Here's to 2011!

I started a post back in 2006 that reflects back on the previous year and answers the same questions each year. Such a great way to see how much change can happen in just one short year. I can honestly say that 2010 flew by! I can't believe it's gone. But, they say the older you get, the faster it goes and I believe it's true.....So, here's to 2011!

2010--What kind of year was it???

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

In 2010, I ran my first of several 5k races! What fun! I have really enjoyed making new friends and getting into shape and I hope to run many more in 2011!

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My New Year's Resolutions last year were to make a huge impact in my job and I can say that I definitely succeeded! I had my best year ever and even won the Silver Qualifier Sales Award! I was so honored and so proud of all my hard work. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it! The other resolution was to spend more time with my kids. I really wish I had more time in the day to do everything I want to do. With all of the changes at work this year, I am on the road more and more and feel like I am not home as much as I would like to be. And that doesn't look to be getting any better at all in 2011. So, I will have to make the most of each moment....and hope to that everyone gets their little bit of time! And my final resolution was to lose that last little bit of baby weight....and it is definitely gone! The running has been such a great exercise and stress reliever!

And now to this year....I want to continue running! Maybe even a 10k or a 1/2 marathon? That would be so tough, but if you had told me a year ago I would be running 5k races and even getting a medal, I would've laughed. So, who knows? It's definitely possible!

I would also like to be debt-free and I have set up a budget and other worksheets to get there. It's definitely possible if I make some concessions and work hard! I realize it won't happen all in one year, but I know I could make a big dent in my debt in 2011, so here goes nothing! I would love to own my home by the time Richie retires and it can be be done with a little effort!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin Alyssa had baby Kaden in February! Now Landen has a playmate as they are just 5 months apart. I hope they grow to be close cousins and friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my my Grandma Hart passed away in November. This is my first grandparent on either side to pass away. I am really trying to reconnect with that side of my family as I realize now that time is definitely not going to slow down and every moment is one to cherish.

5. What countries did you visit?

I didn't visit any countries this year. Having a baby/toddler keeps you pretty close to home. However, Richie and I were able to go to Oregon for a week which was like another country. It is absolutely beautiful there! We had such an amazing time!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Last year I wanted a toned body and I think I am as close to it as it is gonna get! Running is helped me develop so much muscle tone and just feel better! I also wanted to feel settled...well, guess what? I had no idea we would sell our house and move to a duplex. So, I have to say, I don't feel the least bit settled. But hopefully 2011 will find us finally settled in our dream home! I would like to have more patience and peace in 2011. I felt so stressed in 2010 with everything that was going on. Is anything going to be easier in 2011? Absolutely not. But, I want to accept that and find my own peace with my life!

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I think September 30, 2010 will be a date I won't forget. It was Landen's first birthday! My last "first" birthday! :(

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I think winning Silver Qualifier was a great achievement....took a lot of hard work and I made it!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No illness, no injury....I think this is actually the first year in many years. I will have to say I had a few rough days in the summer/fall while I was running everyday. That really wore on my body. I am trying to cut back to 3-4 days a week and no more than that. I want to be in better shape, not hurt!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I got a new iPad for Christmas and I just LOVE it! It's nice to surf the web with a little computer in my lap. I love how I can play a game, zip over and check out my photos, or listen to some music. Tons of fun!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I am giving it to Kay Lynn. We had parted ways about 3 years ago after some hurtful things were said/done when I was going through my divorce and ultimately left ABF. But, this year, she wrote me a sweet email apologizing. I know it took a lot to do that. And I genuinely appreciated it. It was definitely a lesson in forgiveness--that no matter how much time has passed, we can still mend fences. And that people do deserve our forgiveness. Kay Lynn and I are great friends again and I am so thankful for her friendship.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Gonna go with a certain group of PDers. Yep, you win. Congrats.

14. Where did most of your money go?

This year most of our money has went in savings. And I am so happy because it has allowed us to start building our dream home! I hope to continue saving and can establish some healthy spending/saving habits for 2011.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

That God has given me a wonderful year of lessons, memories, and life experiences. I can honestly say that 2010 was a year of changes, both good and bad. And I am so very thankful to him for them. We have a church home. I joined the church this year and have enjoyed the messages, the music, and the fellowship. We have parted ways with friends and made new ones. And I love the people in my life right now. I know that without that experience, I might not have met these people. I was able to keep my wonderful job during a layoff in our company. And I thank God for that blessing.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I think it would be "I'm Not Who I Was" by Brandon Heath. I don't feel the same and I am happy for that....this year has been a year of growth, both spiritually and physically!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer?

I am happier, although it was a tough year. What a roller coaster ride! I don't think I'm thinner, but in much better shape. And I am going to be poorer after this house gets done, but I have some big plans to be richer in the long run!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Relaxed. Read books. Spend time with my kiddos. (This hasn't changed in 3 years!!!)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Less worrying. (Same as the last few years too!!)

20. How will you be spending New Year’s?

I am not sure just yet....still trying to figure out what we want to do.

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Yes, I did. I have such a closer relationship to God than I have had in years. I am so very thankful for that and the experiences in my life that pushed me there.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

House Hunters, The Good Wife, Desperate Housewives, and HAWAII 5-0!!!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope, I don't bother wasting time on someone if they don't deserve it.

26. What was the best book you read?

Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover!

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?

I love, love, love Brandon Heath, Jars of Clay, and Third Day!!!

29. What did you want and not get?

A good night's sleep! I thought babies were supposed to sleep through the night at some point??

30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Wow, this is tough because I can't remember the last movie I saw....wait, it was Tangled! I guess that gets the best film for the year since it's the only one I remember.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I am 32. And I had one of the best birthdays in years. I took off a day of work and spent the day at the spa where I got a facial and a massage. Then, I came home and sat on the couch and read a good book. Such absolute bliss!!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I think it would be better if I could just have more time in the day....it seems like the days are packed and I have so much to do with so little time.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

I had a blast this year! From nude colored heels, to leggings then jeggings, it has been fun to play in all the 2010 fashions!

34. What kept you sane?

My sanity came from God constantly telling me it was going to be OK. The little reminders that he's in control and not me, that was the best. I think being reminded that by letting him write my future, I am better off is the best sanity out there!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I am not sure honestly. I have enjoyed hearing about the ''royal wedding" and reading about the young couple. I am impressed with their "beyond their years" logic....it seems that William has learned a lot from his parents' mistakes/life experiences and it is refreshing to see young people learn from others instead of having to experience the pain themselves.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Heathcare, the economy, gas prices....will it ever get better? I have my doubts. But I pray it does. Soon.

37. Who did you miss?

I don't really have anyone I miss--I love the people in my life right now.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Love ya Laura! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and becoming friends! And I am so thankful for Mer and her friendship (and for introducing me and Laura!!)....

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

Forgiveness. It was and is a struggle, but I have learned that we need it and we need to give it. No matter how much time has passed, if you should ask someone for forgiveness, then do it. You will be surprised by the relief, the renewed relationship, and the peace that you can experience. And you will love the respect that comes with it too....

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I would have to say that Brandon Heath's song I mentioned earlier takes the cake!

"I'm Not Who I Was"

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so..........

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

*************************************

Thank you Lord that I am not who I was! I am so happy to be the person you want me to be and that you are continually working in me to be. I am not perfect, I am who you made me to be. Thank you for 2010--the experiences, the memories, the challenges, the tears. It's made me who I AM!! :)

Here's to 2011....a year still waiting to be written! Make some memories, mend some fences, and make some changes!

I Didn't Either!

I saw a post of "didn'ts" for the holidays and thought it was so cute. I found myself, saying "Oh no, I didn't do..." often because things were so hectic and busy. But, you know what? I didn't miss a lot of special moments either!

So, I didn't....

--take any "still" pictures Christmas morning! But I captured all the screams and laughs on video and I didn't miss any great moments. I did get to enjoy all the great reactions and memories though!

--get breakfast made on time Christmas morning...the quiche was late! But, when it was ready, everyone enjoyed it so much! But I did get to have all my family over for breakfast and enjoy some great time with them! And I didn't burn anything this year! Breakfast was yummy, yummy! I just love Christmas morning!

--miss Christmas at my Grandpa Hart's house! This is the first year I have made it there in probably 20 years. I did have a great time and got to see all my family! Grandma was missed--I didn't make it to Christmas over there before she passed away, but I didn't miss it this year.

--stick to my Christmas budget. But the kids did get what they were asking for....now, back to that budget! I spent all day today working on a budget for 2011 that MUST be followed!

--realize that Landen's new 4-wheeler had to be charged for 18 hours! But, he had a blast that night when we got home and it was charged and ready to go!

--get to sleep in Christmas morning! The kids were up at 6 am (we went to bed at 1 am after assembling a few items), so I was worn out....but it was SO worth it Christmas morning.

--I didn't get out of PJ's for the last two days and enjoyed every minute in the house with the kids! However, I am ready for school to start again. I don't think I could stay at home everyday with all 3 of them! Wore me out!

--leave up the Christmas decorations...not much to see, so why not put that stuff away! :)

Christmas 2010 was absolutely wonderful!

Landen learning to ride his 4-wheeler. Daddy is showing him to pick his feet up!

Finding the gas button.....

And within minutes he was riding up a storm...and trying a few tricks!

Look at that big smile!

I love my new 4 wheeler!

Since I didn't get a Christmas morning picture, here's the kiddos Christmas evening! I had them put their PJ's back on and "recreate" Christmas morning!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas... (at midnight!)

I am STILL up and just now getting to my annual Christmas Eve post...so, so busy! I wanted to post the last couple of Christmas gatherings before this post to keep things in order. Then, I always like to read last year's Christmas Eve blog before I write one for this year--so neat to reflect back on the same time last year and where we were in life. I can't believe we had our first and only Christmas at our old house last year!

Landen was only a small baby last year, not much on opening presents, etc. But this year will be so much fun! The stockings are set out, and I even organized the presents in piles for each person to save time in the morning...trying to get ahead for once! I thought I would give a tour of my home....but it will be VERY short. It's a 4 ft tree on my hope chest with a bunch of homemade decorations on it! A far cry from my 5 trees and fireplace mantle last year, but this duplex is busting at the seams and I have no desire to drag out anything more than what's necessary!

The stockings were "hung by the chimney with care"...or in our case, set out in the living room floor! Everything's ready for Christmas morning! :)

There are so many great presents "under the tree" this year, but I think what has been the most memorable this year is the image of Christmas 2010 years ago...I have always pictured Mary as this blessed woman carrying the Savior, but at last week's sermon, I realized that my image is so wrong....she was 14 years old, scared, and never felt more alone in her life. Her world had been turned completely upside down--nothing like she planned. But what a great reminder that God's will is definitely not ours. We may seem like the most unlikely person to do a task, but to God, we are the perfect one. He knows what he's doing (even when we have no clue)....the Christmas story took on such a different meaning to me after that sermon. It became a story of how my plans for my life are just that...my plans. But, my life is not my own...God's hand is working in it every single minute of every single day. Thank you Lord for a wonderful, blessed life.

Another part of the season that has stood out is a song....one that I have heard many, many times before...Little Drummer Boy. I heard a rendition of the song the other night by Jars of Clay on a TV program and it was the introduction given by the lead singer that hit a nerve....the explanation of how The Little Drummer boy felt so unworthy to bring a gift to a Savior, our King. He wanted the perfect gift and sometimes that gift is something we can't buy or create. It was a song he played, full of love and joy at the birth of Christ that was his gift. And you know what? I am confident it was cherished just as much as the Wise Men's gifts. It was a great reminder during the holiday season as I was shopping for that perfect present that sometimes that gift is more than anything a store could offer. The other night I heard about a couple in our community that is struggling. They are friends with people who have more than they can imagine. The struggling young woman was trying to think of what to give the lady who had everything. So, she decided to make her a pan of cheddar peppers--LOVE it! A gift from the heart! I can promise the lady enjoyed the gift just as much as one that came with a big price tag--because she knows the gift is full of love.

So, this year may your Christmas be more than just an image you have carried around for years--may it be an eye-opening experience. May your Christmas be filled with God's will for you and your family. And may your gifts be those that come straight from your heart and are full of love. They are priceless and cherished!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010!!! God Bless EVERYONE!!! :)

Christmas at MeMe and Papaw's House

Christmas Eve is always spent at MeMe and Papaw's house! We had an amazing meal (I cooked the turkey and it was SO juicy and tender :) !!)

The babies were so cute opening their presents...not quite sure what to do just yet (look out next year), but they had fun all the same... a little goes a long way though with babies!

The Boys

Landen--opening someone else's present!

He LOVED the bows!

MeMe with her annual Kiddo Calendar!

Landen tearing into a present

Kylie with her "Jeggings"!

Weston showing his shock/excitement at his new stereo!

Christmas with My Dad

Dad and Eva made it down last night for dinner and Christmas with us! We had such a great, great time! The kids just love my Dad because he is like a big kid himself. They were so proud of the present they bought him that they couldn't stand the wait for him to open it...too funny! So, we opened presents before dinner!

My Dad bought us a family gift--an Xbox Kinect and the kids (including me and Richie) have had a total blast with it!

The kids picked out a t-shirt for my Dad that has a real working guitar on it--they thought that was just the coolest thing and so did he! I got Eva a "ThirtyOne" bag with her name on it and she just loved it--she thought that it was so cool that her name was on there! :)

We had such a fun time eating lasagna and playing Kinect Adventures and watching my Dad rock out on his t-shirt!

Dad with his cool shirt--I forgot to get a pic of him rocking out!

Eva and her new lunch tote!

The kids with their XBox Kinect--Kylie was excited about trying the Zumba!!

The kids in action...side note--this pic has a dog that was a little "excited" in the background. So sorry! Didn't notice until just now! Not sure what got in to him, but he was spreading his affection!

Thank you Dad for the wonderful visit! We enjoyed spending time with you. I think my favorite part of the evening was the big smile and look on my Dad's face when he was leaving--so glad to have him back in my life! Love ya Dad!

DA-DA!!!

The other night Landen woke up in the middle of the night like he usually does. When he wakes up, he usually just starts crying. But that night he cried for just a minute, then it he yells out "DA-DA"! It was so cute! Richie went running....can't ignore that one!

Girls' Night Out--XMAS STYLE!

Tuesday night was the 2nd annual Girls' Night at Terri's house and we had such a blast! She has the most beautiful Christmas decorations and I've heard her home is just as cute during the rest of the year....told her she's coming to help me decorate when I get done building! :)

The party was so much fun--great appetizers, a fun pomegranate cranberry punch, and of course Dirty Santa! There were some cute little gifts there....one that I had my eye on! But, they don't call it Dirty Santa for nothing--it gets dirty when the stealing starts!

Laura rockin' her cool bracelets!

I think Michele was just a little upset over the steal??

I stole the cute apron!!

Really Mer? You don't even cook!!!

Michele in rare form!

PJ Girls

The Group! "Garrett!!!"

Christmas Here We Come!

I am officially done with work for 2010! Yeah! Now the countdown to Christmas begins! But first, it's time to clean. I am adamant to get a few things accomplished on my to-do list before Christmas gets here. We aren't going to get too settled in this duplex, but I really want to get every single cardboard box out of here! So, I told the kids to get some rest--we are gonna to get some things accomplished tomorrow!
Speaking of accomplishments, there are some pieces of equipment at our land...I guess we can call that progress! :) I am hoping they put that equipment to good use tomorrow and play in the dirt!

In a Flash....

I can't believe it's already Sunday--and I know that this week will absolutely fly by too! Christmas, like always, will be here and gone before we know it. I remember as a kid how Christmas seemed to take FOREVER to get here! Now, there's not enough time in the day to get ready for Christmas.

I spent the weekend, cleaning, wrapping, and cleaning some more....and wrapping some more.

But my weekend was kicked off with a little surprise from my husband. All I knew up until Friday evening was to be ready by 6:30. So, I made sure I was ready and we headed out. But first he said we needed to stop by our friends' Jeremy and Catina's house for a second for Jeremy to "show him something"....hhhmm, suspicious, but I will go along with it. Turns out Jeremy and Richie got together and planned a romantic evening for Catina and I! Too sweet! They took us to eat at Red Lobster, then we made a quick stop by the mall. And from there, we went to Creekmore Park to walk around the trail and see the Christmas lights. Thanks honey! It was SO nice to have an evening with no kids! :)

Saturday was spent running errands and getting ready for Christmas. I only have to work tomorrow and then I am off until after the New Year, but I wanted to get ahead as much as I could because I know I will be swamped this week getting ready for all of our holiday gatherings.

Today, Richie and I went to church and then finished our Christmas shopping. We then stopped at my Grandpa's house to visit with him and see my Dad. Grandpa sure is struggling. I can't imagine the pain he must be feeling facing the first Christmas without his wife in nearly 60 years. My heart breaks for him. He seems to just be going through the motions. It was a great reminder today to just stop and say "Thank You" to God for the small blessings that I take for granted--the family I have in my life, the sweet friends that are there for me, the things in life that just seem natural, but could easily be gone in a heartbeat.

Remember this Christmas to just stop every once in awhile and take it all in--look at the faces, memorize the smiles, and cherish the moments. They will be gone before you know it...

That's What Friends Are For!

About a year ago, Richie and I got our feelings hurt over a little incident with some friends. I haven't had to deal with these people since then until a few days ago. And I was regretting it. I wanted to go to the function, but I didn't want to at the same time. But, I decided to brave the night--with a little help from my friends. You see, what's funny is that after that incident a year ago, I swore off friends completely. I was DONE. I was tired of being hurt, tired of being used, and tired of being tired. But, then one night, I found myself just praying--God, bring some girlfriends in my life. Ones that I can trust. Ones that I can depend on. Ones that are friends with me FOR me and not some other reason. I really didn't think about that prayer again for about 6 months. Then, one day I was driving along and it hit me--God had answered my prayer! I think I almost didn't believe God would answer my prayer. Not because he wouldn't or couldn't, but because I didn't know if I could ever trust another person in a friendship again.

So, fast forward to the other night....God has blessed me with some great gals in my life! They listen, they love, they are the best! Laura came by the night before to "check my outfit". She stopped her evening, drove over, and helped me put together the cutest outfit! Then, I get a text from Mer the night of the function about hour before it's supposed to begin. I was a little apprehensive as I was getting ready, but then I read her text and smiled and cried at the same time! Her text said, "Have so much fun tonight! Remember you are very pretty and super sweet and no one can take that away from you. Now go work that room! :)"

Then, Angela (Kyle's wife), sent me one and it said, "Good luck tonite! Keep that head held high girl! I'll b thinkn of ya!" (Can I just pause here and say that I have the greatest step-mom for my kiddos??)

And you know what? I had a great time the other night! I had been only concentrating on a few negative people that would be there and forgot the other 30 plus people who were there that are great folks! It's funny that when you concentrate on the negative, things tend to become negative, but when you focus on the positive, the perspective is completely different!

And thank you Tonia for holding my hand, your smiles, and words of encouragement. You are great too!

So, a year later, thank you Lord, for that "incident". Thank you for helping me learn such a big lesson in life--the meaning of true friends, the positive perspective, and that You are always with me (good times and bad) and that You do answer prayers! Looking back, I wouldn't change a single thing!

Party Boy Landen

Landen and I went to Pate's birthday party a couple of weeks ago and he had such a ball. He was such a big boy and played in the bounce-arounds and he even got brave enough to go down the slide by himself! He kept wanting to go over and over! I think I lost 5 lbs chasing that boy all over the building! When he got in one of the bounce-arounds it had plastic balls in it and he just said, "BALLS!" He was in heaven!

Pate and all of her friends

Me and My Big Boy

Landen on the slide

5k with a Lil' Bling!

I am a little behind on this post, but here's some photos from yet another 5k....and I'm getting better! I had my best time yet of 28:14 and I came in 3rd in my age division. Yeah! When I ran this exact course on 4th of July weekend, my time was 33 minutes, so I have managed to cut almost 5 minutes off of my time!

Dave's Got a Point....

I am reading some Dave Ramsey on my Amazon Kindle app and I love this quote....I think you can apply it to more than just money!

"For your own good, for the good of your family and your future, grow a backbone. When something is wrong, stand up and say it is wrong, and don't back down."

Congratulations Captain!!

I am so proud of the hubby! He won the Chief's Award for Excellence this year and more than deserved it! He spent 3 months as the interim Chief of our town while Chief Jackson was away. And during that 3 months, I think he handled a little bit of everything! He did the job with integrity and humility. He has had several officers since then tell him how much they admire his leadership skills and how much they appreciated his service during that time. I am so proud of him! What a wonderful honor to a deserving man!

Gonna Be a Big Girl Tomorrow Night

I am gonna put my big girl panties on and deal with it. I am gonna pray for God's hand on me (preferrably over my mouth). I am gonna smile big. I am gonna make it through the evening. I can do it--even if I don't really want to.

Dear Lord,

Please forgive me now for the two shots it will take to get me there though.

Love,

Tara

Ready, Set, Go!

Well, tomorrow morning we sign on our construction loan and hopefully break ground on Monday! Fingers, toes, legs are crossed! Let the fun and drama begin! It's amazing how things work out for the best--we ended up with a cheaper interest rate and less money down! Things do work out for the best...but it sure is hard to trust sometimes, ya know? Great lesson in faith!

Kylie in the Christmas Parade

Well, another December, another Christmas parade for Kylie! She was so cute--as I was making the signs for the car, she asked about next year's parade! We hadn't even made it to this one--I'm telling you she LOVES them!

I was scrambling for what to wear--it's so cold, but I wanted her to look dressy, so I went with a coat and hat my Mom had made her. She looked cute! She wanted her hair curly, but I didn't have a curling iron unpacked and couldn't find the sponge rollers. So, I scrunched and sprayed--and it wasn't too bad! Her hair is so hard to handle sometimes!

Kylie Bug!

Kylie in the Car!

Landen's First Haircut

Landen's hair was gettting SO long. But it was kind of cute all grown out and I also dreaded that "first haircut". I knew he wouldn't look like a little baby anymore and I couldn't bear to make that transition from baby to boy. But, it was time. So, Ms Amber squeezed us in Saturday morning and Landen got his first haircut. He was so cute! He likes to brush his hair, so he wasn't scared. He wasn't very fond of the squirting water bottle to wet his hair--he made some funny faces during that! But otherwise, he did wonderful!

I loaded my pics backwards--so here's the finished product! It was 7 a.m. in the morning, so he was not giving up his "Papi" (pacifier)!! Looks like a little man!!!

Here's a cute shot about halfway through--he was having a good time!

The dreaded water bottle. He wasn't too sure about that!

What a transformation! He looks like a little man now!

Pics of Family from My Dad's Side

It's been so long since my dad's side of the family has been all together, much less posed for a picture. So, I made sure to bring my camera and have a few snapped after my grandma's funeral. Probably wasn't the best background on a few, but none the less we have some pics of everyone!

Me and My Dad

All of the Children and Grandchildren with Grandpa (and another relative)

Me and My "Step-sisters" I've known these girls since I was two years old!

Thanksgiving Weekend!

For the past three years, we have spent the extended Thanksgiving weekend in Branson with my parents and grandparents. We all stay together in a beautiful condo and just relax and do NOTHING! :)
Yesterday I spent the morning cooking for the family. My grandma hasn't felt wonderful in a long time and doesn't do well to be up and on her feet for extended periods of time. My Mom has been sick for months now and we still don't know what's wrong, but she isn't able to do much. So, that leaves me! Yesterday, I got up bright and early and woke up my brother and grandpa to come help me get things together. We had a wonderful lunch and then Landen and I took a long afternoon nap--pure bliss!! I look forward to this weekend all year long because we get to spend uninterrupted time with my family. My kids love it because they say it's like spending the night with the grandparents and Mom is here too!
I couldn't decide if I was going to get up this morning or not and go shopping. It's been snowing here and it's SO cold that even shopping didn't appeal to me (something MUST be wrong??)!! So, I stayed in and hit the internet sales! :)

At Grandma's funeral Wednesday, the whole family on my Dad's side was together. It was so nice. I don't know the last time all 6 cousins have been together--maybe 20 years?? So sad, but true. Grandma would've loved having all of her kids and grandkids together or Thanksgiving! We took several family pictures (I'll post them when I get home). I tried so hard to not cry when I read the poem. I didn't make it though. I think I got about two lines out and then started crying. That started a domino effect of tears. I looked down and my Dad was just bawling. So, I pulled it together and finished the poem--for Grandma. I am going to do my best to stop by Grandpa's house on a regular basis and take him some homemade food and just visit. I know he would really like it.

I am so thankful for where I am in life this Thanksgiving....and what I mean is that I have such a blessed life and a beautiful, beautiful family. I have three wonderful kids that are truly the light of my life. I have an awesome husband who loves me and can't wait for the rest of our lives to unfold together. I have a great job and a place to lay my head at night. I have some sweet friends that have shown me what great friendships are all about! And most importantly, I have a wonderful church that allows me the opportunity to worship God and hear so many great messages about him and his love. I couldn't be more blessed and more happy. So, thank you Lord, SO much for everything!
I hope everyone has such a great Thanksgiving weekend! Enjoy your family!!

Poetry for the Service

Tonight at the family visitation, my Uncle approached me and asked for a big favor. He had a poem that he really wanted someone to read at the funeral tomorrow. When everyone tried to think of who could get up and read it, I was their first choice. He told me, "if anyone can do this, it's you." I knew it would mean so much to him and I didn't hesitate to say yes. He was my grandma's oldest son and I wanted to make sure I did something special for him. Here's the poem. Please say a prayer I make it through the poem without crying!

Mothers Never Die--They Just Keep House Up In The Sky

When we are children, we are happy and gay

And our Mother is young and she laughs as we play.

Then as we grow up, she teaches us truth

And lays life's foundation in the days of our youth.

And then it is time for us to leave home

But her teachings go with us wherever we roam,

For all that she taught us and all that we did

When we were so often just a "bad little kid"

We will often remember and then realize

That mothers are special and wonderfully wise....

And as she grows older, we look back with love

Knowing that mothers are "gifts from above".

And when she "goes home" to receive her reward

She will dwell in God's kingdome and "keep house for the Lord"

Where she'll "light up" the stars that shine through the night.

And keep all the moonbeams "sparkling and bright".

And then with the dawn she'll put the darkness away

As she "scours" the sun to new brilliance each day.

So dry tears of sorrow, for Mothers don't die.

They just move in with God and "keep house in the sky".

And there in God's kingdom, Grandma watches from above

To welcome her children and loved ones with her undying love!

Such a sweet poem and great reminder that she has taken her place with the Lord. Thanks for the prayers and sweet words. They are so appreciated.

"She was spunky and stubborn..."

I read that description of her when I visited her memorial page. I just smiled to myself--so true. And now, you know I come by it naturally! My grandpa told me some stories of him and Grandma during the last couple of days I have been over there. Things I never knew. Stories about how they met--she was 14. Stories of when they married--she was 17. And reminders of how they just celebrated 59 years of marriage. Sure they've had their ups and downs, but they truly had lifetime of love, joy, and family. There are so many things about her I'll never forget. When I married Kyle several years ago, she gave me my Grandma Jones' hope chest. I think that gift meant more to me than anything she could've ever given me. I still have it to this day--it's a prized possession and gets special treatment (especially when we move!). Today, it means even more to me. Grandma also left her Bible at my house years ago and I never got around to getting it back to her. I asked my Grandpa yesterday if he would let me keep it and he said yes. I'm gonna put it in that hope chest next to her Mom's bible. What an awesome gift to pass to my daughter one day.

Some of my favorite memories are playing Rummy (cards) with her. We would play for HOURS when I was over there. Grandma's house was always the place where the cousins came together. When I was at the house yesterday I saw so many memories in each room--playing hide-and-go seek in the window seat of the dining room, watching scary movies in the den, playing Legends of Zelda in the living room....I could go on and on!

I've suffered with some horrible guilt since I found out about her death Sunday. You see, at my Aunt's funeral last November, she asked me to bring my kids and husband for dinner sometime. And I had some good intentions to do so. Then, life happened and we got busy and before you know it, it's November. Her death was totally unexpected. She died sitting in her recliner with her two dogs in her lap. My grandpa told me he kissed her forehead that morning when he got out of bed. He was sad because she wanted the yard and house perfect for Thanksgiving dinner and he didn't have it done yet. But that's the wonderful thing about family. The sons were out in the yard today cleaning up the yard...just like Grandma wanted.

Sunday morning at church the preacher talked about all of the things we have to be thankful for that other families don't. He talked about how for some families this would be their first holiday season without their mother or grandmother. I had no idea what had happened to my grandma at that time. They think her time of death was around 10 a.m. That was about 20 minutes before the preacher spoke. Even when I didn't know, God knew. He is always ahead of the game. I remember thinking during those words how hard it would be to enter a holiday season losing a family member. I just pray for my Grandpa right now. Yesterday he said, "I don't know what I'm going to do without her." Broke my heart.

We never know at what point someone will leave our lives. It has been such a lesson in priorities this week. I have spent too many days thinking "tomorrow" for those things in life that deserve "today". Make time for the ones who are in your life. We are not promised tomorrow. I have realized that the season in my life is different. We all know the day will come when we will lose our grandparents and even parents, but we just never realize how soon it will be.

LOVE THIS PICTURE!

Is this not the cutest little guy you've ever seen? Love this picture of him. Richie sent it to me while I was in Dallas last week...made me smile!

Is

Landen's 2nd Eye Surgery

Poor little guy, but the first eye surgery didn't work. They probed the tear duct, but it is so tight, that it didn't help. So, this time they went in and added a tube to hopefully help with the flow as well as "stretch" the duct area for the future. He'll keep it in for about 3 months and then they will go in and remove--that's if he doesn't rub/pull it out before then. So far, so good. You can see the tube if you get really, really close to him. Looks like a string in the corner of his eye. Otherwise, it's not noticeable. So, hopefully this works! My fingers are crossed!

This was before the surgery--the LONG wait you have until they take him. So hard when you are trying to entertain a one year old. He finally got tired of waiting and plopped down....for about 1 minute. Then he was back at it!
This was after they gave him the versed to relax him before they took him back (I asked her where my dose was!!). He isn't asleep, he couldn't hold his eyes open! He was like a little drunk--it was funny. He was still talking, etc, but this is what he looked like.

This was after we got home and he was eating a snack. Ignore the milk mouth. I took his picture to show the swelling. He was pretty miserable there....very cranky!

Like Father, Like Son

It was Saturday night, the Razorback game was on....and here are my boys. Can you tell they're related?

Jars of Clay and Brandon Heath Concert

I should start all of my recent posts with "I know it's been awhile since I posted, but..." because I am so far behind and never seem to have the extra five minutes to post about stuff in our lives! Last week went to see Jars of Clay and Brandon Heath! Such a fun concert! My husband didn't particularly care for it, but that didn't keep me from loving it! Our tickets were VIP tickets which I didn't realize and so when I got the letter in the mail that we had backstage passes, I was tickled! Their backstage experience was a lot different than I had ever experienced before. They came in and spent about 20 minutes answering our questions and just talking and hanging out. Very neat! Then, they signed autographs. The only disappointing part was not getting our pictures with them. You could stay after the concert and do that, but at that point we had been there for 5 hours, so I knew my husband was starving and ready to get home. But I am so glad we had an evening to ourselves and I had the opportunity to see them! Brandon Heath was invited to Carrie Underwood's wedding to sing and he sang that song for us. It's called "Love Never Fails" and if you've never heard it, go to iTunes and listen! BEAUTIFUL song!

My pictures are loaded backwards--this was at the end of the concert!

Brandon Heath

3 of the 4 members of Jars of Clay--one of them was sick.