Happy Birthday Carol!

Happy birthday to one of the most beautiful, kind-hearted, funniest people I know! :) 

I am so lucky to call you my sister-in-law.  I wish we lived closer so we could see you more often.  A few times per year is never enough. 

We are sending you tons of luck for your poker game tonight with the Red Wings!! 

February freeze

 

In Minnesota, February is supposed to be the least snowy month of the year.  Even so.....last night we got over a foot!  I'm always in awe of how beautiful it is when everything is covered in white.  The photos really don't do it justice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Streak of genius

Several weeks ago, Delanie asked if she could put a streak of blue coloring in her hair.  Why, yes.......yes you can! :)  Up until now, her hair has been super low-maintenance.  She trims it three or four times per year at the most.  For those trims, we have always gone to Great Clips or Fantastic Sams.  Not this time!  I decided she should commemorate the occasion by visiting the salon where I get my hair cut...Kalla Lily.

 

 

Finally, last night was the big night!  As I'm taking pictures of her first salon visit, she reminded me that she had to a salon in Texas several times (without me).  I stand corrected!  Even so......I kept taking pictures like any good momma would.  :)

 

The picture below reminds me of how young Delanie really is.  She's incredibly mature for her age so it's easy to forget she's only fifteen years old.  Her cute little black chucks.......this is the second pair so far this year.  This little chickadee shares her momma's love for Converse! :)

 

 

Once the haircut was complete, it was time for the color.  Instead of bleaching her hair and adding the blue tint, Delanie decided to have an extension put it.  Cool color......right?

 

The extension is attached with a piece of "tape" and will grow out with her hair.  A big benefit is that it won't fade like normal coloring would.  Delanie decided to put it in behind her ear so you would just get a hint of the color when her hair is down. 

 

 

I think it turned out great!  Thankfully, she's happy with it too.  :)

 

 

We capped the night off with a celebratory dinner at PF Changs.  From as far back as I can remember, that seems to be the place we congregate for "girls night".  My baby is growing up.......high school is just around the corner.  (Yikes!) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

More like five minutes.....

My heart is so full as I write this post.  Five years ago today, Jim and I exchanged vows in front of a small group of family and friends......pledging to stand together through thick and thin......on the same day his parents got married so long ago.  Before then, we were engaged for only three months.  We decided on a wedding at home after Jim said that he "wanted a marriage, not a wedding".  I knew right then and there that he was the perfect match for me! :)

 

Let me tell you how wonderful this man is......  I have never met anyone so selfless.  He genuinely cares about the people he surrounds himself with.  To that end, he would go to the ends of the Earth to make sure they are healthy and happy.  He has been a much-needed blessing to our family.  He takes his role of "bonus dad" so seriously.  He doesn't take crap off of anyone (especially me.....refer to the perfect match comment above). 

 

 

Over the years, Jim and I have presented a united front no matter what curve balls were thrown at us. It was on our second anniversary that we decided to move 1000 miles away from home. It's been a crazy wonderful adventure and the best part of it is that I get to share with my best friend.

 

Happy anniversary Jim!  I thank God every day that he brought you into my life. 

Letters from Bea

 

I always get excited when I see letters from Bea in my mailbox.  In an age of instant messaging and email, there is something about hand-written letters that take me back to a simpler place in time.  Charlene and I have tried not to let the 1000 mile distance between us affect our closeness.  Even after all this time, I still consider her one of my closest friends.  How lucky am I that I get a friend/twin sister combo???

 

I even have a designated box where I keep all the letters I have received.  What makes the letters so special is the fact that it's difficult for Charlene to write them out.  She is right-handed and, by some cruel twist of fate, her Multiple Sclerosis really affects her right side.  The fact that she will sit down and complete such a difficult task puts me in a state of awe. 

Love you long time, Bea!! :)