9 years...

9 years ago almost to the minute I am writing this, we lost you. After exactly six weeks in the hospital, your body finally gave in to the cancer and you let go. While I was so thankful your suffering was finally over, it was so hard to realize you were gone. I miss you daily and I am so sad for all you have missed. Especially, Oliver, Cash and Eli. I know you are loving them from Heaven and will always watch over them and us, but I would so rather have you here.

I love you Mom.

Three years past 50

Wow, 53 today...

How the heck did that happen?

One glorious day at a time, that's how!

And a few not so glorious of course. It wouldn't be a real life if there weren't some not so good days thrown in.

53 years, one day at a time, hoping for many,many more.

Doing my pictures Benjamin Button style today...

Ten years ago...

I went to work, not knowing that by the time I arrived, life as we knew it would be forever changed.

I was spending my last year in Texas.

In one year and 14 days, my mother would die.

Remembering all those who were lost on this day, ten years ago...

Life will never be the same...

Arrivals and Departures

After a 10 day odyssey of numerous states, we finally are back home. While we were gone there were some big changes in our little neighborhood.

We have a brand new neighbor, welcome to the world little Miss Taetym!! Our neighbors Jarrod and Lyndsey are the proud new parents of another beautiful little girl. Her big sister is Jacey, who will be two next month. So happy for a healthy baby girl!!

We also found out that our wonderful neighbors Kaye and David will be leaving us for Tampa, Florida. So not happy to hear this news. They have been such good neighbors and we really hate to see them move away. We are happy for them, but will certainly miss them. Their daughter Erin was only in first grade when they moved here and is now a sixth grader. She has been so helpful in taking care of the kitties while we are gone. Not sure what I will do when they have moved...I never worried about anything when we traveled as long as they were next door.

Sure hope our next neighbors are as good as the Castles....

It's been a while...

So much going on and still recuperating from Oliver's Birthday Road Trip. Pictures might be the best way to tell the story...



Saying goodbye....

Nonnie and Eli having fun



Oliver and Pops taking a walk in downtown Boston



















Aunt Alissa and Eli

And the winner is....

After years, I mean weeks, Ed has finally made a decision and purchased his new vehicle. If you know Ed, you know he loves the thrill of the hunt when it comes to buying ANYTHING. He is all about research and getting the very best deal he can find, getting the best and most for the least. After looking online as well as in OKC, Fort Smith and Tulsa, he finally found IT in Tulsa. We will be picking her up tomorrow after she gets a few accessories and will take her on her first Lightner Road Trip to Boston for Oliver's birthday.

Not sure how he will spend his evenings now...

To DIY or Not to DIY....

We have spent 5 of the last 6 weekends at Kaci's house in OKC. She is remodeling her kitchen and we are trying to help and save her a little money.

I have come to the conclusion it might have been smarter to just fork over the bucks.

Or get on one of those shows on HGTV...they could have done all of this in 3 days! Where the heck is House Crashers, Room Crashers or Over Your Head when you need them?

But I keep telling myself it is all going to be worth it. And then I go to my happy place...