Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye is never easy and the whole idea of saying “See ya later” is tough when you are not sure when you will see them. When I left last time I knew I would be back in less than a month! This time around I have no idea. I may try to come up in the spring if my family can’t come to me. Though I’m sure I would have to come alone. We’ve checked our schedules, and we are hoping to get together soon, but it will probably be summer before it all happens with everyone. Our van is packed, so we ask that you pray for traveling mercies! I tried to hug everyone a little longer tonight, so that I could remember my time with them. I dread the phone call that comes from NC that says someone I love is no longer with us. Living away from your family is hard. Though I do feel that when you are away and return, you spend more quality time with them. We’ve always felt Quality over Quantity was important. I still feel that way. Though with Chris’ family we do spend each Sunday with them. I hope our kids will always remember spending Sunday afternoons with their grandparents. So as I wrap this up and wait for my clothes to finish in the washer, I will say goodnight. Here is to a great NEW YEAR! I’m excited to see what 2012 has in store!

Buy Buy Buy!

This time of year I always say I'm not going to buy a lot or do a lot, but some how I always end up spending more than I anticipated! I still have some shopping to do. Some Christmas, and a few other gifts. Birthday shopping, oh and I need ideas for engagement gifts too! I also have baby gifts to purchase too! I love giving gifts and making gifts! I just get in over my head real fast and then go into debt. I've got a plan to get out of my current debt, but I need to see how my taxes fair this upcoming season. We have to pay our taxes out of our check by ourselves! It's a required discipline. Tough but it's the only way to do it. We are seen as "Self Employed" so it's our job to save the money for our taxes. I'd rather pay quarterly taxes like we did in Texas and then get money back, but so far we haven't set our account up that way. So are you finished with all your shopping? I will do a little more shopping on Christmas Eve. My mom and I always go that day and have fun together early in the morning and end it with breakfast. We are usually home by 9 am.

Vacation Time!

I hope that my family will be able to meet up and have vacation time together this summer. I need to start searching for vacation rentals by owner now. Usually we book by January! I don't know that we will decide that soon. My brother wants to go with us somewhere. I know my mother is thinking a cruise, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet! I suppose after Christmas we will sit down together as a family and decide on some place! Any ideas? Where have you and your family traveled to and enjoyed?

Hummer

I can't believe that my little bird is back! It's so cold out there this morning. Maybe he likes the cold. I wonder where he sleeps at night! I know he might just be a late traveler passing through, but either way I'm glad he stopped by and graced me with his presence this morning! I have some food cooling for him. I hope he will drink it up! 

Silver Dollars

Do any of you still have any silver dollars? I love seeing them, as well as the $2 bill. I think they are just cool. My mom always had an affection for money that was unique. Even the old wheat pennies. We would spot them and grab them up and save them. Did you  know the reason they came out with the state quarters was to increase coin collecting again? Did you see the movie Dear John? I read the book and watched the movie. I enjoyed the take on John's dad being a collector of coins. I've never seen silver bullion or some of the many unique coins out there in person but have seen them on TV or online. I suppose I have my mother to thank for giving me this affection. Not everyone cares about cool or unique coins. Chris has a few silver coins that his dad gave to him years ago. I know they are worth more than their face value, but like most collectors, you aren't in it to sell and make money, you are in it to admire the history and enjoy the journey of where they came from and where it's going!