The Ohio Road Trip, a College Graduation and Surprises from Secret Santa!!

I took a long weekend off from work to drive down to Ohio with  one of my best friends, Teresa. It was a miracle she was able to take off and we left after work on Thursday evening! We drove almost to Milwaukee and spent the night. We planned on heading out fairly early in the morning in hopes of making it to Ashland, Ohio around dinner time.

Why road trip to Ashland, Ohio? Well, my oldest son Matthias, who turned 23 years old on Thursday December 12, was graduating from Ashland University with a double major in Political Science, International Politics and a minor in Business Administration. At first he didn't want me to come but decided it would be alright so I got real excited and couldn't resist the adventure! I was so proud and happy to watch him walk across the stage.  The realization that he wouldn't be going there anymore really sunk in. He spent 4 1/2 years there, working hard, longer then he was in high school and now, he needs to figure out what he wants to do with himself. He currently has no real plan, he came home last night after visiting with friends for a few days and today he worked on the farm.

Another joy of this journey was finally getting to meet the special woman in my son's life. He has been spending the last 3 semesters with Rachel, she is a sweet, outgoing, precious young woman from Ohio. She has a big heart and I opeo she will be around for a long time. I found out she is coming to visit the end of the month!! I am so excited!! Here is the lovely couple!

While in Ohio, Teresa went and got us matching nighties. They say "Is it too late to be good?" I realized she is a freer spirit then I am. She was so much fun to have along! Here we are in our matching nighties!! She was ready for mischief! We played some games and enjoyed a cocktail. It was a lot of fun to have along! I love her dearly! 

When I got home I was surprised to find a most wonderful package from my Secret Santa from the Coloradolady's Secret Santa Soiree!! It couldn't of better topped of a great weekend!! 

It is a Hexie fest!! I was amazed to find the most wonderful handwork created by my Secret Santa!! Isn't this the most amazing pin cushion? I love her fabric selection!! Thank You, Thank you!! I love it!!

Look at this beauty!! She made a hexie table center piece, I also see it as a mug rug! It is absolutely gorgeous and again what great fabric selection!!  I feel so spoiled!! 

Now, look at these beautiful coasters!! I am telling you, she must have the most fantastic fabric stash!!! I love these too and really like using them in the living room!! 

This is one of two panels of cute Christmas Stockings on it! It says I can embroider names at the top of the stockings. I think I will do that and by sending two panels she actually allows me to personalize one for each member of our home as there are 5 of us!! Thank you so much Secret Santa!! This will be fun to work on!!

 She also sent these cute Christmas towels and Christmas knives for spreads and dips! I have already used them for a Pate' my mom made for us!! 

Dear Secret Santa, I can't thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into the goodies and I so appreciate your work and that you thought enough of me to spoil me with such goodies!! I am overwhelmed and truly thankful!!! What a great week it has been!! 

God's Blessings be on you all and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!!