tears and sweet joy

Me, T, Bab's

5 years ago, Tristen and I moved to Portland, all by ourselves.  We had no one.  We knew no one.  It wasn't until I had been with Rhett for six months, over 2 years later, that Tristen's local emergency contact was someone that had actually been to our home, and wasn't a semi-stranger of a co-worker that I had hesitantly approached and asked if I could use their phone number as an emergency contact, just in case.  Vulnerable, to say the least; uncomfortable and worrisome, at best, is the only way I can describe those first couple years of living here, on our own, alone.

Not having anyone to rely on made me rely on my own strength and perseverance, and though it made me fiercely independent, there were many times over the years, that having a child, by myself, in a town, by myself, has felt very lonely.  It's a strange kind of loneliness.  The kind that makes you tear up, just thinking about it...  like I am tearing up right now, again.  For the second time, today..

.. earlier, I teared up too.  I just couldn't help it, as I reread the text, and thought about the message from the second sister, that moved to Portland today, and how she was picking up Tristen, and they were going to our other sister's house.  And joy tears just fell out of my eyes.  To know Tristen was with my sisters, having fun, being taken care of, loved on as only family can love, and that Rhett and I would meet up after work too, and we would all hang out.  And eat pizza.  And play wiiu.  And just all be together.  Gosh darn it!  I'm tearing up again.  Ugh!  It's just so sweet.  So, so sweet to have my littlest sisters here in the same town with me.   It just makes me tear up.  Life just got sweeter today.

French Toast Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a weekend favorite around our abode.  I made it on New Year's as a special treat.  Why I love it most?  It's so super simple and super yummy.

Needed:  Pre-made Cinnamon Rolls, Eggs, Vanilla, Cinnamon, & a Sweet Tooth.

that sugar sure sizzles!
careful not to burn it..
keep heat low and a watchful eye 

EXTREMELY GOOD.

Cheers to 2013!

Cheers!!

tristen came back earlier than expected from winter break, so all crazy party ideas went out the window [haha, who am i kidding.  we are straight booooring up in here, although a trip to the coast casino, as originally planned, to see my SIL's dad's band would have been a great party].  so, family day it was, and it got started out in the best possible way:  my brother Brandon was in town!!!  

we stopped by the office and surprised Rhett!

then we took B over to surprise the littlest sissy.
her jaw, literally, dropped to the ground for about 10 seconds,
as she just stared before letting out a squeal.

after seeing B, the rest of the afternoon was spent purging, rearranging, and hanging curtains.  the curtains took up about FIVE hours of it.  Mygad!  who knew hanging curtains could be such a biatch!  thanks for bearing through all that babe.  i am proud and happy to say that i like the rearrangement more than i've ever liked the arrangement.  thank jesus, cause it was a lot of work. 

about 7, we headed over to rhett's parents for dinner.. 

the dominos were broken out and the boys spent about an hour making domino lines.  

as Dache (our 5 year old nephew) said, "it was insane in the membrane" ;)

then, the boys plotted a Bang into 2013

 

and then, it was here!!  2013!!! wow. 

Happy New Year!!

Here we come!