Vacation happenings....

Lots of catching up with our East Coast friends...

including measuring to see who is growing and who is not...

Preparing dinners.....letting kids clean up....

Devouring dinners.....(yes, Linds is shanking her sister)

So far we have had fabulous ribs one night and outstanding filet Mignon the other....

made to order breakfast from Coach (including leftover steak...YUM)

On the stove presently is a huge pot of chili cooking...wish I had smell-o-vision for you!

Many bottles of good wine consumed.....
Three wonderful boxers having fun....

Kids running outside...being kids....falling in creeks and mud....

The weather is great...wish you were here....

have I mentioned how much I LOVE the PicNik website, especially the collage options???

LOVE IT!!!

Adios 2008

Some thoughts on exiting this past year.....

On the downside:We have had a less than stellar year as far as business is concerned.

Coach has had to let many employees go. He worries daily about the next few months.

On the upside: Our family and our day to day life is better than most. We are very blessed.

We have made many sacrifices and preparations for what the future may hold for us.

But for this coming week.....

He said:

Fuuuugggetttt about it....

Don't worry, be HAPPY!!!

We are escaping the hot, humid weather of Florida and heading to the gorgeous cool, crisp Mountains.....

A few days in one of our most favorite places with some of our most favorite friends!

Some pics from our favorite place:

The last time the 6 of us vacationed together...this happened:

Costa rica....volcanic ash mud bath.

Does N.C have volcanic ash???

Happy New Year!!!!

My Baby is 13 today......

Happy 13th Birthday to my Lindsay!!!!!

You have been a silly little sweetheart since day ONE!!!

You have always been my constant sidekick...and if you were not by my side, I would only have to look as far as your bedroom and you would be playing nicely by yourself or reading a book.

Or possibly falling asleep in a laundry basket.


We have had lots of fun adventures together as a family....

You have a unique sense of fashion....and YES, I usually question that.



I hope you never lose your fun and witty sense of humor...it will make life more fun.

The 80's called and they want their hair and clothes BACK!!!!

Please don't go and start acting like a teenager...you have seen what this can do to your parents!!!

I love that you are not a follower....you are not concerned with what others think of you....

I love that you have a great love for your friends....

And most of all....

"I hope you Dance Forever"

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with all of Coach's family here..

my BIL, his wife and 2 of the 4 cousins, Coach's Mom and Stepdad, Coach's Dad and StepMom.

Yes, one big divorced, remarried and happy family.

We had our traditional Italian feast. YUMMO. Lasagna, antipasto, fettucine alfredo and FIL brought over a pork roast that was good enough to slap your Mama. (sorry Mom)

The girls knew the gift list was not going to be long; but full of quality stuff.

They loved it all...the Dolphins Jersey, The skinny jeans that she has wanted forever...a new camera from Grandma (I think it takes better pics than mine!!)

Lindsay made me a lovely gift that only an insane and crazy Mom like me could appreciate:

My very own SHANK!!!!! It is decorated in heart rhinestones and green tassles...it has my name all over it too. She is so funny.



Lindsay asked her dad what he wanted for Christmas, he told her Peace, Love and Happiness.
That is just what she gave him!!!


The joys of having kids that are older now?
We slept in till 7:00 am.
opened gifts
ate breakfast.
I went back to bed at 9:30 and napped till almost 12:00.
HEAVEN!!!!


Merry Christmas!!!!