Hello? Anybody Out There?

 I haven’t blogged in about four and a half years. Many things have happened in that time that have changed my life dramatically. Once I see how I do with this, I’ll come back to tell you more. In the meantime, I’ll post a few photos. 

Happiness

I think it’s so important to cultivate your own happiness and surround yourself with upbeat thoughts. So here are some things that make me happy. Hope they make you smile, too. Words of encouragement and pictures of happy faces to make your day a little better.

First Day Second Semester

Lily had her first day of her second semester of college! She had a great day and remembered to share a picture with me. Yay!

Lily’s Winter Break

Lily had such a nice long break at Christmas time. She was able to spend quality time with high school friends and all of her local family. She also went to see several (like 9) movies and got her ears double pierced.

It’s always great to have Lily around. She’s funny and smart and we share many common interests. It’s fun at night to chat about tv shows, movies, and life in general.

Lily headed back to Tech on Saturday with her roommate. She drove her car back to school. I tried to stay distracted while she was on the road (cleaned bathrooms, organized, etc.). It was a welcome relief to see her text pop up that she had made it to Blacksburg successfully.

This is her second semester of college and she seemed very eager to start her new classes. I’m hoping she has a great time and learns a ton this semester.

S H E L L Y is 15!

Today is the day that Shelly arrived 15 years ago. Her entrance into the world was a bit dramatic, but filled with tons of love.

She brought so much happiness into our lives and continues to do so every day.

Her spirit is loving and kind and she would do anything for the people she loves.

Shelly has become a brave and strong person over her 15 years. She effortlessly entered high school this year and always strives to do and be her best.

I couldn’t ask for a better young lady in my life. Shelly is a bright and happy rainbow and she radiates love and light.

Shelly/Sofia/Kaden Birthday Celebration

We gathered together at Chick’s for a birthday celebration for Shelly and her cousins, Sofia and Kaden. 

After dinner we came back to our house for cake and ice cream. It’s always fun to be able to celebrate with cousins. 

December 2018

I decorated my dad’s house for the holidays. I was happy to do it for him.

Lily came home from her first semester at college on December 7th! We went to see Bohemian Rhapsody and that kicked off a month of movies for us.

The girls decorated their gingerbread houses.

So

We went on an airplane ride over the area to see the Christmas lights from the sky. It was such a fun adventure that Lily’s roommate’s dad arranged for us. Afterward, we walked through one of the light displays.

Lily was part of a college panel at her former high school. They answered questions about the freshmen experience.

A few days before Christmas, we went with John’s family to Wintergreen. It was a fun family weekend. Shelly tried skiing and wasn’t a huge fan, but I was happy she tried.

On Christmas Eve, we went to John’s sister’s house for the festivities with his family. Then we spent the night at my dad’s house awaiting the arrow Santa.

Christmas Day was fun and filled with thoughtful gifts. We spent the evening at my sister’s house playing games and eating yummy food.

We did a little after Christmas shopping and found a few good deals. 

New Years Eve, Lily went to a friend’s house for a party and Shelly had her friend Kenzie over. We had the traditional Foster NYE appetizers and we all stayed up until midnight!