Sunday, January 24, 2016

2016. The year TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN.

It's like...it's the future. ;)

My last break was longer than the break I felt guilty about in my last post. Haha.

Sheesh.

I don't even know where to start with my updates. Life just always moves forward. As it should, yeah?  Things are good with all of us. Work stuffs are actually awesome. The homeschooling stuffs are still great.

Maybe it would be better to just randomly throw out pictures and bits of stuff...

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Our 3rd Annual Walk to End Alzheimer's. We love being a part of this, every year. Trying to do what we can, no matter how little that is, to fight for an end to what has to be just THE most terrible, devastating illness.




We have always walked for Hazel. This year we walked also for Laura Lee and Pat (Ginger's mom). Laura Lee passed away just after our walk, and Pat had just been diagnosed the week of the walk. Keeping the families of everyone effected by Alzheimer's in our thoughts and prayer, always.


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The eldest is thisclose to having his license, and has spent a lot more time behind the wheel. Gulp. I don't like having to acknowledge how much older they get. Like, every year. Did you know that happened?! 

Also, at the tender age of 16, he started his own food business. Square Peg Gastronomy. Shameless plug -- pretty please go "like" his Facebook page? ;)  Eventually he wants to own and operate a food truck. He has to start somewhere, so he's been making some noms and selling them locally, at local breweries around town. I'm in awe of him.




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Meet Artie!

Apparently we are the dog whisperers or something. Whenever doggies show up on our property, they end up staying, lol. This beautiful little guy was terribly mistreated and hurt, then dropped off on our dirt road. :( The wee one immediately bonded with him and they have become buddies. We took him in, got him fixed (awesome way to welcome one into the family, no? har har) named him after one of our favorite characters from Warehouse 13 and he's now the cute, newest addition to our brood. For those that might be keeping count, this is indeed doggie number FIVE.    o.O


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Zoo Academy

This past fall, the boys started attending a homeschool academy at the zoo. They have some friends that attend too, and so far, it's been a pretty cool experience for them. While the kids are getting their learning on, the moms walk around and catch up and just enjoy the locals. :D

I could share a crap-ton of pics from the zoo, but I'm just going to share two for now. 'Cause cuteness.


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The hubs turns 40!

My mother-in-law and my sister-in-law did an excellent job of planning a surprise party for his 40th bday this month. Complete with super secret invites to very old friends, and uh...a little glimpse into life after 40. ;)

Surpriiiiiiise!

Walter, through the years. :D

Yep, a potty chair. ;) 

And the Depends for when it's a long walk to said potty chair. HA! :D
The boys and I were also able to pull off a surprise party the following week, for local friends where we are, and at his favorite place to hang out. Southern Brewing Company. Everyone there is always awesome, and they helped with hanging up the banner I had made, as well as making a hilarious sign they put out at the door!

I love this human. This birthday makes twenty of his birthdays that we've celebrated together.  Can't wait to celebrate a gazillion more!

He shares a birthday with The King. And hates this fact. Thought the "Elvis" and Walter's name "in lights" was a fabulous touch. :D


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Giving up. Going random.

Yeah, I have the attention span of a two year old. I'm tapping out from any sort of structure to the post. Lucky you. Heh. ;)

Here are some others bits from the last few months.

Had an opportunity to go the Opry's 90th birthday bash with some rather lovely humans. :) Saw Carrie Underwood, The Oakridge Boys and some other great acts. Good times. 

Saw George Ezra with some awesome friends. I. Love. His. Voice. Super love even. 

Bailey got a KitchenAid stand mixer. FINALLY. I'm surprised he hasn't named it and tried to carry it around with him everywhere he goes. ;)

Attended my first live showing of Beauty and the Beast. A dear friend invited me and it was absolutely awesome.  We said we were going to see more live shows and we haven't been able to make that happen yet. Methinks that needs to become a priority.

Fitness update! That's the look of someone who felt like a badass right then, lol. This was last month (December). A great run. My longest, with one of my best times!

Good fun over the summer, with this crazy fabulous group of little humans. 

The boys' Dragon Con costumes this year. Don't ask me who they are, I can never remember. Anime something. :D

One of my best Dragon Con moments evah! That's Steve Whitmire and Kermit. K E R M I T! 

Christmas gift from the hubs and my boys. I've wanted a pair of Dr. Martens for forever. They picked out this pair of hot pink patent lamper boots. Perfection. 

Just cause. I adore this dress. And it's a medium. I wouldn't have found something like this when I was a 2XL. ;) 

Helped this little princess celebrate turning 4. Can you tell we love her? And can you tell that she's already aware she's all that? :D 
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Okay. Whew. That was a lot. Maybe too much, lol. In theory, I'm going to try to get back to the monthly updates. Fingers crossed.

Hope you all have had an amazing start to your 2016!

Until next time...