RIP Computer...

Last week my computer died. My computer tech told me this is the second time in 10 years that he has not been able to retrieve files from a hard drive. To make things worse, I felt impressed to copy my photos onto cd's like I have in the past before I had the computer fixed. (and all those times I didn't lose anything) so I brushed off the impression and there you go. LUCKILY, I have this fabulous blog that I've uploaded highlights of the last year's family events and artsy/craftsy projects. I'm using my laptop now, but when I buy a new computer, I'm going to also get one of those nifty external hard drives to save my "stuff" on. Lesson learned...

"clink...click...clunk....clink......"

This morning as Daisy and I were eating breakfast, I hear "clink...click...clunk....clink......." So I go into the TV room, look around and everything looks fine. Wait, there are a few ornaments on the ground. We are constantly telling the little glamchildren to "look, don't touch" the Christmas tree ornaments, so I just thought my cute little Daisy was just too tempted while watching Nick Jr. Then, I look over at Cosmo's log that he sits on and no Cosmo. (He's been investigating the house so I just thought he was "around"...) Then I just happened to look up at the tree, and there is Cosmo. He had crawled up through the branches with no where else to go but down. (and I think he was a little scared) So poor Cosmo is in "time out". He is now in his parent's room enjoying the heat lamp. The branches on the Christmas tree were easily bent back to shape and all is well.

Last night the power went off....

Last night while a huge storm was passing through the valley, the power went off. Good thing I had just purchased these reading glassed that have lights built in that turn on in an emergency!!!

Catching Up, Black Friday...

After Thanksgiving dinner, my girls talked me into going with them to the mall at midnight. We were crushed in a mad mob of people all going through the only two doors that were opened at the strike of 12. I got in the "costumer service" line while they scratched their way to the shops for fabulous deals. About an hour and a half latter they joined me in line. The line got progressively thicker as the rest of the mob did the same thing. I felt a little comforted that one of the security guards stood around my place in line. People were starting to get a little "ugly"... After completing that task, we then camped outside of the Old Navy store. We were just a few people behind when the last free Wi games were handed out. bummer....

Then we drove to the Walmart by Anthem. I stood in the toy aisle for 45 minutes ready to grab the assigned merchandise that I was instructed to get. The stacks literally flew down to nothing in 2 minutes. It was getting "uglier". Then I went to stand in line to pay for all these great buys and when I let two of my daughters in with me, (I was already pushing two carts full of their stuff) when the people behind me started calling me the "B" word.)

Did I mention that we actually had a really fun time?!!! Will I go next year? I'm still on the fence about that.

Catching Up, Thanksgiving...

We spend Thanksgiving day at Glampa Fabulous's mother's house. Her name is "Grandma GREAT!" (with explanation mark) It has been tradition for the grand & great-grand children to decorate gingerbread houses during the day while final preparation is being done to the Thanksgiving Feast. Look how original and cute the houses are that my daughter Hilari made for her boys out of gram crackers! If you are not decorating and filling your own belly with candy, Grandma GREAT! provides other options to fill the day like highly competitive ping pong games or acquiring a few bruises while jumping and sliding in the inflatable playground.

Grandma GREAT!'s back yard is a fabulous playground in itself with a trampoline,

Swing sets and jungle gyms,

and room to explore....

But the main attraction is still the FOOD. Glampa's side of the family are all about gourmet enticements all the way. (that's where my daughters learned how to cook, thank heavens they had lots of people around to learn from. They still call up their Dad or Grandma GREAT! for hints to make the perfect gravy, 7 minute icing or fried chicken soaked in buttermilk)

I didn't get the chance to photograph all the people who were eating inside, but there are a lot of us and it is always a lot of fun at Grandma GREAT!'s house.