A House Divided.

Yep, everyone knows it was game day.  Not just any game, but Rivalry Weekend!  Even Mom was out celebrating the big game and cheering on the Maize and Blue.  Yes, we all knew that a win was a long shot (even Vegas odds were small).  But the best we figured we could hope for was to score.  Anything.  Even a field goal would have made my day.

Needless to say, the nail biter finale was more than I could have ever imagined!  Today, I'm proud to be a Wolverine.  It's not always about winning.  Sometimes, it's about reminding yourself of who you are.

Was it a heart breaker?  Not for Michigan.  Anytime a you see the play of your lifetime, it's a good day.  So thank you Auburn for reminding me why I watch every college football game I can.



 

Ugh, Black Friday!

I had a plan.

Sleep as long as possible (which turned out to be 3am when Willow decided she had a tummy ache).

Savor my coffee until lunch time (which didn't work out since I was so tired chugging it down was a necessity).

Ignore that Black Friday sales where going on (which was kind of impossible to do when I figured out Christmas was less than a month away and I hadn't purchased more than a handful of gifts and none were for the boys).

Have a spectacular lunch out (almost worked out...until I sprained my ankle when I was making my way to the table).

Pick up the forms at the Courthouse to have the camp site officially transferred to us (which would have worked if someone told Warren County that today was NOT a holiday and they should be open).

Lounge in front of the TV until it was time for a yummy dinner for two (Ok, so the lounging part didn't happen - see Ignore Black Friday above - but the yummy dinner did!).

Spend the evening with Jeff catching up on Little House (not intended to include working frantically on handmade Christmas presents while nursing previously mentioned sprained ankle).

So all I can say is so much for a plan.  They're highly overrated!  Nothing went as planned yet I had a wonderful day (thank you, Jeff!).  And we have two more of them to enjoy :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

With a trip to Columbus, a few hours with Hunter and a few minutes with Will...I feel like the day just flew by!  Not cooking was a perk, spending time with everyone was great, but it left little time to actually give thanks.  That seems to be the story of our lives.  While it's been a trying year, there are some many things to be thankful for.....

I'm thankful for the two amazing children that we've raised.  I know everyone says that, but I truly mean it.  They are the reason I get up every morning.  I couldn't be more proud of them...and I'm thankful for that too.

I'm thankful for the amazingly supportive, compassionate and thoughtful husband I have.  I would never have made it through this year without his love and support.  I try to thank him as often as I can, but I know that there are so many things he does to make each day better and they often go without thanks (but not without notice).  He's had such a profound impact on all three of our lives and I couldn't be more thankful that we found each other.

I'm thankful for the health of all of my family.  With heart conditions, arthritis flair ups, colds, coughs, allergies and bug bites....it can always be worse.  Each day we can get up, go about our day and sleep soundly at night is a blessing to be thankful for.

I'm thankful to have found a few friends that make each day a little brighter.  If you would have told me at this time last year that one of my closest and dearest friends would be someone that I've never met, I wouldn't have believed you.  But I do believe that people come into our lives for a reason.  It's the people that you can count on when all the chips are down that I'm most thankful for.

I'm thankful for the girls.  I may complain sometimes about the Thomas Family Zoo, but nothing (and I mean NOTHING) beats coming home to unconditional love.  The three puppies keep me on my toes; the three cats keep me chasing the three puppies.  But I sleep a little sounder each night with them curled up beside me.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

And as always, I'm thankful for family.  We may argue, fuss and fight, but that's what makes us family.  And if you choose to be a part of it, you know that in the end, it's always worth it.  And to the family I was lucky enough to marry into, I'm thankful for you each day.  Hunter, Will and I couldn't be luckier.

So to each of you, my family and my friends...thank you.

Happy Turkey Eve!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Normally, there would be a turkey thawing, potatoes boiling and a pie in the oven (ok, that may be pushing it).  But since we're heading out first thing in the morning to spend the day eating out with the college kid, we haven't even ventured to the grocery store.  Kroger is my only shopping plan for Black Friday.

So with a lack of left overs, we celebrated Thanksgiving Eve with takeout!

Just Nothing.

I've tried and tried to come up with something to entertain you (and me!) tonight.  But the snow event has turned into a bust, Will went to bed early to get  a good nights sleep before his hunting trip and Jeff and I have worked all night just to make sure we have a four day weekend!

So I'll be back tomorrow with a giant "Yay, it's Friday" kinda blog.

Sleep well!

Three Wise Women

So it's exactly one month until the big day arrives!

The days leading up to it will be filled with planning, cleaning, cooking, baking, shopping, decorating, more planning, wrapping...well, you get the point.

I hope to have a little time in between to eat, drink and be merry!

So while I was scouring the internet tonight for the perfect gifts, I ran across this!  I hope it makes you laugh out loud too!

Bring on Spring!

Holy crap, it's cold!

I wish I had something more exciting to talk about, but it's hard to type with gloves on.  I'm going to have to break out my winter hat...actually, my winter coat too!  

A month ahead of schedule...lets hope Spring gets the hint and is early too!

Smile!

Nothing (and I mean NOTHING) can melt a mothers heart like the smiles of her children.  Not the cheesy "Smile, I"m taking your picture" smile, but the genuine grin that comes from the heart.

I would love to tell you that I was there to experience todays smiles first hand.  I wasn't.  And honestly, these are smiles that I couldn't have captured if I had.  These are moments that are shared between siblings.  Brothers.  And I wouldn't want to have interrupted there time for anything.

But I promise you, I'll look at these pictures for days.  And weeks.  And years.  With a grin larger than both of theirs combined.

Hi! Jeff here. Guest blogging again. So Colleen went to Columbus to take Will to visit Hunter. Originally this was a day trip to drop Will off. Later Colleen informed me that she needed to stay overnight because she had Soooooo much work to do.

Work???? Are we packing or playing with Ryan? I will let you be the judge but it looks to me like she is having more fun with Ryan than actually working. Of course I am working my butt off while shes gone :) Ha Ha.

Throwback Thursday!

Stuffed Animals.  They're a staple of childhood.  It started with the raggedy old dinosaur of Hunters.  I know its still around here somewhere.  And Will, he had Chocolate Moose.  And I know he's still hanging around too.

Over the years, the boys have gone through a million stuffed animals.  We've had teeny bears that fit in their pockets, GINORMOUS snakes and polar bears that were won at Kings Island and about every size in between.  

The most popular?  Those would have to be Webkinz.  I couldn't leave the house for months without making a trip to Basket Country to find the newest release.  The boys would make lists of which they had, which they had to have and which they thought were too girly for them...those went on my list.  

And although Webkinz were the most popular with the boys, not one of them could replace Fred the Bunny.  That matted little thing is still Will's most prized possession (confirmed this week as we cleaned his closet!).  He holds a special place in all of our hearts.  

And did I mention that 5 foot polar bear is still living in Hunters room?

Patiently Waiting...

Just so the boys know that I'm not exaggerating, this is what it looks like when both of the boys are gone.

The poor puppy just waits....and waits....and waits.

It's not just me that is counting down the days until Christmas break.  Three weeks with the boys will do her a world of good.

The Guessing Game!

It's quiz time!

Anyone want to take a guess at Jeff's new project?  Like me, he's finally found the end of the internet and was looking for something a little more fun to do.  We spent the weekend searching and researching the best projects.  He's be working on it ever since.

Anyone want to take any guesses as to what his project is?

Christmas Chaos!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

There are no decorations, no trees, no lights and the garland hasn't been hung.  But the coffee table, couches, end tables and kitchen table all look a lot like a traditional Thomas Christmas.  There are partially finished craft projects on anything that will stand still.  Yarn, paper, glitter and glue have taken over.  

Every year, I swear I won't do it again...but every year I just can't help myself.  And this year, I have more ideas than time.  I may not get any sleep, but I hope to get them all done by the big day!

So no picture tonight...or I'd be ruining someones gift!  

Dinner is served....

just as the tornado/severe storm sirens started to blare!

So that called for a picnic in the basement.  I loved it and as you can tell, so did Will and Jeff.  Ok, so they didn't care for it as much as I did but I found it to be the perfect ending to a great weekend.

Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that when the sun rises we don't find a huge mess to clean up.

Double that!

Money can't buy happiness.  But it can buy a Double Nickel Salad and that makes me happy!  I took a month, but we finally made it to the new Rusty Bucket tonight.  I wonder how hard I'll have to work to convince Jeff to go back tomorrow?  My salad was awesome, but know I just want another one!

Will's Home!

Will's new schedule is working out for everyone!  He's gotten a few days off this week and he's a little more well rested.  Daniel got the pleasure of Will's company for Wendy's and Walmart...and I know that's been a while.  We've had two dinners together this week and there are three more coming up in the next few days.

And the puppies...well this is what it looks like when Will's home.

Throwback Thursday!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

I thought that since it's been such a long week, everyone could use a little something warm and fuzzy to make them smile.  So here you go.....

Yep, that's the oldest as a puppy.  Willow has been amazing since the day she came home.  She's a little bigger now, she'd tip that couch over.  But she's just as amazing, just as sweet and still my very best friend.  She's Hunters biggest fan, Will's shadow and Jeff's favorite playmate.  

She had some big shoes to fill.  She came home just two days after Seven left us.  Little did I know she'd be Sevens twin, in both looks and personality.  

I love all the girls.  But this one, she has a special spot in my heart. 

Good Night!

Maybe, just maybe, I spoke to soon.  I was just raving to Mom and Jeff that I'd made it though both Spring and Fall allergy seasons with only a sneeze or two.  I'm pretty sure that I've sneezed 100x that just tonight.  So I'm taking my Kleenex and allergy medicine and heading to bed.  As long as Jeff can find the beeping fire detector. Ugh!

11.12.13

Oh my, measurable snow fall in November!  According to the weather man, that's about one month ahead of schedule.  I'm hoping that means that Winter leaves us a month early.  No guarantees, but a girl can hope.  

But dang, looks like I should get a move on with making my scarf!  I definitely could have used it today!

Presents!

Presents for me!  This is what Jeff came home with.

What does that mean?  Presents for everyone else!

I'd love to stay and talk, but I have A LOT of Christmas presents to finish up (or start!).

A full heart.

Ahhhh, the sound of silence.  

It kinda stinks.

Toccoa thinks so too.  

Willow hasn't left the garage door in hours.

And Will won't be home until tomorrow.

It's amazing how noisy a full house and heart can be.  

Around the Table.

A journey to Jungle Jim's.  Car repairs.  Hunting Class.  Shopping.  The Gun Range.  A little more shopping.  Movies.  Little House.  

I think that about covers it.

Oh, and a family dinner.  And while the rest was wonderful, the dinner was the highlight of the day.  It doesn't happen often, so when it does, it's a moment to capture!

Varsity Show!

Apparently, I'm a little forgetful this week.  First, I forgot to finish the blog on Monday.  Last night, I fell asleep without blogging at all.  Today, I took off to Varsity Show and completely forgot my camera.  Yes, me.  I totally forgot it.  I was so excited that Mom and Hunter had come to join us to see Will perform that I just forgot.  My camera.  I don't think that has ever happened before!

And can I tell you something?  I enjoyed the show even more.  I didn't worry about lighting, focus or zoom.  Instead, I just smiled, clapped and enjoyed every minute of the show.

So here are my crappy cell shots, just as proof I was there.  But Will got to see us up close and personal and I got to see it all without a lens.

Thanks Will for such a great night!  And I'm praying the next 364 days last an eternity!

Just a little space.

Doesn't he look happy?  He surprised me with a quick dinner out before the craziest part of the week begins.

Please note, this was 2 seconds before the waitress came and sat down at our table.  Yep.  She sat down at our table.  And we were in a booth.  She scooted Jeff over with her arm and took a seat next to him.

Now, some people may not mind.  Actually, if any friend had done it, I wouldn't have either.  But if you know me, you know that I'm not a fan of strangers and I'm a huge fan of my personal space.  But she was just being friendly, right.  That's what I thought as uncomfortable as I was.  That was the first time.  By the third time, she had certainly but a damper on my dinner out.

My lesson to pass on to the boys...respect peoples personal space.  While there are probably millions of people that would have enjoyed tonight's experience, there are millions more (like me) who don't.

Love you guys!

Yep, that's how I walk around the house at night.  It's much easier to answer emails, edit pictures, cut tags, do the dishes and laundry when you feel like a queen.  Actually, I don't really walk around in it every day.  I don't need to.  All three of my boys make me feel like a queen everyday. 

Love you guys! 

Saving my spot :)

Extra time!

The end of Daylight Savings.

It's like a national holiday in the Thomas house.  And I was lucky enough to spend my extra hour having brunch with Michele, Mom and the kids.  We don't get to that very often so it was extra special!

Jeff got to spend his extra hour power washing and Will spent his mowing.  Hunter got an extra hour of studying in.  Yep, I was definitely the lucky one!

So how did you spend your extra hour?

Not Surprised. Ok, maybe a little.

There's no place like home.  I tell myself that each and every day.

But if you're a teenager, it's your life's mission to leave home.  It's the time you find yourself, experiment, make mistakes and live to tell about them.

Was I surprised when Hunter took the job last year at Ohio State and decided not to come home for the summer?  Not a bit.  He was enjoying the freedom and fun that comes along with being on your own.

On that same note, I wasn't the least bit surprised when he told me that he was interviewing for a position here in Cincinnati for this upcoming summer.  Being on your own is fun...for a while.  I wasn't even surprised when he was the only Sophomore called back for a second interview.  And when they called to offer him the position...still, not surprised or shocked.

Then he told me that he accepted it on the spot.  And yes, I was shocked.  Truthfully, I still can't believe he's coming home.  12 weeks.  He'll be here for 12 whole weeks.

Congratulations, Hunter!  We are so proud of you!  Life takes you to unexpected places.  Love brings you home.

It's the Band in Demand!

The Marching Panther Band - Carry On My Wayward Son

The Marching Panthers - We're Outta Here

It's the last game of the season.  And as usual, the highlight of the football game was the halftime show.  I'm such a proud band mom.  There is nothing like watching my boys march across the field.  I normally skip the pictures and the videos so that I can watch the show.  But tonight was senior night.  And it was like hitting a wall when I realized at this time next year, we'll be saying goodbye to the band and it'll be Will's Senior Night.  So as I sit here watching the "replay", I vow to all....I will cherish every single one of the days.  I'll work a little less and play a little more.  Because before I know it, I won't have that chance.

For those that couldn't be here tonight, here are a few videos for you :)  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!