Happy Thanksgiving!

A Happy Thanksgiving to all our Family and Friends.

Hope everyone is able to fit into their jeans again after stuffing themselves with turkey. We had our Turkey Dinner on Friday instead of the traditional Thursday, since Auntie Cari was on call for work (we didn't want her to leave in the middle of dinner). Actually it meant that we got to have two full meals two days in a row. Not to mention all the desserts, Logan has found a new love in cheesecake, apple pie and pumpkin pie. I have to thank Homemade Gourmet for the cheesecake and applie pie. They were absolutely delicious and were quick to disappear.

This holiday weekend, we find ourselves in Idaho visiting Cari Silvey and her two children, Hayden and Mara. Hayden is just two days older than Logan and Mara is a month older than Brandon. It is amazing to see the difference in each of the children, as they have grown so much over the last few years.


At dinner, as Cari and I looked at the children sitting at the counter, we were both completely Thankful for the greatest gifts that we have both received. It is remarkable, as we remembered how far our two oldest have come, years away from being in the ICU together at birth.

I am very thankful for all of our family that is spread out far and wide; and all of our friends both past, present and those to come. Without all of you, our lives would not be nearly as complete.

Thank you each and every one of you!

And how could I not be THANKFUL for these smiling faces?

Thankful for Tae Kwon Do

I am very sad that the economy is affecting so many things in our lives. The boys had their last class of Tae Kwon Do, hopefully it will be just for the rest of the year. Our Master Instructor is having to close his doors as of the First of December because his landlord is increasing their rent.

I usually understand that sometimes things happen, but for some reason this time it is really affecting me. The boys enjoyed Tae Kwon Do very much and I am so pleased with the confidence they have developed since starting a few months ago.

I know there are other places I can take the boys, but I am not sure they will enjoy it with a different class or instructor. Master Lugo has created such a great rapor with the boys, they actually looked forward to learning and practicing. His dojang will be in our thoughts this holiday season and we hope he will have something to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving.

We look forward to hearing good news from Master Lugo in the upcoming weeks.

New Jeep

Well, who says I am not the best wife in the world? Probably my husband, but that is besides the point. I may earn enough brownie points when it is completed.

When Brian and I first met he had a black Jeep Renegade. The Jeep was great, I think he drove most of the time, so it became so much of a fun part of our beginning relationship. After he went to the Academy, the Jeep was passed down to his brother Andy for a few years (Brian couldn't have a car until he was a First Classmen). Brian was reunited with the Jeep as his last year at the Academy arrived. It was very nice to have transportation for that final year when I visited.

After Brian's graduation and our Wedding, we both drove from Annapolis to Cleveland in the JEEP! Note to fast drivers: Jeep not great on trying to accelerate fast on the highway trying to pass trucks. Not to mention no Cruise Control! (Don't tell Brian, but it was not a fun trip, if he even remembers it).

Why am I telling you all this from 15 years ago?

Well, because after months of searching ebay and craig's list and any other form of buying used items; Brian found one that brought the memories pouring in. He spent a few weeks bartering with the kid that was selling the 1994 Jeep Wrangler Renegade. After still not feeling comfortable with the decision, Brian had to board a plane (I won't say where, because he doesn't need any more people jealous of him). Having the money in hand and the kid's number on my phone, I called him and made another offer. This time it was working out. Nana, the boys and I crossed on the ferry to pick up Daddy's new jeep:

So here it is. It is in great shape for being almost 15 years old, but it reminds me everyday of those fun filled adolescent years. The boys absolutely love it and want to drive it all the time (well, they are not driving yet, they love riding around in it).

After Brian spending all day working on it yesterday, it now has four working lights, so we can at least drive it in the evenings. Speaking of...we are off to go for a ride now.