M.I.A.

Hi all :) Sorry I've been Missing In Action lately. My random photos will give you some clues as to why I've been away and what I've been up to. First of all though, many thanks to all of you who made comments here, or through e-mail, or in person, or on Facebook... about the RED BED! It was awesome to have so much enthusiasm :) Thank you!

As you can see from the stack above, I had 125 Christmas cards to address. I really don't mind because I enjoy sending something handwritten in this day and age. But it is time consuming. Our assembly line to get the cards ready worked out great though - I folded the newsletter, my 17-year-old put the newsletter and greeting card into the envelopes, my husband sealed the envelopes, and the Mouse put the return stickers and stamps on. Now that's what I'm talkin bout! And the usual brawl didn't start until later when we were playing Uno...
Now, between the hot cocoa and oatmeal on a tray, and the cute little toes poking out from underneath a blanky, I bet you can guess what else has been going on... the Mouse has been sick with a sore throat and swollen glands - fun stuff. He missed 3 days of school, but I am happy to report he's feeling better, and is caught up on his homework. And went back to school today. After I shoved him out the door. 
If you look at the photo below, here's another fun update (and subliminal message): my iPhoto program went *kablooey* and nearly gave me a freaking heart attack. I had over 6,000 photos on it - most of them backed-up fortunately (Europe and everything!) - and I spent an entire evening at the Apple Store. After navigating 3 freeways to get there. And spending 4 hours walking in circles. At a crowded mall during the holidays. While they reloaded all 6,000 photos one by one. By one. That was a really fun evening. 
But here is a favorite reason I've been missing... I've finally started decorating for Christmas! My husband put up the outdoor lights while I decorated our front porch. In 90 degree weather. Sheesh. A few days later all of us trimmed our tree while we listened to Christmas music. Our "less is more" theme turned out lovely. I still need to get my nativity scenes out, and our stockings, but things are looking good. I have had this precious little angel (below) since I was very young. It's one of the only Christmas decorations I have of my parents' things. She's teeny tiny, and so sweet. I really, really cherish her :)
I've been busy doing the usual things too, but I refrained from taking photos of our dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and the Poo Garden, for obvious reasons.

And guess what! I finally finished making *Rochelle's double-dipped rice crispy treats* and have the pics to prove it! Oh my gosh - soooooo good! We are flipping out over here! And I'm also excited to introduce you to another wonderful, talented friend of mine. Maria. She's so awesome. So stay tuned - fun things are on their way!