I Am Thankful For ....

Today I am thankful for Dennis. I am always thankful for him every day, but today, especially, I am thankful for the old-fashioned values that we share. For instance, Christmas does not come into our house until after Thanksgiving. We don't believe in overscheduling our kids so much that they don't have time to be kids. Spending time together strengthens a family. At the sound of the Star Spangled Banner or the sight of a flag being raised or lowered, you stop what you are doing and you show your respect. 1000 little things that are so frequently dismissed that really are important. So tonight I am thankful that they are just as important to him.

A Little Superficial, But I Am Thankful Nonetheless

Today I am thankful for my hairdresser Jonathan. I know that there are so many more significant things in my life to be thankful for, but today it's him. I walked into the salon this morning with my humidity fro'd hair out of control and in a ponytail. An hour in Jonathan's chair with his combs and razors and flatiron and I feel like a million bucks. I spend the majority of my days putting everyone else in my life first. But for that hour, I get to be number one and for that I am eternally thankful.

Moments Like These

For those of you with children, do you ever have one of those moments that make you so glad that you do. I just had one of those and I had to share. Tonight when I went in to put Paige to bed, she surprised me with this. If you can't tell what it is from the picture, it says I Love You. Thank You. spelled out in Pokemon cards. I think I might be the happiest mommy on the planet right now.

I WANT THESE!!!!

My friend Brandi back home is taking these AMAZING Norman Rockwell photos for Christmas. I so so very much wish I was closer so she could take some of us. If you are in Texas, check out her website www.texanweddings.com.

Today I Am Thankful For...

Today I am thankful for the obvious. I am thankful that we weathered last weeks storms with no major damage. I am thankful for Robert and Kelly Munns, our landlords, who were quick to jump on the damages that did occur. I am also thankful to live in the kind of community that bands together in the face of disaster. Over the weekend, everywhere you looked people were lending a helping hand to their neighbors. It is encouraging to see that the true spirit of America still exists here and that the good people of Poquoson, VA are teaching their children the value of giving back to their community and helping those in need. For that, I am especially thankful.

I would just like to start this off by reminding everyone that I am from coastal Texas. I could read a hurricane tracking chart before I could add and subtract. I remember all to clearly what a hurricane is like. Fast forward to this week and the freak of nature they call a Nor'Easter in this part of the country. Hurricane force wind driven rain is SO much worse when it is 50 degrees outside! Fortunately, we weathered the storm with little damages, which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of people in our little town of Poquoson. The people here are tough though, and more importantly, neighborly. All over town today, people were helping each other clear debris. People with trucks were going into the hardest hit areas and doing what they could for the people that live there. I had forgotten how a small town bands together in the face of a disaster. Today I am proud to be a Move-In.

Low Tide

This is Den standing in our backyard. Note the water level.

Right Before High Tide

High Tide!

The Damages!

Happy Birthday Babe!

Just dropping a quick note to wish my hubby a Happy 34th Birthday. Thank you for everything you are.

Prayers, Please

I am posting today to ask for prayer for my sweet momma. She had a minor stroke yesterday and is in the hospital. She moved out to be with me in Tucson when Dennis went to Korea and stayed after we left last Christmas. She is alone out there with no close family, so please, please, everyone lift her up in your prayers. Her name is Candi. Thank you so much in advance.

End of the Season

Summer's cheer season ended today. She had SUCH a great time and loves loves loves being a cheerleader. She was actually a little sad that it was over. Paige's team made it into the playoffs, so she has another week or two to go. Here is a photo montage of Summer's first cheer season.

She worked so had on this all season and was so proud to show it off at the last game.

First day of practice. It was SOOO hot and sticky.

First Game - with her bestie Ashlyn and her other friends Kristen, Lauren, and Bailey.

The half-time routine. As soon as I get my video camera fixed I will post a video.

Stunting

Everybody do the Islander Beat.

3rd quarter break with her BFF's Julia and Ashlyn and her friend MacKenzie.

Look who won the Spirit Stick!!!

Homecoming

I am so glad we went ahead and bought the warmups. It was 50 degrees here!

Always a Daddy's girl.

California oranges. Texas cactus. We think your team needs a little practice....