New Years Eve

Happy New Years from our house to yours! We are enjoying ourselves relaxing around the house. Our activities as of five minutes ago consisted of the following:

Me, I'm working on Madeline's blanket (who knew there would be 4000 knots to do in order to make it?)



Madeline is hanging out:


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We are both watching Underdog :-)



Steven is, as is his habit of late, playing the guitar and hanging out....



And, last and least, Madeline wanted you to know that some of us around here are partying:

Wise words from our sweet girl

We should all be mindful of the reason for the season. I was reminded of that this evening when I was getting Madeline to bed. Out of the blue she said "Jesus had a painful walk to the cross. We should all think about that."

Santa Came!

So many pictures, yet so few!

Santa came to our house last night, and Madeline sure enjoyed her presents this morning :-) It has been a wonderful Christmas overall, and the Santa gifts were no exception. We all enjoyed it. Then we had a fabulous day with my end of the family, although somehow I didn't get even one picture! We opened gifts at Mom and Dads, then came here for a great meal with Steven's Prime Rib as the center piece. It was a blessing to all be together, and to have Bridget with us as well. I thank all of you for a super day!

Christmas Eve Party

We had the family over for Christmas Eve last night - and did we have a big time! We had more food than we could possibly have eaten, and it was all really good stuff (I probably weigh 10 extra pounds to prove it). Everyone contributed their best appetizers and goodies so no one had to really stress over cooking. Then we had a total present mele, which was a totally good time. Madeline loved her presents - my favorite quote of hers was "ALL THE KIDS WILL BE JEALOUS" while opening one of hers. She really liked the coins from Johnny and Jeanine, and she mentioned them again today. Carlee is getting so big! She was adorable singing the alphabet song with the karaoke. John Robert wanted to wear the Rudolph tie instead of his spider man shirt - I think he knew he looked good! Steven, Johnny and Jeanine provided the musical entertainment. Steven adn I agreed this morning that Jeanine has a ton of musical talent. Bridget was her usual happy helpful self. Sean was loving guitar hero III and Nicole as usual was a total sweetie playing with the kids. I guess I've given a play by play of almost everything and everyone. Let's suffice it to say that good times were had by all! Love to all of you :-)

What a cute pic!

How cute is this picture! I had to snag it from Dad's Blog. This is my niece Sophia Mary Margaret :-) We are certainly blessed to have her with us this year.

Family Christmas Fun

We have had an absolutely wonderful Christmas this year! I have tons more pictures to post, but I thought I'd do them one event at a time. First we went to the cabin and my Mamaw's for Christmas, and we had a great time. What a lovey fun family I am blessed to have! I got tons of love and kisses, but unfortunately did not capture any of them on my own camera because I didn't take it down.

Rebecca, Mark and Sophia were with us, and it was great to be able to spend time with them. Sophia is a total cutie, so cute in fact that Madeline was interested in her, which is unusual. Generally she completely ignores babies until they are old enough to walk and talk :-)


When we got home, we opened our presents that we got for each other, which worked out really well. Everyone was happy as you can see from the pictures. Steven LOVES his guitar, and while I won't post an actual picture of it here, I LOVE my new engagement ring setting! Steven and I decided that this year we would buy each other special gifts because our 10 year wedding anniversary is in April. As all of you married folks know, marriage is a journey, and if you've made it to 10 years, you have done a lot of the things you promised you'd do. We've certainly had good times (see photos above) and bad, sickness and health in the last 10 years! So, my engagement ring grew up, because our love grew! It was wonderful to see Steven so excited, honestly one of the things that I love most about him is that he's like a kid when it comes to his toys! Now, I am waiting for Madeline to wake up and see what Santa brought......

We had a ton of fun with Steven's family last night, and those pictures will be posted soon....

Getting into the spirit :-)

Last week I got serious, this week I have to go pure Janie :-)

Remembering Family at Christmas

I had a full day of baking yesterday, and while I was sneaking a chocolate chip or two and listening to Christmas tunes I guess the tastes and smells of Christmas got me to thinking about family no longer with us and times past. The good thing is it didn't make me sad, it made me glad, thinking of the wonderful people and places that shaped my life and got me to where I am today. With Dad's help I got a few pictures, and I thought I'd put just a word or two about what these folks meant to me. These same people are probably your family if you are reading my blog, but if they aren't, I hope you'll take a minute to think of your loved ones today amid the rush of Christmas.

First, a word about the music - bluegrass is the sound of my childhood. My Grandpa Asher, Uncle Wayne and Uncle Ralph particularly are the source of a lot of the music in my memories. All of them played, sang, and/or enjoyed bluegrass. My Mom says that she remembers listening to the Opry on the radio, so I'd venture to bet that her Dad loved it too. Although I never knew him, I always loved him.

A few words about the beautiful people in the pictures (and some who I had no pictures of):

My Uncle Wayne - the Santa picture really captured him - he had a glint in his eye and a smile on his face. He was always joking, and loved his kids (including my Cousin Kevin, who has also passed away) as much as any person I have ever known. He loved me too, which was a blessing for me. Oh yes, he loved UK basketball! My cousin Kevin - I have to admit that I was jealous of his Star Wars toy collection :-) He had the most beautiful blue eyes you'd ever see.

The Hites, what a great family to join! Today I am remembering Steven's cousin Ritchie who was a joy to know (I remember his jokes at camp), and his Uncle Kippy (famous for his egg nog). I've heard so much about his Grandpa and Grandma that I feel I know them, and I can't tell you how much they meant to Steven.

Steven's Mom Joyce - what can I say about her? She was one of the smartest women I've ever known, and she could be fierce when it came to protecting her family. She was funny and interesting, and could tell a sharp one liner with the best of them. She certainly could tell the truth at times too!!

My Uncle Ralph was proud and strong. He lived a hard life, but always had a joke to tell and a song to play. Sometimes he could hurt you when his words cut too close to the truth, but loved his family above all things and would, and did, defend it to the end.

Steven's Grandmother and Granddaddy, R.K. and Ester, taught me about married life - married 60 years, they had a love as strong as any as I have ever experienced. I have never heard a bad word said about either one of them by anyone how knew them. Ester could bake and sew so well she could have had a T.V. show about either of those things. R.K. played music, and influenced Steven so now Steven is learning guitar.

My Grandpa Asher. What can I possibly say about him? There are three men who have shaped my life more than almost anyone else, my Grandpa, my Dad, and Steven. My Grandpa was strong and brave, funny and opinionated, beautiful and sweet, could tell a tall tale like no other, and could play the guitar like an Angel. I have to simply say that heaven is a more beautiful place because he is in it.

My Grandpa Baker I never knew, but I am blessed to have his beautiful family as my own, and have heard many stories about how hard he worked and how much he loved his animals and family.

Thanks for taking a moment to read about my memories. I am sure all of you think about family members who are gone at Christmastime too. Enjoy a memory and smile about it, I sure did!

Dyess Arkansas

Rebecca, Mom & Dad, this one's for you :-) Everyone else will think I'm nuts, but I think you'll get it! Can't wait to have Sophia, Rebecca & Mark here .....

Steven's Christmas Song

I asked Steven just now this question: What Christmas Song should I put on the blog? Of all of the misty eyed, heart tugging Christmas Songs, my Esteemed Hubby picked the following:

(It was an Elvis video, but I had remove it so you could hear other songs :-)

Now, is that a Steveny Christmas Song, or what? Note the guitar - quite similar to the one Steven is dreaming of this Christmas.....

Christmas Parade

We've had a fun holiday week here in our house - Madeline and I were in the Christmas Parade, which was cold, but tons of fun. The pictures are ones we took on the float. Between rain storms we finished our outside lights on Saturday with the help of Mom. Once again, we are pretty Griswold. This year we are complete with a Charlie Brown Tree. When and if it ever stops raining I will go out and take a picture or two for you to chuckle at. I am sure when people drive by they laugh at my little tree, but it is done in the holiday spirit! We wrapped a few more gifts, and purchased some of the necessary ingredients to make some holiday goodies this upcoming week. It took me a while to get into the spirit, but I think I am there now :-) HO, HO, HO!

A Moment in the Life of Daphne the Hamster

This video is for Mark, who has inquired about the life and happiness of Daphne the Hamster. I chose this video of Daphne because she was running around her cage; and, you will note that Madeline was yelling "Super Duck" in the background. Quite the little picture of life around our household. What you unfortunately do not get in this video is Daphne running in her wheel - she goes so fast that literally you cannot see her legs, just a blur, and she will get going so fast that I have actually witnessed her flipping herself completely over in the wheel. All in all, I'd recommend a dwarf hamster as a pet - they make you laugh and you only have to clean their cage once a week :-)

Trimming the Tree

After the turkey is eaten, I immediately get into the Christmas mood, so I did my mega online shopping extravaganza (all shopping complete except Steven's, John's, and Melissa's - please provide lists!). Then Madeline and I decorated the tree :-) First we put up the traditional first ornament, the chimney sweep - a tradition that goes back to when I was a little girl.




Then, the Janie & Steven love 1994 heart,




the traditional ornaments,



and a new thing that Madeline loves, the Tree Train!





Check out the pics, and let me know what you think of the Tree Train. It took me a few minutes to get used to it, but I do think it's cool now :-)



Madeline working hard on the tree :-)

Family Fun

We had a great time having Thanksgiving Dinner today - I think that every one of us got our allotted calories in! We really had fun, and everyone was very kind to me with my constant coughing, etc. It was a great day!

Thanksgiving Blessings

This Thanksgiving I have had a good lesson in being thankful for what you have, and not wanting more. This morning I woke up not feeling too well (I think I overdid it cooking yesterday, and coupled with the pneumonia it got me down a bit), and I don't get to spend this year with my family (because of the pneumonia). So, I called my Mom and got all teary about not being with my maternal family when I could hear them all laughing in the background. I was so teary, in fact, that I didn't call my sweetie little sister, because I knew I would cry for sure. Then I spoke with a friend, who told me of a family with a brand new baby that she knows. The Father who is in his 30s has colon cancer, and had to have surgery very recently hours away from his Whitesburg home. So, he and his wife are sitting in Cleveland today with their tiny baby in the hospital, with all of the terrible fear that has to go with that. It reminded me that I am blessed that I could call my little Mammaw and hear my laughing aunts, and that I could spend the day with my other family, laughing and giggling with them. My husband is healthy, my baby is a beauty, and I am blessed! So, here are my wishes for you:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.



I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.



I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.



I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much

Bigger.



I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.



I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.



I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.



Thank you for being my friend, and for spending your time reading our family blog!

Madeline's Thanksgiving Program

Last night Madeline's class did a little Thanksgiving program for the PTO meeting. She was soooo cute, and very proud of herself! I thought you might want to see a few minutes of it :-) The next time you see her you'll have to ask her to sing her songs!

Veteran's Day

I thought that Veteran's Day was an appropriate day to recognize our nephew, Neal, who graduated from Marine Boot Camp on November 1. We are so proud of him! The stories he has to tell are amazing, and honestly, I do believe he came back a man, when I felt like he was a baby when he left. (He also came back with blisters on his feet the size of the palm of your hand.....) Here are a few photos (of him at graduation, not of the blister):

First Visit with Sophia

I had a wonderful visit with Rebecca and Sophia this week-end. While it was shorter than I would have liked, it was perfect because I got to spend time just with Rebecca and Sophia - I had an opportunity to spend some real quality time with both of them. Sophia is a really cute baby, and it is neat to see Rebecca blossom into a great new Mom. Rebecca went to the grocery and let me feed and care for Sophia. She didn't cry at all, and I have decided that she likes me! So many fun things are ahead for all of us! My sweeties gave me lots of love when I got home, I think maybe they missed me. Madeline loved the wedding dress for her horse that I got for her, and of course I had to put my baby in the slide show too :-)

Halloween

We had a fun night celebrating Halloween today! I went to Madeline's school party - it was 2 1/2 hours long! The kids were divided into groups of six and went around to different centers, they also sang some Halloween songs at the Parrish office, and Madeline was kind of a star because her Aunts Margaret Mary and Judy were there working. Margaret Mary yells "Paddlin Miss Madlin" across the room - who knows why she always says that, but Madeline was all smiles at the attention. I left my camera in my purse though, and didn't get a chance to go back and get pictures.

On Sunday we carved our pumpkins - we were proud of them! We carved a spider, a cat, and a traditional Jack - o - Lantern.



Tonight we went over to Mom & Dad's house, had dinner, gave out candy, and did our trick or treating over there. We had a great time, it is such a blessing to be able to spend that time with them! Madeline was dressed as a fairy, and got many compliments :-) She was particularly proud of her make up!

Her costume was beautiful!



She was casting a few spells



And winning a few hearts :-)



Mom was looking cute too!



Dad was a sweetie, and took Madeline trick or treating, but somehow I missed getting his picture :-(

Family Halloween Party

Birthday with Granddaddy and Jeanine

Johnny and Jeanine came by today to wish Madeline a Happy Belated Birthday and to bring her a gift - we had a good visit with them, and she loved the present :-) It was really kind of good that all of her little birthday celebrations were spread out a bit, because she really has enjoyed visiting with each person and playing with her gifts.

Now, if I could convince her that it's time to clean out her closet, I'd be thrilled too!

Corn Maze Fun!

This week-end was good! We went to Rogers' Corn Maze on Saturday night, and had a really good time - we went through the maze - Madeline is quite the little explorer! We went through the un-haunted maze, as you see in the picture. They had a fun crawl through thing for the kids in the hay loft - Madeline yelled "I am never leaving here!" while she was up there.. We rode a hay ride and went through their little petting zoo. It was a lot of fun! It was on my friend's family farm, which was absolutely beautiful. Afterward we went out for Pizza, for the first time in a long time we ate in the restaurant and loved it! Fun, fun....

20 Years!

I was kind of amazed today to read that The Joshua Tree was released twenty years ago! What else was going on 20 years ago? I entered UK as a Freshman, I met Jen, Robin and Paige, Star Trek - The New Generation was on TV (one of Steven's favorite shows), Baby Jessica fell in the well, the stock market crashed, the Cold War was raging, Iran Contra was in the news, Steven was at U of L (studying hard), Steven King was the best selling author, "The Running Man" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" were playing at the movies. I know it is cliche to say it, but time certainly flies! I was having a lot of fun at the time, but was also uncertain as to how my life would turn out. Here I am, a happy Wife and Mom, career well under way, and twenty years later, my favorite band is still U2!

What do you think?

OK, we've been speculating on whether Madeline and Sophia look alike, so I tried to find a similar picture of Madeline to one Dad had. Madeline's picture is when she was about 4 weeks old, so she was a bit bigger, my after comparing them I'd say they don't really look alike, but their coloring is about the same. What do you think?

(They are both absolutely beautiful, although I'd say Madeline is 0.000002% cuter :-)

Madeline is Famous!

This week-end somehow I missed my girlie in the paper! Her class took a trip to the Farmer's Market and each kid got a little locally grown pumpkin. They had a great time! I though you'd enjoy seeing the picture -

I'm 6 now!

Madeline had a ton of fun on her Birthday - Dad came over and she had a little family Birthday celebration. They had a really good time opening gifts and having cupcakes together. Later we made a water color painting with her new set - she really enjoyed it, then we did the Zoom toy that Rebecca and Mark gave her, and the whole family had a good time! Overall, I think she had a great birthday. We have gone back to our regular work/school life now, and are settling back into that. Thank you to everyone for making Madeline's Birthday so great!