"Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

I know, I know... it's been WEEKS and almost all that I've been posting are my Wordless Wednesdays. Not good... not good at all. I apologize, lovely blog readers. I have had a really hard time getting back into the swing of things in my life since the holidays and they're about to get nutty again (more on that later this week!) So, I am going to do a quick sum up of my Christmas in Chicago (yes there will be pictures).


I flew home on a Friday and the very next day I was able to spend time with my very favorite people.

It had been a long time since I was able to see everyone all together and the very first time I got to hold my newest nephew!! We celebrated Christmas 3 times the first of which included my niece and two oldest (they’re 3 & 1) nephews opening presents. It’s always a fun time hearing excited shouts of ‘that’s awesome!’ and ‘I want to open it now!’ I love seeing the utter joy and happiness on their faces opening gifts. It’s rare to see an adult have that kind of response to a gift anymore…

Until Christmas Eve when I opened my gift (Christmas celebration #2). My brother the paparazzi caught my reaction to my gift on his camera

What was I so excited about, you ask?

Wouldn’t you be? Since I got the camera I’ve been doing all kinds of playing around practicing and seeing what happens with different shots

But nothing was sweeter then Christmas Day (celebration #3). Spending time with Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and getting to see all of these wonderful kiddos again.

I really love my new camera and I’m so thankful for that gift, but the sweetest present for me was getting to spend time with my family.

I hope you all had fabulous Christmas’, blogging friends!!

*I need to give credit where credit is due... the pictures of: my parents and I with the baby, my brother, his wife and their three kids, the picture of me opening my Christmas present, and the picture of me and the 4 kiddos were all taken my my paparazzi brother. He's good, isn't he.

Today is…

My cousin Leanne's Birthday!!! But you may know it better as St. Patrick's Day =o) So, to all of you out there who are Irish, and those of you pretending to be for the day, a St. Patrick's Day toast.

Saint Patrick was a gentleman
Who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland.
Here's toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see those snakes again!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Arrington Vineyards

I went to Arrington Vineyards with Patty and John on Veterans Day (11/11/08). We had a great time =o)



There were so few people off work that we had the place almost to ourselves! Patty had to be on call, but happily she only had one call the whole time we were there. The Vineyard was hosting a party for winners of an event for the Country Music Awards which took place the next day, so we didn't get a tour, but the girl behind the bar for the wine tastings gave John the tour sheet so he was our mock tour guide. He even made up a story that turned out to be right! haha



It started out to be a slightly rainy morning, but eventually the sun broke through the clouds and made the weather very pleasant.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Me at the gate entrance






The view into the vineyard




Patty by the vat of her favorite from the wine tasting



Our veteran




John was very excited about all the wine!





And some random small artsy ones that I really enjoyed taking...

Thanksgiving

It's recently been brought to my attention that I haven't been up to par with my blogging efforts. It's true. It's been over a month since my last post and I hope to rectify that soon. I need to update on things going on & pictures taken... but for today, I hope you appreciate my humble offering of a cartoon that I think is a perfect explanation as to why I get annoyed with Christmas things so very early in the season.

*stay tuned for future updates, hopefully this weekend...

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!