a thankful weekend...

Last weekend, while Andy golfed in Myrtle Beach with his father, brother, and nephew, my mother visited Carmen and I for an extra-long weekend that sent her back to West Virginia on Tuesday morning! What a wonderful few days we had shopping, eating out, and spending some much needed relaxing time together! Andy and I truly love Louisville, but after weekends together with family, we once again recognize how hard it is to be so far away from those you love! How thankful we are to feel that way about our wonderful families! Thanks mom for such a nice weekend! Carmen and I loved it!

special delivery...

Thanks to Oden, Kent and Danielle's puppy, Ms. Carmen received a special package in our mailbox today - a "SPOOK-taular" ghost bone. She is loving it! Thanks Kent, Danielle, and Oden for your thoughtfulness!

it's official...

How exciting that my brother proposed to his long-time love, Danielle, this weekend! On Sunday afternoon, my mother hosted a small engagement lunch for family to congratulate the happy couple and to celebrate in their joy. We are so blessed and thrilled to be welcoming Danielle - officially - into our family! Let the planning begin!

Smiling after the proposal in Morgantown, West Virginia

Engagement gathering at my mother's house
~
This picture looks very similar to one my mother
coerced Andy and I into taking 5 years ago.
Do we sense a double picture frame?

love & congratulations...

Special, special CONGRATULATIONS are sent from Louisville to my brother Kent and his beautiful fiance, Danielle! Andy and I are so excited for you both and can't wait to celebrate with you during your November visit to Kentucky! We love you both!

trick or treat...

Decisions...Decisions...Decisions...

Peanut butter is always the winner with Carmen!
Happy, Happy Halloween!

a walk in the park...

Taking full advantage of Louisville's gorgeous Sunday weather, Andy and I decided to take Carmen on a fall walk at a park close to our home. It was a wonderful fall afternoon for Carmen to chase balls and to be off of her leash in the "small dog park". What a fine time she was having until another poodle visited her "private play area". Much, much more aggressive than Carmen, try as the other dog might with several tackles and barks, Carmen wasn't interested in her "bad manners". Andy and I laughed and decided that Carmen was more cut out for "private school" rather than "public school".

"I think I'm everyone's best friend..."

Sunday evenings are "football evenings" in our home and this previous Sunday, Carmen and our good friend, Jim enjoyed some bonding time while watching football. Carmen says, "Everyone loves me. Everyone loves me."

a baby on the way...

Today, I traveled to Indianapolis to attend my friend Dana's beautiful baby shower. Dana and I were Morgantown roommates prior to the summer we both were married. Keith, Dana's husband and a Radiology resident, and Andy met at WVU, while attending medical school and have been close friends ever since. We are so thrilled for the arrival of their little girl, Samantha Paige, in December and can't wait to meet her. She is truly blessed to be part of such a special family!

a picnic at the park...

Louisville has so many beautiful parks and although we have lived here for over a year, Andy and I haven't taken full advantage of visiting many of them. On Saturday, my always thoughtful husband planned a picnic for us to enjoy the sunny fall weather. What a great afternoon we had!

home is where the heart is...

Due to an extra long weekend, Andy and I traveled home to visit our family! No matter how long our stay, it never seems to last quite long enough! While Andy, his father, brother, and nephew played golf, my mother and I spent the entire day in Elkins, West Viginia at the Forest Festival with my brother, Kent, his girlfriend, Danielle, and her family. What beautiful weather we had to eat corndogs and watch the parade! Now, back in Louisville, we are already looking forward to the upcoming holidays so that we can head home to our mountains once again! We love, love Louisville, but home is definitely where the heart is...