ATTN: AHS Class of 98

Since most of the people who read my blog are fellow AHS Band Geeks, I figured I would pass this on. I was reading the Decatur Daily online and found this article: http://decaturdaily.com/stories/162.html Some of you may have already heard about it, but if you haven't I thought that I would pass it on. Pray for his family, this is an especially difficult year to lose someone. On a lighter note, check back later today for a FANTASTIC recipe for Thanksgiving! Ciao!

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello all, I know, it has been a while since I posted. SORRY!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have to admit, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this Thanksgiving. One year ago, I never could have imagined what the coming year would bring. I am so very thankful that I had one last Thanksgiving with my Dad and Nonie. Thanksgiving was always my Dad's holiday. I always loved coming home the night before Thanksgiving and helping get everything ready for the HUGE meal to come. Waking up to the smells of Barbecue, Fried, and Baked turkeys that my Dad had spent the night preparing, I never realized just how much happiness was wrapped up in the little details.

I have thought a lot lately about everything that 2007 has brought. I have come to the conclusion that I am very blessed. I am struck with the realization that the reason that the year has been so painful is because I have lost such important parts of my life but that the reason it hurts so much is because I was fortunate enough to love and be loved as much as I am. Wow, how blessed I am. I am blessed that I had people in my life that I cared so much about, and who cared so much about me. I am blessed that I have a Mother who is so strong and thankful that she and I have each other to lean on. I am blessed that I have such a close knit family, that when one of us is ripped away, the others work together to patch the gaps. I am blessed to have friends who stand next to me, with no questions asked. I am blessed to have a husband, who has never left my side, has willingly taken on the emotional care of both my Mom and I and who helps me remember how to breathe on days when I forget. I am blessed to have had a Dad for 27 years and 22 days that daily showed me what it means to love unconditionally and who loved me more in the 9,877 days of my life than some people have in a lifetime. I am blessed to have had such profound losses. I am blessed to have just one more minute with the people that I love.

Don't get me wrong, I miss my Dad and Nonie with every ounce of my being. Some days it is almost more than I can handle. I always imagined seeing my Dad with my kids and was looking forward to the day that I could tell Nonie that she was going to be a Great Grandmother. I am not so much sad for me, I am sad for my children, who will never know what a precious, precious gift that their Grandfather and Nonie were.

I didn't write this post to be a downer, I hope that you all know that I am so thankful for you and you are each a Blessing on my life.

"What a difference a year makes"...wow is that true! I must admit, I am ready for 2007 to be over, but I am excited about all the new blessings to come in 2008. I only pray, that I can find the blessings in my life, even on days where they are hard to find.

Phantom, Better Late Than Never

• So I a little late posting Phantom pictures, better late than never right?!?

• Here are 2 pictures from Phantom.

• The first one is Sarah Grace and Victoria in front of the fountain. I know, they look like they are 20...scary!

• The second one is Kevin and I in front of the same fountain. Kevin isn't really mad, he just chose not to smile...I don't know why...he got to hang out at a Broadway show with 3 women. (HE HE HE) Love you Kevpo!

Reason #11,325

• This is reason number 11,325 that I will not be voting for Obama. I know that he has quit wearing the lapel pin because of what he thinks is a watered down patriotism and I can deal with that, BUT, how can you stand on a platform, running for office in the UNITED STATES, and not put your hand on your heart. I, personally, think that it is an insult on the office of the presidency. I personally, do not want a President that has a blatant disregard for our flag.
• The US Flag code states that "all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;"
• I hope I haven't offended anyone, but I had to get on my soap box for a moment. It just disgusts me, how can I trust you to defend our nation, when you don't respect our nation?
• Also, for those that might be thinking, "Maybe it is a still picture that was taken before he had a chance to get his hand up." Think again, Snopes has a video of the Anthem and NOT ONCE does he put his hand up. UGHHHH, makes me angry.

Tons-O-Fun

Hey guys, I thought that I would let you in on a really fun thing to do if you are ever in Birmingham. There is a place called "Sips n Strokes" that is TONS-O-FUN! You take your favorite beverage (alcohol optional) and you paint a painting. If you want to check it out, the website is www.sipsnstrokes.com. Check it out. I did this painting last night. I didn't take a pic of my previous masterpieces, sorry. Anyway.....I present.... "YUPPY PUPPY"

Prayers Needed

Hey guys, I have 2 prayer requests.

• My cousin Miles' wife died. Her galbladder ruptured and caused a systemic infection. They have a teenage son, Will, and speaking from experiance, they (and the rest of our family) could use your prayers.
• Many of you might remember my cousins Leslie and Chris. Well, their Mother has been really sick for the past 5-6 years and she is currently in ICU of UAB here in Birmingham and things don't look good. According to the Drs. all her systems are shutting down and it is just a matter of time.

Thanks you guys!

Ciao!

YAY!!!!!!

Phantom...HERE WE COME!!!!

Shameless Product Plug

Ok girlies (and guys I guess) I have found a GREAT product to try in your skin care regimen. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It is called SkinCeuticals and it is WONDERFUL!

I have been using it a week and have noticed a MARKED improvement in my skin. It is wonderful! I have been using the cleanser and it makes my face feel SOO clean and great. I was completely shocked. It is wonderful and it doesn't make my face feel like it is a desert. LOVE IT!

Here is the website, they have lots of nifty little products!

www.skinceuticals.com

10 on Wednesday!

1. Went to a birthday party for my friend Mandy’s little girl, Maci, on Saturday. It was SOOO much fun. Maci turned 2 and I got her a Lee Middleton play doll and stroller and she LOVED it. (Pics to come tonite hopefully!)
2. Kevin’s new off days are Sunday, Monday. This is the first day that we have had off together since before we got married (without burning Vacation or Sick time).
3. Mom put the house on the market this week. Wow, bittersweet feelings about that. I mean, technically, I haven’t lived there since 1998, and without my Dad, it really isn’t quite the safe haven that it once was, but I am still a little sad.
4. We are going to see Phantom of the Opera on 10/20. My Dad and Mom were supposed to go with us, we bought tickets back in May, but when Dad died, Mom gave her tickets to the twins. They are really excited, and so am I, but it is a little bit sad at the same time. Phantom was my Dad’s favorite and Kevin has never seen it.
5. EVERYONE IS PREGNANT (except for me!) Yay for babies! Seriously, 11 people.
6. Ruby has a scratch on her Cornea and an eye infection. The vet came over last night and gave us 2 tubes of cream to put in her eyes twice a day. NOT FUN (neither was the bill)!
7. I LOVE our vet. She is a mobile pet vet. She drives an RV that is a full service clinic on wheels and when you need her, you just call and she comes and sees you. It is great and so much easier than loading both the girls up in the car and trying to wrangle them into the vets office.
8. School sucks, I can’t wait until I am through! I am over half way, so that is definitely a good thing!
9. Kevin and I have changed out 2 light fixtures this week. We DO NOT work well together on home improvement projects. We always end up fussy by the end, but the fruits of our labors are always spectacular so that makes up for it.
10. Thank God for Wednesdays!

Rather Uneventful!

There really isn't a whole lot going on in "Humphrey World." I am working and going to school and Kevin is working his hiney off too! Since there isn't a whole lot going on, I will just post cute pics of the puppies! ENJOY!