mark and our cousin Mary's fishing career. (Brian) 

This was not like our usual fishing trip. We usually start out with a dull morning and puny fish. The day before was cold and our special day was just right in temperature.

 Dad caught the first fish of the hour. But that one was not right. He was a little to thin.

Ι, Brian, caught a fish that was a little bulkier but that one wasn't right either.

Wait! You haven't seen anything yet!

Last but not least...

We, really me... Alexander, caught this guy! 

He's Just Right.

Maybe someday we will show Uncle Mark our special fishing hole.

Hold on!
We should see if Aunt Lisa will bake us a cake first. Mom said sometimes bribery works. 

Pirates!!!! of Graceland's Coachwood

I, I, Mate.

My guys still love to dress up in costumes.

Arrrr. Thar Matey!

 These pirate hats are a special gift from their Nana after her trip to the Bahama's.

oh yeah! 

 

I'm scared.

  (Thanks Mom!)