It's hard to believe there are only a few days left in 2011. I remember when I was little and being so sad the day after Christmas, just thinking about how long it was until next Christmas. Time seemed to pass so quickly back then. Now, it seems like I blink and a month has passed.
2011 was a good year, despite the sadness that enveloped our family the end of 2010. Much of our family remained close as each month passed without my dad. My dad was a true family man, loved having everyone together. When he was in the hospital, we pulled together even more, leaning on each other for suppport. Stronger bonds were formed out of heartache. We celebrated holidays together as a family, an important tradition my dad would want us to keep up.
Ozzie joined our family in April. When I saw his picture on the Humane Society Facebook page, I had to go and visit him. Hubby and I had been discussing adding a second dog, a brother for Blue. When I met him, I knew we had to have him. Someone else had already placed a hold on him but for whatever reason, she could not take him right away and of course their goal is to place the pets in their forever homes as quickly as they can. After taking hubby back with me, and Blue, to meet him, we brought him home. He was very shy the day we brought him home and we were still a little unsure of how he would get along with Blue. He has fit into our home so wonderfully, it seems impossible now to imagine him not being there. He is such a handsome boy, my sweet Ozzie. He longs to be loved and is happy just being by our side. Ozzie and Blue are quite the perfect pair, just like brothers.
Two of my fabulous aunts visited for a week in the summer. Time with them is always a treasure. There is much laughter, Scrabble-playing, and enjoying our time together.
Hubby and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in October. It doesn't seem possible that we have already been married for 10 years and together for 12. We had a wonderful anniversary dinner. I am so lucky to have my wonderful hubby who loves me so. I love him so very much.
In November, we had our fun trip to California. It was a great time, even with the flying part which I do not like. I fly so rarely that I am just not a good flyer. I hate taking off, literally have to close my eyes and not think about it. It's silly, but it's how it is.
And now Christmas has yet again come and gone, and we are looking ahead to 2012. This Sunday we are having a New Years Day family dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house. It will be another great family day. I enjoy time spent together, catching up, and time with Autumn and her little laugh that is so contagious. Family, food, and fun - my kind of day.
Showing posts with label aunts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aunts. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Where has the time gone?
I am embarrassed at the time that has past since my last post, which was on October 23rd. I got crazy busy with work and everything else took a backseat. EVERYTHING. Working out, eating right, and trying to keep myself at the top of my never-ending list of things to do.
With 2011 coming to an end, I have realized that I have to make myself a priority, regardless of anything else that is happening.
My last post was about Jenna's last training walk for the 3-Day. She did a fabulous job walking 60 miles over 3 days, camping out in the cold and wind. I saw her off at the opening ceremony, cheered her on on day 2 at one of the many cheering stations, and congratulated her at closing ceremony. I was, and am still, so proud of her for what she accomplished. I am also thankful to her for including me in her training as I met some amazing women. We have all gotten together once since the 3-Day for a short 5-mile walk and breakfast. I hope, hope, hope that we can all get together again soon after the holidays.
In November, my hubby and I went to California with my mom for Thanksgiving. My mom had not been out there in 17 years. My last time out was about 13 years ago. It was a FANTASTIC trip, full of catching up with family we had not seen in years and visiting places from our past. I was born there and while I had been back several times over the years, this was my first time back in a long time with my mom and to see her enjoy her time there so much was great. I am so glad hubby got to meet more of my family (we have a huge family!) and see where I was born. We also visited one of hubby's cousins who he had not seen in close to 20 years and who I had never met. It was also a bittersweet trip, visiting my grandfather's grave. My dad never got back to see visit his grave since he passed and we took some of my dad's ashes out there to reunite them. It seemed very fitting and there was a sense of closure, knowing how close they were and how they are together again.
December 4th brought us to the one-year mark of my dad's passing. This year was a total blur, mostly because I was numb for most of it. I'm still not sure how it passed so quickly. I have a year's worth of sunset pictures from Crystal Beach where we spend the 4th of every month. It is a tradition my mom and I have kept to this whole year and I plan to continue it. Every thought, feeling, and emotion of the time my dad spent in the hospital, and then his passing is still very fresh in my mind. I think of him every single day and treasure the endless memories we made over the years. I had a very special tattoo done on the 4th, designed by Jenna. Daddy will always be with me and looking over my shoulder now. I am so glad I had it done. That same day, we all got together at Crystal Beach for yet another beautiful sunset in his memory and then dinner at one of his favorite restaurants.
Christmas Day was celebrated at our house after hubby and Mommy and I went to put flowers at the cemetery for Daddy. My mom made her fabulous turkey dinner (thank you Mommy!!). Nick, Jenna, and Autumn came over. Autumn's laughter filled the house most of the day, there is nothing like it. They also brought their pup Scarlett, who played endlessly with Blue. Ozzie was content just being around everyone. Jenni, Nile, Nathan, and Cheryl came over, as well as Larry, Vicki, and Mary Ann. It was so nice to have a house full of family on such a special day. We are thankful to have a home to invite everyone to, and thankful that everyone joined us and had a grand time.
I am anxious to get back into a routine, the routine that is necessary for me to be the best person I can be. I have got to get back into healthier habits and it is my goal to do just that. The new year brings with it a new start. I AM READY!
With 2011 coming to an end, I have realized that I have to make myself a priority, regardless of anything else that is happening.
My last post was about Jenna's last training walk for the 3-Day. She did a fabulous job walking 60 miles over 3 days, camping out in the cold and wind. I saw her off at the opening ceremony, cheered her on on day 2 at one of the many cheering stations, and congratulated her at closing ceremony. I was, and am still, so proud of her for what she accomplished. I am also thankful to her for including me in her training as I met some amazing women. We have all gotten together once since the 3-Day for a short 5-mile walk and breakfast. I hope, hope, hope that we can all get together again soon after the holidays.
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In November, my hubby and I went to California with my mom for Thanksgiving. My mom had not been out there in 17 years. My last time out was about 13 years ago. It was a FANTASTIC trip, full of catching up with family we had not seen in years and visiting places from our past. I was born there and while I had been back several times over the years, this was my first time back in a long time with my mom and to see her enjoy her time there so much was great. I am so glad hubby got to meet more of my family (we have a huge family!) and see where I was born. We also visited one of hubby's cousins who he had not seen in close to 20 years and who I had never met. It was also a bittersweet trip, visiting my grandfather's grave. My dad never got back to see visit his grave since he passed and we took some of my dad's ashes out there to reunite them. It seemed very fitting and there was a sense of closure, knowing how close they were and how they are together again.
December 4th brought us to the one-year mark of my dad's passing. This year was a total blur, mostly because I was numb for most of it. I'm still not sure how it passed so quickly. I have a year's worth of sunset pictures from Crystal Beach where we spend the 4th of every month. It is a tradition my mom and I have kept to this whole year and I plan to continue it. Every thought, feeling, and emotion of the time my dad spent in the hospital, and then his passing is still very fresh in my mind. I think of him every single day and treasure the endless memories we made over the years. I had a very special tattoo done on the 4th, designed by Jenna. Daddy will always be with me and looking over my shoulder now. I am so glad I had it done. That same day, we all got together at Crystal Beach for yet another beautiful sunset in his memory and then dinner at one of his favorite restaurants.
Christmas Day was celebrated at our house after hubby and Mommy and I went to put flowers at the cemetery for Daddy. My mom made her fabulous turkey dinner (thank you Mommy!!). Nick, Jenna, and Autumn came over. Autumn's laughter filled the house most of the day, there is nothing like it. They also brought their pup Scarlett, who played endlessly with Blue. Ozzie was content just being around everyone. Jenni, Nile, Nathan, and Cheryl came over, as well as Larry, Vicki, and Mary Ann. It was so nice to have a house full of family on such a special day. We are thankful to have a home to invite everyone to, and thankful that everyone joined us and had a grand time.
I am anxious to get back into a routine, the routine that is necessary for me to be the best person I can be. I have got to get back into healthier habits and it is my goal to do just that. The new year brings with it a new start. I AM READY!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Back to life, back to reality...
Sorry to have been MIA in blogland much of this last week. As you saw in my last post, two of my aunts were visiting from California. We had a fun filled week, that is for sure. It's not often I get to play tourist myself, but I did and was reminded of the great places we have here that I do not frequent enough. A few places we went that I should go to more often...
Honeymoon Island Beach
Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs
Johns Pass in Madeira Beach
And here are a few of my favorite photos from our fun-filled week...
Besides having fun in the sun, there was also a lot of Scrabble and card playing. I played when I could - nothing like a good Scrabble game. I know my mom and aunts were up to the wee hours of the morning playing each night.
The best part oftheir visit is the laughter and togetherness they bring with them. Their visit was a wonderful distraction from the daily grind we are used to. Work, work, work is the norm for us. My mom and I did the bare minimum for work while they were here and enjoyed free time with them.
They went home Tuesday afternoon. Talk about being bummed out... :( It was certainly sad to see them leave, we came crashing back down into the work, work, work routine we are used to. I can't wait until we see them again.
So now it's back to life, back to reality...Most importanly for me this means back to eating right. Of course it's Thursday and they left Tuesday and I still have yet to get back there. I had the chance yesterday but didn't. Pizza and beer for dinner is not the best choice. Tomorrow's weigh-in will be interesting to say the least. We ate out ALOT and enjoyed Starbucks more than I normally do. The scale has every reason to be up tomorrow, so I am prepared. I won't like it, but I am prepared. I worked my butt off and walked 20+ miles before they arrived, knowing I would not have time to walk while they were here. It's been 8 days since my last walk. Thankfully, I'll be walking a 10-mile training walk with my sister-in-law on Saturday morning. I know that is going to give me a good jump start for the next week. I have got to get back in the right mindset and focus on getting to my 10% goal. I HAVE TO.
I also hope to be back in blogland daily now. I missed it. Oh, and today in the mail I received my Skinny Cow Chocolate Candy coupons that I won from Joanna over at Diary of a Mad, Fat Woman. Can't wait to get my free goodies and try them. Thanks again Joanna!
Small favor to ask of you today... Could you take a moment to visit my sister-in-law's blog and consider making a donation? You can find her over at Healthy Hooters and she is raising money for the Susan G, Komen 3 Day For The Cure walk coming up in October.
Until next time!
Honeymoon Island Beach
Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs
Johns Pass in Madeira Beach
And here are a few of my favorite photos from our fun-filled week...
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| Nick, Jenna, and Autumn being silly at Ozona Pig |
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| Girl time! Darlene, Mommy, Jenni, me, and BJ at Crystal Beach |
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| BJ, Darlene, and Mommy at Honeymoon Island |
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| Mike, our niece Autumn, and I at John Chesnut Park. |
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| Family at John Chesnut Park |
Besides having fun in the sun, there was also a lot of Scrabble and card playing. I played when I could - nothing like a good Scrabble game. I know my mom and aunts were up to the wee hours of the morning playing each night.
The best part oftheir visit is the laughter and togetherness they bring with them. Their visit was a wonderful distraction from the daily grind we are used to. Work, work, work is the norm for us. My mom and I did the bare minimum for work while they were here and enjoyed free time with them.
They went home Tuesday afternoon. Talk about being bummed out... :( It was certainly sad to see them leave, we came crashing back down into the work, work, work routine we are used to. I can't wait until we see them again.
So now it's back to life, back to reality...Most importanly for me this means back to eating right. Of course it's Thursday and they left Tuesday and I still have yet to get back there. I had the chance yesterday but didn't. Pizza and beer for dinner is not the best choice. Tomorrow's weigh-in will be interesting to say the least. We ate out ALOT and enjoyed Starbucks more than I normally do. The scale has every reason to be up tomorrow, so I am prepared. I won't like it, but I am prepared. I worked my butt off and walked 20+ miles before they arrived, knowing I would not have time to walk while they were here. It's been 8 days since my last walk. Thankfully, I'll be walking a 10-mile training walk with my sister-in-law on Saturday morning. I know that is going to give me a good jump start for the next week. I have got to get back in the right mindset and focus on getting to my 10% goal. I HAVE TO.
I also hope to be back in blogland daily now. I missed it. Oh, and today in the mail I received my Skinny Cow Chocolate Candy coupons that I won from Joanna over at Diary of a Mad, Fat Woman. Can't wait to get my free goodies and try them. Thanks again Joanna!
Small favor to ask of you today... Could you take a moment to visit my sister-in-law's blog and consider making a donation? You can find her over at Healthy Hooters and she is raising money for the Susan G, Komen 3 Day For The Cure walk coming up in October.
Until next time!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Family time...
I am so excited, two of my aunts from California are visiting this week. I consider myself very lucky when it comes to my aunts - they are amazing, strong, wonderful women. As an aunt to Autumn, and having that niece/aunt bond, I strive to be even just a little bit as wonderful as they are. I have very big shoes to fill.
Everyone knows about my love of photographs. My aunt BJ shares that love. We must have the same gene that makes us love photographs. She brought with her, a CD full of family photos, some of which I've seen, some I have not. Some are recent, some are old. I especially love the photos of my mom and dad back in the day. I LOVE family photos. Oh and there is a great photo of my cousin Raena and I. We are asleep on the photo - totally passed out. I don't remember it, but it sure is funny.
I am so happy they are here. The time will pass much too quickly and before we know it, it will be time for them to go home next Tuesday. But in the meantime, there will be much laughter and fun and reminiscing. Love you bunches BJ and Darlene....
Here are a few of the my favorites on the CD....
Everyone knows about my love of photographs. My aunt BJ shares that love. We must have the same gene that makes us love photographs. She brought with her, a CD full of family photos, some of which I've seen, some I have not. Some are recent, some are old. I especially love the photos of my mom and dad back in the day. I LOVE family photos. Oh and there is a great photo of my cousin Raena and I. We are asleep on the photo - totally passed out. I don't remember it, but it sure is funny.
I am so happy they are here. The time will pass much too quickly and before we know it, it will be time for them to go home next Tuesday. But in the meantime, there will be much laughter and fun and reminiscing. Love you bunches BJ and Darlene....
Here are a few of the my favorites on the CD....
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| This is a bittersweet one, taken at the hospital just 2 days before my dad passed away, after Darlene, BJ, and Debi flew in from California to be with us. |
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| Me, Grandma, Mommy, Nick, and my cousin Punky - this was in the 80's (my clothes and hair confirm that) in Houston at Hanna Barbera Land. |
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| My cousin Raena and I. Apparently we were REALLY exhausted. |
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| Mommy and BJ - LOVE this one!! |
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| My cousin Terra and I, beach beauties. =) |
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| Grandma - love the outfit and cigarette in her hand. So retro. =) |
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| My daddy. |
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| My cousins Terra, Raena, and me! (look at my socks!!!) |
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| Darlene with my cousin Lindsay, and my Daddy |
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| Me and my mommy |
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