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My daughter had her 24th birthday last week so for something different I took her to “Canvas & Cocktails”.  They have a location downtown in Cherry Creek. I signed us up for “Sangria Sunday”.  It’s a “how to” paint on canvas class.  The instructor goes through the painting step-by-step.  It was so much fun and because it was “Sangria Sunday” they give you a little glass of Sangria, but seriously there is NO time for drinking.  The class was full (at least 50) and there was a range of ages, a 10 year old (sitting by us) who was celebrating straight A’s, a woman in her 70’s celebrating her birthday and a group of girls that included the “bride to be”, even a few husbands that I’m sure were dragged there but they did a great job. You pay $35 for the class and you come home with a one of a kind painting because everyone’s is a bit different. Some people painted different background colors, some of their sunflowers were bigger some smaller, it’s all about tapping into your inner child and the freedom to use your imagination if you want to . . . Amie & I are a bit more “by the book” people, we prefer to color inside the lines (LOL).  We wanted ours to look exactly like the sample (the one behind us on the wall).  Maybe we’ll step “out of the box” a bit next time . . . or not! LOL

If you are local here is the link to their website: https://www.canvasandcocktails.com/

Sooooo maybe because the sun has been shinning forever . . . maybe because it feels like football JUST started (well, the Broncos just started – LOL)  . . . maybe because I’m in denial . . . it just CANNOT be Thanksgiving next week!!!! NO WAY!!! My daughter keeps asking me to give her my Christmas list . . . she’s starting to sound like she’s my mom . . hellooooo Christmas list?

Her and I have been doing the whole Black Friday thing for years . . . getting up at 4:30am  . . . getting our Starbucks . . . then getting to stand in line . . . soooo F.U.N.!!  LOL . . . It’s “our” thing.  It’s what we do.  That’s what family is about, having traditions, things you do because it’s all about the adventure and making a memory.  Life is all about making memories and sometimes they become traditions.  Every family has their “thing”.  We have other “things” like strawberry waffles for Christmas breakfast, putting the manger out but not putting baby Jesus in until Christmas morning, and Santa alwaysssss brings a new movie and a game for the family.  It’s true, Santa didn’t bring the “big” stuff to our house, after I was divorced I said “Ohhhhh heck, No! The big guy in the red suit is NOT getting credit for this stuff – MOM did it”!!!  Yes a little selfish, but what can I say.

So, back to the Black Friday thing . . . I have to say I’m a little disappointed in some of the big retailers . . . now they’re opening on Thanksgiving??? It kinda takes away the drama of the whole 4:30am gig . . . now we’re going out Thanksgiving night and still getting up early on Friday (not 4:30am early).  Christmas shopping will pretty much be done by 11:00am and then we’ll get to take a nap . . . ahhhhhh. This year . . .  the good news is my hair is finally long enough to put in a pony and I can wear a ball cap!! Yes, it is the little things in life that make me happy (and they say women are hard to please??? huuuuhhhh nooooo!)

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Conversation with my muffin man . . .

Me: “So, Owen when are we going to have our sleepover so we can eat our fruity pebbles?”

Owen: “Oh yes, and we have to watch a movie.”

Me: “Oh good idea, you’ll have to bring your Puss & Boots movie, remember I haven’t seen that one yet?”

Owen: “Wellll why don’t we just watch it at my house on the big movie screen?”

Me: “Wellll then it wouldn’t be a sleepover.”

Owen: “But you can spend the night here! We have a guest room!”

Love that kid!!!!!

I got to break in my new cast iron pot with a batch of homemade chili. It was really good & crazy simple! Took it over to Jason & Tara’s to watch the Broncos last night with them and Owen in the “movie room”. The only way to watch a game – on a huge screen!!! (Jason made the TV/movie screen.)

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So just a little bragging . . . Jason sent me this picture last night. He built Stella a dog house & painted it to match the colors of their own house. Too cute! (looks like he got my DIY gene!) This picture of Stella was taken back in May – add about 10 more pounds.

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Yes it’s true he doessssss look older than me (thank you L’Oreal). My brother is following my blog and felt a little left out of my pics . . . ahhhhhh. Here ya’ go Weave! And ladies he’s single . . . good looking . . . tall . . . . Arm Wrestling World Champion in his weight divison and works for Sterling Vineyards in Napa, California. Dang . . . I’d date him if he wasn’t my brother – LOL!!!!