Girl's Night Out

"When you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends, not diamonds, pearls or riches, but the love of real true friends" Helen Steiner Rice

RELAXATION!! That is all I can say about our girl's night out this month! Courtney organized the perfect night out for all us girlies at a nail salon in Chagrin. We brought the appetizers, wine and dessert and literally sat back to soak up every minute of our fabulous pedicures. Our toes are happy ~ ohhhhh yes, they are happy and pretty cute if I do say so myself.

And, on that topic ~ Selah is always asking if she can come with me to "Girl's Night" and I am always saying "NOOOOO"!! I love her and all, but sometimes I just need a night to get caught up on all the scoop with my own girlies! But, on this particular night ~ Selah had the great privilege of joining the fun. Morgan turned 14 and got to invite 2 of her best buddies (Codi & Sarah) to join Heather & I for a night of pottery and yummy food. In the end, she asked if Kayla and Selah could join us as well ~ so for once, my answer to Selah's question got to be "YESSSSSS"! What a treat it was to see Selah make her own pottery creation ~ a cute little kitty. I loved watching Morgan with her own friends and realizing just how grown up my sweet niece has become. I am proud of her beyond words ~ she has such a tender and giving heart and has become quite the chef in her house. I love ya Morgan!!! Thanks for letting Selah and I be part of your big night out.

Better Late Then Never!!

OK ~ Yes, I am waaaaay behing on blogging, but at least I am getting to it ~ right??? So, our Christmas started off early this year with a fun-filled trip from Uncle Chip & Aunt Audrey. We strolled the Village, ate at the YT, had Wii competitions, made yummy meals together, watched "concerts" on the fireplace, and even bowled with the kids for the first time. The kiddos soaked up EVERY single minute with them they could and were left literally in tears the morning they left. Thanks Chip & Audzz for always making such leaps and bounds to get here and spend time with us ~ we love ya and miss ya like crazy!!


Our next Christmas event was with the wild Austin clan on Christmas Eve. What an answer to all of our prayers that Heather was feeling fabulous, so she could enjoy every moment with the family! I think the best part of being all together is hearing the noise that penetrates through the whole house with kiddos galore. I love sitting back and watching their imaginations at work and their love for one another shine through. Thanks too to Morgan, Logan & Kayla for getting down to the younger cousin's level and making it always crazy fun for them ~ we love you guys!


And last, but never least was our DuRoss Christmas at home just the five of us! I love saying that ~ the five of us!! Poor Mercy, we love ya sweetie, but since you are too young to realize whether "Santa" came or not ~ he didn't for you this year!!! I love setting traditions with the kids and this year we decided to let them open one present each on Christmas Eve, which was new pj's to wear for the morning. They actually did a great job sleeping in before coming to our room to start the festivities. There really is such joy in giving and watching their bright eyes and open mouths as they get just what they were wanting. I am thankful they realize it is more than just presents and are really beginning to understand the true meaning of Christmas. I love my family and treasure all these moments with them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009