O Christmas Tree

For the first year we have a live Christmas Tree! I am so excited. All my adult life I have had artificial trees. This past Christmas, I threw out my tree from my ex. I was determined to have a fresh tree. I wanted that aroma and feelings only a real tree can bring, remembering the trees from my childhood. But as money is super tight, since I still can't find a job, I found a super cheap artificial tree on the day after Thanksgiving sales. I was a bit heart-broken, but just glad for the season and tried not to dwell on the plastic crappy tree I had purchased. However, I just couldn't get over how horrible this tree was. So I took it back. Upon returning the tree the customer service lady mentioned this store also sold fresh cut trees???? hmmm....and actually for the same price as the crap one I had! So.....the very next day....we loaded up all the kids, and on a beautifully snowy night we purchased our first, freshly cut, Christmas tree!!!!!!! :D (and it was actually cheaper!)

A few Wedding pics...

So I finally got a few pics from the wedding! Christina made us a beautiful cake. Angela did my hair and makeup and Julia did beautiful decorations. We had a very small, intimate gathering at my parent's home. It was beautiful!

It's just stuff!

Fortunately we have had great driving records. Unfortunately, Michael had his first two-car accident last week, driving home from scouts in the pouring rain. THANKFULLY, niether him, nor Brandon, nor the other driver was hurt...just our checkbook! lol We have great insurance, but this little car barely scratched the other car, yet suffered over $5300 in damages himself.

While this was very tramatic for Michael, Brandon, myself and the other kids we used it as a teaching opportunity for the kids and ourselves. We recounted our blessings and acknowledged His hand in our lives, as we prayed together, again, that night. I just kept recalling my father's words, when anything like this happened while we were growing up: "It's just stuff. It can be replaced." Thank you dad, for teaching me what's important.

Family Fear Factor

For Brandon's Halloween-themed Scout activity in October, we played Family Style Fear Factor...We loved it! Can't you tell by the look on Brandon's face?

For the first challenge he ate a bug! eewwww

Hard to believe he was so eager to drink the bug juice...aka lemon concentrate. They did this drinking race THREE times!

This one was hilarious...we threw Cheetos at his shaving cream-covered face!

One of the two games we won...yes, Josh has a mouse in his mouth. He was able to toss it into the bucket Michael was holding. Hard to believe it's difficult to find things for this kid to eat!

The leaders did a great job planning all the different stations. We are loving our new ward and the boys from scouts!

University of Toledo vs. Florida Int'l (I think?!)

Here are just a few pics from the boys scouting adventure the other night. Brandon's scout group attended a local college football game. It is an annual event for all the scouts in the area. Michael eagerly jumped at the chance for a live game and "guy time"! He is so great with them! This was Brandon's first time meeting with his troop and after the tailgating and bag of goodies and some sports, he now has some friends in the ward.

Fans of Extreme Makeover - Home Edition?

The buzz around town has been the taping of an episode locally. Joshua came home from school Monday asking to watch the news and the airing of the show because it is happening here in Toledo. So Tuesday I caught a glimpse of the news and all the hoopla tha happens when a city is on national t.v.. I just thought it was pretty cool. Then Brandon brought a letter home from the bus driver Tuesday afternoon asking for donations for Haiti. The Makeover team has set up a collection on-site for victims of the lates hurricanes in Haiti.

As, I continue reading it says that Brandon's bus passes by the house that is getting the make-over and Brandon's bus is going to stop by Wednesday after school with their donations! I thought it was a great idea for the kids to be a part of the donation process, as well as to see the t.v. show in the making!

So, Michael and I were in shock this house was so close to us. And started to get curious of where it might be. Behold! On our way to the "Y" for the first time as a family, we notice traffic stopping and controlled by a policeman. Then we noticed the camera crews and signs EVERYWHERE! Down the street the demolition was going on for this makeover! It was so cool to even catch that small glimpse of this life-changing television show. It is so good to see all the volunteers and people who are willing to lend that helping hand!

Honeymoon...Tennessee or Bust!

After cutting off the cans tied to the back of our car we were off for a few days in the Smoky Mountains!

We went to our first dinner and show: Dolly Parton's 'Dixie Stampede'! Oh my goodness! It was so fun! We got served a delicious Southern dinner with no utensils! The show was based on the rivalry between the Confederates and Yankees and supposedly they didn't use forks or spoons! W! lol The show ended calling us one nation and one people and not to discriminate against another, but to stand united as one. It was tons of fun!



Had to take a picture of Kentucky - Birthplace of Brandon! :)