Santa's Helper

Drew was asked to be Santa's helper this year for the Annual Kramer Christmas Party. She got to ride in on a fire truck and then helped hand out treat bags to kids after they sat with Santa. She had a great time and looked beautiful too!

Happy Place

I had such a happy surprise today that I thought I must share it with the cyber world.

Ben and I have been in Toledo for a couple days while Ben has had some sort of VW training. I have taken the opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done. Well, while driving to a store I happened to see a Lone Star Steakhouse! At first, I just sighed a sigh of sadness, because I have missed this restaraunt at home. Everyone of them, in the metro Detroit area closed up, one by one.

After my brief moment of silence, I realized that this particular restaraunt did not look boarded up! It was actually open! I was quite shocked and excited, to say the least. It was like a resurrection of a long lost friend. Ok, maybe that's a little extreme, but it put a big smile on my face and I ended up high-tailing it over there after I finished a shopping session.

I ordered my favorite steak, the delmonico and cheddar, bacon fries. Yummy. I even got a free caesar salad from my waitress. I think she thought I was a little strange. Maybe it was the perma-smile, I don't know.

Anywho, I just thought I would share that.

And for anyone who also misses this restaraunt, I found out that there are 4 left in Michigan. The closest to the Detroit area is in Belleville.

Thanks for listening!

McGuffey's No Joke

I apologize, let me correct myself...McGuffey isn't a joke.

I have officially been humbled by the McGuffey Sixth Eclectic Reader that we use for Jordyn's homeschool literature program. Although she has rarely required my help, I have risen to the challenge and assisted her in finishing the assignment...until today. Today I failed. Consequently, this book sits right here in front of me, reminding me of my downfall.
I have decided to include just a small part of her reading in my blog today. I guess I am hoping that I am not the only one who find this, for lack of better words, 'advanced collegiate'. If so, then I blame the brain bleed! :-)
But, wether or not anyone else easily understands it, I'm going to have to dig my heals in, log onto dictionary.com, and give it another go.


Character of Napoleon Bonaparte

...He knew no motive but interest; acknowledged no criterion but success; he worshiped no God but ambition; and, with an eastern devotion, he knelt at the shrine of his idolatry. Subsidiary to this, there was no creed that he did not profess, there was no opinion that he did not promulgate: in the hope of a dynasty, he upheld the crescent; for the sake of a divorce, he bowed before the cross; the orphan of St. Louis, he became the adopted child of the Republic; and, with a parricidial ingratitude, on the ruins both of the throne and the tribune, he reared the throne of his despotism...
(here's some more)
...The whole continent trembled at beholding the audacity of his designs, and the miracle of their execution. Skepticism bowed to the prodigies of his performance; romance assumed the air of history; nor was there aught too incredible for belief, or too fanciful for expectation, when the world saw a subaltern of Corsica waving his imperial flag over her most ancient capitals...

I'd give you more, but I'm plum tuckered out and contemplating restructuring my curriculum to line up with the cretinous homeschool stereotype of teaching only Bible memorization and home economics....hey, that 'cretinous' was a big word! There's hope; mabye Mcguffey's rubbing off on me after all!

My New Ride

It took about 7 weeks but it was worth the wait (I couldn't drive anyways). Ben found this GMC Safari for us that looks like it just came off the line! It is in perfect shape inside and out with only 70K miles.

We were looking for at least a 7 seater, 4x4, with a good towing package. This fit the bill and the colors were perfect. Now I am searching for a camper for it :-) .

Here is the jeep that we sold. This was actually the 2nd navy blue (my favorite color) Cherokee that I have had. They are fun to drive and extremely reliable. But, with not headrests for the girls, and only 5 seats, it was time for something else.

Much To Be Thankful For

I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but most anyone who even looks at this blog, probably already knows why, so I will spare all the details and just say that I am THANKFUL to be getting back to normal! Last Friday the doctor gave me the ok for more (restrained) freedom, but all I really heard was that I could drive again! YEAH! (And that the problem is reversing and I should be back to normal in about 6 months- that was good too!) It had been 2 months since I had driven! I thought it might feel weird, but it didn't. It felt like it was about time! So, besides a daily headache that hopefully physical therapy will be able to get rid of, I am doing great and very thankful to everyone for the prayers, gifts, food, and love that you showed to me and my family. I am truly humbled by it.

Here is a picture of one of the beautiful gifts I received.

Two Cute!

I recently visited at the Cooper's house and saw their new additions, Nathan & Alexis. They have grown so much since the last time I saw them! Beautiful babies.

Family

My cousing Kendra and her son, Chase are in from Arizona this week.

They (along with Uncle Marty & GG)were able to visit with us at my parent's house. It was great to see them. Chase is such a cutie! Very active (as a boy should be), and so smart!

Thanks for taking the time to be with us, Kendra & Chase! Sorry about our lovely Michigan weather, lol!!!

Papa is entertaining with his bird noises.

GG and Chase.

I kind of forced this picture :-)

Here's me and mine!