Cookie Business - Not!

In all my years as a mom, we have never made cookie cutter cookies.  The closest we got was making dog treats.  Anyway, with all four of us home, I decided this year was the year.  I supposedly made the best ever sugar cookies.  Guess what?  Not!  I made an icing we've used before.  It became our own concoction as Pumpkin splashed lots of vanilla extract into the mix.  We quickly decided we did not have what it took to make picture perfect iced cookies.  We went with it in our own way.  The blue ones are angels.  There were trees and bells and snowmen.  This was fun but not something we will do again.  We do like sugar cookies but not these!  And, our future is not in the cookie business!

Towel Ride

When it rains, we place a towel by the back door using it to wipe Buddy's paws off.  He is so funny.  He winds up relaxing on the towel.  The boys did not want him snoozing on the towel by the back door.  So, they picked it up at the corners and moved him in with us.  This dog will let you do just about anything to him.  He doesn't even seem to mind.  They put him down and he remained on the towel just enjoying life with us!

Vandy vs Penn

On our way home from Cincinnati, we stayed over in Nashville.  The new Homewood Suites on West End is lovely!  It sits across the street from one of the dorms I lived in and brought back lots of memories.

We were all excited about the basketball game.  The Big Guy graduated from Vandy and got his Masters from Penn.  It wasn't hard for him to decide who to cheer for, though.  With most of the students gone on break, we got to sit in the student section.

There is something special about the Memorial Magic!  Granted.  The lighting with the iPhone is not the best!

 Love the pano feature!  My niece ended up joining us for the game too!

We were glad the 'Dores came out with the win.  It was a great night adding to the memories of this holiday!

Cincinnati, Day Two, Christmas 2014

Before heading to Cincinnati, I printed down some photo props.  My siblings moaned and groaned at my request to use them in pictures.  BUT, the wonderful memories were captured and we all had a lovely time!  My sister gave us light up necklaces you will see in some of the pictures.  Looking back through all these pictures makes me wish we lived closer.

Cincinnati, Day One, Christmas 2014

Visiting my mom - wonderful having all four of us there

 She got a new haircut.  It looks lovely.

 Peanut is the best wheelchair pusher.  He does have a knack with the elderly.

 We gave her this pillow last year.  Here they are with it.  Real.  Live.  And, in person!

 Off to Newport to the Haufbrauhaus…Pumpkin is going to Germany over spring break with the Academy choir.  We are so jealous!

 A beautiful tree in Newport...

 Love spending time with my brother and SIL

 Gotta have some ice cream - finished off the day with UDF's peppermint chocolate chip.

Snapshots!

Peanut swam his first 500 the night before finals were over.  He did ok and I think he enjoyed having Pumpkin there to watch.  The funny thing is that we had to wait for Pumpkin after the meet was over.  How is that the case?  He did not even swim.  It was just like old times!

As soon as finals were history, we hopped in the car and headed to Cincinnati.  Our stop for a late dinner was Skyline in Louisville.  Yum!

Time Flies...

Pumpkin flew in last Wednesday night.  Loving the time with him.  Unfortunately, we are in the 24 hour countdown until he flies away…gotta go spoil him!

Soup Kitchen

In the spirit of feeling grateful for all that we have, we volunteered in a soup kitchen over Thanksgiving.  It is always humbling.  I hope to spend some more time helping others...

Turkey Trot 2014

The boys ran the Turkey Trot 4 Miler on Thanksgiving.  It was at a new venue and it was cold!  This photo was after the finish.  All three ran well...

I know.  I am bit behind with my posts.  Not sure why...

Cheering on the Grizzlies

I've never been a big NBA fan.  But, I've got a few of them in the house.  It was heart warming to have them all together watching the game.

 SomeBUDDY else was glad to have Pumpkin home finding his comfy spot on his bed!

Table is Ready

My table is ready.  The forth leaf was added!  Just gotta make puppy chow, mop the kitchen floor, work a few hours, change the sheets and, then, a certain someone should land in Memphis!  We know he is excited to come home for a few days.  So glad he is getting out of the northeast before the weather hits.

On Sunday afternoon, we were leaving Costco.  I know these iPhone pictures do not do it justice.  This was the brightest rainbow we've ever seen.  As we drove, it seemed like we might be able to touch the end of the rainbow.  However, that pot of gold was elusive as the end kept moving.  It was just beautiful!

Those Eyes

Those eyes…I'll get to see them in person in a little over 24 hours!

They do look a bit scary peering through the goggles.  I am sure they will be sparkling!

Chef's Life

A few months ago, I was exploring on Apple TV and came across the best show, A Chef's Life.  It is no secret that I enjoy to cook.  I was completely enamored with Vivian from the first episode.  The funny thing is so was the Big Guy.  If you have access, give the show a watch.  We are so sad that we got through all the episodes and have wait for new releases.  We are also trying to figure out a way to get to Lenoir City.  Someday, we will get to Chef and a Farmer!

Office Move

The Big Guy started in a new position on Monday!  He was excited.  It is always stimulating to expand your horizons.  I helped him with some of the stuff.  He wanted to have it all in place.  That way he could focus on the new job.

His new office is actually an old work room.  The music is playing and he will move again before the music stops.  He got a desk on Monday and hung a few more pictures.  It is now his home away from home!