A Great Gift... and a Great Surprise

I had no idea what my husband was planning on getting me for Christmas. I didn't really want or need anything. Well lets just say he teamed up with a very special person and gave me a beautiful piece of art. Here's what it looks like hanging over our fireplace...

Here's the kicker. The artist who painted this is none other than my co-anchor, Rachel Pierce!!! If you've read our blog you're aware that Rachel is a very talented painter. My husband was impressed with her work and asked if she would do a painting for me for Christmas. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and the beauty of this painting. Is that a great gift or what?

Christmas Memories

I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas growing up. I'm from a big family of 8. My parents really made it special and it truly had nothing to do with presents. In fact we usually only got one or two and then a few little things in our stockings, which was plenty for us. We would wake up in the morning and since all of us shared room with one other person we would play games until my parents knocked on our door and told us Santa came to our house!

My mom would have the video camera going, all the lights would be out expect for the lit huge real Christmas tree in the downstairs. On the coffee table there would be all kinds of goodies like nuts, angle food candy, boxes of chocolates and other goodies. My parents would let us eat whatever we wanted...it was so rare to get candy, my mom didn't like us on a regular sugar high.

Then despite being sooo excited we would slowly open presents one at a time and all eyes would be on that person. Usually Mitchell my youngest brother would play "Santa" handing out the presents. Before Christmas we drew names for our "secret angel", you had to do special things for that person without them knowing it was you. Then on Christmas we revealed who was your "secret angel" and you gave them a small gift. We loved it because we'd share how we almost got caught making so and so's bed or leaving a candy cane in someone's backpack. It was so much fun.

After all the presents were opened usually, about three hours later, we had breakfast. We always have the same Christmas meal; croissants, fruit cocktail and sparkling grape juice. Dinner was always a feast, ham or turkey, twice baked potatoes, cranberries, rolls and more!

When our little daughter comes along I hope to carry on the same traditions at our house. What are your traditions? What's your favorite thing about Christmas?

Rachel Pierce rpierce@myabc5.com

Our Nusery

(Our Bedding)

This weekend my husband and I finally purchased all the furniture for our nursery. We bought our crib and changing table from NurseryWorks.com and our glider from Liapela.com. When we were looking at stores in the area the clerks said it could take up to twelve weeks for orders to get in. Twelve weeks?!? I'm at 26 now, the baby could be here by then!!!! YIKES!

My husband, Matthew (who is very handy), is building custom permanent shelving on one wall. He's also repainting, taking the popcorn off the ceiling, installing new light fixtures, tearing out the carpet and replacing it with wood flooring. We have a lot to do…or rather, he has a lot to do.

He always makes sure to take before and after shots, so I’ll post them here when the job is done. Our theme is paper dolls and we bought our bedding from Dwellstudios.com. Really cute stuff. As for everything else the bottles, clothing, strollers etc., we are buying local. We love the store Simply for Giggles in the East Village, I'm sure we'll be picking up items from them as well.

One thing I'm having a hard time finding is an area rug that I like. Any suggestions on where I should look? Somewhere with a large selection? Rachel Pierce rpierce@myabc5.com

(Our Glider)

(Our Crib)

(Our Changing Table)

"Off-the-Record"

Last night Amanda and I attended Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge and First Lady Mari Culver's "Off-the-Record" Press Holiday Party. It was a laid back night at Terrace Hill. It's always nice to see my other media friends whether they work in radio, print or for other tv stations. The food was good and it was a beautiful evening in an incredible setting. The main thing we wanted to show with the pictures was what an incredible place Terrace Hill is. Not only is it a wonderful tourist spot, Iowa's first family lives on the third floor! It also has government offices and work spaces. The building is in pristine shape as you can see by the pictures. I highly recommend you take a tour if you are visiting Iowa or you are a resident.


-Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

(The Governor's Home Office)

(Amada, Governor Chet Culver and Rachel)

(Functional bedroom, that I believe Al Gore stayed in.)

(The Moose was very festive.)

ABC5 Holiday Wishes

As far as I know, none of my ABC5 colleagues have sat on Santa's lap this year and told him what they want for the holidays. But I thought it'd be fun for them and share their holiday wishes on this blog. You will recognize some of the names as on air personalities, the ones you don't recognize are the behind-the-scenes workers. Enjoy!

The list will grow as I get more responses. -Amanda

Hillary Mintz, Reporter - "I would like a diamond ring, but if that doesn't work out a healthy and happy family will do just fine!"

Christina Palladino, Reporter - "Diamond Ring!!!"

Rachel - "A really cool diaper bag (preferably a Kate Spade one), the Ove Glove Oven Mit, oh and a healthy baby girl!"

Amanda - "New watch... boring, but practical."

Chris Parrish, Senior Producer - "A trip to Mexico ... get me out of the cold and snow."

Nate Shambaugh (assignment editor) - "I would love to have twenty solid minutes of good (comedy) material."

Chris Maiers, Meteorologist - "I’m just excited to see my family again over the holidays."

Brad Edwards, Meteorologist - "LESS SNOW the rest of the winter!"

Melissa Ives, Producer - "I would like 500 million dollars to help solve the state budget crisis."

My [sister's] Big Fat Wisconsin Wedding

This was a big weekend for our family, my sister Magdalena got married! It started with me hosting her bridal luncheon on Saturday at the Eau Claire Country Club. It was a beautiful setting, and I would know because it is where my husband and I had our wedding. We had so much fun playing games, opening presents and chatting. Then it was off to the rehearsal where I had to learn my duties as the matron of honor.

(My sister Magdalena, her new husband Justin and our Mom and Dad)

That night we had a huge party at her house for forty out of town guests. There was great food, and a lot of it, while we got to meet a lot of the groom's family. It was fun, but it was also a lot of work to clean up. We all went to bed very tired but rallied early the next morning for church then back to my parent's house for a big brunch party. We managed to get everyone fed, entertained, out the door then cleaned up with just enough time to run off to the church to decorate for the evening candlelight wedding.

The wedding was dreamy and my beautiful sister looked magnificent. After the ceremony we had a decadent dinner at the Mona Lisa's in downtown Eau Claire, they opened just for us. My husband and I loved eating there when we lived in Wisconsin [I am allowed to do a shameless plug because they are outside of our viewing area].
I made the mistake of taking off my shoes at the dinner. Needless to say they wouldn't go back on, one of the side effects of being 5-1/2 months pregnant and on my feet all day. But, it was all worth it to see my sister and her new husband so happy and in love.

Congratulations to Justin and Magdalena Battles!

Rachel Pierce

rpierce@myabc5.com

The Final Cut

As promised, here are the final versions of my family's holiday promos. You'll see a four second promo and a seven second promo on this clip.

They may not be long, but a lot of hard work went into the editing process. Our promotions director worked his magic so you can't tell that my two-year-old was barely holding still.

-Amanda

Make YOUR voice heard

One of my media colleagues and former co-workers Paul Yeager has a blog. He works for IPTV and is the host of Iowa Journal. He's started a fun competition on his blog, and I'm sure he'd love for you to take part. Check it out and cast your vote.

http://ow.ly/Ksrv

Oh, it would be great if you voted for this photo. It's ABC5's Hillary Mintz.

20 Things NOT to do at your office holiday party...

ABC5 has its annual Christmas party this weekend. I've been to several of them (four to be exact) and they are always a good time. Just for fun, I found a comical list of holiday party faux pas. I should mention that I would never expect an ABC5 employee to do any of these things (except for #5):


WHAT NOT TO DO AT YOUR OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY:


1. Enforce the mistletoe rule: Make out with your boss, intern, or the significant other of either.

2. Interpret "dress festive" to include anything that could be worn as lingerie.

3. Split a bottle of anything with your assistant.

4. Wear reindeer ears and antlers.
5. Shovel shrimp from the buffet table onto your plate like it's your last meal.

6. Use a lull in conversation to force your table to watch you try to tie a cherry stem into a knot. This should especially be avoided if it takes you 25 minutes to do it.

7. Dance on anything other than the floor.

8. Use the open bar as an opportunity to get your boss - or yourself - plastered and ask for a promotion.

9. Sit on Santa’s (a.k.a. Eduardo from IT) lap.

10. Wear a holiday sweater.
11. Spend all night schmoozing with the interns.

12. Drink too much and share how you really feel about everyone in your department.

13. Wear a mistletoe headband.

14. Talk about work the whole time. It's not the time or place for a heated discussion about network security.

15. Hit on a coworker's spouse.

16. Hit on a coworker's very mature-looking teenage son.

17. Stand next to Ellen from Accounting, who gets amorous when she drinks.

18. Anything in the presence of a camera that you wouldn't want photographic evidence of in the company newsletter.

19. Raid the open bar like it’s an ex’s wedding reception.

20. Invite the boss to the after-party.

Here's where I found the list: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/bigger-picture/articlemc.aspx?cp-documentid=11837340


-Amanda
akrenz@myabc5.com

Did you hear about the blizzard?

What an incredible 48 hour stretch of weather in Central Iowa!

Two of our reporters (Lisa Martone and Sarah Danik) were stranded in their downtown Des Moines apartments today. Their cars were buried. Check out some of their photos:

When have you ever seen a downtown street this quiet?

Sarah in the snow.

Lisa staring at a pile of snow, pondering why she moved to Iowa.

I'm sure some of you have incredible pictures! It would be great to see them and share them with our blog viewers. Please email them to us at akrenz@myabc5.com or rpierce@myabc5.com.

Be sure to watch ABC5 for the latest weather and road conditions. We have cancellations and closings listed on our website as well as in ABC5's "Quicker Ticker" on the bottom of your television screen.

Stay warm and stay safe!

-Amanda

My Favorite Hobby

When I was a senior in High School I opted out of AP Chemistry when I realized that I had more than enough science classes on my record. The only class open at that point was a painting class. It didn't take long for my teacher and I to realize I had a knack for it. Today my house is filled with my artwork (makes for cheap decorating).


I just finished a large abstract landscape. It's huge, taller than me and I can't fit my arms around it. It's going to hang in my husband's office. I have a four foot lily I did a few years ago hanging in our kitchen. The big green hut and boat I painted to cover some wall scuffs in our last house, now it's above the couch in our den. The smaller lilies with the fence I actually did in high school. All the paintings are in acrylic, but I have done some oil paintings. Oils are so toxic I try not to use them, although I prefer the way they look. My husband, being the sweet man that he is, built me an art studio in our house. He put up all kinds of shelves and a special door to keep dust out (it is next to his woodworking shop) and TONS of lights, it is so nice to work in. Isn't he the best?






My mom makes a living as an artist, she's done and continues to do fabulous work. After raising six kids she decided to go back to school and will graduate with an art degree this May, we are so proud of her.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?



-Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

New York, New York

Just got back from a wonderful four day trip to New York City with my husband Matthew. We shopped, ate and just enjoyed each other’s company. It’s a love/hate relationship with the big apple this time of year. Love all the Christmas decorations, especially at Rockefeller Center, but could really do without the massive crowds. The best part this time is that I pretty much got all my Christmas shopping done as well as my husband’s (one of the perks for him on being married: I do all of his gift shopping). We hit up an outdoor arts and crafts fair on the fringe of Central Park, with all sorts of shops, and even hot apple cider. That night we were both tuckered out so we opted to skip going out to dinner and stay in order a movie and room service, I love those nights once in awhile. I also love dressing up and going to a nice restaurant and there are lots of opportunities for that in New York. This trip we didn't see any shows, unless you count the street musicians. When we were there this past October we did go to the top of Rockefeller Center and enjoyed the amazing views.

Have you been to NYC? What do you love most?

-Rachel Pierce rpierce@myabc5.com

Big Helper!

I am so lucky to have a husband who scoops the sidewalk and driveway every time it snows. We also have some very friendly neighbors who come by with their snow blowers on occasion.

Today Maddox decided he wanted to help his dad with the scooping. My husband sent me this picture from his cell phone. It looks like they stopped by the store to pick up a toddler-sized shovel. I don't think that's going to cut it with the six to ten inches we're supposed to get tomorrow, but I'm sure he'll want to try.

Holiday Promo Shoot

You've likely seen the promos that TV stations run during the holiday season. This year our promotions director decided to shoot them in our homes with our families. My first thought... "YIKES! How am I going to get my son to cooperate?" Mix in the lights, tripods, cables, and cameras in our living room and needless to say it was an 'experience.'

Here are a couple photos:

After about three minutes Maddox was no longer interested in this little activity. However, I believe we pulled off a few usable seconds to use in the promo. You'll have to let Rachel and I know how you like them when they start airing in a couple of days.

-Amanda

akrenz@myabc5.com

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers

My husband and I admittedly are not the most environmentally savvy people, but hey we try. One area we have decided we want to make a difference is with diapers. From what we've read babies use about two thousand diapers a year and they take about 300 years to biodegrade in a landfill. Because of that fact and the wonderful variety of chemicals in diapers that we are choosing to use cloth. We have been reading up on all the different brands and like FuzziBunz (I love the patterns) and Bumpkins Bamboo (my husband's pick). My parents used cloth and think we're crazy, though they admit there may have been a few advancements since they had to pin them on us girls. I have friends who have used them with their children and have nothing but good things to say.

Where do you stand? Do you think we're crazy?

-Rachel Pierce

rpierce@myabc5.com

COMMENT:

Hi Rachel! I read your blog for the first time today after hearing about it from Twitter. Am I missing the comment link on there or do we comment via email? In any case, I think it's great that you guys are trying cloth diapers. From what I've seen, they're nothing like the cloth diapers of old. I know there's a bit of an investment on the front end but I think you'll end up ahead financially and it's also environmentally friendly like you mentioned. After putting 3 boys through diapers diapers (at one point 3 kids all in diapers or pullups) I wish we'd gone this route. It would have saved us a bundle of money. The gross factor isn't as bad as what people think. That's all I'll say there hehe!Looking forward to reading more! Best,Amy Dix

REPLY

Amy-

Thanks for the comment! For anyone else who would like to leave a comment just e-mail me at rpierce@myabc5.com or Amanda at akrenz@myabc5.com

Thanks!

Attention Black Friday Bargain Bettys!

You know who you are.

I have been curious about what bargains you hunted down in the madness. $200 laptops? $300 flat screen TVs?

I avoid any shopping on Black Friday, it scares me. I was working that day and had enough fun reporting on the 30 thousand people who blasted into Jordan Creek Mall at midnight. We also ran a story about a Wal Mart in California that kicked everybody out of the store because they were fighting over cheap electronics.

Now even though I avoid shopping on Black Friday I know plenty of people who love to go out whether it's just for fun or serious business (this includes my co-anchor, Rachel).

So what was your strategy? And did you find any major bargains? Did you see any fights?

We might just have to mention some of the best stories in a newscast.

Drop me an email at akrenz@myabc5.com.

-Amanda