It's a...............boy or girl??

Good Afternoon blogger friends!! This just in...........my friends Emily and Mel are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their baby girl/boy sometime today. Please keep them in your prayers, as they are very nervous/excited. (they are adopting this precious bundle) I would love to be with them right now, or near them, but that's not an option, and its killing me!!! Hopefully before I turn in for the night, I will have some awesome news!!!

This pic is of my Alex 10 years ago!!

Nice weekend, coming to an end :)

Hey there fellow bloggers!!! Just thought I would stop by here and wish everyone a wonderful week!!! The week before Christmas......the hustle, the bustle, so much to do, so little time. I myself feel pretty good about the upcoming week. The gifts are almost wrapped, a few cookies baked....(as long as Alex stays out of them, I'm good!) the house, well, it will need a good cleaning sometime this week, when the spirit moves me.

Last week when Alex and I were shopping, we came across some mens suits. Alex has always wanted a "business suit" and now with FBLA, he will need one. I'm also hoping he will slow down on the "growing front" and will hopefully be able to wear this more then once. I think he cleans up pretty good for a 15 yr old!!!

Today, Alex and I made a quick trip to Minot (about 20 miles from our home). Our last stop was to Chocolatopia to pick up some Chippers, chocolate covered potato chips. I hope all you faithful readers have experienced Chippers, as they are the ultimate best treat ever!! Nothing else can top Chippers.

Here's hoping you all enjoy the week before Christmas. During this time of year, we take the time to remember and be thankful for all the blessings in our lives.

Thank you for frosty mornings, like today.

Thank you for "business suits".

Thank you for Chocolatopia!!

Have a great week, will post more later this week.

Favorite Foto Friday.......

Here are some pics from past Christmas's.........always a fun time in our home!!! Alex is 15, and in the 9th Grade. Arthur (wiener dog) will be 4 in January. They are both a joy to have around. Arthur is my faithful little bed partner, who will take up as much of the bed as he possibly can!!!

I found the following scripture on another blog site, thought it was fitting for this time of year....

"So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun."Ecclesiastes 8:15

Hope you're all enjoying this wonderful time of year!!

Rita, Alex & Arthur

Christmas Photos..........

Just thought I would post a few pictures from the weekend. Had Alex and Arthur pose for a few. Still no good outside pics. We now have snow, which I am sure some of you would think thats real cool. However, we North Dakotans don't think too highly on the snow front. I have seen way too much snow in my life, I think I could live without for a winter.

Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season, I have yet to finish my shopping, but intend to on Thursday.

Have a great week!!

Rita, Alex and Arthur (woofwoof)

It's Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!!!!

Hope you all survived Black Friday Shopping. I was out at 4 am, as that's when Kohls opened. Well, won't be doing that again. I will wake up early to shop, but I will never wait in line to pay for purchases for over 2 hours. Nope, can't do that!! I did get to a few stores, bought a few gifts, and a few things for Alex and I.

Our Thanksgiving was good. Good food. Was great to see my brother and family from Minneapolis. We actually see them more then we see my family that lives close to us, but thats just fine. Nick loves Alex, and is so much like my Alex when he was younger. Gillian is growing up so fast. Kind of sassy, just like the rest of us!!

I am slowly getting things ready for Christmas. Most of my decor is up, and collecting dust. Things are looking up around here. I love the Holidays, and never seem to have enough decorations.

Alex is at a party at a friends house, so its kind of quiet here. I am very much enjoying it!! I am off to clean up some of my decorating mess.

Have a great weekend!!

Keep Believing,

Rita

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hello friends,
I absolutely LOVE this time of year......yep, you guessed it, the Holidays!! I love the food, the decorating, spending time with family - and this year...... going Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving!!! This time of year is simply magical and I just want to savor each day. We will be in Grand Forks at my sister's house for Thanksgiving. My whole family will be there, as we are also celebrating my oldest brothers 50th Birthday.
I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my wonderful son. Always willing to help me out when I need it, letting me take a nap after work, without waking me to make supper, even though I had every intention of making it. He's pretty self sufficient, and can make his own dinner!! I am thankful that he does well with his studies......it amazes me that he is so smart, and knows so very much about life, and whats going on around us. I am thankful for Alex's speech program. Dr. Savokeul has taught him so much in the last 5 months. His speech has not only gotten better, he's also learning about communication, and the importance of it. I am thankful for Alex's school. This week they had quite a scare and I think they handled it pretty well. They took action and took care of the problem. I am also thankful for our local law enforcement. They not only spared our school from a disaster, they also arrested 2 murderers who were in our area this past fall. (FYI: I live in a small town, we don't get much action around here.....)

Lastly, I am thankful for my family and friends. Without them, life would not be as fun!!! I love my work family, they are the greatest and I am very grateful for the friendships that I have made with all of them the past 2.5 years. I am thankful for my parents. They take such good care of Alex and I.

I hope you all have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Giving Thanks,

Rita, Alex and Arthur

Fly Murray, Fly..........

I just visited my friend Murrays caringbridge site and found that he passed away early this morning. Please keep his wife Mary and their 3 children, Matthew, Megan, and Macy in your prayers as they continue life without their Murray. This passed Thursday, Murray was able to be at Megans final volleyball game, which I am sure was an honor for both of them.
Thats all I have for tonight.............not a great way to end my weekend or start my week for that matter.
hugs,
Rita, Alex and Art