Christmas 2013

Christmas is my favorite holiday. You can tell by the decorations around the tree and along the wall that I go a little overboard on the decorations. It all started about 12 years ago with a little white stuffed dog with a green stocking cap lying under the tree. It was so cute that the next year I added more stuffed animals. My intention was to add ONE Christmas character each year. But things got a little away from me. This year as I was decorating the tree and putting out the characters, I swore I was going to downsize for next year. But the more I think about it the more I think who do I get rid of? Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and Woodstock? Rudolph and the other 8 reindeer? My Hallmark snowmen creations? The penguin on the sleigh singing "Just hear those sleigh bells jingling..."? This year I did restrain myself and did not buy one thing to add to my menagerie. But Karen contributed to my addiction and gave me a fiber optic Santa - it's standing on the cabinet under the television.

One of the best things was waking up Christmas morning knowing Melissa, Jamie and Violet were with me. They did have their own Christmas tree in their downstairs apartment so they could experience Violet's first Christmas.

And even though Michael did not spend the night, he and Ashley came to join in the festivities.

I was also surprised to receive a text from Michele wanting to come to Kanas City to watch Violet open her presents. It's not often that the four sisters are together.

But all eyes were focused on Violet. Since she wants to walk all the time holding on to your fingers, I thought I'd get her a stroller that she could use to support herself while she cruises through the house.

If you close your eyes and think of Dad while you watch this video, there's not much difference between the two. Both Dad and Violet cruise around quite well holding their respective "walkers"!

Christmas Crochet Creation

I've been crocheting for so many years making afghans, scarves, headbands, booties, etc. for my family and friends that I've just about exhausted giving any of them crocheted gifts. But now I have Michael's girlfriend, Ashley, to lavish with my creations.

So I made her a scarf and headband for Christmas - purple is her favorite color.

I took Michele's advice and took a close up picture of the scarf to show the detail of the crocheted pattern.

Merry Christmas to All

I've been wanting to send a holiday card for several years but never had a picture that I was happy with. So this past Thanksgiving I had Jamie set up his camera and had the kids coordinate outfits so I could get a picture for my Christmas card.

I am really happy with the way it turned out. Tomorrow is Christmas and I'll be running around all day fixing dinner and entertaining family. So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Even though my Christmas lights have been up since Thanksgiving, I've been holding off posting a picture because there wasn't any snow on the ground. Be careful what you wish for!

Each year I try to add a new decoration to my menagerie of Christmas characters. But the kids of have threatened to disown me if I continue with my redneck ways. The candy cane, Santa, Christmas Tree and snowman are acceptable, but they draw the line at the pink flamingos, pink pig, and waddling geese. So this year I bought a few more balls for the tree.

Tomorrow is Christmas and the decorations will soon be coming down packed away for next Christmas. I think I'll sneak out for the after Christmas sales and see what outrageous delight I can add for next year.

Robeez - Crochet Boots

There's a new style of infant shoes called Robeez. Melissa just had to have some for Violet but you can only buy then online. It's so hard to determine shoe size especially for Violet. Her foot is too big for 6-12 month size and too small for 12-18 month size. So Melissa went ahead and bought the 12-18 month size. Of course they are too big for Violet so I quickly got out my yard and crocheted her a pair of boots.

The picture is a bit misleading. The angle makes the Robeez look extremely big compared to the boots.  There's really just about an inch difference plus the boots stretch. Violet wore her crochet boots out yesterday on her shopping trip with Mom and Dad. While they were in the store a lady come up to Melissa and tapped her on the shoulder and handed her one of Violet's boots. I thought she liked them...that's Melissa not Violet.

Violet is 9 Months Old

It's getting harder and harder for Melissa to take monthly pictures of Violet. She just won't sit still.

Pictures are a bit blurry because Violet doesn't always want to cooperate. I thought she'd be walking by now and run from the picture. As long as there's something to hold on to, she can travel all over the house. I'm usually a couple of steps in front of her and I move all the things she can't touch out of her way.

Melissa was a little more creative and took this picture from the back.

Jamie at the Maverick's Game

Their are several sponsors that set up booths out in the hallways before each Maverick's hockey game.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make Jamie stick his head through the life size cutout of this hockey player. Every time we enter all the drawings but haven't been successful in winning anything so far.

Meanwhile Violet was home showing how squash and avocados are not only tasty but good for your skin and hair.

Violet's First Visit with Santa

I can't believe I almost forgot to post this picture.

Jamie and Melissa took Violet to see Santa at Bass Pro Shop which accounts for the reindeer in the background. Melissa had the idea of taking Violet in her pajamas. They expected her to cry when they dropped her in Santa's lap. But the photographer was very proficient and snapped the picture before Violet even realized where she was. Later they took Khloe and Lola to get their picture taken with Santa. But as soon as they put the dogs in Santa's lap, Lola took off.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Dad hit another milestone today reaching his 87th birthday.

Michael, Karen, Teresa, Brad and I took Dad to breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel. Then Karen, Dad and I headed to Harrah's for Dad to take advantage of my "coupon Sunday" coupons which I gave him as a birthday gift - thanks Harrah's. Although the coupons didn't return a big windfall, we had a good time. Dad, 364 more days until you reach the big 88.

December Birthdays

I used my Harrah's celebration dinner tonight to celebrate the December birthdays - me, Jamie and Dad.

The celebration dinner allows me to spend $500 for dinner. You'd be surprised how hard it is to spend that much money for 8 people for dinner. We had appetizers, steaks, lobster tails, desserts and even took home a bottle of wine. On top of that everyone had "to go" boxes so we have dinner for tomorrow night.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today was just like any other Thursday night dinner except it was my 59th birthday. I feel like I should start a bucket list of things to do before I turn 60. But the only things I can think of are clean out my closets, organize my storage room and garage. I need to pick something daring and exciting and outside the house. Nothing comes to mind right now but I'll add "think of things for my bucket list" to my bucket list.

Dad, Michael, Melissa, Jamie, Violet and I went to dinner at Bandanas. The bar-b-cue was good and Melissa and Jamie had a cherry pie waiting for me at home. I'm not crazy about celebrating my birthdays. I've entered that period where people say "you look good for your age." I'd hate to think of what they'd say if I looked bad. Probably no one would ever speak to me again.

Jamie and Melissa Date #2 Post Baby

Last night I gave my Mavericks ticket to Melissa and volunteered to babysit Violet while they went to the hockey game. Melissa put Violet to sleep in my bed before she left but was terrified that Violet would wake up while she was gone. But the event center is 10 minutes away and I promised to call if she woke up.

Wouldn't you know the game went into overtime and then a shootout. This time the Mavericks lost and I swear Melissa and Jamie were home within 10 minutes of the game being over (I was listening to it on my computer). But Violet was still sleeping. Best babysitting job I ever had.

Now there was the problem of what to do with sleeping Violet. We had a couple of options. 1 - we could leave her in my bed and I could sleep on the couch. But that was quickly nixed since none of us would be able to hear if Violet woke up. 2 - Melissa could get in my bed with Violet and I could sleep on the couch. But Melissa didn't want to spend most of the night awake with me snoring on the couch. 3 - Melissa could pick Violet up and take her to her own bed. Although number 3 was the winner, Melissa had a bit of trouble getting Violet back to sleep. That's probably why they say never wake a sleeping baby.

Thanksgiving

For the past several years I've been making Thanksgiving dinner. There's the traditional turkey and dressing (Grandma Eddie style), mashed and sweet potatoes, green beans, corn pudding, jello salad (thanks Karen), cranberries and rolls. Karen even brings a tasty dessert. But I'm getting to the point where something always seems to go wrong. Last year the turkey wasn't done so we put slices of it in the microwave and tried to eat turkey jerky - it was so overcooked. This year the turkey was perfectly cooked but the dressing was not cooked. And the dressing is the best part. So I quickly turned on my Master Chef mind and threw the dressing in a skillet. Besides being a bit burnt from trying to cook it so fast, it was pretty tasty.

I also took advantage of both Michael and Jamie being home and had them put up my Christmas lights and outdoor decorations. Then I made everyone dress up so I could get a family picture for my Christmas cards (picture to be revealed at a later date).

But we also took a few pictures of Michael and Violet.

Melissa and Violet.

The Taylor family (Khloe and Lola were hiding).

And Michael and Dad.

But, of course, Violet stole the show with the best picture of all.

Next year it's either dinner at Melissa and Jamie's new house (hopefully it will be completed by then) or we go to Harrah's buffet!

Maverick's Game with Michael and Ashley

Jamie had to work Wednesday night so I took the opportunity to treat Michael and Ashley to the Maverick's game.

 
Poor Ashley wasn't prepared for how cold it can get in an inside ice rink. But the Maverick's won after a five minute overtime, a tied shootout, and 24 attempts at the goal during sudden death. We also won a catered dinner for 20 at the chuck-a-puck game. We'll probably save the catered dinner for Violet's birthday celebration. Where am I going to come up with 20 people to come eat bar-b-cue.

Bundled Up for the Winter Chill

Melissa picked up Jenn and Randy from the airport and stopped at Kaleidoscope at Crown Center on the way home.

Sure is a good thing I can crochet. The weather was rather chilly but Violet was able to keep warm with the hat and blanket I made for her. It really must have been cold because Violet kept the hat on her head.

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Violet is at that stage where she mimics the things that you do.

I think she's spending a little too much time with Khloe and Lola. Although I did creep downstairs and caught Melissa with a toy in her mouth.

Chicago

Last year, Melissa and I met Michele and Courtney in New York City for a weekend getaway and it was cold and rainy. This year I met Michele in Chicago to visit Courtney and it was cold and snowy.

After arriving in Chicago, Michele and I headed by way of the 'L' to meet Courtney for lunch in the heart of downtown Chicago. Now I'm more of a taxi girl but Michele is mass transit all the way. It's easier for me to watch the meter in a taxi cab and pay the driver than to try and navigate how to buy a ticket from a machine for the train. By the way I missed the sign that said "No Change Given" so it cost me $3.00 instead of the $2.25 regular fare. When we got off the train the snow was lightly falling. After lunch we proceeded down State Street to do a little holiday shopping for ourselves. State Street runs parallel to Michigan Avenue - better known as the "Miracle Mile." Michele's favorite mode of transportation next to mass transit is walking. Walking in 80 degree weather is okay. But walking in blowing snow with the blistery winds of Chicago is shear torture. Did I forget to mention that the lightly falling snow was now heavy snowflakes that were sticking to my eyelashes?

But I kept up with her and kept walking from store to store to store to store. Michele thought I was going into the dressing rooms to try on clothes. Little did she know I was taking short naps.

Around 3:00 p.m. we were tired of shopping so Michele suggested we walk to my hotel. I suggested a cab but Michele insisted it was a short walk. So we made our way over to Michigan Avenue. The first address I saw was 200 North Michigan Avenue. My hotel was at 800 SOUTH Michigan Avenue. By this time we were not only avoiding the heavy snow and blowing winds but trying to avoid slipping on the slick sidewalks. Once we got to the hotel it was time to turn around and go to Courtney's. Now Courtney lives about 6 miles north of downtown Chicago. The 'L' stop was only two blocks from the hotel - yeah! But Michele's train pass wouldn't work so back on the street we went. I actually thought she was going to make me walk all the way to Courtney's. But the next stop was only two blocks away. This one had an attendant who passed us through and we were safely on the 'L' headed to Courtney's.

On this train ride I was treated to a panhandler asking for dollars, quarters, nickels, dimes, anything he could get to buy a McDonald's cheeseburger. Besides thinking he was going to pull a gun at any moment and mug me, I was wondering how he got the $2.25 to ride the train. Why didn't he use that money to buy a cheeseburger? Only in Chicago. I did get to see Wrigley Field and several condos with bleachers on the roof to watch ballgames. We got off the train at Courtney's stop and walked another couple of blocks to Courtney's condo.

Michele was explaining to me how Courtney lived in what was once a "gangster" neighborhood - very old and interesting. If it wasn't so cold I would have enjoyed exploring that part of town. The best way I can describe Courtney's condo is IKEA heaven.

It reminds me of Sandra Bullock's condo in Two Week's Notice where Hugh Grant keeps remarking how amazing it is how few steps he can take to travel the entire length of the apartment. After dining on Chicago style pizza I was so relieved when Michele suggested Courtney take me back to my hotel - in her car I might add. This time I saw Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, the Sears Tower and the ferris wheel at the Navy Pier.

The next morning I headed the two blocks to the train station with Michele's instructions in my head to get off at the "Chicago" stop. But when I got to the platform both trains were there and I couldn't remember which one to board. So after they both left the station, I stopped a couple pushing a baby stroller and asked which train to take. I was hoping they didn't think I was some crazy lady looking for money for a McDonald's cheeseburger. But they were very helpful and another train arrived within five minutes. Michele and I planned to meet at the McDonald's (how ironic) at the "Chicago" stop. I was so glad to see the golden arches when I climbed the steps from the train. After a quick bite we once again proceeded down that glorious Miracle Mile. Besides shopping, our goal was to meet Courtney at the German Festival.

Christkindlmarket is Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival full of unique shopping booths and German flavored food.

By this time Michele had nearly walked the soles off my new Skecher's GoWalks so I pleaded for her to lead me to the train station so I could go to the airport. As I passed through the 'L' gate Michele instructed me to stay on the train until I got to Midway Airport. In fact she told me they would make everyone get off the train at the airport. What she failed to tell me was to get on the "orange line" train. I distinctly remember Courtney saying she heard a train coming. So the train stopped, I got on, then heard Michele and the CTA attendant screaming for me to get off. I jumped off the train just as the door was closing. There was Michele on the platform telling me I got on the wrong train. I was on the "pink line" instead of the "orange." No telling where the pink line went. For all I know I could still be in Chicago riding that damn train waiting for the conductor to tell me to get off because we were at the airport. Michele was wondering how she was going to have to call Melissa and tell her she lost her mother.

Winter in New York and now Chicago. I'm a little hesitant to commit to meeting Michele next year. I'm afraid I may end up in Alaska...probably one of those Alaskan cruises - yikes!

Winter Hats

I thought one of the benefits of knowing how to crochet was having a granddaughter to model my creations and designs. With winter coming on, Melissa asked me to crochet a hat for Violet. My first attempt was a little small. So I made a few adjustments and made a second hat. But Violet won't leave the hat on her head long enough for me to get a picture.

So I have one picture of Violet in the smaller hat (a little fuzzy). This was just before she yanked it off.

And Mickey and Minnie volunteered to be my models to show off both hats. Violet has been wearing hair bands since she's been born so people know she's a baby girl. But she won't have anything to do with these crocheted hats.

Taylor Design Plans for New House

Melissa and Jamie are working with their builder trying to redesign their house so it fits building requirements in the subdivision where they are going to build their new home. They are also looking at buying new appliances and furnishings. If Mama Melissa continues to make too many upgrade changes...

Baby Violet is going to have to get a job to help pay all the extra costs. I don't think Steak 'n Shake would be her first choice unless it came with an unlimited napkin bar. This girl can eat paper faster than Lola can steal toys. Notice the piece of napkin on her upper lip. Gotta love that face!

Princess Violet and Prince Miles

Violet had a play date with her boyfriend Miles.

Miles is 3 months older than Violet but they're about the same height and weight although Violet may have him beat by a bit. By the looks of this picture it looks as though Violet will be the dominant person in this relationship. Miles just adores her which is the way it should be.

Violet is 8 Months Old

Bring out the Etsy sticker - baby Violet is 8 months old.

I can't believe another month has gone by. Violet claps, dances, says Mama, and now...

she stands all by herself. She's only done this a couple of times. Most of the time she holds your fingers and cruises around the house. She's beginning to walk around the furniture by herself. So when she found herself standing alone, it scared her a bit. Next month Melissa may not be able to get a picture of her with her 9 month sticker. Violet could be running away from the camera.

Thank You Karen - Violet's Chiefs Sweatshirt

The Chiefs are having a rather rough game tonight defending their undefeated record against the Denver Broncos. But thanks to Aunt Karen, Violet has a new Chiefs sweatshirt for her TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY dance. The only problem is the Chiefs game didn't start until 7:30 tonight...Violet's bedtime.

But Violet put her sweatshirt on early and posed for a few pictures before she went to bed. It's already after 9:00, my bedtime, so I'll have to find out if Kansas City was able to beat Denver when I get up in the morning. At half-time they are behind 10-17.

Birthday Party

For only being 8 months old, Violet has been to more birthday parties than I ever went to.

Melissa stresses out so much trying to think of a gift for a 1 year old. The last party they went to was for a little boy and she bought him a plastic dump truck. When she asked me what to get for the little one year old girl today I told her "a dump truck?" I really think she'd save a lot of money if she just raided my ribbon and bow plastic tote and wrapped up an empty box. That's what Violet seems to enjoy to most!

Last Vegas

If you haven't seen Last Vegas you need to schedule a couple of hours and go see it especially if you're in that "older" age bracket. I thought it was very typical of men over the age of 60 who think younger women really want them. I giggled through most of the movie.

Michael and Jamie just returned from Vegas. Michele made this picture taken from the Last Vegas trailer and used Photoshop to add the faces of Dad, Jamie, Michael and Uncle Ed. I stole this from her blog but I had to have a post of my own.

No Shave November

Although Michael says he's not participating in "No Shave November", he showed up for Thursday night dinner sporting a moustache and beard.

I've never seen this look on him before so you can imagine my surprise when I saw him. At first I didn't like it, but it's so faint that it really doesn't look that bad. He says this is a week's worth of growth. I think I'll buy him a razor for Christmas.

Violet and Leftover Containers

I cleaned out one of my cabinets and filled it with plastic containers so Violet could have a new form of entertainment.

I know this idea has been used forever but this has a surprising twist. The bottom shelf pulls out like a drawer. Violet loves this. I don't know who has more fun - me or her. I'm afraid I might run out of containers. While Violet plays, the puppies usually take a couple and chew them up. We need to eat faster to keep up with the empty containers.

Michael in Vegas - 30 Years Later on Fremont Street

Michael left for Vegas yesterday to meet up with Jamie. You can image how surprised I was when I got a text from him this morning at 8:15 a.m. Kansas City time which made it 6:15 a.m. in Vegas.

He sent this picture taken on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas and he stitched it together with the same picture taken of Dad, Mom and Uncle Ed. I'm not completely sure but I believe it was taken at least 30 years ago. Leave it to Michael to be so creative.

Michael always makes the most of his time when he's on vacation. No resting for him. Add to the fact he's with Jamie and I'd be surprised if either one of them gets more than 20 hours of sleep in the next 5 days.

Violet's Adventures in Phoenix

I haven't heard much from Melissa since they left for Phoenix but I always figure "no news is good news". I have to beg her to send pictures of things they are doing.

Sunday morning they spent time at the soccer field watching the kids play soccer. Look at her in shorts and I'm bundled up in the mornings taking the puppies out for a walk.

Then Sunday afternoon Violet met her first giraffe at the zoo. Melissa says Violet didn't seem too impressed with any of the animals.

Except maybe the stuffed kind.

But I think this family vacation is better than the trip to Dauphin Island, AL last June. At least Melissa isn't frantically calling the airlines for an early flight home.

Meanwhile, I'm back at home twiddling my thumbs and taking care of Khloe and Lola. It's not too bad except at bedtime. They think my bed is theirs. They left just enough room for me to squeeze in between them. I'm sure they scurried away once I started snoring.

Today Michael heads out to Vegas - Dad is taking him to the airport - that ought to be a trip. I thought of hopping on a plane and joining him on Wednesday but with last minute flights I'd be in the air and stranded at airports longer than I would be in Vegas.

Violet Heads to Phoenix

Violet's off on her second vacation in the 7 short months of her life. This time she's headed to Phoenix, AZ and taking her first ride in an airplane.

I dropped Melissa, Jamie and Violet at the airport this morning. I wish I could have gone inside to see how you get a baby and stroller through airport security.

Melissa reports Violet loved the ride and didn't fuss one time. I was worried that Southwest would be the first airline to blacklist Violet from future travel.

Happy Halloween!

Violet is getting ready to go out for her first Halloween.

I was out one day and saw this costume. I thought it was so cute and creative. Melissa says most babies are a ladybug for their first costume. Oh well, it was either this or a bumble bee.

Dunked at Swimming Lessons

I captured a video of Violet getting dunked at her swimming lesson.

She goes off the frame for a bit because I didn't know whether to concentrate on the camera or figuring a way to save her in case Melissa chickened out half way through. I really don't think Violet knew exactly what was happening to her. As long as she has her duck you can do just about anything.

VIP Host - Michael and Grandpa

I took Dad to Harrah's last Friday so he could see Michael working as a VIP Host.

Dad's not happy with the picture. He thinks he looks old. I keep trying to tell him he looks good for a man his age! I also think he's just saying that so I'll take him back for coupon Friday.