Walk & Wag

Saturday was Gladstone's 7th Annual Walk & Wag in the park. All proceeds benefit the Gladstone Animal Shelter and of course, as a member of NAWS (Northland Animal Welfare Society) an animal lover and as a dog owner, we just had to attend. Completely in typical Karisma fashion- we were not exactly early... Now don't get me wrong- we were there in plenty of time to register and to enjoy the walk- we just didn't get there early to participate in the doggie games. As if Clifford would be up for doggie obstacle courses and bobbing for biscuits?! He's more likely to roll over and play dead for it. :O) Anyway, it was just enough for the kids with a little time left over to play too! Beautiful weather helped make for a great day for all! (Pix to come when the computer decides to cooperate...)

HAPPY EASTER!

Yesterday (Saturday, it took 2 days to get the pictures to load!) marks the day for the Olson Family 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt! What a great time we had! We hid about 1300 plastic filled eggs on the bunny trails around the home, split up the big kids (5+) and the little kids and set them loose! I think everyone had a blast and I don't know how many times I heard, "I've never seen so many eggs!" One little boy came up to me afterwards and said he found "ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE EGGS" and he had just the biggest smile you ever did see! I think had the weather been a little better- considering I think it was only in the 30s, we would have had an even bigger turnout! I couldn't even tell you how many people were here- there were kids and parents everywhere! Plans are already in the works for how we can make improvements and make it even bigger and better for next year and the years to come, so don't worry if you couldn't make it or weren't invited this time.... I think next year, we may even sell T-shirts! Ha ha ha. You just never know!

Extreme Makeover Reveal

Ok, so today was the big reveal for the Extreme Makeover and my mom and I thought we'd go and check it out! The only thing I could find online was that the reveal would be "about noon." So at 11:00am this morning when I saw that, I called mom and told her to come right over- and she did! I hadn't even showered yet! :O) So, I hurried and got ready and we ran right over to the shuttle sight! They shuttled us right up to the crowds and we rushed right in and pushed our way through and stood on tippy toes and inched our way just as far as we could. I, of course, inched my way further and further, nearly to the barracades on the sidelines and we were down just about as far as they were letting the common folk get... I finally found a little slope that I could just barely peek through and if I held the camera up over the heads and zoomed in just right, you could even see the house! We stood there and waited and cheered and chanted as they keyed up the crowd and filmed and taped and recorded some footage. They practiced bringing their new cars in, a new convertible black Mustang, a new black Excursion (I think) and another new big 'ol black Ford truck, we cheered. They brought down the bus, we cheered and chanted. They did takes of the limo pulling up to the house (empty), we cheered... After about 3 hours, it got old. I was hungry and thirsty more than anything- I hadn't had my Diet Coke yet! So, we high taled it out of there! It was a pretty amazing experience and I'm glad we went. I think we left just in time though, as we were shuttling back, we saw the limo with the family in it on their way for the true reveal! I can only imagine how many takes they were going to have to do... I think our timing was perfect really, as I'm sure we beat the crowds leaving too.

It's truly amazing though, how much they can accomplish in less than a week! So many volunteers put countless numbers of hours into making this possible. They've collected money through various events, local participation and the St. Patty's Day Parade! They've transformed a 912 square foot house into a 5200+ square foot home, with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, given them 3 brand new cars, had college funds donated to each child and collected enough money to allow them to go on! I can't wait to see this all when it airs in May. Till then, here's a sneak peek of my glimpse into todays madness:

PET FOOD RECALL

***PET FOOD RECALL***

Menu Foods said it's recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands, including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
The Canadian-based manufacturer is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced between Dec. 3 and March 6. The company distributes the products to numerous retailers in the form of cans and pouches and under different brand names.The products are sold at stores including Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Pet Valu and Kroger.Officials are warning pet owners to immediately stop feeding the contaminated foods to their pets and said owners should see their pets' veterinarians if they develop signs of kidney failure, including loss of appetite, vomiting or lethargy. The company said they have conducted tests, but are so far unable to locate the source of the contamination.

A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates is available from the Menu Foods Web site at http://www.menufoods.com/.

Meanwhile, two other companies — Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. — announced Saturday night that as a precaution they were voluntary recalling some products made by Menu Foods.

The 34th Annual Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Information from www.kcirishparade.com

When:
Saturday, March 17th, 2007 (St. Patrick's Day!)
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Where:
Downtown Kansas City
The Parade starts at the corner of Pershing Rd. and Main Street. It proceeds east on Pershing to Grand Blvd. and continues north on Grand Blvd. to Truman Road.

Plan ahead when arriving...
With the large amount of construction Downtown, plan on arriving plenty early to minimize traffic congestion and leave yourself time to find parking. Please be considerate of the area businesses- without their continued support this Parade would not be possible.

The History of the Parade:
The 19th century Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parades were pageants of great pomp and circumstance. The Irish Benevolent Society would lead the processions composed of bands, police and fire department personnel and dignitaries of all description from church to church in day long extravaganzas often ending with grand balls.

The festivities were always well reported in the Kansas City newspapers.

The 1875 Kansas City Times declared the Parade to be "the noblest Pageant of the Year".

The first parade in 1873 flowed from the first St. Patrick's Church at Seventh and Cherry from a HIgh Mass celebrated by Irish-born paster Father James A. Dunn, with the assistance of four other Irish priests.

The steadily growing parade crawled through the steep streets of what is now Downtown, stoping at old St. Teresa's Academy. The bands passed therought hte campus's iron gates and were greeted by young ladies who bestowed upon them wreaths of white flowers and shamrocks.

The procession then spilled down the bluff to the newly established Annunciation Church and School ot 14th and Wyoming, where Father Donnelly washed, anointed and blessed a new church bell.

For years uninterrupted, the Irish continued to stage bigger and grander parades. More groups joined in - the police department, the Hibernian Knights, Father Dalton's Temperance Cadets, Select Knights of A.O.U.W., German Catholic societies, the Knights of St. Patrick, labor unions, city and county officials, more divisions of the AOH from Kansas City, Kansas, and other surrounding communities.

The resurrection of the parade:

On Friday March 15, 1974 Daniel Thomas Hogerty led a St. Patrick's Day parade of secretaries, businessmen and shoppers on what would again become a Kansas City Tradition.

The Parade was threatened with respectability in 1977. The presence of four floats, marching units from local Catholic High Schools, bag pipers and an extended route as well as television coverage lent the Parade a hint of credibility. Murphy vowed "no one would ever bring class to the Parade".

By 1978 the crowd viewing the Parade grew to 35,000. Schools sanctioned their students' entry in the event and the route wound over nine blocks through narrow downtown streets. Once again Dan Hogerty led the Parade. In 1979 the route was moved to the Loose Park, mid-town area and ended in Westport. Organizers, participants and onlookers alike soon realized the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade belongs downtown. Much to everyone's delight, the Parade returned downtown the next year.

In 1981, the route extended from the River Market area (River Quay as it was known then) over 16 blocks to end at 11th and Baltimore. The Parade Committee had now grown larger than the 1974 Parade. The Parade organizers boasted a Grand Prize of two round trip tickets to Ireland for the "best entrant". Over 3000 participated in the Parade itself and the onlookers number over 110,000. For the first time in 1981 the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade was reported to be the third largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Nation. The 1982 revelers went back to basics, emulating their 19 th Century counterparts, by beginning the day with a Mass said by Bishop Sullivan (head of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph). Bishop Sullivan reminded the worshipers of Irish decent that "the Irish are non-conformists and a non-conformist is a non-apathetic person, a responsive person". The route in 1983 moved to where it remains (with the exception of 1995 when it moved a few blocks West when participants marched North along Broadway) to this day. Stepping off at the corner of Pershing and Grand Boulevard, the Parade headed due North along Grand Avenue, a boulevard created for Parades. The two mile Parade (almost 30 blocks) and was viewed by 300,000 onlookers. Monsignor Arthur M. Tighe, Pastor of Visitation Parish, described the Parade as "Kansas City's Mardi Gras". The blossoming of the Parade brought with it "rules" to curb rowdiness and insure the safety of onlookers and participants. The "last entry" in the Parade is now traditionally the street sweepers. In 1999 the Parade crowd was one of the largest ever; reportedly up to 400,000 onlookers lined the Boulevard. Irish Tri-color banners adorned the Boulevard in early March in anticipation of the event. The Parade lasted from 11:30 'til nearly 2:00 p.m. and the clean up continued until dusk.

I don't think any of us ever dreamed our little publicity stunt would turn into a parade two miles long with several hundred thousand spectators," said O'Neill. "We just wanted to drum up a little business for our friend, Danny Hogerty. Today's parade is really a tribute to the popularity and appeal of Mike Murphy, and it's a reflection of the marvelous sense of pride that still exists among the Irish in Kansas City." Jody Watson, the Lone Bagpiper, will, as he has for many years, lead off the march followed by color guards, bands, drill teams, floats of all description and revelers of all sort. During the years the Parade has evolved into the largest single day event in Kansas City and shows no sign of stopping. One thing for sure--Mike Murphy and pals will be present in their garbage truck just to make sure this Parade stays "odd".

Northland Extreme Makeover

Ok, so they're half way through the makeover event in the Northland, but for those of you not from KC, you may not have heard about Ty and his team in the area. So, I thought I'd share a quick tidbit about the family and the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" even to hit our area (again)!

"Jesus and Michelle Jacobo had four children of their own when they took in Michelle's five nieces and nephews to keep them out of foster care, according to family members. Then Michelle's father moved in to help out. But as the 912-square foot home began to show wear and tear, the nieces and nephews were at risk of being taken into foster care anyway."

"The family - which now includes the Jacobos' children Antonio, 13; Jessica, 11; Joshua, 9; and Gabriel, 4; as well as nieces and nephews Natalie Rodriguez, 18; Brittany McMahan, 16; Tyler Simmons, 11; Angel McMahan, 8; and Miriam McMahan, 6 months - will head off to vacation in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., as crew members and hundreds of volunteers and workers demolish the home and replace it with a more expansive and efficient one so the extended family can stay together."

Prior to this makeover the family was crammed together forcing Jesus and Michelle to sleep in the unheated garage, the 3 boys to live in teh basement hallway and the grandfather to sleep on the living room floor. One bedroom has no heat and has often had ice forming on the walls in the winter. Due to unrepairable clogging in the bathroom sink, the family must brush their teeth in the kitchen sink and take turns eating in shifts or sitting on the floor as the kitchen cannot accommodate everyone.

Demolition began Tuesday morning and will run through Saturday, concluding and participating in the Kansas City Saint Patrick's Day Parade! The family will return for the big "reveal" Sunday afternoon!

Kevin Green Homes Inc. of Parkville that also participated in the "Extreme Makeover" 2 years ago for firefighter Stephen Johnson and his five children will also do the Jacobo home.

Information and quotes from kansascity.com; Joyce Smith, The Kansas City Star.

Excellent Link on Short Sales

Ok, so I've been trying to catch up on the latest in Real Estate News and blogging... I came across this excellent blog I think you'll enjoy, but more importantly in their article on short sales that seems too close for comfort. Short sales are what they are and becoming more and more common. I encourage everyone to check this out and become more familiar with them whether you're a seller looking for a way to avoid foreclosure, a buyer looking to save some money or an agent looking to learn more... each transaction is different and every bank seems to have their own set of rules.

http://www.raincityguide.com/2007/03/05/short-sales/

10 Most Common Home Defects

From "House Notes" Newsletter from The Inspection Company, LLC, February 2007, Volume 3 Issue 2.

1. Poor Drainage; Improper drainage can lead to water intrusion in the basement of homes and even severely compromise foundations.
2. Failing or aging heating and cooling systems; Older heating and cooling systems require maintenance and may be energy inefficient. There is also the risk that they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes that are harmful to the family.
3. Environmental hazards; Older homes may contain lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds, and even asbestos.
4. Inadequate ventilation; This occurs when moisture accumulates in homes which damages interior walls and structural elements.
5. Improper Maintenance; Taking poor care of your household appliances can create consequesnces. Simple actions like cleaning out the lint trap in the clothes dryer can help prevent a fire.
6. Plumbing problems; The pipes under your sink can be made of incompatible materials that lead to dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, and slow drains.
7. Roof problems; The roof of your home may contain old or damaged shingles and improper flashing due to rain. The overall structure of the roof may be affected because of improperly installed collar ties and ridge beam supports.
8. No permit; Many homes do not have permits for finished basements, deck additions, hot tub, and pool additions. This can lead to unnecessary fines when putting the house up for sale.
9. Electrical safety issues; A home with an out-of-date or insufficient electrical system can lead to fires and electrical shock. Examples of other electrical safety hazards are ungrounded outlets, lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), aluminum wiring, and faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building. These are potentially hazardous defects and not to be taken lightly.
10. Rotted wood; Wood placed around areas that are frequently wet can begin to rot. Wood around bathtubs, showers, and toilets are espcially defective. The exterior of the home, including the outside trim of the house, decks, and roof eaves, should also be checked regularly for signs of rotting.

Check these areas of the home often to prevent damage and provide repairs when needed. The above suggestions may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation.

Big Yellow Box by Crayola

Ok, so I added the link to my site, but failed to tell you all about it... I cannot believe that! Things have been crazy, and I've just been out of the blogging loop. I hate to update post after post all in one night- I think you need time to "absorb." Whatever?!

So, about Big Yellow Box, by Crayola. Have you heard of it yet? If so, then you know what all my craze and excitement is all about! If not, then you've got to sit back and be prepared to hear all about the newest and latest division of Crayola and Hallmark! Let me first ask you, what do you think of when you hear the word Crayola? Quality, Fun, Excitement, Creative? That's what Big Yellow Box is all about! Fun and exciting ways to rekindle creativity, to get together and create all inclusive projects with endless possibilities for kids from 3 to 93!

I just discovered Big Yellow Box last month and JUMPED RIGHT IN! I couldn't wait to get started! I received my consultant's starter kit on Valentine's Day and have been opening boxes, creating projects and just having a blast ever since! I really feel that this direct sales business is just on the verge of booming! And what better market to be in at the breaking ground! For more information please feel free to visit them at www.bigyellowbox.com and of course, keep checking back here as I post more stories and inspirations about the latest and greatest products, offers, specials and sales going on. Feel free to email me anytime for more information too about purchasing any of the products, hosting your own Big Yellow Box party or even becoming a consultant yourself and starting your own Big Yellow Box business!

And just in case you were wondering..... I'm still doing Real Estate full-time 100%, this part is just for fun! And yes, I'm still involved and volunteering for NAWS- Northland Animal Welfare Society and updating the website as well as recruiting sponsors, contributions and donations for our upcoming 1st Annual Ruff Ride Dice Run on June 16th!! As always, your cooperation and support in any and or all of my endeavors is truly and greatly appreciated!

The Big Daylight Savings Scare

Ok, first let me appologize for the forever late announcement... Issues with signing into this darn account!! FINALLY, I've risen above and conquered and I'M BACK!

Now, as for the big Atomic Clock Scare Warnings.... Simply put, this year, some wonder genius has decided to move daylight savings up 3 weeks. Typically it's the first Sunday in April, this year it's THIS WEEKEND- the 10th of MARCH. So, needless to say, the preprogrammed atomic clocks, don't know about this HUMAN change in plans. Will this stop time? No. Will our computers all shut down, never to start up again? Will our digital watches just run on and on in mad chaos? Probably not. The sun will still come up and continue to shine, the rain will still run it's course, flowers will still bloom in the spring... Time will go on. It just might not be accurate without a little manual manipulation or about a three week wait. At least that's my take on it and my opinion. I'll go ahead and "cut" you in on the Washington Post's point of view and let you come to your own conclusions.....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013102318.html

What The Homes Of The Future Will Look Like

The National Association of Home Builders predicts homes of the future will look like this:
* Ceilings will be high and flat or have decorative panels or domes.
* Living rooms will be gone, replaced by a den, parlor, or library.
* Dual closets will be standard in the master bedroom.
* Entry doors will be at least 6 inches wider han the 3-foot doors of today.
* Bigger garages with front-to-back parking.
* Open floor plans defined by ceiling panels, floor coverings, or pillars.
* Shower stalls will be bigger and may have multiple shower heads.
* Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces will be common.

Information courtesy of the "House Notes" newsletter provided by The Inspection Company.

Is Your Home Office Tax Deductible?

Is Your Home Office Tax Deductible?

You can deduct certain expenses if your home office is the principal place where your trade or business is conducted or where you meet and deal with clients or patients in the course of your business. Your home office will qualify as your principal place of business if you use it exclusively and regularly for the administrative or management activ- ities associated with your trade or business. There must be no other fixed place where you conduct substantial administrative or management activities.

Generally, the amount you can deduct depends on the percentage of your home used for business. Your deduction will be limited if your gross income from your business is less than your total business expenses.

Here are some basic facts to consider if you work at home:

A home office may qualify for deductions if you use it for administrative or management activities of your trade or business if there is no other fixed location to conduct such activities.
The home office deduction is available to you whether you rent or own.

If you rent, figuring your home office deduction is relatively simple. Just multiply your annual rent payment by the percentage of the total space occupied by the office. That prorated portion can also be applied to utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance.

There are limitations to home office deductions based on your income. The taxpayer must be able to itemize deductions, using Schedule A. The home office deductions - along with other miscellaneous deductions - must exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income.

If home office deductions exceed net self-employment income, those deductions may be carried forward to the next year, again, only if the self-employed has sufficient net income.
For telecommuters, the business use of an employee's home must be for the convenience of the employer, and the employee must not be renting the office space to the employer.

5 Tips on Understanding Home-Office Deductions

Take advantage of every legal opportunity to reduce your taxes. Recent changes in the law benefit business owners who use their homes as an administrative and management base but work at other locations.

Ask your tax professional to analyze your business regularly so you don't miss important deductions.

Document deductible items. These usually include such costs as computers and other equipment, telephone charges, furnishings, and prorated portions of rent, utilities and home insurance. You may not deduct expenses for lawn care or those related to rooms not used for business.

If you are a homeowner, discuss with your tax advisor whether or not to take a depreciation deduction for the office space.

For detailed information, go to the Internal Revenue Service website, and download IRS Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home.

If You've Got It, Deduct It...Maybe.

Running a home-based business can offer many beneficial tax deductions that other businesses sometimes may not claim. Unfortunately, too many small business owners end up paying extra taxes every year because they are unaware of several small business deductions that are available.

Each business may be different, however, so be sure to discuss any possible deductions with your tax advisor or accountant.

If you join any business or purchase into any franchise, the expenses, such as kits or franchise fees, may be claimed as deductions.

Be sure to save all receipts for any supplies you purchase for your business use. Computer paper, business cards, pens, catalogs, or any other items you purchase and use for your business.

Most advertising and giveaways can be claimed on your taxes. Keep all receipts for any newspaper ads or any advertising you do online.

If you have a phone line or internet connection for business use, save all receipts for each bill paid.

If you incur fees from customers' bounced checks, those amounts may be deductible. Be sure to keep the returned check, the letter from your bank and your bank statement to show the fees you were charged.

Keep receipts for all shipping supplies and postage.

Computers, copiers and fax machines may also be deductible.

The Trivia Block

When did the income tax become a permanent fixture in the United States?

In 1913, with the 16th Amendment. (Tax rates started at 1%!).

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Finally! We got snow! About 3 1/2 - 4 inches of beautiful soft, white, fluffy snow! So just after breakfast we all bundled up and went out to play! We've got the best driveway for sledding too! It was a little too deep at first and the sleds were more like snow scoops, but once we packed it down some, you could really catch some speed! I think Tony and I had more fun than the kids! They were much more involved with building their snowman and making snow angels! So, I thought I'd share a few picks..... Enjoy!

A Dozen Quick Fixes or Short-Cuts for Preparing a Home For Sale

by: HomeStaging by Cynthia, Inc.


Crusty stove burner plates.
FIX: Replacements are cheap and look good for showings; keep the old crusty ones to switch out before cooking.

Worn out cabinet hardware.
FIX: If replacing the kitchen hardware, keep the less-worn hardware and switch them out with worn bathroom hardware.

Dingy bathroom floor tile grout.
FIX: Use a scrub brush and Comet—it’ll look like new again!

Stained shower floor.
FIX: After taking a scrub brush and Comet to it, tape the drain closed, add an inch or two of water, add a bit of bleach and swish then let stand a couple of hours.

The dog’s nose prints and a toddler’s hand prints on the front storm door glass.
FIX: Keep the door closed.

Dusty silk trees and greenery.
FIX: Take it outside, aim the leaf blower on it and power on!

Nowhere to quickly stash things before a showing.
FIX: Empty a kitchen drawer or cabinet shelf for daily items.

Wet towels hanging everywhere.
FIX: Hang decorative towels, don’t use them, then toss wet towels into the dryer before leaving for work (if everyone uses a different color towel it’s easier to identify them later).

In the process of getting rid of things.
FIX: Use your car trunk to store items that will be taken to charity.

Keeping up with a clean house for showings.
FIX: Everyone use one shower, preferably one with a shower curtain (you don’t have to squeegee a shower curtain).

You’re dashing out the door for a scheduled buyer tour and discover your child has pulled every toy onto the floor.
FIX: Store many toys behind a closed door or up high where you decide when it comes out for play.

Smudges on the wall paint.
FIX: While Mister Clean Magic Eraser can be a miracle-worker, it can also take off the paint. Apply a little Baking Soda with a wet white cloth and gently…gently… rub off the smudge. Don’t forget to rinse away the powdery residue!

Meanwhile, keep telling yourself, “This will all be over soon… this will all be over soon…”

Let me know how I can make your life easier—I can stage existing furnishings, provide a consult with detailed notes, and/or provide rented furniture/accessories!

Cynthia Black (aka “The House Whisperer”)
HomeStaging by Cynthia, Inc.
816-444-5352
www.HomeStagingByC.com

“Over 2,500 Homes Staged!”

* * *

“Because the Way We Live in our Home is Different From the Way We Sell our Home.”

My life in the new year- 2007!

Hi! It's me. I'm still alive and kicking. Just busy with a busy new year. No real resolutions though. I thought about some, but since they're so hard to keep it's really more of a let down than something refreshing and motivating.... I did hear that you really have until the 10th though to decide if you're really going to make any or keep them too for that matter. So, no real announcements till then either. That way you know deep if you're really committed. You know- are you the chicken or the pig? Anyway....

Real Estate is rocking! I think it's going to be a great spring to start a FANTASTIC new year! I'm currently working on my first "short sale" in Real Estate. Not exactly the most fun sale ever, but if it can help keep my sellers out of foreclosure, I'll do them all day long. It's just a slow and tedious process, frustrating and costly at times, but hopefully in the end it will also generate a paycheck! Like I said though, it does help eliminate a complete foreclosure, so it's a win-win-win situation. So be sure to tell your friends and your family and anyone else who might know someone who needs to beat a foreclosure before it's too late, it doesn't have to happen!

Ok, now for my big news... No I'm not pregnant! My reason for my lack of posts so to say.... I've been involved in several new projects, most of them Real Estate related or with knitting or even keeping up with my dad's books, but this one that will give back in more ways than imaginable. I've joined a new group, NAWS, it's the Northland Animal Welfare Society. We're brand new and dedicated to helping animals in the Kansas City Northland. I've been working on creating our website, so please take a minute and check it out and let me know what you think! I'd appreciate any and all of your support, comments and feedback! www.pcnaws.com

Thanks so much and have a Happy New Year!

Visiting Family in Iowa

This week we've been visiting family in Iowa at the in-laws. We've been staying at Kristi's with her two kids- Jonah (6 1/2) and Olivia who's 5. The kids have been having a blast with their cousins! But even better than that was during the days we've been at Nana & Papa O's where their other 2 sets of aunts and uncles have been staying with the other 11 grandkids! Yes, I said 11 more! FIFTEEN kids all together! They range in ages from 23 (I think) to my daughter who just turned 3. Needless to say, it's great to get together and see everyone as that just doesn't happen much. It's hard to find a time when everyone is available at the same time. Especially for the Prichard's who have 4 of their 7 kids in college right now!

All of the "big cousins" have now left and it will just be us with the little cousins now through New Years. Tony will have the weekend off when he too will finally get to come and join in the festivities. It's sad to say that he had to miss everything and his family too. But the kids are finally napping and as everyone is trying to clean up and catch up, I thought I would do the same. Enjoy some snapshots!

Our Family "Camp-Out"

Saturday night was "camp-out" night at our house. A night where we get out the sleeping bags and this time we blew up the air mattress, then we camp out in mommy and daddy's room by the fireplace watching movies and eating popcorn (upstairs!). Something that we all enjoy and look forward too! Our new family tradition?! The movie: Barnyard! The kids loved it, but had to watch the ending in the morning... I think they pooped out earlier that night than half the nights I just try to get them to go to bed. Oh what a difference a nap makes! Hee hee.

The next day after church and learning about Christmas~the celebration of Jesus's Birthday, we made Christmas cookies with lots of sprinkles and decorations! Yummy!

Christmas Crayola Playland

Today we saw Santa at Crown Center! What fun the kids had at the Crayola playland there too! So, what did they ask for this year from Santa? Anthony asked for a Power Ranger Kick set and a Power Ranger game and some Transformers while Bella asked for a stroller. She also told me that she wanted him to bring her a rocking chair and some flowers. Our friend Sarah told him that she wanted some toys to play with. Trust me, that girl has toys! But it truly makes me think and to reflect upon the simplicity and innocence of the desires they have, while we commercialize the holidays so much and try to buy them everything that we can possibly afford. And then the sweetness and tenderness within my son was really brought out when he pleaded with me to go back to see Santa again as there were some things that he forgot to tell him, of course I agreed, and when we got there, he told Santa that he needed him to bring mommy a cash register and daddy a robot and not to forget nana and papa too- that they really needed a plate and a fork as they really enjoy cooking. And that was why he needed so badly to go back, to see Santa to ask him to bring thing for others. So sweet and so thoughtful. I hope you enjoy the pictures. (I'll keep working on them- uploaded twice, but still nothing....) Third time was NOT a charm... I guess it was the fourth time that made it work! :P

What a GREAT Time to Sell Real Estate!

*NAR Economist, David Lereah says:

"We now have the most favorable market for home buyers in several years, and most sellers- who've been in their home for a normal period of homeownership - are still seeing very healthy returns on their investment. Conditions for buyers have improved because sellers are flexible now and mortgage interest rates are near historic lows. The market promises to be more balanced between buyers and sellers by early spring, supporting future price growth,"

Existing-home sales, expected to fall 8.6 percent to 6.47 million this year - the third-best performance on record - are projected to be essentially even in 2007 with a 0.6 percent decline to 6.43 million according to RealTrends

New poll finds consumers still confident of home values

Americans remain highly confident about the nations's housing prospects, with more than four out of five homeowners expecting the value of their home to appreciate over the next five years and nearly seven out of 10 calling it their most valuable investment, according to results from a new nationwide survey conducted by RT Strategies. The polling found that 81 percent of homeowners believe that the value of their homes will rise over the next five years.

New poll finds consumers still confident of home values

The poll clearly debunks the more sensational media reports speculating on the demise of the housing market," said David Pressly, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). "It is interesting to note that other polls conducted by major news organizations have come up with similar results, indicating that despite the current housing market downturn Americans resoundingly believe that buying a home is the best investment they can ever make."

2 weeks till Christmas!!!

Oh my golly, oh my gee! Can you believe it? How can it be?!

I just got done putting up the decorations and in just 14 days it will all be over?! I guess I need to get on the ball and finish my Christmas shopping and get it all wrapped! My cards are just about done. I made them all this year! 75 cards to be exact! I think I might be just a little bit crazy! But, with my silly ol Christmas poem that I send with them, people have just come to expect it. Be sure to let me know if you want to be added to my Christmas list- just send me an email~ karisma@reeceandnichols.com

Thought I'd also share a few pictures of the season so far.....
We spent an evening out with family Saturday night at Bucca de Beppo's on the Plaza, what a blast! Then Nana and Aunt Cathy joined us for a carriage ride around the Plaza to see the lights, we got the Cinderella Princess carriage and Bella perfected the wave! No coaching, I swear! It was a little colder than we would have preferred, but I think the adults enjoyed it almost as much as the kids!

The Not-So-Stinky House!

Thought you might enjoy an update with curtains and furniture and above all..... CARPET! Stay tuned for more to come. It's a slow and painful process. :P To say the least....

Bella Turns 3!

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby! To celebrate, we threw a Pretty Pretty Princess Dress-Up Tea Party! Sorry, there's not a lot of pix from the party, but I really wasn't sure how other parents my react to pictures of their kids being posted on the web?! The night before, on her actual birthday, she enjoyed opening presents from her grandparents- with her big brother's help of course! That's what big brothers are for, isn't it?! And I'm really not sure who had more fun at the party?! He had a ball playing pin the tiara on the princess, while the three year olds really weren't quite sure what to think of it....... but they had fun watching Sarah and the boys play! The crafts were the hit of the party, making and decorating their own tiaras (and visors for the fellas!) We all had a great time and as usual mom (aka nana jones) got her wish as well- a picture of her four kids...... doesn't happen often so as Tony says: "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" I'm just trying to figure out how I got so short?! From left to right- Tim, Me (Karisma), Jay and my little brother Nick! Now if I could just get my house decorated and ready for Christmas, maybe we can get the tripod set up and get some family pix for the holidays!? Wish me luck! Hee hee. In the meantime, don't pout too much if I don't post enough... I'll be busy getting things together and working on the annual Christmas card too- thanks again to Kristen- they'll be handmade this year! I'm stoked, but a little overwhelmed too...... Till then, take care and keep in touch, I'd love to hear back from ya!

Oh, and PS- looks like our quarterly trip to the emergency room was fulfilled once again..... Bella fell out of the van yesterday at mom and dad's on the gravel (AND YES IT WAS PARKED!!) and cut her head open....... no stitches needed, but they did "glue" it and patched her up with some steri strips. FOUR HOURS later we made it home in time for dinner and bed....... tis definitely NOT the season for emergency care! I'm sure there will be pix to come soon.....

Time for some catsup!

Ok, ok, so I've been a little busy lately and thanks to Time Warner, a lot slow on getting back online! Anyway... things are coming along, S-L-O-W-L-Y! But.... I have gotten the tv's set up and the surround sound hooked up (kinda sorta- still need to mount speakers, hide wires and connect the subwoofer..) and we cleaned and refinished the hardwoods- OMG- talk about a lot more work than you'd ever expect! I'm still hurting from it! And they could still use at least a second coat! Someday...Now we're getting ready to celebrate Isabella's 3rd birthday- NEXT WEEK! I just can't believe how fast they grow! Then Thanksgiving, Tony's birthday and Christmas...... does it ever end?! I think it'll be great! But of course I think we're hosting the family Christmas this year?! AAa! And we're having a Pretty, pretty princess tea party just next weekend! Needless to say, I need to get busy! In the meantime, enjoy some recent photo favorites and thanks for visiting!