Meet Twinkle!

This is Twinkle, our Elf on a Shelf. He stopped by on Saturday while we were decorating the tree. Which by the way, was a little more hectic than I thought it would be. I took for granted how simple a pre-lit tree actually is {sigh} but the house does smell great with the real tree. And it does look pretty, if I do say so myself :)

We got our tree on Saturday {whoohoo!} and I must say, Addi was super excited. We went to a little place in Wanatah called Guse Tree Farm. Very cute family run farm.

The 2011 Ledbetter Christmas Tree!

Santa was there. Addi told him she wants a Wizard of Oz clock, baby dolls and a big girl bed. I have some work cut out for me.

Putting the star on the tree <3

All done!!

Now hopefully we can get the outside decorated this weekend. Our neighbors are putting us to shame :/

Y3W-In the Mood!

Well it's finally hit! I'm in the holiday spirit! Wednesday was my works pot luck and we played Christmas music {<3 it!} then Thursday was Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping. Friday was the Twilight Christmas Parade downtown Chesterton and that put me in the mood for sure!

Today we are {hopefully} going to pick out our tree. Kyle says he "doesn't feel good" which is code for "I don't want to do anything today" but we are going. I don't care if I have to go by myself. I plan on fully decorating tonight and maybe doing a little more shopping.

I've also decided to start the "elf on a shelf" tradition. Elf on a shelf is a Christmas tradition where Santa sends down an elf to the houses of every little girl and boy and reports back each night to Santa on if the children were good or bad. Each night he reappears in a new spot. Kids can't touch him or his magical dust will come off and he can't fly back to the North Pole. You have to name your elf {which I'm sure will be Dorothy} and tell Santa you got the elf. Pretty cute idea huh? I plan on taking a picture each day of his new "spot" and making a weekly post :)

Tomorrow we are going to the Shedd Aquarium and Michigan Ave to see the lights. I'm pretty excited :)

Thankful

I'm thankful for so many things I don't even know where to begin.

I'm thankful for my wonderful daughter. The apple of my eye. The giver of sloppy kisses and the greatest hugs. The best tickle monster. The goofiest, craziest little girl you could ever imagine. She's currently playing tea party with my ipad and her baby doll; while watching winnie the pooh. I don't remember my life without her and I don't ever want to try.

I'm thankful for my husband. We have our ups and downs and get on each others nerves but at the end of the day he's my best friend and I wouldn't have it any other way. He has been there for me through some of the hardest times in my life. I don't know where I'd be without him.

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. Both blood, inlaws and step. In the past 2 weeks I've really learned the meaning of "family" and I can honestly say that blood is thicker than water. I know who really matters in my life and that's all that counts.

I am thankful for my fantastic friends. From the ones I've had since elementary school to the ones who have only been in my life a few years. Each one has a special place in ng heart and I couldn't see myself without them.

I'm thankful for my job. It may stress me out at times. I may complain but it's a job and it's a damn good job. I can support my daughter (and spending habits lol) on it and makes me be a better person.

From my family to yours, happy thanksgiving!!!

Never again do I want to experience this...

This week has been one of those weeks that I don't ever want to have again.

On Sunday my step dad of 14 yrs was found dead in his apartment. I was there when the cops found him. I was there alone for 45 minutes waiting for my sister or Kyle to come up there. I was comforted by complete strangers. I had to tell his daughter who he hasn't seen in 20 yrs that he was dead. She was (well is) coming up here this weekend to reconnect with him. I had to tell his best friend of 40 yrs that he died. This absolutely sucks. And it gets worse. Since my mom and him aren't together anymore we have no legal day in anything. It's all up to his family that doesn't talk to him and his daughter. Brit and I are nothing. They say they are trying do things the best way they know how but it sure doesn't feel that way. There hasn't been an obituary yet. There hasn't been a date for the funeral yet. And I know there are people coming from all over the country but still. I've never had to experience a funeral where everyone doesnt either just jump on a plane or drive to get here for the family that's been here; taking care of him for the past 15 yrs. we are all grieving. Emotions are on high. Stress through the roof. I just wish I could be involved more. I feel 150% useless.

Kyle is taking this extremely hard. He and ray were very close. He owes his career to him. Ray took him in when he got kicked out of the house after high school. Supported us financially when we needed it. Was his mentor. And he's completely gone now. Kyle is a wreck

This whole experience has showed me that you can not take life for granted. A horrible accident could happen in the blink of an eye.

I love you ray. You were more of a dad to me than my own dad at times. We may have fought a lot and not seen eye to eye but I know now you were just trying to help me. I love u more than you probably ever knew. Keep looking down on us, protecting over the grand babies. Tell nana and papa hi for me.

Coming to you live....

From my ipad2 :) Kyle gave me my bday present early bc I had the worst day ever at work and he wanted to cheer me up. Love him!!!

Just a funny picture of addi and I. So funny :)

"Camping"

Friday night Addi went with Grandma and Grandpa "sadie" to go "camping" at their house. It was actually just a bonfire at dusk but she's called it camping ever since. She's super cute like that <3 Maybe next year I'll get over my fear of sleeping with bugs and we will go camping as a family. I think she will have a blast. I've always wanted to go back to Lake Lanier, GA. I went there as a kid and had so much fun.

{Both of these are framers...thanks grandma Sadie :)}

I'm Back!

Thought I'd give a little update while Addi paints a picture.

First off, sorry for the lack of posts. Between working so much, Halloween, being sick and life in general I've lost my motivation for blogging on a regular basis.

Halloween was so much fun! We went trick or treating in Kelly's new subdivison and man! did Addi get a LOT of candy!! She decided to be Cinderella instead of Aurora or Dorothy. She also HAD to wear her Cinderella high heel shoes the.entire.time. but she's a trooper and only said her feet hurt once.

On sunday we went to Yost Elementary to fly a kite. Addi is obsessed with Mary Poppins and it was such a great fall day, it worked out perfectly. She had an absolute blast!!