A lil work, and a prize earned.

A few months ago, I announced that I had earned a prize from Scentsy. I was excited that I got to choose what I got, and to be completely honest it wasn't that hard to win the prize. When in Direct Selling years ago, every prize or trip always seemed to unattainable, well Scentsy being the amazing company that it is made it different and totally achievable for it's Consultants. In order to earn a prize with this contest, you had to sell at least $400.00 for 4 months straight. There were 3 levels of prizes, if you sold the minimum $400.00 you got to select prizes from Room 1, which were about $100.00 in value, level 2 was to sell $1000.00 each month and those prizes were valued at $400.00, and level 3 was $2500.00 each month for a prize valued at $1000.00. I came close to reaching level 3, but ended up with level 2. I had a hard time choosing between a Cricut Expression and a Netbook. I finally choose the Cricut Expression. Around the same time that the prizes started shipping out we ended up moving, then with the Holidays and such, things got crazy. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I contacted our Consultant support line about having not ever receiving my award. The were so quick to rectify my problem and even helped me out a bit. I had since changed my mind and realized what I knew but didn't want to admit, I wouldn't really use a Cricut Expression. So I asked if since my shipment had been lost if I could switch, they allowed me to and walla, less than a week of me calling, I have my award, I'm pretty excited to start using it, and although it may not get used daily, I think it will definately come in handy for us. It'll be great on trips and to take to shows and things. Plus, when we do need an extra computer at home. I'm totally stoked about it, and just had to share once again, that I am so glad that 3 years ago, I choose to be a part of this company. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to join, I should have just done it when I first realized it and no been so worried about it. I am also happy to report, that I am right on track to win the Magical Memories trip that Scentsy has going right now. And, I did earn the cruise to the Bahama's but wasn't able to take advantage of that, next time for sure!!!

For all of you that have supported me and helped me reach my goals with this company, both team members and customers alike I truly appreciate all you do and have done. It is because of you that I get to 1- Enjoy my job, and 2- Brag about winning fun, neat prizes like this. Check out my new toy!

Netbook just out of the box.

The Netbook all fired up.

Not at all planned, but feels right!

About a week ago, we heard of a cute lil dog that was in need of a new home, we both just fell in love with his lil face, and when Darin called the owner to see if they had found a home for their lil' guy yet, the answer was no, he asked if they would be willing to come to our house to meet with both of us and the other dogs, and go from there. They agreed, feeling the urgency of their situation, and brought him over last Monday night. He came in a lil nervous, but warmed up very quickly to all four of us. It was pretty evident that he fit right in. We welcomed him into our home, with the agreement that the previous owners would come and visit, dog sit for us on occasion, and stay in touch. They loaded us up with all of his toys, treats, outfits, and rawhides. Instructions on what he likes, dislikes and such were given. They shared a tearful goodbye with their friend, and left. Alas, we now have a new furry four legged child in our home, meet Spots, a Chug, part Chihuahua, and part pug. Spots is very loving, caring, and oh so mild mannered. He minds his manners, and listens so very well. He was house-trained and quickly adjusted and learned to love the door that allowed him the freedom to come and go as he pleases. He is a lil cuddle bug, that loves to get in close and snuggle. His bark is not heard often, only when a guest comes in and soon as they say Hello, and he feels the threat is over, he is done. He joins Scotty, and Barkley in begging for table food, but doesn't enjoy their style of playing. He isn't really too into tug like they are, and unless it's one of his favorite toys, he refuses to participate. He does however LOVE to play fetch, and is pretty darn good at it.
He fits in well and is a great addition to our Wild Bunch. As previously stated this was in no way a planned event, as we were both insistent that 2 was plenty for us, who knows, sometimes things are just right and we think Spots is where he needs to be right now. Scotty and Barkley are enjoying the massive amount of new toys added to their already large collection, and the treats that Spots brought, let's just say, they are all in heaven! Rawhides are treasured in this household, and Spots brought quite a few with him. Enjoy a few pics of our newest addition!

Spots full view

Sleepy spots

Spots comin' in the Pet Door.

Barkley & Spots playin'

Scotty & Spots playin'

Spots with his favorite toy, "the hot dog"

New Years Eve

I wasn't going to do this post, but decided I should anyway. For New Year's Eve this year, Darin had to work at his part time job as a Taxi Driver until 11, Jo went to a party hosted by a few friends, and when Darin got off work, he joined the party. These pictures were taken as we celebrated the clock striking into the New Year! It was a good time had by all, and for the record, in case Darin tells you this story, he isn't lieing, there was some dancing to Just Dance on the Wii, and somewho there ended up being some footage of this so called Dancing. Those pictures however will not make the blog, as Jo is the main poster on the blog, and not about to send you to the ER from hysterical Laughing from them. It's bad enough they ended up with us tagged on Facebook! Enjoy, and again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!!!

As we reflect on this past year of 2010. I can't say it was a great year. Sure, there was good times had, and some great memories made. But there was definately some rough days mixed in there, some tears shed, some big decisions made, and some serious prayers said, not all those prayers have been answered as of yet. However, we will Raise our Glass and wave Goodbye to 2010 with a smile. Won't lie in saying, not sure it will be missed to much, but when we do think of it, we'll do our best to remember both the good and bad and not dwell to much on either.

As we welcome 2011, the future looks bright, and we'll do what we can to keep smiling. We've got more heartaches to come and more memories to make and more prayers to say, but we are convinced that together we can accomplish what lies ahead of us.

We wish each of you a Happy New Year! May you all share in our good times, our memories, our prayers, and yes even our tears.
Let's make 2011, great!

Darin & BettyJo Noe

Christmas Dinner 2010

This year for Christmas we decided to do something a little different. Last year, Christmas for us was rough, it was our first Christmas with no family around, and since Darin had to work for part of the day, it was just a rough day. This year to avoid any loneliness, we decided to host a Christmas Dinner. Of course we can't feed everyone without family on Christmas day, but we were going to attempt to feed a few. We talked to some friends and then posted it on facebook to get other people. Who wants to make a large Christmas Dinner for 2 or 4 people, right? We also decided to add a little gift exchange into the mix just for fun and bring the spirit of Christmas into our lil dinner. Plans came together and it worked out that our Ham and Turkey were donated by a guest who couldn't make it home to Minnesota for Christmas Day, and then we split the rest of the meal with our good friends Justin & Jessica, they brought some, we supplied the rest and cooked. We were telling everyone about it, so as not to have anyone be alone on Christmas Day. The count we were expecting was 12. We ended serving 10, and had a great time visiting and getting to know new people, and old friends even better. We had Ham, Turkey, Mashed Potato's & Gravy, Veggies, Stuffing, Corn & Rice Casserole, Rolls, Fruit Salads, Pumpkin, Chocolate & Apple Pie. It was quite the feast and no one left empty handed or hungry!

We played a little Wii, had fun with out Gift Exchange, and told & heard some great stories. We played some Uno Tilto, and shared some good laughs.

This Christmas will definately hold some better memories for us than the Christmas of 2009.

Gettin' some pie. Chris & Darin

Opening gifts during the Dirty Santa Gift Exchange.

Chris, Darin & Brian visiting

All out of fridge space, so we improvised. Hey, don't judge it worked well, and our Tiger's Blood got slushy!

Table set for 12!

Christmas Morning 2010

Christmas morning we woke up and opened our gifts. We were once again very spoiled by everyone. A run down of some of our great gifts are as follows.
Scotty- Treats- he loves him, all kinds, even the human kinds, his favorite this year was the mini pigs in the blanket from Grandma & Papa Bills. He was also quite fond of the "Duck" that Santa brought him. It doesn't squeek but makes a sort of Duck noise. He loves it!
Barkley- Again loves his treats! He's quite fond of the Snausages that Grandma and Grandpa Noe sent. His favorite toy this year was the non stuffing 2 squeeker Raccoon that Santa brought for him, he drags that poor coon everywhere.
Darin- got a super sweet Cordless Drill (it will come in handy), a nice new jacket, a few T Shirts, a Chicago Bears plaque to hang in his "man cave garage", and a clock he had been eyeing at one of Jo's Craft shows.
Jo- got the Anytime Fitness membership and sessions with a Personal Trainer she had been wanting, a wallet she fell in love with a few days before Christmas, and of course the Eclipse movie from the Twilight Series.

Those are just a few of the gifts we received, as said earlier we were spoiled and that Santa shocks us every year with some great gifts.

Scotty & Barkley enjoying their new "duck" and "raccoon"

All our gifts opened and under the tree.

Our stockings hung with care by the Air Conditioner. We are a chimney free home.

The Tree before we opened our gifts.

And we became a Team.

We realized the other day that when catching up on the blog that we mentioned about Jo becoming a Director we didn't announce the Team name that was chosen, and how we came about the name. So here's the story.

Jo became a Director late September, in October we announced it and asked her customers and team to submit Team Name ideas. We received quite a few ideas, we went through them and narrowed it down to 5 names, we put those 5 to a vote in early November to the team. After calculating those votes we had a tie, so we contacted both of our immediate families and asked for their votes. We announced the team name in December.

Jo's team is, All Wax Noe Wicks!