December already? Really?

What the heck happened to November? Wasn't it just Halloween? These months are just going by much too quickly if you ask me. Not that you did, but really, December??

We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and Boston. Zip lining over the jungle and 4 wheeling along the beaches was sooo much fun. Snorkeling however was a bust. Turns out we dove into a nest of microscopic jellyfish! We all had stings on us and had to be doused in vinegar. I was very disappointed as snorkeling is one of my very favorite things to do.

After a few days at home, we packed up and flew to Boston for Thanksgiving with Alissa, Brek and Oliver. As always, we were very entertained by our sweet O! He is learning so much and made us laugh daily. But the very best was when he said Nonnie for the first time! Made my heart smile for sure. He learned so many new words while we were there, ice, banana, elf, Bob (the elf's name), just to name a few. Love that sweet little boy!



But now it is December and there is so much to be done before Christmas. It will be a much quieter version than last year, Alissa and Kari will be with their in-laws this year. But we will be happy to have Kaci with us and Kari will be here on the 28th for a few days. We hope to go to Texas to see A, B and O while they are there.

Time to get busy, my dryer is finally being delivered today!! And the UPS guy is at the door, starting to look alot like Christmas for sure!!

Eli, earthquakes and everything else...

This last week has been spent in Oklahoma introducing Eli to his Mommy's home state and most importantly his Great-Grandparents. Kari and Eli flew in to OKC on Wednesday and we spent the next few days at Aunt Kaci's house. Eli was able to meet his Great-Uncle Doug and Great-Aunt Jaime as well as his 2nd cousins Cash and Alex. He also experienced his first, but definitely not last earthquake!! Early Saturday morning we were awakened by a strange sound and vibration. I suggested it might be an earthquake and the next morning it was confirmed as a 4.7. But it didn't end there. Saturday night while at my friend Cindy's house, we had an even bigger one, a 5.6. But was that the end of it? NO! On Monday night at Ed's parents house, we had another 4.7. Oh and did I mention we were also under a Tornado Watch and Warning? Only in Oklahoma...

But back to Eli's visit. This little boy absolutely charmed everyone he met during his week long visit. He has the most adorable smile and for the most part is just a very happy little boy. His Great-Grandpa Hall just fell in love with him as did his Lightner Great-Grandparents. He came very close to learning to crawl during his visit, it won't be long now for sure.



Kari and Eli left on Wednesday and I had a few days to get everything ready for our trip to Costa Rica. It was crazy, but I managed to get it all done and we flew out on Saturday. We had a wonderful time, did some really fun things and met some great people. We came home on Thursday after a very long travel day beginning at 3:30 that morning and not ending until 10:00 pm!! We almost didn't get out of Dallas and then had to wait over an hour for our luggage in Ft. Smith.

Now we are getting ready for our trip to Boston. We will be spending Thanksgiving with Alissa, Brek and Oliver. This is the first time we will be in Boston for Thanksgiving. Hard to believe they have been there almost 10 years and this the first time we are spending this holiday with them. So looking forward to seeing sweet Oliver! He has many new tricks to entertain us with from what I have been told.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finally fall and a flare...

I have been doing my best to enjoy this wonderful fall weather. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing a pretty rough Lupus flare. So it has been a little difficult to enjoy everything as much as I would like.

I think I just overdid things with all the travel and not getting enough rest. My body said "ENOUGH", if you won't slow down, I will do it for you! And boy did it. Pretty much knocked me on my behind for about 2 weeks now. Beginning to feel a little better, just having to pace myself, do a little and rest a little. Getting caught up on all the DVR shows we have recorded and spending too much time on the computer. But that is about all I have the energy for. Sure hoping the meds kick in and do what they are supposed to do soon.

But it is fall, my very favorite season and I have got to get out and breathe it in! We probably won't have the color we have had in the past few years due to the awful summer we had, but hopefully there will be some to admire.

Enjoy this most wonderful season!!

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....