Time keeps on slipping...

Hard to believe that it is the 7th of January already. I know it does not seem like I should be so shocked, but I had plans for where I would be already. Those plans just keep on falling through and the future is not headed in the right direction. Okay, maybe it is the direction God has planned for me, but I do not see the positive in that right now. I live paycheck to paycheck, and I really thought that by now I would be a little more comfortable. Hell, I am 36 years old and I feel like a college kid. I hate being in debt, but cannot figure out how to get out of debt. There are many plans out there that people use, but who knows if they work. We have things planned for this year, and we need to be financially solvent for these things to work. Maybe this is not the place to bitch & moan, but I feel the need to vent. Who ever thinks that in their 30s they would still be trying to stay above water? I swore that I would never end up like my parents, trying to figure out how to pay bills, living paycheck to paycheck, wishing for a better job. I want to love my job, I want to love going to work everyday, I want to be happy with my decisions and feel that I have done something good.

Another year over...

And a new one's just begun. Wow, so much happened in 2008 - some good, some bad. I, however, am so glad that it is over and it is a new start for all.

I am still in Ohio, trying to sell the house and find a new job. Ed is still livng & working in Michigan. We try to see eachother as often as we can, but schedules are getting in the way. Luckily, we were able to spend the holidays together.

This year is going to be great! I received the all clear from the surgeon so I can head back to the gym, I have people who are ordering cupcakes, and we are happy. We hope all of you have a happy and blessed 2009!

Lebbon Christmas

They say pictures are worth a thousand words...
Holy Presents!!!

Ed with our new blender.
Dave and his new 5lb bag of gummies.
A jealous Justice.
Justice playing Santa with Mom.
Woo Hoo! I got my iPod Nano!!
We are heading to Toronto for a spa weekend!
A wrapped Emily!

Aunt Mo's Party

Wow, what a night! We had so much fun with the family, that I am not sure it will all get recorded here. However, I have pictures!


We arrived about 6:30pm and were there for a few hours. We got to see Uncle Joe and Aunt Leigh, Uncle Dave & Aunt Paige with all their children and grandchildren. Grandpa and Grandma have arrived for good from Texas. WOO HOO!

Grandma spent a few days in the hospital with chest pains. She seems to be fine, but we are all watching her very closely. It was great having Grandpa and Grandma with us for the holiday.

We took pics of all the grandkids.

We also took pics of all the great grandchildren.

It was a really great night and I am so glad we got to be there.

Christmas Prep

I have been baking and baking for days now. All in preparation for the Christmas Holiday. I am giving gift bags to a few neighbors, and bringing yummies to family. Justice has already started getting into the Christmas spirit, as seen from this picture.

Justice and I will be heading to Lansing on Tuesday. There is a party at Aunt Mo's on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day at Mom & Dad's, and, depending on weather, Christmas with my fam on Friday. Amanda rocks and will be feeding Arthur while I am gone. Check out this awesome picture. I am addicted to "Fringe" on FOX, and I just LOVE how they put cool pictures up before commercials.

Uncle Abe

This is a pic of my Grandma and Uncle Abe from the Spring. It is still hard for me to believe that he is gone. I am on the hunt for more pictures, so if anyone has any, please let me know!

Saying Goodbye

My phone rang at 11:30 last night. It was daddy calling to tell me that his brother Abe had passed at 11:00pm. He had cancer and it finally won it's fight. I HATE CANCER!!!!

Uncle Abe and Aunt Betty live in Georgia, so I am not sure where/when the services will be. If I cannot make it there, I am hoping family does something in Michigan.

Ed's Visit

A pic of the two loves of my life.

Ed got home and Justice decided he was going to sit on him. He licked his face for quite awhile. I am pretty sure Justice is making sure Ed cannot leave again.

Lebbon Thanksgiving Part 2

Justice met the new puppy, Lola. It was NOT love at first sight. She barked at him a few times and he decided she needed to quit so he let out a big dog bark. Lola tried to play with Justice's blue puppy. He did not appreciate that either. At one point, he was seen running with the blue puppy in his mouth and Lola trying to catch up. I think by the end, he was learning to tolerate her. It definitely clarified that he is a jealous dog and there is not room in this family for a second dog.

It was really great seeing family again. I had not see the kids since July, and the adults since Frank's wedding in the fall. I cannot believe how big the kids are getting. Having a chance to spend time with Ed was great! We spent all day Saturday together doing some Christmas shopping, having lunch, watching a movie. It really hit home how often we are spending apart. I am ready for him to be home.

Meinema Thanksgiving

Grandma Meinema and the girls
Justice got a little jealous of Mel hanging out with Ed.

What a great Thanksgiving. It was small with just 6 of us - Vicky, Lori, Andrea, Gramma Meinema, and us. We also had the 2 dogs- Justice and Mel. Having Andrea home was AWESOME. Her trip to South Africa was way too long. She had some great stories and some wonderful gifts for all of us. The greatest gift was getting to wrap my arms around her and not let go for awhile. Seeing Gramma was wonderful. It is way too long between visits, and I need to remember that I do not have forever with her. She is 96 years old and has lived a wonderful life full of laughter and love. I want her around forever. She is so full of love and generosity.