Happy Thanksgiving

What does Thanksgiving really mean?

Of course we all know the actual history about it...but what does Thanksgiving really mean to you? Is it a day for football? A day for over eating? How about a day to spend time with loved ones?...Or how about all of the above?!

For me Thanksgiving is a special time of year...not only is it officially the "holiday" season, but it gives me a chance to really think of what I am thankful for. This year I have so much to be thankful for...Amazing family, fantastic friends, my health, a wonderful husband, an adorable little puppy, our first house, a job that I love, and memories...Memories, I know it sounds crazy, but I think about family and friends that aren't here for this year's celebration. I am thankful for having the opportunity to have them in my life, if even for a short period of time.

Have a blessed and delicious Thanksgiving!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

It's my birthday...

Ok, if you read my blog last year you should know how old I am...just 10 past 21! It would also be my Grandma's 81st birthday, unfortunately she passed away almost 3 years ago.

Every year my Grandma O and I would plan the day (usually on a Friday)...I would take the day off and the two of us would go to breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. Then head out to take the town, we would spend all day shopping...a little for "Dolly" (aka...me!) and Christmas gifts for everyone else. Later in the afternoon we would stop at Marie Callender's for a little soup and birthday pie of course! Once we would get back to my Grandparents house I would wrap all the Christmas gifts that she bought. I really miss that special day and most of all my Grandma!

Last Friday my husband and I had a fantastic dinner...that HE made! Plus he even picked up Maggie Moo's Ice Cream Cupcakes! YUM! Saturday I went to lunch with my mom, her bff and my bff to Pangea for lunch. It was sooo delicious!!! Then on Sunday I went with my sister and family to breakfast at Yukon Jack's then off for a much needed mani/pedi!

If that isn't enough this morning waiting by the morning coffee were 2 cards, one from my wonderful husband the other from my little Maxwell...the girls at work made me Funfetti cupcakes...my sister brought me flowers...and we are ordering pizza for lunch! Then tonight my Mom is taking my husband and I out to Cabo Wabo!!!!

I must admit I am truly blessed with amazing family and friends!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Countdown to Party!!!

Yes...it's true...my birthday is only 1 week away!!!!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Here are a few more pictures from our trip to Oregon....

(so the breakdown is from left to right...)

Holly & Nick (Chris' Cousin), My Husband & I, Rosie (Chris' other cousin), Sara (aka Beanie! Chris' sister), Tab & Doug (Chris' other sister and brother in law)

Beanie & I hangin out by the dessert bar! :)

This picture from the truck doesn't do the fabulous colors of nature any justice!

As you can see we all look a little tired!!!

Oregon Trails!

On Tuesday November 4th my husband's Grandma Gwen passed away.

So Friday we headed for a long journey to Oregon...

Yes...it's true...I have never driven out of state, been on a road trip longer than 6 hours in the car, or been to Oregon. I have been out of the state before, heck even out of the country...however all of my trips included something called an airplane!

The drive wasn't that bad and Oregon is absolutely beautiful.

My sister in law Sara was right...the changing colors of the season are totally different than what we experience in California. Their colorations are just as vibrant, but feature more rusty golden colors. The above picture is of Mount Shasta on our way home...(I took it while my husband drove!)

It was a very short trip...but hopefully we will go back under better circumstances.

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva