MckLinky Blog Hop #10 - Remembering 9/11

This week's Blog Hop theme is "REMEMBERING 9/11". Though many would like us to forget, there is still an enemy who wants nothing less than our total destruction. Let's honor those who lost their lives on that day, and since then because of 9/11.

I recall how the day began like many others; The Fireguy and I waking at 4:10 AM and heading to the gym. Once Home and following showers we were in the kitchen having coffee and breakfast. We always tune in to our favorite local news channel, however today as we watched there came a "BREAKING NEWS" alert... These always give me the chills, but I was certainly not expecting the information that followed! We continued our morning ritual and unfortunately were one of millions that saw the plane slam into the second tower LIVE.

I took our portable TV to work and watched as much as I could. Once home that evening all we wanted to do was be surrounded my our family! Although nothing pleasant to watch, I recall finding it difficult to tear ourselves away from the news reports that evening. Watching that second tower collapse... I remember The Fireguy saying that those firefighters are gone, they are GONE! I could not fathom what his words meant but as the days following the event unfolded I realized he knew exactly what he was talking about.

We were all trying to understand WHY this happened and WHAT we were going to do now!

Indeed a day I will remember~

Apple Hill time ~

Each year on Labor Day weekend Apple Hill opens here in Northern California!!

Apple Hill boasts more than 50 ranches including Christmas tree growers, wineries, a micro-brewery, Spa and vineyards. Bring the family to find a day filled with old-fashioned fun. Plan a picnic on the lush land that surrounds these exciting ranches.

Each year we visit a couple of times to gather apples and have chosen our Christmas trees here too! Of course we always enjoy the yummy treats from the bake shop!!!

This is what we chose on our first trip:

Then the process begins:

Which winds up in the dryer; The Fireguy makes trail mix with them :-)

And I make Apple Hill cake with the remaining apples:

If it's September, I'm back at the Tattoo Shop!!!

Every Fall, my Fireguy becomes 'The Great White Hunter" and heads out for two weeks! I in turn take this time to add to my collection of body art . My recent visit was to add color and depth to my latest piece! I really can't say enough about my tattoo artist, I just LOVE her!!
I arrived at the shop with only an idea of adding color and just let her go.
She is truly an amazing artist and I trust her completely!
So tell me... What do you think of the addition???

Christmas in September...

I ran into Santa over at New England Girl who delivered this little early gift :-)

Tis truly like waiting for Christmas morning ~ this season is going to be so great!!

MckLinky Blog Hop #9 - Favorite Baby Pics

This week's Blog Hop theme is "BABY PICS". We are to post your favorite baby pic(s) of yourself, your kids or any baby pic you think the blog hoppers would love to see.

I am proud to submit pictures of my two babies; each at the age of 6 weeks.

Due to not having digital files of these photos (they did not have digital then; back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) the picture quality is not the best ~

Nonetheless, I cherise these photos... I look at them now and can recall looking at the babies and wondering what their future had in store for them. Little did I know how very proud they would make their Dad & me :-)

I am so blessed to have these two as my kids and so honored to be their Mom!!

Happy Anniversary Baby!!

This week found the Fireguy & I celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary!! We were high school sweethearts and were married two months following my graduation. This guy is my entire world... He is my best friend, my biggest fan and my boyfriend! HA!!

Today we were given an anniversary gift from our kids - We are going to renew our vows ON THE BEACH on Maui!!! I am simply beyond excited! We plan to do it at sunset, which will make for some amazing photos!! Photos should look nicely in these two albums we were given also!!!

I love my family :-)

Winkers!!!!

I came across this and wanted to share!!

Tell me... Yeah or Nay?!?!?!?! Come on... Chime In!!

The Gratitude Campaign

Have you ever seen one of our military men/women walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward?

Recently, a man created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out.

Please everybody take just a moment to watch..... then check out www.gratitudecampaign.org