I made it through winter!

Winter 2016

This winter flew by...which is a good thing when one lives in the Midwest!
We only had about two significant snows 
and 
not a lot of days below zero.
We also had a lot of sun which always helps! 


My last post was Mid January 
and
I was dying to tell everyone this news...

Alan and Kiely are going to have another baby!!

It was really hard to keep this in! ha!

I am so thrilled for them!

I watched my sweet Vera while these two went to 

a fundraiser for cancer research.

She was so much fun that night.

 When bedtime came around I didn't want to put her down!

I also did not want to put this book down.

We got it for Tony for his birthday and he let me read it.

If you have been to Italy you will love it!

I DO NOT enjoy reading.

But it was winter, and it was cold and colorless outside

 so 

I snuggled up with a cappuccino 

that my sweet husband made 

AND   

brought in to the bedroom for me 

and

again got lost in Italy!

In September Tony, Camille, Todd and I will be going back to Italy!

Sardinia to be exact!

We are scheduled to leave days after Kiely's baby is due!

I really hope that she goes early because I will not want to be out of the country 

when she has that baby!

Speaking of baby...

 ...these two just bought this new baby! ha!

Evan and Ashley have been living in Bloomington part of the week
and
 Fishers with us the other half of the week 

ever since they've been married.

Evan works with Todd part of the week 

and 

in the summer when he is not at Law School. 

Ashley works in Greenwood.

It was time to set down some roots!

(which thankfully is just minutes from us)

(this was taken after they signed the papers to start finalizing the selling process)

This house was the first house out of many that they looked at
and they just fell in love with it.

I am so happy that everything just fell in to place for them.
I know they feel so blessed!

This night kinda fell in to place too! ;)

 Some of the Pendleton group got together to celebrate Amy's last year in her 40's!

These are just some of the women that helped run the PTO while our children were growing up.

 It was nice catching up with everyone while celebrating our sweet Amy ;)

 January was flying by.

It always helps to have visits from Vera!

Kiely was feeling a bit stir crazy so a change of scenery and routine 

brought them to my house!

Vera played pool,

and 

colored at my desk.

And,

didn't like it when the highlighter got on her hands! ha!

She ate her snacks with the poodles while watching Paw Patrol.

Vladimir is getting ever so close.

That left paw is juuuust barely touching Vera's leg.

And, now he's going in for the kill! 

Soon it was time to go.

We were gathering things up 

and 

couldn't seem to find Vera ;)

She was hiding in the dogs bed!

She kept saying, "Shhh...night!" 

Todd and I had gotten her this piggy bank last year.

That afternoon after she had been here she went home and named it, 

quite appropriately, 

Penny! :)

The following week I met Kiely and Vera for an impromptu lunch.

I might have said the word cookie BEFORE she was finished with her sandwich! 

Yummy! 

(at least she ate all of her pouch full of fruits and veggies!) 

It was such an nice January day!
During lunch we decided to go shopping for Vera.

We were able to find some spring clothes for her. 

She was full of laughs while we were walking back to the car!

She just looked over at Kiely and waved really big,

and 

then started swinging that arm and marching! ha!

I absolutely love spending time with her :)

When she got home she put on some of the outfits I got her

and

did a little style show through pictures for me! :)

Aren't those boots the cutest?!

I had to get them!!

And that shirt,

well...

it is so fitting! :))

I mean...who can ever go wrong with mint and navy?!

Later that week it was play date time with Vera and Greyson.

I took Greyson over to Kiely's while Lindsay groomed the poodles at my house.

It worked out so well because I don't have any toys!

They started to play WITH each other a little.

But,

mainly it was still side-by-side play.

Here they are waiting for the trash truck!

They can hear it and can hardly wait to see it.

Vera is telling Greyson to go back to his window! ha!

All kids love the trash truck!

Just precious ;)

They had a great time!

It is so fun watching them grow.

Greyson will be two April 1

and 

Vera May 27.

Right now it was time to celebrate Sophie Kay's birthday!

She was always such a cute little girl!

And now,

a beautiful young woman!!

I wish I could spend more time with her.

I miss her so much!

Another thing that I was missing on Groundhog's Day was being outside.

I was dreaming of those days when I posted this on Instagram

but, 

it also had another meaning to me.

It was around this time that Todd, his brother and myself 

had been at the hospital with Todd's mom.

She had been bad since November 

and 

the pain was finally unbearable enough for her to seek help.

It was a long week of testing and talking with different teams of doctors.

The result was Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

She has had two rounds of chemo and will have a PET Scan this week 

to see if it is working or if the formula needs some tweaking.

All together the plan is to do six rounds of chemo and see where she stands after that.

Many of you know my attitude towards cancer.

I hate it! Who doesn't?!

I hate that another family member has to go through this awful disease!

But,

I am staying positive and like the quote above,

I believe in many more tomorrow's with Mammy in them!

The following week,

We flew to visit our neighbor's Glen and Ginny at their home in 

Burnt Store Marina, 

Punta Gorda, Florida. 

It was a trip that we had planned before we found out about Todd's mom.

I felt bad leaving but I also knew that Todd needed to get away.

He and Glen had been working tirelessly on acquiring a new business 

and 

this trip was not only for relaxation and renewal 

but also a little work was involved.

Ahhhh...WARMTH!

Glen and Ginny treated us like royalty!

This was our first night here.

We went up to the balcony off of the master suite to look at the sunset 

and

then have dinner.

Ginny was hollering down at some friends 

who were gathered on the sidewalk to also watch the setting sun. 

I cannot tell you how much fun I have when I am with this woman!

She lives and loves life to the fullest!!

What a view they have of the Gulf!

Their yacht is the farthest to the left with the name

"Spoiled Rotten" 

on the back. 

Going,

going,

gone!

Let's eat! ha!

And eat we did...the whole time we were there! ha!

Glen has a smoker, or two or three, and he prepared 

these pork chops and all the fixin's!

I have never tasted anything so good!

He even smoked the Caesar salad!

I don't even like Caesar salad and I ate the whole thing!

What a great way to end a great day!

The next morning Glen was at it early!

He made us breakfast fit for a king.

Stuffed french toast with FRESH fruit and bacon to die for!

I really don't know how Ginny stays so thin with a husband that is a gourmet chef!

After breakfast we packed up for a couple nights on the yacht.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about this 

soon-to-be adventure. 

I kept picturing us out to sea with modern day pirates approaching us! ha!

But, 

it was nothing like that!

Alright Glen,

Let's go!

If only it was that easy!

Like Glen says, 

"Anyone can buy a yacht, but not everyone can own (maintain/run) one!"

There is much to do before "setting sail"!

These are some of the row of houses on Ginny and Glen's street reflecting in the mirrored doors.

Ginny and Glen's house.

They were inside dropping all of the storm shutters.

They had already closed the bottom half.

 While they were busy inside I took some pictures. 

This is where we would be spending the next few days.

Upon entering from the back of the yacht 

the kitchen is to the left 

and 

the master BR and bath were down some steps to the right.

The two guest bedrooms and bath were down the steps in the front.

And of course the living room area.

Kitchen

Master

Master bath

One guest room

The guest room that Todd and I slept in.

Guest bath

Steps up to the fly bridge.

Another place to navigate the yacht and a sunbathing spot!

Also on the fly bridge is a place to eat and a small  kitchen prep area.

There is even a washer and dryer!

Everything was so well thought out!

Now it's time to untie!

Let me tell you,

Ginny has got this down to a science!!!

She may be small but she is mighty!

She was guiding Todd through all of the steps.

Pulling out to fill 'er up with some gas.

Beautiful marina.

Docking to gas up!

We took this picture before heading out to South Seas.

 We took our time and got there in an hour or so.

 We made it.

We docked and the guys were getting our cards.

We then headed out on our bikes to go drink eat some lunch!

Glen is showing Todd how to play a game of swing the washer on the hook.

Glen got it!

After dinner we rode our bikes to the ocean 

and 

watched the sunset.

The next morning we took Max for a walk around Captiva Island.

It reminded me a lot of Fripp Island.

This part reminded me of Ocean Point.

South Seas Marina was beautiful too!

"Spoiled Rotten" is in the middle.

After our walk we went to the beach.

Such a pretty beach!

This little guy followed Todd and I for most of our walk.

We started to watch the sunset 

then realized it was going to be awhile 

and, 

we were hungry and needed to get cleaned up for dinner...so we passed!

But what we did see was beautiful!

I caught a glimpse through the trees of the sun going down right before we went in to eat.

Such a happy fun married couple!

Right before we chowed down on some surf and turf! ha!

That night after dinner 

we sat out on the deck of the yacht 

and talked, laughed, 

and 

toasted to two good days with good friends on Captiva Island!

The next morning 

we packed up the bikes,

and Max,

and headed out to the Gulf!

So nice!

See, 

no pirates! Just beautiful sailboats! ha!

We stopped for lunch at Fisherman's Village

and 

did a little window shopping.

We got back to Glen and Ginny's 

just in time to clean up and drive to Pine Island for dinner. 

 Just in time to watch the sunset!

I love this moment right before the sky and water turn fire red!

One more picture before going in to eat.

Well,

I thought it was just one more.

We were eating in a screened in area and I had to get this one!

The next day was our last.

Ginny fixed biscuits and homemade gravy 

and

 Glen made scrambled eggs and cheese with prosciutto!

Todd and I took a walk together around Burnt Store Mariana.

What a picture perfect day!

The community pools are in this area.

We went there for awhile and then laid out by Glen and Ginny's pool.

After we helped clean up the yacht 

Todd and I took one last golf cart ride around the island before sunset and dinner.

It really is a beautiful island!

 One last sunset

and...

gourmet dinner!!!

This night we had fresh lobster tails stuffed with crab, 

shrimp scampi, ribeye steak, veggies. and garlic bread!

Glen and Ginny,

we cannot thank you enough for all of your hospitality 

but

most of all,

for your friendship!

We left feeling refreshed

(and a little stuffed)

and 

ready to face what awaited us back home!

Before 

we left for Florida we went shopping with Evan and Ashley for 

new family room furniture 

and 

appliances. 

They purchased a chair.

And,

a sofa and love seat.

They also needed a washer and dryer 

and 

refrigerator.

That same weekend

Graham had a derby party 

at his fraternity house.

Being a southern boy for three years in college,

Evan is helping him with his bow tie and pocket square! :)

 Upon our return from FL

Evan and Ashley closed on their house! 

I asked her to document with pictures of course!

This is the drive to sign the closing papers and get their keys!

Closing!

And the keys are in hand!

We celebrated with lunch that afternoon with Kiely and Vera!

The next day 

the appliances and furniture they purchased before we left for FL were to arrive!

This is their new address.

It is in the town of McCordsville, IN.

The next day

Ashley got up at the crack of dawn on her day off 

and 

camped out waiting for the Lowes appliance delivery 

and 

furniture delivery.

Lowes didn't show 

and 

only the love seat was delivered. :(

Isn't that so frustrating when you think you have everything planned and it doesn't work out?!

Oh well,

because of the mix up they ended up saving over $250.00 on the appliances 

plus free delivery and 25% off their next order for the furniture!

ALL the days after that have all been a blur!

(Ashley and I moved all of the kitchen things first...genius idea that I will use in the future!)

Between the moving, 

(Gma Kay couldn't wait to help out!)

cleaning, 

(accessories and some unboxed small appliances)

moving stuff from Bloomington again, 

(top three pieces were given to Ashley bottom pix is her furniture)

painting furniture, 

(Tom to the rescue!)

shelf hanging, 

(Doug and V on moving day!)

One final move!

And,

hanging the...

wait, what!?

They were supposed to be hanging the TV and sound bar! ha!

I think they got a little sidetracked!

And,

(Marsh camera's love us!)

 grocery shopping to stock up.

Yes, we got a little sidetracked too ;)

it's been non-stop!

But, 

tons of fun!!!

This is going to be tons of fun too!

In June Ashley is doing hair for a destination wedding for one of the Dottie models

on

St. Simon's Island.

Well,

It all worked out that Alan, Kiely, Vera, Mom, Dad, Evan, Todd and I could go too!

(Graham is taking classes all summer so he won't be able to go which is a huge bummer!)

Like the IG post says there is nothing better than a family vacation!

Chad and Becky are going to be able to join us a few days too :)

I'm just thankful that Ashley's talents have taken her to GA!

Graham took these pictures for her blog.

She was doing a Valentine's Day outfit and hair tutorial.

Erica is the manager of the Indy Dottie Store

and

she helped Ashley with her YouTube channel hair tutorial.

Here she is styling hair for Dottie's web page 

and 

social media.

And,

even on moving day she managed to squeeze in a style for 

Headbands of Hope.

For every piece sold a portion of that sale goes to fund research for childhood cancer.

Between work, doing upcoming prom and wedding hair 

and 

keeping up with all of her social media accounts 

she stays busy!

And so does this little girl!

Kiely had a doctor appointment so I watched Vera.

We read books,

and 

cleaned the slide! ha!

And

played with play dough!!

When Kiely got home we went out for lunch.

She was a good girl and ate most of her lunch 

so,

we hit the playground!

It was so pretty that day!

Peek-a-boo

mac and cheese face :)

Ready? Set? Go!

Yep, we were ready to go.

It started to get really busy 

and

Vera's nap time was approaching so we called it a day.

Now,

I never thought that I would see the day that 

my "gravy" would be as good as Tony Levi's...

but on St. Patty's Day it came close!

Tony had posted that morning that St. Patrick was Italian so...

I made Mama Levi's sauce!

Alan was traveling so Kiely and Vera joined us.

Tony,

as you can see by Vera's face she tried some pasta before her pouch!

She liked it :)

She played with her stamps...until someone mentioned cookies!

She loves cookies!! ha!

When she finished the last bite 

we headed down to the lake.

She loves the lake as much as I do!

The sky was so pretty that night.

She heard the geese! ha!

Looking up at them flying.

She doesn't miss a thing!

This log soon became a balance beam. 

I'm not even kidding!

See for yourself...

Yep! 

All by herself!

Kiely and I were cracking up!

Practice makes perfect!

 You know,

just hanging out on the log!

I love unexpected evenings with my girls :)

 Another unexpected evening 

was when Todd and I 

attended a wine auction/fundraiser for the Indianapolis Zoo.

Tom and Karen 

were so sweet to see us off and take a picture for us :)

And Ashley and the poodles!

It was a lovely evening 

and

yes...

...that is an eagle that you see up on stage!

It flew right above my head.

The wind from its wings and the sound it made were incredible.

Such an amazing moment.

Another amazing moment in my life 

was when I became a mother twenty-three years ago on March 20!

Evan Charles is now 23 years old!

He wanted to celebrate at PF Chang's with Alan and Kiely.

Vera loved that BIG horse! 

Also, 

Twenty-one years ago on March 23 I had another sweet baby boy!

I honestly cannot believe that my youngest is 21!!

His birthday fell on a Wednesday 

so

Graham, Todd and Evan 

went out for a drink and then went to K1 racing.

No pictures were taken :(

I love you boys so much 

and 

I am so happy that God chose me to be your Momma :)

He knew what He was doing when He gave me two boys!!

And this little boy...

...he is all boy wanting to play with sticks and rocks!

Lindsay was grooming the dogs 

so 

Greyson and I hung out by the lake

until 

Vera was home from her music class.

We headed over there and had a play date.

They were playing with Vera's new airplane.

They really played well together!

It's amazing what a difference six weeks makes!

 There was a bit of an incident in the cozy coupe.

Do you see that chocolate ice cream cone behind Vera's ear?

Well,

when Greyson made a move for it she was not going to have any of that 

and

started saying, "Out! Out! Out!" 

A life lesson learned that day for Greyson...

NEVER mess with a girls ice cream cone! ha!

 Doug and Vladimir looked so handsome!

And who knew that it was just in time for National Puppy Day!

It always wears them out ;)

Graham was worn out after "I" week at Lambda 

and 

was sleeping in Easter morning.

Evan and Ashley 

had afternoon plans for Easter dinner at her 

Aunt Brenda's

so

Todd and I 

went to Hagerstown to be with his mom.

She had been so sick for so long that she hadn't been able to go out to 

Pappaw's grave to change out the flowers in the vases

 from Christmastime.

It may not seem like the "Easter thing" to do

but,

that's what we did.

It was a gorgeous day!

I just love Pappaw and Mammy's tombstone.

It was so nice for Mom to get out of the house for awhile.

We rode down country roads 

and 

listened to her reminisce about times long ago 

when she was just a girl, a newlywed, and new mother.

It was lovely...

When we got home Ashely and I headed to the grocery 

to pick up food to grill out!

Todd and Evan

took the poodles for a ride on the golf cart!

Kiely texted me as I was leaving the grocery

 and 

said that she was wanting to 

open the letter that revealed the gender of the baby. 

I told her to get in that car and let's do it! ha!

I started the grill and fried up those brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers so fast!

I wanted the food done so that we could do the reveal 

and 

then eat.

So this was how it went down:

Evan got Gma Kay on his cell phone and face timed her.

Graham used my phone and video taped everything.

Ashely was in charge of pictures with the good camera.

Alan and Kiely had to keep their eyes shut the whole time.

Todd opened the letter and showed it to me.

I grabbed the "color appropriate paint" for the gender that was revealed on the paper.

Todd held Vera's hands as I painted them.

 Vera placed her painted hands on Kiely's white shirt over the baby bump.

Everyone counted to three.

Alan and Kiely opened their eyes and SURPRISE it's a...

I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Alan said that all along he thought it was a girl 

until the moment right before they came over.

He put on his blue shirt because something just told him it was a boy!

I think that you can see how happy he is!

That smile is a mile wide :)

I am so happy for them!

Todd was too!

He broke out the scotch for a toast.

Men sooo love their little girls...

but,

don't tell me they aren't happy when they hear that they are having a boy!

I'm thrilled that the Garrett name will be passed on!

talking about what took place and eating dinner.

Vera had her first ice cream cone...

...and this time she shared!! ;)

She did some coloring at my desk 

and 

then...

all hail broke loose! ha!

It definitely was not your typical Easter.

Our "church service" 

was held in a graveyard in Greensfork, IN

and

in a van roaming about one acre mile country roads.

I never felt closer to God.

The coloring of Easter eggs and egg hunt 

were replaced with

the painting of little hands when pressed on her Momma's belly revealed 

a son!

I never felt closer to God!

The "tearing of the curtain"'

was the 

the rumble of thunder, blowing of wind and hail falling from the sky!

I never felt closer to God!

And,

 the darkness that was soon filled with light

was that peaceful time after everyone had gone home

as

I reflected on the day.

I never felt closer to God!

Praise God for all blessings 

we get to experience because of His undeserving grace.

He is risen 

so that we will never die 

and 

will have everlasting life!