cold winds~taxes

This is my least favorite time of year. I don't enjoy bitterly cold winds. We have had our share these last few days with temperatures plummeting into the low 30's. You say, "What?!", "Is she crazy?" OK I know that the 30's may not seem all that cold to some of you but I live in Florida because I like the warm balmy weather! I am a Florida girl, born and bred! I use the nickname Sunny because that is my favorite kind of day. These last few days have been bitter cold and very windy, a combination that can cause me to want to never poke my nose out of bed in the morning.

After the lousy weather, I detest this time of year because of tax season. Why is it that we live in such a technologically advanced country and yet we have such an archaic tax system? Oh, we can now eliminate the paperwork by going online to file, but we still need a degree in tax law to understand all the forms and loopholes and lets just say questionable deductions! Oh well I guess one day our government will see fit to work on issues that actually matter to many of us who voted them in office and that would be tax reform!!!

Georgia Life

Georgia Life

Growing Babies!

Time passes so quickly that you rarely notice its passage. However when you watch a baby grow you can actually see the passage of time. They change day by day, with first just thier eyes showing recognition then they start to become the little person they are to be. Just glimpses of the personality inside can be seen. This is our sweet Vanessa, now at 4 months old she is a joy!



It is the same for puppies, but at a much faster pace. Clay is now nearing 7 months old and he is 55 lbs of pure energy. He just had the dreaded experience of being "fixed" but he is still our sweet Clay. A happy, smart, energetic puppy that keeps things lively!

Joy, more than happiness.

There are times in life when we must depend on our joy, the inner light that carries us through difficult times. Would it not be perfect if our lives were forever happy? No storms, or sadness; times of lonliness or rejection?

If this were so how would we ever know when to enjoy the happy times? Would we see the contrast without those storms? When faced with difficulties one must look inward and take inventory of strengths and weaknesses. Are we someone worthy of "happiness"?

Life is filled with good and bad, we sometimes endure the bad so that we might enjoy the good. It is in these times I am grateful for the joy, and forever prayerful that the happiness comes again.

Saturday's and Sunday's

I have grown accustomed to spending my weekends with Philip. We enjoy relaxing drives, quiet conversations and just each others company. I have grown to love it over the last two years with the short drive up 95 to SSI; but all things change.

I am now adjusting to Philip's move to a new town and the end of our weekends together. I will be the first to admit I don't adjust well to change. I may have over compensated by filling as much of my weekend with activity as humanly possible. There are still bits of time that I am alone, and things are quiet and I find myself wishing for the short drive up 95 and the quiet of the Sea Palms Condominiums and Philip. Oh we talk, our phone minutes ticking away as we discuss the weather, work, family and how much we miss each other; but it is not the same. It is not that comfortable side by side on the couch as we watch the playoffs; or the strong hand holding mine as we drive around town just taking in the sights....

Oh we will see each other and we will find time in a new place, a new way of doing things, but it is forever different. I will miss the way Saturday's and Sunday's use to be, but most of all I miss Philip.

Philip C. Livingston turns 54!

Happy Birthday to a man who deserves the very best life has to offer.

Birthdays come but once a year.

A celebration of your beginning.

A time for reflection of what has past and

anticipation of what is to come!

May this be a day where the love and joy you share comes back ten fold.

Happy Birthday PCL

Love always

Ev

A Very Happy New Year Indeed!

Christmas was a beautiful celebration of family and Christ's birth. We all enjoyed it. This was a fun and relaxing vacation from school. I headed to west Florida, Christmas afternoon to enjoy time with Jason, Ashley and the children, as well as Philip. His new house is just a short distance from Eglin AFB.

I spent time exploring the Emerald Coast as they call it over there. I am so grateful for the time I spent with all. We celebrated New Years day in the traditional way, black eyed peas, collard greens and corn bread! The twins and Ethan opted for chicken strips and biscuits. I guess you have to grow into tradition.

I am home and enjoying Vanessa, who is suffering her first cold and brochititis. She is improving under the watchful eye of her mama. I am sure it will not be her last illness but surly it is her most traumatic. I am headed back to work on Monday and will enjoy seeing all the children at school. I am also ready to get back on track and loose all the extra lbs! UGH

This is to be a very exciting and Happy New year indeed!

Home Sweet Home

Well after a grueling day of loading the entire contents; well nearly the entire contents of Philips condo and then a six hour drive to the new home and then unloading the truck and trailer; Philip is finally home. I think the most amazing part is what took Philip and I many hours to complete only took my sweet son and daughter and my sons friend only an hour and half to complete. YOU ARE AMAZING PEOPLE! Thank you so much for all you did to help!

Moving must be the most physically and emotionally difficult thing a person can do. Then add in a new job and it just increases the stress. However, Philip was fortunate enough to find a lovely home and so life has opened a new door for him and hopefully life will be good in his new home sweet home.

Moving

I knew this day was coming, but I don't know if I am prepared. Philip is leaving the island after a two year stint. He will finally reside in the same state I do; however our cities will be about 5 or so hours apart.

I feel excitement for him and as much as I know that he is ready to move on with things I am happy for him. I however do not handle change well, this may end up extremely well, but in my mind it is unknown so therefore, SCARY!

No matter the state of my emotions, or the stress of the next few days, I wish you well sweet PCL. SUCCESS in all you do, and Fair winds and soft breezes.

Family life and love

"I do" was heard by family and friends yesterday as Grace and Chris tied the knot. I must say that the wedding was just beautiful. We enjoyed a wonderfully spiritual ceremony at the WGV near St. Augustine Florida. Then a elegant dinner for the 76 guest in attendance.

Grace looked as though she stepped out of one of those Brides magazines, and her sister was gorgeous as Maid of honor. I had tears as her brother walked her down the isle in his dress uniform.


Ashley and children were just adorable as brides maid, ring bearer and flower girls.

I think that a wonderful time was had by all, including my sweetheart, Philip.


He is not one to enjoy these things but he came and gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed it. I Love you, Philip and appreciated your stepping outside your comfort zone for me, your the BEST! I was so grateful to all our family and friends who came to participate in this joyous occasion. I think by far Lori and Shayne, Sharena and Amos get the award for determination, they drove 22 hours from Grand Island Nebraska arriving on Friday just to turn around immediately following the ceremony to drive back, Our Love and Thanks to you all!

My heart was filled with such joy and happiness, I am by far the most blessed of women.

Happy day to you JE!

Happy 4th Birthday Ethan!

Love, Goody!

JE and family....I am a blessed woman!

America, the Land of the Free

We all may have complaints about our goverenment or our laws, but is it not wonderful to wake up the morning after an election and see that things move on? We are a blessed people who should remember life is short and cherish the freedoms we have been given.

God Bless America!

VOTE; IT IS YOUR CIVIL RIGHT!

Suffrage (from the Latin suffragium, meaning "vote") is the civil right to vote, or the exercise of that right.

Main Entry: 1vote
Pronunciation: 'vOt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English (Scots), from Latin votum vow, wish -- more at VOW
1 a : a usually formal expression of opinion or will in response to a proposed decision; especially : one given as an indication of approval or disapproval of a proposal, motion, or candidate for office b : the total number of such expressions of opinion made known at a single time (as at an election) c : an expression of opinion or preference that resembles a vote d : BALLOT 1
2 : the collective opinion or verdict of a body of persons expressed by voting
3 : the right to cast a vote; specifically : the right of suffrage : FRANCHISE
4 a : the act or process of voting b : a method of voting
5 : a formal expression of a wish, will, or choice voted by a meeting
6 a : VOTER b : a group of voters with some common and identifying characteristics
7 chiefly British a : a proposition to be voted on; especially : a legislative money item b : APPROPRIATION

We must vote, too many have laid down their lives for your right to VOTE!

Today is Election Day! GO VOTE!....OH AND IF YOU DON'T...It is my strong opinion you forfeit your right to complain about elected officials.

Character, disappearing in the USA

Character is one of those things losing popularity in our society. We no longer believe that how we live matters. Just turn on the TV or read the headlines in the paper and you will find that we are in fact mere men and women who can fall fast from the facade we put on to those around us. I would like to point out that the statement I have heard all my life is acutely accurate right now, "but by the grace of God, there go I". Each one of us has things in our lives that we would not want broadcast on the local news. I was studying some literature from my life group today and they had an excellent little article on the six pillars of character.
*Trustworthiness -be honest and reliable; do what you say you'll do.
*Respect - follow the Golden Rule; use good manners, not bad language
*Responsibility - do what you are supposed to do; do your best
*Fairness - play by the rules; share; listen to others
*Caring - be kind and compassionate; help others
*citizenship - cooperate; be a good neighbor; obey laws and rules; respect authority

Sounds just like the lessons my Mom and Dad taught me growing up, but it bares repeating.

Cracker barrel

I awoke this morning, not by choice but because our puppy Clay has been programmed to wake up at around 5:45 each day. This is a necessity during the week because I must be at work by 7 a.m. however, Saturday should not begin before daylight.

This morning Clay was his usual happy, peppy, energetic self and Rachael and I sat on the sofa like lumps on a log. We did not talk or even acknowledge the others presence. Then all of the sudden she said I want blackberry pancakes from Cracker barrel, I thinking pecan pancakes sounded pretty good myself, said, "sure". After a quick check on the net to see what time they open, 6 a.m. we were off!

The roads, were rather empty and things seemed quiet until you reached the cracker barrel parking lot. Surprisingly to us the lot is full of people who rise early to eat breakfast and socialize with other people. We parked the car and wandered into the restaurant and were greeted by a group of cheery faces all hollering "Good Morning"! We responded with a nod of the head, still awaiting our coffee, and headed to the hostess. She asked, "Two?", and both Racheal and myself with our quirky sense of humor turned looked around us and said, "guess so". Why do they ask such stupid questions so early in the morning.

We proceeded to a table and our waitress came, looking pretty tired herself, but efficient and before we knew it we had in front of us an order of blueberry pancakes and an order of pecan pancakes and a side of bacon to share. After gorging on our hearts desire, we returned home and it was not quite 8:15. It is not the Saturday morning I dreamed of last night but it sure makes the day interesting! Well with so much of the day ahead I better get busy and start cleaning and all the things that needed done.

Vanessa is our little bunny

A picture is worth a thousand words....

The babies are growing and doing well!

Well being the type person who likes a little excitement, I have chosen to bring home an new puppy at the same time my daughter was to give birth to my fourth grandchild. It has been fun if not somewhat tiring.

Clay and I went for a walk in the park tonight and he did really well. He was greeted warmly by everyone we passed. What is it about a puppy that draws people in? I thought that Clay was a big puppy but we met a Great Dane puppy that was three months old named Abraham and he was almost double the size of Clay. Clay made it around the entire 2.3 mile circle and I was glad I had brought a bottle of water when we returned to the car. He has come so far and even a police helicopter landing in the park did not frighten him. However we did avoid several very large and rather aggressive looking dogs.

Vanessa is doing so well. She had her first trip to the pediatritian and had regained 8 of the 10 ozs she lost. She is such a good baby and Grace is a very good Momma.
What a blessing to our family. She is just beautiful...what can I say I am her Goody!

Vanessa Lynn is Here!!!

6lbs 14ozs 19 1/2 inches long born at 1:28 p.m.! Grace looks amazing after a c-section.
Goody and Vanessa


She has lots of hair!
Vanessa with her Daddy and Grandparents

Vanessa with her Great Grandparents