The end of the year....

Tomorrow signals the end fo the year and a new beginning. I am always curious as to what the future will bring. This year was a big one fo rus. Don and I bought our first home along with taking over and buying the family store from his parents. We watched our oldest daughter move into young women's...gasp! i went to Girl's Camp for the first time and really enjoyed myself. I learned a bit about myself and what talents lie within me. I learned that sometimes when those talents make it onto paper I can truly make people smile...the best. Sigh! I have learned that making a quilt will not kill me. I have learned my family is the most beautiful thing in my life and if Don and I lean on each other, nothing can't be accomplished. I am grateful for the trials in my life that turn me into a better person. I am grateful for my blessings and I am grateful for a child who is not my own that hands me a paper covered in crayon markings telling me that they missed me when I was gone. So, I raise a glass of sparkling cider to you all and propose a toast: "To who we were, to who we are & to who we may soemday become!" Happy New Year to you all!!!

Get your hot buttered popcorn here!!!!

Well Christmas had come and gone and to be honest I am grateful. I am grateful for all the many customers that came in giving us a more successful year than last even in this crazy economy. I am grateful that the presents are open and that I am done with Christmas and I am truly grateful that my daughter did not throw and incredible tantrum when I realized that her present never made it off of back order and I did indeed owe her one more present. Ah the fun of motherhood. For those of you wondering my hubby has given up the diamonds this year and bought me a more fun gift to cheer me up after the whole Jeep fiasco..which by the way is on its way to being completely finished in the next couple weeks. So, now I have my own personal popcorn trolley giving em the ability to make my own theater popcorn here at home. It is just a little silliness to complete our home entertainment craziness. AS soon as we get our pinball machine we will actually be a teen's hangout paradise. the only thing missing is the pool table...but I have a plan brewing....

That's what it is all about....

I just received this picture from one of the girls that i know at church. This is my oldest daughter and I at Girl's Camp. I guarantee you that i have more fashion sense than this, but when you head into the kitchen at 6 am and don't escape until nearly 9pm fashion simply must be adjusted...

you can see by my daughter's face that she was having the time of her life. That truly was my hopes. I can't tell you how nervous I was, but when we were on the drive home she said that it was the most incredible feeling to be able to be her self as a daughter of God and not have to worry about other judging her by her standards because they all had the exact same beliefs. She is so looking forward to next year because she calls it her vacation from the outside world. She told me that she found her testimony during that week. Yes, I teared up which made it difficult to drive, but what could I do?! I can't wait until Girl's Camp next year!!! So, exciting!!!!

Here we come a carolin'...

We had a great time last night caroling with a large group of families. Don and I were worn to bits, after a long day serving many Christmas shoppers, but we had a wonderful time. My kids whined in the beginning of the day: "We don't WANT to go caroling!!!" Then they tried to put their foot down and tell us they were not going. I replied back in my most extremely stern mother's voice that they were going. Then "the look" came. You know the one...whenever your mother wanted to get her point across. I am not sure when we acquire that ability to give "the look"...perhaps that is why labor is so hard! Anyway, I told the kids that we were going and there was nothing they were going to do about it. So, after work I dragged myself into the kitchen and scrambled up some eggs while Corinna made all the toast. We ate dinner went and filled up the car with gas and then headed over. Apparently, the kids had no idea what we were planning on doing and with whom. They had a blast! They were still singing when we came home and can't wait until next year!!!

Seriously, BFF's rule!!!

I have to tell you that I have had so much support that I never knew that I had. it's just one of those crazy things that we can't control and all we can do is our best. Whatever the outcome is then we will deal with it. If this last financial thing doesn't work then I will just put it all on hold until I have the money to pay cash. That would make me incredibly happy to be perfectly honest, but what can I do? Anyway, I wanted to thanks all your kind notes. You see, that is what the truth is...it's just a car, but friends will last for an eternity!!!! I love you all!!!