Flowers from Steve

I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers the other day from my wonderful husband, and I just had to share. They were a happy surprise and they sure did brighten my day. You can never go wrong with sending your wife flowers. Thanks, honey!



Since I haven't had many pictures of Bella and Rocky up, here are a few! Bella has gotten so big and Rocky just turned 3 years old last Wednesday. I guess that makes him legal now...in dog years. I'm sure if Steve were he would have made Rocky have a beer with him...even though Rocky is more of a wine and liquor kinda dog, just like his Mom. ;)


Tomatoes for sale!


You can always find a tennis ball within close proximity of Rocky

My Sisters are Graduates!!!

Last weekend I got to see my little sisters walk across the stage and receive their college diplomas. Wow, it sure did make me feel old. I still remember when they were little and copied everything I did. Now, they're college grads and will be entering the work force soon. Where did the time go?

Seeing my sisters accept their diplomas made me feel so proud. Those are MY sisters I wanted to shout. I can't imagine what that must have felt like for my parents, seeing their blonde baby girls cross the stage and accept their diploma. I looked at both of them during those moments and I could feel the pride and joy they felt. It was electrifying. I will never forget that moment.

Colleen and Shannon have worked so hard these past four years. They both graduated Suma-Cum Lata, which is one of the highest awards that graduating students receive. Shannon was also asked to stand during her graduation, as she was one of three graduates that received a GPA of 4.0. Did I mention I was proud?

Shannon will be a teacher soon. I still remember when she was little and used to "play" school. Back then she had an "imaginary" class, but soon she will have a real class of boys and girls ready and eager to learn. From the time she was little, she knew what she wanted to do and soon she will be doing it. For those students, who are lucky enough to have Ms. Barnett as their teacher, you are in for a real treat. I know she is going to touch so many hearts with her warm personality and willingness to be the best teacher she can be.

It takes a special person to be a nurse. One of those special people is my sister, Colleen. Colleen, is such a caring person, and she will make a great nurse! Seeing the love she has for her family, friends, and now her patients is undeniable. She is a hard worker and is dedicated to being a great nurse, and I know she will be. I believe nurses are angels without wings.

My sisters are graduates!!! I can't wait to see where their lives lead them next. I do know that the path they are on will lead to great success. I am so honored to call you both my sisters. Congratulations!

It's Derby Time!!!

Well, last weekend was Derby time in Louisville, KY! My good friend Cara, who has a beautiful condo in Louisville invited me to join in on the festivities! Of course I couldn't say no, as Derby weekend is a wonderful experience that one should have in their lifetime. For those of you who have not been, you are missing out! Make sure you mark this down as one of those things you do before you die. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. And while you're there, make sure you have a Mint Julep...or two.

I call Cara my "first" friend because we've known each other since we were in diapers. Her mom, Jeanette, which is like a second mom used to babysit for me when I was little girl. For those of you who don't know, Louisville is my birthplace, and I still like to think of it as home. While Cara and I are no longer little tots running around in diapers, we are still great friends!



We decided to go to the Oaks this year instead of the Derby, which is the day before the Derby. The Oaks is basically the "female" version of the Derby. All the horses that race on Oaks Day are, you guessed it...female. Today, the Oaks has become almost as big as the actual Derby. It supports breast cancer awareness. Churchill Downs is decorated in all shades of pink, and spectators are encouraged to show off their support by wearing pink as well. You will even see the race horses sporting little bits of pinks on their uniforms.





Even though the drink of the Oaks isn't a Mint Julep, it's called a Lily and guess what, it's pink, Cara and I still managed to taste a few.



You haven't had a "real" Mint Julep until you've had one at the track. It just tastes so much better when you're surrounded by the track, the horses, and the spectators!

While, Cara and I didn't win any money that day we still had an amazing time! I won't forget it.

The weekend went by too fast. Cara, I had a great time seeing you! You're a wonderful hostess too. I hope you will make it to Clarksville, so I can return the favor!

You can look for me in Louisville next year for the Derby too! This time though I will be sporting some delicious eye candy...my husband :)