Someone please get me a paper bag....

....because I'm about to hyper-ventilate.

I'm leaving. Getting on a plane. Leaving my babies.

I know, I know, no big deal....just humor me for a minute people.

Pierce is 5, I've been away from him 4 times overnight (not in a row either)

Hope is 2, I've been away from her 1 time overnight.

Paul and I have not traveled. Due to health issues and money issues, we never could.

I don't leave my children overnight, because I don't have the opportunity.

So, now here I am with the opportunity. GULP. I am excited and I am anxious.

Okay, I am done being a baby.



Bring on the beach baby. Bring on sleeping in. Bring on eating without a kid asking for a bite every second. Bring on just getting myself ready. Bring on paying attention to just my husband. Bring on the cabana boys. Bring on a mexican baby, I will name Pedro ;)

Kindred Spirits.

Madison and I are Kindred Spirits.

I want to get married in Madison.

I want to have a baby in Madison.

I want to drink coffee on the porch of my quaint house in Madison......



Okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but how I do love Madison. It makes my little heart go pitter -patter.



Last night was our annual Christmas trip to Madison. It holds a special place for Paul and I. I took him there for the first time when we were dating, way back in 2001, and all these years later we still trek up their every year for our fix. In my opinion, the houses were a little ugly, and dinner, was em, too funny !! But this is what makes memories.

Oh for memories. Good times.








What a lovely couple ;)

Um, not sure what to say, but too funny!!!!

Me and Mel.
The girlies.

Me and "old man Reid"

Matt and Melanie :)

Good grief Eric, contain yourself

Me and my Rico Suave

Until next year Madison.....

An unexpected night of fun....

Don't you just love unexpected fun?

So, we've been citizens of Charlestown for, em, over 8 years now, and not once have we participated in 'LIGHT UP CHARLESTOWN' .....Tonight I said "hey, let's go watch Charlestown light up, might be fun"......Off we went..... Who knew that so many people want to watch Charlestown light up?? Dang, it was crow-ded....None the less, we had a really good time. We ate goodies (like we need those after inhaling 19,000 calories yesterday) sang Christmas carols, and then watched Charlestown light up, dare I say it??.......'like a Christmas Tree', hee hee.....

Good times.


Headin' into the happening metropolis of C-town.
Got to love a stocking cap.

IT'S OFFICIAL...I will begin to call Paul, 'Rico Suave'

Wonderment.

He makes my heart happy.

What difference a year can make....

This year, it was me and Jo doing the cooking. Jo and I aren't exactly "Martha Stewarts" but we rose to the occasion. We knew we could manage most of the things, but we were a little worried about a few...the turkey, the dressing and my Achilles heel?? The gravy!!! But our inner "Paula Deen's" arose and we killed it!!! For real, it was all delicious.

Shout out to my husband...he made the turkey. I am not a huge turkey fan. O-M-G, it was the best turkey I have ever eaten. Not just saying that because he's my man, for real it was excellent. Way to go babe!!!

There was lots of food to be had, naps to be taken, kids playing up a storm, football on the t.v., and even a Christmas movie or two, and more food to be had. We have so much to be thankful for. Than the Lord for family.




"Be thankful that you don't have already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there to be to look forward to?"

"Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn"

"Be thankful for difficult times. During those times you grow"

"Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character"

"Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement"

"Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons."

"Be thanful when you're tired and weary because it means you've made a difference"

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever"

Pure Sap....

This post might ooze of pure sap, but I don't care, it's my blog and I can be a sap if I want to be.

Today has been a great day. I've been cooking up a storm, chatting with family, and cooking in the kitchen with my little boy. It was such a joy to have Pierce helping me today. We chatted about Thanksgiving, and then talked about what we are thankful for.

My pure, innocent little boy told me what he's most grateful for: His family, and that Jesus died in his heart (still trying to learn all that :)) Oh, he's also grateful that his daddy shot a deer and we can eat it on Mother's Day??

Anyways, as I was blasting the Christmas tunes, and thinking about what I have to be thankful for, I know that my "cup is overflowing" ....You know sometimes you just have to make a choice to love everyone, and be grateful. The Lord has really worked on my heart about that, and it's amazing how my relationships have blossomed. How my heart is so happy. Life just feels better. It's pretty simple. Stop pointing out every one's flaws, instead love them and enjoy your time with them. Who knows what the future holds?? Heck, I may not be here next Thanksgiving, I may not be here tomorrow. So, I am going to spend my time loving and enjoying this ONE LIFE I HAVE.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! We ALL have so much to be grateful for!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another One!!!

Just today Pierce was having a "life's all about me moment"

Of course I saw this as a teaching opportunity. Teach my first born, life is not about me and you son, it's about Jesus....

Mommy: "Pierce you know life is not all about you.....who is life all about?"

Pierce: "I know, I know mommy, it's all about you"

 that's right son, and don't you forget it ;)

Oh to be 15 again....

So maybe I wouldn't want to be 15 again, heck I can't even remember being 15 anymore?? I do remember anticipating driving, and dating and becoming independent......

We celebrated Cody's 15th birthday on Sunday. His birthday is actually December 21st, but he hates having it so close to Christmas, so we celebrated it early.....So, not much longer and Cody-bear will be 15....geesh.


He's smiling....it's a miracle.

Nice Jaclyn!!!

Happy Birthday Cody-Bear, your crazy aunt loves you :)

"You'll shoot your eye out..."

Oh yes, last night we went to see 'A Christmas Story.'   The classic tale of "Ralphie and that Red Ryder"

I didn't get that many pictures, but we had a really nice time. The play was really cute. We also ate dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, YUM, and we hung out with a group of fun peeps....Bucky, Mark and Kara, Michelle and Aaron, JR and Kim, and Matt ....what fun.

Thanks mom and dad for watching the kids. It's always good to know your kids are in good care while your out on the town.



This was the basic set....

Good times :)

Kansai!!!!!!!

Tonight was a night of deliciousness......KANSAI!!!

My best friend took me out for my birthday and it was soooo good. Good food. Good company.

Thanks Tracey for being such a dear friend to me. When I can give you nothing but me, you've said that's enough. When the days have been dark, you've been light. When I need to laugh, you are my relief. You are a dear wonderful person and I'm so glad to call you friend. Love you.

Making Christmas in Michigan....

Today is out last day in Michigan. Meemaw decided that the kids could help her decorate her tree, what fun for the kids!! They don't exactly put the ornaments on in the most lovely fashion, but they just love helping!!!

It's been a good visit, but we will be returning for Christmas...we've NEVER been with Paul's parents for Christmas--the one year we tried, Paul wound up in the hospital and was not released until Christmas Eve--so, Lord willing we will be returning.

Thanks for another great visit!!!!

So...there was an "incident" today with one of the cats. Here's Hope being pitiful about it :(

Finished product....nothing like a fire by the tree....

Here's what you can do in Langston, MI...

You could go visit my in-laws.....here's their parsonage.


Head to the bar down from their house....

And then once your done with your bender, head on over to Tom's church...
And that's pretty much their town!!! There is a gas station!!! Isn't that funny that there's a bar though?? It's definitely a SMALL town :)