the best day

Happy Birthday Mommma!
Thank for all that you do. I don't think that you nearly get enough credit for being such a great momma. When we were little you did everything to make sure that Josh and I were well taken care of. You spoiled us when you didn't have very much for yourself. You worked two, even three jobs to make sure we had a comfortable place to live, food on our table, and those new pair of Nike's for Josh's basketball team. Happy birthday to the woman who will always be my best friend, my cheerleader, my window shopper, my chef, my pedicure partner, my supporter, my comic relief, and most importantly, my mother.

(i know your going to kill me for this picture)

I know when I am with you, I always have the best day!

Happy Birthday Mom!

love your buggie

What I am thankful for...

Define: Thanksgiving

• the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God
• an expression of thanks, especially to God.
• a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.
• a day set apart for giving thanks to God.
  

In the mist of our everyday lives, we start to lose sight of what is really important to us. With all of the material items, social media networks, and reality TV these days, we tend to forget what our purpose is and who we are most thankful for. Thanksgiving is our time to come together and celebrate. This fourth Thursday of November has turned into a wonderful feast that brings together loved ones.

This year Justin and I are celebrating our first feast in our new home with my side of the family. Mom and T are taking a last minute flight from Henderson and Josh, Heather, and Lily have come in town for the entire week.

I am thankful for all the wonderful people and blessings in my life. There was an email going around at work, and never really put life into prospective like this before. I am thankful for this to open my eyes, and not sweat the small stuff anymore.

What I am thankful for:

• The mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
• The taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed.
• The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
• My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
• The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
• All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
• That lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
• The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
• The lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
• My huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.
• Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means that I have been productive.
• The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
  
  

I wish that everyone had a great fun filled Thanksgiving and enjoyed it with your loved ones.

Candles on top

Happy Birthday Babe!

today we celebrate 27 candles on top of your cake

We will have a fabulous night with our family and friends!

I love you with all of my heart and in 11 months we will be at the alter =)

Tristen is on his way...

Last weekend, I was able to drive to Arizona for my soon to be sister in law Jaclyn's baby shower. She and her husband, Shane, are expecting the arrival of Shane's first little squirt on January 4. I first arrived on Thursday night when Jeniece and I took Jason to dinner, and then made my way to Justin's moms house. Friday morning, my soon to be mother in law, Karen, had already went into work and I began my to-do list for the shower which constisted of sharpening new baby boy pencils, printing out baby bingo, and cutting and arranging the vegetable platter. After she got off work, we made a trip to Hobby Lobby (my newest favorite place!) to pick up some last minute items for the shower. I had happened to find the perfect size wooden letters, which was exactly what I needed to finish my wooden name board for Jaclyn's gift. I had already made a family photo frame for his room. All I did was purchase the craft wood at Joann's and spray paint the pieces. I applied a little bit of black ribbon for detail and ta-da! I just wrapped them in clear cellophane and tied a little bow on top.

Jaclyn - 8 Months

I am so blessed to be apart of your family.

Thank you for being so kind and making me feel like I've always belonged.

Love you all and can't wait until we visit again.

My Military Hero

Growing up, I always loved this holiday because that meant no school. I never truly understood the meaning of Veteran's Day, until I met Corporal Justin Toranzo. He served in the 1st Marine Division straight out of high school, and was one of the first platoons deployed oversees to Iraq after the war had broke out. I am so proud of all the sacrifices he made to make our home a better place. He put his life on hold to serve our country and better himself as a person. It is so special that he and his brother, Jason, were able to share the same experiences together.

Phil Mickelson

Justin, Pete, and Will

(who he still keeps in contact with)

On Veteran's Day I was able to have meals with the two closest people to me who have served in the Military. Mom, T and I took Justin to Applesbee's before he went to work Thursday morning. I then drove to Arizona for the weekend to be there for his sister Jaclyn's baby shower. That night, Justin's sister Jeniece and I were able to take Jason to Applebee's as well. Even though I made two rounds to Applebees in the same day, it was completely worth it. I felt honored to be able to share such a great day with the boys that mean the most to me.

I am so thankful for you babe and everything that you have accomplished. I know that whatever you decide to do in the future, I will always be by your side and support you. Thank you for supporting me in going to school, and in May it will be your turn. You deserve to use the hard earned GI Bill and receive the free education you worked so hard for.

To all of our friends in the Military, thank you and always remember that you are true heros to all of us back home.

Shop and Tell

Smiths Mega Sale

2 Gallons of Milk- $2.39

5lb bag Gala Apples- $3.99

4 Pack of Dish Sponges $2.00

Below are items from the MEGA SALE

Purchase 10 participating items and receive an automatic $5.00 off

6 Colgate Toothpastes- Free

2 Colgate Toothbrushes- Free

3 Campbells Cream of Chicken- Free

5 Swanson Chicken Broth- $.39

3 Annies Organic Mac and Cheese- $.49

1 Hot Pockets Sideshots- $.49

not a bad day in the grocery store

check out http://grocerysmarts.com

passport: g89cls

peace, love, and savings

Happy Engagement

Our good friends, Katie and Luke recently got ENGAGED while in Ireland. We are so happy for the two of them to finally have a normal life together after being long distance while they were both in school. Katie has written about their engagement story on her blog where you can see how much love between the two of them http://jozsa.blogspot.com/2010/11/moment.html

Can't wait to see you walk down the isle, you will be an absolute beautiful bride.

love you kates!