Turning 13

Turning 13 is BIG
sO, we celebrate

you get to pick where you want to eat-Matt chose Myabi's

And you go somewhere special

I took Morgan to NYC!!

Bruce took Matt to Darlington for the Nascar Race

Matt got to ride in the Pace Car, going 110 MPH, yes 110 MPH in the Pace car!!

He and dad had a blast and he even brought home an autographed tire off of the winning car!

Regular days

This has been a long winter for Charleston, but at last the daffodils are pushing their way up through the cold ground and the yellow beauties are letting us know that Spring is right around the corner. I am thrilled because I love spring. It really energizes me. Baseball is coming as well. Matt and Bruce had a grand time today getting a new glove and bat. The smell of the leather glove and the shopping expedition is a big draw to playing the game. Every season, the pants from last year represent more growth and are passed down to Michael.

Tonight, we will go to Memaw and Jims camp site and roast hotdogs and marshmellows. Morgan and I are making chocolate covered strawberries to take with us. Tomorrow night we will be studying geometry and getting ready for another school week. I like to think about all the family's and parents who have gone before me-washing school clothes, helping with homework, cooking suppers, trying to make each child feel loved and special. To me what it really is about is making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Some days I succeed, some days I fail miserably, but I am always trying, just like most of the moms I know

Oh life has been clicking along since Christmas; so much, in fact, that I haven't MADE the time to blog...I have been reading great books by Beverly Lewis about the Amish & snuggling in my warm house after work. So, no blogging going on...BUT Matthew did get to go hunting with Bruce, Brad & Tyler for the 1st time!! Of course he loved it. What boy wouldn't?? And Michael turned 10 February 10th. He wanted a Razor Electric Bike, to go to Chuck E Cheeses with the family and a chocolate cream pie instead of a cake. So, wish granted and I made the pie, got the bike and we all had a blast at Chuck E Cheese. I have rented some good movies since Morgan and her friend introduced me to the RED BOX! I just watched Julie & Julia. I love anything with Meryl Streep. Tomorrow Morgan & I are going to see Dear John, then Michael and I are going to the Lightning Thief on Monday. You gotta love movies in the winter! Well, I'd better get back to my corn bread and chili.....

Christmas is about family & memories!! I love my family, the one I grew up with and my family with Bruce. I love my inlaws! To my sisters who weren't at T Bones with us, I know you were both making great memories with your families, because you're wonderful mommies!! Going to church and eating out is so fun. Of course, Santa came Christmas morning! Merry Christmas!!!

Seems like just yesterday they were so young....

We are enjoying some time off from school/work and spending the days baking, shopping, watching movies, just hanging out together. Of course we are staying up late and sleeping in! The holidays are a great time for getting together with cousins and friends. Thanks to all who sent Christmas cards and pictures. What a treat to get personal mail from family & friends!!! Enjoy the holidays. Love to all!!

Our BIG FUN FAMILY Thanksgiving....

Here are pictures from the awesome Thanksgiving that Chris and Adele hosted this year. Jeannie and Morgan took these great pictures. We had soo much yummy food, fun playing cards, singing, dancing, laughing! I love my family. We have so much fun together. Enjoy the pictures....

Where does the time go?

HOW DID MICHAEL GO FROM THIS...

TO THIS??? I feel like I blinked and he grew up....