Michael's Blog

Winding Down!

Maggie has had too much Christmas!

Good Christmas Thoughts!

Life is so busy here lately, but there are so many good, festive, happy Holiday things going on right now! As I drive to work, I am listening to Sugarland "Gold and Green." I could play "Little Wood Guitar" 20 times, in fact, maybe I will!

Despite the fact that the tree fell over on Monday, we got 160 cards sent out last night. Mom and Michelle made a great team along with me. Most of them will get there by the 25th! I have to get more prepared on cards next year. Even kits seem to take too long!

Tuesday afternoon, I joined Janet, Bryan, his Mother Brenda, and several others for a festive gathering at Butler High Rise in Marion. It was great to spread some holiday cheer to the residents there! Later that night, Mom and I made Oreo Truffles and Cranberry Tea! We even cooked dinner together. I love this, a lot!

I am planning to wrap gifts tonight, and I still have a few to finish making. I just hope I make it in time for Santa. Lol.

Find joy in the season!

My Latest Christmas Decoration!

My leftover Halloween Hand Soap turned festive, complete with rhinestones!

This is Me. Right Now!

Now, who wants to come help me stamp Christmas cards?

Storage Tubs of Cards!

Spending the evening with Michelle! Watching volleyball and making Christmas cards.

These are the simple moments to cherish forever!

Thursday Night!

And I'm cropping Christmas card pictures in bed! Lol. Its all good!

Old Fashioned Christmas!

One of my few indoor decorations this year! Lol!

I love the that the vintage ornanments were once my Grandmas!

Good Christmas Stuff!

This picture comes from Sunday night at church. Bryan helped me wrap gifts for Hoyleton Childrens Home! He invented the "tape candle" so we could work more efficiently! I love this! Next on the agenda was pizza with the family. These are the best moments! The simple ones with family!

I worked on more Christmas after work today, then Janet and Chrissy came for dinner. Janet made a chili, cornbread casserole. Perfection with some hot sauce and sour cream! We then baked cookies together! Ranger cookies for my cookie exchange at work tomorrow! Not sure how I am going to work that in, but I will make it happen! I brought some cookies to Bryan at the hospital, and some to Grandma and Grandpa.

As I think about all that I have done, and still have to do, I am overwhelmed with happiness, and gratitude. Life is crazy, but I am a lucky man, and I wouldn't change a second of mine!

Fast Paced Christmas!!!

This is me right now, warp speed and Christmas.  Planning, organizing, and loving every minute of it!  I am busy, but I love it.  I am truly blessed beyond measure!!! 

 

 

Annex Christmas Party. . .2011!

Just thought I would share a few pictures from my work Christmas party last night.  We had our inaugural party at the Annex Coffee and Deli!  It was tight, but we all fit!  Bryan was working, so Tracy, Dawn, Dana and Sam were my dates for the evening.  Four, yes, what can I say, lol.  Amy and Barry cooked, and the food-Italian salad, pesto, cheese tortellini and lobster ravioli was fabulous!  Michelle, Janet and Gail helped serve and clean up, and from what I have heard they are ready to hire my sis. . .love you Michelle! 

Here are a few pictures from the evening. . .no pictures of me dancing, praise the Lord!

Hanging with Colleen and Tracy, they work upstairs in Southern Illinois Dermatology, and Tracy and I could tell you funny wedding and event stories until the cows come home! 

My coworker and friend Dana, boy can we laugh together, oh yeah, and work too! 

My friend Tracy Hays! 

Tracy's Sister-Dawn! 

My friend Denise; Denis is the property manager for Van Acker Properties.