Valentine's Day

I have been asked by friends, what are you getting your husband for Valentine's Day? I hesitate, not sure how to answer. You see, not everyone views valentine's day like Gregg and I do.

Even from the beginning it was something simple for V Day. A card...dinner. No flowers, no expensive gifts to exchange. It was simple. It was nice. The reason?

I feel that you should show the person you love each day how special they are to you, not just one day a year. I was excited that Gregg shared the same perspective. He does things daily to show how much he loves and cares about me and the kids. He does not need 1 day each year to prove that.

He compliments me often, gives me flowers for no reason, or a hug just because. His daily love and support is ongoing throughout the year and not just for 1 day. So this year, when he gave me the Valentine's Day card that he gave me 5 years ago, it showed that he loves me so much he holds on to those cards and cherishes them. It shows that I hope the next 5 Valentine's Day is just like this one!

8 years

I would say that the past 8 years have gone by very quickly. I'm sure that is because I didn't lose a loved one in the horrific attacks. I remember the day very clearly though, what I was doing and where I was when I heard that we ( the United States of America) was under attack!

Although I didn't loose anyone close to me I feel a deep ache and loss for those that did. Those that went to work that day just like any other day, not knowing they would not be going home to their families that night.

I have been watching the TV specials that they have on recapturing the events of that day and the days to follow. I watch with one eye open as I see the plane crash into the side of the tower, then fire and terror. Terror so great that people actually were jumping from the building thinking it was better then staying put.

Amung all the pain and anguish from that day I have found only one comfort. That day, God was allowed back in America. We have to be so careful now a days with separating church and school, but that day we were begging God for help. People holding their hands to the sky and asking for his help, comfort, and guidance.

And there was comfort, help, and guidance. There was unity amung a torn nation. There were people helping people, regardless of their race, sex, or any other biases they might have. Those were set aside, they were not important. Maybe for a brief moment it was how God sees us...people hurting, needing help regardless of who they are or how much money they have.

People there helping people, regardless of the cost.

I remember....I am thankful.

Back to school

It seems like summer just started and today is now the first day of school. This year is a big milestone as Ty goes to middle school. I don't agree with the school district moving the 5th graders up with the 8th graders but I guess my opinion did not matter.

So today, my son, is going to middle school. I am happy and yet very sad. He is my baby, my first born. I love watching him grow and mature, taking the steps necessary to grow up. Sometimes failing or falling and I trying to help when needed but give him the tools to learn to help himself. It is a balancing act. Every instinct I have is to protect him from everything in the world that is bad but know that he needs me to teach him to survive in the world today.

Don't get me wrong...there are mama bear times where I will fight to protect him. But today, I can't and have to watch him get on the bus with all the big kids and go to middle school.






Maddy is one of the older kids in the school this year. I am sure it doesn't make it any easier on your first day but at least she has been there and knows where everything is. She is also my baby, my last baby. She is growing up too quickly and I see a lot of myself in her. She has a twinkle in her eye and an inquisitive nature. She is full of life and loves every minute of it. She is growing up and wanting to do things for herself. She loves clothes and dressing up, making sure she looks "just right". Her laugh can make me laugh and her smile makes me smile.





To both of my kids on their first day of school...I love you and am thinking about you. I am sad that our summer time together is ending but know that you need to go back to school, learning and growing...and I will be there, every step of the way!!!

Meal Time ideas

I do not like meal time. It is something that usually sneaks up on me each day. I think it is due to the fact that we eat the same things over and over again. I am in desperate need of some new ideas...

I am asking that you send me either as an email or add it as a comment, your favorite mealtime recipe. This would be so great and I would love to try some new recipes!!

Thanks, I will then post the ones the kids loved the most!