dress to empress

That just so happens to be the name of my new nail polish. Sean called me on his way home from work and wanted to know if I wanted to meet him at our favorite nail place for a pedicure. I said, "Heck yes!" So, jumped in the van and headed to ULTA to pick out a new nail polish. I grabbed a cup of coffee, too. We both got a pedicure and a manicure. Yes, my husband periodically gets pedicures and manicures. I think it's awesome! Hip hip hurray for my wonderful husband!

happy new year

Well, we made it through the holidays. I think my family was on the verge of a meltdown, but we made it through. Sean and I attended several Christmas parties. Then the week of Christmas we set off to travel around the 4-state area to be with family. My sister and her family came to be with us for Christmas this year. That was fun! Traveling during the holidays is just stressful! Holly and Sean both had a birthday we celebrated. The kids go back to school Monday. This week should be interesting as they get back in the routine of going to bed and getting up early and doing homework. Yep, should be very interesting indeed.

We had a very blessed Christmas. We all got many nice things. I even got a new sewing machine! I haven't got it out of the box yet, but I will soon! Sean is getting me a new bass guitar which I will post pictures of when that comes in. That's exciting! So, if we can make it through this next week, we should be good.

Sean and I will be celebrating 5 years of marriage on January 31. I'm looking forward to that more and more since Sean says our little celebration will be a surprise. Wow...a surprise.

it just keeps on creeping up

So, I'm feeling really sad. And old. Really old. I was doing a search on facebook and happened upon some kids with the same (rare) last name as some people I knew when I was a teenager. Turns out that those kids are the kids of the kids I knew! These kids are graduating high school and stuff. Wow. Makes me feel really old. Jenni and I used to always say we would never "be" old. Sometimes I think I operate in the mindset that I'm still college-age. When something happens I wonder who will take care of it or who will take care of me. Ha! I find myself saying things to my own kids like, "When I was your age...." Whoa! I've also caught myself thinking back to what my parents did in certain situations with me...because my kids are in the same situation! Ack! I'm feeling short of breath. My chest feels tight. Oh gosh, I think panic is setting in....I'm old!!!!!

hammer time

All I can think about is my sister and her family coming to visit for Christmas! We haven't been together for Christmas in 4 years! I'm sooooo excited! I'll be playing cards with Nate and Terri, teaching Zach how to walk, oh yeah, and playing with The Brat! Katie is not a brat all the time, but that's my loving, affectionate nickname for her. I'm excited!

an epiphany

I love the name of my blog. It fits me. I forget stuff a lot it seems. Sean and I went to Branson this weekend. I semi-lost our Silver Dollar City tickets. I misplace my ear warmer/headband thingy. I put a small sack inside of a larger sack in trying to create more space and then forgot what I did with the small sack. My friend Jenni would say this is typical of me, I guess. Sean says I do this quite often. I've noticed that my mother does this on a daily basis. Um, I think I misplace stuff in an organized way.

I had a good time with Sean this weekend. We never get a chance to get away except we do take some time away around our anniversary. So, this was pretty neat for us. We played dominoes...which I won 2 out 3 games! He's teaching me well I'd say! We shopped and walked around Silver Dollar City remembering the times we went as kids. I forgot how much Sean makes me laugh. Good times. Good times.

This is me trying to lighten the moment. We just got to the entrance of Silver Dollar City and realized I left the tickets in the van.

We watched the Christmas Carol in SDC...awesome show!

Sean standing up straight in Grandfather's Mansion!

Don't let your small children see this, folks! Don't worry. Frosty was not harmed in any way in the making of this photo. My husband is only pretending.

get-a-way car

Sean and I are headed out of town today for a fun little get-a-way weekend in Branson. I've had this planned as a surprise since October. I did end up telling him a few weeks ago so he could prepare things at work. This is just perfect timing. Sean had a super busy week at work last week. He needs some down time to relax. We haven't had a get-a-way just the two of us since our anniversary. So, we're excited! I'm looking forward to a few days with my bestest friend!

Christmas surprise!

Avalon is in the back on the riser.

At the front of the stage is Natalie Grant, Michael English, Casting Crowns, and Pure Energy.

My husband scored free tickets to the Casting Crowns Christmas concert at the new BOK Arena. What a great line-up: Casting Crowns, Michael English, Pure Energy (?), Avalon, and NATALIE GRANT, and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra! The three hour show was amazing! Natalie sang my favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night. Could it get any better? I don't think so! Everyone performed some traditional Christmas songs, but Casting Crowns and Natalie Grant sang a couple of original Christmas songs. Amazing...simply amazing. They were both very moving. Casting Crowns is deeply involved in World Vision. They talked about sponsoring children. Sean and I picked out a child for our family to sponsor. That's been on my heart for several years. I don't know why I never did anything about it. But, we made a commitment last night. It will be exciting! Here are a few pictures from last night...

Natalie Grant leading Christmas carols in front of John 3:16 Mission.

The whole crew on stage in the opening song.

Natalie Grant singing with Melissa and Jenna from Avalon.