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!

P.S. Girls night out...

Last night Tiawanna (my sister), Janet (our friend visiting from Washington state), and I went out for girls' night and we had a blast! We went to Sand Hills to see "P.S. I Love You!" and it was the most awesome movie!!!! (FYI--if you go see this movie bring plenty of tissue) We now have IRELAND FEVER!!! We want to go!! Then we went to Books-a-Million for dessert and just happened to find PRINCE CHARMING! He almost reminded me of my sweetheart which by the way cannot be matched -- but this one was pretty sharp! He's quite cute, is an excellent listener, does not argue with you, brings you flowers at EVERY encounter, and SINGS to you anytime you wish! Wow! Yep, alot of the same qualities as Joseph--I told Tiawanna this prince is probably a definite keeper! (I think I'll sneak back and get him for her!!) Happy Day!

Surprise Christmas gift from my sweetheart...

Last night I had a really neat surprise! Joseph has been on his 4 day (Monday-Thursday) stretch at work through the holiday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Yesterday was his last day and he'd asked the kids if he could take Mom out Thursday night when he got off work and of course they said yes, please. All he'd tell me was dress comfortably. When he picked me up he asked what I'd like to stop and get for dinner and this made me a little curious -- Joseph loves dinner out! Ha! I thought dinner out or maybe dinner and a movie...I was a little puzzled. We decided on Rush's and it was so romantic!! (Just goes to show that anywhere can be a very romantic place if you're with the right person and they treat you the right way--it was a very fun meal! We laughed and talked and had a great time eating dinner. Then he sorta "slipped" and told me our 9:00 PM plans and it was amazing! Two years ago he'd surprised me with a carriage ride for Valentine's Day after a very nice dinner at Red Lobster so I was not thinking carriage ride this time--but it was! He'd called Joy at Camden Carriage Company and arranged for a 9 PM ride through Camden taking in all the beautiful Christmas lights in the historic district. It was just incredible! He is wonderful! We met her at the Greenleaf Inn and had such a beautiful night to ride and the homes were gorgeous. We took a little added detour around Brevard Place and it was breathtaking! Joy is alot of fun, too, telling history as she guides Beauregard around town (or at 25 years old does he guide her?!). She is so very nice.

What a great Christmas present! I'd told Joey I hadn't gotten out much this year as I usually do because of my surgery and I'd missed seeing the lights and attractions a little. He picked right up this and I had a front row seat in style seeing the lights! Thank you, honey, for being the most awesome sweetheart in the whole universe--I love you! Again, Merry Christmas!

It's been a very Merry Christmas 2007...

What a beautiful Christmas season it has been at our house. Being a little under the weather this time of year made things a little different because I was moving a little slow and not able to do a lot I would have like to have done for others but I am so touched at the generosity of my loved ones and the charity they've demonstrated. We had such an amazing Christmas. It was way different without Erika and there was an empty spot in my heart and our home but hearing the excitement in her voice as she and Jack traveled from Idaho to Utah to spend time with his family at their cabin and the fun she and Jack had spending their first Christmas together as a family filled that spot with more love than I can explain. They are so cute and sweet together and it just does a mother's heart good to know your children are happy. What a great family she married into--they are just amazing! And I think Jack married into a pretty good one, too! Ha!

One thing was different this year--our Dinkins Family party with my daddy's entire family was postponed because my Uncle Paul in the hospital in ICU not doing well so our prayers go out to Aunt Ronella, Uncle Paul, and their children and grandchildren and hope he will recover if it is the Lord's will. We love you all.

On Christmas Eve we met at Mama's and had a wonderful feast! Mom had her traditional oyster stew, deli meats, shrimp, and so much more!!! Then there were so many desserts--Tiawanna's famous fruit salad, fudge, apple pie, and Byron's favorite--red velvet cake! Oh my how we enjoyed it!! After enjoying all the delicious food Ginger read the Christmas story from the Bible and we all joined in singing Christmas carols. Maddie performed several songs and Addison sang a solo as well. We have some great musical talent in our family! (I'll have to do a complete post on this subject sometime...) Then at the request of the younger family members it was time to open gifts! It's so fun to watch the excitement of the little ones with the presents--the anticipation, the thrill of tearing open packages, and the long-awaited visit from Santa! Their excitement brings out the child in all of us! Spencer, Andrew, Carson, Maddie, and Will were just absolutely precious! Ethan had painted a bird feeder for Daddy and Mama with "Dinkins Country Cafe" on the sides and Daddy really loved it. Ethan was excited. We gave Mom a beautiful Tiffany lamp she'd been eyeing in the stores and I think she loved it. We'd decided not to do gifts this year as we normally draw names but no one adhered to this--each family had something for each other and it was so sweet! Tiawanna gave us candy and an ornament (she's given us a new one every year and I LOVE them!!) and a loaf of delicious cranberry/pumpkin bread with a beautiful poem with it. She is so thoughtful and giving. Byron and Susan gave us an ornament and a gift certificate for Longhorn--YUMMY! (Joey will love that date, too! Ha!) Byron had also done a huge thing for me before my surgery this month -- his is also vey giving and kind. Ginger and Shaun gave us the most delicious, most incredible homemade sugar cookies you've ever tasted! (And they're almost too pretty to eat!) It was so sweet. Jenny and Brandon traveled to Washington, DC to visit Jenny's dad for Christmas but brought brownies over before they left--she's so sweet! Oh what a fun time we all had. Erika and Jack called during the festivities and Mom and Dad opened their gift while she was on the phone--yummy Idaho Spuds chocolate candies and a movie. (I found out later Erika and Jack had mailed each individual family a Christmas package and I was so touched because I know how expensive the postage alone is--they are just so special--she goes above and beyond.) One incredible thing that happened that night too was the moon--did anyone else notice the moon late Christmas Eve night? As we were leaving Mom's we were all outside and Susan announced, "We better go, it looks like Santa Claus is circling around..." and we when looked up there was this huge perfect circle around the moon with one single star inside the circle. It was beautiful! After hugs, kisses, I love you's, and Merry Christmases we parted for home to bring in Christmas day.

Joey had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 7 AM - 7 PM but joined us when he got off each day. However, I woke up Christmas morning at just before 6 AM to the welcome aroma of bacon and grits--Joey had cooked Christmas breakfast for the kids and me before going to work! He is just amazing every day! Santa had come and Ethan and Addison hurriedly ran to the living room just like when they were small to see what goodies awaited them! It was so much fun! Ethan was very happy that he got the Guitar Hero games he'd hinted around about and some other fun things. Addison was happy about her new shoes and an Ipod docking station/alarm clock radio and other gifts. She got the Gilmore Girls Season 7 DVD from Joey and loved that. We opened our gifts from Erika and Jack and I got a new Willow Tree angel (I love these!) and it's the "Thinking of You" one. Addison and Ethan gave me new earrings and a memory foam pillow and I was so touched! We'd agreed that we were not doing much this year and they all went way above and beyond. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast Joey had made then Addison and I took another snooze while Ethan rocked out with Guitar Hero.

Later in the day Ethan and Addison went to Lexington to visit their dad, Donna, and Ivy. Ivy is too cute and was so excited they were coming. (She is 4 years old and so very very intelligent!) They had a fun time and visited their Gilbert family also and I spent the largest part of the day in my pajamas listening to Christmas music, talking to Erika and out of town friends on the phone and baked a caramel cake to take to Joey's parents and one for Tiawanna (her favorite!) When Joey got off work we picked up his children, Abby and Alex and headed to his parents house, making one stop by my wonderful home teacher's house (Brother Dave Adams) to drop off a gift. (He's the best home teacher EVER!!!) We had another delicious feast at Mr. and Mrs. Hornsby's house and such a fun time. Joey has such dear sweet parents. His family is a lot of fun, too, and we had fun laughing with Uncle Floyd. It's never a dull moment when he's around--he is so funny! Joey had wrapped his Daddy's gift (some new pants) in an iron box and we got a kick out of watching him look at the box with what he thought was a new iron and saying, "I think this must be for your mama, son." We had such a nice time with Joey's family and they always make me feel so welcome and at home--it's a great feeling...

I have so many fond memories of this Christmas--way too many to list but the most important thing is the feeling in my heart. Oh how I want this feeling to stay in my heart. I have so many things I'm so grateful for this holiday season. The Savior's Birth being at the top of this list and and the feeling of Christmas as we celebrate Him. One of the sweetest things I heard at church on Sunday was a quote Donna Goff gave us in her beautiful lesson and it is:

"Have you ever wondered why God announced the greatest birth in human history to a handful of shepherds on a hillside and a few wise men from the East? Perhaps it was because they were quiet enough to listen...eager enough to know...available enough to follow!"

I want to adopt this analogy into my new year's resolutions...may we all remember the meaning behind this beautiful season and follow the example of our Savior and friend, Jesus Christ whose birth and life means everything.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyous new year.

Happy Holidays everyone...

Hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season preparing for Christmas next week. It's hard to believe it's right around the corner already--time really passes quickly. It's been a while since I've blogged anything new but will catch up soon. We've been really busy and I've been under the weather. I had surgery last week on the 12th and I'm not quite as tough as I thought I was. (just don't tell anyone...Ha!) I've learned alot of lessons being kinda homebound the last week and some real life lessons that I pray will stay with me the rest of my life. The most important one that means the most is that there is absolutely NOTHING in this life that means more than family and those we love and those who love us. My family is amazing, just amazing. And so is Joey...he is truly an angel sent just for me...I love him more than I thought possible. I am so grateful for my angels this week--that is the true meaning of Christmas to me and I hope I can someday repay my parents, my brother and my sister, my children, and my sweetheart for all the help they've given me. A special thanks also to my aunt Willette for coming over to visit me and help me with some chores when I came home from the hospital, Darla for the treats waiting when I got home, Dave & Cookie Adams for the plant, Linda Browder for the wonderful goodies and sweet visit, LaTwanna for the visit on Sunday, Laresa for the plant, and my dear friend Becky who I consider more like a sister for the ride to the doctor and lunch yesterday and some "girl time". And let me not forget Joey for the meals after he'd worked 12 hours and my dear children for helping me up and down to the restroom and staying close to home. I know Ethan could be doing such funner things over Christmas break after after exams from college than taking care of mom but he's not complained once and has been a prince! And Addison, you're just simply amazingly awesome, Addison, you'll be such a great nurse in a couple years--you're getting plenty of practice this week. Thank you, sweetie. Erika and Jack are heading to Utah (Provo) this weekend for Christmas with the Maxfield's at their family cabin and I hope they have such a great time. Erika's excited to get to eat at a chic-fil-a there! She's called me several times every day to check on me. She and Jack are so sweet together and I'm so happy and proud for the two of them. Thank you family...yep, that's what it's all about...like Addison told me when she was just a toddler, "Mommy, you are rich if you have love in your heart so that makes us very rich, Mommy, 'cause we love each other berry berry much!" Merry Christmas.

Happy December!

It has been another busy yet wonderful week. Chloe is adjusting to our home and is such a sweetheart. (I still can't believe I've gotten attached to a puppy because I said I wouldn't and didn't have time, but she is SO SWEET!) Addison and I are still working on the potty-training with her and so far so good, I guess?! It's a challenge but worth it.

Seems our family has had a great week overall with fun activities, good news, and fun planning. Erika and Jack are busy making new Christmas traditions as they celebrate their first "official" Christmas holiday together. Jack has been busy stringing lights and I mailed all of Erika's Christmas ornaments to them for their first tree. They are both such extreme Disney fans and plan to have a Disney theme tree. Jack's parents gave them an advent calendar which is a tradition in Jack's family and Erika is excited in continuing this tradition. They are both busy working and Erika's busy getting ready for school again in January. I also hope she does well with the weather as this is the first full winter she'll spend in Idaho. BURR!!!! While attending BYU-Idaho she attended summer and fall and came home to SC during winter semester so it will be an adjustment for her. Hope ya'll stay warm, Erika Lindsay--

I love and miss ya'll!

Ethan had a good week in school and working. Some of his friends from USC went to Florence for the weekend so Ethan stayed there. I missed him, especially going to church and Grandmother's for lunch with us, but I'm sure he had fun with his friends. I look forward to his coming home next weekend. Love you, Eeskee!

Addison had a great week with lots of fun activities and was very busy. On Wednesday night she had a youth activity and they made gorgeous gingerbread houses. Then on Friday night the youth had a "Read the Book of Mormon in One Night" activity and they completed it in groups in 3 hours! How incredible is that! There were about 16 youth who attended and 5 or 6 leaders and they had such a great time reading. Addison was really excited about the experience of this activity--we have such awesome youth and youth leaders! These kids are such an inspiration to me--they attend early morning seminary then school and some work part-time jobs as well. Addison does all this and maintains A-B honor roll grades. I'm so proud of her and all her accomplishments. Thank you, Addi, for the example you are to me, I love you so...

I also had a very productive week. Work was good. I felt like I accomplished a good bit and learned some new things. I attended class on Wednesday night and enjoyed the company there. Thursday night I met with a realtor to list the rental house which I hope sells quickly and Joey brought dinner over from Lugoff House of Pizza. He's so sweet and spoils us so! Friday night I accomplished a lot at home and got a lot of decorating and housework done to lighten the load some on Saturday. Then Saturday I shopped a little and then had a date with my sweetheart Saturday night! We went to Beverly Cassady's Med 1 Hospital Christmas party. It was SO FUN! Beverly's home is just gorgeous and decorated so beautifully for the holidays! We danced, ate wonderful food, visited with friends from work, and just had a great time! Joey is always so much fun--I just love him so...Thanks Beverly and Tony for the great party--it was a blast!

Today was also nice. We went to church and I enjoyed Laresa's Relief Society lesson so much. It was on "Come unto Christ" and she used a quote from a previous conference talk that says "I Can Do Hard Things" and ended with another quote and issued the challenge of "When I know who I am I can do anything through Him." She related stories and experiences with the "I can do hard things" goal. She related one particular experience of a trip to Guatamala this year with her husband and climbing the pyramids there. Laresa is afraid of heights and almost did not attempt this feat because of her fear. Instead she kept reminding herself of the goal she'd set for herself and yes, she did a hard thing and was glad afterwards. So many times in life we don't think we can accomplish things because it's hard, it's out of our comfort zone, but we do have the capability to "do hard things." Our Heavenly Father is there for us when we have hard things to do and are faced with great challenges in life. Once we know who we are and make our minds up to do certain things, we can do all things through Him. He knows us, He really knows us and He will see us through. Our Saviour Jesus Christ has endured all challenges and has paid the price so we can get through the hard things. As I've reflected over the challenges I've faced this past year and the many blessings I've been blessed with I've realized that yes, even I, Valencia, can do hard things and I can make it through. It is a good thing and without challenges and hard things we would never know and appreciate happy things. Thank you, Laresa, for such a warm lesson today!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe week this week and as we prepare for this holiday season may we all be more aware of those less fortunate but especially those who are struggling right now. There are many who have had to endure some real hard things this year and some continuing to go through these right now. May we remember more the reason for this Christmas season and keep that spirit in our hearts as we fill our days with busy holiday activities.

Happy December and Happy Holidays to you all!

We have a new addition...meet Chloe!

Hello...we'd like you to meet Chloe, the newest addition to our family. (She's supposed to be Addison's Christmas gift but instead she's become the newest member of our family!) She is a Shih-Tzu and is just SO SWEET! I'd tried to talk Addison into waiting until Christmas and see if Santa brought a puppy but when she held this one she said, "Oh, Mom, she needs a home for the holidays!" She's just a little bundle of love and seems to have made a pretty good impression on the family! I didn't think I could get so attached to a puppy like this but I guess it gives me my "baby fix" to care for her so. Yes, Addison, I think Santa came early to Mommy, too, and I believe Chloe will bring lots of smiles for years to come.