Flower Beds

Today I worked on my front flower beds between rain storms. When we moved in our house the front flower beds had azaleas that were 50 years old and very overgrown. For years we just trimmed them back. Then about 5 or 6 years ago I had the hubby pull most of them out and I started over. For a couple years things looked really nice. Well now we are at the point where things have grown up and the weeds (chickweed) have taken over. I keep trying to get a handle on it, but I think I'm losing the battle! I'm about ready to dig everything up concrete it, paint it green and call it quits! No not really. I've decided to give it another shot. I'm weeding, and putting down more mulch, while trying to get it all looking pretty again. Once it's fixed, I'll post a picture. Well all...back to my dirt!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today is my birthday, another day, another year, I'm just so glad that I get to spend another year here with my family! As we increase in age people always say "Oh, I don't want to get older" well I don't like the alternative. So I choose to increase in age and mature! You notice I don't use the "o" word! Each year is a gift and I accept them gladly. This year I was a little miffed that my husband was not going to be here for my birthday, he was out of town. Well last night at 12:30am, he came home. That was a nice surprise. Today I spent it shopping with my daughter. We had a wonderful time, talking, shopping and eating. Oh did I mention talking! We did lots of that. When we got home we all went to have sushi and our favorite place. The five of us had a wonderful time. We ate, we laughed, we drank and we had just a fun time. Thank you Amanda, Mallori, Anthony and Jim for a wonderful dinner, I love you all very much and I must say "Happy Birthday to me"!! I'm so excited about what's to come with this new year!!!!

The Wedding...our Royal Wedding

April 2, 2011 my lovely daughter was married to her Prince. What a great day and evening it turned out to be.
The day started off with all our family showing up from out of town to dress and follow us to the Mansion. Daughter was married in an old Mansion, now turned in to a Bed and Breakfast/rental venue. It was perfect! The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, the Dad was calm and the Mom was happy...no tears! Yeah Me!!
I could not have been happier when the hubby walked me down the isle, then went back to bring the bride down next. Daughter #2 looked beautiful in her hot pink dress. She is a cutie too! I was determined not to cry and I did not...only a tear or two during the Father -Daughter dance. They danced to Smile by Uncle Kracker. What an appropriate song, he wrote it for his young daughter. After the ceremony, the pictures, the dinner, the dancing started. We danced until they stopped playing the music. My family all had happy feet and we didn't stop! It was a perfect day and a perfect night. I am so happy for my daughter and son...now I can say that, I have a son! Congrats my kids..your wonderful life is just ahead of you! Love you Mom.

Mallori

Today I picked up Mallori's wedding portriat, wow she looks so beautiful and so very happy. As a Mom that is all I want for her, to be happy. I can still remember the day that little 6 pounder was born. She took her time getting here and from that day forward she has done things her way, and only her way. This is the child that would try my patience, only because she wanted to do things her way. Mallori is very head strong, she gets that after her Dad, :) When she decides something, she does not quit until she does it her way. I admire that about her. She has grown up to be quite the beautiful young woman! When she decided to be a nurse, she did it!
Well 11 days to go and we will have a son. We are all so excited about this day, I just hope I can hold it together and now cry like a crazy Mom! :) I'm sure I'll be good. I hope. Mallori we are so proud of you! Love you bunches!

Mallori's Bridal Shower

Me, Mallori and Amanda

In two weeks my oldest daughter Mallori will be married...Wow...married...does she know what she is doing? Probably not, but did any of us know what we were doing when we married? We are all so very excited about the wedding and marriage and just it all. My Mom and Sister threw Mallori a Bridal Shower a week ago. They did such a wonderful job. We had games, gifts, food, friends and family, what more could we ask for? She received a ton of really nice gifts and was excited with them all.
The next few weeks will be crazy and I'll be sure to post a wedding photo or 10! It's hard to believe it's almost here and I'm trying to enjoy it all. Happy Wedding Mallori and Anthony, we love you!

NCBA 2011

I just returned from my annual North Carolina Basket Convention. What a great time was had by all. I rode with my good friend Billie. She and I have been riding together for a few years now and I really do enjoy it. Our guild made a great showing with over 50 members attending, 8 members receiving awards and 10 members receiving door prizes. My roommate Jamie was a really enjoyable roommate, thank you Jamie!I had two great teachers and made three beautiful baskets. I am finally home, a little less jingle in my pocketbook, but I'm home and will sleep great tonight in my own bed. Thanks all for a great time. Already looking forward to next year!!

San Diego in January

Last week I took a business trip to San Diego. What a great city! Our plane ride this year was without issues. Thank you Delta for a great ride. Leaving early on a Monday morning is stressful....but we were all there and on time. San Diego weather was wonderful. The Virginia weather has been so cold and bleak these past few weeks, that San Diego was a welcome change. Mid 60's during the day and mid 50's at night. Our first day there we needed to work for a couple hours by inspecting the training rooms that we would be using for the rest of the week. After that we checked in to our hotel and had dinner. Shrimp taco's, chips, salsa and an ice tea...what more could I ask? That first day I saw the sun rise on the east coast and watched the sun set on the west coast. Wow they both were beautiful sites! I'm a real sucker for a sunrise/sunset. Finally going to bed was easy, I was exhausted. Day two we started our training and what a good day it turned out to be. The rest of the week, I was able to take a few walks on the beach and a few runs on the boardwalk. It was beautiful. This trip really helped my mental state too. It was so nice to be in weather where I did not need to wear a coat and was able to get out onto the beach. One day I hope to live on the beach and my dream is to be able to walk on the beach daily. Back to the trip...the four days passed quickly and I was back on a plane. Coming home is always nice. The plane ride was good, although we did run thru a little turbulence, and of course the man next to me got the death grip! As I arrived in town and walked down the airport terminal there stood the hubby. He is always there waiting for me at the airport, just like all the years I was on the other side, the waiting side. Well, good bye San Diego, I hope to see you again soon.