The Newport Aquarium

Thank you to everyone that has kept my mother-in-law in your prayers and those that have taken the time to send me a personal note. Unfortunately, we didn't get down to Nashville this weekend to see my MIL. She just wasn't ready to come up yet from Georgia - it's been hard letting go and figuring out what she wants to do from here. Since my FIL passed away, the house has been all she had and so much of who you are is tied up in that, and I'm afraid she's feeling a bit lost. Hopefully she'll come up soon and we'll get down to see her. The boys are excited about that.

But since we didn't get to go visit and since I'm heading out of town for a bit in a little over a week, we made this weekend "Family Fun Weekend!" Saturday we took the 1.5 hour drive to Cincinnati to visit the amazing aquarium there. The boys were beyond in awe as they looked around. Carson absolutely adored the huge tunnels with the fish swimming all around him - especially the sharks! I swear this kiddo has NO fear! (VERY scary for me!) His other "cool" thing was "finding Nemo!"

We also spent a little time on the Levee shopping and eating at the 50's Diner, Johnny Rockets. It was really cute when the waiters and waitresses got up to dance. ;) Apparently the trip was so fun that we had three little boys passed out by the time we even got 2 blocks on our way back home! It totally reminded me that we need to do things like this more often!

BasicGrey Back on HSN!

I just wanted to let you know, if you missed it the first time around, BasicGrey will be back on HSN on Saturday, February 24th at 12:00 midnight and 6:00am!! I hope you'll tune in and see the amazing Miss Dana in her pajamas! ;)

And thank you to all who took a minute to send up some prayers or send me a note about my mother-in-law. The house was a total loss as we thought it might be. The insurance company wrote it off yesterday. She's doing as well as can be expected right now and will be coming home with my sister-in-law for a bit until she figures out what she wants to do. We're going down this weekend to Nashville to visit her and lend our support.

And just because he's too cute not to share ;) here's my wee man the other day with his best buddy, Ribbit. He was sitting in his carseat on the verge of a nap. He's not feeling so well today so I love seeing him happy like this...

Devastating News

Late last night we got a phone call from my sister-in-law. I could tell immediately from her voice that she had some bad news...apparently yesterday afternoon, my mother-in-law's house burned down. The fire started behind the fireplace somewhere (some faulty wiring or some such, they aren't exactly sure which right now) and one of my nephews was up visiting and happened to be there and called 9-1-1. Thankfully he made it out safely and no one was hurt (and my mother-in-law was at church). It seems that the only thing salvagable might be the washer/dryer and a deep freeze. Everything else is a total loss. Now begins the long process of insurance claims, deciding if she wants to rebuild, and what we're going to do. I know she'd appreciate any positive thoughts you might want to send her way.

Trying to Recover

I've had the worst cold/flu/bronchitis thing for the past 2-3 weeks it seems and it's just not completely going away :P - which is a big part of the reason I've been so bad in posting my CHA recap. Ok, so I know it's probably all old news now ;) but I wanted to share a few pics and highlights from my trip to Anaheim!

There is almost too much to mention, but I'm going to give it a try! My trip started out with meeting the amazing Tracey Odachowski in the ATL airport - and then proceeding to bug her and her friend for 45 minutes of the flight and then on into baggage claim! (Sorry Trace!) After getting settled in, I managed to take the tram to the show were I finally got to meet Amy Howe in person. I swear I never thought that day would come! ;) Even better was meeting the crew from BasicGrey again and my awesome roomie, Tarrah. They're an amazing group and I am so blessed to work with them!

Then it was show time! It was crazy busy constantly and I think I made-n-took my little heart out! I am so grateful to have meet all of you that stopped by and spent some time with me, especially those of you that were working the show as well as I know how short your free time was - Cari, Davinie, Lea, Suzy, Jamie, Jackie, Angelia, Susan, Kel, Roxanne, Heather - I loved meeting you all...and RUTH! My Dear BFF...I could never forget you, truly! ;)

And I have to say especially to Sande Krieger - it was an absolute thrill to finally meet you. You are even more amazing in person if that's even possible. Huge hugs to you! And Erikia - if you read this, that invitation to Derby is definately open, girl! I hope you take me up on it! :D












And just a few more highlights - the amazing scenery (I mean really - FLOWERS IN JANUARY???!!) and an impromptu photo op with Amy and her amazing family! Aren't they stinkin' cute??!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mine thus far has been spent at several school parties, getting completely intoxicated on sugar and loving every minute of it! How can you not seeing these sweet faces looking back at you?

Hope everyone has a wonderful evening and gets your heart's desire! XOXO ~Kelly

(P.S. in case you were wondering - in the bottom photo, Carson's shirt says "hunk of burning love" - is it any wonder? :))

JIPPED!

Hmfph! Back in *the* day (approximately the late 70's just so ya know), the toothfairy only left a quarter. Apparenly now the cost of a teeny, tiny, used piece of enamel is $2! I'm definately in the wrong business!