HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHANTEL!

Everyone leave messages for Chantel to wish her a Happy Birthday!!!

Sorry I broke into your blog. :)

Holidays 2008

To start the holiday season off, we took Salem to shop for the food pantry. We felt like it was important that she start to understand the true meaning of the holiday and how blessed she is to have what she has in her life.

After shopping we headed out to see the lights at Temple Square.

I'm not sure why we do this every year but we are thinking that next year we need to find a new light display..the parking stinks, it's super crowded, and we aren't religious people...so why do we go?

We spent Christmas eve in Clarkston, which is always a party. Tons of food and fun! The ride home is usually very peaceful because Salem is exhausted.

Christmas morning started way too early (4 a.m.), Salem got sent back to bed a couple of times. She wasn't too happy because she thought there weren't very many presents. I guess our trip to the food pantry didn't make a huge impression on her. The joys.... after a small lecture about gratitude we woke up to open presents.

Little did she know that Santa had splurged and bought her an American Girl doll.

This doll has been worth every penny, she loves her. Morgan (the doll) has been to the movie, the store, and sleeps with her every night.
Salem also got a fabulous make up and she graciously gave her dad a make over on Christmas morning.

We spent Christmas afternoon up at Grandma & Grandpa Bender's. They gave Salem a Wii which she has loved playing. All in all it was a wonderful holiday season..now I am ready to start taking this stuff down...

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that 2009 finds each of you healthy and happy!

Sweet Caroline their Stalkers!!!

Last night I had the pleasure of going to Neil Diamond with my mother in law. The man knows how to put on one hell of a show. I wish I had some great pictures to post but the security there was unreal. We all meet up for some great dinner, wine and laughs.

Then we headed to the show, I have never seen such an age span in all my life. From teenagers all the way up to the cute 90 year old lady who sat by us. Everyone loves him and he works the crowd, the highlight was Sweet Caroline!

After the show Cheryl (my mother in law) and her friend Darell talked us into to going to the Grand America. This is where he stays and they basically wanted to stalk him. In all my crazy Stevie Nicks days I never did anything like this but I figured if two 60 plus ladies were up for the midnight challenge so was I. We got to the Grand America and waited in the lobby..within in about 5 minutes guess who walked in...




He was very gracious and kind considering there were about 10 crazy women waiting there for him. There were no autographs no official pictures but he stopped and chatted for a few minutes and was off.
I have the greatest mother in law ever, we had such a fun night!

Where are you Christmas...why can't I find you?

I have had a hard time getting in the holiday spirit this year. Last week we took Salem ice skating. She got the hang of it pretty quick and had a great time. It was just what we all needed, we have really been under a lot of stress lately and it was nice to just spend some time together. I guess that is what Christmas really is all about...being together as a family.

Christmas time is here...

I have a lot of catching up to do, first off Steve put the lights up a few weeks ago. He does such an amazing job and this picture just can't do it justice.

Today Steve gave me my Christmas present, he wasn't sure I would like it so he wanted to make sure...and well I love it. I have been saying that the stairs needed something but I didn't know what. It's perfect...thanks Karaden for helping him out.


In spite of everything that is going on, I have to pause and give thanks for the wonderful blessings in my life. I have an amazing husband, no he isn't perfect and our marriage has had it's fair share of bumps but I love him. I have a beautiful daughter and step daughter who make being a mom a great experience. I have the most amazing family. My sisters are women whom I draw strength from daily, and my mom comforts me when all seems lost. My sister in law Amie is one of my dearest friends and I can't imagine life without her. My in laws have given me so much support and I am forever in debt to them...My neighbors are people whom I have come to consider very dear friends, everyday they are there for me and I love them dearly. Heather and Ginger has been my friends for ages and they still are the ones I run to when I need a good laugh..thanks girls. When I look at all of these blessings how could I possibly let one person who doesn't even know me bring me down...I can't! I thank each and everyone of you for giving me the strength I needed. I love you!

Fast Update....

Well yesterday didn't go well at all..so much for hoping for a little human kindness. Anyway this could drag on for months so I need to put the drama away and get back to life. Stay tuned for some new posts I'm a little behind.

BTW how cute is my blog...Shannon did it for me! She is so talented and kind to take care of me every month. And if you didn't notice she put Stevie Nicks on the Christmas play list..just what I needed to get out of the slump. I have truly been blessed with wonderful friends in my life!

Just like the Energizer Bunny!!

The drama keeps going and going and going. We are still alive and hope the holidays find each of you well. We maybe on the brink of a resolution to the custody drama we have been dealing with for the past few months. I would like to ask each of you to please pray that this can be resolved tomorrow!