Surprise!

Tonight I went to Tonya's surprise party. Tonya's turning 30 Monday. She's really been dreading it, so Matt, her husband, thought he'd have a little fun with her and have an "over the hill" party. He took care of everything from the planning and organizing to the execution. (Tonya, do you know how blessed you are?) When she walked in one thing was certain...she was surprised! It took her a few minutes to warm up to the idea, but I'm pretty sure she decided the party was a good thing. I've posted a few pictures below. Tonya, 30 isn't so bad. Your life has just started, and the best is yet to come!

If you ever need a cake, I highly recommend using June's Bakery (in Springfield off of Division). Her cakes are the best! She's so sweet and very affordable!!!

Snow Day #3 (the last one)

I spent today on one of my favorite past times... shopping!

I went with Mom, Tonya, Jacob, and Abby.

I always enjoying shopping, but especially so when find a bargain! I got this purse at Dillards (originally $98, although I'm not sure why) for...

$16!!! Can you believe it?

(This is why I never buy anything at full price!)

There's never a dull moment with Abs around. I was pushing her in a cart (containing her insures the most enjoyable trip) when she turns around and tells me, "I don't know your name. Your name's Meme, right?" She was so serious! I fell hook, line, and sinker. Needless to say, I was speechless! Come to find out, this was just a ploy to escape. When I got over being worried about not spending enough time with her, I realized she had almost climbed out of the cart! That little stinker! She was playing on my sympathies as way of escape!

I guess being ornery is exhausting because she didn't quite make it home.

While snow days are great, I'll be glad to go back to work. Since I won't be able to go shopping, I'll be making and saving money all at the same time!

Snow Day #2

I don't really have a lot to show for this snow day. I went to the closing on the refinance on my house. (I'm saving more than 2 points!!!) While this is very exciting and saves a lot of money, my favorite part of the day was my great find at Mardel's. I found the book "Smart Organzing" by Sandra Felton. I'm so excited about reading this book! I'll let you know how it goes and I'll share the tips I learn!

I saw the movie "Fireproof" for the first time tonight. Late, I know, but wow! Great, great movie!! I can't say enough!

In closing, I thought I share how Chloe is spending all her time in all of this cold, cold weather.

She gets so cold it just makes her lifeless! Hang on, Chloe, the snow/ice is beginning to melt!

And to think...2 weeks ago I was here:

Snow Day #1

Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first snow day! (It was especially sweet because I knew I didn't have to make this one up.) I finished the book that I started on the plane to and from California 2 weeks ago. I would recommend reading it. It's called "A Time to Mend" by Sally John and Gary Smalley. If you've read or seen anything by Gary Smalley, you know he's a safe bet! I love him! After reading, I cleaned the house. Everything's put away and sparkling! My dad came and picked me up and brought me home. My mom fixed a fabulous dinner and we're going to watch The Biggest Loser together. I'm so thankful that my parents are close and love me so much!

It was a relaxing day. One I enjoyed very much!
My favorite part of the day, though, was when my Grana called. She left the sweetest message. She celebrated her 90th birthday in November. (She doesn't act a day over 65!) My mom had friends and family send in letters of their favorite stories or memories with my Grana. My friend, Leslie, and I (mainly Leslie) put them together in a scrapbook for her. (For those of you who know Leslie, you can only imagine how good it turned out.) Anyway, she called to tell me how much she was enjoying looking over the book today, rereading letters. She said she was undeserving of all the nice things people wrote. All I have to say to that is I wish that my Grana could see herself through our eyes. She is such a special lady. This side of heaven she'll never know how many lives she's touched with her compassion and love. I wish you all could know her the way I do. Grana, I want to be like you when I grow up!

Yeah!!!

I just got the call that school has been cancelled for tomorrow! That's such a great feeling and one of the perks to being a teacher. Yeah, a day of scrapbooking and doing whatever I want at home! I can't wait!!

You heard it here first!

Chris, Tina, and the boys got Rock Band Friday night, so they had Pop, Grammy, and Meme over for a jam session.

On drums:

Garrett, Tina, and Chris (with a little help from Ethan)

On guitar:

Grammy (with a little help from Ethan) and Pop

On vocals:

Meme (with a little help from Ethan) and Chase

*By the way, can you tell that Ethan is boss?

Tina was an amazing vocalist. I'm only sorry I didn't get a picture to capture her moment in the spotlight!

Tonya and Matt got in on the action the next evening at GayeAnn's.

Blake, you were no fun. You're too good!

The crowds were going wild!

Ok, maybe not all of them...

Just remember...you heard about these hot new stars here first!

Here we go!

A couple of my dear friends have been blogging. I'm addicted to reading what they write. I love the fact that I'm somewhat able to keep up with their daily lives. After following their blogs, I began to feel guilty. After all, they might want to know what's going on in my every day life, no matter how ordinary. So, for all those whom I love, here's a window to the dream I'm living! I hope you enjoy keeping up with me as much I enjoy keeping up with you!