Easter!

Easter this year was spent and my Aunt Cheryl & Uncle Roy's house. We were lucky to have Kathy & Megan fly in from Maryland to spend the week with us.

The kids had fun playing with the dogs and Uncle Kevin brought their new baby goat. Ate a wonderful dinner, had the traditional Easter egg hunt, visited and also celebrated my Grandma's birthday.

This is probably half of my family (you only have 2 cousins? I have 23 first cousins.. JUST FIRST COUSIN'S ALONE!(movie quote.. I don't really have that many... wait or do I?!)) Our family is huge in numbers, and we are loud at times, but that is why I love them. There is never a dull moment.

Happy Birthday Mom!

This post is a week over due...

My mom turned the big 6-0 last week, and we gave her a Ladies Luncheon to celebrate. We had family, ladies from her work as well as friends, old and new, over at our house for lunch.

It was a lot of fun to be able to visit and so good to see everyone that came to support our mom and celebrate.

It was a lot of fun to be able to visit and so good to see everyone that came to support our mom and celebrate.

Later that evening, as a family, took mom to dinner at Flemings. The food was incredible. I don't think I have ever had a steak without putting A-1 on it before eating here.

Mom & Bean

Brother in law & Sister

Sister in law & Tot

Brother and my dad.. trying to be cool... I guess.

It was a fun, busy and exhausting day. But I was surrounded by family so that made up for it. :)

Just Live Your Life!

* Disclosure* I really hope this makes sense. Most of the time what is in my head (other than the 4 other voices) doesn't always come out the way I want it to on paper... or in this case.. the screen.

I was listening to this song last night and I had a "lighting has struck my brain" moment.

I took this moment and reflected on my life. You know what... I've had a pretty darn good life. Has it been a perfect life? Heaven's no. If it was then I wouldn't be grateful for what I have and what I've had to do to get to where I am now. Don't get me wrong.... I still have my moments where I sink into feeling sorry for myself and get into the whirlwind of shoulda, coulda, woulda... but I need to remember the following quote:

'Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. Most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . . . Life is like an old-time rail journey-delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride'

I have family and friends that love me despite my quirks and faults. Give me advice and put me in my place when needed and love me for who I am.

I have a job that 'at times can be more often dull than otherwise'... but I have one.

I have the opportunity to watch my adorable nephew 2 days a week, and I am grateful for this. I don't have children of my own. But my sister, as well as my other siblings, let me have the opportunity to "be a mom" every once in a while and allow me to watch their cute kids.

When I get into moments where I am comparing my life to 'The Jones' I need to remember these things and 'Just Live My Life' the best way I know how.