I learned something new.

I learned something new this week. Those of you who own your own home probably already figured it out. It is MUCH more fun to buy new stuff for your house than to unpack the old stuff. Here is the little arrangement I made from things I bought at Hobby Lobby (total cost under $20.)

Here is the stuff in the living room that has yet to be unpacked. And we won't even discuss the garage full of boxes...

Derek took down our Christmas trees and packed away all the little, fragile ornaments. I hate taking down the Christmas tree, I find it quite depressing. Derek finally got fed up and did it himself. My job is to find and pack up all the other Christmas decorations. I keep finding more: the Santa welcome mat, the guest towels, the red and green basket. It's the CHRISTMAS THAT WOULDN'T END! (If I could, I would make those letters flash red and green in an annoying fashion. Just use your imagination.)

The guest room almost looks like someone could stay there. That is, you can see the bed, even if you have to climb over some boxes to get to it.

The next project is to clear a space for our new treadmill. Apparently there was a world wide treadmill shortage. When we finally made up our minds and paid for one, we learned that it would be over two weeks before delivery. Ack! Of course, they were happy to take our money right away and deliver the thing later. We are going to try putting it in the master bedroom. This means I have to find a better place for the 4 suitcases we took on our cruise. And I need to pack away all the summer clothes we wore on the cruise, but really don't need when it is 21 degrees outside.

Yes, we went on a four day cruise. We took my Dad on a surprise cruise to Key West and Nassau to celebrate a milestone birthday. He was so surprised that he almost refused to go, he kept insisting that he had to go to work. I think he has forgiven us, though. This is my Mom and Dad. Do you think he is having a good time?

The cruise also offered a very rare sight: Derek, Daddy, and my brother, James, all in tuxedos. They certainly clean up nicely. This convergence of the planets may not happen again in our life time. The last time you could see this was at my wedding twelve years ago. James was looking at his watch, Daddy was trying not to cry, and Derek looked like he was going to faint. They look a lot happier in their tuxes this time around, don't you think?

Left to Right: Mommy, Daddy, our good friend, Carol, Derek, and me! (I will blame my funny expression and lumpy dress on the fact that I am leaning over to fit into the frame.)


This is my brother, James, and his adorable girlfriend, Mina. Aren't they cute?