Giving thanks

This past Thanksgiving holiday break was very enjoyable. Lynne arrived from ISU in Wednesday and Steve arrived on Thanksgiving Day.
On Friday, Steve, Lynne, and I were dinner guests of Terri & John A. in Nora Springs. Other guests included Terri's parents (Jack & Diane S.) and Terri's sister & family (Dale, Kim, & Jake K.). What a meal! 3 different meats, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, 3 different veggie casseroles, gravy, meat & cheese tray, relish tray, and 3 different kinds of pie! It was all sooooo good! After the eating, and the sad loss of the Iowa Hawkeyes to Nebraska, we watched the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and then played cards. BTW, I love that movie! I never laugh so hard! Lynne had to return to work in Ames on Saturday.
Geoff was a guest of Rebecca S. and her family in MN. Marie & Jeff enjoyed the TD meal with Jeff's family in CO.
On Saturday, Steve & I went Christmas shopping. We picked up a few things. Slowly we are getting our list completed! Steve and I 'stayed in' in the evening to watch movies and eat chili and cinnamon rolls. He had to return to KS early Sunday.
Still no snow! And I'm thankful for that! I did hear that there is a chance of snow on Thursday and this weekend, tho. :(
Now that TD is over, people are really gearing up for Christmas. Yes, I know, that started in October! Although, Hobby Lobby had tree ornaments out in July. I'm putting out my holiday stuff this weekend.
Steve is moving from an apartment to a house. His new address is in Valley Center, KS - just 8 miles north of the KWCH-TV station. He officially moves in on December 1st. I plan to stay in KS awhile during winter break this year. Hopefully, the kids will be able to get down there too.
Bye for now,
Love ya, Theresa

Trip to M.O.A.

Halloween has come and gone. :( I did dress up as a witch and read to elementary students in 2 of my schools. It was fun!
Tina, Trudy, and I travelled to Mpls. on the first weekend in November to do some shopping at the Mall of America [M.O.A.]. We arrived on Friday and left on Sunday. We stayed at the Bloomington Marriott Fairfield right next to the airport and M.O.A. The hotel provided a shuttle to/from the mall, which was great! The hotel was nice too. We had a suite and had the weekend special.
On Saturday morning we stood in line for 1 1/2 hrs outside "Perfect Fit By Clinton Kelly." The purpose? Clinton Kelly, himself, [of the TLC show What Not To Wear] was going to do 100 fashion consultations in 100 minutes. We arrived around 8:30am and were #5, #6, & #7. We were given a wristband at 10am and told to return at 3pm. The consultations would go in order of the number on the wristband. I'm glad were got small numbers, but Tina wanted us to be at the mall at 6:30am!
We returned at the allotted time, although Tina was late. We were to think of 1 to 2 questions for Clinton. It was fun to hear what he had to say. I need to wear jackets with shoulder pads and add the color purple into my wardrobe.
There was a photographer that took pictures of us with CK and if you go to http://www.mschraderphotography.smugmug.com and look through the Clinton Kelly photo gallery you will find us [I think it's on page 7].
Anyway, Tina and I need improvements, but not Trudy! She was right on target! CK asked her if she watched his show! Imagine that!?!
Of course, we wined and dined at the mall. If you get up there, eat at the American Bar & Grill. The food and service are wonderful! We didn't care for the food at Concertina 1. Tina and Trudy liked the bloody Marys at Ruby Tuesday.
With the M.O.A. = so many stores, so little time! On Sunday, Trudy flew out to be with her granddaughter and Tina and I returned home. We did stop at Cabela's on the way to IA.
I must have caught a cold or got run down because I've been sleeping a lot this past week.
Well, I hope all is well with you!
Love ya, Theresa