Puzzlemania

I like puzzles....ok, I LOVE puzzles! It gives me something mindless to do on a Sunday afternoon. It somehow feels more productive to put together 500-1000 pieces of a picture just to put them in a box a few hours later than to sit around watching my husband sleep or watch tv. I usually start doing puzzles when the weather gets colder and continue through the winter months.

Anyway- last Christmas I got a puzzle from my parents that I think they gave me as a joke thinking I'd NEVER be able to put it all together. I must say that I tried a few different times only to have it wiped off the table by a passing child.....GRRR!!! Well, today I did it. I FINALLY finished the puzzle!! Take a look....

That's right, M&M's! It's a circle of M&M's!! When I think about it, puzzles are a complete waste of time, but for some reason when I completed this puzzle, I felt really good about it! So, I thought I'd share it will all of you! :)

Visitors

This week has been SOOO busy, but busy with many fun things! This afternoon, my friend from Middle School/High School who now goes to the same Bible Study on Tuesday mornings came over with her 3 year old daughter, Peyton. It's really been great seeing Jessica again now that we're both "grown ups" with kids of our own! It was also Jessica's birthday, so we decided to have the girls decorate cupcakes. They had a blast! It was a little difficult to make them stop for a picture, but I did manage to get a few!! After cupcake decorating, we sampled their creations (delicious) and then the girls went upstairs and played for almost 2 hours without any disagreements! They had a great time and so did the Moms!!

Earlier in the week another good friend, Ruthanne came over with her daughter, Addisyn. We had a chance to catch up with eachother and swap "mom-stories". Then we had some yummy lunch (thank you Meijer's deli salads!!). We also had a little photo shoot with Addy who was giving us some adorable smiles! Addisyn is such a sweet girl! I hope this is one of many visits that we'll have with Addisyn and her mom!

Michelle's Birthday!

Another day, another birthday! It's my sister Michelle's turn for the spotlight! Michelle is my big sister who I've always looked up to! We are 7 years apart, but she always made time for me and included me in what she was doing. She took the time to teach me things and even helped me out when I got my hand caught in the beaters....(my hand was fine but the beaters....didn't look too good)! She is an amazing cook, who I call on a regular basis to get dinner suggestions, recipes, and cooking tips! (The difference between mayo and miracle whip just confuses me)! Now that we're all grown up with families of our own, Michelle is still teaching me things, and is someone that I'll always respect and admire. She's an amazing wife, mother, sister, and friend. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Michelle! I miss you and love you lots!







I was flipping through some old pictures and found this one of me and Michelle. Thanks for being a great big sister!!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Today is my brother-in-law Chris' birthday. I guess I'm going to be making this blog birthday message a tradition!! Let me just tell you a little about Chris. He is married to my sister, Michelle. They live in South Carolina where Chris is a High School teacher and Michelle is a stay at home Mom to 4 kids! For those of you who don't know Chris personally, I'll give you a few facts. You know those people who know a little about A LOT of things? Well, that's not Chris. Chris knows A LOT about A LOT of things! Seriously, whenever I have a question about history, government, technology, music, ANYTHING, I know who knows the answer! He was kind enough to hook up our computers and wireless internet while visiting this summer. Thanks, Chris! It's because of you that I'm able to blog so often and easily! :) So, Happy Birthday, Chris! I hope you have a great day! Unfortunately I can't give you a BD hug in person, so this will have to do. Happy Birthday.



Here's Chris helping my Dad bury the tile for our downspouts. It was rainy and wet that day:)





This is Chris with his son, Sam swimming in the pool at Mom and Dad's this summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF!!

Yesterday was my brother Jeff's birthday. Sorry Jeff, I'm a day late!! Jeff has always had a special place in my heart. As my big brother he teased me, sat on me, "accidentally" dropped spiders in my mouth while I was pinned down, you know..normal big brother stuff. But he wasn't just a big tease, he was a great teacher. I've learned so much from him. He's a hard-worker, an amazing parent, and a sincere and true Christian. I hope you had a great birthday, Jeff! And pray you have many more..



Here's Jeff and his whole family: His wife: Charity (I tell people that she's my sister-in-law, but to me she's a sister)! And his 4 kids: Clayton, Chloe, Lydia, and Garrett