Mind Doodles

Oh Yes We Did

It's Black Friday!  

I usually enjoy getting up early and knocking out some of my Christmas shopping.  This year, I didn't think I was quite prepared for that though.  In order to take full advantage of the day, you really need to have a plan--where do I want to go and what do I need to get?  I haven't had a plan yet this year.  Prior to this Thanksgiving trip, I had done exactly 0% of my Christmas shopping.  Not only did I have none of my shopping done, I didn't have any idea what I was planning to buy. 

BUT, I'm always up for a challenge.  As I was looking through the sale ads with my sister-in-law, Shelly, we saw that Old Navy was opening at 3:00 a.m.  Now, in the past, I've been at the mall at 6:00 a.m. but I have never done 3:00 a.m.!  And to top it all off, they were giving away Lego Rock Band  to a very limited number of guests.  I love a free giveaway!  So, we quickly came up with a plan.  My girls and my 2 nieces were on board as well.  They have never done the Black Friday thing, so this was a new adventure for them.  

We set our alarms for 1:00, left the house at 1:30 and were in line outside of Old Navy at 2:00.  It was 34 degress and we were ill prepared for that, but thank goodness I always have a couple of blankets in the back of my van!  

There were 16 people in line in front of us.  The doors opened, we joined into the Christmas shopping frenzy and left with a good start on our Christmas shopping (AND the giveaway X 6!)

Next stop--Target--opening time 5:00 a.m. We split up, and retrieved everything on our list.  Mission accomplished!

Final stop--Urban Outfitters.  All sale items were 50% off the lowest price.  We found some great buys there, too.  

We arrived back to the house at 7:30.  Half of the family was still asleep, so we all crashed for a few hours. 

It's great to be about halfway done with my Christmas shopping.

But, even better--it's awesome to create a fun family memory.  

                                            
 

A Day of Excess

We are in St. Louis at my dad's house for Thanksgiving.  There's this thing about my step-mom. . .she doesn't want anyone to go hungry.  That's a good thing because today is a day for eating and there will be lots of food.  I mean LOTS OF FOOD.  

There are 13 of us here.  My brother and his family (6) + us (4) + my dad, stepmom and stepsister (3).  

My stepmom, Vivian is the master pie baker.  She loves for everyone to have their favorite pie.  So, she's been baking all morning.  There are 5 pies.  Count them--1,2,3,4,FIVE! 

Last night was my dad's birthday.  She baked THREE CAKES!  Why?  So we could all have one we liked. 

So, today for dessert, the 13 of us get to share 8 desserts.  That's not to mention the cookies and cakes she bought at "The Hill"--the Italian district of St. Louis.  Those aren't homemade by us, by they are homemade by the little Italian baker.  

  

With all these desserts to choose from, my favorite thing is still the "pie cookies" she makes with cinnamon sugar and the left over pie crust.

 

Oh MY!  This is going to be good! I will try to show some restraint.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 
 

I'm a Reformed Murderer

Three years ago I received a gift from my friends Rick and Lisa.  Although very thankful, when I saw the gift, I began to panic.  I may have even broken out in a cold sweat.

You see, this gift was alive.  Alive, green and in a pot.  I'm not good at those things.  

Whenever someone gives me a plant of ANY kind--Greg always comments that we have just signed the plant's death sentence.  I guess I'm just not much of a caregiver.  

I seem to do okay with living things of other varieties.  

I feed the dog everyday.  

I even feed the family everyday.  But, for whatever reason, I can't seem to keep up with feeding plants and when I do--it resembles a drowning.  

My Granny would be so disappointed in me.  She could make anything grow.  She could bring back to life any plant that appeared dead and gone.  Her plants looked like they were just brought in from the rain forest--lucious and succulent.  

My mother-in-law is very much the same. Indoors or out of doors, it doesn't matter.  She has a green thumb. When we lived in Indianapolis close to my in-laws, I was often asked to take care of their plants when they went away on trips.  Talk about pressure!  I was always so worried that her plants would receive the kiss of death under my care.  

That's who I am. . .the plant killer.

Imagine my delight, that over the past 3 years--yes, count them, THREE years, I have kept my plant from Rick and Lisa alive.  (Now I must admit that my friend Bonnie has helped to mentor me on the care of my special plant, but, it has been primarily in my care).

I came into my office today and look what was waiting for me. . .

 

My Christmas Cactus is in full bloom!  Do you see all of those buds?

I've turned over a new leaf.  I think my plant killing days are over.

Tuesday Night Tradition

In the Stoner home, our Tuesday night tradition is to watch the Biggest Loser while enjoying a tasty treat.  

It's true.  It's sick.  But, it's true. We have issues.

Tonight's special feature:

    Cheesecake from Stick Boy Bakery with fresh raspberry sauce.  Yum! Yum!