Back Home: November 2009

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving Birthday Harry Jack and Jane!

Of all the Thanksgivings I have ever celebrated, none is more special than this Thanksgiving Day 2009. Today is the day my Harry Jack and sweet baby Jane were born.

Happy 1st Birthday to my precious baby Jane! And, Happy Birthday to my
sweet "smiley eyes" Harry Jack! Oooh, I love you so much!

One sweet story about Harry Jack...I was due with Jane on December 4. The last few months of my pregnancy Harry Jack would say to me, "Momma? When are you gonna get that baby out of your tummy?" He was so sweet and I would look at him and say, "Sweet boy, on your birthday?" I was just being silly, and never realized the plans God had for Harry's birthday last year.

Enjoy the slide show below. Hopefully tonight I will post some pictures of their party!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my blog friends. And, also Happy Birthday to Danny's sister Debbie, and our friends Susan and Lauryn who share this day with my little ones!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Thanksgiving Break, BRING IT!

This afternoon around 4 o'clock, when Danny finishes teaching, our Thanksgiving break officially begins! Can I tell you how excited I am !!!!

Both Danny and the children have off from school for a whole week. Ordinarily I would be like, "Eeahh, the children have off school for a week and I have to entertain them." But not now. Not since we are back in the 'burg. That is what is great about being a teacher. Just about every day the children have off school, Danny does too! It is so nice!

So, back to how excited I am about Thanksgiving Break. To kick things off, last night I pulled an all night'er and tried to be like my friends who constantly make things for their children's teachers.

I made SEVEN batches of mini Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, and placed them in cute little Martha Stewart boxes for a total of 12 teachers, one third grade class, and the Psychology Department at LU.

(And, just for you snoopers who click on the pictures to make them bigger and see all the details, this box of muffins if for a sweet lady named Mrs. Ray, who has worked in the LCA business office since before my beginnings here in the 'burg, 30 years ago.)

So, again, back to my excitement. Words cannot express how happy we are to be "back home (in Lynchburg) were our story began." There is so much comfort here, so much tradition, so much family life. And with the Christmas season just about here, we are thrilled. It was music to my ears this past week when I heard my Danny say, "It just feels more like Christmas here." Indeed it does!

So on our schedule this coming week:

1. SLEEPing in!
2. Catch a few movies!

3. Celebrating a cute little,
soon to be 5 year old boy...

and a

ONE YEAR old baby girl--tissues please!

4. Taking Tom Turkey to the attic and bringing down my $7.50, 90% off Christmas tree from the end season sale last year--thanks to my friend Ginger!

So now I've gotta run. I need to make some mashed potatoes and pecan bars for a 3rd grade Thanksgiving feast!

All I've gotta say is, Thanksgiving Break? BRING IT!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Birthday Party Time!

Today was a busy day spent preparing for Danny's big ole birthday party tonight! To start off the celebration the children and I surprised Danny and took a birthday cake to his Crisis class. His students loved it and so did our little ones!

Then off to my parents home to prepare dinner, Danny's favorite: meatloaf, mac-n-cheese, and green beans!

(draining the meatloaf)

And, finally sitting down to enjoy the birthday dinner. This is about three fourths of our family, just a small dinner party! (D0nna we missed you all!)

Then birthday cake time and time to tell Danny how much we love him--a tradition in my family ever since I can remember. Each person at the table takes a turn and tells the birthday person why or what we love about them. Very sweet indeed!

And then, on to opening gifts. Here, Danny is opening one of the many cards sent to him by his family and friends. BIG time thanks to you all! I didn't know if this "card" idea I emailed many of you about would work, but it did and Danny was SO surprised! Thank you, thank you.

I just need to say, Stan if you read this--you are one funny man! You made us laugh and remember lots of fun stuff--good times, good times!

And, Mark and Lauryn, all I've got to say is "true dat" on the card you sent. It was perfect!

Aunt Carol and Cheri Ann--very creative card! Goodness, I could go on and on--thank you all for sending cards to my Danny!

We sat and opened cards for a while. Danny truly read every one and told my family little stories and memories of EACH of you as he opened them. It was nice to hear his memories!

So now we are home, watching the Country Music Awards. And we are about to enjoy a cup of coffee and hot tea from Danny's new Keurig.

Life is good! Thank you Jesus! It has been a very blessed day!

Happy 40th Birthday My Love!

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! Forty years old! So hard to believe.

For some reason the past few days leading up today I keep thinking of 3 people and thanking God for them. First, Danny's birth mom. What a special gift she gave to so many people when she decided to put him up for adoption! Second, Mr. and Mrs. Logan for adopting Danny, at just a day or two old.

Danny has accomplished so much in his life thanks to our heavenly Father, his birth mother and his parents. Life! They each gave Danny life--each in a different way.

What an incredible man Danny has become in these 40 years. And, I'm not gonna lie to you folks, forty looks mighty fine on him!

Happy birthday my love!

Check back tonight for pictures from the birthday party!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween 2009

So Halloween 2009 has come and gone! Was it just me or did you love Halloween being on Saturday this year?

Without further ado I give you my little Halloween sweets!

My little 11 month old pumpkin.

My all star Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

Sweet Snow White

And, last but not least, my MUSCLE MAN Hero!
Where is Maddie you ask?
Officially TOO old to dress up.
She hung out at my sister Dawn's house and
handed out candy to the trick or treaters.

As I sit here typing, look who I found
rattling paper in the background!

Sweet baby Jane!