Tuesday, June 21, 2011

my fault...not so...well, just a little

--so i've figured out why i don't blog so often anymore. it's facebook's fault...that and my so-called smart-phone. yes, i blame technology for my inability to reach people through blogging technology! i do, however, have a somewhat logical reason as to why it's not my fault.
--when i began this online documentation of my life in 2004 to keep far away family and friends more involved, i was jotting down notes of all the little things i wanted to write about when i got around to writing, and then i'd do just that. facebook on my phone has totally thrown off my system. now i hit a few buttons and i've updated the world as to the goings-on of holly and family. (at least the facebook world...)
--sooooo...solution! update my blog with everything posted on my facebook page since i got my notso-smart-phone. it solves two problems too...it gets me off the hook for the last (nearly) year of not consistently blogging, AND lets all you non-facebookers (weirdos) or facebookers who don't stalk my page (notso-weirdos) see the day to day life of me! (and it is pretty much day to day...while i don't post every day, sometimes it's several times a day, depending on what's going on. and because it's just so easy to do. thanks, notso-smart-phone...)
--so, be warned...this is loooong. and a disclaimer or two too: 1) i don't typically speak of myself in third-person...that's facebook's fault too. it instigated it, and i played along. 2) "hmh" is holly miller hunt. 3) when it says hmh was with so-n-so at such-n-such, either i decided to alert the world as to where i was and who i was with or a so-n-so did. 4) sometimes it gets rather silly; cause it seems i'm not the only one playing on facebook at work or late at night, and since the notso-smart phone will notso-wisely notify you when somebody comments on your notso-intelligent post, it can just spiral out of control. :)
--and so we begin...this is the last nine months of my life in 160characters or less. (facebook restricted status updates to 160characters, but comments could be longer...though i hear it's been adjusted to 420characters. just an fyi for all you non-facebookers...i mean, weirdos. ;) )
---------------------------------------

hmh: got a lot done tonight. after making mini pizzas with the kiddies for dinner and their bath/bed routine…i organized the shed, and cleaned out and scrubbed the fridge…both make things sooo much better. time for bath, book and bed…hafta work in the manana…blah! ~august 20, 2010, 9:13pm

hmh: wants to go camping…gotta make that happen sometime soon. ~august 22, 2010, 8pm

hmh: spent the lunch-hour at the bookstore…dangerous… :D ~august 23, 2010, 12:51pm

hmh: likes making money with craigslist…yup yup! :D ~august 25, 2010, 12:50pm
hmh: well, i’ve decided it’s high time to get the kids their own rooms. so there goes my exercise room. i’ll get the treadmill downstairs (somehow), put the tv/dvd in my bedroom. i sold the spinning bike yesterday and spent ¼ of what i made on it buying sierra a daybed today…yay craigslist. now it’s time to decorate! :) ~august 25, 2010, 8:42pm
hmh: oh, and get all the toys from downstairs into two bedrooms…issue then becomes keeping two rooms neat…hmmmm. ~august 25, 2010, 8:43pm

hmh: has been unbelievably productive this weekend…will post pics of sierra’s new bedroom tomorrow…time for bed. ~august 28, 2010, 11:37pm

greg garvey: i think we were on fire island at the same time… then again, it’s 31 miles long, so it’s not a surprise we didn’t run into each other… :) ~august 29, 2010, 11:24am
hmh: didn’t know it was that big…but we stated within a quarter mile radius of where we docked the boat. had fun..hope you did too and that manasquan is/was great. :) ~august 29, 2010, 12:19pm

hmh: rockband 3 coming in october. includes keyboard…now where will i put that??? ~august 28, 2010, 2:14pm

hmh: is amazed her 3yr old made her new bed without being told then proceeded to scream, fight, and cry for 45min because the dress she wanted to wear wasn’t clean… ~august 30, 2010, 8:47am
mike silvestri: what can you say. she knows her fashion. lol ~september 3, 2010, 6:44am
hmh: she definitely knows what she wants and fights for it…that’ll come in handy one day. i don’t try to fight the clothes choices, so long as they’re clean…i let her pair flowers with polka dots, stripes or even another totally different flower pattern…while she learns her fashion sense. ~september 3, 2010, 6:51am

hmh: hurricane prep…not cool but sometimes necessary. not quite as often here as at home…but it happens. ~ august 31, 2010, 1:12pm
fred jones: be safe! ~august 31, 2010, 2:37pm
carroll miller adams: hoping it is not bad for you. at least you have experience with prepping, clearing the yard, and storing up supplies for possible power outages. ~september 1, 2010, 10:42am

hmh:’s not too happy…daycare is closed for the “hurricane” that wasn’t. turned out to only give us some rain. (this storm may indeed affect some areas, but not really here…i’ve been through and run from many a hurricane in my day…this one’s not worth shutting down for.) not cool. have lots to do at work today, though i’d love a four day holiday any other weekend…but not this one…too much to do. ~september 3, 2010, 6:46am

hmh: is lady antebellum bound…awesome! :) ~september 3, 2010, 7:01pm
hmh: best concert EVER! i think they are my favorite band. great vocals. fabulous song writing. & they sound just like the cd/radio versions…which i love. what little improv they did was awesome. all in all fantabulous! ~september 2, 2010, 11:33pm
hmh: oh and i got out of the parking lot and home…from portsmouth no less…sooner than i would have gotten out of the parking lot of the va beach amphitheater 3miles from my house. double fantabulous! ~september 3, 2010, 11:35pm

hmh: new couch and chair…love ‘em. trying out all possible reading spots….. ~september 6, 2010, 5:08pm
hmh: found my spot!! :) ~september 6, 2010, 10:58pm

hmh’s usually sweet boy said when he gets home from school, he’s running away from home. hmmm how to handle that…help him pack or ignore it?? ~september 9, 2010, 12:49pm
hmh: yeah, we talked about it on the way home…he had no response to where he’d go, what he’d eat or how he’d pay for it. except, “mama, how come god made it so that we have to eat?” nice. and then when we got home, sierra got out of the car, stood in the driveway with arms crossed, put on a pouty face saying, “i-wanna-run-a-way-too!” awesome… ~september 9, 2010, 9:46pm

hmh:’s at busch gardens

hmh: was very domestic today. baked a cake and two loaves of honey-wheat bread. even broke out the vacuum…wow. had planned to do yardwork, but the rain kept us indoors. good day! :) ~september 12, 2010, 5:29pm

hmh: hates getting up in the morning already tired…it’s gonna be a long day… ~september 14, 2010, 7:59am

hmh: “aidan, what’d you do at school today?” aidan: “i played duck-duck-goose. i picked the biggest girl in the class; but i was faster than her because my body is not that wide.” ha!!! ~september 14, 2010, 7:27pm

hmh: watched some high school volleyball today. memories… :) ~september 18, 2010, 2:37pm

hmh: is headed to bbq #1 for today. ~september 19, 2010, 1:53pm
hmh: bbq #2…breaking out the beerpong!! ~september 19, 2010, 5:26pm

hmh: ugh on mondays… ~september 20, 2010, 7:09am

hmh: could eat breakfast for dinner every night. ~september 22, 2010, 7:19pm

hmh’s beantown trip fell through…still headed to jersey…leaving the kids with gp’s as planned & headed to visit mi padre. :) ~september 23, 2010, 5:54pm

hmh: totally loves the boat-life…even it’s currently in new york ~september 24, 2010, 3:57pm
alison cook: i thought you were boston bound ~september 24, 2010, 4:24pm
kim forbes scales: careful with your phrasing or your post will be plagued with “love boat” lyrics. :P ~september 24, 2010, 4:28pm
hmh: ali – trip crumbled due to illness but kept kids’ weekend with grandparents plans & used chance to see my dad. kim – that’d be funny… ~september 24, 2010, 4:48pm

hmh: “rainy days and mondays” …not so bad afterall ~september 27, 2010, 7:02pm

hmh: went 6-0 in volleyball tonight…good times. just haven’t played on a guys’ net in a long time…might be sore tomorrow. and maybe i’ll be jumping higher by the time i’m back on a girls’ net. hmmm ~september 30, 2010, 9:24pm
jlee tharldson: good game btw ~october 1, 2010, 8:01pm
hmh: gracias…had fun playing again. and glad you’re playing with us! :) ~october 2, 2010, 9:28am

hmh: really?? ~october 1, 2010, 7:49am









hmh: is having quite a productive day…using the fact that i’m stuck at home to my advantage…however bummed that i don’t get paid for it. ~october 1, 2010, 12:58pm

hmh: hates walmart but finds that every so often it’s a necessary evil…thank goodness that’s a rare thing though… ~october 2, 2010, 1:05pm

hmh: is officially blogging again after a year off… ~october 3, 2010, 4:25pm

hmh: will admit that it takes nearly two hours in front of the tv, uninterrupted by children, to fold all the laundry…which is why, though i wash plenty often enough, the folding doesn’t happen but once every two weeks or so…good times! ~october 3, 2010, 10:11pm

hmh: must have been a sight to see coming into work underneath a tiny lighting mcqueen umbrella…strategically held sideways trying to block the sideways rain… ~october 4, 2010, 1:09pm
leah hunt: sounds like something i would see in nyc :) ~october 4, 2010, 1:33pm
hmh: have gotten all kinds of comments on it…aidan will be proud my coworkers like his umbrella. haha. ~october 4, 2010, 1:44pm

hmh: rockstar picture of aidan! (better be for what i paid for them though…ha!) ~october 5, 2010, 9:31pm












hmh: is loving the pictures we got back today from tae kwon do…fab!!! ~october 5, 2010, 9:32pm

hmh’s looking forward to the kids’ first camping trip this weekend…and the weather couldn’t be more perfect. ~october 7, 2010, 10:23pm

hmh: headin’ into the wilderness… ~october 8, 2010, 5:19pm
leah hunt: have fun! ~october 8, 2010, 5:35pm

hmh: has come back to civilization after an awesome weekend! :) ~october 10, 2010, 3:40pm

hmh: wants to know how many showers does it take to not smell like campfire anymore?? :D ~october 11, 2010, 8:31am

hmh: loves getting to work and having no emails…yah, that’s not today… ~october 13, 2010, 8:04am

hmh: is tired…. ~october 14, 2010, 9:20pm

hmh: is hoping she didn’t just get scammed by the “christian who loves the lord” and needed $3 for gas…cause all i had was a $20. she did praise jesus when she saw it though. ~october 16, 2010, 11:10am
john agapos: you did a kindness to someone you didn’t know with no expectations for any return favors. it’s a beautiful thing. did you get taken? or were you doing for one “of the least of these”? you will be blessed either way. the 20 is gone, don’t sweat it. enjoy your day. ~october 17, 2010, 2:54pm

hmh: is contemplating kitten names for two precious itty bitty kitties coming home tomorrow…they are brothers, on light and one dark. thought of star/sky, comet/cosmo, triton/titan, newton/da vinci, galileo/copernicus, benjamin/franklin, and thomas/jefferson so far… ~october 18, 2010, 8:24pm

hmh: meet “sunny and shade”…well actually shade and sunny, but it sounds better the other way. kids didn’t get the humor of my name choices i gave them. a close second was “biscuits and gravy,” but aidan insisted the dark one was biscuits. sorry, but i don’t do burnt biscuits… ~october 19, 2010, 9:46pm







fred jones: when all of y’all were little, ashley and i adopted a dog that the ammans had – a part yellow lab. cheryl asked corby, as he was known then, to name him. he asked how you name a dog and she told him it might be something that the dog looked like. that’s why ashley and i ended up with a dog named “oatmeal.” also, tricia and i fosterd a sheltie named biscuit – i don’t know why, but no gravy. ~october 19, 2010, 10:26pm
hmh: i remember oatmeal! and its so something corbin would come up with. :) ~october 20, 2010, 7:51am
betty smith: what fond memories!! deedaddy says, “wherever biscuit is…hope he found some gravy.” ~january 7, 2011, 11:40am

hmh: is getting ready for family coming this weekend :D ~october 20, 2010, 7:38pm

hmh: “sometimes believes in six impossible things before breakfast.” ~october 21, 2010, 9:45am

hmh: had a great weekend with the family…didn’t want to go to work today ~october 25, 2010, 8:22am

hmh: worked out tonight…finally. can’t remember why i missed two weeks…something always came up. i hate starting over…but it must be done!! ~october 25, 2010, 10:11pm

hmh: could probably go to bed now and still wake up tired…long week already… ~october 26, 2010, 8:29pm
melissa burch kelley: yikes, and it’s not even half over, hope it improves :( ~october 25, 2010, 10:11pm

hmh: had to go old-cshool with the pumpkin this year. aidan said that REEEEL jack-o-lanterns have faces on them…not cats or spiders and such… ~october 27, 2010, 9:30pm







hmh: just found out kitties like peanut butter. sierra left her bagel on the table…they ate all the pb off of it. nice. ~october 30, 2010, 10:53am

hmh: got in thirty minutes of trick-or-treating before tinkerbell required a visit to the ER for breathing problems…fun night! ~november 1, 2010, 9:20am

hmh: tink in the ER…poor baby ~november 1, 2010, 9:50am












hmh: sierra’s taking advantage of lap-time minus aidan today…in fact, she just said, “are you gonna come sit with me mama??” :) ~november 1, 2010, 11:14am
shannon maynor: lol :) ~november 1, 2010, 12:30pm

hmh: can’t stop laughing at how retarded her two newly-snipped kitty boys are with their cones on their heads…wow… ~november 1, 2010, 8:38pm

hmh: needs a brain break. ~november 2, 2010, 12:46pm

hmh: can’t just prefer to have christmas gifts taken care of by t’giving (and usually does)..she must! christmas in mobile in three weeks! :D ~november 3, 2010, 3:20pm

hmh’s vow of not buying anything that’s not absolutely necessary doesn’t apply to books…i’m just sayin’… ~november 4, 2010, 5:08pm

hmh: just realized there are only two (maybe three) weekends between now and January 3rd that i don’t have travel/visitor plans. 11/13: home, 11/20: dc, 11/27: al, 12/4: gone?, 12/11: company in town, 12/18: al, 12:25: home, 1/1: nc. wow…busy… ~november 6, 2010, 9:24am
carroll miller adams: tis the season for family gatherings and travel, eh? can’t wait to see you and the kiddos. ~november 7, 2010, 10:24am
hmh: and sooooo, has decided to use this weekend to go ahead and decorate for christmas. i know it’s early…but i’m sure i’d somehow not find the time if i waited. let’s see how long the tree lasts with two kitties…….. ~november 7, 2010, 7:36pm

hmh: hates jillian michaels! but if anything, other than actual bootcamp, can whip my butt back into shape as quickly as possible, i’m counting on her…thanks annie ;) ~november 8, 2010, 7:02pm

kenisha mcquitter-mccutcheon: like you’re ever out of shape holly! out of shape for you is like perfect shape for me ~november 8, 2010, 9:20pm
hmh: too sweet…but i wish it were true. it’s been a long time since i haven’t thought of myself in some definite need of toning. don’t like the mushy. it isn’t much, but it’s enough to annoy me into action…finally. ;) ~november 8, 2010, 10:25pm

hmh: will admit she’s baffled by her 5yr old. it’s amazing what he notices, retains, and recalls. however he has moments where he’s a complete dodo-bird. what’s wha?? ~november 11, 2010, 8:39am

hmh: had a good day. 12 whole minutes of doing actual work. took advantage of a slow day after weeks of crazy. spent the afternoon at the hilton at the mega staff meeting… ~november 111, 2010, 6:07pm

hmh: laughs all the time at work. just got an awesome compliment and laugh…even if it was a little twisted. susan says, “holly, i know if i called you at 3am to help me move a body, you’d be there. you’d bring your kids, but you’d be there.” classic! :D ~november 12, 2010, 12:06pm

hmh: beerpong, rockband, “margaritas in the moonlight…just another saturday night.” ~november 13, 2010, 8:05pm

hmh: is officially sick. it doesn’t happen often, so every couple of years it catches up with me in a big way…ugh ~november 14, 2010, 7:40pm
kim pinkert hatfield: i hope you feel better soon! ~november 14, 2010, 7:45pm
nick upton: hope you feel better soon. :) ~november 14, 2010, 7:54pm
den sirj: hope you feel better soon holly… ~november 14, 2010, 8:44pm
richard koehne: bummer ~november 14, 2010, 8:53pm
michelle mcrae keenlyne: was it the margaritas? ;) hope you feel better. ~november 14, 2010, 10:50pm
michael parsley: does that mean you won’t be coming in tomorrow? ~november 14, 2010, 11:16pm
nani vickers: let me know if you need anything. ~november 15, 2010, 7:45am
hmh: thanks, guys.
haha michelle, but it wasn’t the margaritas, sickly was already on its way…however staying out probably didn’t help. should have heard the sad attempt at rockband…no voice. ;)
michael, i’m at work bright and early as usual. :) ~november 15, 2020, 8:51am
carroll miller adams: hope you feel better soon and can enjoy your trip down south next week. can’t wait to see you! ~november 15, 2010, 11:22am
john agapos: i’ve never known alcohol to ever even get holly staggering junk, let alone hungover. and there were many attempts made, to be sure. holly, sorry you’re not feeling well. if it were bacterial, you would feel much better after a few drinks. it must be viral. so, rest, fluids, etc. some otc’s will go a long way too. nothing you don’t already know. ~november 15, 2010, 1:25pm
hmh: carroll, thanks and me neither! it will be a rushed and packed trip, but it must be done; since it will have been nearly 18months since i’ve been home by the time i get there.
john, thanks for the compliment (i think), the memories, the laugh, and the advice. :) ~november 15, 2010, 4:36pm

hmh: 1, aidan:0. he tells me at 5:30pm that if i don’t take him to the school skating party (that i’ve had no prior knowledge of) at 6pm, he won’t be my friend anymore. ~november 17, 2010, 8:31pm
nani vickers: lol…the things they learn in school ;)
devlin hunt: hahaha the guilt trip! ~november 18, 2010, 1:18pm

hmh: is done with all things christmas…now that i’ve picked up the cards after walmart texted me they were ready…so cool. ~november 18, 2010, 12:56pm
alison cook: i wish there was a dislike button as i am utterly jealous. ~november 18, 2010, 3:03pm
melissa burch kelley: jealous ~november 18, 2010, 5:31pm

hmh: is packed and ready for a dc/arlington weekend! :) ~november 19, 2010, 10:49am

hmh: is laughing. sierra is convinced poppy is on the dc metro with us and keeps yelling “hi poppy!” not understanding why he doesn’t answer…ha! ~november 20, 2010, 12:45pm
adriene ratcliff caton: so sweet! ~november 20, 2010, 1:00pm
alison cook: i just told poppy haha ~november 20, 2010, 1:57pm
corene baron garvey: she is toooo cute! told poppy and he got a kick out of it. can’t wait to see them in december. ~november 20, 2010, 3:45pm

hmh: is amazed at the mess two kitties can make in two days. returning after five days away next weekend will be scary… ~november 21, 2010, 5:06pm
emily miller: yay, you’re home…now you can get ready to come see us :) i’m heading down tomorrow…see you wednesday! ~november 21 2010, 5:28pm

hmh: is driving…and will be for quite some time. alabama, here we come! ~november 23, 2010, 3:32pm

hmh: thinks certain people shouldn’t be allowed on the highway…much less out of the righthand land. good lord, learn to drive, people! ~november 23, 2010, 7:34pm

hmh: is making excellent time…georgia on my mind… ~november 23, 2010, 11:10pm

hmh: just drove back in time an hour. 1.21 gigawtts! :) ~november 24, 2010, 1:53am

hmh: would like to solve the (before & after) puzzle: “home sweet home alabama” ~november 24, 2010, 5:40am
nick upton: where the skies are so blue…~november 24, 2010, 8:17am
scott shannon: turn it up! ~november 24, 2010, 8:46am
susan steele: big wheels keep turning, carry me home to see my kin, singing songs about the southland ~november 24, 2010, 8:33pm

hmh: is not a napper…but after driving all night and getting less than 2hrs of sleep…had a fabulous nap with sierra today. :D ~november 24, 2010, 4:47pm

hmh: happy turkey day ~november 25, 2010, 10:59am

hmh: rooooollll tide roll! ~november 26, 2010, 2:48pm

hmh: leg 1 of return trip…cops cops everywhere ~november 27, 2010, 11:46am
hmh: car that was pacing off my speed for forever just decided to pass me and got pulled over. not sure if he exceeded whatever margin there is allowed for speeding or if he was just the fastest car out there at that moment. either way…glad it was him and not me. ~november 27, 2010, 1:07pm

hmh: driving driving driving ~november 28, 2010, 2:02pm

hmh: hates rudeness just about as much as stupidity…otherwise i might be convinced to communicate my feelings for the morons on the road today. but alas… ~november 28, 2010, 4:30pm
hmh: communicate to them, i mean ;) ~november 28, 2010, 4:31pm
john agapos: i always knew you had a soft spot for morons, lol ~november 29, 2010, 9:32am
hmh: ha! ~november 29, 1010, 9:39am

hmh: is home…4hours later than expected thanks to traffic…but home nonetheless. thankful for a wonderful visit with family and friends…and for rockstar children!!! ~november 29, 2010, 12:18am

hmh: must admit that the eyesore-yard of the neighborhood looks waaaay better when all that “stuff” is covered in christmas lights! early darkness helps too… ;) ~november 29, 2010, 1:27pm

hmh: thinks static electricity is pretty cool…until i get shocked kissing my son goodbye. we both jumped! lip stung for a while too… ~december 2, 2010, 9:30am

hmh: headed to vball playoffs…time to kick some boootay!! :D december 2 2010, 7:32pm
nick upton: good luck! ~december 2, 2010, 10:08pm
hmh: playing in the finals next friday! ~december 2, 2010, 10:27pm
sara campbell: you guys did awesome!! ~december 2, 2010, 10:36pm

hmh: had no idea brazilian food was so good…yum ~december 3, 2010, 9:56pm

hmh: is a spiritual being having a human experience…not the other way around. ~december 4, 2010, 10:25am

hmh: totally wore the cozy slippers to the movie theater… ;) ~december 5, 2010, 4:099pm
scott shannon: oh you’re that lady… ~december 5, 2010, 5:19pm

hmh: is about to head to the courthouse…cause i'm going through the big d and i don’t mean dallas.” ~december 7, 2010, 1:24pm
peggy flemmig browne: you are?? i thought your hubby was deployed... ~december 7, 2010, 1:30pm
melissa burch kelley: good luck ~december 7, 2010, 1:39pm
adriene ratcliff caton: good luck! maybe you’ll get the “palace” :) ~december 7, 2010, 1:41pm
nick upton: been there done that...good luck... :) ~december 7, 2010, 2:18pm
scott shannon: i feel your pain...been there done that ~december 7, 2010, 2:36pm
hmh: separated 15months...now it's official ~december 7, 2010, 2:38pm
kelly reinecke meyer: hope all went well ~december 7, 2010, 2:51pm
hmh: all went well...we settled everything back in january. @ adriene: gave up the palace in february...but the kids and i are happy and cozy in our townhouse :D ~december 7, 2010, 6:53pm
morgan flarity: holly, i'm happy to hear it went smoothly, sorry to hear it though. well, someone is gonna be very very lucky to have you!!! ~december 7, 2010, 7:53pm
michael parsley: glad things went smoothly... ~december 7, 2010, 8:28pm
sandra wertz: thinking of you guys…here’s to the future! ~december 8, 2010, 4:15pm
shannon maynor: <3 you guys ~december 9, 2010, 11:53pm

hmh: is treating herself and the kids to dinner out…no cooking or cleaning tonight. next treat is being in bed with my book by 8 o’clock! ~december 7, 2010, 6:55pm
sarah martin flynn: have fun! you deserve it :)
cammie munz briquelet: you deserve it!! hoping today went well. :)

hmh can definitely feel the love…thanks, guys! :D ~december 8, 2010

carroll miller adams: a wonderful life is ahead of you, dear. ~december 8, 2010, 11:03am
hmh: agreed!

hmh: is tempted to attempt hibernation. sooo busy…sooo tired…~december 9, 2010
scott shannon: suck it up princess ~december 9, 2010, 9:50pm

jennifer hutchins suit: hope that you and the kids are doing well…your posts almost always make me smile…we should plan to get together sometime and let the kids play!!
hmh: :D agreed. we are kinda booked til after new year…but then it’ll be aidan’s bday. not doing anything nearly as big as last year…but will be sure to let you know. we miss riley! ~december 10, 2010, 9:42am
jennifer hutchins suit: we are slammed until at least after new years too…plans every weekend…we will work it out. :) ~december 10, 2010, 9:49am

kelly reinecke meyer: i had a wonderful time at the royal chocolate for sarah martin flynn’s baby shower. thank you annie lyon reed and holly miller hunt for helping out. ~december 11, 2010

hmh: got caught under the mistletoe for the first time ever. “…oh by gosh by golly, it’s time for mistletoe and holly!” :) ~december 11, 2010
susan steel: you crack me up! love it :)
nick upton: very nice…by golly; miss holly…

lindsey odom: happy birthday!
jen fry: happy birthday!! have a great day!!
susan steele: happy birthday holly, hope this next year is the best one yet! :)
jack markowitz: happy birthday holly!! sorry we couldn’t make it to the party. trust you had a great time just as well! hope you have a special day!!
lois beasley miller: happy birthday to you. make it a great day.
nick upton: happy birthday miss holly…hope it’s special!
melissa burch kelley: i hope you have an amazing birthday holly!!!!!!!!!
kimberly rirchard huggins: happy birthday holly!
landis watts: happy bday
hillary lauren smith: happy birthday!
richard koehne: happy birthday to you! happy birthday to you! happy birthday to you! lalalala…. dawn addison mckinney: happy birthday holly! :) have a “holly jolly christmas”
lisa stuller: happy birthday holly
alison cook: hope you have a great day…happy bday!
scott shannon: happy birthday holly! see you thursday!
melissa van riper biss: happy birthday!!! hope it’s a great new year for you!
laura cunningham: happy birthday
marie-anne grondin: happy birthday my dear holly!! i hope life is treating you well, because you more than deserve it!! take care!! xx
monica ibacache: happy birthday honey! hope you come this way again :)
kim courchesne: happy birthday!! have a wonderful day!
kim pinkert hatfield: happy birthday! i hope it is an awesome one for you :)
laura grady holloman: have a happy birthday holly!! hope you have a wonderful day!
kim forbes scales: happy birthday!
carroll miller adams: happy birthday! we love you bunches!
penny marr rower: happy birthday holly! have a fantastic day :)
erin williamson: happy birthday to you!
leah hunt: happy birthday holly!
kelley reinecke meyer: wishing you a great birthday!
espen øyan: hooray! :D
billy morgan: happy birthday
karli bates: happy birthday pretty lady!!!
brian zarzycki: happy birthday
tricia jackson jones: happy birthday!
julie froeseth: happy birthday :) hope it’s a good one!
kenisha mcquirter-mccutcheon: happy birthday holly!!!
selena gamble chidester: happy birthday!!!
sarah martin Flynn: happy birthday!!
collin goehring: happy birthday
sara campbell: happy birffday! hope you had a great day :)
angie clute woge: hey there, hope you’re having a great birthday!
connie smith bailey: happy happy birthday, sweet holly!! i hope you had a great day and really took some time to pamper yourself! love you!
sarah ward: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
angela gattis fowler: happy birthday holly! hope you had a fabulous day and that all your birthday wishes come true. miss you! btw i still have my JAGS keychain, think of you often when i see it :)
kelly schultz: happy birthday mrs holly!! i hope you have a wonderful day!
samantha goubil: happy birthday holly holl. hope it was a great day!!
jay boren: happy birthday!
mary elizabeth moore-dobson: happy birthday!
sheryl brown pierce: happy birthday!!
corene baron garvey: happy birthday holly!
shannon maynor: happy birthday sweet lady!
shannon mcdonald ladd: happy birthday!
shadra kendall carpenter: happy birthday holly…sorry i missed it!

hmh: did indeed have a happy birthday…thanks all!! :D ~december 15, 2010, 9:04am

susan steele: if a fat man comes into your room in the middle of the night and shoves you into a bag, don’t be scared cause i told santa i wanted a friend like you for christmas ;) ~december 16, 2010, 7:57am

hmh: thinks it’s uncool when i call daycare at 6:30 and they’re open, then get there at 7:30 and they’re closed. at home with the kids today…will attempt to work. though i must say a day in the pj’s sounds fabulous. :D ~december 16, 2010, 9:37am
nick upton: i agree on both counts. ~december 16, 2010, 9:42am

hmh: is halfway home…layover in atlanta ~december 17, 2010, 9:17pm

hmh: thinks traveling with a head cold is miserable. still can’t hear but at least it doesn’t hurt anymore. and it’s good to be in lower alabama. :D ~december 17, 2010, 11:59pm

hmh: will be attending the family christmas party tonight for the first time since 2002! ~december 18, 2010, 6:06pm

hmh: is hanging with the cousins while watching the game…good times ~december 19, 2010, 1:41pm

hmh: concourse b ~december 19, 2010, 7:42pm

hmh: is it 5o’clock yet? cause 99 cent margaritas are calling my name… ~december 20, 2010, 12:58pm

hmh: lots to get done tonight…let’s see if it happens… ~december 21, 2010, 4:10pm

hmh: is off…time to relax. ~december 23, 2010, 3:59pm

hmh: workout, dinner, and movie…check…and it’s only 9. now what? i say book. ~december 23, 2010, 9:08pm

mike silvestri: hey! merry christmas!! hope you and the kids have a great holiday ~december 23, 2010, 6:07pm
hmh: mikey, we miss uuuuuuuu! hope you have a great holiday too :D ~december 23, 9:03pm

hmh: was with richard koehne, susan steele, andy steel, and jeff taylor at texas steakhouse ~december 24, 2010, 8:32pm

hmh: so did not enjoy digging the car out of the driveway. while i appreciated the 45minute workout dark and early this morning…it’s just not my kinda thing. ~december 27, 2010, 8:04am

hmh: is headed to a little cabin in the woods for new year. :) ~december 30, 2010 5:33pm

hmh: holy stars, batman! gorgeous! and it’s even cloudy…can’t imagine on a clear night…fabulous! :D ~december 30, 2010, 11:40pm

hmh: considers herself a natural snowboarder already…cause after only 3hours logged on her first attempt, can choreograph falls to avoid pain with style and grace. hehe! ~december 31, 2010, 3:24pm
susan steele: i feel a youtube video coming on…lol :) ~january 1, 2011, 11:17am
hmh: sorry, susan. there was no photographic evidence for that. we did take pictures in the parking lot though…so i can prove i was there. however the most action my camera saw was me falling on it. i do love the protective case i bought. didn’t hurt me or the camera! :D ~january 2, 2011, 10:36pm

hmh: had a great holiday season with tons’o visiting…however will not travel farther than two hours in any direction for a few months. not sure where that will take me, or how long this vow will last, but hey… ~january 2, 2011, 4:45pm

hmh: just watched casablanca for the first time…origin of many many quotes. ~january 3, 2011, 10:26pm
rob thomas: my favorite movie of all time. ~january 3, 011, 11:15pm

hmh: can’t figure out where the last six years went…happy birthday to my sweet angel aidan! ~january 4, 2011, 4:10pm

hmh: will totally be stepping out of the comfort zone tonight… ~january 5, 2011, 7:17pm

hmh: black swan…should be good. ~january 7, 2011, 9:38pm
hmh: wow…that’s all i got. dancing was awesome…but twisted movie. ~january 7, 2011, 11:45pm

hmh: told sierra she could have another biscuit when she finished her eggs. way too soon i hear, “mama, my eggs are all gone.” of course they were…into the garbage! sneaky thing. but i gotta hand it to her…her response was logical, and quite truthful…especially for a 3yr old. i’m thinking law school… ~january 8, 2011, 1:08pm

hmh: is watching a nervous aidan wait with his new older tae kwon do class…he sits in the back and observes…he’s so me. :) ~january 10, 2011, 6:23pm

hmh: didn’t think a cat would get a bloody nose. sure it makes sense that anything with a nose could have one…just never thought about it before. awesome… ~january 11, 2011, 9:55pm

hmh: cracks up when sierra says, “do you understand me, mama?!?!” with that little attitude. ~january 12, 8:30pm

hmh: had a good laugh this morning. when telling aidan for the 15th time to put on his shoes, i had a mommy-brain moment and said, “put on your seatbelt!” ~january 14, 2011, 10:33am

hmh: is heading to aidan’s birthday party at chuck-e-cheese…lord help… ~january 15, 2011, 11:43am

hmh: has no aspirations for today higher than folding a mountain of laundry …though it is a high mountain… ~january 16, 2011, 1:41pm

hmh: finished “fall of giants” last night and is having trouble deciding what to read next…so many choices to choose from…i love that problem! ;) ~january 17, 2011, 10:08pm

hmh: has remembered why i shave in the shower and not the tub…these legs outgrew the bathtub many years ago! thus we shall have a new scar…after the bloodiest chapter in my shaving saga since i was 12 and tried to take all of the skin off my shin bone. what makes this story even better is that the only bandaids i had were transformer bandaids. while i do love transformers, we’ll have to remedy that…tomorrow…awesome. ~january 20, 8:53pm

hmh: will be home today with a sick baby boy. haven’t decided if i’m gonna take sierra to school. might be an easier day if i do… ~january 21, 2011, 7:47am

hmh: “you don’t have a soul. you are a soul. you have a body.” c.s. lewis ~january 22, 10:52am

hmh: a forkful of butter…helps the medicine go gown. right?? gross... ~january 25, 6:18pm












hmh: is getting more sore by the hour. tomorrow will be painful. i so love getting back in shape….. ~january 27, 2011, 9:22am

hmh: appreciates aidan’s attempt at giving me two 3day weekends in a row, though i doubt my work does… ~january 28, 2011, 12:22pm

hmh: is out with michele…and has totally been outdressed. though that generally happens anyway…but always with michele! :) ~january 29, 1011, 9:37pm

hmh: was with michele young at kokoamos island bar and grill ~january 29, 2011, 11:37pm
scott shannon: late night, i like it :) ~january 30, 2011, 12:17am
sarah ward: i'm here where are you? ~january 30, 2011, 12:35am
hmh: sarah!! found you...tag, you're it ~january 30, 2011, 1250am

hmh: wonders what the point of asking which office i would like aidan’s appointment to be at if you’re not gonna schedule us there?? sitting at location number two…and late. ~february 2, 2011, 9:31am

hmh: thinks that, even after getting to work several hours later than normal, it sure was a looong work day ~february 2, 2011, 5:33pm

hmh: was in bed by 9:30. must have needed the rest cause i have no memory of the time between then and 5am…and that NEVER happens. ~february 4, 2011, 6:18am
scott shannon: deep sleep = good ~ february 4, 2011, 8:46am
hmh: deep sleep = rare ~february 4, 2011, 8:47am
scott shannon: no doubt ~february 4, 2011, 8:58am
nick upton: TGIF ~february 4, 2011 9:27am
susan steele: working with me does have that effect on people...lol ~february 4, 2011, 6:14pm

hmh: is taking kids to pizza hut for an excited aidan to use his coupon that he got from class for reading lotsa books ~february 4, 2011, 6:30pm
nick upton: taking alyssa tomorrow for the same thing :) ~february 4, 2011, 6:40pm
melissa burch kelley: awww, i remember doing that with the kids lots of years ago...man how time flies ~february 4, 2011, 6:42pm
john agapos: now, that's my kind of coupon. can grown-ups get those? ~february 4, 2011, 9:46pm
hmh: haha...i wish. i could feed my family for life if that were true! :) ~february 4, 2011, 9:52pm
carroll miller adams: congratulations to aidan! ~february 5, 2011, 12:26pm

hmh: is so over these snowdays…some of us have to work, ya know. i need a snowday babysitter…feel free to apply… ~february 10, 2011, 6:26am

hmh: saw four cop cars at chick-fil-a this morming. i would hafta agree a chicken biscuit is way better than a donut. ~february 11, 2011, 7:44am
john agapos: blasphemy! ~february 11 ,2011, 8:21am

hmh: heard the best excuse for why aidan shouldn’t go to bed: “but, mommy, i told you i was half panther…and panthers are nocturnal.” classic. ~february 11, 9:30pm

hmh: happy valentine’s day ~february 14, 2011, 7:57am












hmh: is glad i have never bothered to break out the hair dryer more than maybe twice a year, since i walk through a windtunnel to get to work every day and all… ~february 15, 2011, 8:13am

hmh: said, “you’re a smart boy.” aidan said, “yeah, i’m smarter than NASA!” ~february 19, 8:42am
carroll miller adams: and maybe one day he can prove that. i love it! ~february 19, 2011, 9:32am hmh: he still says he wants to be an astronaut...though sometimes he says “scientist” ~february 19, 2011, 9:40am
carroll miller adams: either one is a great goal ~february 19, 2011, 12:23pm

mike silvestri: so my mom was talking about two of her friends’ kids from up here and asked what the two kids in VAB were like. i asked, “aidan and sierra?” she said yes and i said, “oh they were the best. you can just tell they are going to be nice and successful people when they grow up.” hope all is well, miss holly! tell everyone i said ‘hey’ please! ~february 19, 2011, 10:34am

hmh: decorated ~february 19, 2011, 2:34pm










hmh: would like to know what time corporate nap time is today. ~february 22, 11:44am
kelly reinecke meyer: now! ~february 22, 2011, 11:44am
hmh: so when i get caught sleeping at my desk i can say you said it was okay...that should fly, right? :) ~february 22, 2011, 11:45am
kelly reinecke meyer: absolutely ~february 22, 2011, 11:47am
susan steele: ummm...no nap for you today... :) ~february 22, 2011, 11:58am
scott shannon: no rest for the wicked. ~february 22, 2011, 1:31pm

hmh: heard the following from the backseat. aidan: “do you want to be rich?” sierra: “no.” “but rich is good.” “nah-uh, a witch is bad.” hahaha ~february 23, 2011, 5:58m

hmh: learned all about the presidents today from aidan. president george washington is “the father of our country.” president lincoln was “honest abe.” and the name of the president right now is “rockin-bahma.” awesome! :) ~february 25, 2011, 9:12pm

hmh: was with susan steele, michael parsley, deanna rixon, and ashley bell at mccormick & schmidt’s for 2010 lifenet health year in review banquet and awards. ~february 26, 2011

hmh: from banquet last night :) ~february 27, 2011, 3:40pm












hmh: 7hours at work on a sunday…blah. but will enjoy the paycheck…brightside! :) ~february 27, 2011, 4:45pm

hmh: is hoping my sweet boy enjoys his first day of daycare at the ymca today! ~february 28, 2011, 10:02am

hmh: doesn’t understand how we have 70degree weather in february and march 1st it’s 40degrees…really?? ~march 1, 2011, 8:49am

hmh: he is an official green belt now. but i’m still the same proud mama! :)












hmh: was at virginia beach rock gym ~march 5, 2011, 12:25pm

hmh: just heard reba do a beyonce song. haven’t decided how i feel about it yet… ~march 5, 2011, 6:03pm

hmh: had a fabulous weekend…but is majorly sleep deprived. tomorrow’s gonna be rough…. ~march 6, 2011, 7:14pm
susan steele: lunchtime margaritas??? :) ~march 6, 2011, 7:18pm
hmh: i'm not sure that would help my situation however fun it might be. grateful you stocked up on our sugar products...when you see me nodding off tomorrow start throwing sweet-tarts. :) ~march 6, 2011, 7:28pm

hmh: is watching taylor whip up on some oscar smith tennis girls with susan steele and taylor steele at salem high school ~march 8, 2011, 6:44pm

taylor steele: i know i didn’t say this at dinner, but thank you for coming to my tennis match and watching me play…it means a lot :) ~march 8, 2011, 10:01pm

hmh: just saw a hit and run in a parking lot…and was one of five people who go the plate number…hope he gets screwed ~march 12, 2011, 4:56pm
rob thomas: book 'em, dan'o.....ok, before your time...actually before my time. ~march 13, 2011, 12:39pm

hmh: had another excellent weekend! :) ~march 14, 2011, 8:43am

hmh: had a loooonnnng day…started way too early, meeting went way too long, had way too much work when i got out, and had to stay way too late (cause even 15minutes is way too long). worn out… ~march 16, 2011, 7:50pm

hmh: happy st. paddy’s day! ~march 17, 2011, 7:49am












hmh: is trying to decide how productive i should be during my three day weekend… ~march 18, 2011, 8:49am

hmh: was so productive yesterday, that i get to do nothing…unless i just want to…the rest of the weekend! :) ~march 19, 2011, 12:52pm

hmh: namaste, from my yoga babies! :) ~march 22, 2011, 7:27pm











hmh: the mind officially went into weekend mode hours ago…too bad i’m still at work accomplishing no more than the art of looking busy… ~march 25, 2011, 3:49pm

hmh: just saw a pink caddy…but it didn’t look right. i always pictured bubble gum pink. this looked like a white car got washed with a red sock… ~march 26, 2011, 2:00pm

hmh: had a great relaxing weekend…didn’t want it to end. now, workweek workweek, go away… ~march 28, 2011, 8:38am

hmh: came home and went for a run…now it’s time for volleyball. good start to the week even though i’d so prefer the weekend. :) ~march 28, 2011, 738pm

susan steele: sooo…ummm…yeah…you rock! :) ~march 20, 2011, 3:25pm

hmh: wants to know if it’s absolutely necessary to boil eggs before you dye them…we eat lots of eggs but it makes more sense to dye the one we will use…?? ~april 1, 2011, 8:11pm

hmh: was with jlee tharldson at pacifica little bar bistro ~april 2, 2011 8:24pm

hmh: pulled the first tooth today. hoping the tooth fairy has some 1s… ~april 6, 2011, 8:53pm

hmh: one down… ~april 6, 2011, 8:54pm












hmh: “it’s morally repugnant to ask our service members to face death in war zones on an iou.” unknown. ~april 8, 2011, 8:27am

hmh: made it to baltimore in decent time despite the traffic, rain, and idiots out on the road. looking forward to a good weekend with family! :) ~april 8, 2011, 10:53pm

hmh: is on the road again. :) ~april 17, 2011, 12:21pm

hmh: was at camden yards orioles stadium with jlee tharaldson…twins game :) ~april 18, 2011, 6:48pm

hmh: first mlb game! :) ~april 18, 2011, 8:44pm












hmh: sierra’s first pedicure :) ~april 20, 2011, 6:59pm









hmh: happy earth day from the dentist’s office ~april 22, 2011, 8:18am












hmh: is enjoying the camping breakfast experience…yummmmmm ~april 23, 2011 8:17am

hmh: must quote aidan once again. aidan: “what did that man who came to the door want?” me: “money.” aidan: “then he should stand at a redlight with a sign like everybody else!” ha!!! ~april 30, 2011, 4:22pm

hmh: believes “the only things in life to regret are the chances you didn’t take.” ~may 4, 2011, 9:02am
michael parsley: amen ~may 4, 2011, 12:25pm
joseph antoine: exactly! ~may 4, 2011, 1:42pm

hmh: “nothing is a waste of time if you experience it wisely.” auguste rodin ~may 6, 2011, 1:21pm

hmh: was with sarah ward, richard schini, scott shannon, and mark higginbotham at KOA campground…DIGS tournament!! :) ~may 7, 2011, 8:48am

hmh: aidan decided it’s mohawk weather again… :) ~may 9, 2011, 10:08am












hmh: doesn’t understand the point of automated post office machines if they’re gonna give me the wrong postage and my packages get sent back to me…all mother’s day items (sent a week in advance) are now on my kitchen counter due to insufficient postage…awesome ~may 9, 2011, 6:18pm

hmh: will feel this tomorrow…first workout at the y since 2003. and we begin again! :) ~may 11, 2011, 7:25pm

hmh: is at the ER with sierra…again. seriously, her 3rd trip and she’s still 3!! ~may 12, 2011, 11:20am
hmh: lord help…even with her entire body wrapped it took three of us to hold her down…and she fought the whole time. six stitches…

hmh: and a dora sticker makes it all better ~may 12, 2011, 12:18pm












hmh: building character one scar at a time ~may 12, 2011, 9:34pm












hmh: busch gardens with pawpaw and aunt emily :) ~may 14, 2011, 3:35pm












hmh: sierra’s new “do." had to do a bob with some layers to hide the chunk of her hair she cut off at school...awesome. ~may 26, 2011, 9:44pm












hmh: is amused by the number of people at work who address me by name and i have no idea what their name is. (i could find their desk/office though. i think…) ~june 2, 2011, 5:13pm

hmh: wondered why the book aidan was reading me had such complicated names…the tosis family with a dog named hally. then he said, “hally tosis…” ha! ~june 4, 2011, 10:50am

hmh: long day of watching movies wore her out! :) ~june 5, 2011, 8:06pm












hmh: has learned that “zumba” is spanish for “abs.” :D ~june 6, 2011, 7:43pm
monica ibacache: ha! holly...you got me lol-ing over here. :)

hmh: was told by aidan today, “mama, my teacher says that a yellow light does NOT mean “either hurry up or slow down”.” ooops! :D ~june 8, 2011, 9:29pm

hmh: has given up on bedtimes that are early “enough”...i feel like after work and whatever else, we're rushing through the motions and moments and i'm missing it. will hafta brave some morning kiddie-crankiness...but in the meantime we will seize the day ~june 14, 2011, 8:41pm

hmh: all tucked in :) ~june 15, 2011, 8:36pm









hmh: wonders how one can misplace an indoor cat???? we've managed it...hafta assume he ran out when we came in...boo ~june 6, 2011, 11:17pm
peggy fleming browne: not to be a bummer, BUT, that happened to us when i was a kid – we couldn't find our himalayan for like 3 days, then, we smelled something odd and found him under my mother's bed – he had had a heartattack...hope your story turns out better than ours! ~june 6, 2011, 11:22pm
hmh: i totally should have posted this two hours sooner...cause as soon as i did, signed off and got up...out he comes. after looking everywhere he could possibly go and more, inside and out, shaking the food bag all over the house (that usually makes him come running), he jumps off the kitchen chair from behind the tablecloth. can only assume he was fast asleep or not hungry at all (must be the first...he's always hungry.) and i just knew i saw him run in (to his food bowl) when we came in and not outside. though the thought did cross my mind that something happened to him and we'd find him when we smelled him. glad that's not the case. crisis averted! :)
nick upton: love a happy ending ~june 6, 2011, 11:35pm
rob thomas: glad you found the kitty, but that's a very existential question you proposed. is an indoor cat still and indoor cat if it's outdoors? if a tree fall in the woods does it cry “timber” or does the lumberjack? ~june 7, 2011, 1:56pm

hmh: last day of kindergarten...my sweet first grader. :) time flies!! ~june 7, 2011, 12:00pm












hmh: was at rascall flatts at farm bureau live with susan steele, andy steele, taylor steele, and devlin hunt ~june 19, 2011, 7:39pm

hmh: can't believe princess sierra is 4 today...and yes, she thinks she's truly a pricess, so don't argue! :) ~june 22, 2011, 8:23am
hillary lauren smith: she will never stop. i didn't. lol j/k :) happy birthday sierra!
melissa burch kelley: happy birthday sierra!!!!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

here there and everywhere

--shamefully overdue...and therefore lacking in appropriate detail as well. apologies upfront.


--we have multiple travel stories from the last part of last year, and had a grand ole time. first we drove down to mobile for thanksgiving. we left after work on a tuesday night and drove straight through. took 15hours give or take...which was excellent time. i find i like to drive in the middle of the night...children are generally quiet (read asleep) and other drivers are usually seasoned travelers (read non-retarded/aggressive, so long as it's not a drunk night...so tuesdays work perfectly.)


--we got home at 4am central time...just in time for about an hour of sleep for me before children were ready to be awake. i managed to squeeze an extra half hour of "rest" while they played quietly...haha...in our room before it was necessary to let them out. i'm embarrassed to say that i honestly cannot remember what we did that day, minus some prep work for thanksgiving dinner.



--thanksgiving was in lucedale as it has been as long as i can remember. the kids had a blast playing with my cousins, eating more than humanly possible, going on adventures in the pasture to the pond, and hugging on animals. i spent my time catching up and enjoying the company and conversation of my wonderful family.


--friday was the iron bowl day (alabama/auburn game for the non sec-fans)...or cookie making day...depending on who you were to ask. chuck and emily and i watched the ballgame while aidan and sierra made and decorated cookies with li-li. after the unfortunate outcome of the game and a wonderful dinner, we trooped over to our cousins' house and took them with us to bellingrath gardens to enjoy the christmas lights. it seemed to be a shorter walk/smaller display than last year, though they add lights every year, so i contribute that to the fact that both of my children were on their own feet and couldn't help but break into a run occasionally when accosted by so many lights, long winding paths to explore, and cousins.


--bright and early saturday morning we started our journey home, after a nice breakfast with my dear friend jay at cracker barrel. that day we drove to athens to visit aunt carroll and uncle larry. emily met us there as well later that day. kiddies were treated to experiences such as throwing pumpkins off the pier, rides in spinning chairs, remote helicopter flight shows, and a hissing kitty cat. our drive home the next day was to take 10hours...and ended up taking nearly 14. holiday traffic was ungodly terrible! but we made it home and had a great trip.


--two weeks later, aunt emily and pawpaw came to virginia beach for a miller-fied christmas. they took aidan and sierra to the movie "tangled" while i went to a baby shower, we went christmas shopping, kids got to meet santa claus, pawpaw and aidan put together and flew a remote helicoptor, and aunt emily and aidan put together a lego spaceship. everyone had all kinds of fun that weekend.



--they even got to watch my volleyball finals...which we won...yea!


--the next weekend, aidan and sierra went to new jersey for ten days with their dad to visit grandparents and aunts/uncles. they had a blast and got waaaaay too many toys and clothes, that it has taken us nearly this long to get them all down to virginia and find places to store them. :)


--while children were otherwise occupied, i took advantage of the fact that my cousin jason would be in mobile for the family christmas party, and that i wouldn't have to buy three plane tickets, to fly to mobile. emily and i went shopping during the day then helped prep for the xmas party at my mom's house. i hadn't been to the family party since 2002, and hadn't seen jason since long before that. and i have no shame in admitting that when i finally did see him, i actually had tears in my eyes...and i don't generally do stuff like that. now that it's in writing and on the internet, my stone-cold facade will have been shattered...darn. anyhow, it was great to see everybody again, and those that i hadn't seen at thanksgiving, and to see the change in family dynamics as my cousins have grown up and joined the adult side of our gatherings.

--the next weekend was christmas. it was very very quiet and very very weird. i was trying to figure out what i used to do before children, as i didn't really have anything urgent to take up my thoughts and time and energy besides working all week. on christmas day, i went to my friend susan's house for dinner which was really nice.



--the kids came home on tuesday, and on thursday we drove to north carolina after work. my mom, stepdad (chuck), his mother (frances), my sister (emily), her boyfriend (jordan), my step sister (meredith), and her fiancé (mauricio) all met in boone for the new year. we stayed in an awesome cabin in the mountains. friday we left the grandkids with the grandparents and went snowboarding. it was my first attempt, and i think i (almost) did rather well. there were no green slopes to speak of, so learning (read falling) took place on the blues. i got the hang of the snowflake thing but managed not to be able to choose a lead leg, and so in switching back and forth, i fell quite a lot. when i did choose a lead foot, i'd end up catching the front lip of the board and bouncing on my knees. not cool. volleyball-wrecked knees don't much appreciate that, and i therefore perfected the art of the bellyflop in order to save them. :) we had a lot of time for hanging out that weekend, watched some football, played some games (including dirty santa), and had lots of yummy meals. we even did an early birthday party for aidan.

--so, that was our holiday season in a nutshell. good times had by all. indeed.