Thanksgiving week for the Eppes

I had an absolutely wonderful time off this week enjoying time with family and friends. I also had a lot of time to get things done around the house. Of course, there is A LOT more to do, but I feel good about what I accomplished. I am VERY excited about budgeting in the new year. I have worked very hard on a budget for us that is going to eliminate credit cards and get everything (Except for the house and school loans, of course) paid off. It feels so good to be moving toward getting things paid off and paying cash for everything! Woohoo!! It is REALLY a liberating feeling!

Well, here is a little picture journal of our week:


We went downtown on Sunday 11/30 with our small group from church. This is a dark picture, but the flash just didn't cut it evidently. We went to Buca Di Beppo to eat, got hot chocolate at the South Bend Chocolate Company and visited the circle. It was a lot of fun. We wanted to miss the crowd that would have been there on Friday!



Yes, this is Damien acting a fool at Buca Di Beppo. We had already taken 3 pictures where his eyes were closed. So, this was his response when I asked him to pose for 1 more picture!

Damien and I on the circle.

Two of Elisha's favorite things- Mr. Bunny and Starbuck's coffee! Doesn't Damien look cute??

I HAVE cut down on Starbucks though. Budgeting!! I am drinking a lot of my African Chai!

My sweet nephew, Eric, spent the night at our house along with his mom, our sister, on friday 11/28. They were visiting for Thanksgiving. We had a good time eating dinner, watching movies and keeping warm in front of the fireplace. Eric and Winnie are best of friends!

We went to pick up some straw at Frazee Gardens in Brownsburg for the manger scene at our house. Santa happened to be there so Dione, Eric and I visited with Santa Claus.

Dione is explaining to Santa what she wants for Christmas. I hear it is a Nintendo DS- hint hint Santa!!

Elisha posing with Santa.

Elisha is explaining what stores she wants her diamonds and Lexus from. But, she finally gave in and said that gift cards were almost as exciting!! :)

Eric asked Santa Claus for a monster truck and a race track for Christmas.

This is a dog that was meeting with Santa Claus prior to our turn. This is Roxie, but I couldn't make out what she wanted for Christmas. You all know about me and dogs!!

We had the privilege of Celebrating Sharon's (our step mother) birthday. We celebrated on 11/29 (though her BD is on 11/30) by eating dinner at our house and then going to see the Lion King at the Murat Theater. It was AMAZING. The sound was better than the movie. Can you imagine that? The casts' voices were unbelievable. The costumes and special effects were amazing as well. I HIGHLY recommend that you see this show!! Happy Birthday Sharon!

Damien, Elisha, Paul and Sharon at the Murat Theater.

I can't believe that I didn't get Thanksgiving pictures!! I guess I was too busy eating and visiting. OH YEAH and being completely stressed out over Winnie and Murphy acting psycho!!