Merry Merry Christmas

What I'm Thankful For...Day 24

10 years ago today Grant proposed to me! Yes, on Santa's lap! It was awesome! I was in complete shock! What a man I have! I still remember that moment like it happened yesterday! He said to me when we first met "I will never date you." Then we started dating. Then he said "I will never marry you." Well, we all know how that turned out. Then it was "We will NEVER have kids." Now if only he would say "We will NEVER be rich!" I knew from the moment that we met that he would change my life...and he has. He has brought me so much joy, so much love, so much..EVERYTHING! I am so thankful that he is my husband. I am so proud of him. I love you baby! 4 more days!

What I'm Thankful For...Day 23

My in-laws! They totally rock! They are the hardest working couple I have ever known..and they are equally loving. I could not ask for better grandparents for Macen. I realized today that I don't have a picture of them together...so that's going to be one of my goals this coming year! Thank you Rick and Linda for EVERYTHING!

Rest in Peace

Elizabeth Edwards lived the hand she was dealt with unimaginable grace and humor. She did what was best for her and her family. In what may have been her final words, she said she had been sustained through difficult times by three saving graces"my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope." God Speed Mrs. Edwards...you will be remembered..

What I'm Thankful For...Day 22

December 7, 1941, "A Date which will live in Infamy"

Today, we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I am thankful for the men and women who fought that day..and the days that followed.

I am thankful that our country pulled together. I am thankful that we didn't hide from the battle.

I am thankful that we still remember the events that took place on this date in 1941.

Most of all, I am thankful for the sailors, marines, soldiers, and airmen that continue to protect us.

On a private note..I dedicate this posting in memory of my Grandpa Johnson, a sailor in WWII.

What I'm Thankful For....Day 21

ICE CREAM!!! I love Ice Cream. I know it may sound silly to be thankful for this amazing frozen treat..but I am! Ice cream and Pie, Ice cream when I'm sad, Ice Cream when I'm happy...it's just a good treat! I love the winter flavors the most, with the exception of Chubby Hubby. I found out that some kids have never even tried ice cream, and that makes me sad...Does that mean they will never know the true taste of happiness? Something to ponder as I break open my carton of Peppermint twist....

What I'm Thankful For...Day 20

The Rice kids...What can I say about them that I haven't already said before? These kids are incredible!

Will..my man! He was so much fun to spoil when he was a baby..now he's just fun! I love to talk to him..he's so funny and handsome!

Kaylee..the superstar! WOW! She's got more talent in her pinky than I do in my entire body! You should hear her sing!

And Maddie....The BRAIN! I expect her to be the youngest Nobel winner! she amazes me! She should be in college...or the movies..either one would fit!

Rice kids..I love you!

What I'm Thankful For..Day 19

Ahhhh..The Cunningham Family. Oh, how these three have changed my life! I love them to bits. First, we have RJ. The kid who made me watch "ET" about a thousand times. The man who is about to baptize Macen. The kid who has the biggest heart of anyone I know! Just when I thought he couldn't improve anymore, he marries Kirstin. This girl ROCKS! She's beautiful, and tough! A lethal combination! I am so happy she chose to be a part of our family.

Courtney..my love. The girl who tries to save the world. No matter what she is going through..I know she will beat the odds. My prayers are with her!

What I'm Thankful For....Day 18

Over the next few days my "Thankful For" will be all about my amazing nieces and nephews..(and spouses) Today, it's about my oldest brother Bills kids. Rebecca (and her husband Justin) Rachael, and Matthew. I love love love these kids..I know they're not really kids, but I get to call them whatever I want..It's MY blog! They make me smile, they make me laugh, but most of all they make me proud. I still won't give up my facebook for them, but I hope they know how much I adore them!

What I'm Thankful For...Day 17

Gina (and Bill)

Rich (and Macen)

Alan (and Maddie)

Sara

These people are the crazies who voluntarily joined our family!

I am so thankful for my brother(s) and Sister(s) in-law.

They put up with so much being a part of this crazy Wadley Family!

Each one of them is so unique, and perfect for the person that they married!
Thank you for being a part of our lives! We love you!

What I'm Thankful For...Day 16

I love my dogs. They drive me INSANE!!! But I love them. I don't understand people who don't like animals. My dogs are as much a part of my family as my brothers and sisters. I do believe that our pets are in Heaven. I can't imagine Heaven without Jack, Widget, Oreo, or even my two ferrets. In fact, I imagine my little Katie playing with Widge..Oreo sitting next to her...with Jack chasing the breeze. That to me, is Heaven!

A man and his dog were walking along a road.The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years.

He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road.

It looked like fine marble..At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.

'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.

'The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveller asked.'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book....

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?''Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveller gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump,' said the man.

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveller filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself,then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?' the traveller asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveller said.'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'