Dear Mom,
Another Thanksgiving has come and gone without you.
How I wish you'd been there with us. Guess what? I
didn't cry this time! I still miss you every day...

You're never far from my thoughts.
Love you ten times!!!

Due to recent technical difficulties and an exciting new social life,
I may be offline until the weekend. ;)

Giving Thanks

Getting into the holidays soon and a lot of people
have been talking about what they are thankful for.
Today I'm thinking of the most basic things. The
sort of things we take for granted, like shoes! I've
heard of Toms before, but I just watched the video
and was very impressed. I had no idea, but found
out by visiting their site that there is a debilitating
disease contracted in Ethiopia caused by walking
on silica rich soil. Wearing shoes totally prevents
it!



I just watched a different video on another blog and
thought it was way cool. I thought this video below
was more important.


TOMS Shoes - YouTube - TOMS and Podo



It makes me wish Lumpkin was small again so I could get her this cute little shoes!

I even found a pair that I like!




I know a lot of you are on a tight budget like I am, but
if buying one pair of shoes can save a child's life, isn't it
worth a few extra dollars? I think that what Toms is
doing is a wonderful thing.

A Sad Day

I said goodbye to a friend today.
Still so hard to comprehend how someone so vibrant and
unique can be gone. Gone too soon. Only 43 years old. So
many memories and so much love for him from a now
-grieving family. I chose the picture of the folded flag because
I was so touched by the military ceremony at the graveside.
It had been many years since his service to his country, but
the honor and respect given him and his family was amazing.
It was a heartbreaking day and he will be sorely missed.

Willpower? What Willpower?

Ok, so maybe I wasn't at THIS particular Hobby Lobby today (what's with the van?), but I did go to pick up one or two craft supplies. Ummmm.... did I mention that nearly EVERYTHING was 50-66% OFF????? So, yeah, I may have filled my cart. I did get the sanding block I wanted...







I may not get as much done as I'd like with my next project this weekend. Lots of responsibilities to take care of. Then there's the driving an hour away to pick up Lumpkin from her Dad (at 8:30 a.m. on my only day to sleep in, so she can go with her boyfriend to his church). Ahhh, who am I kidding? I miss her every minute she's gone and I can't wait to go get her!

I've been viewing some pretty cool blogs for a while now. I'm going to attach a link to one of my favorites. Right now she's offering a chance to win a $25 Pottery Barn gift card. Enter now! Be sure to check out her blog too!
http://getyourmarthaon.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-giveaway-day.html

A Tribute To The World's Most Incredible Mom

Couldn't quite figure out how to enlarge this pic of my beautiful Mom.
It has been three years today since we lost her unexpectedly. What a
beautiful day to memorialize her. Our favorite season, Fall. The sun is
shining and it is a glorious day. No one could be more loved or missed.
I think of her every day. There are so many beautiful memories. She left
behind a family who is still trying to find their way without her. She was the glue
that held our family together. It is her memory that binds us even more tightly.
Her legacy of love will be remembered always. I love you Mom.