Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day. I have such strong feelings about this holiday, that I really didn't appreciate until I was an adult. I don't think you truly start to really understand until then what the men and women who serve our country, during war and peace, do...what it takes to keep us free. So - thanks to everyone who has served, but especially....my PaPa who was in the army during WWII, my daddy who was in the Navy during Vietnam, my brother-in-law Josh who is a Marine serving in Iraq, my brother-in-law Jason who is in the Navy on his way back from the Persian Gulf, my friend Jesse who has been in the Army since high school, and my friend Larry who was in the Navy, a SeaBee during Desert Storm. I am so, so proud of them. And to any of you or your family that has served - it's appreciated more than you know. Saying "thank you" just doesn't seem enough.

party girls

We had Megan and Brittnee dress up in their Nutcracker costumes so Natalie and I could do an ad for the program, so here's a little sneak peek at how pretty they are.

bonfire

Here are some pics from the Octoberfest Bonfire a few weeks ago at Cindy's parents' house. We LOVE going out to Mr. Whitey's place - it's so peaceful and relaxing, and you know my husband, being the pyromaniac he is, is all about burning stuff... I would get terrible "bonfire hangover" the next day after bonfires...the smoke would get to me I guess, so I decided to try out a dust mask. It worked wonders, even though it makes me look like a crazy person. The kids thought it was a pretty interesting thing to do, so they tried it out as well. I think I can make anything look fun, I guess! haha Karen (Jason's girlfriend) spent the weekend with us, so I was glad she got to have some bonfire fun as well. She went to mass with us the next morning - Cassidy is in the choir, and they were singing that morning. Chloe, her cute little puppy, spent the night as well, she and Maks had a big time together.