Phyllis Yvonne Green

My father's wife, my bonus mom (I hate "step" mom). She passed away on Sunday, 2 minutes after I walked into the room to say goodbye to her. Thanks for waiting for me Phyllis.

She was a very kind, giving big hearted woman, who loved her grandchildren to death. Her death came as a surprise, definately unexpected. She would have been 59 on the 18th had she made it three more days.

She had pneumonia (sp?) and after choking, aspirated on food, she then stopped breathing, and ultimately it was the major stroke that did it.

I am so grateful for all that I know about God's plan, the peace it brings to those of us who loved her andknow that we will see her again soon.

We will all miss you!

Don't fall over!

I know it has been like fifty years since I have REALLY blogged, but all for good reason.

Dave and I decided to stimulate the economy and purchase a home. It has been a whirlwind month and a half. This is how it went....

I came home the week before Christmas, the day of the big snow, from spending some time down at my mom's house. David came home from work and knowing that a huge stomr was headed our way the conversation commenced.

Dave: How do you feel about maybe using the fireplace, you know, in case we lose power? (we haven't ever used it)

Stacie: Hmmm, I think we should look into buying a house.

Dave: What!!

Stacie: Yeah, let's check it out.

Dave: OK

So, I made a call to a friend in the area who is a realtor and asked her to recommend a mortgage broker. We scheduled an appointment for two days later...and the rest as they say is history.

We found a house we both loved at first sight. It was right around the corner from where we lived, so we didn't have to move far. It is large enough for us to live in with all our kids forever (even if we have more) and not too large that we will want to move, at least until we are too old to want to tackle the stairs anymore.

Anyways...I hope that explains my lack of posting. We are done moving out of the other house now, and close enough to moving in the new one, so I should be blogging more now.

okay so the first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by me to you.my choice. made especially for you.of course there are some restrictions and limitations:

1 i make no guarantees that you will like what i make!

2 what i create will be just for you.

3 it will be done sometime this year.

4 you have no clue what it will be... it may be a story. it may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. i may draw or paint something. i may bake something and mail it to you. who knows? not you, thats for sure.

5 i reserve the right to do something extremely strange. the catch? oh the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on their blog.the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!! oh and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!

Sweet Girl

Driving down the road today, Maira and Reiley were talking about who they were in love with. Maira says she isn't in love with anybody...but if she were, it would be with somebody who has lived on earth, but isn't alive anymore, which ensued a conversation about dead grandparents.

Arami pipes up..."Mommy, I don't want daddy to get older and die, you know why? Because I love him so much!"

She is such a sweetie!

Treasure Hunt

Wii decided that this years' present would be a Wii. There wasn't a lot else under the tree, and we wanted it to be a memorable occasion, so we did a treasure hunt.

The last present under the tree had an envelope inside. The rest ensued as followed...

As you've opened this gift you thought you were done.

But there's one more surprise here for every one.

You need to earn the parts to know what to do,

Just keep on task to earn your next clue.

You'll go on a hunt, up, down and all around,

But don't open the gifts, leave them as they are found.

The first task is simple, we know you will win.

Pick up all of this paper and take it out to the bin.

You've found the first part,OH!!! but don't get to hasty.

To find your next clue, make some food that is tasty!

While breakfast is cooking, you need something to do.

When you open the closet, can you see even one shoe?

Hang the coats, stuff the shoes, keep all the boots stowin'

When you are all done open the boot of Rowan. (Rowan is our mini)

PJ's pillows and blankets so neat,

Gifts from your grandma are always a treat.

Write a letter of thanks, meant to inspire.

When your cards are all done, look where there is fire.

You've completed your duties, you are alomst done.

Just open each present and get ready for fun!

Quilting

Several months ago, Lisa and I decided that we were going to start quilting. We got started with the church quilt group on one design, and then went and started on our own designs as well. On December 23, we both finally finished our first full quilts. I wrapped this one up for David. It is going to be his "Snuggle on the couch watching TV" quilt. Lisa made hers for Keven, her hubby, to deploy with. They are both Patriotic, and obciously a different pattern. I think it is so cool that they turned out so nicely.

Christmas Eve with the Hollisters

Dave and I decided last year, that because we have to do so much driving to get Reiley to see his mom for visitation, that we just don't want to travel any more. It is hard for our van, and our kids. We also thought that it would be nice to have our house to ourselves for Christmas, but would also like to be with our extended family...so last year we met in burlington...it is a little less than half-way for us (a little more for my family) at Chuck-E-Cheese. The kids have a blast, as do their parents. We get fed, and there is barely anyone there, so we totally get to spread out.

Great Grandma Muriel got all the kids a guitar. Can you tell they are excited!

This is the adults after the present unvailing, checking out their stuff.

Before opening...see how we took up two whole table spreads

This is the kids putting on a show. Aren't they cute!