To follow your dreams, you have to know what those dreams are and sometimes that isn't always easy. But I believe, if you don't know what your dream is, you can create it and make it happen. Just because someone says you aren't qualified or you aren't this or that, go get qualified and live the dream because you are the only one who can determine what that dream is! I read an article today of a man who was "qualified" in the business world but wanted to become a medicial scientist and do research to create medicine that will cure diseases. He had no background in science but he started from the bottom and now is in his dream position working to find cures. That goes to prove that anyone, and I truly believe anyone, can achieve their dreams if they go after them. Nothing is out of reach.

Movin' on up!

YAY!! The packing is beginning! Alex brought home some boxes for us to start putting stuff away for the big move! It's going to be here before I know it and I don't want to be stuck at the last minute packing. I walk into the hallway and there nothing but boxes. I hope Homer doesn't ruin them and try to take them over as his new house since he gets mad when we move them.
If anyone has access to big boxes, please keep us in mind.

Crazy cat lady

I never understood why people would get so attached to their pets and be devestated when something would happen to them. Until now. I was never a cat person growing up and never thought I would be. Until now. I have officially entered the world of animal lovers and I have to apologize for all the times I gave wierd looks or didn't seem to care when someone would be upset over "something small" that was wrong with their pet. We had a Homer scare and having the vet say we might have to put him down was a threat last week. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing but when I came home from work and saw him laying so peacefully on the couch, I was so happy that nothing happened to him. The people at the vet's office LOVED him and kept saying how he had a great "personality" and we felt so proud. I can see myself being one of those crazy cat ladies who ends up getting her house taken over by a thousand cats - front page of the newspaper, here I come!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is Mother's Day! We had a bruch at my Mom-Mom's for some of the Mother's in the family who were able to attend. It turned out so nice. Mom-Mom was smiling and seemed so happy. Aunt Nancy was gleaming all morning (this is her first Mother's Day as a Mom-Mom!). My Mom was happy especially b/c she found her Mother of the Bride dress for the wedding!!! Amy was smiling all morning and made a wonderful breakfast of french toast casserole and quesh (don't know if I spelled it right). Kendall was talking, bouncing up and down and smiling. She also kept us ALL smiling and laughing because she is so fun to play with! I was in charge of the mamosa's....YUMMY!!! I hope I am as good of a Mom as these wonderful Mom's are!

Our wedding song

Cinco de Mayo is the day. Alex & I made our daily trip to the house and went for a drink at "our spot" - Old Swedes Inn. While having a drink, we started talking about our wedding song. You see, Alex & I have lots of songs that we love but they aren't "wedding songs," more like cute songs that remind us of one another or songs but are too fast to have as a wedding song. Or, the ones we really love, are already taken by close friends or family that we don't want to use as our own. When we pulled up to our house, we were listening to the radio and a song came on. Alex turned the truck off, pulled his seat back, and said "listen." So, I pulled my seat back and listened. For ten minutes we sat in the truck, nothing but the music, and found a wedding song.

Penns Landing

What a beautiful day. It was Sunday, our cable wasn't working, and it was beautiful out. Why sit inside? Alex and I took a ride over to Penns Landing and walked around, actually walked about 3 miles, and went to Dave & Buster's for lunch (thanks to a gift card we have had for over a year that we haven't used). While we were walking the Delaware River, a beautiful Yacht named the "Highlander" was docked and it had Forbes flags all over it and signs that said "Private - stay out". I still wonder whose it was....
However, the inspiration of today's post is not about a yacht or walking along Penns Landing, but something more important. My goal to be reached in one year from today. To run in the Broad Street run that took place today in Philly. I really hope I can do it.

Never. Give. Up

Today is May 2nd. Today is the best day of my life. I got to see the joy, happiness and feeling of success in Jill that I have always longed for her to feel, and for me to witness. The struggles and obstacles she has been through and dealt with in her life and situation, would be hard for anyone of us and I can say for myself that I don't know how I would have handled half of the things that she has gone through. But I do know one thing about her that I admire so much. She's strong! She's determined! And no matter how long it takes, or if she needs to be "pushed" a little, or how much of an attitude she has, she never gives up. She knows she wants the best for herself, for Madison and her family. Today I got to witness pure joy in her that I have never seen before. Jill passed her test and got her diploma!

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

So Alex & I made our almost daily trip by the new house and were checking out the newest developments. While we were looking, our new neighbors came and welcomed us. They are a flock of ducks!!!! How cute!!! Our real people neighbors actually own these ducks, so they really are our neighbors :-) I can't wait to talk to them and sit on my front porch drinking iced tea...okay, you all think I'm crazy now haha!

Step Three!

They build quick! This is our basement and Alex "watching tv!" It seems like it's going to go by so quickly now that they started actually putting up the walls.

Step Two

This is the partial framework for our house along with the piles of dirt I told you all about earlier :-)
You can't see the actual yard that well b/c of all the dirt and b/c it's on a hill, but you can see the beautiful trees we have in the back yard and the partial view you get from the picture.

Family is Everything

I feel very lucky to have the family that I have. Not many people can consider their cousins as a second, third or forth sister. I am one of these fortunate people that has grown up in a family where "family is everything" wasn't "taught", but it was felt and expressed through love and always welcoming each other; and b/c it is absolutely necessary to have cake and sing happy birthday for EVERYONE in the family, so we always see each other!!. Now we are all growing up and having kids and it always makes me so happy to see the kids playing, talking and being with each other the way we were. Here is a picture of Madison and Lacy playing together and I hope they, along with Tommy, Shane, Kendall and all others that are to come, grow up feeling the love and closeness we all did. It's such a warm feeling!

out of the blue clear sky

Saturday was one of those out of the blue wonderful days. It was the chili cookoff and concert. Later on in the day, we sat on the lawn with a beer, a blanket and listened to music. I started taking some neat pictures and this one happened to be my favorite; and it honestly looks the way we felt- relaxed. It's times like this that make me realize that in the mix of my hectic life, I can't always plan relaxation; sometimes, it just happens.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Today is a special picture of me and my numero uno lady...my momma! It's her birthday and I took her out, along with other wonderful people who surprised her, and had a great time! I love when she has a good time and I'm pretty sure she had fun!

all the leaves are...purple

Outside my work is a nice little area with tables and I often eat there with co-workers. Other times I like to go sit there and look at the beautiful, serene flowers and trees; it's so peaceful. It's a nice time away and Thursday was one of those days with the nice weather, perfect spring breeze and beautiful purple flowers to look at.

Way to go, coach!

Alex is coaching a little league baseball team and tonight, 4/23, the team won it's first game. He was so happy and excited. Men and their sports are one thing, but them coaching the sport is another; a different feeling of pride. He was proud of them and I was proud of him.

She is my sunshine!!!

This totally makes my day, everyday! I just love her to death! Turn up your volume and enjoy :-)