Gotta Chuckle...

So, my little Brynn... The youngest of the family... The one my 17 year-old son predicts will be a Navy Seal because she's the toughest one of them all... Just won a Family SURVIVOR Contest at the County Fair!

And her big brother, Jack? He won a Hawaiian lei for being the only one who knew how to Hula dance. I have no idea where he learned how to do that.

Still laughing...

"Proud" Doesn't Even Come Close...

My daughter just graduated from Army Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

My son just passed all of his tests and is officially enlisted in the Air Force.

"PROUD" is a word that doesn't even come close to the emotion that is flooding my heart.

A Light Bulb Moment

So, there was a gathering at my son's school yesterday. Games, food, the works; sounded like a good time. After a day at Middle School, Blake came home. I was expecting to take him, along with my little ones to the event at his school. Being the 13 year-old that he is, he decided he didn't feel like going, but assured me that I could go along with his younger brother and sister. He wasn't sure which friends were going, and wasn't really in the mood anyway.

He kept asking me if I was going, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to or not since he mentioned that the games probably wouldn't be for little kids. Two more times, he asked me if I was going. I said, "Blake, I'll gladly go if you want to." He didn't show much interest. Finally, after the third or fourth time asking me if I was going, a little light bulb went off in my head.

"Ooohhhh.... I get it! It's not that you don't want to go... it's that you want to go, but not with me!!"

Ouch!

I've always celebrated along with my kids when they are able to spread their wings and fly. I get excited for them and for the experiences they will have. But I must say this one hurt. Why was this one different, you ask?

The event was Family Night.

(Don't worry... I am able to laugh about it. He went without me, and escaped any embarrassment a mom and little siblings could possibly cause.)

Merry Christmas

Well, this past weekend was supposed to be my side of the family's Christmas Celebration. It was to be the first Christmas my brother, sister, mom, dad, and I were all together for Christmas in over 20 years. I am sad to report that a snowstorm put a stop to our plans.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Snow, it did! We are now living in a winter wonderland! It is beautiful!!! My kids have been waiting for a White Christmas!

We went to Mom & Dad's anyways. What a wonderful retreat. Time stopped for a moment. We laughed a lot, played a lot, and enjoyed life without cell phones, deadlines, or commitments. It was a treat that this Mom needed quite a bit!

We will attempt the Christmas Celebration again next weekend. Hopefully the roads will be safe for travel. As sad as I was about the cancellation, I am now a bit rested, and thankful for some playtime with my kids. God knew what I needed!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!!

Family

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of surprising my best friend Lisa, on her 40th birthday. She had no idea I was coming; I got to come up from behind at the restaurant, and cover her eyes. What fun! It was a moment I will never forget.

I ended up at her house for coffee, and was invited to stay for dinner. I had talked to her husband Steve, earlier in the week, and knew that they were planning a special dinner that night, since she was leaving for Florida a couple of days later. I really did not want to impose on their family celebration, so I cornered Steve when he got home from work. I let him know how strongly I felt about not wanting to impose. His immediate reply was, "No, your staying. You're family."

It brings tears to my eyes as I am typing this. "You're family." What a tremendous gift those words were. I've known Lisa for about 25 years; I can't imagine life without her. It's a long story, but Lisa and Steve met because of Steve's best friend, Curt, and me. We have history. History is a good thing, but the bond of friendship that crosses over to "family" is a gift from God. I thank God for Lisa and Steve, and pray that they will be blessed abundantly.

Do you have a friend that is as close to you as a sister or brother? Let them know... it will bless them beyond measure.

Merry Christmas.

Now You're Cookin'!

Lately, I have been a bit bored with the whole idea of cooking. I tend to go through stages. At one point I can be creative, and think cooking is a lot of fun, and not long after, it becomes a chore that I dread. Now, you may think it is because I have four kids, and the chances of making something everybody likes is about as likely as my husband planning a Phantom of the Opera night out, with costumes and all at the Paris Opera House. (Oops... there I go again on the Phantom of the Opera thing. Did I happen to mention how much I love that movie and soundtrack?)

Anyway, I would like to share an idea I have had lately. It has helped put a bit of pizazz into the daily chore of feeding my family. (Guilt, guilt, guilt... I'm sure Mrs. Cleaver never saw it as a chore!) Well, whenever I can, I tie music into whatever it is that I am cooking. For example, today I made salsa. Now salsa takes a bit of time to make; it could be considered to be a real drag. Not for me! I get everything out, washed, and in its' place, chill the Mexican Beer, and put on some Salsa music, or a Mariachi band. I truly have a great time as I chop away, dancing to the music. Dean Martin works well for Italian nights, along with a glass of red wine. I think I'll look for a red and white checkered tablecloth! I have been know to sit down at the table, and insist that everyone talks with an accent... to match the ethnic food, of course. Personally, I think that is hilarious! I usually have tears from laughing so hard. My teenagers, on the other hand, think I have lost more than a few marbles! I can guarantee you, that some day, while they are eating Kung Pao Chicken with their kids, they will not be able to resist the urge to start talking with an Asian accent!

So ladies, I feel a dare coming on! What's for supper tomorrow? Whatever it is, find some music, a good drink, and work on that accent!

Bon Apetit!

Family Vacation

I just got back from a family vacation. I was in charge of planning the vacation for the entire gang; we had 40 people in one place. The clincher? It was my husband's side of the family. Yes, I, the IN-LAW, was in charge of planning every one's fun-filled, once a year vacation. Pressure? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!!! I knew it would be great, and a ton of fun, but I knew that they didn't know that! You see, I grew up cramming a bunch of aunts, uncles, and cousins into a tiny cabin for an entire week, every summer! We had a blast! Most of my favorite childhood memories involve those summer vacations. My husband's family, on the other hand, had never done anything like that!! Well, the place I found for our vacation, had 6 bedrooms, multiple futons and hide-a-beds, 5 bathrooms, a pool table, ping-pong table, play-set, volleyball... the works. What a castle! Much more than what I grew up with. Still, I was a nervous wreck wondering what everyone thought of the place, and the whole idea of putting the entire crew in one spot for five days.

I am happy, thrilled, and relieved to report that we all had a great time! Everyone got along very well. Like most vacations, the time went way too fast!! We had fun on sea-do's, four-wheelers, playing in the water, on the boat, and telling jokes around the kitchen island. I know my mother-in-law worked way too hard making sure everyone was fed, but the rest of us enjoyed time of leisure.

I absolutely adore my husband's family... they are generous, loving, and a lot of fun! If there is one thing I learned from this experience, it would be this: I will gladly plan the next reunion! I won't be nervous this time, since they all have experienced what I knew all along.... being together in one spot for a few days is a precious gift.

I have sand and shells from the lake we stayed at, in a jar. I placed it on my windowsill above my kitchen sink... I get to relive precious memories every day. My heart smiles.