The Best Neighbors

A neighbor of mine wrote a few days ago about how she lives on the best street with the best neighbors and I have to agree. While our neighborhood does do the big things for one another and we all come together to help out, it's the little things that are done out of pure kindness without the need for recognition or thanks that make our neighbors so wonderful.

It was garbage day yesterday, before I left for work I pulled the garbage and recycle cans down to the curb to be picked up. Last night when my ride dropped me off after work I realized someone had pulled them both up from the curb for me. I don't know who it was I'm sure it was someone who knew Ronnie was working and I'd have to do it when I got home. I'm sure it was one of those little things, the ones done out of kindness, without the need for a thank you or any recognition.

I hope whoever did it reads this blog, because this is the only way I'll be able to say thank you. And if you're reading this blog, and you know who did it, please make sure they know how grateful I am to have such great neighbors.

It's Been Awhile

It’s been too long since I’ve opened up and shared my thoughts with the blogworld. There has been so much going on in this head of mine and I’m sure no one wants a first hand look at the spring cleaning going on up there, so I’ve tried not to log on and post a bunch of nonsense.
I’ve spent days calming others and explaining to them that the tumor and seizure happened to me for a reason, maybe not one I can figure out right now, but in any case, there is a reason. I’ve always been a believer that things happen for a reason and most importantly, the Lord will never give you more then you can handle. I’m going to be alright, that I know without a doubt, there is no reason for me to think otherwise.
This may sound so cliché or corny, but I believe I’m lucky, it could be so much worse, and I have so much to be thankful for. I have a great husband, an awesome marriage, two wonderful kids, a huge loving family, friends who I adore and amazingly, they sort of adore me back. I have the ability to work, to help support my family and give my kids more then I had growing up. I have a great job, with great bosses and coworkers who have been not only supportive through this, but also sincerely concerned. There’s also this odd thing that happens when something like this occurs, you start to reconnect with people and mend relationships that have been broken for some reason or another. I’ve been able to start mending a relationship with someone who should play a huge roll in my life, and hopefully we’re on our way back to that.
Once the cobwebs have finished being cleared out of the space my brain resides in, I will get back on my normal purging and posting schedule.
Thank you all for all the concern, support, and love!

My Birthday

I think because of everything that has happened in the last few months, I decided I wanted to actually get people together for my birthday. I had given up on birthday "parties" for myself after I turned 21, really what was the point. It may have been a little self serving, after finding out you have a brain tumor, you start reflecting on your life and what's left of it. I just wanted to spend time with people I love and is there a better excuse then a birthday.

We went to dinner and we were able to get a private room where we talked, laughed, and enjoyed each others company.

Me and the love of my life

Tammy and Curtis. Yes, this is the Curtis that was in the motorcycle wreck. I feel very lucky to have had him come to my birthday dinner.

My Mom, Sophia, and Jess

My brother JD and his girlfriend Kenna

Some friends, Katie and Drew.

Ronnie's Mom, Sheila and her new husband, David

Ethan, Jakob, and my friend Sienna

My cousin Danielle, Uncle Bob, and Aunt Diann (yes, this is the Aunt that was with me when I had my seizure, God Bless her!)

It was a great night, spent with great company. I did get a little emotional, but hopefully everyone expected that. I hope they all know how much I care about them and appreciate the roll they all play in my life.

SNOW!

The snowfall has gotten a bit ridiculous. I remember getting this much snowfall this fast maybe once, but it just wouldn't stop.

Ronnie had to shovel a path to the shed to get the kids' sled's for them to play with. The path has since been covered with more snow.
The blazer was completely covered by the time the snow stopped. Ronnie dug it out and wouldn't you know, started right up on the first try. No wonder I love that old thing!

There is no "trick photography" with this picture. That is a car that is BARELY taller then the snowdrift on the side of the road. This picture was taken Dec 26, now the snow is actually to the top of that fence.

Christmas

We had a great Christmas. Somehow with everything that was happening I still managed to get the Christmas shopping done (thanks to Ronnie, my Mom, Aunt Denise, & Aunt Diann for being my shopping chauffeurs). While I can't say the kids got everything they asked for, I do believe they had a great Christmas. It snowed all day, so we weren't able to visit everyone we usually do, but it was nice to slow down and enjoy being with those we were able to visit.

Kung Fu

Ethan had a Kung Fu Tournament the week before Christmas. We're so proud of him, he took 1st place!

Ethan and his Sifu, Mike

Santa

Santa made a visit to the kids' daycareSophia and her friends with Santa
We took the kids to visit Santa and Prancer at a local Christmas tree lot. He visits every year, but has to leave a few days before Christmas, to get ready for Christmas Eve.

Fall

These are a little late, but you have to appreciate kids jumping in the leaves..

Sophia's 5th bday

Here's the picture version of Sophia's 5th bday.


Sophia and her DadLexie, Sophia, & Savannah
All the kidsHer party was at a "bounce house"Danielle, Tyler, Roschelle, & Nana