It's been a while...

Well, it certainly has been a while since I have updated my blog!

I apologize, it's been busy...very busy!!!

So let's see, things are going well. The girls are doing great in school. They are busy making friends, playing bells and chimes for our church, going to the gym with us while we work out, and soon Madelyn will start her soccer league.

Soon, Bill and I will be able to start to make this house a home. Decorating, new furniture, curtains, pretty fixtures and more. I can't believe that it has been almost 6 months since we have moved. We closed on our home Friday, August 13th. My how time goes by so fast.
It's actually been a year since I knew we were going to be moving, and the entire process started. To think that I would move away from family and friends, kinda just amazes me. I have come to realize that you just never know where life takes you, the ups and downs, the new friends, and the new hopes and dreams...

I have made some really good friends! 2 gals that I am really close with and consider to be great friends are Lori (left), and Sarah (in the middle). We have girls night/dinner at least 2x's a month, and honestly if these 2 girls were not around, I don't know what I'd do, love you guys!

Me and Sarah, A.K.A Fitchy Fitch!

Us gals and a little bit of Moon~Shine!

Sarah, My self, and Lori's husband Kevin.

Sarah, her husband Tim and me!

Bill likes Sarah too....

Mom and dad came down for Christmas. They were with us for just over a week. It snowed Christmas Day! I was happy about that, but somehow...I don't think dad was! He comes here for some warmer weather...and it snows....

Dad just woke up, and put on a "princess" tiara...

The girls opening a few gifts!

New spice rack for Bill, from his sister and Simon

Bill, hard at work! De-Veining shrimp for dinner!

Well...I am not too sure on this one, but I thought ya'll would want to see me!

Mom and dad took Bill and I to Soby's, which is a fantastic restaurant in Downtown Greenville. We had a wonderful dinner. Mom, she got her shrimp and grits!! Finally!

Mom w/her Shrimp and Grits....

Inside Soby's

More of Soby's

Soby's...

???

Dad, Me, Mom and Bill at Soby's xoxo

My mom turned 60! I was able to surprise her with a trip back home. She had no clue I was coming, and neither did dad! My mom's good friends: Mary, Linda, Jackie and Kathy all pitched in and bought me a plane ticket home. Dad planned an amazing surprise party for her at Santangelo's. We feasted on Eggplant Parm, Prime Rib, Penne in Vodka Sauce, salads, Calamari, Garlic Cheese bread, Chicken with veggies and much more. Mom was pleasantly surprised when she opened dad's gift...a new diamond wedding ring! Way to go dad!!! Hopefully Bill is taking notes! :)

This is the cake we did for mom, before they left.

Dad, Me, Mom, Andy, Delilah and Sabrina @ mom's dinner

Carolyn and Tony!

Terry and Wanda!

Floyd and Mickie!

Bill Kratz and Mary Evans, I am not too sure what it is that they are trying to accomplish here, but I love the picture!

SCR Crew!

Me and my best friend, my mom! I don't know where I'd be w/o her, I love you and miss you so much mom!

Well, since I have been back from Syracuse in January, it's been good. We got hit with some snow and ice. The girls were home from school the entire week!! We got about 4 inches of snow and about 1/4 of ice. Nothing too alarming, but down here...oh my goodness, stores were sold out of bread, milk and eggs. Business's were closed, advisories were being shown on TV and Radio...they were telling people to stay in until the storm passes, I have never laughed so hard in my life! The girls got pretty bored and were actually confused as to why there was no school. To be completely honest though, the roads we travel on to take the girls to school are twisty, and narrow, so actually because there are not enough plows to go around for all the roads, they actually are unsafe to drive on if they have not been cleared off. Here are a couple pictures of what we received...

okay, maybe not quite 4 inches....

Ice!

Well, I am certainly getting caught up now. I vow never to fall behind on my blog like this again!!! Let's just hope I can keep this promise.

So my grandma Martin (Dad's mom), went in for a hip replacement. She was doing well. She was home recovering and decided to go get the mail. Let's just say, that trip to the mailbox was not worth it, she fell and ended up going back in to the hospital. She spiral fractured her femur and had to go in for another round of surgery. She was recovering nicely in a Skilled Nursing Facility, until an infection decided to come and help her out! So needless to say, gram is back in the hospital, another round of surgery to flush the infection away! Let's just hope and my fingers are crossed xxx, that there is no more surgery! We are anticipating a FULL recovery and she will be back to the rehabilitation center, and on the road to therapy and home! Here's a little tribute to her!

Here she is! xoxox

Mom, Delilah and Gram @ Delilah's 1st Birthday Party.

One of the toughest parts about being away from home is missing family and friends. Especially when family gets hurt or Ill. It's probably never going to get easier, but I know that Grandma is safe, and has family by her side at all times. I'll never forget the expression on her face when I walked thru her hospital doors in January when I flew home for Mom's surprise party! She was so happy to see me and couldn't believe I was there. I love you grandma...get better so you can come and stay with us for a couple weeks!

Here are some pictures of Madelyn, Gabriella and Savannah...

Here they are!

And again...

That's my Madelyn!

Gabby, playing Dr. and attempting to "fix" Sarah

Savannah very into the magic show being put on by Lori's wonderful neighbor!

Well, I am almost at the end of up-dating the blog. Before I end this entry I must pay a special tribute to a furry feline that was so special to me and my family. 14 months ago Simon was born and entered into our lives. He is a pure breed Maine Coon, who I loved dearly and still do. Bill got him for me as a token of his love. Bill is very proud of me and the 155+ pounds that I have lost since February 2009. I named Simon after my surgeon, Dr. Howard Simon who performed my gastric Bypass.

Sad to say that on Sunday January 30 2011, Simon passed away. After noticing that he was having a hard time breathing, Bill and I took him to the Emergency Vets. 2 X-rays explained why, his lungs were filled with fluid, and it was now surrounding his heart. Bill and I spent a few moments alone with him and shortly after he passed. I have a beautiful paw print from him and a life time of memories. I love you Simon and you will forever be missed. xo

Stasha and Simon.

I love you!