Good Grief! It's Been Way Too Long!!

Yes, yes.....I know it's been forever since I've posted anything on here. I've realized I spend way more time on the computer these days doing little more than keeping up with all my friends and before I know it, the time slips by. I feel like I'm not spending my time as wisely as I should, so I've let my blog go. Plus, it's been crazy busy around our place and I just haven't felt like blogging. But here's a bit of a recap:

* November - Most of my activities this month, of course, involved preparing for Thanksgiving. Every other year, Marks' parents come to our house to spend the holiday on our turf. This year, we not only had his parents, but his sister and her husband and 2 kids and Wesley and Wendy and the 2 g-babies. Wes and his family were here for the entire week, so planning activities and buying and cooking food for the that many people for a week took up a great deal of time. We truly had a feast, but I was way too stressed out over it all. I learned a valuable lesson, though: it's just a meal....delegate....and enjoy time with the family while they're with you.

* December - Of course, means Christmas! I did most of the shopping in November, so that we could send Wes/Wendy and g-babies gifts home with them rather than ship them. Whew!! After all the stressing I did over the Thanksgiving meal, Mark informs me he wants to invite the missionaries, our bishop and his wife and daughter and another family in our ward over for Christmas Day dinner and basically repeat the whole Thanksgiving meal! This time, as I said, I'd learned a few things and prepared the meat, while I let the other guests bring the sides and desserts. Much nicer and less hectic! * Perry changed betallions, which caused him to not to get to take Christmas leave. Bummer!

* January - Early in the first month of the new year, I'm on the treadmill at the gym.....done a mile and a half, when I get a call from my mom. She tells me my sister's fience' had been killed the night before in a car wreck. WOW!! I was not expecting that! I grab my things, stop for gas on the way home, throw some things in a suitcase and take off for Texas to be with my sweet sissy. My hubby and bubba girl were so supportive and helpful and allowed me time with my sister and for that, I am so very thankful. Five days later, I returned to Kentucky, was here for 2 days and received word my grandmother, last of all my grandparents, had passed away at age 93. So, we all jumped in the truck and headed back to Texas. That trip is 13.5 hours one way. Thank heavens I had my sweeties with me this time....sure makes the trip nicer. Needless to say, I was worn out for a while. I have no idea where the rest of the month went. It just got lost.

* February - On Feb. 2, we got a new family member. His name is Cooper and he is a 4 month old (now), 5.4 lb. Maltese puppy and he is absolutely adorable! He has been so much fun to have around and really perked things up in our home. He's playful at times, but LOVES to cuddle and relax on the couch. I was sick this past weekend and he was right beside me continually. Nothing like the unconditional love of a precious puppy dog. * Mark has been traveling a bit this month and still has more to do. * Perry is coming in this weekend for a weeks' visit....the one he didn't get to take in December....or January. Yeah!! * Alysa received awards for making the Honor Roll for the first 9 weeks. She is so smart and we love her so much. She is reading Eclipse, the 3rd book in the Twilight series so that she can see the movie when it comes out in June. We've already registered her for softball and she is still taking guitar lessons. BUSY!!! * Wes and Wendy are looking into trying to get into a house....much needed! I can't wait and I'm so excited for them! More room for them means more room for me when I go to visit!!