What are you thankful for???

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you had your fill of good food today. We had a really nice day at Doug's sister Lisa's house in Corcoran. These two adorable little pilgrims (thanks Kris for the great hats) are part of what I am thankful for. They are happy, healthy and thriving. What more could I ask for?? I would like to know what you are thankful for (Post it here if you can, otherwise email me). So here's a little contest. Let me know what you are most thankful for by Monday 12/1. The most creative answer will win a prize (The best way to win is to make me laugh. Lisa--sucking up will not work. :) ). What will you win?? Well it will kinda depend on where you live and how easy I can get something to you, but it will most likely be a baked good.

So, have a good night everyone and I leave you with this joke: What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy.

The buck stops here!

Ever wonder what goes on in your backyard in the dead of night?? Here's some of what goes on in our backyard. Isn't he gorgeous?? We have been putting the outdoor camera in our yard at night for several years now (not every night). It is so much fun to watch the deer change with the seasons. Their coats get really red in the spring and summer and gradually turn this light brown as fall approaches. They also herd up this time of year. It's not uncommon to see 5 or more of them (all together) at the feeder in the winter. My goal is to feed them well and bask in their beauty. Doug's goal is to........well, let's just say he would like to have them feed us. Dave Gunka--if I see a trailer anywhere near them, there's gonna be trouble!!

Carly's conference

I went to Carly's conference this morning. First of all, she has some incredibly amazing people that work with her at Parker Elementary. She has done so well this year and she is really blossoming. Carly has become so much more aware of what is going on around her. It's been really fun. Her para and her special ed teacher are especially awesome. I am so glad they are a part of Carly's life!! We are lucky to have them. Way to go Carly!!

Lorna Landvik

Yesterday I went to the Rum River Library with Kris to see Lorna Landvik. For those of you who don't know, she is a Minnesota author. I have read all of her books (except her new Christmas book that just came out). I really didn't know what to expect but wanted to see her since I love her books so much (if you haven't read her, you should try her!). She read a few bits of the book (She changed her voice with each character. Very funny.) and then answered questions. The way she answered questions and her actions (putting on lipstick in the middle of her "presentation") made it seem as though you were hanging out with one of your closest friends (which I was -- not Lorna, Kris). What a fun afternoon. After, Kris and I went to Panera for some soup and conversation. Lorna couldn't make it.

Have a good Sunday and remember -- Clones are people two.

And a good time was had by all (I hope)

Last night a group of us (Kathy (sorry I didn't include your picture but your eyes were closed and I thought you would kill me), Lynn, Jen, Kris, Missy, Bonnie, Denita and Janet) went to JRs in Ramsey to see Double Shot (BIL's band). As always, Double Shot rocked the house!! It was a lot of fun (Thanks Doug for staying with the kids!)!! The usual barflies were there so the people watching was very interesting. Cathy (my sister) was there with her gang too. Her boss Ruthie is a crazy woman. I can see why Cathy has so much fun with her. My ride home was VERY quiet. It was about 2 am (I thought the bars closed at 1 am. What's up with that?) and snowing. It was really pretty. I didn't come across any deer or drunks so it was a good ride home.

Double Shot -- Mike, Chad and Dave

Bonnie and Laura

Denita and Janet -- Full of mischief, merriment and Wet Wipes!!?

Missy and Kris -- are they becoming "regulars" at JRs??

So nice to see Jen V. I don't get to see her often (usually just once a year in August). Wish we had had a bit more time to catch up.

Dinner and a movie!

Last night I had book club. First we had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. During dinner, we discussed the book we had read (Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks) and found out what we were reading next (The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini). After dinner we went over to the Elk River Theatre to see The Secret Life of Bees. I LOVED this movie (I think we all did.)!!! We had read the book for book club 5 years ago and all loved the book too. I would really like to live with Miss August (Queen Latifah) on her 28 acre bee farm. This is definitely a chick flick and I definitely recommend it (I give it 2 thumbs up)!! Thanks Kris for a fabulous idea and thanks to all you "Tammys" (remember that book?) for making book club so much fun.

Remember --- girl's night out tomorrow night at Jr's in Ramsey (Double Shot at 9:00)!!!

Veteran's Day

Today Alex and I attended the Parker Elementary (Carly's school) Veteran's Day ceremony. I've never attended one before. I thought it was pretty emotional. They had a gun salute, bells, flag raising, Taps and even bagpipes (Is there anything that sounds more chilling than bagpipes?). We are definitely going to make it an annual event. Although I never really gave it a ton of thought, I think it's really important to honor all of the brave men and women who have served our great country. Just imagine where we would be without them. So, if you know a veteran, call them today and say hello. If you don't know any personally, next time you see someone in uniform, stop and tell them thank you. Ok, gotta jump off my soapbox now.

Have a good afternoon and be careful if you are driving anywhere this evening (We've had every kind of precip today and it's chilly.) .

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Today I was lucky enough to have lunch (thanks mom for babysitting) with people my own age (instead of 4 and 7 year olds). Bonnie, Chris, Vicky and I went to high school together (I have known Bonnie since I was five and went to grade school with her and Vicky.). I see Bonnie quite often but hadn't been in touch with Vicky or Chris since we graduated. Today we renewed old friendships. If you were sitting next to us, I truly don't think you would know that we hadn't seen each other in many (many) years! Our 3 1/2 hour lunch seemed like 5 minutes. I LOVED every minute of it. It was so much fun to see what has been going on in their lives and to reminisce.

I remember reading a book (it might have been Angry Housewives Eating BonBons by Lorna Landvik) where the main character was dying. She was trying to figure out the details of her will and she was wishing that she could leave her friends (in her will) to her children. It's a shame you can't pass on something that valuable. So, to my friends, I love and treasure each and every one of you. I would love to name every one of you here but would feel terrible if I left someone's name out. If I have done my job as a friend, you know who you are. Thank you for being a part of my life. In the words of Randy Newman (Remember this song from Toy Story?): "You've got troubles, I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We'll stick together to see it through cause you've got a friend in me."

Good night and sweet dreams.

My Halloween Gremlins

Had lots of fun on Halloween. Carly had a Halloween parade at school. She was the cutest witch ever! The princess with her is Sara. Sara is Carly's para and we are so happy to have her be a part of Carly's world!! Alex got to dress up at school too and was the cutest (I mean scariest and meanest.) pirate ever.

Alex's Birthday Celebration

Alex's birthday was October 15th. We celebrated with family on October 18th. It was a bit of a widow weekend since it was opening pheasant hunting in South Dakota. Alex LOVES Curious George so we had to have a George cake and he got some George dvds that I can now watch without sound since we have seen them approximately a trillion times. It was a good day. The picture of the beautiful girls (from left to right: Carly and my nieces, Maggie, Jamie and Morgan) was taken that day too. The photo was too beautiful not to include.

Election day is tomorrow!

Hello everyone. Gotta keep this brief. Just got home and was gone all day. Hopefully after tomorrow, our mailboxes will have less political literature and our phones will be quieter. PLEASE, PLEASE remember to vote tomorrow! It really is important. In the words of Dan Quayle: A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls (yes, he really said that). Have a great night.

Another beautiful day!

Wow! Another beautiful weather day. It's sunny and mild and it was a beautiful morning to rake leaves. We only lost Sissy in the leaves once. As always, Alex was Daddy's faithful co-pilot.

So, on this beautiful day, I leave you with a special autumn quote by David Letterman: Fall is my favorite season in Los Angeles, watching the birds change color and fall from the trees.

It's official, I'm a blogger!

Start a new month, start a new blog!! I am still trying to figure this whole thing out so I will keep this entry short.

Had Mom, Cathy, Mike, Nick, Dustin and Katie over for ham dinner today. We really had a nice day. The weather was gorgeous. I really do love this time of year (not quite as much as summer but....). This morning Alex and Doug went to the hunting land (in Milaca). Alex was thrilled to get to spend time with Daddy and his favorite Dave Gunka (Uncle David). It was a really nice day.

Just have to share my current favorite joke. What is a pirate's favorite body of water? The ARRRRRctic Ocean of course!! Have a good night everyone.