Under my Umbrella ELLA ELLA ELLA

I love photos

Man, do I love good pictures. Mckmama is having a super great giveaway at her blog. What is she giving away?

Yup Lightroom. A wonderful editing program, that I'd love to have. Go over to her blog and leave a comment if you'd like a chance to win!! (I'm getting an extra chance to win by posting on my blog.
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Also in line with my love of great photos.... Check out these The Big Picture posted 2009 in photos. There are three sets of pictures. Here are a few of my favorite.

Baby Josie

My oldest sister had her third child Wednesday the 15th. Little Josie is the cutest thing. I can't wait to love on her while at home for Christmas. I'm sure I'll have an over abundance of pictures to put up of her and all my nieces and nephews (this makes 5 now!!).

Welcome Josie, we are so glad you're here!

It's been a while

This has been a busy last couple of weeks. We were able to close on our home Wednesday the 9th and got to work right away! My parents have been up a lot and have helped tremendously, along with some sibling visits and help:) So far, we have painted the kitchen, dining room, and living room, have framed in a new closet and hung dry wall, and started laying new tile in the bathroom.

We still have work to do but are hoping to be in by Saturday or Sunday. My Dad keeps telling me thats being very aggressive, but I am really hoping it works out. I don't want to pay for any extra days of rent and I REALLY want to be in before Christmas so I can decorate!

Funny story. My sis and her husband came up on Saturday and brought their precious baby boy. They arrived shortly after noon, Bekah and I both had a(for me not so much for her) strange craving for coke. So we hopped in the car and headed off for McDonalds. I was driving Patrick's car (A STICK SHIFT). This lead to all kinds of stalling and jerking into first gear at lots of stop lights. As I pull in to Mc D's I cringe to see that the parking spots on a slight incline. Although I was nervous about it, I put the car in neutral pulled up the emergency brake and got out to walk in to get that coke. After a few honks, my sis and I turn around to see Patrick's car rolling back toward us!!! Guess you are supposed to put the car in gear on a hill, pull up the E-brake and then turn off the car. Now I know! Thanks kind citizen who honked!

Pictures will be coming as soon as I remember to take them:)

Looks Like

Patrick and I will be first time home owners on Wednesday. YEA!!!! It seems like it was FOREVER ago that we actually decided we wanted to buy this house. Well it's finally happening. It looks like I may be able to put up a Christmas tree in our house before Christmas after all!!

Now I'm off to clean up and pack on my sick day.

Giving Thanks

I am thankful for:

A table to go in our new home that will seat many guests!

A grandmother who loves her children, grand children, and even great grandchildren.
Beautiful Christmas trees!
My precious Kirby!
Myles and his love for trains (especially Thomas)
Silly faces and AudreySisters and cousins
This look that says, "get that camera out of my face." A very pregnant sister who could pop any time this month. Also for a healthy baby inside that tummy.
Great food (lots of it) and Mom and Dad who love to serve.
75 years of life!!
Family!
More Silly Faces
Nieces and Nephews!

Meeting cousins for the first time.
My wonderful husband and the many ways he loves me.
Claire! Look at how pretty she is!
Sleepy babies
Cousins meeting cousins
Kirby and Treats
Brothers who love each other and the Vikings (10-1)
A great family
Also thankful that its not even December and I'm pretty much done with my Christmas shopping!

Happy (late) Thanksgiving!

The Wilsons

We went home on Friday to celebrate Thanksgiving. While we were home, Patrick took a few pictures of my sister and her family.

Table and Chairs, chairs and table, Table and CHAIRS

For the last month or so, I've been on a hunt for a table and chairs for our new home. One table down and now EIGHT chairs to go. Since its extremely hard to find a set of 8 chairs, I'm going for all random. I'm asking for friends and family to keep an eye out at yard sales, antique malls, peddlers malls, your own home, etc. If you see muted colored chairs in decent shape LET ME KNOW!!! Here's somewhat of the style I'm looking for.


I'm actually fine if they don't have the wicker seat. This isn't exactly what I have in mind but it could work.

We are storing the table in Patrick's parents office for the time being. I'll be taking a picture on Thursday and putting it up soon.

Hartlage Family