Friday Photos, Or Lack Thereof

Some weeks, my camera roll is filled to the brim with all kinds of "Blog Worthy" photos. This is not that week. I do have these pictures of the view from my back deck after the fog burned off this morning. Today looks to be a beautiful September day here in Maryland. Although I didn't hate the cozy, rainy, stormy day we had earlier in the week. Just sayin'.

In the absence of more personal pictures toady, I dove into my "Yep" file and grabbed a few quotes I found funny or relevant at some point in time and saved them for some reason I can no longer recall. I hope you enjoy!

Thanks to all of you for the Happy Birthday wishes! They mean more to me than you know. Have a lovely September weekend, my friends. I plan on some light housecleaning, some heavy reading, mass, dinner out with friends, and watching Charlie Kirk's funeral on Sunday afternoon. We lost a good soul, a strong patriot, a decent man, and let us not forget a young husband and father, the day Charlie Kirk was killed. Whether or not you feel the same, I hope we can all agree that the public assassination of a young man sharing his views and inviting others into conversation is simply devastating, tragic, foreboding, and unbelievably sad. I pray for his family for strength.

I apologize for not visiting lately, my friends. I will pour a cup and be around to see you soon!

Billie Jo

Celebrating Nicolas

Last week, we traveled to our nation's capital for a very special event. Nicolas, Madison's husband, graduated from the National Auto Dealers Association Academy! Over the course of a year, he attended this comprehensive program tailored for automotive professionals, designed to train dealership managers and leaders in key aspects of dealership disciplines. 

Nicolas has worked so hard in all positions of the automotive industry since beginning just a few short years ago, and currently holds the position of General Manager in his dealership. We are so proud of his accomplishments, and look forward to what the future holds for him and Madison. 

We were honored that he and Madison invited us to attend, and were thrilled his parents and brother flew from his beloved Denmark to celebrate his accomplishment! It was so nice to spend time with Nico's lovely family, and Madison and Nicolas were glad to have them stay for a few days here afterward. I have permission from Madison and Nicolas to share the following pictures of this happy event!

The evening before the ceremony, Madison planned a celebration dinner at a fantastic restaurant complete with delicious food, balloons, and champagne. This is Nicolas' lovely family: His father, Peter, his mother, Kirstin, and brother Jakob.

And the next day...Graduation!

Peyton and Christopher made the trip too! Shoutout to Rhett, Kyrstin, and Flynn, who stayed home to watch all the pups.

Brothers. 

Congratulations, Nicolas! So proud of you!

Have a nice, cozy Wednesday, my friends!

Billie Jo

An Introvert's Guide to Celebrating Birthdays

Yesterday was my birthday! Just for the record, I turned fifty-six. I know, right??? When Steve and the kids asked me how I wanted to spend my special day, I knew exactly what to tell them. I wanted to be home. Doing what? I'm glad you asked! Well, allow me to share the way this introvert spent her special day!

I woke early and started my day like every other, with coffee, the pups, and prayers. Our friend Joe brought me the most delicious pumpkin-flavored coffee from Dunkin', and some even more delicious pumpkin pancakes from IHOP. Steve and I sat on the porch, and then I took a morning swim. After a quick shower, I snuggled back in bed for some TV time and an afternoon nap. 

I woke to another surprise! Kyrstin brought me an iced pumpkin coffee and a pie from McDonald's. After a cozy afternoon and yet another amazing surprise of the most beautiful fall flower arrangement from Madison and Nicolas, we sat on the screened-in porch for some delicious Italian takeout that Steve picked up. We watched a movie of my choice, Greenland, and finished the day with some delicious brownies made by Flynn. I stayed up way too late reading in bed, but what better way to end a wonderful day?

There's a running joke in our family about my inability to smile naturally in any picture, and after seeing the options for this one, I have to agree! 

Beautiful flowers delivered on a Sunday from Madison and Nicolas...

And the most beautiful sunset sent from my mom on my first birthday without her here.

There were texts and calls from the special people in my life, and I went to sleep feeling thankful and so very, very blessed. 

Have a cozy Monday, my friends!

Oh, here are the September reminders for the week!

Thanks for visiting.

Billie Jo

A Touch Of Fall Around The House

 

I love a bit of coziness around, don't you? 

Have a lovely weekend, my friends.

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Yep

My response, if you ask me...

to hike, bike, jog, or run. Anywhere.

to go anywhere after I've changed into my cozy night clothes.

to attend any outside activity on a hot, sunny day.

to put ketchup on any food that goes into my mouth.

to drink Coke when there is Pepsi.

to participate in any outdoor activities between November and March.

to go to bed without washing my face.

to stay in bed after waking up in the morning.

or to make, eat, or even smell any type of chili.

How about you??

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I've already had my morning coffee, but the mug is somewhere out of reach. With two cozy pups near me, I decided not to get up to look for it now! In other news, today is my husband's birthday! Let me tell you a little about the man I married.

Steve is a fantastic husband and father, and I am one lucky girl to have him beside me every single day. He excels in business, finance, and numbers, all the things that I do not. He is the most awesome father ever. From field trips to concerts to doctors' appointments, he is the go-to dad. He enjoys watching pro football, college football, racing, and ESPN. And ESPN 2. And NFL Redzone. He is always on the go, running errands, helping the kids, and picking up groceries. Steve loves to talk on the phone, often calling people he hasn't seen in a while to check in on them. He rarely complains about watching yet another true crime documentary with me, and he gets me my favorite pizza whenever I ask. 

He is tough to buy for, so I was one step ahead this year. I hired a private chef to come prepare a birthday meal, and he was so surprised! His best friend helped out by asking him to go buy shorts or something believable, and when they came back, Chef Jeremy was in my kitchen cooking up a storm! I had read online reviews, and he came highly recommended. He brought his own supplies, cooked a delicious meal, and even cleaned the entire kitchen. It was awesome! Here are a few pictures we took that night.

Steve was thrilled! And I am still dreaming about that chocolate mousse! Well, I am off to start our day. The rain we had yesterday is clearing, and it actually looks like fall outside. Today marks the start of a new week in our fall calendar, so here is a reminder if you are following along!

Have a lovely Monday, my friends. Thank you for visiting!

Billie Jo