I thought it only fitting that I "count my blessings" here since after all, it's that time of year and my blog is named after it!  I have too many to count really, and way too many to list here, but here are some that come to mind as I ponder on the year: 1.  Derek…

Derek and I are ramping up when it comes to "trek" – our current church assignment.  So much to do, it is sometimes overwhelming, but it's crunch time and we are trying very hard to get this ball moving!  March will be here before we know it.  Derek took the day off a couple of…

One of the perks of being on the PTA Board is getting to participate in really fun events like this one…the Boosterthon Fun Run.  It's a popular fundraising method used by many schools in the district…mostly because it's successful at raising funds, most of the work is done by the Boosterthon "team", and because it's…

Derek was approached by a neighbor about participating in a team event called the "Mud Run".  Many of our neighbors were on teams and it was a highly anticipated and exciting event for friends around here.  A 10K race in the mud, military-style, does not really strike MY fancy, but Derek decided to give it a…

When I was in the 3rd grade we lived in a little place called Corsicana, TX.  Not our best year as a family…that's the year that my parent's marriage fell apart.  And the year that my teacher Ms. Wheel-a (Wheeler) made me cry everyday by using my head as a cane or yelling at me…

Mark and Anne's WeddingNovember 14, 2009, 7:00 p.m.Belo Mansion, Dallas Officiated by: Cordel Robinson, father of the groomBest Man: Michael Robinson, brother of the groomBridesmaids: Amy Doak and Elizabeth Doak, sisters of the brideRing Bearer: Samuel SmithBride's cake: gorgeous!  with the cutest "toppers" I've ever seen – made by the bride's motherGroom's cake: amazing!  Mark's…

Since the rehearsal dinner is the groom's families responsibility I had a good time playing a role in this event.  Mom and I had gone to lunch at La Duni at Northpark Center this summer and really thought it would be a great spot for the rehearsal dinner.  Mom was in charge of choosing food…

A family friend of Anne's and her two aunts held a wonderful bridal luncheon on Friday to kick off all the festivities.  It was relaxing and a nice way to start the weekend.  Anne's friends and sisters had me laughing the whole time, and it was fun to hear newlywed stories from Anne's SIL Laura…

I have a whole lot of blogging to do about our wonderful-wedding-weekend.  But until then enjoy one of my favorite pictures from the weekend…Mark and Anne leaving for their honeymoon (with rose petals being thrown).  Can you tell they're happy??

is now OVER!  She waltzed right and stole our hearts (and it's only been 3 days!).  Yes, she did.  Despite the sleepless nights of her crying and more poop/pee that I know what to do with, and grass all over my kitchen floor and need after need…despite all that we love this little dog and…