A Special Birthday Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend away with my sweetie. We stayed in a cabin in the mountains and it was awesome. Can you say fireplace and hot tub? What a great birthday present. A little extravagant but we don't indulge often.
When a storm came in Saturday, I must admit, I was hoping to get snowed in for an extra day or two. Alas, no such luck. My only consolation was knowing we were having a birthday gathering at the house Sunday afternoon.

This was the view as we were leaving. Completely dry roads, completely iced trees.


The trees were so beautiful.

After we got home and unpacked Justin, Heather, and Alex came by to wish me Happy Birthday.
Justin had to work so they missed the party, but I was so glad I got to see them.

Alex always has fun, he doesn't need a party!

My sister got here first and sent me to my room so she could set up the party. How sweet is that? It was supposed to be a surprise but I have been a mom too long, and it really is hard to get anything past me. After almost thirty years of constant parenting you just know when something is going on, good or bad.
We celebrate birthdays in groups because we have so many birthdays. (The grands get their own, of course.) This one covered mid January to mid February. One name is missing from the cake, DDIL (Dear Daughter in Law) Amy was the first January birthday. Mine was the 30th, then Stephen, Matthew, and last but not least Brodie.
Brodie is having his solo party tomorrow at Chuck E. Cheese. First time for all the grands to visit Chuck E. I can't wait!


Our sweet little Lauryn taste tested the icing and found it delicious. Too cute!


Kyleigh loved her some chips and onion dip.
See those eyes, that's why I call her my little ole livia (Color Purple reference).

Brodie helped his daddy eat his chips and dip.
See any resemblance?.....lol


I got some beautiful handmade cards from my sister and the grands.

Last but not least Kinsley (the oldest of the 7) made me this beautiful "Grand Garden".
I can't tell you how much I love this, the pictures are so....perfect. You can really see each of their personalities. Such a cute, sweet idea.

It was a great birthday all around.
Lots of love and thanks for all the planning and effort, that made it so special, go out to my sweetie, my sister, and the kiddos!
Love you all a bushel and a peck,
xox

New Beginnings in 2010

I know, I know, its been a long time. It had been so long I just stayed away. The last half of 2009 was a bit of a struggle for us on too many fronts and I let it overwhelm me. I've spent the first few weeks of the new year reflecting, re-grouping, and re-organizing. I did not make any resolutions but did decide I need to work on habits. All of the best and worst things about me are habits, good or bad. Need to drop some of the bad ones and develop a few more good ones. We'll see how that works, but I am back and ready for a new year.

The biggest news since I've been away.........
Grand #6
Tristan and Jason are expecting!
We are all so excited! It is a little girl and they have picked a name that I love. Miss Stella Laine is due April 19 and we can't wait to meet her.
She will be our second grand daughter born this year. We found out that Daniel and Alicia are also having a girl! Miss Katherin is due March 17.
Blessings abound!
Random Odd Thought.... our seven were two girls then the five boys, grands are two boys then four girls. We need one more girl huh?
We had a very nice low key Christmas. Focus was on the babies. I did a good bit of crafting and was happy with most everything, and thrilled with a few things. Michael and I collaborated on one project that I will share as soon as I dig up some pictures. The favorite gift this year for MamMaw and Poppa was a picture of all four grands! The moms (thank you girls I know that wasn't easy) all met up and had a portrait made. Priceless! We just love it.
I have been working on a few UFOs lately and finished several projects that were hanging over my head. Needed to clear my to do list as much as I needed to clear my head. Both are still pretty cluttered but.....
To New Beginnings!
Jody

A New Grand!

#5 is on the way!


Just found out last night that Daniel & Alicia are expecting again!

Brodie is going to be a big brother!

So excited,

Jody