Christmas Cheer?

A rainy, gloomy day like this one needs a little Christmas cheer!  I am off work today and have decided that I can't stay in the house any longer.  I have done enough housework that I think I can leave with a clean (mostly) conscience.  I am headed off to the mall for a little window shopping and to possibly spend some birthday money.  (Yes, mom, I know you are in shock that I still have birthday money.)  Then we're headed to Johnny Carino's tonight for mine and Chris' birthday dinner!  We've decided on something different for our birthday treats rather than cake or cupcakes.  Check in later and see what we chose!  Happy Tuesday!  Hope it's not so gloomy where you are!

Counting My Blessings

So I've told you before about my awesome family, right?  Well, I've got some awesome friends as well!  They braved the ice and the cold to help me celebrate my birthday tonight.  So glad everyone made it home in one piece, especially Jenna!:)  Seriously, I had a wonderful day shopping and getting my massage and then celebrating with my extended family after church tonight.:)  I could not have asked for a better birthday.  Love you guys!

Thank you also to my sweet husband for planning a surprise for me.:)  

Exciting Things

I'm so excited and I want to tell you all about it!  I was reading another blog recently which echoed the same feelings I have about writing about birthdays.  My birthday is tomorrow and I hesitate to write that because what do I say...Happy Birthday to me?  Send me presents?  No.  That's not why I'm telling you.  I'm telling you because my birthday is tomorrow and I'm excited about it.  Excited that I'm going to be 25!   OK, I'm caught and I will tell you the truth.  I'm going to be 31.  Whew, saying it doesn't seem quite so bad.  In fact, I love birthdays, no matter what age, and I LOVE birthdays in December.  Everyone puts up twinkle lights and pretty decorations for my birthday!:)  How thoughtful of them.  What I am really excited about, though, is the card I got in the mail yesterday.  It was a birthday card but it wasn't just any ole birthday card!  Inside was written a message from my Mom, brother, and sister telling me that I have an appointment on my birthday at a spa here in Knoxville!  What?  Yes!  A one-hour massage that is already paid for and the tip is paid!  How did they know that it would be one of the most perfect gifts EVER?  How did they know?  Because they are the great Mom, brother, and sister EVER!  So come tomorrow around 4 o'clock pm you know where I'll be.  Don't call me.:)

 

Love Without End, Amen.

It's been a little over 5 months since my Dad passed away and not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of him.  I miss him so much and so many things remind me of him like the start of football season during which he would be cheering on the Vols and the Colts.  A George Strait song will come on the radio and I am instantly taken back into childhood when we are riding in the car singing Amarillo by Morning.  I'm also reminded of him when I see my sister's determination and hard work or my brother's skill of being good with people and being admired by those around him.  I know that I carry some of him in me as well and I am positive that we have received the best of his character and love for family.  Tomorrow, November 6th, he would have turned 54 years old.  That little ache in my heart is hanging around again.  This date has been one of the most difficult for me.  This begins the next couple of months of birthdays and holidays that will be a first without him.  That thought it a little gut-wrenching.  I would want my Dad to know, though, that we are moving on with life.  He would be so mad if he knew we weren't  So, tomorrow may be a little difficult, but my mind will be filled with thoughts and memories of my Daddy who had the strongest arms and the warmest heart of any man in the world. 

Happy Birthday Daddy.

We will  love you and miss you always.

Nifty, Nifty, Somebody's

But I won't say who. ;)

Mission Accomplished!

Okay, I know that you have been on the edge of your seats, dying to find out my secret.  The secret was for my mom.  August 31st is her birthday and we wanted to do something special for her.  This happens to be a big milestone birthday but I'll tell you about that tomorrow.:)  On Saturday we sent her to have her hair done and then her friend Tracy took her to lunch and pretty much all around Nashville to keep her out of the house.  Thank you Tracy!!! While she was gone, we took over her bedroom.  After some hard work by her incredibly wonderful children (along with some significant others) her bedroom is beautifully painted and redecorated.  My mom is so giving and doesn't do nearly enough for herself and we wanted her to have a special, comfortable place to relax and unwind.  It was mostly a surprise.  She knew something was going on but didn't know at all what it was.  Sooooo, without further ado, here is the new room:

 This bedroom went from white and slightly plain to golden and BEAUTIFUL!  What do you think?

Surprised at her finished room.

Stacey and Emily eagerly awaiting her reaction.

POWER-painting. 

Our accomplice--we couldn't have done it without her!!

What a great family day!  Wes showed off his handy skills and Chris had to work but sent his love from Knoxville.  Amp came over and we celebrated further with a yummy steak dinner and strawberry cake! 

Mom, I know I speak for all of us when I say you are truly an amazing mother and friend.  Hope your day was wonderful and that you have many more special ones!  You deserve it.