memorial day musings

Only two defining forces have offered to die for you

JESUS CHRIST
and
THE AMERICAN SOLDIER

One died for your soul, the other died for your freedom.

Today, a "friend" on Facebook said it annoyed her that people did not know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Although yes, there is a difference if, today, people want to remember and thank all those who are serving or have served, along with those who have fallen, then let them. Our servicemen and women get only a few days a year where people take time to glorify them. And I, for one, will not get annoyed with any one person who wants to show those brave men and women some appreciation.

Thank a veteran, post your gratitude on Facebook in whichever way you choose and think of all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I'm so blessed and so thankful my Marine made it home, when so many have fallen while fighting for...me. And you.

Happy Memorial Day, y'all.




PS- Hi, Sarah ;)

holiday wrap-up

The holidays came, and they went. It amazes me how fast time just seems to go right by. Cliche, I know. I had an amazing 10-day break from work because the agency shuts down between Christmas and the New Year, and loved spending every minute with Ryan since he left for his month long training in Florida yesterday. Our annual ugly sweater party with friends was a huge success and so much fun, and we managed to stick to schedule and see all of our family when we were supposed to. Although I got a cold on Christmas Day (and still have a lingering cough), it was nice to actually be able to lay around for a few days and take care of myself rather than fret about if I should call in to work and/or work sick from home.

A few holiday pics:

All my best girls. My life is truly better because of each one. 

The homemade gift Sarah made for me. The word "Home" is made up 

of pictures from our sweet, little hometown. 

Carmen, Jennette and me

Genuine laughs. It's what happens when we get together. 

Scored some amazing quality time with my 

nephew and niece, Wes and Taylor. 

And loved celebrating my niece Kyle's first Christmas. 

It's such a fun holiday with kids. 

Uncle Ryan with Kyle

Now I'm just adjusting to a quiet house, being a single parent to the pups (Boomer already ate some Hershey's chocolate while I was in the shower this morning. Sigh.), and considering if I want to travel to Florida one weekend to visit the Hubs.

Oh! And I almost forgot...speaking of time going by too fast, my babies have turned another year older. Boomer turned 3 on December 15th and Kaia is 4 today! Of course a new toy and birthday treats were in order. Look at these faces! I just love them so.

comfort and joy

Things have been pretty quiet around the Novess household lately. I've been settling into my new work routine, and Ryan has been enjoying his last couple weeks of taking it easy before he leaves for training in Florida on January 2nd. We have, however, been in full Christmas mode and are very much looking forward to the festivities coming up.

I actually put up all our Christmas decorations before we spent Thanksgiving week in Manchester. That way it was done when we got back home the following weekend. This antique door/bench is by far my most favorite piece of furniture I own. I bought it in Florida, and you should have seen my mom and I getting it from the antique store to my condo in my Mustang. Quite. The. Sight. I love, love decorating it for each holiday.

The nativity scene sitting on the bench is so nostalgic, and I adore it. My parents bought all the pieces during their first years of marriage back in 1973, and had even built a manager that was far larger and more elaborate than this one. I'm sad I don't have it anymore...too many moves over the years. I'm thankful my mom gave me this set, as I remember setting it up each Christmastime when I was little and then playing with all the pieces. 

I feel like this weekend is the calm before the storm. We have just a few more presents to buy, and then this coming Thursday after work we will be packing up the car and doggies and driving to Manchester for the week. I'm dern excited Team Detroit closes the week between Christmas and New Year's. I'm so ready for a great week spent with family and friends, and it's the last week Ryan and I have together before he leaves for a month. On Friday, we have our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with our friends. We have a blast every year and it's fun (understatement) to all be together. 

 Ugly Xmas Sweater Party 2007

 Ugly Xmas Sweater Party 2010

We always have some sort of gift exchange at the party, and this year the theme is "homemade under $10". I drew Leigh, who is notoriously hard to shop for, and am overall quite pleased with what I put together. I hope she likes it as much as I do or I might just take it back for myself! (she doesn't read blogs so I'm safe to post a pic)

And after the friend party, it's some much needed family time starting with Christmas Eve at my mom's, Christmas morning with Ryan's family and Christmas afternoon at my dad's. Feeling very content, very happy and very much at peace with all the blessings in my life. Now if only the weather would cooperate and bring us some snow...

:)