Christmas 2011

Due to several different work schedules and trips, Christmas this year was celebrated today!

We had such a wonderful time together and created more memories to cherish.

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Thought I'd share a few....

(Parents Tree)

My tree, which looks a bit bland in daylight..

I have enjoyed coming home in the evening and turning the lights on for awhile. It brings such relaxation on a cold, winter evening. :)
The Family... with one in the making ;)

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...And the designated Santa this year...

Hope all had a Merry Christmas this year...

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Have a Happy New Year too!

Sisters

Ya know when you randomly start flipping through folders... and reminisce? I came across this snapshot of us on Ange's birthday a couple years ago, just prior to her moving to Cinci... and thought about all the emotions...

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"Man, I Love My Sisters!"

We stand with each other through thick and thin.

As much as we didnt have a choice in the matter for being family, Im so glad we have chosen to be GREAT friends.

Gaither Homecoming - God of the Mountain - live with Lynda Randle

CDCF Baking

Joy welcomed us all into her home tonight to make some...

..which were called " Chocolate/ Pumpkin Whoopie pies" by most.

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These were just a few of the many that were made... and then sampled :)

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My dearest friend, Liz
SOO glad God blessed me with her friendship!
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Steve studying the recipe..while Ange takes a break for a smile!



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You can finally say that you're a baker, Dan!

Impressive.. haha!

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A very enjoyable evening with all... and just a start to spicing

up for the upcoming holidays with the group!

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Thanks again Joy!

Here's a sneak peek...

:)

It's HAPPY BIRTHDAY time..

I love Sunday afternoons, where I can play catch up.. I realize it's been some time now since I have updated this blog, and still have so much more to do... but in time, hopefully I can say I've caught up! Ryan commented today about how I take so many pictures, which I cant help! I mean, someone has to capture the moments no one wants to forget, whether they get posted or not!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM...

October 20th, 2011

You are such a bright spot in my life, and I cant thank you enough for all you mean to me.

Thank you for your love, support & encouragement over these many years.

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Reese flower credits to Ryan, and the making of the cake itself, Ange!

Well done & delicious!

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Styling with a hat from Ange!

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The Roast..

My First EVER Hotdog Roast with family and friends...

Steve invited Ben (from our CDCF group) to join!
Steve has this explanation at to why there is a little doll head in the left branch and a red heart in the right... Don't ask me.

I could hardly roast my hotdog... the heat was almost too much at the time.

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Our faithful dog, Rumpie... knowing when he smells some good food!

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A few Christmas decorations...

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I enjoy decorating for holdiays, but unlike so many that really go all out on decorations, I choose not to. At present, I dont have tons of storage room for such things and am just not a fan of clutter. The simple touches of life are what matter most to me:)

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And there they sit..

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Thanks to Ash and Ryan for purchasing some of these Gingerbread/peppermint decorations while in Oklahoma.. as its been slim picking to find unique items in the stores here!
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Next week... the tree may make its appearance in my livingroom ;)
More pics to come, possibly.

Often, I find that I am captivated by children and wonder what they REALLY think about with their young minds, what makes them do silly things, say silly phrases..etc? Obviously, its all about their developmental stages and what they absorb within their enviroment. To them, this is their normal..and all that they know! Then I remind myself that I once was little, likely doing very similar, silly things too. I wonder what I thought about during MY "very young & what seemed like LONG days." What did people think of me when I did whatever I did? I find that I am almost embarrassed at times to REALLY think about it; my developmental stages of life... and immaturity, but remind myself that we ALL go through it. I'd like to think I was always mature for my age, regardless of how young..:)

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Sometimes, just for the fun of it.. I WISH I could go back to those days.. and feel like Im living in a little body again, to really remember what it was like.. but, unfortunately I can't. Instead, it's all a distant fade....as time flies and the days not so long anymore. The moments/memories that I do remember, I cherish! I HOPE to share with my children ( when/if ever my time comes) some of these special times, and relive some of these moments, as they develop!

We were full of imagination/creativity, mischief, wanting to be loved & nurtured during this ever trying period of time. We were innocent in what life really had to offer... and most times, as we got older, found we thought we had all the answers. The rules set for us from a youthful perspective, just seemed so crazy and outlandish.. at times.
Childhood, is a beautiful stage, even though we may not always remember "exactly" what our little worlds were like... but there comes a time, in which this stage starts to change.. Some small changes, some big changes.. (our likes/dislikes, attitude, etc) and we realize we are taking on a new adventure about finding ourselves, who we are as individuals and what we might want to become. How was life going to unfold? Who would be those key people that would help you excel, that would have the biggest impact on your life..? All these and so many more questions that boggled the now, more developed mind.
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Looking back over the many years... it's hard to believe just where I am today, how I found the path laid out for me. We were never promised a clear cut life.. where we always knew the next step.. but we were given many tools to help us along.
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I have been priviledged to have so many special people who love/d and care/d unconditionally, who supported me in my happy times, and well my difficult times too. I am truly a blessed person to be where I am today and have ALL that I have.


Having a supportive family, "true" friends..(which, unfortunately not all can say they have,) being blessed with a job that you can enjoy most days :) Showing compassion for those less fortunate than yourself , Good health, etc. are all blessings I have found and lean hard on, as I carry on life. To love & be loved is a beautiful thing.. It makes all the difference in life!
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I look forward to what life has to offer.

September 17th, 2011
Relay for Life

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Another beautiful walk around the oval... celebrating HOPE!

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What was suppose to be a surprise..

..Turned out not to be... 3 hours before the party. :(

but it was still a nice time anyways!

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HAPPY 25th

Ash wanted sooo desperately to be here... and her request was to have a picture placed to represent her. I thought this was the perfect place for her to be.. right next to all the CANDY:)

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An apron game with 22 items to represent her..

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The firsts are always hard...

Though we all celebrated in the joys of Ashley's new life, I wasnt completely prepared for what came afterwards.. ALL the FIRSTS! Sometimes, I dont think we realize how much we take for granted until everything is different and you have to get use to a new normal. I think of all the birthdays, other holidays, family gatherings, etc that we have had this year where Ash was unable to be present, and I know she so desperately had wanted to be, but couldnt! Its been a phase of life we hadnt ever known, until it happened.

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I think about what makes her unique- her giggle, blonde moments/finally getting jokes hours after they were told and hearing her laughing in a room by herself, to finally hear her say, I just got it. :) Stealing candy, and then coming to me later saying.." I hope you didnt mind, but I ..." She will always be my youngest sister, and Im so grateful to have her a part of my life.

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I now find that life stops when she calls! I look forward to her surprise/random calls in the middle of the night, catching up on all the details, and/or having web cam conversations. I have found that during these times our relationship has deepened and I truly cherish this!
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Missing you a lot recently, Ash.. and can't wait until we can be together again!

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