Reasons for Thanks

Thanksgiving.

A time to remember all the things we are thankful for. (Although I feel like I should be doing more of this on a daily basis.) It's been a rough year for me but I still have an abundance of things to be thankful for. A few of my things:



My children (love them so much even when they drive me nuts)
My family (even the crazy ones)
The fact that my dad is getting the treatment he needs to fight this terrible disease.
Mike's family (so happy that I can still hang with them)
My friends (pretty sure they're some of the best people on Earth)
My job
A roof over my head
Food on the table
A reliable vehicle to drive
Cherry coke (yes, this makes my list)
The ability to have a decent relationship with Mike through all of this
My camera (it gives me lots of joy)

The list could go on. No matter how rough things get in my life I know I always have things to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My Ginny

So my sister Ginny got married on Saturday. Yep, that's right -- married. Can you believe it? I'm still grasping the concept. Married and moved halfway across the country. It's easier for me because we haven't lived in the same area in years. It's a different story for my mom. Serious empty nest syndrome going on already. (That's why I got a call before 8 this morning with her in tears.) Wish I could be there to comfort her. Mom's are the best.

Why am I rambling? This is about Ginny and the beautiful bride that she was and the beautiful wedding that she had. I felt honored to be a part of it. I had a great time. Got to meet my new brother-in-law. Seems to be a good match for Gin -- only wish I had more time to get to know him a little better. Got to see family. Love to spend time with them. Got to dance. Everybody knows I like to shake my groove thing. The best part -- got to be a part of this new chapter in my sister's life. Love you Ginny and Nate!

A few pics of the fabulous day.

Aren't they cute?

The first dance.

The father / daughter dance. Awww. . . .

The ladies. Katie, mom, Ginny, me, and Stacey

My baby.

The mischief maker.

Christian -- my nephew (kind of). The hit of the dance.

Dean and Stacey. Cute pic of you two.

Me and my momma.

My favorite one -- Me with my lovely sister. Think this one might have to go in a frame.

My baby sister

4 days. That's it. Four more days until my sister is a married woman. Can I call her a "woman" if she's only 20? She seems so young to be getting married but I have all the faith in her and Nate that they're going to go the distance. Of course this would be easier had I actually met my soon to be brother-in-law. If my sister and mom love him, I know I will too.

It's just crazy . . . Ginny -- married? When I went off to college she was going to preschool. Sometimes it's hard not to think of her as the little girl she was when I left home. I'm super excited for her and this new chapter in her life but sad that she's moving half way across the country. It's not going to be the same at home without her.

Good luck Ginny -- I love you!

The Last of the Nice Days

Last weekend was beautiful. This weekend was beautiful in a different Christmasy kind of way. (Still not ready for it.) Back to last weekend -- The weather was warm and only sweatshirts were needed. Of course my little peanut would not take off his hat. From October to April it seems to be a permanent fixture on his head.

We decided to take advantage of the warm day so we headed to the park. I snapped some pictures of my loves and even tried to get a little family photo. The pure joy on their faces melts my heart. Some of my favorites . . .