Holiday Fun and a personal update
Hi Everyone. Thank you so much for being patient with me. I appreciate all the wonderful messages, emails and forum posts asking how things have been.
I haven't stamped anything this last week but I have some fun photos to share with you.
We just had our Gina K. Designs holiday dinner! It was such a blast. We went to my favorite restaurant, Tutto Pasta Cucina Italiana. (That's a mouthful! LOL!)
We had 19 in our party. All of the girls who work at the store were able to come and they each brought their wonderful husbands who I appreciate so much.
It's hard when both Mom and Dad work and I know these Dads take on extra responsibilities around the house so their wives can be with me at the store. I am very grateful for all of these wonderful people.
The lovely lady on the left is my Mom. Of course, you know my Dad was in the nursing home so we asked her to come along with us. She really had a great time. (Check out her chocolate martini!)
This was the view from the other end of the table. (There's Rupa! She and her husband were able to come too and I was just thrilled to have them with us! (Wes, Rupa's husband, was cut off in this picture but you can see him way down at the end on the top picture. Sorry Wes!)
Family is so important to me, especially our children so when I decided to throw this holiday bash, I told the girls at work that their children were welcome too.
They had a blast at their own little table! In this picture, starting from the left are Conrad, Rina, Spencer, Samantha, Alicia and Mike. Conrad and Spencer are Judy's boys. Samantha and Mike are Shelly's and Alicia and Rina are mine.
Here are a few more pictures.
Rupa and Jessica.
Karen, Shelly and Judy.
I love all of these girls so much. They are all like family to me. We share our stories, worry about each other's kids and laugh non-stop most of the day! Plus, we all love to stamp so what could be better than that?
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A personal update.
My Dad came home from the nursing home today. He's finally home for good. (Hopefully.) I am thankful that he is back home where he wants to be, especially in time for Christmas. It's been a draining month of running almost everyday to either the hospital or nursing home.
It's nice to know that he's with my Mom so that I can get back to work a little bit more now and not have to worry that he is sitting somewhere alone with no family. I'll still have to help my Mom a lot more now because he really can't be alone for any extended amount of time but that's okay. That's a blessing and so much better than any alternative I can think of.
I want to extend a huge thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I fully intend to get back to blogging again and we have some huge things coming in early 2009 that you're going to LOVE! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!
Next week, we will be rockin' here on my blog because we will be counting down to the new year with some fantastic blog candy! (You know what that means here at the Gina K. blog! LOL!)
So make sure you come back and play along. We'll be getting ready for Valentine's Day and giving away hundreds of dollars worth of Gina K. favorites!
Have a wonderful evening and stay warm! Baby it's cold outside!!!!
Hugs,
Gina K.
I haven't stamped anything this last week but I have some fun photos to share with you.
We just had our Gina K. Designs holiday dinner! It was such a blast. We went to my favorite restaurant, Tutto Pasta Cucina Italiana. (That's a mouthful! LOL!)
We had 19 in our party. All of the girls who work at the store were able to come and they each brought their wonderful husbands who I appreciate so much.
It's hard when both Mom and Dad work and I know these Dads take on extra responsibilities around the house so their wives can be with me at the store. I am very grateful for all of these wonderful people.
The lovely lady on the left is my Mom. Of course, you know my Dad was in the nursing home so we asked her to come along with us. She really had a great time. (Check out her chocolate martini!)
This was the view from the other end of the table. (There's Rupa! She and her husband were able to come too and I was just thrilled to have them with us! (Wes, Rupa's husband, was cut off in this picture but you can see him way down at the end on the top picture. Sorry Wes!)
Family is so important to me, especially our children so when I decided to throw this holiday bash, I told the girls at work that their children were welcome too.
They had a blast at their own little table! In this picture, starting from the left are Conrad, Rina, Spencer, Samantha, Alicia and Mike. Conrad and Spencer are Judy's boys. Samantha and Mike are Shelly's and Alicia and Rina are mine.
Here are a few more pictures.
Rupa and Jessica.
Karen, Shelly and Judy.
I love all of these girls so much. They are all like family to me. We share our stories, worry about each other's kids and laugh non-stop most of the day! Plus, we all love to stamp so what could be better than that?
. . . . .
A personal update.
My Dad came home from the nursing home today. He's finally home for good. (Hopefully.) I am thankful that he is back home where he wants to be, especially in time for Christmas. It's been a draining month of running almost everyday to either the hospital or nursing home.
It's nice to know that he's with my Mom so that I can get back to work a little bit more now and not have to worry that he is sitting somewhere alone with no family. I'll still have to help my Mom a lot more now because he really can't be alone for any extended amount of time but that's okay. That's a blessing and so much better than any alternative I can think of.
I want to extend a huge thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I fully intend to get back to blogging again and we have some huge things coming in early 2009 that you're going to LOVE! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!
Next week, we will be rockin' here on my blog because we will be counting down to the new year with some fantastic blog candy! (You know what that means here at the Gina K. blog! LOL!)
So make sure you come back and play along. We'll be getting ready for Valentine's Day and giving away hundreds of dollars worth of Gina K. favorites!
Have a wonderful evening and stay warm! Baby it's cold outside!!!!
Hugs,
Gina K.
hey, where was my invite, I'd've come!!
great pics!
Big things in January, do I know about them? LOL!!!
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Looks like a fun party. In my next life I want to be a Gina K employee!
Season's Greetings to you and yours, so glad your dad is back home.
Renée K in Montana
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SO very very glad your dad is home. Hurrah! It is a Christmas to celebrate the birth.
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Certainly looks like a good time was had by ALL!! Thanks for sharing the FUN pics...sooooo glad to hear your Dad is home...that is the bestest Holiday news FOR SURE.
Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Tina Suzan
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Gina, what great pictures! I'm so happy for your family that your Dad is back home - just in time for Christmas! Merry Christmas to you and yours
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I am so glad to see things are getting better and better. I hope you and your family, and the whole Gina K. family too, has a Very Blessed Christmas!
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Gina, I am so glad to hear your Dad is home. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas and also a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year! Enjoy your family time.
Hugs~
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What a nice thing to do with your employees and their families! You are such a generous person. So glad your dad is home. Have a blessed holiday season.
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Thanks for sharing all the photos, Gina!
So glad to hear your Dad is home.
Hope you and your family have a save and wonderful Christmas!
Hugs,
Fram
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What fun you must have had! Everyone looks so happy to be there! Nothing compares with the fellowship of good friends & family. Merry Christmas, Gina & Crew!
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Gina, the pictures are wonderful. I was glad to see you blogged a bit and let us know about your Dad. I know everyone has been wondering. So happy to hear he will be home for one of the most blessed holidays. Merry Christmas to you, your family and your wonderful staff.
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What a great bunch of pics - looks like fun!!! Glad your Dad is home!!! I have been thinking of you and sending alongs prayers.
Looks like you are getting lots of snow - no snow for us but lows around 29 which for Floridians is durn cold (good thing I still have some Nebraska blood left in me
Take Care, God Bless
Merry Christmas!!!!
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Oh Gina,
I am so happy your Dad is back home with you all and doing better. I am glad your Mom has some freedom back. Your party looked amazing, and you can tell how much you all enjoy and love each other! You are so wonderul and deserve all of that and more! Merry Christmas to all of you!
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What wonderful pics Gina and so glad you have such amazing people in your life that make your life that much more special.
What wonderful news to read about your dad...we'll keep the prayers and well wishes coming your way, but boy what a wonderful Christmas gift to have him home.
Much love and holidays wishes to you and yours!
Hugs,
Carolina
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Gina so glad to hear your family is home. I think it is great that you treat your employees like an extented family.(such wish I worked their.)
Merry christmas to you all.
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Looks like a fun time had by all
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Thanks for the update on your dad, I'm glad he is home for the holidays!
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Hi Gina, your dinner with the staff looks like it was a blast! You have some wonderful gals working with you.
I'm so happy to hear about your father coming home. I've been thinking and praying for your whole family.
Remember to take some time for yourself too this week (and next) with all of the holiday bustle going on...
Big hugs to you.
Happy Holidays!
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It's easy to see where you get your good looks-you look just like your mother! I'm glad your dad is doing better! Have a wonderful Christmas!
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Hi Gina,
Due to health problems, I need help sometimes. I use a co. called Visiting Angels. They are nationwide. I have very good luck with them. They will do light housework, prepare meals and mine is helping me organize my stamp room. Thought you might want to chekc them out for your Dad.
Hugs,
Charlene G
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Great Pictures Gina....and I'm so happy to hear that your Dad is home. Wishing you and yours a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
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I am so happy to hear your Dad is home in time for Christmas. What a fun bunch and I'm sure a great night by all. I'm with the other ladies, my next life I want to work for Gina K!
Merry Christmas to you, Tom and the girls! Have a safe a wonderful holiday!
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Gina - I am sooo happy that your dad is back home! That's the best Christmas gift ever! Enjoy your time with the family this holiday. Looks like your party was lots of fun! Have a wonderful holiday season!
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Merry Christmas to everyone at Gina K!
YEAH for your Dad being home for Christmas. My Dad spent (unfortunately his last) Christmas in the hospital and it was horrible knowing he was there alone when we were with other family (at his insistence). You will all have such a wonderful time together, I'm sure.
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So glad your dad is home, Gina, especially in time for Christmas. Take the time to be with your folks, you'll never regret it, blogging comes second. Looking forward to new things in 2009. Merry Christmas.
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I'm so glad your dad is home. I will continue to pray for your family as your dad recovers. May 2009 bring you all great joy and good health.
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Oh, Gina, I'm so glad your Dad is home. What a great Christmas present that is! Terrific pictures of your employee party. Yours sounds like a great company to work for in this day and age.
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What a fun party! I love Tutto Pasta. Yum!It was so nice that your mother was able to join in the festivities, and I am so happy your dad is home for the holidays. What a wonderful Christmas gift for all of you.
Blessings to you and your family this Christmas and in the New Year!
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Gina, How wonderful that your dad is home to enjoy the holidays with you and your family. It is so nice to see pictures of you out enjoying yourself. You deserve it after all of the stress you have been dealing with and for all of the kind things you do for others.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!
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Looks like you had a great time. Glad to hear that your dad is home for Christmas, as it is just wouldn't have been the same, especially for your mom.
Mom with her Martini~I LUV it!
Merry Christmas to all!
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Hi Gina, I'm glad you are back! I've been thinking about you daily and wondering how you are doing. I've lifted a few prayers up along the way! We will all be looking forward to "the countdown" and the upcoming wonderful surprises. I wish you a very memorable and Merry Christmas!
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Blessings to you and yours Gina! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures. It is so great to put faces with names. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family & friends!
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So glad to hear your dad will be home for Christmas. It looks like a wonderful party, so glad you had so many wonderful people around you. And it looked like your mother was enjoying her self. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.
Rebekka
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Gina: Thanks for sharing your wonderful staff with us. I've seen several of them when I come to visit your store-but always a joy to see the entire staff together...relaxing.....and enjoying one another. Tutto Pasta is one of my all time favorite places to go eat Italian.....YUM! Glad you all had a fabulous time and wishing my two Gina K people a very happy holidays (you and Rupa). Happy Merry! Kadie
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Gina,
I am so glad that things are looking up for you and your family. I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. Hugs to all of you.
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Oh thats great news on your dad. I hope you have a Merry Merry Christmas
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Sounds like a good time. I'm glad your Dad is home!! I work in a nursing home so know how important it is to have your family around.
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What a wonderful and generous thing to throw such a great party. Your Mom looks awesome and you look like her. Finally, I'm glad to hear that your Dad is home. Merry Christmas, Gina!
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Looks like everyone was having a great time! Thanks for posting, and glad to hear that your dad is better and now at home. Best Wishes to all of your family and staff Gina!
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Thanks for posting those party pics, looks like everyone had fun! Great news that your Dad is home for Christmas. Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!
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Thank you for sharing the lovely photos Gina. Glad to hear that things are better, yet busy. Busy is good! Have a wonderful Christmas.
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Thanks for posting the pictures from your fun party. AND, wonderful news to hear about your dad and just in time for Christmas. Enjoy your family for the holidays!
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So glad to hear your dad is doing better. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
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Gina, What a nice event for you and your beautiful team. I dream of working in an environment like that.... Glad to hear the good news about your father. God is good! Have a lovely and safe Holiday Season.
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!
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What a happy looking crowd of people. Your joy and your crown. May you all have the Holiday of your Dreams
Happy Holidays
Heather
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So wonderful to hear your Dad is home once again, what a wonderful Christmas present!! Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead!
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So glad to read that your Dad is back home, and in time for christmas!
Have a wonderful Holiday season Gina!
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Thanks so much for sharing the pictures. It looks like you all had a fabulous time.
So glad to hear your dad is at home. Best wishes for a fabulous holiday with your family!!
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Hi Gina, so happy to hear that your Dad is home in time for the holidays. Looks like you throw a good party. Wishing you and your family and team a wonderful Christmas.
Marie
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Hi Gina -
I'm glad things are better and you can all enjoy the holiday together. Have wonderful one and the pictures are great. Thank you again for the Tropical Flowers set, it was super to win. My husband said I was jumping around like I'd one the lottery, in my book I did! The stamps are lovely and I can't wait to use them.
Elaine Allen
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Gina, I am so glad your father is home! What a wonderful blessing that will be for the holidays. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Looking forward to a 2009 with GinaK.
darlene
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Happy holidays to your family! So glad for you that your dad is home. It is a blessing and a comfort I am sure. Enjoy the time with your family!
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What a wonderful Christmas present to have your dad back home! I hope you and your family have a great holiday.
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Awww Gina!!!!!! What wonderful and happy photos!!! It's so nice to see everyone!!! And it's awesome to "hear" the perkiness back in your posts!! I know things will still be somewhat stressful at times.......but a big relief of having your Dad home is surely a burden lifted off your heart!!! Have a very special and Happy Holidays my friend!!!!
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Dear Gina,
Many thanks to you and your staff for hosting the group that traveled to your lovely shop on Dec. 6th! The welcome was warm, considering it was a bitter cold, snowy day! It was great fun, and for me a surprise from my friend Val to spend the day in Madison! Maybe with a little luck, we will meet you next time! Didn't go home empty handed....purchased the last set of your 'winter foliage' that was on the shelf and took advantage of the special coupons that were honored for the day! Thank you thank you!
I send you my best wishes for your family and your father during his recovery. I too know what you are dealing with, as my father has been hospitalized (since Sept.26th,08) and is now living out the rest of his life with constant care in a facility in Waukesha. The day of shopping with kindred spirits was a day of respite for me and I will remember all of the fun we shared. Thank you again to you and your special staff that welcomed us and inspired us! Looking forward to our next road trip! nonna2- Kim Marie Quade
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WHAT FUN!!!!!!!! I wish I worked for you! You all are so very lucky to have been able to celebrate & A double WOO HOO cause your Daddy came home!!! That is very exciting!
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