A Fun December

Although I am not posting any pictures, I need to get back in the swing of adding to our family blog. Before we know it, our family will be bigger, since Beth and Luke will be parents around July 3rd.

This was a fun and busy month. My dad came for a visit the first weekend of December. His visit got our holiday season off to a great start. We went to his favorite seafood restaurant, Chowder Pot. We brought Dad over to see Beth and Luke's house. We also enjoyed watching a lot of football and basketball. Bill enjoys watching sports with Dad. We always enjoy his visits.

My sister Vickie came the next weekend, and we were busy the entire time. Our weekend started with dinner at Anthony Jacks on Friday evening with Vickie, Bill, Beth, Luke, Taylor and me. Then Vickie, Bill and I had a blast at our neighbor's annual Christmas party Saturday evening. On Sunday, I enjoyed having several girlfriends over for a Christmas Cookie Exchange. I am so glad Vickie got to be a part of the celebration. It wasn't fun letting Vickie leave on Monday because I always have such a great time when we are together.

Bill had to go to Sweden the week before Christmas. Although it wasn't good timing, he was back in time for our annual December 23rd party with Beth, Luke, Miley, Aaron, Taylor, Kyle, Rachel, Brennan and Pat. We enjoyed appetizers and desserts along with our traditional bottled sodas. We played some games, and this year Pat won the Lottery LCR game. He won $51!!! We enjoy the time spent with Kyle, Rachel and Brennan because every time we see Brennan he seems more and more grown up. Also, we just don't know how much time we will have with them. We never know when the Navy will move Kyle. This was a fun time...one that we look forward to every year.

Christmas Eve was time spent with Aaron and Taylor...a good time, I must say. We started our Christmas Eve by attending church. It was very crowded...more than usual. After church we went to Outback for dinner, and then we went to see the lights on Lovely Lane in Plantsville. We topped off the night with homemade hot chocolate, while Bill and I enjoyed watching the boys open a few presents.

Christmas Day was AWESOME! Bill and I got up and started preparing for the day. While Bill stuffed stockings and put gifts under the tree, I started preparing our traditional Christmas breakfast ~ bacon, scrambled eggs, Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole, sausage gravy, biscuits, cheese danish. After Beth, Luke and Miley arrived AND Aaron and Taylor got up, we enjoyed our big breakfast. Then we opened gifts. It is always a joy watching Miley open her presents. She gets so excited, and it makes her Mama Sherri and Papa Dukes so happy!!! We watched the NBA start the season by watching several games; we slept; we ate appetizers and desserts later. Aaron and Taylor went to celebrate with their friends Christmas night while Bill and Luke watched the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears. Beth, Miley and I slept on the couch and loveseat. We just couldn't handle anymore excitement. Beth, Luke and Miley left around 11:00 P.M., thus ending our Christmas celebrations for this year. It was a great season!

We have been blessed far more than we deserve this year. We look forward to what God has in store for us in 2012.

Taylor is Tweny-One

Today is Taylor's 21st birthday! Just where has the time gone? It seems like it was just the other day when we found out we were going to have a third child. This was something God clearly planned because Bill and I thought we had completed our family. I am so glad God is smarter than us. He knew we needed Taylor to complete our family. I distinctly remember Mom telling me that Taylor would bring much joy to our lives. She was so right! Taylor brings joy to everyone he comes in touch with. He is a man of integrity...always puts others before himself...demonstrates passion in all he does...shows genuine interest in others...is responsible...works hard to achieve his goals...Even when the going gets tough, Taylor is optimistic, always focusing on the good no matter the situation. It has been a pleasure watching Taylor's life unfold...watching him grow into a man of God. Twenty-one years has come and gone since our precious baby was born, and I look forward to seeing the good things life has in store for Taylor in the future. We are proud to call him our son.

When you don't Understand the Purpose of HIS Plan...Bow the Knee

A friend from our Kentucky days shared this beautiful video on Facebook today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I. Thanks, Jennifer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9z6l1PXsFE

New England Winters...UGH!!!

Well, we've been living in New England for almost eleven years, and I still DON'T LIKE the winters. We are usually in school regardless of the weather because the crews up here are just prepared for rough winters. However, we have had several snow days since returning to school after Christmas vacation. I would say that's just more snow than anyone could possibly want. Anyway...I hope you enjoy the pictures I took last week after a snowfall.

Our Family

Nice Weekend...

My dad came to visit this weekend. Bill took Friday and Monday off from work,so he could be with us. It's always good to spend time with Dad. We enjoyed eating out at some favorite restaurants, and I also made some of Dad's favorite meals. Beth and Miley were with us this weekend because Luke was working in Vermont with his dad and brother. All in all, the weekend was great!

Blessed...

Have you ever thought about the people who truly make a difference in your life...the people who make you a better person just by you being with them? Today I want to reflect on a visit from two of the most influential people in our family's lives. Last week Tom and Wanda came for a visit, and because of their visit our family was blessed beyond measure. Throughout the week, we laughed...we cried...we were on the go...we relaxed...we talked...we listened...we were loud...we were silent...we were at home...we were away. All in all, our lives and home will never be the same because of their presence. I am forever reminded that God knows just who we need in our lives and when we need them. These two people are some of the most Godly people I know...two people who are slow to judge and quick to make you feel loved and important...Hmmm...I know someone else who has these characteristics...Jesus Christ. We are so fortunate to have Tom and Wanda in our lives, and God has two wonderful servants. Look below at some of the highlights while they were here.

They arrived on Friday, and off we went Saturday morning to New York City via the Metro North Train from Waterbury. We checked in at the Marriott Marquis at Times Square.

We saw the New York Yankees win against the Tortonto Bluejays. Our seats were only 6 rows from the field!


We ate dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner where they had singing waitstaff. Our waiter sang to Wanda.




Our July 4th visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was quite moving.


After returning to Battery Park from Ellis Island, we were entertained by a local contortionist. I hurt just watching him.



Dinner at Bubba Gumps was delicious, and we had seats overlooking Times Square. We enjoyed answering trivia questions our server asked about the movie. By the way...we knew all the correct answers!

We visited several other places, but I can't seem to find the pictures...Trinity Church, St. Paul Chapel, Ground Zero, Fireworks on the 4th, Rockefeller Center & Radio City Music Hall.


We had breakfast at Junior's Monday morning. It was a cute restaurant that specialized in huge portions. Bill, Tom and I ordered 4-egg omelets.





Our last day in New York we enjoyed "hanging out" with some of our favorite famous people at Madame Tussaud's.


Tom wanted to have a hotdog on the streets of New York City before we left, so he did!

After three full days in New York, we returned to Grand Central Station (Terminal) and enjoyed having dinner on the lower level. Wanda was shocked at seeing 4 different people digging in the trash cans for food.



On the train...ready to return to our house.

We spent two nights at our house before heading to Boston...


As soon as we arrived in Boston, we went on a Duck Tour. We traveled on land and sea (Charles River) to see all the sights of Boston. This tour was both informative and fun.

Then we checked in at the Hyatt Regency where Kylie (Taylor's girlfriend) joined us. Kylie is living in Boston this summer while doing an internship at John Hancock. We were most appreciative that she came to the rescue and served as our guide.




Kylie led us on a short walk to Quincy Market where we were entertained by gymnasts, singers/musicians. Then we had dinner at Cheers..."Where everybody knows your name".


After shopping, we visited more, rested some and enjoyed the entertainment.


Before Kylie caught the "T" and we returned to our hotel, we walked over to the pier.

After a night and a couple days in Boston, we headed to Springfield to the Basketball Hall of Fame where we saw important basketball memorbilia and inductee information. Wanda and I even participated in some interactive fun...we were sports announcers...Imagine that!



We left the Basketball Hall of Fame and stopped by Cracker Barrel in Enfield, Connecticut, so Bill and I could get our fill of southern cooking. Then we returned to our home. The next day Beth, Luke, Kyle, Rachel, Brennan and Taylor (Oh...and Miley too) joined us for a cookout. Here are some pictures from the cookout...












This was an AWESOME vacation with some AWESOME people!!!

What a Week!

This has been a great week for the most part. Bill's sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Tom, came up for a visit...that was the great part. I plan to post some pictures from their visit very soon. For the least part of the week, Bill's car broke down on the interstate (after we had just spent thousands of dollars on repairs just a few weeks ago). A thousand dollars later, and we are hopefully going to get it repaired for good. Also, we had a family cookout yesterday, but Friday evening we went to bed without the air conditioning...Yes, it was hot, but we survived. Now our air conditioner is in need of repair. One thing I am reminded of during this difficult process is Phillipians 4:6-7 ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Stay tuned for the great part of the week...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd35-M-xLX4

Quote for today...

Be more concerned about your character than your reputation because your character is who you are and your reputation is just what others THINK of you.

A Good Friend

Sheila, a dear friend, is such an inspiration to me. She shared this awesome prayer with me that encourages me to live a Godly life. I hope this prayer encourages you too.

Holy Spirit inspire in me...
What I should think
What I should say
What I should leave unsaid
What I should write
What I should do
and how I should act,
So I may achieve the good of all my brothers and sisters
Fulfill my mission
and make Christ's Kingdom triumph.

Thanks, Sheila. I am so fortunate to have you in my life.

Bill's Birthday Treat

For Bill's birthday in February, I bought two tickets for a trip to Boston with http://www.postroadstages.com/. The trip was yesterday, and it was awesome!

First stop...Tour of Fenway Park...

We sat in the grand stand seats.

We watched a little of the Pre-draft tryouts.

We sat in the Press Box seats. What a view!!!

We sat in the Green Monster seats. We hope to get Green Monster seats for a game next season.

Second stop...No Name Restaurant...http://www.nonamerestaurant.com/

Third stop...U.S.S. Constitution...

USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. It was first launched in 1797. Constitution is one of six ships ordered for construction by George Washington to protect America's growing maritime interests. The ship's greatest glory came during the war of 1812 when she defeated four British frigates which earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides," because cannon balls glanced off her thick hull. The ship was restored in 1927 with contributions from the nation's school children.

Last stop...Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall)...

Aaron and his friend Andy joined us at Quincy Market for a quick visit. It was good to see him! We were entertained by singers and...

...talented street gymnasts/dancers.

We had a great day!

A Nice Surprise

Finally, Mother's Day was complete! I thoroughly enjoyed Mother's Day with Beth, Luke and Taylor, but it just was missing something...and that something was Aaron. I understood he couldn't be with us because he had to work, but I still missed seeing him on Mother's Day.

Well, a week ago today I was sitting at my computer at school when who should appear at my door but Beth.

"Mom, I thought I would bring you home today, so you wouldn't have to wait until Dad got off work to bring you home." (Bill had my car because his car was in the shop.)

I insisted that I stay at school because I had plenty of work to do in my classroom. I tried to assure Beth that I would be fine staying at school until Bill came home.

She refused to let me stay.

"Mom, you've been putting in too many hours. Just let me bring you home."

After a lot of persuasion (Beth even got my friend Chris in on the action), I finally gave in, thinking, "But I have so much work to do!"

Wow!!! Am I ever so glad I went home.................

We arrived at our house to find Aaron's car in the driveway!!! My heart jumped for joy!!! I couldn't wait to get in the house to hug my Aaron!!!

Aaron told me that he wanted to come visit because he wasn't able to be with me on Mother's Day. He treated me to dinner and spent a couple nights with us. We also enjoyed watching Aaron play his guitar and sing.

Just having him home was the best!

A fun visit at the restaurant!

Music to my ears!