Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

I'm a WINNER!

We went to Sean's command Christmas Party. It was fabulous. Down to the free babysitting! We all got raffle tickets and the prizes ranged from a big screen TV to Best Buy gift certificates. After a yummy buffet dinner (our table got picked first to line up), we waited for the big event of the raffle drawing. The prizes were being handed out but we had a great table with good company. Then things got exciting. The DJ asked for 8 volunteers to come up onto the dance floor. Me, being a sucker for the lime light, scooted up there. It was easy since our table was right next to the floor. They set out 8 chairs and had us sit down. Then we played "Scavenger Hunt." This was when the DJ would tell us an item to get (a hat, napkin, nickel, business card, etc.) and as we searched for each item, one chair was removed and the last person back without a chair was out. I had a lot of help from Sean and those who sat at our table. He would get the item and toss it my way so I could be back at my chair before everyone else. Sean's CO even cheered me on. There are rumors that I beat down a girl in heels, but I claim she got caught up in my elbows. Anyway, I totally won! The prize was unknown and gift wrapped so I got to unwrap it in front of everyone and there in my hands was a Playstation 3!!! Whooo-Hooo! I don't think I touched the ground the rest of the night, I was so giddy. After a few dances, Sean and I left early to check that bad boy out. Besides, we didn't need to wait for the rest of the prizes. Before we left, my actual raffle ticket was chosen for a $50 gift card. I declined (they wouldn 't have let me take it anyway). I was bombarded with several congratulators and many wanted me to pick their winning lottery numbers. For someone who craves attention, this was the perfect evening!

Gobble, Gobble, Ahoy!

I know this is late but I need to post something new.

We had an interesting Thanksgiving this year. Sean had duty on board ship (of course!!) and so my mom came out to make sure I wouldn't be alone. Fortunately, we had permission to board the ship at the docks and had a lovely turkey dinner with the sailors. It was buffet style and we had cafeteria trays but I was determined to have a festive time. I packed up a tablecloth, cloth napkins, napkin rings, and a centerpiece. I arranged it as best as I could, considering we had a booth to sit in. It was great. We had turkey, stuffing, veggies, green salad, sweet potato casserole, shrimp cocktail, and lots of pie and cheesecake. After we ate, we worked off the pie calories with a tour of the ship. Then it was time to leave because Sean had to get back to work. It wasn't the fanciest of Thanksgivings, but it was interesting and memorable.

Wreath Crazy!

I am ADDICTED to wreaths! I first wanted one to go on my front door at Christmas time. But there were so many cute fall wreaths so I had to get one for the fall. Then spring and summer. Then things got out of hand. I needed a wreath on the inside of the door as well as the back door, and the inside of the back door, and so on. I think I have a problem. Anyway, since cute wreaths can carry a hefty price tag, I had to get crafty to feed my addiction. I had a ratty old evergreen one that I had once decorated but it was looking pretty sad over the years. I stripped it and started from scratch. I found a cute inspiration piece in the Pottery Barn catalog, got some inexpensive glass balls and my trusty glue gun and went to town. I love my new wreath and despite the poor lighting in my photo, it really does look just like the catalog.

Pottery Barn - $99

Mine - $12

Cute Thanksgiving Kid Craft

Just came back from another fabulous playgroup activity. I had to share with you this craft.

1. Paint your kid's palm and thumb with brown fabric paint.
2. Paint the other fingers fall colors.
3. Press the hand onto a dishtowel. (You may need to do some touch-up with a paintbrush!)
4. Add a beak, waddle, legs, and feet with fabric paint and brush.
5. Write a sentiment or name and date with a fabric paint pens.

This was somewhat tricky with a 2 year old but so worth it! What grandma could resist a couple of turkey towels?!

(By the way, the big turkey hand was mine. William was DONE after two imprints!)

Trick or Treat!

I finally figured out how to upload video from our video camera.

This Halloween William was very well rehearsed at saying, "Trick or Treat." He cleaned up on getting candy (or as my dad would say, "He made out like a fat rat!"). His little bag was so full when we got home. Good thing we live on a small street because he was tuckered out after about 8 homes. He was a sweet little pumpkin this time!