Along with moving into a new(old) house, we also have a new puppy. The sellers Lab had a litter of gorgeous puppies and we fell in love with them, so that is how Cooper came to be part of our family. Since the house we bought needs some TLC, why not get the puppy now before we start fixing things up. We are having soo much fun watching him and Josie the golden play together. I will post pics of the house as soon as I can get my camera charged again. For now, I am busy unpacking boxes and relying on the Piggly Wiggly Deli to feed my family. Every evening, though, I sit outside and admire the huge old oak tree in the yard. It is beautiful and completely forms a canopy of shade over the entire patio. I just love the yard and you will see why when I get some photos of the trees on here. For now, back to unpacking!

no pictures yet

My home computer with my pictures is shut down, as a matter of fact, my entire house is just about shut down. Monday, God willing, I move to James Island. I will post pictures as soon as the computer is back up. I want to photograph the beautiful oak tree in the center of the back yard, it is amazing and one of the reasons we bought this house. Lots and lots of work ahead for us, but in the mean time, a wonderful yard is waiting for kids to play, climb trees and fish in the small creek behind the house.

Ordinary

This summer we went on a cruise with my brother and his family. Had a blast eating, staying up really late, hitting the buffet at 1am, it was a blast. We danced, sang, stared at the stars, laughed and laughed! What a great start to the summer.

Then, our next venture was me taking my kids + 2 of my nieces to Boca Raton Florida to see my sister and her family. Well, it was quite a mixed bag: me and my sister laughed, had great times, had times where we felt like we were irritable and sleep deprived, laughed at ourselves again. My car broke down to the tune of 800.00, so my sister was stuck with us for even longer. We really did enjoy the kids, just didn't get much sleep.

Then Matt went to a week long camp in Winsboro with 2 cousins, Michael went to my other sisters, Morgan went to Lindseys and I packed up the house b/c we are moving. So now here we sit in a packed up house waiting to move, watching way too much TV, driving the golf cart around at night, and eating out a lot. Can't wait to get in the new house!!!

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!!!