Christmas Pics!!!

Okay, boys and girls of all ages, here are Christmas 2005 pictures of my baby. :-) And some of the new toys we all received.

Here is Brooke in her BEAUTIFUL Christmas dress on Christmas Eve. I thought she was the cutest little girl at church. She had an amazing time opening her gifts this year, and it didn't matter what was in the box, in fact I think she hardly stopped to look before she wanted to open another present.








Here is the wagon that Santa brought her. When she got up on Christmas morning, she discovered this HUGE wagon in our living room. Where in the world did it come from? She wanted Poppi to "pull pull" her around the house. They had some time to play before and after lunch and they took full advantage of it while I slept. I wasn't feeling well.








This is (top->bottom) my nephew Zachary, niece Lyndsey, and of course my little "Punchkin". This was Friday the 23rd. Usually my sister and her family and our family get together to do our family Christmas instead of doing it with all the family on Christmas day.

AWESOME...

I received this from a good friend whose husband is in the military. He will be returning to Iraq for the 3rd time next year. God Bless you Josh, Delaney and Tara. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and we love you and miss you more than you know. Stay safe Joshua and return home safely too.

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter
beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I
opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A
lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a
Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing
watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in
this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from
the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That
separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to
stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And
now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The
red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away
from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down
my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure
for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your
family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just
tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!

A little Trivia for ya....

I found this picture and wondered if anyone else knew what it was.

Please take a few wild guesses and for those of you who get it right...well, you just get it right. A big congrats to you.

Christmas....

....so I didn't get my trip to Tahiti, nor an engagement ring, but I'll survive with what I did get.


Christmas was good, I got a lot of neat things, but most importantly was watching the joy and excitement on little Ms. Brooke’s face as she tore into the wrapping paper. She received a few toys, but she really got a cool tricycle thanks to Celeste, and a HUGE covered wagon courtesy of Santa. She wanted Poppi to pull her around on Christmas morning as she climbed into it. She also got some books, clothes, and some money.

I got this cool little Shower bug radio.

As well as a statue of a profile of a mother kissing her baby. So awesomely powerful and very moving. I got the book “My War: Killing Time in Iraq” by Colby Buzzell. I haven’t started reading it yet, but hope to soon. I also got a few cute little nick nacks and such, and they are fun. On Sunday I slept most of the day as I was not feeling well, while Brooke and her Poppi, my dad, went outside and played on her *NEW* toys. I’m guessing she had fun, and after that they came in and watched my new movie The Polar Express, if you’ve never seen it you’re missing out on some incredible animation.

All in all we had a good time, and more importantly was making sure that Brooke had a good Christmas as well.

I hope that everyone who reads this had a fantastic Christmas and didn’t get coal or twigs in their stockings.

Next Up: A New Years Spent by Myself...the tale of how my parents left me to celebrate the New Year alone...bah humbug.

Christmas is coming soon!!

There are officially 4 days until Christmas, and if you still believe in Santa, like I do, then he will be coming to visit too. I hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy New Year!!!

What Santa can bring me this year for Christmas:
1. a trip without Brooke to Tahiti
2. a man to go with me on my trip to Tahiti
3. an engagement ring from this man who is accompaning me on my trip to Tahiti
4. a wonderful Christmas for Brooke
5. a Christmas where all of the family gets a long for once
6. to spend quality time with my family
7. the promise of a new year
8. to help me to remember the REAL reason we celebrate this HOLY-day.
9. that no matter how near or far my family is, that they will be thought of this Christmas.
10. a safe and Merry Christmas to all soldiers and soldiers families around the world.

UPDATE:
Okay, was informed about numbers 1-3 through lunch that perhaps I should know this man really well thats accompaning me to Tahiti or he might just turn out to be a real butthead. Thanks Daddy Jim for informing me of this. FYI Daddy Jim is like my second dad because he has a daughter, Melody, who is one day younger than I. Him and my dad have worked together for 21 years. Pretty much family if you ask me. I have lots of second dads because all the guys at work kind of look after me. Thanks guys, and HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

Symptoms of the BIRD FLU...

The Center for Disease Control has released a list of symptoms of bird flu. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical treatment immediately:

1. High fever
2. Congestion
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue
5. Aching in the joints
6. An irresistible urge to crap on someone's windshield

Thanks Layne-O for a great laugh this morning as I received this in my email.

Aunt Celeste Is The Best!!!!

I was sitting here thinking about how excited I am about getting to spend some time with my sister tonight. To tell you a little about our situation. My sister and I are 10 years apart…her being the middle sister. Our other sister is 12 years older than I am. I won’t tell you how old she is but if you know how to do math, and know my age, then you will figure it out quickly. We have become very close and anytime spent with her is time well spent. She is my best friend, my confidant, and most importantly the best sister EVER. She moved out when I was only eight, and so we have lived apart more than we have lived together. I love her bunches and bunches and she is the greatest Aunt to my little girl. She has taken good care of me for 21 years, always doing stuff with me or for me, and giving me the greatest Christmas present ever, her love. She’s got a heart the size of the USA, and its made of gold. She has two beautiful children, whom I’m proud to call my neice and nephew. Its Christmas time, and they are my little joys. They completely love Brooke and have since they found out I was going to have a baby. I remember after my mom went to work and Celeste and Lyndsey would come over to spend time. Lyndsey would love on Brooke even though she couldn’t hold her, and they have become really close. Zachary didn’t see her much as a little baby, but can recall one night at their house when he looked at me and said, “Aunt Kourtney it looks like you’re fixing to be born, I mean have a baby.” Then they passed me on the road one morning and Lyndsey called me to find out “if I’d had baby Brooke yet.” The answer was no.

I have to say that this Christmas holiday I will have a few blessing to thank the grateful Lord for and that is my family. They are my number one support system, and I’m truly grateful that they stuck around. My sister was the first one to find out that I was going to have a baby, and we sat and cried together. She NEVER yelled at me and said what were you thinking, or tried to throw it in my face. I’m truly grateful that she was there supporting me all the way, and is still there when I need her even now.

CELESTE YOU ARE THE MOST AMAZING SISTER EVER!!!! Now that Brooke can talk you can get her to say what you tell everyone.

Now this is my beautiful neice, nephew and daughter. Lyndsey and Brooke are really close, and Brooke bosses around Zachary.

A Soldiers Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of
plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
with presents to give,
and to see just who
in this home did live.

I looked all about,
a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle,
just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures
of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
awards of all kinds,
a sober thought
came through my mind.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
silent, alone,
curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured
a United States soldier.

Was this the hero
of whom I'd just read?
curled up on a poncho,
the floor for a bed?

I realized the families
that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers
who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate
a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year,
because of the soldiers,
like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve
in a land far from home.

The very thought
brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
and started to cry.

The soldier awakened
and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,
I don't ask for more,
my life is my God,
my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over
and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
so silent and still
and we both shivered
from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
on that cold, dark, night,
this guardian of honor
so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,
and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend,
and to all a good night."


Merry Christmas to all of the soldiers around the world. Without the soldiers before you we wouldn't be able to celebrate Christmas in many different religions or ways. Your service is greatly appreciated this Season as well as others. Thanks again for your service to "one nation under God."

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!!

Anime anyone?

You are an angel. You are really pure hearted and
kind. You are also really popular, but not in a
snobby sort of way. Please help this quiz get
to the Most Popular list!


If you were an anime girl what would you look like? (great pix)
brought to you by

Randomness

What were you doing 10 years ago?
-I was in the 5th grade...WOOHOO.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
-Working and taking care of Brooke

5 snacks you enjoy:
1. cashews
2. Reese's Pieces
3. Chocolate
4. Animal Crackers
5. Chex

5 songs to which you know all the lyrics:
1. Penny Lane
2. Elenor Rigby
3. Oscar Meyer Wieny song
4. Letters from War
5. Paper Tiger

5 things you would do if you were a millionare:
1. Donate to a charity or few of my choice
2. Help my sister, not that she's poor but she's done a lot for me
3. Buy Brooke and I a house
4. Get us a bigger car
5. Finish paying off my parents house.

5 bad habits:
1. Cussing
2. Procrastinating
3. Letting my daughter have chocolate
4. Letting my daughter sleep with me.
5. driving wildly..Megan

5 things you like doing:
1. playing on the computer
2. writing
3. talking on the phone
4. Spending time with my parents and sister
5. Being with Brooke

5 things you would never wear again:
1. headbands
2. blue mascara
3. leggins
4. rediculously large t-shirts
5. fake nails

5 favorite toys:
1. Digital camera and printer dock
2. cell phone
3. Text messaging
4. TV
5. Radio

OKay, so I'm not very intriguing, but oh well, whatever. Let me know if you played along.

THEY'RE HERE!!!!

My pictures from Lubbock are finally here!!! Enjoy!!!!

Layne wearing a tiara I found on Meg's fridg. Yes, my dear friends, he is gay.

These are the "slutties" I referred to. There is even a school girl slutty...eeks.

Meg's kitties will be coming at a later date, I was having some probs uploading them. Enjoy my trip to Lubbock.

The Smartest Girl I Ever Knew!

Okay, so my best friend and I were talking about things and it just so happened that the subject now has a blog post.

How Do You Know?

At the end of the day, do we really know what we are meant to be? Lately my life has been bombarded with so many things from the past and possibilities for the future and I can't help but feel helpless. I look around and it seems like everyone has everything so figured out. I look at my life and nothing in it is for sure. I have never been so confused and so unable to make any decisions. Is 21 too young to be making life and career decisions? I am beginning to think that it is. I am amazed at how many people my age or younger are engaged without having known each other very long. I can speak from experience that even after 2 years of dating, marriage is still a question. Granted, we have decided we want to get married but when the country you live in has a 50% divorce rate it makes you want to take the time to be sure. I started making decisions about my life when I was 18 without really even knowing much about myself or the world I was taking a step into. How would I be different if I had been given the chance to make the same decision after I had a few years of real life under my belt?

How do you decide what is the right thing for your life? How do you choose between two people, two career paths, and everything else that pops up in between? If you have a chance to right a wrong from the past, but it will change your life, do you take that chance? How do you choose between two people when you know your decision will result in someone ending up alone? Society demands so much of its youth at such a young age that I wonder if we are setting ourselves up for failure?

What I have realized is that life, a cruel as it seems, throws you these problems without giving you the right tools to fix it and so you make mistakes and lots of them. There is no shooting star to guide your way, no giant sign to let you know the right path to take. You just have to close your eyes and jump in-- choose the best way that you can. I certainly hope that time will be kind to me, I hope that I make the right decisions, and I hope that someday everything will make some kind of sense. I hope that someday I will be happy and that all those close to me will find the same.

Thanks Megan for this wonderful post.

After I read it I knew she had hit the nail on the head. You know the reason for the drinking laws being 21 is because thats the point in time where your brain and organs quit growing and developing, but yet they let us out of school at the age of 18. Should it not be a requirement to keep us until 21? Its just like they're releasing flies from a huge container and expecting them to survive on their own, with out teaching them BETTER survival skills. You don't think they teach those Survivor contestants how to survive on rats, and bugs, among other things? Heck no, they dump them on an island in some remote part of somewhere and say figure it out on your own. So I would say, that yes the demands that society has placed upon its youth is setting them up for failure.

I would say that out of my class of 132 men and women there are plenty who have already been married and divorced, are married, or who have kids. Its scary. You meet the man of your dreams in high school, do the puppy love thing, decide to marry him, and within a years time are filing for a divorce because you two were never ready to get married in the first place. Some high school marriages last, but most don't survive past the first year. In todays world the odds are against you. I am 21, have a baby, and a decent job, but I am far from being ready to stand at the alter and profess my love for someone.