Blessed Thanksgiving

What a blessed Thanksgiving! I could not have asked for a better Thanksgiving. Mike and I traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northern Georgia. My mom's side of the family--her Dad's family--have been getting together for several years for Thanksgiving. It is a wonderful time to catch up with family besides just seeing and writing them on facebook. We have some family that live near Blue Ridge, so several families stayed with them and the rest of us rented two other cabins in the mountains.My entire family stayed in one cabin and we had a delightful time together. We all arrived in town on Wednesday and my sister made a spectacular southwestern soup for dinner and we enjoyed our conversation and just being together. Thursday morning we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and we drew names for Christmas. Shortly thereafter, we headed to my Cousin's house.It was fun to give and get lots of hugs from family. Before we ate, the word passed along to everyone that we were going to take a group picture outside. I couldn't believe how many family were there once we were all in one place. It was painless to get all these people together for a picture! What a great memory~my Pappy would have loved that we were all together, so would his brother and sister~seeing all the family getting together and making memories to last a lifetime.
We enjoyed the many activities at my Cousin's house, playing pool, fishing on the lake, target practice in the valley, tepee in the valley, movie theater room, and of course EATING!!

We got to try some new recipes for Thanksgiving dinner. I got 5 of my favorite recipes, so I can't wait to for the opportunity to make one of these yummy southern recipes! (Thanks Karen, Brenda, Marlene, and Kelly for sharing your fabulous cooking with me!) On Friday, my immediate family took a train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.We had a fun time with each other. There were additional passengers on the train too~Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. We enjoyed popcorn and hot chocolate while singing Christmas carols and listening to a Christmas story. Miss M is at the stage where she will let you know when she wants or doesn't want her picture taken. We enjoyed shopping and eating at Harvest on Main. If you are ever in Blue Ridge, GA, you won't want to miss this great place to eat. Most of the food they serve, comes from local farmers in the area. Mike and I were sad to leave such great southern hospitality and head back to sunny Florida. We had a great time going to a new place and experiencing God's amazing creation. We would love to return next year for Thanksgiving, so we will see what the Lord has planned for 2012. But for 2011, Thanksgiving weekend was a blessing in itself.

Dinner Done!

The most dreaded question of the day is "What are we going to have for dinner?". This is the second year Mike and I have gone to Dinner Done. It is so much fun to prepare meals and not have to go to the grocery store, put the groceries away, make a mess in YOUR kitchen and then have to clean it up. Dinner Done does the shopping for you, provides the kitchen set ups, and cleans up the dirty dishes! What more could a girl want? The meals are wonderful, homemade and ready to go into the oven each night.
Dinner Done is a great way to spend time with your special someone or great friends!!! Jen and Julie putting all the food in the coolers to transport all the way back home.
After all the preparing meals, Mike was hungry and loves Zaxby's, so we had to stop when we saw one on our way home from Tampa.

It's Fall Y'all

Fall is my favorite season! I love the change in weather. It's exciting to pull out a new wardrobe, or at least the three-quarter length sleeve shirts. Love the Saturday afternoon naps with the hubby watching and listening to college football. The cooler weather brings back memories when I remember growing up and the leaves changing, falling to the ground, and raking the leaves to make a huge pile to jump in. I actually did see a tree today with leaves turning colors and some leaves were even on the ground. Now if I could only see my family, that would be a perfect start to my favorite season.

Last fall was very memorable with a weekend trip to South Carolina for my high school reunion, a day trip to Strawberry Hill for their annual Fall Fun on the Farm, and to meet our nephew for the first time. First, the reunion was great to talk to friends that I keep up with on Facebook, but haven't seen most of them since high school. Next, our trip to Strawberry Hill is always one of my favorite things to do when I go home to South Carolina. Strawberry Hill is a farm that is family run by the Cooley family. They have a restaurant, ice cream parlor, fields fresh fruit and vegetables. Back in 2008 there was a big article about Strawberry Hill in Southern Living magazine.Finally, I can't believe it has been a year already since our first getting to meet our nephew. My brother and his wife adopted Baby Michael in August of 2010 and Mike and I were able to meet him for the first time in October 2010. It was great to meet him and I miss those sweet cheeks every day!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving this year to be able to spend it with my family, especially the niece and nephew!!!

It Really Happened!

For my birthday this year I told Mike I wanted to go to a Tampa Bay Rays Baseball game. He exceeded my request and we went to not one game, but two games for my birthday weekend. We had the best time, but was disappointed because I also really wanted a picture with Ben Zobrist. He play for the Rays and is real and open about his personal relationship with Christ. Getting a picture didn't happen, so I've been trying to figure out how and when it would be possible for me to get this picture. This was May. . .
and it's now August. . . .
Our friend and Pastor of Church Ministries from church, texted us and said that we we can be at church in the morning around 9am we could meet BEN ZOBRIST!! Really? Are you kidding? Let me see that text! Our friend knows that I LOVE the Rays, so he wanted to make sure it would be 75% sure that he would be there before telling me. Mike and I were there early, 8:30am. I didn't want to be late or miss anything. I brought my glove for him to sign, but I was told that it might not happen. I thought it's better to have it than to not have it.

Ben Zobrist was speaking at the Youth Conference and we were honored to be there. Then on August 28, our Pastor wrote
some notes about Ben Zobrist from the Youth Conference~thought they were worth sharing~Quotes from Ben Zobrist, "What we do out on the baseball field is based on how hard we work. We get out of it what we put into it. That is the law of works, but that is not the law of grace. Our salvation is based on grace, not law. We cannot get to heaven by working hard. Christ did the work on the cross for us and paid the price to get us to heaven." "From a young person's perspective what I do looks glamorous, But who we are is not based on what we do. Our hope is not in an ideal job, like baseball.. It is in Jesus Christ. Our identity should be in Christ, otherwise, when success is gone, we have nothing left. All the accolades and all the stuff you see on TV is really nothing. It will eventually wear off. Christ doesn't. Jesus Christ is who I am. I look to Him. He is my Lord and He is my Savior. My favorite verse is Galatians 2:20." (Remember Ben Zobrist is talking to today's youth!)

Question for Zobrist: How do you maintain your boundaries as a Christian? Response from Zobrist: The key is not where the boundary is necessarily, because I will naturally want to push the boundaries because of my sin nature. I must ask God to change my heart so I don't even get close to the boundary. We can be within our boundaries and our heart still not be right before God. It is really a heart issue. I want God to change my heart so that I want what He wants."

Question for Zobrist: What about the importance of godly role models? Response from Zobrist: True influence comes through Christ alone. The best way to influence others is to stay connected to The Vine (Christ). Rather than just try to influence others, if I do what God wants me to do I will have a godly influence on others. After all, the whole group may be moving in a wrong direction. But we do not need to fear what others think or do--we need to fear God alone.


It was great meeting Ben Zobrist and getting his autograph, but it was AMAZING to hear about his love for the Lord and how he tries to glorify God through baseball.

Better Late Than Never

I can't believe tomorrow will be September 1st and I'm just now blogging about my summer vacation!! This summer has flown by and getting back into the swing of things at school. I enjoyed seeing family and friends (and their children) while in South Carolina.

If you're like me and grew up in the same town your entire life (until college), lived in the same house since you were 3 years old, attended the same church since before you were born, went to the same Christian School kindergarten-12th grade, then you know what I'm talking about when I say second set of parents. It's your parent's friends because you play and hang out together a lot with their families. These second set of parents are dear to our hearts, the Malone's. Even now after college and being married for over twelve years, we have to arrange at least one meal together during every trip to South Carolina. I had soooo much fun with my friends and their children.

My sweet little friends, missing one-she was too shy to take a picture with everyone, so we got one just her and me. She was so proud she could sing the ABC's, so she sang them all through dinner!


Thanks to some friends of the baseball community, my entire family was able to attend a Greenville Drive minor league baseball game. We had great seats, drank lots of water, cheered the Drive to a victory, and sang Christmas carols!! It was a neat experience because the Drive was celebrating Christmas in July in 100 plus degree weather!!


I was so excited when I got the chance to laugh and giggle with my niece and nephew.


Then when I got back to Florida, I got more laughter and fun times with our other nephew.


I just love being with family. I just hate living so far apart, but look forward to our times together! More happy times are coming soon!!!!

Our Summer Vacation over the 4th of July

Another slideshow by Smilebox

Memorial Day

Remembering my Grandfather, William H Wolff Lt Colonel

William H Wolff was born on January 18, 1928 in Flint, Michigan. When he was just sixteen years old he enlisted into the Florida State Guard. Then in July 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army and soon after received orders for Korea. This was just one month before World War II ended. He was assigned to Company D Sixth Medical Bn. at Camp Hillenmeyer as a motor vehicle mechanic. There was no special training in mechanics, but because of his love for motorcycles and airplanes he became the company’s mechanic.
In 1947, Wolff was able to attend the University of Cincinnati for teaching automotive material and was awarded the Ordnance Medal upon graduation. At this time, Army Aviators were not required to be instrument rated, but they sent Wolff to Atlanta for instrument school training to see if it was safe. While in Atlanta, he took the FAA test for metrology instructor and passed. This would come in handy later.
Wolff was trained to fly helicopters by the Air Force and Army. He was a member of the second class to train at Ft. Rucker. Wolff worked with the H-21 helicopter as a Maintenance Officer in the 8th Helicopter Company in Korea. He was promoted to Captain in February of 1958.
Seven years later, he was promoted to Major. He was a Transportation Officer, the second ranking man in the Ordnance Bn. as well as their first Aviator. He was part of the company that established a program to install mini-guns on the HU-1 helicopter replacing the old mount of 4 M-60 machine guns. He installed a mini-gun on an armored personnel carrier (M-113) belonging to the Australians. For this service, Wolff was awarded the Bronze Star.
Then October 1968, he was promoted to Lt. Colonel. Wolff’s last station was an Army advisor to the FL National Guard and he was the Senior Army Officer in northwest Florida. After serving in three wars (World War II, Korea and Vietnam) and twenty-six years of service, Wolff retired from the Army on May 1, 1972.
My Grandfather, William H Wolff, was a great encourager throughout my college career and he inspired me to never give up. His last words were, “Continue to march”. He began marching the streets of gold on October 21, 2004.

Mike and I honored my Popop this year with a paver

My Tampa Bay Rays Birthday

My birthday was on May 27 and it was full of hugs, surprises and blessings! My class threw me a birthday celebration at school on May 26. got lots of gift cards, Tampa Bay Rays things, yummy treats (Oreo's, Reese's Pieces, Butterfingers), a Kindle,and LOTS of homemade cards with thoughtful poems. Then for my actual birthday, I had a sweet friend and family make a birthday cake for me~it was a Rays Jersey cake!! It was delicious.
Several weeks before my birthday, I told Mike for my birthday I wanted to go to a Rays baseball game. Mike was sweet and bought tickets for my birthday on May 27.Then a friend of ours gave us tickets for May 28 for my birthday. So I went to TWO Rays games for my birthday. Friday's game was exciting and the Rays won! Saturday's game was exciting because of where our seats were--5 rows right behind the Rays dugout.I almost caught a ball from Evan Longoria, but the man sitting beside me took it out of my glove. I was very sad. Even the workers a the stadium saw that I had it. It was a sad ending because the Rays lost. I made a sign for my birthday to take to the game. . This is the best I could get with a picture with Ben Zobrist, you can see him "on deck" getting ready to go to the plate to bat. THEN, after the game we saw Zobrist, just hanging out on a wall and thought this would work! I guess you can guess who my favorite player is? I did have my picture made with Matt Joyce, the Rays Right Fielder when he came to my school to our Respect Rally in January.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

April 19 is a special day because that is my Dad's birthday! My dad is the best dad in the world because he is loyal, patient and selfless. He is loyal because he love me no matter what. I remember so many times when I was sick and hundreds of miles apart, he was always faithful and loyal to call to talk each and every day, making sure I was okay and comfortable and needed nothing. My dad would always pray with me and Mike the night before any test, surgery, or major doctor visit. He was loyal and patient to remind me to pray first. My dad has been patient my entire life. He has always been understanding and calm. (However, I do remember the quick up from dinner spankings for talking back to my parents.) Those spankings were deserved and only built character. My dad is patient to speak or act. He is mindful of what he says and thinks, so when he does speak or act, his words and actions are very wise. Last, my Dad is selfless. He has given countless hours of studying homework with me through my school career, thousands of hours of traveling in the car back and forth to FL, hundreds of trips to Disney World, tens of times of trips to pick me or Mike up at the airport, and a priceless amount of time loving me.


Happy Birthday, Daddy! Wish I could spend this special day being with you, but know that you are thought of today!

Happy Birthday, Mike!!

March 24th is a special day because it is my husband's birthday. There are a few things that I'd like to share with you about Mike. First, Mike is a very dedicated person. When he is excited about something he is dedicated to it and gives 100%. He then spend all his energy and time making sure he is completely dedicated. He has shown his dedication to me by being my number #1 nurse. Throughout all my health issues, Mike was dedicated to helping me feel better and doing whatever he needed to do to help me rest and relax. He fixed numerous meals, cleaned the house hundreds of times, and sat with me and waiting for me at doctors offices and hospitals for thousands of minutes. I always tell him--he is a much better nurse than I will ever be. Next, Mike is constantly thinking of others (especially family, including his six nephews and one niece).

He loves to spend time with them~which is one reason why I fell in love with him. I love how he wanted to be with family and spent time with them. We rarely go on vacation without other family. If we are on vacation, you can probably find us at Disney World.Finally, Mike puts up with my sports obsessions--well maybe I should say deals with--He is dreading the upcoming baseball season(Go Rays), but sometimes I think he responds just to see how I will react. He's always a good sport and takes me to some games.

Happy Birthday, Mom

I wish I could be with my mom to celebrate her special day. So I thought I would chose some of my mom's favorite things to highlight. (Notice I said highlight and not likes.) First, my mom does not like birds. She even doesn't like those cute pink flamingos. However, my dad enjoys flamingos so several years ago my brother and sister decided to get some flamingo "yard art" for my dad. Of course, my dad loved it, but my mom wasn't so happy about the flamingo. Soooo. . .that just started something. Every year for Christmas an Elf always brings mom or dad a special gift having something to do with a flamingo. Over time we have even named the flamingos that have joined our family.

(Notice she is even having a hard time smiling and looking at the camera.)

Next, my mom loves to travel and last year I was able to travel a lot with my mom and family. Over spring break, we went on a cruise together. We had a great time. I was so blessed to be able to go on a cruise with my parents. Even through the rain we were laughing and creating memories.


Over the summer, I went on a road trip with my mom and grandma. I flew to South Carolina and then drove to Ohio and Kentucky to visit family and friends. I got to meet some family and long time family friends that I had never met before. I have now meet all of my grandma's siblings--praising the Lord--all of her siblings are still living. They all love to get together. It was a grand memory that I hope I never forget. I love to hear the stories and what life was like when they were growing up.

I also traveled with my mom and family to Disney World. My family is NUTS about Mickey Mouse. We celebrated July 4th at the Magic Kingdom and spent a week celebrating birthday's and being together. There's no better way to enjoy the magic than to eat with the characters. When they come to your table, it just makes you feel like a kid again. Even my mom got a special hug from Tigger!!

We were waiting for the speechless 360 degree fireworks on the 4th of July. (Yes, it isn't dark yet, but we wanted to make sure we had a great view of the castle for the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!! I hope you have had a special day just as you have brought me a year full of special memories!
I love you!!