Road trip!

Yesterday was our last day together before Jeff had to leave. We decided to go to Fredricksburg today

. It is a little German town about an hour away. There was a storm front that came through and so we all had to bundle up, there was a ton of ice, you can even see it on the cars. It was fun but there were a ton of stores closed because of the cold and ice. As we were walking around it was freezing...in the low 20's. So glad we brought our coats! Still had to borrow scarves and gloves!

Texas Mistletoe...too funny!

They have been here a couple of times before, so they knew a couple of shops that they wanted to take us to. The fudge and candy shop was one of them. They had quite the selection and even some old fashion candy that I remember from my childhood. Then they had some really unique candy like below... chocolate covered bacon, peppers and pickles. Krystal said even though she is pregnant, non of that sounded good to her!

Lunch was wonderful and Jeff got to have his favorite  Rueben sandwich! He said it was great! Then we went to a general store where they had tons of sauces, jellies, butters and almost everything you could have wanted to sample. That was fun. I loved the plaque that they had hanging up about 5 Deadly Terms used by Women. I have to say... most of it was true! :) At least Jeff thought so! We found a fun toy store where Kai and Seth got to practice all their musical skills!

Then Brad and I headed to the airport to drop off Jeff. So glad we got to have at least 5 days together. But I have to admit...I miss him already! I will be home next Saturday. Need to have some more time with by Kai boy! And Krystal and I even have a coupe of Quilt Shops we are going to check out. We wish we knew what the baby is going to be so we could start shopping now, but we only have 2 more weeks till we find out! Can't wait!

Getting Nervous, Getting Ready and Getting Excited!

For over 30 years I have been doing Motivational Speaking. I absolutely love it!  I love meeting such incredible people and hearing about their stories, cause everyone has a STORY! It does my heart good when someone comes up and says that something I said help them in any way. I hope and pray that is what happens.
So tomorrow I am flying to California to speak at a Women's Conference, I actually spoke there last year and they wanted me to come back; that is always a good sign :) But as usual I am so nervous and getting excited at the same time. I guess Heavenly Father never wants me to take what I do for granted. It humbles me, every time I go and speak. I know when I get up to speak IF I have adequately prepared and prayed a lot about it, that all will work out. But the time before I get up there and a couple days before, I can hardly concentrate on anything else except my speech. Isn't that funny, you would think with all that stress that I wouldn't like doing it but it is just the opposite, I really do love it!
So for tonight I will share some of my favorite Happy Thoughts and then get back to my speech.
Thanks for your friendship, that has made my life all the sweeter, good night dear friends!

Christmas Miracle!

When I was a little girl, I remember getting on my best Christmas outfit on and standing in line with my Mom to see Santa at the Sears and Roebucks store. I think we stood there for a long time, because I remember my Mom saying her back was hurting. It felt like forever for me too, because I wanted to get the Christmas ring that changed pictures when you turned it certain ways. I remember seeing it at the store earlier, and then when they said that Santa was going to give them out... I knew I had to go see him.

Of course as kids sometimes do, as soon as it was my turn I turned shy and did not want to go sit on his lap. I remember my Mom being so frustrated with me. I finally started crying, I am not sure if the tears was because I didn't want to sit on that strangers lap ( I knew he was one of Santa's helpers... he didn't really look like Santa). Or the tears could have been because I felt guilty that we stood there so long and then I didn't want to go. Whatever, I remember an awlful ride home without the ring or candy cane. Finally a day or so later...Mom gave it to me. Finally I had the magical Santa Ring!!!

When I saw this phot of Kai's first time visiting Santa... I totally understood!

Angie and Jenny came today and played the whole time with Santa's Reindeers, we even had to make a new collar for Rudolf. Maybe if Kai could have held one of the reindeers, he would have done better! But he is still so stinkin cute, even crying! Love and miss my boy!

Why is it that when this wonderful season comes around, my heart gets to hurting because all of my family isn't near? Just would love a Christmas miracle, where we all could be together for Christmas!

Well, part of my Christmas wish came true yesterday when my brother and sister-in-law called and said that they bought me a ticket to come see them and the rest of the family for 6 days! I leave tomorrow! YEAH! Can hardly wait and then by the time I get home ... Lauren will be coming soon! Thanks Neal and Shirley for making my Christmas wish come true! Now I need to go pack! :)

Good night dear friends!

" The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree; the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. "  ~ Burton Hillis