Happy Birthday Rosie!!!!

This and That

Here is a picture of the cards we received this year...(there are a few missing, as Rosie decided to eat them!)











Here is a picture of my hubby's last home improvement project for 2006. He took down the ugly light fixture (he picked out 20 years ago), painted the kitchen ceiling and installed this ceiling fan.











Marty wanted to show off some of his Christmas gifts and have his own "photo shoot". Excuse the date on the photo, our camera is going nuts.


















































And not to be left out Rosie has a birthday tomarrow - HER FIRST!!!!! Hard to believe that we went from 2 to 4 Pugs in one year - things really change.

Christmas Glitter

Thought I'd finally share my main gift from hubby. I have tried and tried to get a good photo, but they all come out blurry. I really think our digital camera is on it's last "legs". BLAH Anyhow, this year marked the 30th Christmas that hubby and I have shared. Not married that long, but including dating years. My engagement ring needed to be reset, so hubby decided it was time for this....







Mine actually also has emerald cut diamonds in between the round stones that are channel set. It is quite beautiful if I do say so myself. Now the only thing is that my stone is actually round and I really wanted to have mine reset. The jeweler suggested that I wear the set for a couple of weeks and then bring it in to have the center stone cut out and mine reset in the ring. Only trouble is I'm really beginning to like this ring...I mean REALLY like it. I think I may be sad when I give up the stone, but then again I'll have my own. Silly nonsense really. So hubby didn't want me to not open any gifts so he insisted on buying more, which I was not happy with. He did manage to hold himself back a bit, but still bought shoes, sneakers, 2 sweaters, a black top, gloves, socks, and a purse. I took back the 2 sweaters and the purse. I would have taken back more, but didn't want to hurt his feelings. He really gets into all the gift giving, but when I said I honestly did not want gifts I meant it! Anyhow, I gave my daughter my band of hearts and diamond band, which I got for our 5th Christmas together! I had bought her an angel ornament and hung the ring on the ornament on the tree. She was thrilled as she has always admired it. It seems really strange to see it on her hand, but I am happy it's not just in a box forgotten. I think it will always be special to her and that makes me happy.

Christmas Vacation?

Today it was back to work for me...ugh!!! Hubby only works two days this week, so he is pretty happy about that! However; my daughter is on break from college and not working much at her job(s), so she decided we should go to the movies tonight. We went to see "We are Marshall" the true story of the small town college football team who were killed in the early 70's. The movie was over two hours and there were only about 10 of us in the theater. Two different times people's cell phones went off! How rude is that. The second one that went off was right at the end of the movie and the guy actually answered the call! I also couldn't believe that movie tickets are up to $9.00 each. Are they that much everywhere? I thought that was a little expensive, but the big screen is nice.

Merry Christmas!

Table is set

Gifts

Marty's Santa Suit!!

Rosie

The Pugs hung out in my dad's old room off the dining room (which is now turning into my office. We put the gate up so the begging didn't drive everyone NUTS!

Marty & Zoey

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house. Christmas Eve dinner consisted of my family...my dad, his girlfriend, my step-dad, my sister and her family, my daughter and of course the Pugs. We had a great dinner (if I may say so myself!). Everything was tidied up waiting for Santa by 11pm! Christmas morning we got up around 8 am and opened gifts. My son and his fiance came in from Buffalo at noon and we exchanged our gifts then. We left for the SIL's house at around 3pm. More little ones there, so things were a little crazier! More eatting (UGH!) and back home by 11pm. Today we were all sooooooo tired, but daughter and I stepped out to do a few returns and get a couple more things for her. It was nice to have today off to lounge in the den with the 4 pack of Pugs.

Christmas Cuties

Christmas Checklist

1. Cookies - not baked
2. Bathrooms - not cleaned
3. Groceries - not bought

Item 1 is not getting done. My guest better hope I do items 2 and 3!!! Actually things here are in pretty good shape, although I'm trying to figure out how 2 less people live in this house now and it seems messier than usual??? Hubby says I'm the "project queen" and that if I'd stop with the projects everything would be tidy. What gives with that? I keep telling him I'm a Gemini, the twins, moving, changing, going in different directions. Hmmm, speaking of projects, I better go finish one up!

Strength & Prayers

Please say special prayers tonight for my friends BM & NM & LL. NM has not been feeling well and there is a "mass" on his Pancreas. We pray this tumor is NOT cancer and that he and his wife stay strong. Also, my friend LL has a lump earlier this week and she had an ultra sound yesterday. She sees her doctor tomarrow. (Her mama just died earlier this year) .

Marty

AM has requested photos of Marty. Marty is not the most photogenic little guy. He never has a "smile" on his face when I pick up the camera. Quite frankly I think he looks afraid.

What the Pugs want for Christmas

We have been talking about having a section of our yard fenced in for the "kids". They put their heads together and decided that they each wanted their own little "get-away" for when they are out there..... a home away from home.

They surfed the web and came up with these for Christmas. They know their daddy is good with projects.....

Here is Zoey's pick. Since she is the princess of the family, she would like a little place fitting her place in Pug-ciety.

There is plenty of room in her for her furniture and for entertaining - when she feels like it.








































Chloe liked this little Tudor style house. Since she likes to nap A LOT, this one seemed very cozy.










Marty thought this "cottage style" was nice. He is a man of few needs. He thought the porch would be nice for a breath of fresh air.


















Rosie thought this little place would be just fine. She has NO INTENTION of staying here anyway. She will be (bothering) visiting the others, so this would just be a place to grab a quick nap.

What they want - what they don't

Leah tagged us to list 3 things we want for Christmas and 3 things we don't. Sorry it's long, you know they are four of them here!

Here goes!
So, here are the rules: The player of this game starts with "3 things he/she would love to get for Christmas" and also has to list "3 things he/she definitely does not want to get for Christmas". Then he/she tags 5 friends and list their names. The ones who get tagged need to write on their blogs about their Christmas wishes, as well as state this rule clearly, then tag 5 more victims. And the one who tags need to leave a comment that says "you've been Christmas tagged!" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

Three things Marty wants for Christmas:
1. Treats
2. mom's lap ALL DAY LONG
3. Rosie to be good

Three things Marty doesn't want for Christmas:
1. Clothes
2. Having his picture taken
3. Toys

Three things Chloe wants for Christmas:
1. Endless suppy of treats
2. More of Mom's lap than Marty, Zoey or Rosie
3. Rosie to be good

Three things Chloe doesn't want for Christmas:
1. Her toenails clipped
2. Her wrinkles cleaned
3. To go on a diet

Three things Zoey wants for Christmas:

1. Peace and quiet
2. A ride in the car
3. Rosie to be good

Three things Zoey doesn't want for Christmas

1. Another dog or cat in this house
2. To get up before 10am
3. Snow or rain

Three things Rosie wants for Chirstmas:

1. Lots of toys to wreck
2. Lots of treats to eat
3. To play, play, play and stay up VERY late

Three things Rosie doesn't want for Christmas:

1. Clothes
2. Mom taking away the stuff she wrecks
3. Eveyone blaming her for all the bad stuff that happens

Let's see.....we tag anyone that has time to do this~

Yummy treat from Alfredsmom

Oh, AM love the peanut brittle. I am so, so happy no one else here likes it! I have been chomping all evening!!! Thanks!

PS - I'd take a photo, but then you'd all know how much of it I ate!

Happy Birthday Alfredsmom!!!!!

A special Happy Birthday to Alfredsmom!!! Happily blessed with her little family!!!!

Comments

Wow, how come I can comment on some beta blogs and not others? I am afraid to switch over!!!! Have those of you who have switched had any other problems? I'm sure at some point we will be forced to switch, but in the meantime - I CAN'T COMMENT. So I really do have comments (heh, just ask my hubby!) I just can't comment....blah

12 days till Christmas

Does there being 12 days until Christmas make the song start today?

Some pics to share....

This is the view of the house from the "lighting" ceremony at our friend's












notice everyone is looking up...at this
Fireworks!










Here are a couple of pics of our lighthouse village in our den.






















and a highly decorated house in my bosses neighborhood













Now on to my red tree....
















It looks to be leaning here....and I have not put some of my Pug angels back on the tree yet, but the theme is Pugs...of course! Right down to the Pug tree skirt I made last year (yep I did sell a few on ebay)























and as always...Pugs at my feet!












Marty is a little camera shy and Zoey was being anti-social in the den!

Where have I been?

Wow, such decisions....work on gifts or blog, write cards or blog. As you can see I have NOT been blogging and I'm sorry to say I don't seem to have anything completed this year! The time is REALLY getting away from me.

Recap of the past few days:

Hubby finished the floor, steps and trim in our den.
Hubby reversed the door to the garage, which has opened into the room (in the way) for the past 17 years - WOO HOO

Daughter picked up her car.

Son's loves his car and new job and got "grand opening" employee. Now for the paychecks! HA

I have written out about 1/3 of my cards, which finally arrived today. IF YOU HAVE NOT SENT ME YOUR ADDRESS - NOW IS THE TIME! Email me at mybUg1999 aT aOl DOT coM

I have finally packed up my dad's stuff. (Yes, he moved 2 months ago) His closet is full, but the room is empty. I have been stripping off the wallpaper. Wow, I really did a good job hanging it all those years ago! The plan is for the room to be painted, the blinds hung, rug cleaned, and the recliner and shelf brought down from my office upstairs prior to Christmas Eve. (I want the office back downstairs, but hubby is putting up a mild stink) We'll just move it a little at a time and before he knows it, it will all be down there!

The Pugs of Christmas past

cars, cars, cars

Well we have finished up our dealing and tonight my son drove off in a new version of this...

2006 Hyuandi Elantra










His is a champangne color with spoiler...very sweet. Turns out only $15 more a month for this with NO miles, rather than a 2005 of another model with 37K miles. His first pick was a 2003, less money, lower payment, but because he still owed on his other car and it was literally falling apart, he could not get financing enough for that age car, now instead my daughter is buying the 2003! We're a crazy bunch for sure. I gave my son a down-payment for Christmas, so he is very happy. We were happy he could kick the other one goodbye!

Lights, cards, gifts..oh my!

Yesterday our friend put on his "grand" lighting of his yard. His house looks like the Griswald's! He owns 4 acres and decorates most of it. They invite tons and tons of people and everyone brings a dish to pass and there are raffles to raise money for "Comfort Care" a hospice house in our town. It was freezing...and started to snow. Everyone (like at least 100 people) sang Jingle Bells, Santa arrived, the Grinch showed up and the yard came alive with lights..and FIREWORKS. If only silly me could figure out how to transfer the video from my cell phone! Anyone out there tell me how????

Got Lisa's card of Willow and Belle...so adorable!!! Heh, K...did you loose my address???? I hear Kritter and Rascal sent their's out, but one hasn't shown up in my mailbox...boohoo! Rumor has it my cards will arrive in the next few days. I am a tad behind in that area! If you don't think I have your address and you want one of our cards...drop me a message at MYbUg1999 AT aOL DOT CoM

I have actually begun to force myself to THINK about gifts. I have a few things bought, but FEW. I just went over my list and I need to get some ideas..and fast! Seems I have no problem getting ideas for my friends...it's just the family that's a problem. I have told my husband to "BACK OFF" the gift buying. Small stuff, fun...it doesn't have to look like Macy's under the tree. He loves the giving and receiving - yep he really does! I don't like people to feel they have to buy me something $$$$ly like my grammy would say "it's the spirit the gift is given in, not the cost"

Car update...my son purchased a "newer" vehicle yesterday too! His "new" car is a 2003 with only 28K on it. Sure beats his 1999 with 128K!!! He was able to get a loan with ME as a co-signer, which I am grateful for. He has started his job at "The Cheesecake Factory" (anyone been there?) This is only their second NYS location. Hopefully he can juggle the job and still continue to work on his EDUCATION. I am still driving with my plastic window. I have to press the car shop tomarrow to fit me in to find out WHERE IS MY WINDOW????? It's getting cold up here and tonight...ICY. Not sure how to scrap a plastic window without pushing it in! Oh, and tonight I pushed the button to open hubby's garage door and the chain and wires were flying all over the garage! The fun NEVER ends here!

Meme from Blackbird...

Hot chocolate or eggnog? Hot chocolate - Eggnog is just wrong.

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He wraps them so beautiful!

Colored lights on your tree/house or white? Colored lights on living room tree. White lights on dining room tree. Red and White lights on Pug tree, Colored lights on entry tree. White lights on house and garlands on porches, white candles in all the windows. (Are you sensing a decorating problem here?

When do you put up decorations? The weekend after Thanksgiving

What does your favorite Christmas meal include? Seafood Newburg

Favorite Christmas memory from childhood? Hmmm, so long ago! Going to my grandparents house (the one I live in now) and taking a horse drawn sleigh ride!

How and when did you learn the truth about Santa? I wanted to go upstairs in the unused third bedroom and my mom made a big deal out of it, so I snuck up there and saw all these bags and peeked in them! I was 8. I remember on Christmas morning opening my gifts and trying to act surprised.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Growing up we went to my dad's parents for a big Christmas Eve dinner and we opened our gifts from those grandparents, then after that we drove up the road to my great-aunt's house (on my mom's side) and my mom's parents and my great-grandparents and all my aunts and uncles and cousins were there and we opened lots of presents from everyone! Christmas morning was totally reserved for Santa. In my own house as an adult, we carry on the Christmas Eve dinner tradition. The family has dwindled sadly... Christmas Eve after everyone leaves we would let our kids open one gift. I'd usually have the one they opened be new PJ's!

How do you decorate your christmas tree? The living room tree has always been the hodgepodge tree. Kid's ornaments, ones hubby and I have collected. Colorful, store bought, homemade. I have boxed all but a couple of each child's to save for their own tree, so now the Living Room tree is Red and Gold balls, with my own colorful favorites. My dining room tree is white and we call it the angel tree. ALL the ornaments on the tree are some type of angel and either gold, white, or glass. My red tree is the Pug tree. All the ornaments are some type of Pug. I never put that tree away! The entry tree is red glass balls and birds. This year the birds are missing, as I packed them away and can't seem to locate them! I am taking a break from the angel tree this year. That tree reminds me most of my mom. She loved that tree and loved angels. A lot of the ornaments are ones that so remind me of her. I am having a sad time about missing her this year and decided not to add to my sadness of putting that tree up.

Snow! Love it or leave it? Well I love to shop with it snowing. It really sets the mood. I also love snow (light) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...after that...well....it snows here until March, get the drift....lol

Can you ice skate? Yes I can. I loved skating, but have found in recent years the falls hurt more!

Do you remember your favorite gift? Well, my engagement ring was certainly a nice one!

What's the most important thing about Christmas for you? Celebrating the birth of Jesus and renewed hope that the world can be a better place. I also love the music!

What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Giving presents.

What tops your tree? A large gold star, an angel, a small gold star.

What is your favorite christmas song? I'll be home for Christmas...

Dear Santa....

Hmmm, I'd like treats..yeah, treats, lots of treats, thanks...Chloe.

















Well, I'd like to chase one of your reindeer...please??? Zoey!

Heh, I'm 7 1/2 I'm not sure I believe in Santa...what? you bring stuff...okay, okay, I believe! Marty

Ahhhh, help who is this Santa dude! I want my mother!!!! Rosie!