Catching Up

Wow! What a busy couple of weeks... We opened a beautiful new Subway in Maryland Farms, during which Kyle, in a fit of debilitating cramps and violent vomiting, discovered he was "expecting" kidney stones and a trip to the E.R. quickly ensued. The countdown for New Moon ended and the movie was released. We had a great party with a few of my fellow TwiHards and then headed to Green Hills to see the coveted flick together. It was amazing- wonderful- spectacular- and did I say AMAZING???. And then this past weekend, my Mom and Stepdad came into town for Thanksgiving. It was so awesome to celebrate with mine and Kyle's family as one. We spent the rest of the weekend just enjoying our time together...

Subway Maryland Farms Grand Opening. And introducing Emily Marlar as SubMan!!

New Moon Party and Movie Release- November 20, 2009. I, along with millions of others, waited for this day for months and months and then suddenly, it was here. I gathered fellow TwiHards for a New Moon themed party (check out the wine selections!!) and then the moment was upon us. Too quickly it was over but now the countdown begins for Eclipse!!

Sarah, Brittany, Me, Emily and Dianne (missing a couple of girls in this pic- where was Steffi and Katie???)

Me and Emily

Emily and Brittany

Thanksgiving morning my mom and I got up to start making a few dishes to share with the Browns- Sweet Potato Croquettes and Crock Pot Mac-n-Cheese.

Then on to Fairview for Thanksgiving Lunch at Kyle's dad's. Garry and Ruth always create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere for such a special family holiday. AND the best food you'll find anywhere in the south!!

Kyle's Brothers- Ben and Jason.

Kyle's Dad, Garry and "the princess"

Cousin Pam with Little Joey

Riley with her Great Aunt Diane

Riley and Aunt Emmie

Riley and her mommy

Gathering for the Prayer

Tyson and his cousin Hannah- she became his new best friend! Love the expression on his face!

This was the unofficial "Sleepy Couch"...

Next we headed to Kyle's Mom's for Thanksgiving Dinner- Once again- good food and family- there's nothing better!

Rosalyn Mae- Tyson's partner in crime...

Kyle's mom and younger brother, Ben

Kyle's Grandparents- Don and Betty Jane Clayton- They've been married 65 years!!

Riley ready to chow down...

Me and favorite my little guy

And the Turkey coma claims another victim...

Friday night- because apparently we didn't eat enough on Thursday- we met up with Brittany along with her sister, her nephew Tommy and niece Payton and went to Pie In The Sky for the best pizza in Nashville.

Tommy and Tyson playing with Pizza Dough
Pretty Payton hanging with the dough boys...

Brittany just saw our hot waiter dude- she was pretty happy...



My Stepdad, Dean- My Mom and my handsome husband...


Me and my rock....

Saturday was simply beautiful- so we headed to Tyson's favorite place- The Dragon Park- for a little playtime!

Life Lessons

For my 33rd birthday, my wonderfully wise mother decided to write down 33 life lessons she wished she knew when she was 33. I was extremely moved and touched by both the significance and simplicity of these “instructions on life” and felt the need to share.

Enjoy.

1) Sense of humor is one of the best traits a person can have.
2) The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is huge.
3) Great children can come from not so great families
4) Very few people are “bad”- they (we) just make bad decisions
5) Prayer works
6) GOD is real. Developing a relationship with him is everything.
7) It truly is 10% of what happens to me and 90% how I react to it
8) Everyone is born with a hole in them and they must fill it up with something.
9) You never really get “there”. Enjoy the moment you’re in.
10) Seek advice from those who have experience and are successful at “it”.
11) No matter where you are in your relationships (spouse, children, parents)- seek any tools you can to help make it better.
12) One great prayer for yourself, your children and your spouse: “Dear God, help me (them) make good decisions.”
13) Turning 40 is not so bad.
14) The bible is just an old book with old stories-hard to read until you have a relationship with God- then it becomes ALIVE!
15) One of the hardest things to do- but sometimes best thing to do is to say nothing.
16) Favorite way to answer a question I don’t want to answer: “Why do you ask?”
17) Strive to have the heart of a servant.
18) There are lessons in every situation and usually we are being “tested” in that area to help you “grow” in that area. Don’t miss that!
19) No matter what your relationships with your parents, you will miss them terribly when they are gone.
20) Smile- be pleasant to be around- with family, friends, co-workers and strangers.
21) You never know what someone is going through and why they are the way they are- try to be kind.
22) Salmon stew is better than you think!
23) Live within your means- makes life better.
24) Love and honor in this order- God-Spouse-Children.
25) Being willing and able to pray with your spouse, family every day (mornings are great!) will make for a closer, more intimate relationship than you could ever imagine.
26) Expect great things!
27) Always, always be thankful for what you have.
28) People will forget what you did or what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
29) Keep family first.
30) If you think it is wrong, it probably is.
31) Learn to listen- REALLY listen.
32) Grandchildren are wonderful!
33) Never miss an opportunity tell your child how much you love them with all of your heart.


Thanks Mom! I love you!