Puppy Went the Pound!

What was I thinking? Yep, I broke down at the Charlotte airport and purchased a few overpriced presents to bring back the kids. Of course, my presence alone wouldn't be good enough! I found a cool plane for the boys and I then lost all of the good sense God has given me. I bought Sarah an obnoxious and loud Chiuwawa that barks(yips) & "playfully pounces". She loves it! Ginger puppy has woken me up every single morning since my return. Today, I did the unthinkable, I sent Ginger Puppy away. Don't think bad of me, I need to remain somewhat sane.

A Favorite to Pass Along

Those of you who know me know that I have a little obsession called magazines. I love them more than a Chick-Fil-A Coke with extra ice....well, maybe not that much. I don't mean to digress! Anywho, I have a subscription to just about each and every mag out there. I have come across a few new faves including ORGANIZE & VEGETARIAN but I do believe I have a winner as new fave. It is called life:beautiful. It is a wonderful publication that covers a number of things including home decor, food, and spiritual growth. Three of my favorite people; Dr. James Dobson, Joyce Meyer & Dr. Gary Smalley are contributors. Being an art lover, I have to say I have never seen a publication with such a beautiful layout. The photographers and stylists are soooo talented. You can find it at Walmart, the Christian bookstore or the larger bookstores. So, if you want an uplifting read to fill your spirit, sit back with your Coke or Latte and enjoy the latest copy of life:beautiful.....Faith For Your Journey.

My Morning....to be continued

Friends XOXO

Missing Y'all

I miss each & every one of you so much. From my fun and sassy buncko friends, to the Lademann's, Geraffo's, Guthrie's & Stoup's, you all made me feel so welcome. I loved visiting the Chick, the MP pool, Birkdale, Momma MIa :( StepBrothers :), Brickhouse..yummy, doing manis & pedis, Connect Four, etc. I have so many great memories of my trip. We all miss you so much and can't wait until our next visit. Thanks for all your southern hospitality! Love y'all!

My Bags Are Packed

The mad rush of packing and making sure everything is settled on the home front is occupying most of my day. Tomorrow I leave for Charlotte to see lots of friends. I am very excited and can't wait to see everyone. Now, just to sleep tonight so I can wake up at 4am to make the flight out of Detroit. I will be away from Blog Land until Monday, but check back in for a few pics from my getaway!
Bye, Bye, Glass City
Hello, Queen City!!

Thankful

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who sent birthday blessings to Sarah. Everybody came together to make the day special for her and we ended up having a good time....didn't we? It is the love of friends and family that truly makes one feel fulfilled. She has been lucky to be surrounded with such incredible individuals. Thank you bunches....Princess Sissy must now go take her nap!

If I Had A Dime..

If I had a dime for every time someone has mentioned how "great" the zoo is, I would have enough money for Trav to retire and for us to move! While he was out of town and Nana was visiting, we finally ventured out and visited the zoo. (*DISCLAIMER* I'm not trying to be negative). The kids had a great time...that being said that is the only thing that matters. It was a perfectly nice zoo, but I think due to the fact that it had been hyped up so much, I was expecting paths paved in gold and for the animals to be able to discuss Thoreau's theory on transcendentalism while the scent of lilacs filled the air. We had a perfectly nice Diet Coke without ice and no lids (UGH..you know that made me grouchy) in the Miami Vice themed cafe. All kidding aside, the flower garden was gorgeous and the kids had a blast. Although you can see the most fun they had was with the ape.

Sarah's Party

Party Fun

It's Your Birthday, Sarah Margaret!

Oh I love you, a bushel and a peck,
A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck,
A hug around the neck, a barrel and a heap,
A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep,
About you,
About you,
Doodle, doodle, doodle
Doodle, doodle, doodle,
Doodle, doodle, doodle,
dooooo....!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sissy. We love you so very much!
Momma, Daddy, Jack & Clay

Sarah

Be Yourself

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson

I Promise, Parents Are In Charge!

I walked in the kitchen the other night to find the following sitting on the kitchen table. Looks like Jenga Fett has found himself a new home.

My Name is Not Connie & It's Not My Birthday!

My hubby had flowers sent to me in honor of our anniversary, but there was a problem. I received flowers that were supposed to go to a lady by the name of Connie in honor of her birthday. I was very confused for many reasons especially since the card was signed from Allie & Ethan(my sister and nephews name). After calling the florist, they offered to send the correct bouquet to me next week. The customer service lady read the message Trav had written over the phone. It was hysterical to hear her say the words that he had written to me...very awkward! We laughed about it all evening. He's off to Taiwan and I'm off to take care of three tired kids. Bon Voyage, Trav. Only in the world of the Perry's!

Trav, Happy Anniversary!

In the brightness of morning as the world blooms with color,
I think of the joys I've learned from loving you.
In the purple light of the evening as the birds are softly calling,
I am happy simply being with you.
But it is at night when the earth settles into rest,
that I love you most.
because with you I have found peace,
In knowing you, I have found home.

It all started out in 1994, I was 17 years old getting ready to go to college when I went into work one day and was introduced to a new employee. A handsome young boy who made me laugh and smile all the time. I knew with in weeks that I was going to marry him. I followed him(literally) to IU for four years and supported him while he travelled the jungles of Sumatra and Jakarta. On his graduation day from college, he asked me to marry him. Here we are 10 years later...a "new found" love and respect for one another. No other person in this world can make me laugh, cry and be okay when I need to just "be". You accept me for who I am; good & bad.You with my whole being. God has blessed me with you. I praise him for the marriage we have and ask him to bless our future together as a couple and as parents. Here's to us!!!! Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Jean Capris and a SNL Skit

I have been on my "NC Farewell Feast Tour" for about three months now. Needless to say I have packed on a few additional pounds and am struggling to get motivated to do something about it. I went to the closet this am to try on a pair of jean capris(we all know I DO NOT wear shorts due to my pale mayonnaise legs) only to notice that none of the pairs fit. The only pair that did made me look hideous. It made me giggle to myself thinking of the SNL skit "Mom Jeans". This one's for you, Ali.

Thought

There is a time to be, simply be,
that time in which God quietly tells us who we are and who he wants us to be.
It is then that God takes our emptiness,
and fills it with what he wants.

-Madeleine L'Engle
(excerpt from book, The Worn Out Woman- When Your Life Is Full & Your Spirit is Empty

Mick's Wedding

Wedding Blessings

Trav and I spent the weekend in Detroit for the wedding of his best friend, Mick. We had a wonderful time participating in an authentic Indian celebration. The food was incredible(no goat for me), the womens sari's were exquisite, and the company was so welcoming. We boogied the night away to the Punjami Hit Squad,flown in from the U.K. by Mick especially for the occasion. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience. Congratulations to the couple, Mick and Jessica Sandhu.

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4th of July Fun!