To Blog or not To Blog?

After a lllooooooong time away from our blog, I'm thinking about posting again. I don't care that really no one reads it, but as I was looking for an old picture today and came here to the blog to see if I had maybe put it on there...I realized what a great journal the blog can be. I know my Cousin Kristi (my favorite blogger) is always saying that, but today I realized how true it is. So, I think I will start posting again

Happy Memorial Day

Thank you to all the Service Men and Women of past, present and future for the sacrifices that you and your family make.

I AM GRATEFUL!!

Sorry and Congrats!!

Sorry for the lack of blogs...if anyone is reading heehee. We moved and my life is upside down! I am someone who needs an organized atmosphere and the boxes and junk stress me out to no end! On top of that I now have my foot in an ugly blue velcro shoe thing and I'm on crutches b/c of a darn bone spur on my big toe! So there is only so much arranging and organizing I can do. So...I'll blog when I can!

Oh yeah...CONGRATS JANICE AND EDDIE!! You go from MySpace to OurSpace today!!
I love you both so so much and I'm so happy to be a part of this day and your lives...oh, and YOU'RE WELCOME!!

Happy Birthday Nannie and Gizmo

Before I start...I'd like to ask that everyone please put me on your prayer list. Without going into too much detail, I will just say that personally I am having a hard time right now and some major inner struggles. The Lord knows what those are so please just keep me in your prayers...I need it!!



I'd like to mention that today would've been Nannie's 88th Birthday. I know she is in a way better place right now...but I still miss her everyday. I miss having that person in my life that I turn to for EVERYTHING good and bad. She was my best friend and my prayer warrior. She also drove me nuts, as she did everyone...but when she was driving me nuts I knew it was b/c she wanted to spend time with me and she loved me. I can not describe to anyone how much she meant to me, and there are so many moments and secrets that we shared that I will treasure the rest of my life. I was so blessed to have her and to spend all the time with her that I did. I loved hearing her stories and learning about my family, and I also loved the times when I was sad or angry or worried that she just sat and listened and sometimes held and rocked me. She prayed me through my ups and downs of teenage life, through a few major heartbreaks, and through every test I took in college. She was my biggest fan and knew me better then anyone. I still feel that Nannie is the only person that has ever, and probably will ever, understand me 100%. She was not only my Grandmother...she was my confidant and truly my best friend. Everyday there is something that makes me think of her. I still live life thinking..."what would Nannie say or think or do about this" When I was picking my wedding gown my Mother said how beautiful it was. I said yeah it is really pretty...but would Nannie have loved it? I was so blessed to be so close to her and I miss her. I know she is watching over us (and probably arranging things to go her way with a chuckle and a grin) and keeping us safe. (Note: unfortunately I don't have any pics of her on my computer other than a scan from a photo album...need to scan more pics!!)



Today is also Gizmo's Birthday. She is my beloved cat and other best friend who is turning 15 (in human years) today. That cat has also been there for me through it all. Good and bad. I realize that not everyone feels the way I do about their animals. But I love animals and mine have always been treated as part of the family. Giz and I have been through so much together and moved around and even gone to college together. She is there when I study and read, never leaves my side when I'm sick and has been there many times just to listen when I need to talk to someone. Never does she interrupt or tell you your feelings are not important. She just sits there purring and looking you straight in the eye while you get it all out. She cuddles with me and makes me laugh quite often. Even at 15 she goes CRAZY for some yarn with a feather on the end. She HATES when I cry and just somehow knows when I need companionship. You always know when Giz wants attention. She gets in your face and hits you w/ her paw until she gets it. When she wants in a room she knows how to bang the door around until you let her in. She is truly a very intelligent cat. It is amazing and has often been remarked on by myself and other family members...how many personality traits she shares with Nannie...I'm sure it has something to do with their Birthday being the same. They both are stubborn and just exude this sense of entitlement. They both are caring and sweet and there when you need them. Like Nannie, Gizmo certainly gets her way and let's everyone know when she's had enough. (Poor little puppy Fionn doesn't get away with anything when Gizmo is around) I love Gizmo very much and she has been a major part of our family now for 15 years. Hopefully I have many more years with my best friend and snuggle buddy. Can't imagine not having her around to bring me kisses and love.

This blog entry has been a good sense of venting for me. I thank anyone who reads it for allowing me to ramble on. Today is a day to cherish these two blessings in my life. So...Happy Birthday Nannie and Gizmo...I love you both!!

New Addictions

In reading My Cousin Colleen's blog I learned about The Nester. I love it! I stayed up late the other night and "back read" everything. I've now read everything that she has posted and clicked on almost all the links! Crazy I know!! Her ideas are so simple and look so great! I am all about reusing things and that is one of the reasons I have so much "junk" (as others frequently call my collections and treasures)! Just waiting to be used for something new in the future. I really relate to her philosophies and agree that you do not have to wait for the "perfect house" to make where you live now a HOME. So often I would find myself saying to Mike "when we have a house..." That is so dumb! I need to make each inch of our apartment (new apartment in 2 weeks and pretty much holding my breath I'm so excited!) comfortable and homey. I pretty much do that now. I hang pictures and put up shelves and have even totally unpacked everything I own in places I was only going to spend a few months. That is how you feel at home in your space. Also, I definitely need reminding that "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful"! Thanks Nester! I am so excited to move and start getting creative with the inspiration and ideas I have gained from The Nester! THANK YOU COLLEEN for sharing that site! Any others??

Through The Nesting Place I found a blog by Eddie Ross!! My fav designer from Top Design Season 2! If you love Martha Stewart you will love him even more! I LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM and his ideas are so brilliant! Perfect mix of modern and country. He is a genius on everything from decorating to baking and entertaining and flower arrangements! Ideas on Flea Markets and Antiquing! Finding a bargain and collecting are definitely things I enjoy! He lives in a charming farmehouse and surrounded by adorable animals! Basically...he's my new hero!! Plus...he's such a cutie!



So, those are my two latest addictions. Amazing where a couple of mouse clicks in a time of boredom can take you! I've also been trying to learn how to better "decorate" my blog, so bare with me as I mess with it. It is hard to stay focused though with these new addictions of mine!!

Check them out! They are both listed as Blogs I Follow. (If I knew how to make words link I would...any help?)

New Year's Eve

So, every year there is a huge bash at Butler's Courtyard. A ton of people come...people of all ages and backgrounds. Some people that we don't even know! It is such a blast, and not only do we get to drink and dance the night away with great friends, but we get to spend it with our family. The more the merrier...and any time anyone wants to ring in the New Year with friends and family just come to Butler's!!

This year Mike and I parked the RV so we wouldn't have to drive home, and people would have a place to crash as needed. Before the party started Mike and Fionn and I got in a few hands of poker. Fionn has a great poker face.




Then, we danced the night away!! It was so fun! We took a ton of crazy pictures. Due to time and sanity...I'm not gonna put any more up on here, but let me know if you want me to send you some.

Belated I know...but I hope 2009 is full of blessings and joy for everyone!