Happy 5th Birthday Greta!!

I can not believe my baby girl is 5 years old! Yes, she got an IPOD... I told her 5 year olds could not have them and she seemed to be ok with that answer.My grandparents bought it for her (with our permission) and when she opened it she screamed "Bravo!! Mommy said I could not have an IPOD and I got one!! OK, the word brat does come to mind, but she loves it and she is quiet while listening to it. Quiet... that is not something you hear a lot of when Greta is around! My mom made the dress she has on- so cute! Mom and dad also gave her the Hannah Montana guitar - HUGE hit! Her friend Lily gave her the wig, and she truly thinks she is SOOO cool with it on, and she can put on a good show!
It truly seems like only yesterday I was in the hospital having my long awaited baby girl! Wow, time flies when your having fun, and boy do we ever have fun together. She is a true joy in my life, I can not imagine what our family would be without her. Yes, she is a spitfire, and a bit challenging a times, but the joy she brings my heart is such a blessing! She is such a girl, yet she can hang with her brothers just like she is "one of the boys". We had her party Wednesday evening, and she had so much fun!She asked for a princess jumpy for the backyard, and she jumped and played all day!Greta girl mommy loves you,Jesus gave me a special blessing when He gave me you!!!
Happy Birthday sweet girl, I love you!

A Heavenly Mothers Day!

I sit here tonight on Mothers Day,I feel both blessed and saddened.
May 1st, was the three year anniversary of my best friends mothers death. The memories of that day are still so fresh in my mind... the 5:45am phone call with the news that would change the lives of so many people. As I layed there that morning I thought this must be a horrible nightmare?
The next hours proved to be a nightmare, but one that became all too real! As I stood later that day and watched Lori take her final breath, my heart was so full of sadness, but yet joy! Sadness because this should have never happened to someone who brought so many people so much happiness. Someone who was so loved, but just did not realize just how much! Joy, because Lori would never feel a sense of hopelessness again, never feel the need for someone to fullfill her...she was now being held in the arms of the only one that can truly fulfill her!
The next days proved to be some of the most difficult of my life. How would I comfort someone whose life as she knew it had just been changed forever. What do you do without your mother? How do you go on? This was an awakening moment for me! I found myself wanting my own mother to hold Amber like she would hold me, and tell her it was going to be ok. There is something about a mothers arms that allow you to somehow find peace..somehow!
My life will be forever changed by Lori... most importantly by the most perfect thing she ever did - Amber, one of my greatest joys in life!
I will never forget all the times the three of us spent together... talking about boys, girl stuff or just laughing together. I remeber at my wedding she took me aside and told me how proud she was of me, and shared some precious memories of Amber and I she would never forget. She was always a first to come to the hospital to see my babies, those are memories I will cherish always!
Oh, Lori... why did you have to go so soon? Three years removed, you are missed, and loved so much. The empty place in my heart will never be filled my any other, and I can not wait to see you again in heaven, Happy Mothers Day!

The 134th Kentucky Oaks!!

We started our day off with breakfast at
Lynn's Paradise Cafe, which could not have been more fun, and it was sooo delicious! Once we arrived at Churchill Downs we met Brent and Laura and found our wonderful seats. Timmy you are a rock star... thank you for insisting we needed to get covered seats!! We had only been there for a short time when the black clouds started rolling in and the rain began to fall, and fall and fall!!! I think our local weather people got paid really well for dodging that bullet!! The rain did not stop us, we all had a great time. Unfortunately nobody won big, but Brent did win $88.00 - yea for you Brent!! When it was time to leave we had to venture out into the rain for the first time, and it was NOT fun. We were all trying to stay together, but due to the large crowds leaving, and the rain this proved to be impossible! WE LOST BRENT AND LAURA!!!! Their cell phones were both dead, and we could not find them anywhere. Eventually we did find them and they were both drenched from the rain, and were ready to call it a night. Tim, Val, Matt, Buffie, Kin and myself went to dinner at a restaurant Kin has been dying to go to - 60 West Bistro and Martini Bar. The food was good, the martinis were yummy, but the service not so much. We waited for a very long time for our food, but the company was good, and we all enjoyed ourselves. Then... are you ready for this? Nick Lachey was hosting a party downtown at Club Felt, and I just couldn't go home without at least trying to get a glimpse of him so we went. When we got there I ran in to a friend who had purchased a VIP table and Walter McCartey (former UK player, played for the Celtics, and now coaches at UofL) was with them. Adriane Griener from Entourage walked in right next to us, and just as we were leaving Nick, and his brother Drew came in. I did get a small glimpse of him, but there were so many people it was hard to see, and impossible to get close to them! We all had a great time, we will have to make it an annual event...until next year, here are some of our pictures. Enjoy!!

Favorite Pictures

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma!!

From as far back as I can remember my Grandma has always been an important part of my life. She would take care of Timmy and I after school when we were little. I can remember every Friday night we would go to Blue Bore(?) Cafeteria and eat dinner. When we were finished eating Timmy and I got to go down to Woolworth's and buy something special! If we were really good we would go to Baskin Robbins and get an ice cream. I shared many a Maple Walnut sundae with Grandma, what fun memories! We were always welcomed at their house anytime.... night or day. I remember I loved to go to her house and play, just being there made me feel so special! Today, my own kids love to go to their house to see she and my Grandpa. Happy 80th Birthday Grandma, I am so blessed to have you in my life, I love you with all my heart!

The most precious Grandma EVER!

Mom and Grandma

"Great" Grandma!

Four generations!

Grandma with her three Great Grandaughters

Garrett and Grandma

* Harrison was outside playing

Ballgames, ballgames and more ballgames!

We had our opening day at the ballpark yesterday. Grant is playing machine pitch, Grayson is playing beginner machine pitch, and Greta is playing T-ball. Grayson's game was at 8:45 in the morning and it was sooo... cold! He was having so much fun I don't think he even noticed. He got a good hit, and enjoyed playing pitcher! Greta was next, and she had a ball! She was decked out with her pink glove, pink batting gloves, and a pink bat! She LOVES pink, granny and grandad even got her a pink bag to put it all in. She got several hits and thought she even hit a "home run"! Last but not least, Grant's game was at 1:00, he got several good hits, and his team won 24 to 2, it was awesome! He has an awesome coach, the kids really look up to him, and listen to his instruction well. They each have to learn a Bible verse every week, and if they know it they get a Ring pop after their game. Well...let me tell you Greta is all over that, she can't wait to learn her next verse!! Which leads me into the next fun topic... the concession stand! Grayson and Greta think they are at the ball field to eat their weight in snacks! They keep them hoppin' in the concession stand! We had a great time, and it turned out to be a very pretty day! If you ever need to find any of us on any given Saturday... we will be at the ballfield!

100 Things About Me

1. I was born and raised in Louisville Ky.

2. I went to a small Christian school for elementary, junior and high school.

3. I only had 9 people in my graduating class.

4. I went to college at The University of Louisville.

5. I have had the same best friend for 26 years!

6. Her name is Amber Able, she is truly one of my greatest joys in my life!

7. We met at a halloween party, she was dressed as a hobo, and I was dressed as Laura Ingles from Little House on the Prairie.

8.On May 1st 2005, I got a phone call from Amber that her mom, Lori was in the hospital on a ventilator, due to a tragic accident.

9. Later that day I held Amber's hand as we watched her mom take her last breath.

10. It was the saddest day of my life, my heart physically hurt!

11.Every May 1st we go to the cemetery and tell stories about her mom, and remember all the wonderful things about her!

12.Every year on her birthday we go to the cemetery and let balloons go and sing Happy Birthday to her. To this day when my kids see a balloon flying in the sky, they always say Happy Birthday to Nana!

13.I miss her terribly, and think of her often, but know that she now rest in the arms of Jesus!

14. I met my husband Kin in December 1994 at Butchertown Pub. Amber introduced us, even though she did not know Kin from adam.

15. We were married 2 1/2 years later, on May 9th 1997.

16. Kin was born and raised in Ashland, Ky.

17. He went to Ashland Paul Blazer High school with Ashley Judd, and Miley Cyrus's mom - Tish! Who knew back then that his son would one day "LOVE" her daughter!

18.In December 2007, I surprised Grant and took him on a "date" to see Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus in concert in Lexington. I told him we were going to a UK ballgame - it was the only way I could get him to Lexington without him asking too many questions. At first he was a little disappointed there would be no ballgame, but the 3rd row seats helped him get over it!!

19. I love Miley too, she is a good girl. I hope Hollywood does not change her!

20.I would like to be a Labor and Delivery nurse.

21.I love having a little girl!

22.I love having two little boys!

23. My little boys, Grant & Grayson are yummy, I could eat them up! I never thought I could love little boys like I love them!

24. Grayson loves to snuggle with me.

25. Grant loves sports, he loves to watch sports center- he gets that from his daddy.

26. Greta is precious, but she is a spitfire, and she can keep up with her brothers, but she will always have a bow in her hair!

27. I love them soooo much!!

28.I have been married to Kin for 11 years.

29.He is a good husband and father to our children!

30.I love to watch Live with Regis and Kelly.

31. I love Kelly Ripa, I think she is beautiful!

32. I love to listen to music.

33. I love my ipod.

34. I love polka dots.

35. My favorite color is green.

36. I drive a Chevy Tahoe.

37. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

38. I love to go to Destin, Florida with my family.

39.I love to go to Target, and just walk around!

40. Spring is my favorite season.

41. I love tulips.

42. I love chocolate.

43. I would love to live in New York City.

44. I love my grandparents, they have always been a huge part of my life. As far back as I can remember they have always been there!

45. My dad is the girls basketball coach at Christian Academy of Louisville, he does a great job with the girls!

46. My mom loves to sew, and she does a great job!

47. My parents love me unconditionally, I am blessed!

48. I love to go on shopping trips with my girlfriends!

49.I love McDonald's Diet Coke.

50.I love to watch Cincinnati Reds baseball games with my boys.

51.I love a good basketball game.

52. I just joined a gym, and I intend to get this body in shape!

53.I love to vacuum, it makes me feel like I have accomplished something.

54. I LOVE to scrapbook with my friend Julie.

55.My daughter Greta loves to wear skirts - it is all she want to wear, even to bed!

56.I have one brother, his name is Timmy, he is married to Valerie, I love them both very much, and their family is precious as well!

57.I have a dog, named Lexi, and a cat named Snuggles.

58. I never thought I would love a cat, but I do.

59. I love to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.

60.I love to go outlet shopping.

61.I love a good comfy pair of sweatpants.

62.I love to go to the tanning bed.

63.I love to listen to Nick Lachey

64. He is easy on the eyes also - he's hot!

65. I can not swim well.

66. I hate to go over bridges.

67.I love to go tubing with Amber and Danny, even though Danny likes to try to kill me!

68.I love a picnic on a beautiful day.

69.I love shoes.

70.I love to get dressed up to go out.

71. I would love to spend a day with Kelly Ripa.

72.I love to volunteer at my kids schools.

73. I love that Grayson is doing so well at his school this year. We learned last year he had some learning difficulties, but he loves school, and he is doing AWESOME!.

74. I love to see how God can work in my life.

75.I truly feel blessed to have the love of Jesus in my life.

76. I love to see the innocence of my children, and their childlike faith.

77.I love it when Grant comes home from school and tells me he told someone at school about how much Jesus loves them!(he goes to a public school)

78. I love to hear Grayson say Tormado instead of tornado.

79. I love to hear my kids laugh.

80. I love to hear my husband laugh.

81. I love a good joke.

82. I love a beautiful smocked dress on my daughter, with a huge bow in her hair.

83. I would love to see everyone I went to high school with.

84. I love the smell of a newborn baby.

85. I love Christmastime, and decorating my house.

86. I love to see my kids faces on Christmas morning.

87. I am terrified of snakes, and mice.

88. I love a cute green shirt.

89. I love Forever 21.

90. I love to read people magazine.

91. I love to watch Dancing With The Stars.

92. I love to watch American Idol, and pretend I can sing like them.

93. I love to hear someone sing the national anthem really well.

94. I love to watch my boys play baseball,oh... and my daughter is going to play this year as well!

95. I love to go to TJ Maxx.

96. I love a good pair of jeans.

97. I love to watch John and Kate plus eight, it makes me feel blessed to have 3 children.

98. My favorite movie is Can't Buy Me Love - Ronald Miller is hot, who knew he would be America's hottest Doc - Dr. McDreamy!

99. I love a good Appletini, or a lemondrop martini

100. I love my family and friends, and the times I spend with them all. I am truly blessed to live the life that I live!

Whew... that was difficult, but very fun! When you take the time to think of everything you love, you don't have time to worry about the things you don't. Blessings to you all, love you!