New rugs

I was so excited to get our portraits but I was dreading the cost of getting them framed. Fortunately I watched for a sale at Hobby Lobby and I was able to get the frames for 50% off. Then Lee framed them and hung them for me and this was the result. I hung them in the foyer and I'm so thrilled to have them. :)

I have been begging for rugs for the dining room and living room for almost 3 years now. This weekend Lee surprised me and took me to Lowes and told me to pick out whatever I wanted. These are the ones I picked out and I LOVE them! Next project will be putting wood floors in the den which Lee and his Dad will do in a few weeks. I can't wait!

38

Well, it happened! I got another year older. I keep waiting to be upset that I'm getting closer to 40. Instead, what I feel is happier and more blessed than I could ever imagine. I have seen so many ups and downs in my life. I think getting older makes you realize what's important and what isn't. I'm at peace for the first time in my life. I have blessings beyond measure. I have a wonderful family and great friends and I love all of you! :)

Every year Lauren bakes me my favorite cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. YUM!!

I was banished upstairs in my bedroom until Lauren finished making my cake so I was sitting in bed watching TV until I was allowed to come downstairs. Then my sweet family brought my presents up to me to open. I got a brand new digital camera from Lauren. I've been talking about how I wanted a little camera that would fit in my purse and now I have one! I opened it right away and took this picture. :)

Inspiration

Wow! I am such a slacker when it comes to blogging! Here's a quote that was in my inbox this morning. So true...

February 06, 2009 Quote of the Day

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you."– Nathaniel Hawthorne

Collin Smith Portraits

Here are our most recent family portraits. This session was a gift from my boss last Christmas. The photographer (Collin Smith) took us out to Francis Marion (Lauren's college) for the session. He is awesome as you can tell from the photos!

Biltmore

Thanksgiving

Best friends

Jake (our puppy) has certainly changed life for Zach (our 10 year old lab). I think a lot of the time that Zach must think we are crazy for bringing him home. He rough houses with Zach, has taken over Zach's bed, steals his food, etc. etc. I wonder all the time if Zach just wishes he'd go away. Well, about a week ago I got up and went into the kitchen to start the coffee. When I looked outside, this is what I saw. I still have no idea what they were looking at, or what made them sit still like that side by side for so long... but it was just so sweet. I'm happy to see that they've become friends.

Thanksgiving

This year we invited everyone to join us at our house for Thanksgiving. I think we ended up with about 25 people here. Lee did a fabulous job cooking and it was so much fun to have so many friends and family join us and share this day with us. We had the best time!