Once again ~

Its Sunday and my day to play catch up.. In actuality I have had quite a bit of time this past week for that, but I chose to read a book instead. It always makes me feel so good when I complete a new book, especially when it around 500 pages and I complete it in two days...
It was a great book, called Twilight and I can't wait to read books 2, 3, and 4!

Chris' trip overall went very well, there was a small accident but no one was hurt and after a tire and a belt was replaced, things were right back on track... luckily his frustration did not get the best of him and he was still able to enjoy himself and not let the accident ruin the overall fun of the week!

Girls night Friday night was a huge success.. there were 13 or so of us total Friday night who got together at Ciao Wine Bar in Cary http://www.ciaocafeandwinebar.com/ Its a great place with a phenomenal atmosphere if you have never been... the wine is fabulous and its just a great place to hang out with friends! The feedback so far has been very good, so I am already starting to think of options for next time.... hahahah!

The boys are doing well though they are not at home this weekend! Ryan tracks back in tomorrow and Trenton is just chugging along... 7th grade is harder in some ways but easier in some ways for him.. .now that he is past the adjustment and 'middle school' experiences, I think its made the year start off sooo much better than last year. I am really thankful for that!

Work is busy and last week was a bit dramatic at work, but overall, it was okay... going to a conference in a week and a half and that should be fun... as part of it, I get to go to Phoenix.... yeah!!! Its a new state for me.. so I am excited!! Chris will get to fly out for the weekend and see me which makes the trip even better!!!!

Today is football and then the hockey game.. and I really guess I should go shower and start getting ready....or we will be late!!!

Updates ~

Its been a crazy couple of weeks around here.

We have welcomed home Jim.. and showed him out to a coming home party night on the town last night! Be sure to ask Jim about it.. I am sure he remembers at least a few details!!! It was a great party with lots of friends, food, drinks and some really good times.. as well as some great photos taken!!

The boys are busy with school/track out and both doing well in soccer. It keeps our weekends busy, but lots of fun. Youth bowling has also started back up, so the early morning Saturdays are definitely back!!!

Chris is getting ready to go to Gatlinburg, TN for a big Spyder Ride with about 50 - 60 other Spyders from all over the country. It should be an exciting week for him. He leaves Tuesday and comes home Friday... he is excited!!

Work is going well... but very busy. I have a couple of important meetings this week gathering last minute information to try to get final approval on my big project.
On a similar note, Jim and I are going to a conference in early October... I am looking forward to it.

I am still getting burnt ~

In mid September ~ what is wrong with this? Two soccer games on Saturday and one on Sunday leads to a burnt forehead and a farmer's tan... good times though!!!

09-11-2001

Just a moment to remember all those who lost their lives 7 years ago... their friends, their families and all the heroes... we will never forget!

IT1 Jim

Chris and Greg went to pick up Jim yesterday morning and we welcomed him home around 4pm yesterday afternoon. It was a great homecoming with food, friends, a bit of wine and some ice cream cake! What a wonderful combination.

Chris and I are both ecstatic that Jim is finally here... we have missed him so much. Other than a few pounds lighter and a little paler, he is still the same old Jim.. and we can't wait to spend time with him!!

Jim, always thinking of others, presented the 4 couples that were there at dinner last night each with a flag and certificate. The flags flew over the base where he was stationed in Djibouti. He did this as a thank you for helping him and his family out while he was gone. Such a nice gesture, when they are really the ones who had it toughest. But through it all, if made it a little easier, and in any way helped to ease his mind, then it was so definitely worth it. He and his family had the hardest job... and it was very special to be a part of his homecoming!!!

Welcome home Jim... we love you!

Allergies ~

You know I heard that Raleigh ranks 4th as the city with the most allergies.... as I sit here with a pounding headache, I believe it. Of course some of that might be caused by the fact that I have been staring a computer screen for well over 11 hours today... that is just a bit too long!!!

Time to play catchup

So.. .time to play catchup now...

First and foremost, Jim should be on a plane making his way HOME.... YEAH!!! His welcome home party is in the planning and we are ready to see him. Looks like Chris might be the first as he is set to go pick him up next week from Norfolk just as soon as he is done 'demobilizing'... then its time to bring him home!

This past weekend we took a trip to good old Northern Kentucky to see the 'in-laws'... we spent some time with Chris' brother and overall had a good trip. We went down to the farm to check things out and then spent a day doing Riverfest 2008. The WEBN fireworks were great and amazing to watch. It was a great, HOT day spent with my man and some teenage girls.. hahaha..

The boys are doing well.. Ryan tracks out tomorrow for his first track out session.. and Trenton is winding down his second week of school. So far things are going well.

Soccer this weekend might be affected every so slightly by Hannah.. this tropical storm we have coming!!! Looks like we might just get some serious rain... but only time will tell...

Ladies night at Ciao cafe and wine bar is in the planning stages and so far it looks like about 10 girls are showing up, but the numbers keep growing! The more, the merrier!