Monday - December 22

Bah Humbug, Scrooge, etc., etc....that's probably what some would call me today as the boys and I (Grandpa helped, too) put away some of the Christmas decorations.    Trying to keep ahead of the game with all there's to do before we leave Saturday.    But....me who loves Christmas sooooo much taking things down on December 22nd????

 

We exercised this morning and then I had 8:20 eye check-up (all good).   Mark took the boys to McDonalds to meet the Monday morning group and then picked me up at 9:15 (eyes were dilated) and we had another 45 minutes to sit and chat with everyone.    We won't see these folks till next spring, except for Sue and Jerry in FL.

 

It has been raining all day - just a nasty Monday.    After breakfast Grandpa was our chauffeur and Liam and I dropped off some winter coats and toiletries at the St. Vincent de Paul Society.    Home to make waves with the Christmas décor and Grandpa ran a few more errands,    We took a break after lunch and played our 2nd round of dominoes with Liam, the winner.   

 

Good day to be indoors making rollo/pretzel/m and m treats and the boys and Grandpa played rummy.  

 

While we're in the rain, cold and gloom, here's Uncle Ryan and Luke basking in the warm

 Florida sunshine....

 

The Sunbirds

 

The boys chose Steak 'n Shake for supper, but we never got seated - 3 people were in front of us and we stood there and waited and waited.....one man who was seated, got up and walked out and said "I've been waiting 20 minutes to be waited on" and out the door he went!    So, we left, too....went to Monicals (2nd choice) and enjoyed good pizza, salad and mac and cheese (Connor).

 

As the rain continued to come down, we drove around town (east side and west side) to look at Christmas lights - wow....some folks really go all out (BIG time gaudy), but fun to see it all.   Stopped at Meijers for a few groceries and on home for another round of dominoes won by

 Grandma - tah dah!!!!!    The stiff competition  continues...

Come on, Connor....your turn!

Saturday - Sunday, December 20-21

We were off Saturday morning at 8:30 for the big Christmas celebration with Mark's family.    Visited his Mom at her new home and got the grand tour - very nice facility.    Then we were off to the church hall for delicious lunch with several of the family, played games (dominoes, cards, etc.)   We all went to 4:30 Mass at St. Pat's and then enjoyed a bountiful feast and gift exchange.    Annette's parents joined us, too for a total of 82 (31 family members missing).   Great time was had by all with some big

announcements:

 

We celebrated Adam's college graduation and wish him all the

best as he pursues a physician's assistant career.

 

Adam and family - Sarah, Darrell and Sharon (Mark's sister)

 

Two birthdays - Bridget is 30 and Michael is 4

Moms and their birthday children

Alison (niece) and Michael; Janet (Mark's sister) and Bridget

 

And the big news that Lisa and Joey have set their wedding date - October 10, 2015

 

Back to the hotel for lots of games and cards....

 

Sunday, after breakfast, Mark took me to his Mom's and he winterized her house which will go on the market March 1st.   Yesterday, several of the kids and grandkids came to pick up their treasures from Grandma's house.

 

Mark and his Mom

 

We said our good-byes to Mom and off to Mendota to visit Bob and Linda.    Then to the Elks to meet my cousin Dick and Mary and enjoy Bloody Mary's'   

 

My kind of Bloody Mary with all the fixin's.

 

Bob, Linda, Mary, Dick

 

 Good to catch up with all of them.    Bob, Linda, Mark and I went to the Chinese restaurant and enjoyed a great late lunch.    We had planned to stop and visit my cousin, Jim at the Lutheran Home, but they are under quarantine with several cases of the flu.    On home, unpacked and Anne brought Liam and Connor who are staying with us till Tuesday evening!   Got lots of projects for these little guys the next few days!

 

We started a domino tournament tonight - Grandpa won the first game!   Back at it tomorrow

 

As you wind down these last few hectic days, never forget the

"Reason for the Season" !    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday - December 19

The SUN was SHINING all day long - it was wonderful!!!!!    Thank you God!!!  

 Everyone was lovin' it!

 

I exercised and then off to Claire's in the country for a lovely tea, with mimosas, delicious pastries and fruit in front of their beautiful tree.   So fun to just sit and chat the morning away.    Then I was off to Brenda's for another spot 'o tea and see her new décor (paint and furniture) - beautiful and so different from what she had.

Home to make some salads for the weekend, finish packing and getting other things done around the house.     I visited Margie in the afternoon and took her some of the yummy ham and cheese buns   We had such a good visit.    Home for a bit and Mark and I went  to Mandarin Garden for delicious Chinese.   Home to do face time with Luke - happy little guy before bedtime.

Tomorrow we are going to Dixon for Mark's family Christmas - also cleaning out his Mom's house with the kids/grandkids taking furniture and furnishings.   Can't wait to see her new home!

 

Thursday - December 18

Had a nice morning with my friend, Anita - we have not seen one another in over a year and met at the Coffee Hound for hot drinks and delicious peppermint chocolate biscotti.   So enjoyed hearing what's all going on in her life.

 

This afternoon I met Anne at school for 2:15 Mass (pre-school thru 8th in the gym presided over by 4 priests).   Liam read 2 of the petitions.

 

Mark ran some errands this morning and afternoon!   Saw just a little sun today!

Marty came for dinner tonight - chili and ham/cheese buns (new recipe that is delish)!!!   Such a nice evening just sitting and yakkin' away, reminiscing, etc.    He is the best neighbor and friend!!!

Gee....one week from tonight, Christmas will almost be over....

Nighty night....

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - December 17

We were promised some sun today....didn't happen!     Did have a few snow flurries!    Exercised this morning and got the pictures pretty much organized and have bags for my brothers and some for our kids!    Got a few groceries, had lunch with Exchange and said good-bye to these great friends till next spring!    We'll see a few of them in Florida.

 

Dotty, our realtor came thus afternoon to talk about the house going back on the market March 1st.   

 

Cleaned out the ole junk drawer and my utensil drawer this afternoon - jobs I keep putting off and now, so glad to be done!

 

Tonight we went to Liam and Connor's Christmas program - grades K-5.    Their Dad did all the sound and lights - awesome!!!    Very enjoyable!

 

Our handsome dudes did a great job tonight!

 

And a few pics of all the lights (also had stars on the ceiling)