Christmas Time is Here!

As usual, Christmas was great! I spent about 10 days at home with my family. It was so good to be home for more than the usual two days. I really got to spend some quality time with my parents and my sister and the boys. And I also got to see some of my friends from high school that I haven't seen in a while - even attending an Ugly Christmas Sweater party!

The Saturday before Christmas, we had the Karsten family party which is always a riot. After the party we decided that we should go visit Steve at the City Vu in Holland. I think that we should continue that tradition. Here is the whole clan - minus those who had to watch the kiddos:

Christmas Eve we spent with my my mom's side of the family. It's so much fun to watch the boys open presents! Here are a few pictures:

Gary and Logan reading a story

No presents until we get a good picture! :)

Logan sure loved his "Melmo Bear"!

And Chase immediately wanted to play his Ben 10 game...

I hope that everyone else had a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

California Dreamin'

It was sooo nice to be able to spend a few days in California to take my mind off the whole unemployment issue. I arrived late Friday night after spending 5 hours (and 4 glasses of wine) in the airport. I attempted to get on standby for an earlier flight but was unable to. I was able to extend my trip until Wednesday, and it only cost me $50.

The weather was beautiful and I even got to lounge by the pool! The hotel we stayed at was in a great location, right on the beach, a block from the Santa Monica Pier and walking distance from the Promenade. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The view from our room

The famous Santa Monica Pier

We had to do some tourist stuff - me with Britney Spears' star on the walk of fame

Gary and I on the pier with a view of the beach in the background

A gorgeous Santa Monica sunset!

Although Gary had to work, I am so greatful for the few days I spent out there. I think I really needed it.

My First...and Last Event

I spent the better part of November stressing out about my first event in Washington DC. Thanksgiving was far from relaxing since I was freaking out about it! The event is now over and done with, it went as well as could be expected. Nothing ever goes perfect so you have to do a lot of on the spot trouble shooting. It felt great to have my first event under my belt. I even got to see the Volt in person! Here's a few pictures:

I returned to work on Friday only to find out that they were letting me go. So I am now officially unemployed. I'm off to California with Gary to take my mind off it for a while...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

So I was bummed that my sister and the boys couldn't come visit this weekend. I even had all their favorite snacks in the house! Which is bad news because now without them to eat it, guess who will instead?? I am happy that Logan is feeling better, it was for the best that he got sick at home and not while they were over here.

To help lift my mood, I decided that we should put up the Christmas tree. Gary and I bought our own tree this year and I had stocked up on Christmas merchandise last year when everything was 50% off at Target. I'd forgotten everything I bought until I opened up the "Christmas Decorations" box! It was like shopping all over again without spending any $!

Here I am "fluffing" the branches to hide the bare spots...hey, what do you expect from a Wal Mart tree? :)

And here we are with the finished project. I think I'll have to make new bows next year, I always feel that I'm one bow short.

We also had a heck of a time getting that star to stay on top. That thing is heavy! By stuffing enough branches in it, we finally got it situated. It might be a little crooked but hey, it gives it character!

Who's with me on early decorating???

WMU vs Illinois

WMU played at Ford Field this past weekend and with Gary being a die hard fan, of course we attended. Wait - let me clarify that - we not only attended but we had first row seats. I don't think I've ever been that close to any sports field! The only bad part, the cheerleaders were directly in front of us. Nothing against cheerleaders, I used to be one, but they did get in the way a few times.

Here is Gary and I - you can see our prime view behind us

So close we even got Buster Bronco to acknowledge us

The game was fun - they even served beer - and the end result made a lot of happy Western fans. A picture of the scoreboard, just to prove it. Some -ahem, Gary - might say that since Illinois beat U of M and Western beat Illinois, that Western would for sure be able to beat U of M too. I'll go along with that theory.

After the game we ate at Loco's, my favorite Mexican place (besides Don Pablo's, I'm still upset they closed!) We hit up the casino and ended the night at The Old Shillelagh. The Shillelagh, as it is affectionately referred to as, is truly an experience that cannot be explained. It is a "must see for yourself". However, our evening could probably be summed up with a few words:

Beer, an Irish band that is encouraged to drink while performing, beer, Irish songs with hand motions and sing-along lyrics, more beer, a table of cougars* and the use of ashtrays and beer pitchers as noise makers.

*Cougar: A woman of middle age who actively seeks the casual companionship of younger (typically under 30 years old) males.

Cider Mill

Every fall, Gary and I make a point to visit one of the local cider mills. We usually go to Wiard's in Ypsilanti but decided to try Parmenter's which is almost right in our back yard.

Gary pouring us some cider

Me enjoying the doughnuts (so not as good as Post's though!!)

Me, as a giant apple

Gary and in front of the mill

Although the cider and doughnuts were good and it was nice that we didn't have to travel far, I think we still like Wiard's better. Plus they have other activities such as Gary's favorite, a hay ride. Maybe we'll try another next year.

Halloween!!

Messy, Emmy, Gary and I went to Patty's annual halloween party this past weekend. We had a little trouble deciding what to dress up as but in the end I was pretty satisfied with my costume (plus I had fun making part of it!). And those who got what Gary was supposed to be, found his costume very amusing too.

Me, a flapper, and Gary as Peter Griffen from Family Guy

Emmy, a drunk bridesmaid, and Messy as a wedding crasher

Emmy and I

Gary, Emmy and Messy discussing the rules to Flip Cup

Patty served this amazing cocktail called Apple Pie that was sooo delicious. I might have to get the recipe. We ended the evening with a late night...well...early morning trip to Comet Burger for sliders, waffle fries and onion rings. YUM!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween!!

Weekend Up North

This past weekend my Aunt Paula and Uncle Scott were nice enough to let not only Gary and I stay with them, but also Gary's two buddies, Messy and Larry. The boys were able to get one last weekend of golf in before the weather turns cold while I spent my time doing a few of my favorite things - scrapbooking, reading, shopping and visiting my nephews! It was a fantastic weekend, thanks Aunt P and Uncle S! Here's a few photos:

This was a familiar site on the way up and back home. It's great having a DVD player in the car!

Chase and I...I missed the little guys!

Deacon and Logan testing their booster seats

Mackinaw's strange resting place

Gary, the Photographer

Gary has been quite the photographer lately. We're actually going to frame a few he took on the golf course at Arcadia Bluffs this summer. Because the weather was so nice today, we decided to spend the afternoon at Greenfield Village. Here are a few pictures he took while we were there:

And one I took of the tree in our complex changing colors...I can't believe its fall already!

The Scarecrow Incident

This weekend we went out downtown Plymouth to celebrate Leo's birthday. It started out with the best intentions for a fun-filled night on the town. However, we quickly learned that although Plymouth is an adorable date-night spot, it is not the best place to go with 20+ people. The bar was extremely crowded and no matter where you stood, you were always in someone's way. Not to mention that it was strangely hot for an evening in mid-October. It was not a good combination...

So, Kristie and I decided to have our own fun...outside, where it was cooler and the only other "people" around were the scarecrows...see for yourself...

WMU Homecoming

This weekend Gary and I were supposed to go to the Carrie Underwood concert, but he ended up having to work all weekend. I was able to sell them at the last minute so it wasn't a total bust.

So, since Gary was tied up all weekend, I decided to accompany Kristie and Jill to Kalamazoo for Western's homecoming. We had a low key night Friday since we were going to get up early to tail gate the next day. Saturday we were up and at 'em early, I think the alarm went off at 7:00. That is EARLY for me on a Saturday!

The weather was perfect and I ran into a few people I knew. I emphasize few because that is HOW OLD I'M GETTING!!! I used to go back to Western and know one out of every three people. Not so much anymore.

Kristie, Nikki, Jill and I sporting our Western gear!

Beer Pong at 9 AM, what better time?

KJ and I amongst the crowds of people!

Although I was sad to miss Carrie, I had a great time!!

Time to Celebrate

Messy and Emmy are officially homeless now that they've sold her condo in Cincinnati. They closed on the condo Friday and headed up to Michigan until they hear about Germany. Saturday night we went out for dinner to Doc's and then for dessert and a few celebratory cocktails at Amatista.

After dinner and drinks, we came back to our place for a bottle of champagne they've been waiting to pop open and some Rock Band. I can definitely say it is so nice to have them around!! I'll be very happy to have them here in Michigan with us, and I know Gary feels the same!

Here's a few pictures of the champagne celebration. Unfortunately we don't have champagne flutes...but who needs glasses anyway? CONGRATS D'ANTONIOS!!