This is not my original idea, but I love "stealing" great ideas that I come across elsewhere online so I have begun posting on my Facebook page one thing that I am thankful for each day.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (great food, football and parades, getting together with those you love and giving thanks for all of God's blessings, no presents to buy) so I always look forward to November.  But trying to be mindful of all of my blessings adds to my joy at this time of year.  Why not try it?  The photo is from our Baltimore weekend to celebrate Paul's granddaughter's first birthday, so I am thankful for this time to be with family, meet Maia's relatives and celebrate Maeve's milestone!

Happy Halloween!

Mike took this photo of Ray, camped out by the kitchen table and hoping to snag a snack soon.
Doesn't he look jaunty in his Halloween scarf?  Yep - he thinks so too!

Love Story

If you can, check out this amazing story, done by Story Corps. It is the sweetest, most loving thing I have heard in a long time. You can find it under "Danny and Annie" from Story Corps on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNfvuJr9164&feature=player_detailpage#t=50s

Get some tissues and sit back and watch. Then go kiss your loved ones!

Aloha!

Relaxing in Hawaii - so beautiful! Not able to post photos due to hotel internet restrictions but we have taken some lovely ones of Pearl Harbor and the sights around Waikiki. We'll be sure to share them with you when we return!

Serenity Now!

I have my beautiful sister-in-law, Tammy, to thank for this photo of serenity that was taken at my parents' cottage in the country. Nothing captures summer like a day drifting on the pond in the country. Thank you, Tammy!

Family Medicine

We spent four happy days with my brother and his family from Oklahoma City here this week. It was great to see how my dad perked up while he was here, because it was nonstop action with three growing boys in the house. Family medicine can be the best kind. It will be sad to see them go but we are hoping that holiday time might bring them back. I'm already starting my letter, "Dear Santa, Please send that cute white van this way in December. I promise I will be good . . . ."

Wedding!

Paul and I were married on July 1, 2011 in a lovely, small and intimate ceremony at our church, The Chapel at Crosspoint, by our pastor, Jerry Gillis. My parents and our children were in attendance. We feel very blessed to be surrounded by these family members and friends. Afterward, we took a "mini-moon" to Niagara Falls, Canada to the Sheraton overlooking the Falls. We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing with family and friends in what was a picture-perfect holiday weekend here in WNY. Many thanks to all who sent us their cards, prayers and best wishes!