'Tis the Season...

There was a Parade of Lights in Laurie, MO last night and we took the kiddos to go see it and it was a little chilly and rainy, but the Parade must go on! It was sure worth it to see the look on their eyes as we saw all the lights go by on the Firetrucks and let’s not forget all the Candy being tossed! Yum! At the end of the Parade there was a kid walking with a bag of stuffed animals and he walked right passed my niece, Kaitlin and handed one to the girl that stepped in front of her. Well, trust me, my “Aunt” instincts kicked right in as I said “EXCUSE ME” and got his attention and I pointed down to the cute little girl with the Dora umbrella and he said he didn’t even see her there….well, let it be known that she got her Teddy Bear!!!

After the Parade ended, we went to the local Mall where Santa was going to be as well as the Train Exhibit! How Exciting!! We knew the Boys would get pics with Santa, but Kaitlin is still not sure of any grown up that is dressed in a weird Suit…can you really blame her?

I got some pics of everyone enjoying the Train exhibit, there was a Dollhouse in the middle of the exhibit, but I still think Kaitlin was more impressed by the Train. Nolan & Brayden have kinda outgrown the Trains, but it was still a cute display.

(I think Nolan was ready to get back home to his new buddy, Murphy)

Nolan & Brayden posed for me in front of the
Christmas Tree and Snowmen ~ it was not
quite as easy getting their little sister to do the
same pose, but I got the best picture that I
could with what little time I had!! Man she is
fast for a 2 yr old!! Too much too see!! ;o)

Once we were finished at the Mall, we had to drive thru Enchanted Lights that were displayed for the Season ~Dad had helped set up one of the displays for the Methodist Church it was very Pretty!!

Kaitlin’s Favorite item were the “Angels” she came home and told everyone about these “Angels” a few nights ago so we decided to drive her thru again. Her little eyes just light up with all of the lights on all of the displays. It really makes you remember what the Season is all about when you see the look on the little ones faces…

Thankful...

Kaitlin Jo

This past year has been such a whirlwind for me and I have so much to be Thankful for, especially the fact that I now have a Wonderful Husband!! Although I am not with him everyday (physically) mentally and spirtually we are together and soon will be together in all ways.

I can honestly say that there aren't too many Thanksgivings that I can remember going out on a Boat Ride on the Lake of the Ozarks. This year me and Murphy were able to go out with Parents and my Brother, Kevin and his beautiful Family.

We enjoyed a nice ride out on the Lake while our Turkey dinner was cooking in the Oven (no worries it was Mom doing the cooking not me & Julie!). We had to get back in time for the Cowboys Kick Off and make sure that the Turkey was doing alright. We just could not believe that it was such a gorgeous day in Missouri to be able to be out on the Lake in Late November!!!!

And the Final Thanks for this Day COWBOYS 34 SEAHAWKS 9 ..... WOOHOO!!!! GO COWBOYS!!!!

What a Blessed Day with Family (and Football)... all that could've made this day better was with my Husband being with us. XOXO

Delivery...

After Dad and I got home from our Lunch at the Sr. Center and then our short shopping trip, when I rounded the corner, there was a box from 1-800-Flowers to Mom & Dad.

Once we got the Box inside and I opened the Card and read it, we realized it was from my thoughtful Husband sending his love to his In-Laws, since he will not be able to make it out here with us this year - but stated that he knows there will be MANY more for us to share!! How sweet is he??!!!

We tried to get him to fly out here and join us since he has not met my brother and his family, but Justin doesn't get in from his Field exercise until late evening on Wednesday. He would have to catch a red-eye flight and then fly back on Sunday and the flights were just too expensive for us this year. I sure do miss him so much, but hopefully we will know soon what is going on with his leave for Christmas so we can figure out what is going on with our next Holiday!!

Thanks Dad!

I got my very 1st pair of "Crocs" today & they are Pink & lined with fur! Aren't they oh so cute?!! I just love them, and I know Dad loved how I just happened to forget my purse - but, hey, we got them at the "Black Friday" Sale Price since they knew Dad (well, doesn't everyone in this town????)

Through the Woods...

I wanted to share with ya'll the trip to my Parents house. For those of you that have not been here, or heard me talk about it, they live on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

Murphy has now gotten to where he knows when we are getting close when we no longer are on the Blacktop roads and get on the gravel roads. Of course, he wants me to roll down the windows so that he can smell all of the scents out there as well!


Trust me, when it's dark and after watching any Scary movies, it can be a little frightening. But, it can also be very beautiful during the day when you see Bambi and her family running thru the woods...and NO you hunters, not at this time of the year!!!!

The drive is much prettier in the summer as the trees are full of leaves and just cover the roads!

This driveway to the right is going up to my Parents house, and you will see the Lake as you drive forward. It really makes the drive home and thru the woods worth it!!! Sure beats that City Living!!!


Now, as you see below, as you approach their house, you pull in and park at the back on their house - as if you are parking on their roof.

As you can see, it looks as though my Jeep is parked on top of their house, overlooking the Lake.

View of Mom & Dad's house from Boat Dock - usually have Patio Furniture out on right side of deck, however it is all put up for Winter. That is a great place with perfect view of Lake, rough life, eh?

This is now "Mom's Storage Shed" since Dad has his garage for all of his guy stuff. I love the seagulls on the door, too cute.

And, Last but Definitely NOT Least... The Boat Dock & Pontoon Boat!!!

Lots of Good Memories there & plenty more to come!!!

Army Santa

For those of you that didn't know, I collect Santa's and my Mom just couldn't wait to give me this one that she found while in Illinois with my Aunt right after my Wedding:

An Army Santa!!!!

How Freakin cool is that??!!! I had to send a pic of it to Justin and he LOVED IT as much as I did...Of Course, my Dad had to have me add that they were Sold Out of the Navy Santa's due to the fact that they were so popular! lol

I'm here...

I made it safely to my Parents house last night & surprised them with a Basket of goodies that I brought - and for those of you that are concerned, NO... I did not bake them... I got them from
http://katheyskonfections.blogspot.com/!!

Man, what a hard drive it was with that basket in the passenger seat for 9 hours next to me and not getting in to it!!!!! Although, I probably should've "tested" them to make sure it was good enough for my Dad's liking??





Murphy got a little upset
with me on the drive cuz I wouldn't allow him to get into the basket of goodies ...... as you can see from these pics...


He would put his head towards the back of the seat or I would hear a *sigh* and he would just lay down (after putting his nose in the basket).

I really can't blame him for trying!! Poor mistreated doggie!!

Thanksgiving Travels

Well, my Thanksgiving Holiday is here...not that I had to request a Vacation or anything this year...sad to say. Murphy and I will be leaving tomorrow to go to Missouri to my Parents for the next week and a half and my Brother and his family will joining us next week as well. I am looking so forward to seeing them all!!!!

Unfortunately, Justin will not be joining us as the flights are just too expensive right now and we just need to save our money for all the stuff ahead of us. We are still waiting to hear if his leave is approved for Christmas before we confirm any plans for then, because we do not want to have to undo any other plans after what happened with the Wedding Plans. But, I will definitely plan on seeing him one way or another I'm sure.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll get good pics of the family within the next week and update. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving and Safe Travels if hitting the roads.

Happy Thanksgiving & God Bless!!!

**Don't forget to watch the Thanksgiving Day Traditional Football Game.....

DALLAS COWBOYS 6-4-0

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2-8-0

Thursday, 11-27 @ 3:15 CST
GO COWBOYS!!!

Answered Prayer...

So, after a long afternoon of sitting in a 3 hour Unemployment Orientation Class and trying to stay awake, I was in a hurry to get home to do, um, well, nothing. lol.

Upon returning home, I checked my mail and low and behold there was a letter from none other than Reflections on Spring Creek. I thought to myself, ok this was really fast after the letter sent from the Attorney General's Office, so either they are fighting me in regards to the Deposit or they are giving in. I was rather nervous to open it....but I did. First thing I see is a Check made payable to me in the amount of $1000 with memo of "Deposit for Oct Wedding" and below is just a bit of the letter:

"It has always been and will always be our policy with active military personnel, that a full refund be given when military obligations cause a wedding postponement. Several refunds were sent out in the month of August and yours was among those refunds. Please find enclosed a check for the return of your original deposit of $1000. We hope this delay has not been a burden to you and we also pray for your husband-to-be, that the Lord will keep him in the palm of his Hand and return him safely to you."

There was also a handwritten "P.S. I thought you might enjoy Rick Warren's handout. I found it very comforting in difficult times." - Kind of ironic since I love Rick Warrens sermons and get is daily devotionals emailed to me.

This letter was sent from Penny Story, the wife and co-owner of Mike Story, the Army Veteran and owner of the Venue. I guess it does pay to contact your Local and State Representatives as my dad has always taught me to do, as that is why they are elected into office to help us and obviously, state and point here, they do help when asked.

As I also stated prior, I really was happy with this Venue, just not with the fact that they did not want to pay this deposit back due to Military cancellation. So, I am thinking I could now refer them again as long as they continue to support the Military and I believe after this they may just add a Military Clause to their Contract, ya think?

All I know is that the Attorney General’s Office will be getting a Special Thank You Card on Behalf of a Paratrooper and his Wife.

No more referral

The Venue that Justin & I had originally booked our Wedding at here in Dallas was "Reflections on Spring Creek" in Plano. We were very satisified with all of their services UNTIL the Army cancelled Justin's leave in August and we had to request all items to be cancelled and funds to be returned, inclunding $1000 deposit. The owner of the Venue, Mike Story, being an Army Veteran asked for a letter from the Army explaining that this was due to Army and we got the letter from Commanding Officer which stated for all deposits to be returned to the Soldier as well. Once this was sent to the Venue, we were advised that the deposit was non refundable per the Contract. I just simply agreed at the time since we were in such confusion on what all was going on with everything. ...Although, you would think that an Army Veteran would understand that a Soldier cannot just go AWOL hmmm....

After talking to some people they brought to my attention the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Act (SSCRA) helps protect Soldiers against any contracts that they entered into and they cannot uphold due to their duties with the Military. So, with this being said, my always thinking Dad advised me to write to my State Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Attorney General Greg Abbott. And, I did! I summarized my frustration in a cover letter and sent copies of the Army Letter as well as the Contract stating that there is no Military Clause in there and that we should not be held liable for something beyond our control. After all, $1000 deposit is alot to lose when it is not like we cancelled our wedding!!!

Well, last week I got a letter from the Attorney General's Office stating that the forwarded to the Consumer Protection Division that monitors business practices and determines priorites for enforcement. They stated when appropiate, the CPD division takes action to stop violation of Texas consumer protection laws. They Thanked me for writing to them and that they owe an enormous debt to the members of our Armed Forces, Veterans and Familes. They appreciate (as do I) and commed all that have served and sacrificed for this great country of ours.

Then yesterday, I received a follow up letter from a Compliance Specialist with the Attorney General's office stating that a Copy of the Complaine Letter has been sent to the Venue and requesting written response within 14 days - hopefully, the Venue will decide to just pay the deposit to the Soldier's Family and be done with it!!!!!

I have also contacted Becky Oliver with Fox 4 News as well - at this point even if the Deposit is not return, the Bad Publicity will be payback enough since the so called Veteran is not Honoring the Soldier that was called to duty to miss his wedding date in Dallas.

I'm hoping that this means I will soon get a reply from the Senator's office as well....

Easy Button

I learned today that the "EASY BUTTON" means just that....

I had gone to Staples last weekend to get some moving supplies (tape, boxes, labels, etc...) and I met a very nice older gentlemen that worked at Staples and he proceeded to guess what these items were for as I was checking out. As we were talking I told him were I was moving to and come to find out, he is a Army Vet out of Fort Bragg! Small World eh?!

Well, his name is Norv and he was so friendly and he recommended that they put paper boxes back for me to help with the move. That way I do not have to purchase more boxes. So, they took my name and told me just to call up there once a week or so and they will have boxes for me. I went up there today and there were 18 boxes with lids for me!!

Now, THAT was EASY!!! Thanks Norv!! ;o)

"HOOAH"

Justin's Grandma Nancy told me that she sent me something the other day and when I received the package it had pillowcases enclosed that she had made.

I took a picture of it to share because I was so impressed with it and I just loved the Fabric and the design that it is Army! And, what a great day today to add - I told Justin about it and of course he loved it without seeing it just knowing who made it. ;o)

I sure wish that I had the talent to sew and make cute things, not sure if I would have the patience, but then again if I knew how cute the end result would be it may make a difference.

Anyway, just had to share ~ Thanks again Grandma Nancy, LOVE IT!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Today I would like to take time to Honor all of the Soldiers that have served and are serving our Country. This is a distinguished Honor of all of the Troops and I still don't think they often get the recognition that is deserved. And, no I'm not just saying that because I am now an Army Wife, as I've always been a Navy Daughter so I've always respected the Service, EVERY Branch.

So, when you see a person with a Military Hat, Shirt, Uniform, etc., whether retired or serving, PLEASE stop and take a minute of your busy day and THANK THEM for Serving OUR Country. This simple gesture goes so far, I do this on days other than today and the looks and expressions and conversations it brings its so nice, you can tell that it Honestly goes a long way.

So, to any Veterans and/or Soldiers reading this blog........

THANK YOU FOR SERVING!!!!!!

Family Wedding

My cousin, John and his Bride, Julie -- don't they make a beautiful couple? My cousin, Stacy, the Groom's sister, sent me these pictures this weekend from the wedding and they are just Awesome!!! Thanks SO Much for sharing!!!!



John & Julie's wedding was an Outdoor Wedding that suited their personalities to the tee! Apparently they had wildlife, as in wolves wandering around the backwoods as they were reading the vows! How freakin cool is that? If you knew the couple, you would know that is EXACTLY how they roll, with the wild!! I would expect nothing less from John and am very excited for their wedding and wish them nothing but Happiness!!!!!!!!!!







The Harris Family











Uncle Bob & Mom...um, can you tell they are related??







John and Julie got married on Saturday, 10-11-08 in Illinois, the weekend after Justin and I got married in North Carolina. I only mention this to let you know that my parents made the track from their home in Missouri to our wedding on 10-04 and then immediately set out to attend John's wedding in Illinois. I must say they sure did see some gorgeous Country in a short amount of time!!!

They better remember the route they took cuz once I move permantly to NC, they will be making it more frequently (hint hint) lol

Whatever.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Below is a picture of my Birthday Gift to my Mom

and for those of you that know her understand

that she absolutely LOVED this Clock!

I told her it was her "Countdown to Retirement Clock": In regards to the "Whatever." I feel that this is a time to bring up again how, as I pointed out to Mom, that her favorite word is in the Bible and we can now put this into perspective with the results of the election: whatever broken, however unlikely, Jesus can fix it.

Onto another subject got some good news - found someone to rent out my house! woohoo! ...And the kicker is that it is my neighbors daughter that I've known the whole time that I've lived here so I know that she is reliable and if not I can tell her Dad on her. lol. I'm sooooo Excited!!!! She is currently in a place that she will need out around the beginning of the year so the time table will be around the same time, unless I happen upon a job prior to then and need to get out to NC sooner then will figure something out.

I'm hoping I can slowly pack and wait for Mom's clock above to keep on tickin so she can come help me, heck, she'll need something to do once she's retired, right? ;o)

It's starting to feel like Justin and I are actually married & Military - we are officially signed up with USAA now! Woohoo let's get us some discounts! We've only gotten the checking account as of today but I'm now checking into switching my auto and homeowners insurance just as soon as I can. It's just nice to actually be able to get the discounts that are deserved.

It's also official that I am all Addison now, got my Driver's License in the mail so all legal identification has been received.

Now, if I can just become roommates with my Husband, it will almost be as if I have one? (at least while he is not deployed)

Results...

Obviously by now you have probably figured out that the new President has been decided and the results are not the way that I Voted.

All that I can say is that I am now a Military Family and I do not wish that any "Change" effect us or that the Soldiers are offered pay to leave the Military as they were with the last Left Wing that held Oval Office (as Justin reminded me last night). Ok, sorry, I will not go into any further Political debates that I keep hearing on all of the News stations as the results are final and cannot be changed.

I can only put my Trust in the One that I have always done so and continue to do so with continued Faith. Amen.

VOTE!!

I have Officially Voted and am very happy with my decision.

I never have had any doubt with whom I wanted to vote for and for those of you that know me well know which way I voted. ;o)

Just know that along with my Husband, there are many many Soldiers that are serving OUR Country for OUR Freedom. We need to All Vote and support our Country. I know that they say that one vote goes a long way, and I'm hoping that this election will be closer than what they think it will be.

I just hope that more people do their homework and get out and VOTE!!!

First Day...

Today is the 1st day of Unemployment for me, it feels weird. Of course, although I did not set my alarm since I was planning on sleeping in a little bit - Murphy had other plans. Just because my days are now changed, this does not mean that his routine has changed, he still needed to go outside rather early and wants me to leave so that he can get back to his sleeping (or whatever he does when I'm gone).
It feels like I have just called in sick today, especially since I feel sick, been in bed most of the weekend with a sore throat and sneezing alot. Luckily, I'm already on Justin's insurance so that I can get into the Dr office before it gets any worse. I'm sure the reality will hit once I get all the Unemployment packet in mail and officially am registered to receive unemployment payments.
I have decided to just live off the Government while preparing to move out to North Carolina to be with Justin. I just have to find the motivation now to get the house packed up and ready to move, thinking alot of the stuff will be ready for garage sale. That will make it alot easier!