The Holidays

I've alway been the 100% fanatic Holiday lover but since moving to Florida in 2008 that took a drastict change of direction - Holidays now = Tears. lonlenss and an  dose of depression. I have my ups and I have my downs, moments when I cant  forget my family is so spread out and so far away and moments where I am truely caught up with the Joy of the season. I dont want to  go into much more detail as I am trying my best to make today and "up" day. I just want to tell you about 2 things, despite it all, I am thankful for this year.

1. Family - althought we are spread out and rarely get the change to all be together in one place at one time the fact that I have them and they are mine are a blessing that cant be taken away. The memories we've made stay with us forever. We've enjoyed so many holidays together and when you stop to think of those who have no family to share the holidays with your ability to complain is no longer there. I'd give anything to go back to Bay View Terrace and enjoy a family dinner before heading through the back yard for dessert with Aunt Dee and our extended family but those days are long gone and while I miss them I'm blessed for the memory.

2. Friends - Friends who step in when family is not there. Florida is the best when it comes to friends. I've met some amazing people since moving here and we've created some holiday traditions of our own that help lessen the sting of missing Family. While I was dredding spending Thanksgiving alone I asked a few friend if they'd like to do a dinner. Well today is the day, the turkey is prepped, dessert is baking and all that's left is to cook it up and eat it up! Today we celbrate a day early all the things we are thankful for. <3 Angie, Lindsay, Jam & Kevin!

Hope you all have an amazing holiday season!

The Pain it took

*Disclaimer- No food, No cooking - But a dedication to a great friend.


Have you ever gone through a rough time in life? When the world seemed to be falling down around you and nothing seems to be going the way you planned? I can guarantee we've all been at that place one time or another. What I wonder is if we ever take time to reflect back on those moments when things calm back down life falls back into place and all it right with the world ( which is utlimatetly where we eventually find ourselves)


This week I've been reflecting on this. It makes me grateful not only for the lessons learned during the hard times but for the friends who stand by us supporting, loving, encouraging along the way.


I remember back to 2007 when I was dealing with the age old questions "what am I doing with my life?" Life seemed to be getting a little out of control and I had a bit of what I like to call a "quarter life crisis" Nothing seemed to be going my way and life just wasn't looking like I had dreamed it would. I couldn't understand the tests and trials I was facing and really just wanted life to fall into place. I remember long phone call's with one friend in particular who really helped me process and deal with every thing. This is the song we both held onto during those difficult times. It helped us remember theres a greater purpose in life and that for every test or trial we will make it to the other side and be amazed at what we have accomplished.


This past week the aforementioned friend celebrated a mile stone and great accomplishment. I remember back to 2005 when she would brave the cold mornings of Northern NY and diligently run for the fun and the health of it. Fast forward 6 years to this past Sunday and she ran her first full marathon - 26.2 miles! No only did she run this race but she ran for a cause, she ran in support for those less fortunate. Because of her others were made aware of children not fortunate to have access to food, clean water, medical treatment or education. She helped find sponsers to provide these kids with a brighter future.  Did it hurt? Yes! Was the road easy? No.Did she have moments of blood sweat and tears? Yes! But it all boils down to this one truth. A truth we both held on to many times over the past 6 years. A truth we all need to be reminded of often 

"The end will justify the pain it took to get us there!

Mrs. Miller - 

I couldn't be more proud of you. You are not only a great frined but an inspiration. Your dedication, commitment and zeal amaze me. Your hard work has paid off in more ways that you will ever know. The impact you have on people is life changing. I <3 you girly

Gram's Oatmeal Cookies

2 1/4 Cup Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Combine and set aside

1 Cup butter
1 Cup sugar - gradually add to butter
1 Cup brown sugar - add
2 eggs- add
1 tsp vanilla - add
Blend in dry ingredients.

Gradually stir in 3 Cups rolled oats (1 Cup nuts, raisins or ch chips - optional)

Form into balls - flatten with moistened glass bottom

Bake at 350 for  10 mins

I am not generally an oatmeal cookie fan but I just at 5 of these cookie . . . they were THAT good! I added chocolate chips and they turned out great.  I love the recipe because it is so simple and I had all the ingredients on hand as this was a last minute decision to bake.