Grandpa's Fudge

We got together this evening to make Grandpa's fudge.It takes lots and lots of stirring, so the more helpers we have, the better. Thank you mom for getting us together to continue this family tradition.

President G.W. Bush has made my day!!!

Or perhaps it was his secretary...


I requested a signed bookplate for President Bush's new book, Decision Points, and it came in the mail today. I haven't been this excited in awhile...
Mr. Marsh told me that I need to settle down.

When I Grow Up...

When I was in elementary school we had to write a paper about what we wanted to be or do when we grew up. I drew a picture of me and a horse, then I wrote that I wanted to stay home and ride horses all day while my husband worked...That didn't work out so well for me. I don't even like horses anymore (they are big, scary, and have big bitey teeth). Plus I actually like to work (crazy, isn't it).
Anyway God had a plan for me, and right now I am in the job that I am suppose to be in. I am a Buyer for an agricultural company. Really, shopping all day is the perfect job for me. Too bad I don't get to shop for fashionable clothes, or fancy cars. Anyway it is a job and it pays the bills. Plus I enjoy my co-workers. Really it could be much worse.
Here I am in my office, my desk looks pretty clean, right. It is a trick...most days my desk looks like...well lets just pretend like it is clean all the time.

Almost A College Graduate...

I only have one more class at Grace College before I will have my B.S. in Business Management. Hopefully it will be a honors degree...but I don't want to count my chicken before it is hatched as I still have one last paper to write.

I always knew I wanted to go to college, but as fate would have it I was married very young and had four children. Now my children are grown and our family is expanding with grandchildren. I hope that they will see me as a role model and attending college as well.

I am very thankful for the support of my family during this time, especially Mr. Marsh.

Jillie Bean

We have a new member of our family...

A Maltese/Poodle mix named Jill.

Usually we call her Jillie, or Jilliebean. She is a little peanut at

less than five pounds. Her big brother Jack has mixed emotions

about her...he is a little jealous.

The kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews are in love with her.

Mr Marsh and I are pretty fond of her too.

Christmas Vignette

Hard to believe that several years ago I wanted to "skip Christmas". It is easy to get depressed by the materialistic aspect of the holiday. With over thirty people to purchase presents for it gets to be a little overwhelming (I guess that is why I start shopping in January).
I think it was the grand kids that saved my Christmas spirit. It is fun to see the holiday through their eyes. I want to make it a special time for them, with lots of good memories.

Everett's First Birthday

It is hard to believe how fast time goes by...

A year has gone by since Everett was born. He has grown up to be such a little man and he is definitely all boy. He got his hair cut for his birthday and it made him look so grown up.

Everett was not shy about digging into his chocolate cake (he even had two pieces).

Happy Happy Birthday sweet boy. Nana loves you!

More Chicago

Riding the L Train
The Field Museum
Tom & Jerry's at Millers Pub
Good Friends, Good Times!

I Love Macy's

I LOVE Macy's (Marshall Field's) in Chicago.

I seriously could lose myself in the store for days...

I would like to know what goes on during the store overnight.

Wouldn't it be fun to have a sleep over inside Macy's?

Our friend Joe worked at Macy's part-time until he could find a job in his field (micro biology).

He said that the store has an incredible history, including tunnels that lead to other parts of the city.

I loved looking at the animated windows. The theme this year is "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".

We had our picture taken in front of the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room. Travis's Great Grandfather was involved in designing the Walnut Room, so we always make it a point to go to the Walnut Room when in Chicago.

25 Years in the Making

I have waited 25 years to be able to have my own home office. Now don't get me wrong I loved (almost) every moment of motherhood, but am especially happy to have an extra room for me. For years I have been collecting items and saving them away for that special day when all of my treasures would be displayed and enjoyed in one room.

Not to worry, Miss Meghan still has a bedroom to sleep in when she comes home from college .

Over the course of the next couple days I will take you on a mini tour.

The shelf above my desk...

Close up of banner purchased from Le Jeune

Number Seven

Zavion Michael our seventh grandchild was born May 19th. He was 6 lbs 11 oz and 19" long. He is truly a blessing...his momma is happily adjusting to having three children and big brother Joseph and sister Jaden are excited to welcome their new brother.
Life has been just flying by. Next week Meghan will be graduation from high school and then be off on her own adventure of life.

Spring Break 2010

Lazy Saturday....

I was able to sleep in this morning, which is always a nice treat. I then went to get a pedicure so my toes are pretty for vacation. After that I went to see Zach and Taryn's new house and spent some time snuggling with Ali. Tonight we are going out with some of our best friends. Tomorrow I will clean the house and go shopping for Easter dinner.

Coconut Cupcakes

I spent part of my Sunday making yummy coconut, cream filled, cream cheese frosting topped cupcakes.
This was my trial run before Easter...

A Sunny Saturday

Today was Saturday and sunny...and I could think of no better way to spend it than visiting my grand babies. They make any bad mood go away!

Catching Up...

Meg and I helping out at the Cake Shoppe

Alixzandra Blaise McDaniel

Zach and Ali with Cody and Everett

Blue Monday

Did you know that today is "Blue Monday"? I didn't know until I got home, but now I have something to blame my grumpy day on...
Blue Monday is a name given to a date stated, as part of a publicity campaign by Sky Travel, to be the most depressing day of the year.

In some good news, our sixth grandchild in on the way. She should be here either late tonight or early in the morning. Yippeee!!

Hello Cupcake

Celebrating Kim's 30th birthday...
I don't remember how I celebrated my 30th, it was too many years ago (12).

Upward Basketball

Joseph is playing Upward basketball this spring. He is showing improvement from last year and has scored during each game.