Happy Birthday, Joseph!

It's been Joey's birthday since Friday and it's been so fun!! We've had a great time. It all began Friday night when Joey had requested that he and I, his parents, my parents, and the kids go to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Joey and Daddy had enjoyed talking about the turnip greens and corn bread since I was in the hospital over by Cracker Barrel last month. Well, we all went and really enjoyed it! I had some great photos but somehow accidently erased a bunch of pictures from my digital camera and I've been just sick about it! Anyway, we had a great time laughing and talking and Daddy enjoyed trying to play the game on the table of just leaving one golf tee in the triangle...I think he got down to three. I'm not sure how many Mr. Hornsby ended up with - but it was close! Joey enjoyed his turnips and plenty of cornbread! Then they brought him blackberry cobbler for his birthday. We were stuffed! It was great to be out for dinner for his birthday with our parents.

Saturday he spent the day with his kids playing and all and I stayed home doing not-so-fun Saturday household chores. Addison was a lot of help and we got done pretty quickly. Then she and I went out for a late lunch/early dinner date before she went to work. Instead of attending the adult session of conference I went to Ginger and Shaun's and had a great time watching the boys so Tiawanna could go to the conference. It must have been inspiration for her to go and not me because Ginger was called as Stake Relief Society President! Wow! I was so happy when they called me after conference and I'm thrilled Tiawanna was able to be there when they announced it. In the meantime I so enjoyed spending time with Spencer, Andrew, and Carson. They are growing up so fast and they always teach me something. This time Spencer demonstrated bowling on their Wii and Andrew took his turn showing me how to play baseball--and they are so good at it!!! It was amazing! They have such awesome personalities! After playing, dinner, picking up toys, and getting ready for bed we all got onto the sofa and Andrew said, "MicMic, let's cuddle and watch Shrek 2" so that's what we did. It was so fun and I look forward to our next evening together.

Sunday, regional conference was so wonderful. The talks were a real inspiration to me and it seems I have questions I've been pondering answered at every conference. I especially enjoyed Sis. Mary N. Cook's talk in which she counseled members, especially the youth to "stand strong and immovable in our beliefs" and to refer often to the "For the Strenth of Youth" pamplet. She commented that she has the YOU circled in Youth because it really applies to all, not just the youth. We were reminded to pray, study the scriptures, and obey the commandments. There are so many challenges and temptations facing the youth and adults alike today in the Church and we need to stand strong have faith as we make righteous choices.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the remarks of Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles as he made reference to having a map to get to a particular destination so you may arrive without dangerous unknown detours. Again we were reminded to pray often, study our scriptures, and obey the commandments of our Heavenly Father. It was a marvelous talk with some priceless advice. It was just a wonderful conference and concluded with President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency being the closing speaker. He gave a wonderful talk as well and passed on the love our dear prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, who just hours later passed on from this life at 7:00 PM Mountain time at the age of 97. It was so sad when Erika called me just after 10 PM our time to tell me the news she'd just received in Idaho. I couldn't believe it and I know the whole earth mourns the death of our dear prophet but yet I know he must be so happy to be reunited with his beloved wife who died about 3 or 4 years ago. He expressed in one of the last general conference addresses how he missed his dear companion and oh how sweet they were together. I know he must be rejoicing today! He will be so missed...

Joey's actual birthday was yesterday so after conference Addison and I went to his parents' home for dinner with them for his birthday. Mrs. Hornsby had prepared a delicious meal with all the trimmings and I took a birthday cake and sweet potato pies Joey'd requested for his birthday! He loves them! We ate and had such a relaxing afternoon visiting with his parents -- they are so sweet! Later we took Abby and Alex back to their mom's in the evening and Joey and I went to the hospital to visit Aunt Jean who has suffered another stroke. I pray she will recover soon and ask for your prayers as well. She has had such a hard time since Uncle Buddy passed away in August and I know she misses his so much. Please remember her in your prayers as well as her children and grandchildren.

Today I worked and I'd wanted to surprise Joey with something special for his birthday from just me so I told him just to be over at 6 PM. I'd written him a letter with the "43 things I love about you" anyway and gotten him a "Fender" guitar shirt from me and the kids and he liked it alot. Still I wanted to do something else so I rushed home from work and got ready and he and I went out to Olive Garden for the all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and breadsticks and some stuffed mushrooms to go along. All I can say is YUM! This is his favorite place and he enjoyed his dinner. Then our waiters came over and sang Happy Birthday to him and brought an oh-so-heavenly chocolate cake! Just what we needed - more birthday sweets!! I'd planned to take him to the movies to see "Bucket List" following dinner but it didn't work out. We ate and laughed and ate some more. Time passed and got away past the movie time which was a good thing - I'm positive that after eating that dinner I would have snoozed through that movie! Ha! Instead we went to Ross's and browsed to try and walk off some dinner! Tomorrow is back to the healthy eating and the gym -- these week long birthdays and goodies aren't so good for my waistline. (it is there but just a little covered up at the present time! I'm working on it, though, spring's just around the corner!)

It's been a good weekend all the way into Monday for Joey's birthday yet sad for the passing of President Hinckley. I will remember Joey's birthday real well and the 27th of January, 2008 for both reasons. President Hinckley is probably my favorite prophet of my lifetime simply because I feel like I've grown so much in the gospel during the past 10 years and that's about how long he's been our prophet. (I think since 1995???) I learned so much from him and he just had the best personality about him. The youth of the church loved him immensely and he related to them so well. His quick wit and sense of humor were great traits he also possessed and made it so fun to listen to his words. I know without a shadow of a doubt that he was called of God to be our prophet, seer, and revelator in this day. His strong testimony of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will live on in the hearts and minds of so many for many years to come. He truly loved and taught the teachings of our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ.

I need to call it a night - it's really late and 5:30 comes pretty quickly in the morning. Sorry I wrote such a book tonight and if you're still reading this you must be truly be a friend and hope you're not too bored. I just had a lot I wanted to remember about the past few days and this blog is really more my journal than anything else and a way to share my everyday life especially with my children who now live away. Thank you for visiting and I hope you all have a good night's rest... sweet dreams.

A week of birthdays...

It's been a busy month of birthdays! Seems January is becoming more like September. In our circle of family and friends September is jammed packed with birthdays - especially in the family! It's always a fun-filled month because it seems we spend alot of time with our family making it extra special. Yes, it seems this month is just as busy and that's a good thing. However, I have a small dilema - my sweetheart's birthday is tomorrow, the 27th and I still don't know what to get him!! I had written myself a note with one idea on a post-it at work and had it on my desk at work yesterday. I was going to do the "43 Things I love about you" thing made into a card and framed. (OOPS! Don't tell him I told his age--he still thinks he's going to be 29 again! Ha!) Well, my dear came to the hospital yesterday to have lunch with me and saw the note on my desk and we had a good laugh. We had a great time having lunch but now my one idea is gone. I decorated his truck at his job for one birthday and he loved that and then one year I covered the ENTIRE inside of his truck with hearts with mushy sayings while he was at work and he was so shocked when he got off and had some buddies walking out with him! It was so funny!! Actually I think Erika and I did that twice - once for Valentines Day. Any other ideas????? I'm about out of time and wanted to find just the right thing...

Rainy Saturdays and Cold Sundays...

I LOVE rainy weekend days and cold Sundays in the wintertime. In one sense it almost forces me to stay in and accomplish some much needed chores yet on the other it's one of those natural luxuries of life that makes me appreciate HOME so much! Yesterday it was great to catch up all the laundry, get most of the housework done, and Chloe got a good bath. Some days it's just great to stay in your pj's and fuzzy socks all day long and yesterday was the day--and it WAS great! I finally showered and got dressed around 5:30, went out to vote, and went grocery shopping with Ethan in the brisk weather. Ethan has been holding out a secret with me and last night he shared with me this secret -- HE IS A GREAT LITTLE CHEF! I told him to get what he needed in the store and he prepared a wonderful dinner for our family, Joey, and Joey's kids last night. It was really good! (I was so happy that he finally got home this weekend - it'd been about 3 weeks since he'd been home and it's wonderful to have him around a couple days.) After the great meal we enjoyed watching "Ratatouille." I love these kinds of days.
Today was beautiful, too. Church was really good. The talks given in Sacrament Meeting were great reminders for all. One reference was to Julie Beck's talk given in conference and was a good reminder about the time we spend with our children - quality time. It seems we get so wrapped up in life sometimes that we don't take enough time for the most important things -- those things that create lasting memories and make the most difference not only in our lives but also in the lives of those we love the most. What will my children remember? That's the thought I had as I pondered the remarks today... My goal this year is to be a better person both spiritually and physically. Then hopefully the mentally and socially will be better as well. I also pondered the thought of living my religion...Do my peers know what I believe and if I'm the only member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints they ever meet have I left a good impression or have I let myself and them down? Am I striving to be more like Jesus everyday in my words and my actions? I am very short sometimes and not very patient and this is NOT the person I want to be remembered by. I have a quote by President Hinckley on a plaque I made and it says, "Try a little harder to be a little better." Another one I made is a quote by Abraham Lincoln and it reads, "Whatever you are - be a good one." These two just about sum it up -- my work is so cut out for me!
Tomorrow is my son-in-law Jack's birthday and I hope he has a fantastic one! He has spent his last two birthdays here in South Carolina with us so Jack, I'll really miss you tomorrow, and I wish now I'd sent you a cholocate/raspberry birthday cake! Not sure it'd taste the same after a few days through the postal service! Ha! I hope you and Erika have a great day and that your birthday will be the best!! I hope your package arrives soon. Happy Birthday, son, we love you!
Happy Week to everyone!

Better day...Thank Goodness It's Friday!!

Much, MUCH better day than yesterday! I picked Addison up this morning after seminary, she dropped me off at work, work was good, had a lunch date with Carol who is one of the sweetest people on this earth!!! (She'd have to be to teach all those kids early morning seminary every day! What an angel!) After work we went to THE CIRCUS! Oh how fun! It was Joey and his two children, Abby and Alex, Addison, Tiawanna, Spencer, Andrew, and myself. It was also Joey's first time ever going to the circus and I was as excited for him as I was myself because I love the circus! We had a fun time and it's so wonderful to watch the little boys (2 1/2 and almost 4 years old) and the excitement in their faces. Now I'm really happy that tomorrow's Saturday --YAY - no alarm clock!!

It was just one of those days...

Did everyone love the snow flurries as much as we did last night?!?! Addison and I had so much fun driving home from church last night and watching the snow as it looked like it was coming right in through the windshield! We drove around the block an extra time and Addi tried to take pictures with her phone of the huge snowflakes--it was so pretty! Too bad it didn't stick but school was delayed 2 hours today. Before going to bed we had our transportation all figured out for today--Joey would take me to work when he got off work this morning and Addi would have the Jeep to drive to school at 10:00 since she gets out today and tomorrow at 1:45. Then she'd pick me up from work about 4:30. Yep, I thought I had a real plan and all was good. I got up, did some laundry, got ready for work, kissed Sleeping Beauty good-bye (she was so thrilled to get to sleep past 5:30!) and enjoyed my sweetheart's company on the way to work. (even though he was so tired after working 12 hours) It was a very wet and cold morning, wasn't it? Well, I get to work pretty early, get some things accomplished early, and at about 9:45 my phone rings and Addison says, "Mom, where did you leave the Jeep keys?" Then...dead silence...I look in the top of my purse..."right here, Addi." Oh, man! Joey is already at his house snoozing by this time, Becky is at a conference in Spartanburg so she's not at the hospital, Mom is not at home, and I was just lost as what to do. I'm at work - now stranded - and Addison's at home with no key and the Jeep in the yard. I just had to laugh. Only I can do such dumb things lately it seems. Luckily Addison's friend, Kristen wasn't at school yet so she picked her up and brought her home. I sorta had a back up plan for a ride home and I was hoping I wouldn't have to tell Joey what I'd done. He'd been so good to pick me up and take me to work this morning so Addison could have the car - I felt so ridiculous to tell him what I'd done. Well, he called me at about 3:45 when he woke up and first thing he said was, "Honey, what time are you leaving today - I want to see you before I go to work." I told him whatever time Kevin (a friend who works at the hospital in Plant Operations) leaves and then I told him what I'd done. Then he told me he wanted to pick me up anyway and talk to me before he went to work this evening. A little later another call and he said, "Ready? Your chariot awaits you." Out my office window there it was -- that warm gray Dodge with my sweetheart standing outside on the passenger side and helped me into the truck." And to think I didn't want to tell him I'd been so dumb -- wow, if I hadn't been dumb I would have missed this opportunity. He is so sweet to me! And even loves me when I'm dumb -- which seems to be pretty regular lately it seems!

I'd decided earlier in the day not to go to line dance lessons with Martha since it was so cold outside. But after getting home I caught up with Addison about her day and her new classes then tried to make some plans to do something. Well, it really didn't turn out like I'd hoped it would, but once again it worked out just right. A little later Mama and Daddy invited us to Lugoff House of Pizza and it gave us the chance for some time to just talk and enjoy being with them. (and dinner was really good!) Addison and I also got a birthday present for Jack for his upcoming birthday on Monday.

You know, sometimes I think we all have "one of those days" to put a little aggravation into our schedules so we can have a learn to add a little humor to our lives. Without the grumbling we wouldn't appreciate the laughter. One final note - Addison and I have another date this weekend - TO LOWE'S TO MAKE SOME SPARE KEYS!!

Hope everyone had a great week and thank goodness tomorrow's FRIDAY! We're going to THE CIRCUS!!!

Addison's birthday party...a little late...

Happy, Happy Birthday, Addison! 17 years old--WOW!!!

I am so glad Addi and I had a date last week just before her birthday because she ended up getting really, really sick on her birthday on the 9th and is still not feeling all well yet.

However, birthdays are pretty important in our family and the tradition of celebrating with the whole family is one Mom and Daddy didn't let pass.

Joey and I had celebrated somewhat with Addi on her birthday after spending all day and evening in the Urgent Care so it wasn't much fun for her. Today she felt a little better and spent the morning taking exams she'd missed last week, seeing a movie with her friend, Kristin, then Mom (Grandmother) had a surprise get-together planned tonight. We met at the traditional "San Jose" for the festivities and it was really fun! Addison was still afraid to eat much but enjoyed some cheese dip and fun with all the family and Kristin.

Now she and Kristin are having a sleepover and having a great time! Happy Birthday, Addison! I told you it was going to be birthday all week! Love you!

Happy Birthday Week, Addison! P.S. I love you!

Today has been a happy/sad day. First of all it was back to school following the holidays for Addison as well as Erika beginning I-Tech in Idaho and a new phase in her education pursuing a nursing career. It was my first day back at work following my medical leave and it was great to see everyone again at the hospital. Ethan begins his new semester tomorrow at FMU. It was also a very sad day because my Uncle Paul Moses passed away. Addison and I visited with Aunt Ronella and the family last night at the hospital and they knew that today would probably be the day. Still I don't think you're ever really prepared when death calls. It is hard to imagine their pain tonight -- I don't know what I'll do when I'm faced with that challenge...don't even like to think about it...my heart so goes out to them...I love my family so much. My co-worker shared a similar experience with me today at work about losing her first child and my heart has been so filled with something today...Her child and Addison were born just days apart. I wish I could have done something to ease my friend's pain. However, she has done incredible things to help others faced with this situation and is such an example to so many. Because Addison's birthday is this week and tonight was one of only 2 days she's off work this week we had a date out--even if it is a school night! We went to the movies to see "P.S. I love you" and had a wonderful date, just the two of us, for her birthday. Of course we both cried through the entire movie (it is awesome--my second time seeing it!) but it touched my heart. Afterwards we stopped by Marble Slab for Birthday Cake Ice Cream! It's the best! It's a little late and I know I'll be a little tired for work tomorrow but oh so worth it. We listened to "So Small" by Carrie Underwood several times tonight and the words just fit today.

"Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand - And what you've been out there searching for forever is in your hand - Oh when you figure out love is all that matters after all - It sure makes everything else seem so small."

Love - it really is all that matters - Charity never faileth - I think I'll rearrange a few of my new year's resolutions and put "LOVE MORE" at the very top of the list. Addison, I had a great time with you tonight and I hope you liked your early birthday date tonight as much as I did. You're amazing! And that was pretty neat that the odometer in the car changed to 177,777 as we drove into the driveway! We had to take a picture! (Addison has a thing about numbers!) Erika, I know you'll do well in school--it's a lot of work but will surely pay off--keep your chin up and be careful driving in the snow and ice. Ethan, good luck on your first day tomorrow---you'll do great! You have such talent, son. Get some rest and say your prayers. To my family - I love you all so much. Always remember - Families are Forever. Good night...

Down-Under Celebration Dinner at Outback

Thursday, 1/3/08

I had my final doctor's appointment and was cleared to return to work on Monday, 1/7 and Dr. Hutchinson said I'd done really well for a full recovery from surgery. (Thanks to my wonderful family!) Ethan was leaving to return to Florence to prepare for classes to begin next week and Joey had his final day of his 7-day break before returning to work on nights. As for Addison, well, she just has a reason to celebrate every day (Drama Queen!). I was really sad about Ethan leaving as he has been a real jewel doing so much for me over Christmas holidays, especially right after my surgery. (Not much fun for him I'm sure to spend his holidays after exams taking care of his mom--but he never complained and drove me all around to do my final Christmas shopping, etc.) Well, we decided it was the perfect time to use the Outback gift card Byron and Susan had given us for Christmas (thank ya'll so much!) and we really ate!!! and ate!!! and ate!!!Can't hardly beat the Bloomin' Onion and the Alice Springs Chicken! YUM! (Now I can begin my new year's resolutions! Ha!)

Princess Chloe

Addison and I took Chloe for her 1st haircut ("The Puppy Package" at PetsMart) yesterday and with us shopping for the day. She was so good and looked so cute afterwards! These are Princess Chloe's before and after photo shots. What a sweet baby!

Happy New Year! 2008 is going to be GREAT!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2007 was a wonderful year filled with many happy memories and joyous occasions. As Joanne Maxfield said in her Christmas card, it's amazing that a year that passes so quickly can be filled with so many things and I second her comment! It was a very good year. Our family grew as we welcomed Jack as my new son-in-law and we have adopted his entire family into ours. My children are healthy and happy and doing good things. I have the most wonderful sweetheart in the universe. My parents are healthy and have so much going for them and they enjoy taking their great-grandsons on fun outings (especially Wal-Mart and Sonic, their favorite!) Daddy even takes them on scooter rides and they love it! My mom lost her only brother this year and this was really tough because it was the same week as Erika's wedding but what joyous memories of Uncle Buddy. He's spent his last weekend working in the Columbia temple. His life is one of much celebration as he touch so many lives! My surgery and recovery went well and I return to work this Monday. Addison was in a vehicle accident this past year and escaped with minor scrapes, bruises, and soreness but was alright and this is indeed something to be very thankful for. Our family was oh so very blessed in 2007 and I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving us the opportunities and challenges this past year. The challenges gave us strength we didn't know we had and humbled us at the same time.

For New Year's we decided to stay close to home. Addison worked until 11:00 PM and got home just in time to relax, watch the ball drop in Time Square, and toast with some chilled Pepsi with Joey and me. It was a nice evening. Then the festivities of New Years' Day--they were so fun! We all gathered at Mama & Daddy's (Lana's Cafe') for the traditional Collard Greens (for good luck to have lots of green cash in the new year), Black-Eyed Peas (for good luck to have lots of pocket change in the new year), and all the fixin's to go with it. It was SO GOOD! All who could come were there. I felt bad for Jenny having to work but Brandon I think ate enough for the both of them! The visiting was as fun as the food was delicious--Mom always does it up right! It was great to celebrate the first day of the new year with those we love most. Joey and Alex had a great day hunting on the last day of the season then joining us for dinner in the evening. Addison and Maddie entertained us with singing (they both have such beautiful voices!) and Byron should have some good luck in the new year with the green stuff--look at that bite!! Ha!!

MAY 2008 BE GREAT -- FOR EVERYONE!