Separated...

As most of you know by now, Jason and I have separated. We have not been getting along for sometime now. It's not his fault; nor is it mine. We are just 2 different people with different ideas and whose lives are taking different directions. I think Jason said it best when he said, "We started out our lives together in love. And, now that love has evolved into something else." We made the mistake that too many married couples often make. We made our lives, our kids, our finances, etc. our priority instead of our marriage. Over time, this caused a lot of conflicts. Those conflicts continued to build and led us to where we are today....Separated. We mutually agreed that this was an unhealthy environment to continue to raise our kids in and to continue our marriage in. It was suffocating and making both of us miserable. We are working this out in our own way. Although the process of getting through this is proving to be very hard emotionally, our methods are working at this point. We are committed to making the best out of a very difficult situation for the betterment of ourselves, each other, and most importantly, our girls. Regardless of the outcome, our goal is to provide and obtain peace and happiness for ourselves and our girls so that we all can have the best possible life intended for us. Jason and I will always love each other and will remain the best of friends and parents that we can possibly be, regardless of what the future may hold and the path it may take.

Many of you have been very supportive of both Jason and me. We thank you for that. However, there are a few that have tried to create drama where there is none. Please stop looking for more than what is there. Please stop trying to lay the blame on either myself or Jason. We aren't blaming each other. So, why should you? What gives you the right to intervene and say whose fault this is? It's simple. It's both of our faults and we both know it and have accepted it. Please stop with the negative comments and accusations. Your words and your actions are not hurting myself or Jason. We could care less really what you say or what you think. But, those words and actions can come back and hurt our children. Neither of us will ever tolerate that. If you really are or ever were our true friends, then, please mind your own business and let us work this out for ourselves. Instead focus on your own lives and problems. I'm sorry for saying that as forceful as I did. But, some of the comments that have gotten back to me are infuriating me. You're saying things that simply are NOT true and doing so just to cause drama. Both mine and Jason's biggest goal in this is to protect our children, our families and each other. And, we will do so even if it costs us a few to do it! Neither of us will tolerate any negative comments about the other or this delicate situation we are in. I'm not writing this about or to everyone, just the very select few that have made these comments and you know who you are.

Together, Jason and I will get through this. We are committed to making the best life for our children and ourselves, regardless of the outcome. Jason and I are going about this in a positive manner. What we need is your prayers, support, encouragement, and your friendship. What we don't need is the negativity that a few are trying to bring. Although our lives are currently separated, we aren't dividing our families and friends. You all will always be OUR family and OUR friends. We love and thank you all for all that you are and all that you bring to our lives, both together and as individuals.

I Will Survive...

Do you ever feel like a fish out of water? Like life just won't let you breathe? Like something is suffocating you? Lately, that's how I feel. I feel like I can't breathe. I feel depressed and on edge. I have too much on my plate right now. My plate seriously needs to go on a diet.

My life has turned into an emotional roller coaster. I have moved back home. I am loving that. I am very happy with the move I have made. Being close to my mother, my step father, my sister and my nieces has brought so much happiness and comfort back into my life. The girls are adjusting well to their new home and their new schools. I have reconnected with some very old and dear friends. All of which, I love. I can see clearly why God led me back home. He new that I was going to need to be surrounded by these people very soon. Only, I didn't know that at the time. I do now.

In the last 2 weeks, life as I have known it for the past 16 years was turned upside down. A very tough and difficult decision had to be made. This decision was the right one to make. The end result will definitely prove to be better for myself and my family. It has been a big relief to have finally made the right decision regarding this matter. However, the process or the steps to reach the desired end result are pure hell. I sat down and told my girls something that I never thought I would ever have to tell them. I watched as tears flowed from Abbey's eyes. And, I watched Morgan cover it all up with a joke. Why did this hand have to be dealt to them? Why couldn't I protect them from this? Why did it have to be dealt to me? Why does life deal us such large and hurtful setbacks?

I have become severely depressed because of this. I am on edge and my nerves are gone. Those closest to me are feeling the affects of this. Last night, I got mad at my best friend for the stupidest of reasons. I have cried to the point that my well of tears has run dry. Then, just when I think I can't shed anymore, another one falls. I am trying my best to be strong for my children and my family. I am trying not to let too many people see this raw, emotional, and very vulnerable side of me. My protective walls that were once in place, have crumbled.

Many of you keep asking, "What is wrong?" or "What is going on?" While I greatly appreciate your care and concern, please don't ask me those things. I cannot tell you what is going on in my life right now. It is a very personal and private matter. So, please don't ask. I most likely won't tell you. The answers that you will receive will be "Nothing," or, "I am fine." There are a very few people that I have trusted enough and are close enough to me that know what the situation is. There are a few of you that I will be contacting and telling you what is going on. But, let me come to you with it when I am ready. Please don't ask me if there is anything you can do for me. Instead, pray for me. When you see me, hug me. These actions will let me know those things without you having to say a word. And, it's those actions that I am needing most. Don't be surprised if I start crying on you when I do come to you. What I need most is your support while getting through this.

I know, like everything in life, that this time too shall pass. I know that I will one day look back on this time as growing pains that I had to go through to reach a better point in my life. However, it's going to take time. I'll take each day as it comes. I'll walk each step while holding on tight to the support system that I have built around me. I'll pray. And, I will survive because I AM a survivor. I'm not a victim. Nor will I ever be a victim of life's circumstances. We make our own choices and choose our own paths in life. It's called freewill. Therefore, I am not a victim of the circumstances. Instead, I WILL be a survivor from them. I led myself to these waters and I will swim my way out of them. I'll find the air that I need to breathe. Just please be patient with me and be there for me when I call on you.

To my close circle of support......Thank you for all of your love and your support. I know that I can be a bit hard to handle these days. For that, I'm sorry. Thank you for calling, emailing, chatting or dropping by to check on me. Thank you for giving me your shoulder to cry on and your ear to listen. Thank you for making me smile when all I want to do is cry. Stop worrying so much about me though. This fish will find my way back in the water, I promise.

Hello Summer...

Who says you can't go home? Not me! Because I have decided that's exactly where I'm going. My heart and soul is longing to go back home; "Back where I come from."

It's been a while since I last updated this blog. A lot has happened and more is to come. My photography business is going great and I'm loving every minute of it! I love being able to capture peoples memories through my lens. I LOVE my job. Abbey completed the 7th grade and made the honor roll in doing so. I'm so proud of that kid. She is such a good kid. How did I ever get so lucky??? Morgan and I completed our 1st year of homeschooling with much success. She is doing great. She really dug her heels in and has worked hard this year. Again, I'm so proud of her too. I am so blessed to have 2 such AWESOME children!!! The biggest change in our lives will shock a few when you read this. But, Jason and I have decided to sell our house and move back closer to my family. We have considered that option before. But, the timing never felt right. This time it's different. The timing feels perfect. It is a move that I am greatly anticipating and can't get here soon enough!

We kicked off our summer vacation this past weekend by celebrating Memorial weekend. It was an awesome weekend. The girls and I spent our weekend on the lake with friends and family. We swam, we ate, we played, we laughed and I even got to catch up with an old friend or 2. That was a lot of fun. The girls even learned a new trick or two. One of which almost gave Julie and I a heart attack. LOL. Taylor, Morgan and Hannah jumped off the top of the house boat for the first time. Why? Morgan said because Stacy said they could. Thanks Stacy! It was funny though. Of course, Taylor being the daredevil of the group, she jumped first. Then, Morgan got brave. She would take off running then come to a screeching halt at the edge. Then do it all over again. She did this several times before finally going over board. She popped back up out of the water laughing and yelling, "that was awesome. It was like I was froze in the air. It hurt a little. But, I'm gonna do it again." And, back up the ladder she went. It was cute. Hannah was the last to jump. Hannah sat patiently on top of the house boat for about an hour while waiting to get the nerve to do it. When she did finally jump, she jumped good. She definitely won for the furthest distance jumped. They jumped over and over and over again. Abbey decided she was going to stay safely down in the water swimming with Blake, Stacy's nephew. Can't say that I blame her for that one! Sunday proved to be just as exciting. While I took a little break from the lake to do a little house hunting, Julie and Johnny took all 4 girls back to the lake; where they swam and paddled across the lake. I later joined them back on the lake for some more fun. The girls wanted to go fishing. They made their own poles out of sticks, fishing string and worms. They sat on the dock for hours fishing with their little poles. Taylor actually caught one with hers. We let it go. She proved that you can never take the country out of the girl. LOL. I got a little bored and fell asleep on the dock. Abbey and Julie took advantage of that and took a few pictures of me sleeping on the dock. I almost rolled in the lake as I was waking up. Ooops. I guess I fell asleep to close to the edge! Thankfully, I didn't fall in the lake again this weekend! Only my shoe fell in this time. We wrapped up our weekend with the girls, Blake and Stacy catching lightning bugs. It was a really fun and relaxing weekend.

Spending the weekend with such great friends and family felt like home to me. This weekend was my proof that you really can go home.






HELLO SUMMER! We have MISSED you!!! Soooo glad you're back!

Christian Ideology A Myth???

Growing up in Luttrell, TN, we were taught a few basic beliefs in life. We were taught to believe in God; to love our family; to love our neighbors; obey the law; and to cheer on TN football. Church and God was not an option. It was a priority; the center of our lives. This could easily be seen through our morning prayers at school (yes, we still prayed in school), Summer Revival's, Bible School, Wednesday night GA's and RA's at Cedar Ford Baptist Church, and church services. Our days began and ended with prayer. My question, today, is whatever happened to those beliefs? If you go back to Luttrell, they are still there. However, drive just 10 miles from downtown Luttrell, across the county line into Knox County, it's lost. Did the good citizen's of Knox County forget those principles of life? No, they didn't. That lies solely at the feet of Knox Counties school officials and what they are choosing and allowing to be taught to OUR students.

A science book being used to teach Honor's Biology, in Knox County High Schools, is stating that Christian Ideology is a myth! Don't believe me??? Demand to see a copy of that text book and look on page 319. There, you will find those words written and spelled out in black and white. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't text books supposed to teach facts? If not, why do we send our kids to school to learn them? I was APPALLED by this. What has happened to a school system that at one time was held in high regards as being one of the best in East TN? When did we start allowing such things to be taught to our innocent children?

The school board now has a "review board" in place to debate whether or not to ban this text book from our schools. Let me say to all the Mr. and Mrs. Stupids involved in this decision, I'm taking this decision out of your hands and deciding for myself what my children will be taught. I took my youngest child out of your school system because you failed to teach her the basic reading skills. If this text book isn't banned, you can add one more lost child to that list as my oldest child will NOT be allowed to attend your schools either. If we, as parents, allow them to use this one text book, they WILL bring in others like it; and, it WILL become mainstream teachings in our classrooms. That's just not ok with me. Yet, people ask why the Homeschooling movement is on such a rapid rise. Only one word comes to mind with that.....DUH!!!

Did you know that this same school system allows teachers to use profanity in front of our kids now??? No, I am definitely not saying all teachers do. But, I know of one teacher in Karns High School that still has a job after using very profane language while teaching her students. To quote her exact words, "G-- Damn it!" These aren't words I allow my children to use or allow to be said around my children, regardless of their ages. This same teacher also said to her students that she just didn't believe that an old, white haired, bearded man could have possibly created the world and life in just 7 days. That wasn't in Honor's Biology class. That was in Junior English class. My question is, "Where is the relevance to English in that statement? Did I also mention that this same teacher brings into the classroom and tries to force her political opinions onto those innocent minds by debating and discussing such topics as President Obama and pro-abortion??? Complaints have been filed against this teacher. Yet, nothing has been done. She is still allowed to teach at Karns. My point in telling that is that this line of thinking is well on it's way to becoming main stream in our public classrooms. Again, that's just not ok with me.

This same school system banned prayer, the use of the word Christmas, and anything of a religious nature within its school doors. Their claim was that it was offensive to non-Christians. Ummm.....excuse me!!! But, is that text book and the words spoken by that teacher NOT offensive to me and my beliefs? Where's my rights under the First Amendment? Why do you care so much about what offends one group as opposed to the other group? Have you forgotten that you live IN THE BIBLE BELT? Did you forget that this country that we love so dearly was founded on our fore fathers beliefs in God? Where do you think the phrase, "One nation, under God...." came from? Possibly out of FACTUAL History books.

By believing in God, the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD, I also believe in the existence of Heaven and Hell. And, I can personally tell you that I WILL iceskate across Hell before these educated, know it all, idiots over Knox County's School system are ever allowed to teach my children such nonsense. I am counting down the days until I can move back to a public school system that still believes in God.

I'll wrap this up as I sing a country song titled, "I pray for you." Being the Christian that I am, I will be praying for you, your soul, and especially for God to protect our children's minds and hearts from what you are trying to teach them. Being the human and the mother that I am, I'll also be praying for those same text books to fall off the shelves onto your heads in hopes of knocking some sense into them.

I'm asking all of you that have or will have children in Knox County Schools to please write, email, fax, or call your School Board Representative and put a stop to this!

Disappointment......

Over the past few days, I have been asked to weigh in with my opinion on the current Health Care Reform Bill. Let me start by saying that this blog neither confirms nor denies my stance on this bill. I refuse to get into such a debate. What is this blog about? The disheartening fall out from it. I am very disappointed with many things that I have been witness too; both through spoken words and actions taken.

I have saw long term friendships fall apart because of opposing views on this subject. Really? Is it worth it? Is having a strong opposing opinion worth losing a life long friend over? Me? I choose the relationships in my life over the bull shit happenings in Washington. Yeah, what goes on in Washington does have an affect on myself and my family. But, in the end, the relationships in my life have a much larger affect on me and therefore are given a much greater importance on my list of priorities. Those I have control over. I don't have control over Washington bureaucracies. So, if defending my opinion on political matters is going to cost me a relationship I treasure, well, I'm sorry, we'll just have to agree to disagree and leave it there as that is a price to high for me to pay.

The most disheartening part of this that I have been witness to is the racism. What is this? Pre 1960's? I am not saying that I am pro or anti Obama. But, I AM anti racism. I have saw posts on facebook, words spoken from those around me, posts and replies on the internet, and even media personalities say that this was passed because he was black. They say that Obama was elected because he was black. Here's an idea..... How about we debate the issues at hand and not racism? Want to know why racism still exists today? Look no further than what's coming out of your own mouths in front of our children. Our children learn from us. They learn from our words, our actions and our teachings. Our children are blank slates in which we write on. Our beliefs WILL become theirs. So, choose your words wisely when speaking in their presence. I'm sure many will interpret this paragraph as me being pro Obama. It's not. I'm not satisfied with his job performance at this moment. However, my dissatisfaction comes not from his skin color or his background nor him as a man. It comes from me not agreeing with the job he is doing.

The most shocking of all of this and one which I am appalled with, is that I have heard most of this spoken from my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. For those participants in this, do you REALLY think that this is a type of behavior or that these are words that Christ would approve of??? My teachings tell me NO they aren't. Let's go back to adopting and applying the WWJD principle in our lives.

What is my opinion on this health care bill? I can see both sides of the argument. I both agree and disagree with many aspects of this bill. And, I am choosing to leave my opinion with that.

I apologize if this blog has stepped on any toes or hurt someone's feelings. That was not my intention for posting this. I'm just tired of hearing the negativity in the debate. If you want to debate it, then do so positively and with an open mind for hearing the other side of the debate. You might surprise yourself with what you will learn by doing so. Most importantly, debate only the issues and don't bring slanderous words and actions into it. Debate intelligently and not with ignorance.

Homeschooling Update....

I know it's been awhile since I last updated everyone on Morgan's and my homeschooling adventures. So, here ya go.

Morgan and I took some time off over the holidays from schooling. It was a much needed break for both of us. Morgan is continuing to progress. She is doing great. She is also starting to do some of her work independently. I couldn't be more proud of her desires to do that.

I have been concerned that maybe she wasn't progressing as fast as I thought she needed to. And, thought perhaps there was more that I could do to help her progress faster. After a ton of research and interviews at different establishments, Jason and I have decided to get her some one on one additional tutoring at Huntington Learning Center. My hope is that the combination of the work I am doing with her here at home along with the tutoring they will provide, that we can get her where she needs to be much sooner with her Reading.

Morgan went to Huntington today for evaluations. When I went back to pick her up, Carol, the lady evaluating her, sat down with me to discuss how everything to discuss where they believed Morgan to be and what they could do for her. Of course, I had a ton of questions. What's new? lol. She said that Morgan was doing an excellent job with the testing. (Let me back up for a second. I told her upon our initial visit about Morgan's lack of self esteem when it comes to doing her school work.) Today, she told me that she saw exactly what I was telling her. She and Morgan discussed this. I had also told her that I would prefer to be able to put Morgan back in school next year, most likely private school. We also discussed that further today as well. Her opinion after talking with Morgan and working with her this morning, was that I made the right decision in bringing her home. She told me that she had NEVER advised a parent to homeschool their child. But, based off her initial assessment of Morgan, that she felt it would be in Morgan's best interest to be kept home with me another year until she goes to Middle School. She said that Morgan was a very bright and intelligent child. And, that it saddened her to know and see the results of Morgan being in school thus far. I know that a lot of you will not agree with that.

I have many family and friends that are public school teachers. I am not discrediting them at all. They are all wonderful people and wonderful teachers. But, Morgan is proof that one form of education is not suitable for ALL children. Kids are different. They learn differently. What works for one, might not always work for the other. I will refrain from stating my opinion on our public school systems. My opinion is a very biased opinion. And, it is one rooted in bitterness with how our public school has handled this situation with my child. I will say that the problems are not our teachers or our staff. They all do a wonderful job. It is with our school system itself. Enough said about that or I'll get on a soap box with it.

Where are we now??? I have a meeting Monday with Huntington to discuss Morgan's evaluation results. At that time, they will tell me where she is at currently and lay out the tutoring course they will take with her. In the mean time, she and I will continue to do our school work here at home. Only, she will also be going to Hunnington 2 days a week for work there. Jason and I both feel very much at peace with the path we have chosen for her at this time.

I am starting now to look ahead at the next school year. It's still undecided at this point. There are two options that we are looking into. A lot of that decision will depend on where Morgan is at with Reading and her confidence levels next August. Option 1 is to enroll her in Grace Christian Academy. If we choose to do that, Abbey will most likely be switched from public to private school as well. Abbey will be allowed to voice her opinion on that. She does great in public school. I have no problems with her there. So, it will mainly be her decision to switch. Option 2 will be to enroll Morgan in a co-op program with a local church school here. In that program, she will attend school 3 days a week and will be taught at home, by me, the other 2 days a week. At this time, we are looking more heavily at the second option as I feel that doing a program such as that would also help to get her re-adjusted to attending school on a regular basis again. This would also prepare her to start Middle School the following year.

What can you do to help??? By continuing to pray and support us as we continue through this journey. Also, please keep the feedback coming. I really appreciate it all. Your feedback will often help me see things that I might have over looked or see things in a different light all together. We cannot thank you all enough for all of your prayers, support, encouragement and feedback.

For the first time since starting this journey, I feel at complete peace with where we are at in this and the directions that it is taking. I think Jason will agree with that one as well. We are both very thankful and feel very blessed with the opportunities that have been given to us to make this all possible.

Happy New Year's

Time to ring in a New Year. Only this year, we will ring in a new DECADE! What's one to do with that??? Party like it's 1999 of course. And, we did just that!

We have a tradition with some friends on New Year's. We all get together for finger foods, drinks, and lots of memories and laughs. We watch the ball drop, count down and toast in the New Year. With 11 adults and 12 kids, it was sure to be a good time. And, a good time it was.

We all shared a lot of laughs, told a lot of stories, most of which were probably true. Beer spewed, coke spilled, food ate to the point that we were stuffed, and we still laughed some more about it all. The kids had their sparkling apple cider in their "kids" wine glasses, courtesy of Tonya. They loved that!

I am so blessed to have such great friends to carry on these traditions with. The biggest blessing this New Year's was that David and Linda was able to join us in the celebration.

As midnight approached, we topped off, or refilled, our champagne glasses. We counted down from 10 while watching the ball drop. Then, we raised our glasses and toasted the New Year and great friends. All of the kids thought it was great to go around the room toasting everyone's wine glasses. We were more than happy to oblige. And, of course, the night wouldn't have been complete without a phone call from Stacy that had us ROTFL.

We woke up New Year's Day singing, "I gotta a little crazy last night." We had a great time. I am so thankful for all my great friends and the times we share together. We laugh together; we cry together; we share our lives together; and, sometimes, we get a little crazy together. I love you each and every one for all that you are and all that you bring to my life. Happy New Year's!

Out With The Old and In With The New......

A look back at 2009.........

2009 was full of it's ups and downs. The year started me off on a path of self discovery. And, what a path it was. I let go of a lot of old stresses that were dragging me down. I reconnected with many old friends through the joys of Facebook. I strengthened already existing relationships in my life. I, walked away from a few that were bringing me down. I, also, met many new friends, a few of which will be life long friends. Each of these relationships took me on a wild ride. A couple had their ups and downs. Most were worked out. Some are still to be determined. And, one, I'm still trying to work and find my way through. Either way, it has been a ride that I have enjoyed greatly and will always hold close to my heart, even the ones I've let go of.

There's an old proverbial saying, "When God closes one door, he always opens another one." I have always believed in that ancient old proverb. 2009, once again proved it to be true. There were many doors closed and many more opened. One door, in particular, closed at the end of 2009. And, with it, a new one opened. I have been very sad by the closing of the one. Yet, very excited by the opening of the other. Do I sound bi-polar saying that??? lol. I guess that is just some of life's constant struggles we find ourselves in. What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, right???

I think 2009 will go down in my history as the year that I finally came into my own. I will treasure 2009 always.
I have let go of many things. And, I took on and tackled a lot of new ones. I was also made aware a lot of who I am. And, I have to say, I like the person I see staring back at me in that mirror.

A look ahead at 2010.....

2009 was my year of self discovery. 2010 will be the year I relax and enjoy the person I have become. Because of my heart condition, there were so many things that I have let go of over the years from fear. Guess what??? I'm no longer afraid of those limitations. I re-discovered my addiction to an adrenaline rush in 2009. I'm not going to spend this new decade worried about the "what-ifs." Instead, I'm choosing to jump back into life and let my feet land where ever they may. I already started doing so in 2009.

So, what are MY plans for the upcoming year....... Well....... There are many!

1. Plans are in the making to take a girlie cruise with a few of my closest friends at the end of February. Can't wait for that one. Fun in the sun, on a boat, sipping margaritas with no husbands or kids for a week. I mean honestly, does it get any better than that??? Mexico.....Here WE come!

2. As with every year, I will be making several trips to one of my favorite cities, Nashville. Looking very much forward to doing so. I always have a blast when I go there. This upcoming year will be no exception. I just might throw in a few extra trips there this year if time permits.

3. I have several trips planned to do my most favorite activity in life, and that's digging my toes in some sand while sitting by an ocean. Hell, I may even pick up a surf board this year. I will also be parasailing this year when I go, with a water proof camera, of course.

4. I'll be spending a lot of the time in the mountains hiking, hiking, and oh.....did I mention hiking?!?!. I plan on doing some over night hikes and off the trail hikes this year. Yippee! I think I may even learn to go rock climbing and repelling with a couple of those hikes. My goal with the hikes in 2010 is to prepare myself to do the 26 + mile round trip hike up to Mt. LeConte in the Spring of 2011.

5. I plan on learning to snow board this year. Something I have wanted to do for a long time but fear held me back from doing so. Not this year. I'll go down that mountain much faster than I could ever walk down it.

6. I'll spend lots of time with family and friends enjoying those relationships.

7. I am planning on taking a couple of photography excursions. And, y'all know, I WILL enjoy that! One of which, will take me snow mobiling next winter. Jason isn't too thrilled with that, but has agreed to let me do so anyway.

8. I think the most important thing I will do this year is to continue to make me the priority. I found in 2009 that the more I take care of myself, the better I am at taking care of others. Before, I always put me last on my list of priorities. I, now, see the errors in that. I will accomplish this by just simply relaxing and enjoying life and being me; becoming more as one with God, nature and myself.

In summary, my one resolution for this year will be to turn my world upside down and say what a ride it was.

Christmas in the Heart of Dixie.....

Christmas was a very busy holiday for us. It was also a very difficult holiday. This was the first Christmas after having lost Roy. I'm not going to go into that. Instead, I'm just going to talk about how we spent our Christmas in Dixie....

We kicked off the Christmas season with our annual trip to pick out and buy our Christmas tree. The girls and Holly were excited about that. After getting the tree home, we spent the weekend decorating it. Yes, I said weekend! Y'all know me and my OCD tendancies, especially at Christmas. I had to make sure that all 2000 lights were placed perfectly on this 7 ft. Frasier Fir. Of course, I, then, had to strategically place all of my "special ornaments." All the while, the girls anxiously awaited to hang the rest of the ornaments with Jason saying, "Be patient. You know your mother." lol. I finally finished and turned the ornaments over to the girls. The tree was completed with Jason placing the angel on top as he does every year. It was once again, our perfect Christmas tree. We loved it. We turned off all of the lights and turned the tree on for the first time this season. It light the room with a warm glow.

Logan, Cici and Maddie came into town from San Antonio, TX to spend the holiday with us. We met them and Adam over at Nana's to celebrate Christmas. Nana fixed our traditional lasagna and CHEESECAKE! Christmas would not be Christmas without Nana's cheesecake! Maddie loved the lasagna. She wore it well. Abbey and Morgan loved carrying her around and playing with her. She is walking and talking now. She is just way tooo cute! Of course, with the boys, you never know what is going to happen when they get together. It's always very entertaining to say the least. This time was no exception. As they do every year, they sent Josh a picture message showing him what he was missing out on with Nana's cheese cake. And ended with me trying to take pictures of the 3 of them and Jason receiving a cup check. Only those 3.

The Garrison Family Christmas was held at Aunt Nancy's club house this year. Marshall was able to bring Thelma for a short time. It was a nice trip out for her. She enjoyed being there and we were all thrilled that she was able to join us even for a little while. However, she tires easily, and wasn't able to stay very long. When Marshall left with her to go back to Autumn Care, a sadness fell over the room. Her presence was missed by everyone the rest of the night. We all still enjoyed it and each other. We were very thankful that she was able to attend for the short time that she did, and wished she could have stayed longer.

Jason and I can never make it through a Christmas holiday without a marathon wrapping session. This year was no exception. Once again, we sat in the floor wrapping, wrapping and wrapping some more. A few hours later, we put away all of the gift wrapping stuff. After the mess was cleaned up, with the tree lights glowing and Christmas music playing, we had our annual Christmas by the tree dance.

Christmas Eve day was a busy day. Lots of cooking and prep work to do before going to Mom's. Once that is done, the girls and I bake and decorate Santa cookies. We also have an annual tradition that is very dear to our hearts. It's always the first thing the girls ask about when Christmas comes around. We bake a Happy Birthday cake for Jesus.

Then, we were off to Mom's to celebrate Christmas with her and Mike. We had more food than we new what to do with. Mom says every holiday that she isn't doing that much next time because it doesn't all get ate. And, with each new holiday, she cooks even more than the last time. lol. She doesn't get any complaints as we all LOVE her cooking. Plus, we have enough leftovers to do us through to New Year's. We opened presents and sat around talking. Mom came up with a new game for us to play. We all had a big laugh at that one.

After arriving home, we tucked the girls into their beds with visions of sugar plumbs dancing in their heads. Jason and I, hosted Santa once again. We helped him place the presents under the tree and offered him milk and cookies.

Oh Christmas Morning!!! The girls woke us up at 3:00 am with much excitement. We tried to persuade them into going back to bed and sleeping another hour or 2. It didn't happen. So, we hopped out of bed and followed them to the tree where we opened presents. The girls were so excited and happy with all of their gifts. Thankfully, they let us take a nap. It was much needed. Once we got up for the 2nd time, we cooked breakfast and had our traditional birthday cake for dessert.

Later we went to Felicia's mom's for lunch. Once again, we ate too much. It was all very YUMMY and worth it though. We laughed and had a great time there too. After leaving there, we went to the nursing home to spend Christmas with Marshall, Jennie, and Thelma. Thelma was so happy to have all of us with her there on Christmas. I actually think her face was lit brighter than the Christmas tree. That, for me, was the best Christmas gift this year.

The next day, we went to my Dad's and celebrated Christmas with him and Sarah. Of course with Dad, nothing is ever boring. He is always the life of the party. This year was no different. So, naturally, we had a good time. I love having a father that brings so much humor to life! That's always a gift.

If you are tired after reading this blog, then you can imagine how tired we were after all of the celebrations. It was a good Christmas. And a very peaceful one. Now it's time to celebrate the New Year. I'll post those updates in the next blog. I'll also update this one with pictures in a day or too. I hope everyone had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!