The In-Laws

(My Mother and Father in law. Rosemary and Gary)

(Rachel with Alyssa and her boyfriend Andy)

(Kimbo with Buddy's Aunt Kathy)

(Garrison saying goodbye to Mitzi)

(Rachel with Bob and Lucy)

I feel the need to get sentimental and mushy. I have many friends who I often hear complain like crazy about their spouses family. Either it is their mother in law is too over-bearing or their sister in law is too judgmental or their spouses aunt and/or uncle are just nuts. Well I have to say that I have been extremely blessed with AMAZING in laws. My mother and father in law are just fantastic. They know when to step in and offer guidance and advice and yet they know when we have things under control and don't butt in. They respect our decisions as parents and support us 100%. They have made me feel loved and as much of a daughter as their own daughters. I love them unconditionally and will be eternally grateful for their love and guidance.

I cannot say enough about Buddy's two sisters. I ADORE them. I am as close to them as I am my own sisters. They are two of my dearest friends.

Buddy's dad is the oldest of 7 kids. One, sadly past away as an infant so it was just Buddy's dad and his 5 sisters. Now let me tell you..when you get these 5 sisters together...LET THE FUN BEGIN. There is nothing these ladies will not do. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to see them bungee jumping off some bridge. When you are around them, hold on to your pants. They are a blast. Often times, all 6 of them (including Buddy's dad) will burst out into song. If you say anything that resembles a song, they start singing. The cool thing is they sing very well together. I love to hear them sing.

While living in Omaha, I got the awesome opportunity to get to know one of Buddy's aunts (Lucy) and one of Buddy's cousins (Mitzi) so much better. Mitzi lived in a suburb of Omaha and Lucy lived a few hours away in a small town in Iowa. I loved this opportunity. I grew to love and cherish these two amazing women. They got to know our children and my children grew to love an absolutely adore them. Garrison grew very close to Mitzi, Kimbo grew very close to Mitzi's husband Al, and Rachel grew very close to Mitzi's daughter Alyssa. It was so fun to see the love that each of my kids developed for them. Thank you Mitzi and Lucy (and of course Al, Bob, Nicolas, Christian, and Alyssa) for all you did for us while we were there). We miss you more than words can say.

In short, I feel incredibly blessed to have such amazing in laws. Yes they are a tad bit crazy at times, a tad bit loud sometimes, and a bit passionate about their college football but you know what??? I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. (Not to mention that they have done a darn good job at sucking me into their Alabama football obsession.) I will forever love them all. Thank you to all of the Hopkins clan for loving me.

My New Hobby

So my mom and step dad came to visit a week ago and while they were here they taught me how to make these blankets. Now those who know me, know that I cannot even sew a button on a shirt. Crafty things just are not my cup of tea. However, this was so easy. I am sure those of you who already know how to do it are thinking "Hello, it's not rocket science." However, I am very excited about it as it is a huge accomplishment for me. The first one is Kimbo's. That was the first one I ever did. It is Monkeys. The second one is Natalie's. She is obsessed with Elmo. I found this material today and thought she would just love it. She is now in bed so we won't know until morning. I am so excited about them!!!

P.S. I just added a picture of Rachel's. It is frogs. I made it this morning. I seem to do better every one I do. Poor Kimbo got the smallest and least attractive one. She loves it though!!

Happy 10th Birthday Sweet Boy!!!!

Today is Garrison's 10th birthday. I can hardly believe it. I remember so vividly the day he was born. It seemed like he would never get here. I could hardly wait to see the beautiful angel that me and my amazing husband had helped create. The minute I saw him, I was overwhelmed with the love I felt for him. He truly was an angel from above. To this day, I do not quite know what I did to deserve such an amazing little boy but I am sure grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who trusted me enough to entrust him in my care. Anytime I talk about Garrison, I have a difficult time controlling my emotions and even as I write this, I have tears in my eyes. When you have a child with special needs, there is just a different and most sacred spirit about them. He knows no hate and loves all who come in contact with him. He is so accepting of all. His innocence is just precious. I love you son. Thank you for all of the joy you have and continue to bring into my life.