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and checking it twice...
 
I'm not usually a list maker, it seems I have the best of intentions but never seem to go back to them once I write them.  Except during this time of the year, I have to have lists to refer too.  Crafts/Gifts I'm working on, cookies made, gifts wrapped.  Some get their own lists.  Shopping lists for gifts, shopping lists for groceries, crafts I want to do, did or...

Last weekend I spent the weekend doing family things, one of my favorite things to do besides for scrapbooking!

 On Friday night Chelsea, her girlfriend Michelle and I went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then went to see the movie The blind side, which was absolutely awesome!  In between dinner and the movie we stopped at a scrapbook store that's located in Alliance and I found out Michelle...

The poem that I wrote several years ago for Ryan that finally made it in the paper.

 The joy you brought this family
each day that you were here
has given us such memories
we'll always hold so dear.
Your shy and quiet manners
your bright and happy smile
drew everyone who knew you
to love your special style.
Your love you gave completely
you'd share all that you had
to see someone...

 
Our last Christmas with Ryan we went to get our tree on his birthday.  That memory is so special!  We went to dinner for his birthday and then off to the tree farm to get our tree. While searching for the perfect tree he shared with the woman at the tree farm that it was his 5th birthday, she proceeded to give him  $5, which was like fifty dollars to a 5 year old and that smile you couldn't...

It's getting into that busy time of the year, and this week is probably my busiest!  So last weekend we had to take advantage of everyone schedule and meet for our annual cousins pictures...
Every year we try and get a group picture with just the cousins around Christmas time. Here is last years version....
 
On Saturday we met up in Medina Square to get our "cousin" picture and needless to...

It's hard to believe that he has been gone so long when I can picture the details of him and his life so vividly like it was yesterday!

  Ryan K. Zarlenga December 7, 1987 - February 23, 1993
I often wonder, at age 22 would he be graduating from college this year, majoring in? So many things I often wonder... and that's all I can do is wonder
It goes without saying that life is just too short!...

Don't you just love getting out your Christmas decorations.  Just the other day I was telling Chelsea, besides for the overwhelming part, I really do enjoy decorating for the holidays, and a part of that decorating is remembering the details about the decorations and ornaments.  One of your favorite decorations from a friend or the mouse nobody stole from you when you picked numbers at the Michigan...

Here are some of my projects from my Work in Progress kit this month
 
I made our favorites lists, like favorite Christmas movie, song, book, etc...
 
tic tac anyone?
   
 
  this album I plan to document the tradition of getting our tree on Ryan's birthday
  
Loving that Stampin up die! 

 
I have been reading the book Ordinary sparkling moments and continue to be inspired with each page I turn!
When we focus our energy towards constructing a passionate, meaningful life, we are tossing a pebble into the world, creating a beautiful ripple effect of inspiration.  When one person follows a dream, tries something new or takes a daring leap, everyone nearby feels that energy and before...

My day as I will view through my December Daily... 
Tuesday December 1st - Went to lunch with Chelsea, did some Christmas shopping, stop by Trish's house then return home and continue decorating house...
 
Wednesday December 2nd - Annual shopping day with mom and Deb!  Ran 5 miles with no ipod = torture!  Continue the decorating...