The First Day of School 2009

Yesterday was the first day of school and Danny's first day of Kindergarten. They look so excited to go, don't they? George and I are so excited for him! It seems like only yesterday that Megan was starting her first day of Kindergarten (see below), and now she's all grown up! (Well, almost, she started 4th grade.)





Zachary started the 11th grade, and even though we don't have any pictures of him (he wasn't with us yesterday morning) we're proud of him, too!

Happy Anniversary, George! I Love You So Much!

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary, and I am continually amazed at how much I love my husband. I have heard over the years how little support our marriage had and how many people were actively betting against us (including some extremely close to us), and I have to wonder,"Did all that negative energy make us closer?" Whatever it was, we now have one of the best marriages I have ever seen, and we are truly best friends. We have a very happy family, and we are truly blessed with health, careers, and wonderful children. I only hope that our friends and family are as happy and lucky as we are!

Last weekend we went to Walt Disney World to celebrate, staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter, just like our honeymoon. The stay was so relaxing and fun, it was really hard to come back, except that we missed the kids terribly. The candle in the picture is one of the candles we searched for on our honeymoon and finally found at the Contemporary. It still looks great, huh?

After I download the other pictures, I'll post more.

I'll miss you, Charly!

I found out today that my friend, Charly Branham, passed away on Tuesday. He had had a stroke and a massive heart attack last Tuesday, and throughout the last week was in the ICU at TMH. He was moved to hospice on Sunday, and he passed away on Tuesday morning. I worked with Charly for 10 years, and I will truly miss him. I know he'd want me to drink a Fosters to him, so "Here's to you, Charly!"

My new position...

Well, it's my second week in my new position, and it isn't much different to tell you the truth. In case I forgot to mention it to you, I received a promotion on August 1 from Admin. Asst. III to Operations and Management Consultant. Same place, same boss, same work, but a more fitting position.

I am very lucky to work in such a great environment!

Last night's dessert

Last night, we had a great dinner of island-marinated cornish game hens, rice and peas, but the dessert was such a treat, I have to share. I was watching Giada De Laurentiis' show Giada at Home, and she made super simple deconstructed Roasted Apple Pies with Whipped Cream. The recipe is here:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/roasted-apple-pies-with-whipped-cream-recipe/index.html

It looked so easy and portion-appropriate that I had to try them. We were not disappointed. This is why she is my favorite TV chef. She may be annoyingly cheerful at times, but she's talented. Her food is good and simple.

For the chocolate lovers!

I have recently discovered two chocolate products that I absolutely love. The first, Emerald Dark Chocolate Flavored Cocoa Roast Almonds, was introduced by my work pal, Tara. Warning: they are addictive. Thanks a lot, Tara, for enticing me to try them.

The second, Kalahari ChocoLatte Cherry Vanilla flavored red tea, is now my favorite nighttime tea. George and I were in Publix and were stopped in front of the Kalahari packages, when a random shopper came by and told of how good this tea was. I am so grateful, because it is so tasty. I want to try all of the flavors!

Another trip to the farm!

We went to the farm this weekend, and while I didn't get any pics this time, I have more from the last time of the kids and Maya. Aren't they cute?