Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sunday morning as we were sitting down for breakfast, he must have been planning his attack. Daddy was at the stove cooking up some steak, eggs, and potatoes for himself. I had chosen to enjoy a big bowl of cereal, and was trying to eat while also feeding Gavin. I could see something brewing behind those eyes, but nothing could have prepared me for what was ahead. As I finished my cereal, it was obvious that he was through as well. He had begun to whine in a way that says ” It’s time for something new, enough with this”. I proceeded to clear our dishes from the table and take them to the sink, and that’s when he made his move.

“Mama, mama, mama, mama” he shouted as if he had always known the word. And right then and there, I became a big pile of mush. My baby boy had in one word made my heart swell, like it had the first time I held him.

So you can see, I’m in big trouble!!!!

I was reading something the other day that said if you have to spend more than 10 minutes looking for something, you need to get more organized. I totally agree, and one of these days I’ll get organized again, but not today!

I plan on putting some pictures of my little man up soon. These days he is becoming more and more independent, which saddens me. He is growing up way too fast! On the other hand though, I may be able to find a moment here and there to post and catch up with all of you. I’ve missed you gals!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

All is well with us, as I hope it is with all of you. Even though I haven’t been posting…I’ve checked in on each of you now and again. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I do miss all my blogging buddies, and hope that soon I’ll be able to reconnect with each of you.

For the next few months, I’m sure my posts will be almost nonexistent yet again. The reason being, we are soon expecting the arrival of our first child! Gavin is due to make an appearance sometime between now and the middle of January. I will try to post or have posted a birth announcement once he makes his grand entrance.

So for now I hope each of you has a wonderful holiday season surrounded by your loved ones and I’ll be talking to you later on!

That’s right, if the boxes didn’t already give it away…We are moving. I’ve always hated moving and all the packing, unpacking, connecting, and disconnecting that goes along with it. This time is different though. This time I don’t mind the move. This time I don’t mind all the hassle. This time we are moving HOME!

For twenty four years of my life Pensacola, Florida was my home, but in October 2004, Jojo was offered a great job with a design firm in Charlotte,North Carolina. So we left Pensacola and have resided in Charlotte for the last year and a half. Hundreds of miles from all of our family, church, and most of our friends…we began to become home sick. Charlotte is a beautiful city with lots of interesting places to visit and some wonderful people, but it’s not our home.

Besides being home sick, both of my parents have health problems. As you know, I recently spent two weeks in Pensacola caring for my mother after her surgery. She is having a rough time right now, and I wish I were there so I could help. She was finally able to get a home health care nurse to come in to assist her, which puts my mind a little more at ease. Thankfully, right now my Dad’s cancer is in remission. It was very difficult being so far away when he was diagnosed with cancer. Then being here and not able to help out in anyway while he’s been going through radiation, chemo-therapy, and the T-cell transplant. The only way I’ve been able to get through it is with the knowledge and faith that God is in Control. With all this going on, we have decided that we need to be there.

Jojo talked to his bosses and explained how we felt and that wanted to move home. They didn’t hesitate to agree to allowing him to continue his employment with them. He will be working for his current employers in Pensacola, from the comforts of our “cute” new house. They have been very good to us, and for all they have done we will always be grateful. Thank You, B and C!

I am currently considering two options for employment. I could transfer to a local branch of the bank I’m now employed with, and become a full time Client Services Representative. It is a good company to work for, and the pay and benefits are good. Then I’ve been offered a chance to go back to the Credit Union that I worked for before we moved to Charlotte. I’d go back to the exact same position and branch that I worked at before. The pay isn’t as much, but I really enjoyed my job and the people I worked with and for, and the benefits are good. I’m gotta way it out, and pray about it. I’m very thankful that either way, I’ll have a job to go to.

We found a cute two bedroom house in a nice neighborhood fairly close to all our family there. I’m excited about it, and wish I had pictures to share. Once we get there and get settled, I’ll post some. It has tile floors throughout the whole house. The living room has skylights, cathedral ceilings, and a fireplace. The bathroom has a garden tub and separate shower. The house comes with almost all new, never before used appliances including a washer and dryer. It’s small, but cozy, and just right!

There is just one downside to us moving back home…Mom (Kit) will be further away again.

Well, since I’m not Dorothy, and clicking my heels won’t magically transport me and all my stuff to Florida…I’d best get packing.

I thought it better to let everyone know, so no one would worry

Talk to you soon!

It’’s a WestBend 3-in-1 coffeemaker/espresso machine/frothing and steaming wand. Wow all three in one machine! That would save money (spent at Starbucks) and space (that two machines would take up on my counter). Not to mention my coffeemaker had been a piece of crap since I bought it, and I was wanting to get a new one anyway. Also this machine cost about what the two items Jojo had originally suggested would cost, and I got a better coffeemaker. So I brought “Starbucks” home. Of course Jojo was excited and a bit bewildered, especially since I’d said no only a day before.

We then needed to get a frothing pitcher and we discussed how much better the coffee would taste if we could grind our own beans. During our last trip to Pensacola, my best friend Martha (Walmart buddy) and I made a trip to a nearby town to shop at the outlet stores. While there we went to the “Kitchen Store” and what did I find, but a frothing pitcher and a coffee grinder. They were both on sale, so how could I refuse. What a happy little trio:

And at last the whole gang is all together!

So now I’ve been practicing up on my skills, learned at a coffee shop I worked at briefly many years ago. I’m not bragging, but I make a nice Latte’…if I
do say so myself!

Isn’t it pretty? I love it!

I’ve yet to get placemats or a tablecloth for it, and the bouquet could use some work, as could my bare wall.

Now everytime we sit down to dinner, I’ll think about my family. Thanks Robert, Patty, Savannah, and Kaely. I love you!