LET THE PARTIES BEGIN...

Oh the weather outside is - starting to look like Christmas. We had a dusting of snow last night with more to come. We took a drive across the state of the Lake Michigan side (Holland, MI) for our first family Christmas party. Dick's sister, Cyndy, had a beautiful get-together for all of the brothers and sisters. it was such a great surprise to have brother Bill fly in from Florida. Curt and Cyndy have one of the most beautiful condos I've ever seen, I should have taken pictures of her gorgeous decorations! Darn!

I feel so lucky to have married into this great family! Having no brothers or sisters, this was a thrill for me. Had to get a picture of everyone. Left to right: Jan, Hersch, Cyndy, Curt, Me, Dick, Judi, Jerry and Bill.

This is the first time the brothers and sisters have been together in over a year. Wish we could have just spent the night! I'm going back soon to have a p.j. party with Cyndy and do some shopping. She has a lot of shops in Holland she is going to share with me. Can't wait!

Another added surprise was our nephew Tim and his family (Tammy and Gavin) were there from Indiana. It's the first time we've been able to meet baby Gavin and he was just a dolly. He is exactly one month older than our baby Lucy, so I can just see the fun they'll have some day soon.

Today it's back to the shop to finish up the last weekend before Christmas. I was so thankful that we've had such a wonderful holiday season, I ended up putting all of the Christmas items on sale for 40% off. What the heck? I'm hoping it will help some families find some gifts they may not have been able to buy otherwise. The shop is starting to look a little bare - at least to me. I'm so looking forward to bringing in more antiques and handmades after we have our sale. There's nothing like a "redo" for the spirits! I'm also hoping to go to the markets in January - if the weather cooperates.

Tonight we are going to keep Abbey and Lucy so Ashley and Tony can do a little Santa shopping. Tomorrow is going to be our big shopping day - I hope to get all finished up!

Monday is also going to be a busy day. I'm going to take pictures of my very favorite primitive house to share with all of you and then I'm having a little party for all of the gals that have helped me at the shop. Should be lots of fun and I'm so looking forward to spending time away from the shop.

Well, upward and onward to another busy day - I hope! Have a fun holiday weekend doing whatever makes you happy!

Until next time...