Joseph and Nadja

Joseph and Nadja have known each other since they were born, literally. And, they have the same birthday, just a few hours apart. When they were little we always had joint birthday parties and they were huge. Joseph and Nadja were inseperable and so cute. We haven't seen our friends since we moved to TN...we have talked on the phone and such but haven't been able to get together. Well, we were finally able to get together at Zach's party a couple of weeks ago. I love my friend Theda. She is so special and I was very glad to be able to catch up with her while the kids hung out for a little while. It is hard to believe that they are 11 now. I hope they always remain good friends! Here are soe pics although I could not get Joseph to be serious in any of them...he was cracking Nadja up!!

The Case of the Missing Toothbrushes and Remote Control!

I know, weird name but that describes this post. Saturday we spent the whole day cleaning up and cleaning out a lot of clutter. One part of that cleaning involved a small cabinet in our bedroom. That is now empty but not before it played a little role in a mystery.

At the end of the day Dan was looking for the remote but could not find it. We looked everywhere but he finally went to bed without watching the weather. Then, when I got ready for bed, I couldn't find a single toothbrush (mine or otherwise) or toothpaste!! I woke Dan up, he didn't know. I asked Joseph, he had no clue! Finally Zach piped up and said, "I know"!

He then ran into the bedroom and opened the cabinet and declared that he was "just playing". For some reason and without any of us noticing he decided to put the remote, our toothbrushes, and toothpaste inside the cabinet we cleaned out! What goes on in the mind of a three (about to be four) year old?!?!?

Bye 2008, Hello 2009!

2008 was year that often had surprises for me, and not always good ones! But, I still learned some leasons....What I learned in 2008:

Sometimes you have to just wait because no matter what you do, say, or think, the situation will not change until the time is right (God, I'm still waiting, and not very patiently at times)

Even 11 year old boys like to wrestle with Mommmies and they never let the mommies win (mostly because when the 11 year old and 3 year old team up together, mommies don't stand a chance!)

Babies grow up WAY TOO FAST! This hit me like a ton of bricks earlier this year....now I take more time to snuggle and say I love you and read books....it won't be long until they won't want me to do those things anymore

Going back to school was tough but it took much more for me to get enough courage to take the first step than it did for me to take the classes...finished first semester with 3.75 GPA!

Loosing weight wasn't hard at all once I put my mind to it....I feel much better being 20lbs lighter.

Jesus really does love me

Things I need to learn in 2009:

That the number of friends you have isn't important, it is the quality of those friendships

Let go of the past and stop comparing myself with others who seem to have the "perfect" life

Happiness is a choice, I must choose to be happy and content with whatever place I am in and trust that God has a plan for me

And the list goes on! Too many lessons to be written.....I have many "resolutions" but ultimately, in 2009, I want to be a better wife, mother, friend, and most importantly, reflect Jesus in all I say and do!

Happy New Year!

Travel Time Again!

The boys went to SC yesterday and I am headed there today. Can't wait to see family and friends! This time I will have plenty of time to visit. I am so thankful that I have a job that allows me time off (and still get paid)! I am already working on my New Year's resolution list....trying to think of things that are realistic and that I might actually be able to accomplish.....Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Visiting Friends

My friend Amanda came to visit this weekend with her son Jared and daughter Hannah. They stayed with us and since her husband Mark didn't come, and Dan was out of town, we got to do whatever we wanted!!! Amanda graduated from Walhalla in 1992 but we did not know each other until our boys played baseball together and went to the same school in Anderson. Friday we stayed up really late (WAY past my 9PM bedtime) and then Saturday we braved the cold and went to Dollywood. It was a chilly 30 degrees but it was SO pretty. Every building and tree in Dollywood has lights and all of the shows are about Christmas. As a bonus, it snowed for about an hour Saturday morning and the kids had a blast! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for people to come and visit, especially if they stay with us! So, anytime anyone wants to visit just let me know....I will get the couch ready for Joseph and his room ready for you!!!

Yeah for Thanksgiving!

Today we had a Thanksgiving dinner at work. Everyone brought something and we had ALOT of great food. I am now stuffed and ready for a nap but have about four more hours to work today. I can't wait to get to SC Thursday and visit with family and friends!!

Let It Snow!

It is very cold here in the Smokey Mountains, and the peaks are all covered with snow. I cannot describe how beautiful they look. Hopefully this weekend we will get to drive up to New Found Gap where it truly is a winter wonderland. The South Pole doesn't have anything, well, except Santa, on the Smokey Mountians!! Even though we don't get the snow, it is fun to know that it is SO close!