Flashback Friday!

This week I am going to flashback to some of the kids past birthdays.

As you can see this is Shane's 21st birthday. Shane hasn't changed much, but Ashley has! I don't know if you can tell, but the cake is decorated with a big draft beer! Nice job with the decorating Shannon!

Now that same year, just 8 months earlier, Shannon and Dereck celebrated their birthdays together. Shannon you definitely have changed! Seems the guys just don't change much.

We went all out on the cake decorating for you two, didn't we! Maybe that explains why when Shane's birthday rolled around you decided to step up and be our cake decorator!

And just a year later, looks like Shannon again decided to take the cake decorating bag in her own hands and made a cake her and Dereck could both be proud of! But look close, it looks like we had a special birthday guest that year.....cake says, "Happy Birthday, Dereck, Shannon, and Dave Matthews!" Dead give away that Shannon definitely did the decorating this year. (yes, Shannon and Dave share the same birthday.)

But tell me.....one cake wasn't enough???? we had to throw in not one but two more cakes. Guess that confirms we had a big party, but then would you expect less with Dave as our Special Guest!!

And one last picture I ran across....I just could not exclude. This was Shannon's birthday this year, (January '08). And who do you think decorated this gorgeous Cupcake Cake????

I know everyone is saying, Shannon..........WRONG!!!

I surprised Shannon and made this for her. and even gave her the cake pan as a birthday present!

one final thought.....

Happy Birthday to all those that celebrate their birthdays during the hectic holiday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MIKE....DAD.....DERECK..... SHANNON

Miss J Monday

I am such a sweet little girl....I can find a corner and entertain myself while Gramma J does her work!


Look close and you can see what I did!!!

Oooops....I forgot one small detail...THE PAPER!

We both learned a lesson today....I will always get paper or coloring book out and Gramma will always look and see what I am doing when I am so quiet. *giggle**giggle*

Oh, gramma wants to know if anyone has a helpful hint on how to get crayon marks off the floor.

Now it's time for me to take a nap....Nighty, night....or as grampa says, "day, day!"

Flashback Friday

I have to laugh everytime I see this picture!

This is Jude (yes, that big fat cat that Jaden loves) "playing" with our cat and his sister, Lucy.

Can you believe how much Jude has grown! That's what happens when you raise a cat in a small apartment.

Lucy is about half Jude's size now....lots of exercise running up and down stairs and throughout the big house!

Miss J Monday

Gramma J and I have been so busy the past couple of weeks that I have not had time to do my weekly blog. (Sorry Ashley, I know you have missed it, I will try to do better.)

Gramma has lots of painters at the studio so I am her helper on Mondays. I greet all the customers when they walk in the door with a great big "HI" and then I help them pick out their paints! Now if I could just get them to use all the colors I pick out for them.

Instead of a picture from the studio, this week I am going to share with you a picture of me and "ga-ga J" kicking off the holiday season!

Brrrrrrrr......mommy, gramma j and grampa max took me to the lighting of the Santa downtown. I had fun singing Christmas carols and wow, I was really surprised by the bright lights!! I think I am going to like this Santa fella!

Flashback Friday

I am "Flashing Back" to the start of my business venture ~ Bisque It Pottery Painting Studio

This is how it all started!

From idea to opening in 2 months...and one of the best decisions I have ever made!

With the help of family we were able to do much of it on our own.

Shannon helped me pick our color palette, Mom stained and varnished all the cabinets, Dad and Steve put down the floor. Then of course everyone chipped in setting up shop.

First phase completed!

Tables are in, shelves are stocked, ready to open the door!

Kiln room is ready for the first firing!

CHEERS!!! We did it!

January 2005

Back to School

Yes, I have gone back to school....not as a teacher, but as a student. I am taking a web design course through continuing studies at IPFW. Shannon built my website and has maintained it from the beginning....and has done an excellent job, I might add. I have always wanted to help with changes and updates from the beginning. Of course Shannon offered to give me a crash course...but I know how busy she is. (Thanks, Shannon) When I found this continuing ed course I thought it was the perfect opportunity. Don't leave me high and dry, Shannon, I still will need your help, I am sure!

Tomorrow I have my second class of three. I am really enjoying it and am already looking to find my next course. Anyone out there want to take a Photoshop class with me?

Also coming up this week is our annual Scrappin' the Night Away!! Of course I am sure you all have been watching the countdown clock here on my website.

Hey be sure to take my survey. Just curious how many of you have started your Christmas shopping. I usually wait until the first of December, but am trying to shop early. Shannon is my inspiration to "beat the crowds". That and the fact that my business is crazy busy from now to the end of the year that I just don't want to stress with shopping and business.
Hey, Shane, did you read that? I am doing my Christmas shopping early....get your list to me!! Ashley, give him a kick start, and I need your list too. ;)

One final word: Thanks to all the Veterans!

Miss J Monday

Jaden is here for her weekly blog. Take it away girl!

Yea! It's Monday!!! It just doesn't get much better!
I am trying to convince Gramma J that I am ready for gymnastics...

Can ya sing with me....."I like Big Butts and I cannot lie..."

Flashback Friday

I am cutting it close this week to get in my "Flashback Friday"!

I decided to go back to a couple of great accomplishments:

On April 21, 2006, Shannon had her "Senior Show" to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design at IPFW.



On May 12, 2007, Shane completed his studies at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis to become a Electronic Systems Technician.


Great job kids! I am glad you both found a career that you enjoy. Not to mention the perks I get. I have my own personal graphic designer for all my business marketing and advertising, Thanks Shannon! And I have my own personal electronics technician, I am ready for my surround sound, Shane!

My Favorite Trick-or-Treaters!

Although it was Jaden's second Halloween....this is the first one she actively participated in! Too cute...too fun!
We also had a surprise trick-or-treater stop by our house on Saturday!!! Check out the second picture!

Meet Frank....as you can see he is a "loved" little (hot) dog! He is the owner of Shane and Ashley and my first "grandpup".

Miss J Monday

Jaden likes her Mondays so much, she has asked me to have a weekly post for her! And of course she wants it named after her, so we officially kick off the "Miss J Monday" weekly blog!

Jaden says, "I had such a fun time this past Friday night and Saturday morning that I want to share it with everyone!. It just doesn't get any better than a night with Gramma J and Grampa Max!"

"As you know one of my favorite past times is books! This is my favorite one at Gramma's. See all the COOK-KIES in the oven!"



"I have found a new toy at Gramma's! Now I can play my own music AND dance too! Gramma says 'one at a time', I am learning!"



"Saturday morning Gramma Pat and Ellie Mae came to see me! I had fun playing outside with Ellie. I really wanted to read her a book, but all she wanted to do was chase a dirty old stick!"

Hope you enjoyed Miss J Monday pictures. Jaden says she will be back next Monday to share again!

"Flashback Friday"

I love this idea of "Flashback Friday"! This is going to be fun to go back into my picture file and find some old pictures to share. Heck, I might even go waaaaay back and scan in some photos pre-digital camera. (Thanks for the idea Shannon)

I couldn't decide who I should highlight for my first "flashback". Miss J would be the obvious, but wanted to go a different route. After looking through files and files of photos, I decided I would go back to 2004.


This is a picture of Max and I heading out for my 25th Class Reunion. No, I didn't graduate in Hawaii. We had a luau for our reunion. Kinda cheesy, but it was fun.

Political Humor

I just had to chuckle when I saw this cartoon. Democrat or Republican, you just have to find this funny.

This has been one of the most interesting presidential campaigns, and this just sums up the humorous side of it! Enjoy!

How many cliches and metaphors can you find? I'll start the list off with the obvious:

1. "Joe the Plumber"

Miss J Mondays

I know most people hate Mondays and look forward to Fridays. I used to be that way too....countdown to the weekends!

But now, as many of you know, Mondays are my favorite, and I just countdown to whatever exciting event is coming up.

Here is why I pick Mondays to be my favorite:

As you can see I think she likes her Mondays too!

This 'n' not much of That

Not much has been going on lately.....just enjoying each day.

Funny thing happened the other day. Shannon and I took Jaden to the mall to play. They have the cutest little play area. (that's not the funny thing.) After playing, we have a few minutes before meeting Mike for supper so we decided to go through the Disney Store. This is a corner of the mall that many parents and grandparents would try to avoid. Well, when we get in there I see they have their little stuffed characters on sale for just $5. I decide to treat Jaden to a small gift.....she is in her stroller and I start showing her cute little stuffed characters.
"Do you want Pooh?" she pushes it away!
"Awwww, look Jaden, Piglet is soooo cute!" she pushes it away!
"Tigger! boinnng...boinng" I get no response.
Then I find the perfect one! "Look Jaden! It's Ty!" and I show her the cute white Aristocat. Looks like her kitty, Ty, except Ty is a he, but she doesn't know that yet. She does hold on to this one, but not a big interest.
We continue through the store and when we get to the back I see their large stuffed characters are on sale too! Just $8. Oh I KNOW she will want one of these.
She won't have anything to do with Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, Piglet, even characters Shannon and I didn't know. Then I found a large Aristocat...and soooooo soft and cuddly!
She did take to this one, kinda.
This new kitty has become her bedtime friend along with her other kitty. I gave her the name Ty, but she changed it to "Jude-Ty" It's what she calls her two cats. (Jude and Ty)
Funny thing about that whole ordeal.....here we are in Disney Store where kids are usually begging, "can I have this, can I have this" over and over. Not the case for us. Shannon and I are TRYING to get Jaden to like something and she just shakes her head.
I am not gonna give up on this girl.....we will teach her the art of shopping!

Ingenious Idea

I have a great idea....inspired by Shannon.
And since I haven't figured out a way to sell it, I am gonna share it with you at no charge!

How many of you have a birthday in the winter and wish it was summer? Is your birthday too close to another holiday that it gets lost in the shuffle? Are you sharing your birthday with someone else and wishing you had your own day? Have you gone to a birthday party and thought, "I wish this was my birthday, it's the perfect time of the year!"?

Well I have the solution: You get to pick the month you celebrate your birthday each year! There are a few rules though:
1. You have to decide at the start of the calendar year what month you will be celebrating.
2. You have to celebrate on the numerical date of your actual birthday.
3. If your "new" birthday falls after your given birthday, you are not allowed to receive gifts from your immediately family on your given birthday. However, casual friends and relatives you see on a limited bases are welcome to send you well wishes and shower you with gifts.
4. If your "new" birthday falls before your actual birthday you MUST remind your immediate family and friends that you already had your birthday when your actual birthday rolls around!
5. Each year you get to choose your month to celebrate as long as you always abide by the above rules.

I am sure you are saying, "So how did Shannon inspire you to come up with thins Ingenious Idea?" Well, I am glad you ask. Shannon's birthday is Jan. 9 and Mike's birthday is Dec. 15. As you can imagine their birthdays can get lost in the holiday celebrations. Not to mention the two big holidays of the year fall within weeks of each other. So they decided their gifts to each other would be to pick anything, anytime and call it a birthday present. He chose wrestling match, she chose Vera Bradley. Now when their birthdays roll around they will still celebrate with friends and family but their gifts to each other are done.

And of course this idea wouldn't have come to mind if her idea hadn't gotten me to thinking about my own birthday. The time of year of my birthday is ok, it's May, the weather is usually nice. However, my birthday is on the 13th and it always falls on or within days of Mother's Day. Given a choice, I would spread the "special" holidays throughout the year. I doubt I could convince the nation to change Mother's Day, so I could just change when I celebrate my birthday.
This brings me to my last thought.....when is the perfect time for a birthday, or for my birthday?
January? nah, too close to Christmas
February? Valentine's Day
March? not a bad idea, but in Indiana it could mean blizzard!
April? I'll let Jaden have this month until she decides to "choose" her new birthday.
May? as I said, Mother's Day.
June? it's ok, but not much change for me.
July? ok, maybe too hot, but it would be fun to have a cookout on my birthday!
August? Max gets first dibs on this month.
September? If Shane wants to share the month I think this could be the next to perfect month.
October? This is my pick! I love the fall....I love getting the hooded sweatshirts out....I love curling up on the sofa wrapped in a blanket....I love my fleece robe!
November? Nope, this is the month for my favorite holiday.
December? Gonna leave this month for Christmas parties!

So now I bet you are thinking....why didn't I think of that idea? Well I am happy to share my idea. But just remember, if you make any money on this ingenious idea, i get royalties!

Heck, maybe I can sell this idea to Hallmark....."Happy Perfect Birthday" "Happy Choice Birthday" "Happy Unbirthday" hmmmmmm.....think I gotta work on that!

Super Saturday....

Saturday was a day jam packed with fun!

My day started with a pancake breakfast at Eastside Park, just behind our house. It was a chilly morning, frost on the ground, but the brisk morning air was nice....and just made the hot pancakes and sausage taste even better! The event was a benefit for Vascular Disease. Mom and Dad were helping with the event so I was happy to support it....and everyone knows that Grampa Wayne makes the best pancakes!

Following breakfast it was on to the zoo! Shannon and Jaden took me as their guest for a final trip to the zoo this season. Thanks, Miss J, I had a blast. It was a beautiful fall day and the zoo is decorated for their annual fall halloween festival. The animals were very active too. The cutest thing was how Jaden pretty much lead the tour! She sure knows her way around that place. She even helped by pushing the wagon....which basically was just to hall around our stuff. Also along on the trip was Jaden's cousin-to-be, Marissa. The two girls are just too cute together.

Feeding the ducks was one of the highlights of the day.....Jaden started "quacking" before we even got to the duck pond!

After the zoo we met up with Marissa's mom, Kelly, at Pizza Hut. Just the mention of pizza had Jaden chanting "pizza, pizza" while pumping her fists in the air! That was enough to do the little girl in, it was back to their house for a little nap. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the lucky ones to get a nap.

The third event of the day was the District Marching Band Contest at Homestead High School. I have been trying all season to get to one of Tabitha's competitions. (It brought back a lot of memories from when Shannon was in marching band. ) Tabitha, you were great....you have a great band that is going to continue to get better each year! Congrats on the Gold....good luck at Regional!

You would think that was enough for one day....heck, enough for two Saturdays, but nope....after band competition we went out for supper, glad you were able to join us, Max!

Gee....did I just have 3 meals out today?

Then we ended the night with some dominoes at Mom and Dad's. It was just before midnight when we got home so the day was definitely jammed packed with fun!

Then to finish off the weekend, Sunday Shannon, Jaden, and I made another trip to the Vera Bradley sale! We got in line at 8:40 with about 500 people in front of us. Jaden showed she was a real trooper learning the ropes of shopping. She stood, sat, played in line for an hour and half with us. Then she zipped around the place in her stroller....she caught on quickly too, she was pulling things off the table like a veteran! And a smart shopper too, she got a cell phone holder to match her Vera Bradley purse!

Phew.....that wraps up my weekend as I sit here on the couch watching Desperate Housewives. I do believe it is time to say Good Night!

Say Cheese!!! :D

Friday night was our monthly meeting of our Scrappin' Club! Hey, girls, we really have to come up with a name for "the club". We had a new scrapper this month...hope you had fun, Kelly! Also joining in the fun was Krista, Laura, Shannon, Mom and me....oh and Jaden and Seth were guests for awhile!

It was another fun filled day! We met at the studio again.....and as in the past, plenty of good food! Funny thing....many of us were "cheesy". We had so much cheese......Shannon made strawberry cheesecake, Kelly made a cheeseball, Mom also made a cheeseball, Krista made a veggie pizza that had the cream cheese base, and I brought sliced cheeses and meat roll-ups filled with, yep, cream cheese! Jerry (of Tom & Jerry) would have been in heaven! Thanks to Laura we had some variety....she made peanut butter chocolate bars....think Reese's Peanut Butter cups. Late in the evening we made a run to Dunkin Donuts for an Iced Latte. Kelly didn't have her fill of cheese....she ordered a pizza!

But it was a night of scrappin too....and boy can some of these girls scrap! Krista was flipping through the pages so fast she didn't even take time to ring the bell......I think she finished 17 pages! I know Shannon was in double digits too and Laura might have been too. Mom and I had a little trouble getting into gear.....I completed 2 whole pages and mom did two pages and a couple of cards. I should get double credit though because Krista copied my two pages.

Overall.....fun times and already looking forward to next month at Krista's!

And to top off the weekend I am in Columbus, Ohio at a "Pottery Painting Camp". Mom is with me and boy are we getting a lot of great ideas and new techniques to bring into the studio just in time for the holidays! I will post some pictures once I get my samples fired.

Small Claims saga continues....

If anyone needs representation in small claims court......by the time I am through I will be a professional! Getting my degree from "School of Hard Knocks" (Ashley I would be happy to give you some help with your LSATS! ;)

I had my court date.....and as i figured, she didn't show. Heck, I didn't even get to see the judge.....all those hours watching Judge Judy....wasted!

Ok, so she is in contempt of court for not showing and I win by default! I figured this means I get the money, right? uh..yea...if only it were that easy! Let me tell you right now, if you are going to file a claim in small claims court you better be ready to invest a lot of time: paperwork, notification, tracking down info, and many trips to the courthouse!

Well if you know me, I finish what I start. I have learned to choose my battles wisely, but once the fight begins we will take it to the end! This one has become principle now. If I just let it go from here it ends....I don't get anything, she gets off the hook, and the court just files the paper away.
I choose to battle so.....I sent her a letter telling her she is in contempt, please pay, or I will follow the next steps the court allows. Court says I have to allow her 10 days. Those days have come and gone and then some! I decided to go to court yesterday and file the next papers....so I called the courthouse. No answer. hmmmmm....am I missing a holiday? It's noon so I figured being a government building they all just walk away from the phones for their lunch hour. (Not surprising they have no reason to be convenient for tax payers but that's another blog). I give up on the phone call....I'll worry about it another day. Then for the heck of it I decide to give this lady who stuck me for over 100 bucks a call....she never answers my calls but I figure I can leave a nice little message again!
Lo and Behold....she answers!!! Well to keep a story that is already long, less long......she says she will be in on Tuesday to pay! She gives me this song and dance about it was a bad time and by the time she had the money I had already filed. right....I gave her 30 days and several options. So do I hold my breath? heck no! But I can't help I am an optimist and I think she will pay up. I won't cry when she doesn't show up.....I will just go to the court house and be one step closer to the body attachment!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

50 Fabulous Years!!!

On September 6th Mom & Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! Wow...50 years of memories!!! Congratulations!!!


To celebrate this special milestone we had a very special dinner on an amish farm. This was a dinner like no other! We had a private feast, fixed just for us at this family's home. The dinner started with a delicious salad and homemade bread and jelly, followed by the main course of pan fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade noodles, fresh corn. Dessert was choice of peach, apple, or cherry pie and ice cream! Needless to say we all needed a walk around the farm before our drive home. Even the coffee and lemonade was better than your average. There is something to be said about the simple life!






Sure was nice that everyone was able to make it home or get off work for this special day. It's not often that we get everyone together, in one place, AND long enough to snap a picture!

After the dinner we all went to mom and dad's for a second dessert, dad has become quite the baker....yummy chewy chocolate chip cookies!

I think Max summed it all up with a champagne toast:
"Here's a toast to Pat & Wayne whose example showed us how to be great parents and grandparents! Cheers!"

...the rest of the Tennessee story!

One of the best parts of the vacation was having a home cooked meal every night. We decided each couple would be in charge of a night. From start to finish, fixin' to cleanup....you had to do it all! Was a bit comical to see how each couple interacted together in the kitchen!

The first night chefs were Shannon and Mike. They had a Mexican theme...enchiladas, Spanish rice, and salsa. It was delicious!!! In fact, I was one of the lucky ones to get a leftover enchilada for lunch one day. Nice work guys!

Day two was Max and I....you all know how much I love the kitchen! We opted for a true American, midwest favorite: T-Bones, corn on the cob, and cinnamon applesauce. Sorry I don't have the proof, and many won't buy it, but I really did cook! The steaks were cooked to perfection and the corn couldn't have been sweeter!

As you can see, we did talk the guys into helping a little with the prep. Thanks Shane and Mike for helping clean the corn. (Sorry, Mike, you were just late for the picture, but I will back up your story if you back up mine.)

Shannon contributed dessert for this night by making a birthday cake for Max!! A late Maxmas celebration....Thanks, Shannon!

The final evening was Shane and Ashley....we were very impressed with the young chefs. They made their version of Chicken Cordon Bleu and fresh asparagus. We had a few ears of corn left so we threw those in too! It took Max and I a little getting used to seeing Shane eat something green! You're doing good, Ash! ;)

This is where I had my coffee every morning....I was up about 7 each morning, grabbed my book, coffee and blanket and headed for the porch! That's what relaxing is all about! And then Jaden always joined me.....mom and dad even got to go back to sleep a couple mornings, I think. Jaden and I would take a little walk near the woods out back....as you can see, getting dirty is taking a little getting used to!

And one of my favorite parts of the whole vacation was spending time with the kids playing games. Jaden and I had fun playing dominoes! She has the one...two...three down! But she would knock down the dominoes before i could get a string going. We had fun though....Jaden, you are such a sweetie!!!

After Jaden went to bed, we moved upstairs to the theatre room and played games until after midnight. Shannon and Mike brought "Balderdash" that was a hoot!! Had us literally rolling on the floor sometimes! And then another night Shane and Ashley taught us Mexican Train Dominoes. My new favorite game....sure hope Santa brings me a set....hint, hint, Shane-o!

Of course there was a lot of fun in between these times like.....a trip to Gatlinburg (Jaden and I only liked the ice cream shop). Way to commercialized and touristy! The kids took a trek through some trails at Smoky Mountain National Park. Max and I stayed back at the cabin and made a small trip to some outlets in Pigeon Forge. Again, the only part Jaden and I liked was the ice cream!

I am already looking forward to another trip back soon!

Thanks kids and Max for making it a super, fun, relaxing vacation!!!

Smoky Vacation

For now I am gonna let the pictures tell the story!
We are having so much fun.....so relaxing! And as you can see in the second picture Shane is being "Shane"!
Worst part.....we have to drive home tomorrow :(
more vacation pictures to come.......

Where's Waldo?

Ok I promised some pictures from our monthly "Scrappin' the Night Away". (Did any one else get pictures of the night, for some reason my pictures are very dark. Would appreciate you sending your pictures to me.) As you can see we pretty much took over the studio! Mom and Cindy joined us this month. Of course it was fun...fun...fun and very productive! I think Shannon got the award for ringing the bell the most! How many pages did you do, Shannon?


Krista gets the award for staying the longest Friday night....I think it was 1:00 when we locked the door!
Mom, I will give you the earlybird award....and the most hours logged. Let's see she started about 9 am on Friday, and it was 5:00 when she packed up on Saturday! Just think how long she could have went if she wasn't still recovering from major surgery!
Cindy, we vote you the scrapper with the most......most scrappin tools and gadgets.
Laura was real close to Shannon on number of pages scrapped, but I am giving her the award for best contribution to the food table......can't beat a good chewy chocolate brownie!
And I can't stop without giving myself an award, so I am going to get the award for cutest subject on scrapbook pages! Anyone want to guess who that might be? ;) (Krista and Laura sure have cuties too!)
I am already looking forward to next months scrap-a-thon!
Cya on the 19th, girls! :)

MaXmas Eve!

Wow, it really has been awhile since I have posted!

Guess I have just been so busy in preparation for MAXMAS DAY!!

As you all know, and if you don't know, pretend like you do, tomorrow is MAXMAS DAY! A certain someone believes this is celebrated around the world. I will let the founding father tell you how this holiday came about, as I am sure he will be blogging about it in the near future.

I have some great pictures to share from our "Scrappin' the Night Away" last weekend! Hopefully I can get those posted tonight.

Right now I am off to do some last minute MaXmas shopping!

Anticipation.....

When I was a kid there were certain things I couldn't wait for, going to sleep at night was next to impossible.... events that come to mind: Christmas, my birthday, the first day of school, Easter, Cedar Point, summer vacation with Lantz's, Thanksgiving at Gramma Pauline's

Well I still have that feeling of ANTICIPATION when a special event is getting close....and the night before, forget it, I just don't sleep well. (how many adults will admit they get excited, like a kid at Christmas, in anticipation of a special day.)
Right now I am having that feeling of anticipation for a few special "events" coming up.

Next Friday I am gonna have a "Scrappin' Good Time". Our monthly gathering is gonna be at the studio this month. (If you aren't a scrapbooker, don't even try to understand why this is something to look forward to.) I have been eagerly awaiting this since our last get together at Shannon's house. I believe there are going to be 8 of us scrapping that day, until the wee hours! 7 days and counting...Fun Times!!!

Another event that has me singing "Anticipa-a-tion" is our family vacation to the Smoky Mountains! I have had this on my countdown calendar since we made the reservation in April. (Yes, I really do have a countdown calendar on my computer. I put in the date and it keeps me updated on how many days until the "big event") Max and I along with Shannon, Mike, & Jaden, and Shane & Ashley will be spending 4 days in a luxury cabin complete with 3 Jacuzzis, a hot tub, pool table, movie theater room, and a beautiful mountain view. Not hard to understand why I am looking forward to this, is it? 20 days and counting.....Family Fun Time!!!

Of course I still get excited the closer it gets to Christmas....139 days and counting!

We are all kids at heart.....what are you anticipating?

Anniversary Weekend continues

It's nice to have personal holidays fall on a weekend....gives you an excuse to relax, celebrate, and just have fun.

After our big day on Friday, Max and I rested up so we could continue the party on Saturday.

We went to Chain 'O Lakes State Park on Saturday with Shannon and Jaden.

Jaden has never had the chance to go swimming....so we thought it would be fun to show her how to really have fun!!!

We started off with an old-fashioned picnic lunch! YUMMY!

After that we venture into the water....sloooooooowly.....she just wasn't too sure about this whole thing.

She did splash around a bit at the shore, dig a bit in the sand, and even headed for deep waters with gramma J.
I think her favorite part though was just walking...and walking....and walking around the area. Her and Grampa Max took off on a nice little trek, wore her out and she had to be carried back!

It was a lot of fun.....nice and relaxing.....those are the best of days!

We finished off the 2-day celebration with a trip to the mall and dinner at Friday's....Mike joined us for this!

Thanks, kids, for helping us celebrate our anniversary!! And Shane, thanks for giving us a call....next best thing to you being here!