May I just say that what has happened in Ohio these past few days is a disgrace!! I mean humans do a lot of great things, but think of all the destruction we cause along the way. These animals were taken from their natural habitats as babies to be "pets" to a crazy person! Yes there are people out there raising exotic animals that are great care takers, but does that mean that the animals are better off in cages than roaming the forests, savannas, and plains? Somehow I doubt it! And then the police in order to protect the PEOPLE (b/c who cares about the animals right) have to have a huge hunting spree! Seriously?!?!? ever heard of tranquilizers perhaps? I mean, sure, I give it to them some of these animals were roaming near people's houses and if one came to my house and almost ate my kid I would probably shoot it too. But the authorities who say that hunting these animals was the only way to prevent human harm were greatly mistaken! Sure hunt them, but tranquilize them, send them to the zoo; don't hunt and kill them! Of all the great, majestic animals that were sent out by this crazy guy only two or three made it to safety... pathetic! On a day like that, I think I would rather be an animal than a human... with morals like that... God gave us the ability to think and be moral and ethical. Who was acting their part that day?

weekend happenings....

This weekend our house played host to some first time visitors! My mother in law, sister in law, niece and nephew were all here to visit! They made it to MD late Thursday night and headed back to Chapin Tuesday morning. Unfortunately I had to work many of the days they were here, but we were still able to do a lot of fun things! On Saturday we went to the National Zoo here in Washington, D.C. We saw many animals including giant panda, bengal tiger, lionesses, elephants, birds, wolf, zebras, and cheetahs. The zoo was actually quite large so we weren't able to see every exhibit. Maybe next time, since it is free admission. I would love to go back during the Christmas season when everything is all lit up and decorated! When we got home from the zoo on Saturday we watched the Clemson/Maryland game... OMG... what a stressful game. Clemson pulled out the win though to keep us undefeated and move us up to a 7th place national ranking!! GO TIGERS!!

They also helped us with a LOT of landscaping. There was an over grown flower bed around a tree in our front yard, so they helped us to weed, transplant monkey grass, make a new circular bed, plant tulip bulbs for the spring, add top soil and mulch. We also had horrible rose bushes surrounding our back porch which they helped to remove. No new plants for that area yet, but at least we got it all removed. I hate rose bushes... so prickly!!

Bentley was also excited to have to new "toys" to chase around for the weekend! He was surprisingly great with Hailey and Peyton. He had fun outside while everyone worked outside! He is handsomely sporting his new harness (military issue) from his dad! :)

We were so happy to have Mrs. McNeillie, Brandy, Hailey, and Peyton here to visit! We can't wait for them to come back soon!

The best 25 years of my life...

Well folks, I turned the big 2-5 this past weekend! I have always said, I hope I live to 100 years and that is still true today. Sometimes people get caught up worrying about their age, or afraid to look their age, or that age somehow changes who they are or who they can be. Although most of you would say, ha, easy for her to say she is still young; I have always believed in celebrating age. Think of all the things you have seen, learned, acquired, and felt during those years of your life?!?! Would you really give them all away to be younger; would you give them all away to change something? Well, my answer is no. I truly think growing old is a blessing, and when I reach 100 years old I will sit in my rocking chair, on my porch in the mountains, on that beautiful fall day and say, "Thank you God for allowing me this many years and allowing me to see the world you have created for us."

I celebrated my first quarter of century of life in Clemson, of course! I couldn't think of a better place! We played Boston College this weekend and were granted a win for my birthday! A little celebration at the Esso and let's just say the rest is history.... yes, history... that is the best thing to call it! :)

I got to see a few friends I haven't seen in a while! I love reunions! I spent Friday night with Tamra Brock, one of my great friends from nursing school. We had dinner and spent the evening checking out the homecoming floats on Bowman field. Only got to see Elizabeth and Ryan briefly, which makes me sad, but hopefully a longer reunion soon! We also spent time with some good ole Chapin folks, Daivd and Jake! They were at my after party/birthday party where the "history" was being made. All right, all right... it included me purposely falling asleep on the couch before my birthday cake was even cut. But it was a great!

Bentley came along with us on the trip too. He was much more behaved in the car this time. He must be getting used to the long rides! :)