I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas...

This Christmas was very special for the my side of the family. We were able to spend it in Florida with my folks, my sister, Rachel, and her family.

Christmas morning was unbelievable. I have never seen such a mess of wrapping paper and heard so many squeals. The four Rice grandkids: Mariah, Makayla, Aiden and Olivia were in heaven. Olivia was the funniest. She would hurry and run to whomever was most delighted with a particular present and then take off with it...causing more than a few confused moments ...mostly to the adults... as she attempted to stash lotions, candles and various sundries in her "lair", also know as my lap, she would then put up a fight should the rightful owner want their present back. We are slowly working through her "mine" stage. Eventually, the presents were sorted and returned. All agreed we have been very blessed, not only in presents, but in family and health.

We wish all a Happy New Year.

Thanksgiving Travels

Our Thanksgiving found us on the road again. I wish the van had frequent driver miles. We spent Sunday night through Thursday night with Roger's family. The family rented a condo and had a great time. It was so nice to have everybody together. We made a mini vacation of it and stopped by Meramac Caverns, noted for being the infamous hideout for Jesse James, and little "zoo" on our way. We then spent Friday night and Saturday with my family. They came to our house for Thanksgiving. We we were worn out but loved getting to spend so much time with our families. We did take time to reflect on how thankful we are for our families and how the Lord has blessed us during this last year of changes. God is faithful.

Sprucing up outdoors

Landscaping has never been our forte, but we really wanted to have a little more pizazz to the outdoor spaces of our house. We did some and hired a good portion of it and we are very pleased with the results. The best part has been the addition of our much needed patio. We chose to go with a stamped concrete. It has been a wonderful. We bought a fire pit table and have even roasted marshmellows out there with the kids. The picture here is of the patio area. To see more of the landscaping and clearing out we did check out the photo gallery. Along the back fence we have cleared out a over 5 truckloads of overgrowth. The hardest part was the vines with the huge thorns. It was the bulk of our overgrowth. I still have scratch mark scars from it. We called it "Devil Vine" and Aiden called it "Ouchy Vine". While those may not be the scientific names, they are accurate.

I'll go south and you go souther...

Roger had a work trip to Brazil and so the kids and I flew down to Orlando to see my folks. We had a great time and it is always so interesting to see how your parents have changed. They fed the kids lots of sugar. ;o) Roger's trip went well and he brought Aiden back a soccer ball and Olivia and I their famous flip flops. The kids loved being with Mimi and Papaw. Since we have been back Olivia has been asking for them....especially if she isn't getting her way. We had a wonderful time, but it was great to get back to home and Roger.

ALOHA!

Roger had a "work" trip to Hawaii, so I felt that I must help him. My mother-in-law, Harriett, was gracious enough to keep our kids so we had a nice 2nd honeymoon. We loved it. It was absolutely beautiful. Highlights of the trip were: snorkeling, swimming with sharks, visiting the set of the TV show LOST(see photo gallery), the beaches of Waikiki and Waimeia Bay. It was so relaxing. The water is so blue. Swimming with sharks was incredible. I didn't want to do it, but I LOVED it. They take you 3 miles out, "bait/chum" for the sharks, put you in the shark cage and then with your snorkel and mask you view the inhabitants. We saw 2 tiger sharks, one of which was over 10 feet, and about 15 galapagos sharks that ranged in size from 6 to 10 feet. Talk about a rush. They swam close enough to touch. We were warned not to and I didn' mind complying since I am fond of my limbs and digits. We were sad to leave the island life, but were happy to see Aiden and Olivia.

Dinner is served

I am so excited. We purchased a new dining room set. I had looked for months and then found this one in a store that I should have gone to first because it is right in town. I love it. It has a lighted china and expands with 2 leaves to seat 12. I can't wait to serve up dinner.

Go West

Roger had 2 back to back business trips so the kids and I decided to head for Kansas to see Rachel and my 2 nieces. Now mind you this is driving from Tennessee to Kansas. We headed out on Tuesday, May 15th at around 2:30. By 3:30 we were already stopping for potty, diaper change and a drink for Mommy. I am so thankful that Target has put in a family restroom. It is very convenient when there are 3 of you. Back on the road about 4:15, and then onward and northward. Our next stop was Metropolis, Illinois. I knew they had a McDonalds with a large play area. Also, it was pouring rain so I hoped it would ease. This would be our last official stop before bunking for the evening. I have to say, driving with the kids is fine, but the stops are the only tricky part for me. We drove through St. Louis and got a great close up view of the arch, but I was the only one awake to appreciate it. With Roger's help (aren't cell phones great?) we got a room and stayed about 30 minutes out of St. Louis. To say it was a ratty hotel was putting it nicely. Olivia's PJs got dirty from the floor and the bed was like a hammock. But the kids didn't care. We were up bright and early and I got out of there quickly. I hate yucky hotel rooms, I am bit nuts about them. Then on to Kansas. We took our time, saw Truman's house, tried to see Col. Custer's barracks and finally made it to Rachel's house about 5pm.