Monday

The title sums it up.

Monday. The day when we look around our house and ask, "What freight train ran through here??"

It's the day that we SAHM's dutifully return to our laundry and mopping and sweeping. It's the day that the home schooling mom's start out another journey to educate our babies, no matter how young or old they are. Monday. The day that sets the precedent for the rest of the week.

Aren't Monday's typical in nature? There's the usual run to the bank, supermarket, post office, etc. It's also a bill paying day for some of us. To many that labor in the workforce, it's the day most dreaded, but for the entrepreneur, it's the day that the next business venture begins. I suppose it's all how you look at it.

Now that my entire Monday is behind me, I can breathe a sigh of relief. I've done my lesson plans, set the schedule for the week, had a great day of school with the kiddies. Our supper was on time....we had yummy potato soup, honey glazed smoked sausage, and homemade biscuits. (Simple, delicious meals score big around my house, especially on Mondays.) I really outdid myself, making biscuits! I have to be in a very domestic mood to make them now that my daughter has mastered the art of biscuit making. Sometimes it's just the fact that Mom makes them....

Now that the kitchen is clean, the exercises done, and the luxury of a long bath is behind me, I think about how I hope the rest of the week goes like today; busy, overloaded-full, productive, and fulfilling. The only thing that could negate the productivity of a Monday is a rainy Tuesday. Nothing like all that rain to flair up my arthritic joints. It can definitely be a schedule wrecker.

Hmmm.....what's the forecast like?

Excuse me while I check weather.com.....back in a sec.

Phew......only a 10% chance of rain in the morning. Good to know that my tomorrow isn't going to wreck my today. ;-}

Let's Catch Up

It's been what, five days since I posted?

Well, here's a summary of what's been going on. Sunday I got sick with a virus. YIKES. I made it through Sunday School and part of the service, but after the choir sang, I knew I had to go home. It wiped me out for the day, as well as Monday.

Tuesday, of course, was the inauguration, and even though I had a lot of running around to do, I tried to keep up with it as much as possible. Since I don't have a TV, I had to surf around on the web for some good coverage. I'm not an Obama fan, but I love my country. And I stand amazed at the peaceful transfer of power that happens every 4 to 8 years. We also had snow in the forcast, but it forgot to come by our way. :-(

Wednesday was just your usual school day/midweek service day-busy and hard to get everything done.

One update on the Science Fair... we will have 10 homeschooling students participating. We have to turn in our consent forms and topics by Sunday. Savannah and Daniel are settled on their projects, but Jordan still has to make his decision. I'm sure they will all update their blogs with thier topic ideas.

Last night, my husband preached a wonderful message out of Psalm 127, concerning the mighty man and his quiver. It was such an encouragment to all the parents, especially the homeschooling parents. You can check it out on the Pastor's Blog at our church website http://tjlbc.com/. You can also click on the link to the Pastor's Blog under my bloglist.

Hope all of you are warm and happy!

The Tower of Classics

I worked hard at cleaning my bathroom Friday night. I have ceramic tile floors in all the bathrooms (3 of them) and in my kitchen and dining room. I was determined to clean the grout, particularly in my bathroom. It was a successful job, and with a little extra elbow grease, my floor looked brand spankin' new!

One of the things I removed from my bathroom was a wicker chest that was filled with magazines. I decided to move it into my bedroom, but it would instead house all my scarves. The only place I could find for it was between my two towers; my Eiffel Tower and my Tower of Classics. (As you can see in the picture, the wicker basket is stuffed full!)





Tower of Classics??? It's a tower with some of the best classic literature ever written. All of them are nice hardbound books that Kevin's grandmother sent home with us after one of our visits.

As I was "stuffing" my basket, I looked over at my Tower of Classics and thought to myself, "There sure is alot of wonderful reading material there." I ran my fingers across the spines of the books, thinking about how much I love to read. I look at the picture now and think of how many hours were devoted to these monumental tasks that now serve as entertainment for others.

I thought about Moby Dick and Jane Eyre. You don't just read those books casually. They are consuming. And Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorites, is such a lovely story. Then there's Tess of the D'Urbevilles....pure tragedy. Of course, the only Thomas Hardy story I have found thus far that isn't travesty laden is Underneath the Greenwood Tree. And then there's the Sherlock Holmes Collections...one of my favorite fictional characters. I became a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle just a few years ago. I'll tell you now, the new writers trying to resurrect Sherlock Holmes simply do not portray the Holmes that Doyle made famous. I guess you could say I'm a Holmes purist. But as I looked at all those beautifully bound books, I realized that those classics are in a league of their own. Modern reading material just doesn't compare.

For a fleeting moment, I thought, "I should read every single book on this tower." Needless to say, I quicky saw it as an undertaking that would take more time than I could devote. My time is already limited, and with Sunday School lessons, home school lessons, and everything in between, it would take me 10 years or more to read them all.

I have to laugh at myself when I have these whimsical thoughts....me stretched out on the bed reading classic literature, picturesquely having nothing else to do...all the house work done, all lessons done. Lala land.

Then I am reminded of the Mitford Series by Jan Karon I've been trying to read for over six months. I'm still on the first novel, somewhere around chapter 3. Making great strides, huh?

Even though I love to read, sometimes luxury reading has to wait. When things slow down a bit, I may give it a go. My books will be there when I finally have the time to read them. Best of all, they will still be classic.

Now, That's Funny!!

I don't know if it's funny, or whether it's sad.

I just received my Avon shipment, and one of the flyers says, "YES AVON CAN" all set to a patriotic red,white, and blue theme that almost mirrors the Obama emblem. This catch phrase is everywhere!!

Actually the flyer is an overview of Avon products and the competitor's products that they are similar to. You know, it gives the prices and shows you how much you save by purchasing Avon. And all of that is true. Just seeing a grab for the Obama emblem and phrase made me shake my head and roll my eyes!

OKAAAAAYYYYY....Can all of us muster up a collective eye roll???

My goodness! I don't need a kitchy phrase to know how much I'm saving by using Avon products.

I'm not an Obama fan. Can you tell?

Memories of Theatre

The short period of time that I was in secular college, my major was Theatre and Speech. I was an eager Thespian, It was such a passion of mine, I worked at Longstreet Theatre at the University of South Carolina.

I was so excited about working the box office; I received free tickets to all the productions preformed at Longstreet. Not only that, I was able to get a glimpse of the occasional high profile stage directors and actors. But for the most part, I loved it because I absolutely loved theatre.

It was fascinating, the theatre was. It was an arena theatre with an hydraulic elevator on the stage deck, allowing set changes in the basement between scenes. I never had the opportunity to perform at Longstreet, but I did get to work there as a costume mistress for a main stage production as part of my practicum. The play was Anton Chekhov's "The Three Sisters".

Although it sounds like an easy task, being costume mistress was challenging. When the hydrolic stage would descend, the actors/actresses would scamper to change into their next costumes. Not only were we responsible for having our assigned actresses costumes on hand, we were responsible for helping them change. Easy? Not really. This period piece required costumes that had hook and eye closures, sometimes as many as 30-40 closures on the back of one single dress. And the corsets were a different story altogether. Bottom line: I had less than 1.5 minutes help change clothes and shoes and hook up to 40 closures. Exhilirating!

Those days are gone, but I still have a devout love for good, wholesome theatre. Sometimes I google the names of people that I encountered and acted with at USC. I haven't found any that were famous, but one comes pretty close.

My first Theatre professor was Karen Eterovich. She was working on her Masters while I was at USC. I didn't know then (perhaps it wasn't true at that time) that Ms. Eterovich is somewhat of a Jane Austin oficionado. She has written an original work, "Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austin Family Theatrical", which won raving reviews at the Jane Austin festival in Bath, England. I know this isn't fame according to Hollywood, but stage wise, it's an incredible accomplishment.

How odd...I didn't realize Ms. Eterovich had such a passion for Austin works. If there's anything I love, it's a good Jane Austin story. I don't know if Karen is planning to tour the US with her works, but if she does, I will be first in line to see her perform!

Not the News I Wanted to Hear

Well, my appointment with the liver doctor was long and complicated.

First of all, my referral had expired, so I had to wait for nearly an hour before they got that straightened out. I had to call my primary care physician and go back and forth, back and forth....irritating to say the least.

This appointment was a follow up for my liver biopsy, which was done all the way back in August. I actually haven't talked to him about the biopsy, but I knew that nothing fatal was going on. My injury and surgery kept me so out of commission, I just took what little news I had as all I needed to know.

But the news I got yesterday was not what I wanted to hear.

My liver has inflammation and scarring, which the medical world gauges on a scale from one to four. Both my scarring and inflammation are a two. He didn't expect to see severe scarring for at least 10 years.

A couple of important things:

My medication is harming my liver. Some of my medications actually cause elevated enzymes, which means they are causing damage.

My inactivity due to the surgery has made my problem worse. Even though it can't be helped, the lack of exercise works against me.

A proper diet goes a long way with this condition. Not neccessarily a weight loss diet, but a balanced diet. Other things that affect liver enzymes are diabetes and high cholesterol. Right now, those two aren't an issue.

All of this news raises another problem. The medication I take for Interstitial Cystitis is known to elevate liver enzymes. The drug is called Elmiron, and it is the only drug on the market that treats IC. This is a real perdicament, for my IC is more problematic than the Lupus and Fibromyalgia put together. I may be forced to stop taking the only drug that helps my condition. Google Interstitial Cystitis...you will find it is a very painful, debilitating disease.

I'm very concerned about what choices I may have to make. It will not be easy dealing with the situation, but I only have one liver. And I must protect it with my life.

Either way, changes will have to be made. I may not like all of them, but they are neccessary. I'm a bit discouraged, readers. But hopeful, I remain.

The Appointment-All is Well and Good

My appointment came and went, and it's a relief to have the boot off. Now I have a brace that is much less bulky. Four more weeks....

The Doctor was very pleased. The amount of swelling I have is normal and should subside in about 2 months. The pain I am having is actually considered normal. (Thank the Lord!) I was concerned that I wasn't healing properly because I've been having some pain, but according to the Dr. it is to be expected.

The only down note is that I still have to wait a couple of weeks to drive and play piano. I had also asked him about starting up my walking regiment (I was walking 4 miles 4 times a week prior to all my problems.) That too will have to wait until I've had a couple of weeks of physical therapy. Drats.

He also advised me to not start driving, playing, and walking all at the same time. He said it would increase the pain. That's understandable, but I'm sooo ready to get back to all the things I've been missing out on.

Nonetheless, I have had a great day. Kevin and I had a nice lunch together before my appointment. We had some time to spare before I had to be at the Dr.'s office, so we had some latte and enjoyed each other's company and conversation. (I love times like these with Kevin!) One good thing about all of the surgeries; Kevin has had to take me everywhere. We've spent much deserved time together.

I hope all of you are safe, warm, and happy. TTFN...ta ta for now!

The Lone Bag

OK. Until the past week or two, it's been pretty dry in my corner of the world. Google Lake Lanier or Lake Hartwell. Scary business.


I certainly don't want to complain about the much needed rain. As far as the drought is concerned, our torrential downfalls have been showers of blessings. It's just that....erm.....well, I'll tell you. The leaves in my yard need to be bagged, and no one in this home wants to rake!!


We make good use of our lawnmower with a bagger. That is, unless it's rainy and wet. About four weeks ago, I put the boys on the task. Within 15 minutes, it started raining. Since then, it hasn't stopped raining long enough for the ground and leaves to dry out. The boys are rejoicing, but I'm ready to see some progress! After all, they started a couple of weeks before Christmas. The goal was to have a manicured lawn before Christmas Day. So much for that.


Because I live in the city, if I bag my leaves the city will pick them up. The boys were only able to get one bag full of leaves done. So, there sits my lone bag. All by itself. I mean AAAALLLLLLL by itself. The bad part is the city crew hasn't even picked it up.


Now, that really bugs me. Are they waiting for more? Surely there isn't a bag minimum before they will pick up. I try to think of what the brush crew was thinking when they have driven by these past 4 Thursdays. Did they say, "Surely these folks are gonna bag up the rest of their leaves. We'll hold off until they are done?"


I'm scratching my head- it has sat there for 4 weeks. Even one of my friends asked me why the city hasn't picked up that one single bag. They picked up the neighbors leaves that were packed neatly in Home Depot yard bags, she pointed out. My bag isn't a lawn bag, technically. It's just a regular Hefty tall kitchen trash bag. Are they discriminating against my garbage bag?? They better not be! I have another neighbor that just rakes her leaves to the roadside, and they pick hers up with a big claw. Hhmmpphhh!


I have had to call the city and tell them I have brush for them to gather. But I'm a little embarrassed to call about one little 'ole bag. I mean, really. The bag only contains, well.....13 gallons of leaves. Miniscule by comparison, I know. But that one bag looks silly out there by the road.


I have been tempted to put it in my garbage bin, but I know that it doesn't belong there. Besides, the city might scowl over mixing household trash and brush. I just want the ones responsible for picking it up to come get it. I've done my part; the city will have to meet me half way on this one!!!


So, back to the rain. I'm ready for dry ground so that the lone bag can be joined by the larger 33 gallon lawn bags I purchased just for this task. However, the forecast for today is rain. My dismay, the boy's delight.


I guess I should just count my blessings. Just like washing your car is a invitation to rain, my desire to bag leaves has become a rain dance of sorts. As long as we are in drought mode, a soaked ground and wet leaves are a good thing.

3 Days and Counting....

As of today, I have only three more days until my appointment with Dr. Davis, my orthopaedic surgeon! Woooohoooooo!!!! It will soon be "Goodbye" to the boot. I am really anxious to see what the next phase of recovery will bring. I'm hoping for normal shoes and driving privileges. I can't believe it, but soon I may actually get to wear a pair of matching shoes for the first time in 10 weeks.

One of the next things I will have to endure will be physical therapy. Yuck. I know, I know. It's neccessary, but it's so aggrevating to have to go. Thankfully, I live less than 3 minutes from the Physical Therapy office.

You know, it's hard to believe that I just stepped off of a step and BAM! I didn't sprain my ankle; I tore three ligaments (one completely from the bone). I think the worse thing I did was to try to keep from falling. That actually caused my ankle to roll inward after it had rolled outward. I remember hearing a POP and thinking, "I can't believe it! I just broke my ankle on my first day of vacation!" It wasn't broken, but this is really much worse, or so says the doctor.

Thank the Lord, I am on the road to recovery. Perhaps in the next few weeks, I will be able to wear some halfway fashionable shoes. The biggest part of the journey is behind me, and I'm in the homestretch. I hope everything I desire concerning the healing process comes to pass.

Upcoming-TJLBC Homeschool Science Fair

School is off to a busy start! The big upcoming project is a Science Fair at our Church. During the fall, we had a family fun day. Part of the festivities was a craft competition. All the children of the Church participated and did an amazing job! The kids did so well, it gave the mom's the idea of a Science Fair. We have about 14 homeschool students that will be submitting a project.

We are so excited about this! While I feel that competition is healthy, I am more excited about the students getting together and showing what they have learned. Even if a student doesn't walk away with the ribbon, they will walk away with experience.

Also, those who are keeping a portfolio for their high school students can put this in the portfolio. This is the kind of stuff colleges are looking for. College admissions personnel want to see if the students have engaged with others and if they have successfully planned and executed a project that is graded and judged by someone other than the parent.

As of now, it looks as if the Science Fair will be held in Late February. I'll be sure to update with my family's progress on building their projects.

Take the Quiz!!

To the right, I have posted a quiz, one that I hope everyone will take. It's simply, fun, and only takes about 3 minutes.

Some people think they know me, and some really do!

So, as of this morning, I only have 5 days left of wearing this ridiculous looking boot. As you can see, it screams "Lost in Space!" It screams it so loud that without fail, anytime I am in public people gawk and turn their heads. What I find especially humorous is people who don't turn their heads but follow my boot with their eyes as they pass by. I have long anticipated someone walking into a wall because their eyes were transfixed on my space walker. Fortunately, it never happened. Honestly, I would have a hard time not staring at something so ugly.

I'm overjoyed, but I have a nagging feeling that transitioning into a regular shoe won't be quick and easy. It seems like it would be easy, but things like this never go as planned. The swelling will surely make it impossible for my regular shoes to fit. And then there's the brace that I will continue to wear for the following 4 weeks. That's going to add bulk to my already swollen foot. Flip flops are an option I have had to keep open for the past 9 months, but I'm a little tired of them. Plus, IT'S COLD!!

The truth of the matter is, I may be coordinating my Sunday wardrobe around a few pair of flip flops. It's hard to be dapper when your shoes are making so much noise. I have some nice clothes I'd like to wear, but flip flops make the mix seem a little faux pas. Thank God, I attend a little country church where pretense holds no place!

I suppose time will tell. Shoes are really a small matter, especially when compared to the extent of the injury. Just getting back on the piano will bring me much joy, no matter what's on my feet!

Constant streams of music....but none of it is coming from me!

Strange thing happened last Wednesday night....

I haven't been on the piano for two months now. I have had a wonderful fill in, and I am so thankful she has stepped in. But alas, she went on a trip to Florida this past week. So that left only two choices: no piano at all or I fill in for the "fill in." I filled in.

It was painful. Honestly, I was afraid I had forgotten how to play. But it all came back to me. It strained my ankle quite a bit, so we only had a few congregationals. Needless to say, I was happy to see the fill in come home!

I miss making music. At home, we have constant music. All three of my children play the guitar. A couple of them are tackling the mandolin. Every once in a while, someone will pick away at the banjo. My children are even returning to their love for the piano.

But no music from me.

On a happy note (pun intended), we now have a violin. It was a gift from my father to my eldest son, but I have a feeling my daughter will master it before him.

My middle son Jordan also got an instrument for Christmas. My loving Dad gave Jordan a hand made custom guitar. He had a friend in Vietnam make him about 6 of these beautiful guitars. These jewels are such high quality, I would be hard pressed to find one of equal quality here in the states for under $1000. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, abalone trim, wood tuning pegs; it's a real beauty. It sounds like a Martin, and it has been filling my home with endless music ever since it crossed the thresh hold.

But still no music from me.

I'm growing impatient to get back on the piano (the key here is the ankle). This ankle might as well be bionic because the surgery cost a whopping $22K. So, I really need to be careful and baby it as much as necessary. I don't think my insurance company will want to pay for a repeat of this surgery on the count of my negligence.

What's the old saying, good things come to those who wait? In the meantime, I'll enjoy the pickin'and grinnin' going on here at home.

A Busy Start to the New Year

Every year, I buy a new calender/planner. It is an absolute essential for me. I've been marking that little book up like crazy!! Here's a peek at what's coming up for me.

Jan. 5- Blood work for liver enzymes

Jan. 12-follow up with orthopaedic surgeon. I will transition into a brace and regular shoe. Yay! I'm also hoping for driving privileges.

Jan. 13-Appt. with gastro to follow up on my liver

Jan ?- Mammogram

Jan ?- Appt. to see my Rhuematologist. We've got to get back on some sort of treatment plan for the Lupus and Fibro. My liver disorder has prevented me from taking alot of my medications, but since the biopsy, I've been cleared.

Jan? Jordan needs yearly checkup with neurologist. He has to have an EEG every year. Although he hasn't had a seizure in over 16 months, his last EEG showed an incredible amount of seizure activity. He has Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. Almost without exception, children outgrow this type of epilepsy by the age of 15.

Jan. 15 Start physical therapy, which will last 4 weeks. I will have 3 sessions a week, and this will hopefully strengthen my ankle.

Feb. 23 Daniel has follow up appt. with his Rhuematologist. He has been having flairs, but fortunately he is managing very well. We had hoped he would outgrow the Juvenile Arthritis by now, but that hasn't happened....yet.

Jan-Feb- I've got to get back to the dentist. I missed my 6 month cleaning because of my ankle reconstruction.

On top of all of this, I have lesson planning to do, papers to grade, and financial info to get together for 08 tax returns.

Yes, I'm starting off this New Year quite busy. I'm hoping mid-February and March will be slow down months!

I Remember

I remember some things from this past year. Actually, I would have to say that in my time of reflection of this past year, my heart and mind go back several years. Some events are forever etched in my mind, and the lessons I learned are ingrained upon my heart. I want to share some of them with you all.

I remember the salvation of my children. Daniel was saved this year, and it was the greatest event of the entire year. My prayers had been heard.

I remember when Jordan and Savannah were saved, in 06 and 07, respectively. These memories never fade.

I remember the day all my children were baptised together, along with four other children from the church. How can I forget all those teens, tweens, and inbetweens expressing their desire to be baptised? It was monumental.

I remember the excitement of our old fashioned tent meetings. I love seeing sinners come under the tent, wanting to hear the gospel.

But I also remember feeling like giving up. I was so sure that I could not go on. In fact, last year at this exact time, I remember my husband and I talking to another Pastor. I was so discouraged, so defeated. But here I am today...because His anchor holds.

I remember feeling immense disappointment, not only in events, but people. But the Lord reminded me that I have surely been a disappointment to someone else.

I remember a hurt that made my very soul bleed. I never knew I could hurt so deeply. It could have changed my life forever, but I decided to let the Lord heal my pain.

I also remember the Lord showing me that forgiveness was the only way to victory.

Yes. I remember hurting. But I also remember forgiving.

I remember needing forgiveness, not just from my Lord, but from other people. I also learned that it feels as wonderful to forgive as it does to be forgiven.

I remember the laughter of friends that are no longer a part of my life. I know they think that I don't love them, but I do and always will. I will never forget when the times were good, and I'm doing my best to forget all that was bad.

I remember the constant pain in my body. 2008 has proven to be a year of physical trials. For over 8 months of the year, I have been "off my feet", at least to the point that I could not take care of my home, my children, my husband, or myself. Three surgeries in 08...yet I can tell you what it's like to be sustained by the Creator of the World.

I remember asking God, "Why?" I could not understand why He allowed me to suffer so much pain when I could hand pick 2 dozen people that weren't faithful yet always seemed to be "blessed" with health.

I remember God telling me that in my weakness He would make Himself known, not only to me, but to others.

I remember realizing that when you present yourself a vessel for the Master's use, you are allowing Him to use you as He sees fit. Submitted vessels don't dictate. They obey.


2008 held some very difficult times, but with each and every hardship and trial, the Lord made Himself known unto me. He wasn't punishing me. He had not forgotten me. He was simply molding me into His image. So, how can I complain?

Look back over your year, and if you are like me, you will see that all that has transpired has been guided by an unseen hand. And when I reflect upon that, 2009 brings me much excitement!

The 08 Update Pt. 4

And finally, Christmas at home. I had a bunch of pictures and no way was I going to post everyone of them. Here's the hightlights of everyone opening one of their gifts.

Savannah patiently waiting for us to distribute the presents.

Daniel opeing clothes, a neccessary evil at Christmas time.

I think Jordy was secretly hoping this box contained an XBOX 360. Otherwise, receiving boots for Christmas really depresses this kid!

Savannah loves perfume and is always glad to get it!

Daniel showing off the emblem of his Mont Blanc Starwalker cologne

Shock and amazment! Jordy and Savannah actually got the X Box 360 Elite they had so desperately hoped for!

Tears of Joy!

Me and one of my favorite gifts, perfume. Kevin picked out Burberry Brit Sheer....mmmmm.....smells wonderful!

Kevin and his all time favorite gift, cologne. This year I got him Calvin Klien Euphoria for men.

Kevin making good use of an empty box!

After all the fun of opening presents, I made our traditional sausage balls and sausage croissant wraps. Kevin then began to slave away on the afternoon dinner. It was much the same as Thanksgiving, enough to feed an army.




The children were thrilled with their gifts, and yes, Jordan really wept when he opened his XBOX. I have never seen a kid so shocked, surprised, or grateful in all my life. It touched my heart because so many kids complain when they don't get everything they ask for. There have been itmes the children wanted, but there was no way we could pull it off. So, they have seen lean Christmases. I have to say, my children have always been satisfied with what we have worked so hard to give them. They are even thankful for clothes. ;~>

The 08 Update Pt. 3

Here we are at Dad's house. Or maybe I should say, Dad's house when he's in the States. He does a great deal of international work, so he spends most of the year in China/Asia. It's always a thrill to see him, as it is not very often.

My brother in law, Jerry, Dad, and Kevin

Dad and all his grandchildren

Dad and his two daughters (He does have twin daughters by his second wife, but they were unable to be there at the same time we were there)

The Whole Bunch-

Hey, I'm not tech savvy, but judging from this picture and the TV's in the right hand corner of this photo, Dad is NOT HDTV ready!!

Forest City, NC-My childhood home. They really deck out for Christmas!

For such a small town, they really have a lot of lights!

Pictures don't do it justice! Every tree in the down town area was covered in lights. Not the tree branches, but the trunks. Really a sight to behold!

At Mom's house opening my first gift.

Mom and my stepdad Mel

My family posing for pix. Jordy looks thrilled.

Sandy, Roni, Melissa, and Rita-As different as we are alike!

The 08 Update Pt. 2

Well, the first part of this update pretty much covered our Christmas preparations. But we also had a lot of traveling to do. We visited Kevin's family, my Mom, Dad, and other very close relatives. I also got to see my sisters, which only happens about twice a year.

I'll try to go in order. We will start with.....

Christmas at Kevin's Grandmother's House

Aunt Linda, preparing the salad

Savannah with Uncle Tommy

Kevin's sister Stephanie, along with Jordan wearing a very fashionable faucet cover!

Cousin Wendy and her husband John dressing Elmo in the fashionista faucet cover.

The show stealer, Reiss. Uncle Kevin gave in to her every whim!

Reiss "riding" in the front seat with her fav uncle!

The 08 Update

As most year-end updates go, this will be a long post! I have had a rechargable battery problem, which greatly hindered my photo ops. I will do my best to post only the best pictures, but because the subjects are my family, I find it hard to find any bad ones!

Let's start at the beginning:

Jordan on the roof preparing to hang my icicle lights.

The finished product after the boys did all their hard work!

Me, the SAHM, putting up our tiny tree. (The big one cluttered the room toooo much!)

Here are some of my favorite ornaments:

Kevin's Linus, circa 1978



Daniel's Soccer Ball, circa 1999

Savannah's funky purse, circa 2003

Jordan's framed ornament, circa 2002

My horseback rider, from 1011 Galleria, Camden SC

The tree...it has all of Kevin's ornaments from his childhood, and every single ornament that we have received as Christmas presents over the past 15 years.

Okay. I said this would be long, but now I think I will break it up into several posts. I'll just call this Part 1.