Kids, Family, Christmas and Work!

Brady arrived home yesterday afternoon for the Holidays. He will be here until sometime after the new year. It was SOOOOOO good to see him. I have missed him terribly. He looks great...he FINALLY cut his hair. I will have to be sure to get a picture of he & Jess and post it.

His father was at the airport as well...I have said this before but I'm going to say it again...it doesn't matter how old they are....ALL kids want their family to be together and happy. Brady is no different. It's been 2 1/2 years since his father and I split and he still hasn't gotten used to the idea. He still wants us to be together at the Holidays. And he's 23! He's getting better and I know once Mike gets home and he can see how truly happy I am, he will be OK. When he saw me yesterday, his first words were "Wow Mom you look Great, I haven't seen you look this good or happy in a long time". Of course it made me feel good. (I won't go into detail but I have had made some changes just with-in the last week (I've done a lot of soul searching)...and I have to say I really think they are good changes (I'm already starting to see & reap the benefits)... one - I TRULY haven't felt this good in a very long time....two - at least once a day someone tells me how good I look and they want to know what I've done different....so yes when Brady noticed right away.....well lets just say...I know him very well and he knows me very well, he knew the last time he was home....something was not right!)

His dad ended up taking us out to dinner, which was nice...hey I'm all about a free dinner....LOL! We did have a nice time. We went to Texas Roadhouse (a Steak House) I had not heard of it before, It was delicious! Everything is homemade and the steaks are shipped in everyday, FRESH and cut at the restaurant...never frozen. I swear they even make their own butter. I had a Grilled Chicken Salad (it was late and I didn't want a huge dinner) damn what a waste on that "FREE" dinner, huh? The chicken was the tenderest (is that a word?) chicken I have EVER had and the salad dressing WAS homemade and delicious. Brady and Paul had steak, I don't remember what kind, but let me tell you....it too was delicious....(of course I tasted it!!!) Mike & I definitely have to go when he gets home. I think he will have found a "new" favorite restaurant. Mike is a HUGE steak lover...so I can't wait to go with him. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a big fan of food. I eat because I have to, not because I really enjoy it. Does that make since? So for me to even go this in-depth about a restaurant the place has to be good. If you have one close to you....I would rec commend at least giving it a try. I'm assuming it is a chain....hence the name...Texas and we are in Virginia LOL (Oh if you do find one and it's not as good, then it's your location....hehehehe)

Jess was not at the airport because she had to work, but about 6pm she texted me telling me she ended not having to work, something about they had to close down and said she was going to try to surprise Brady. (she lives about 1 hour from Brady's dad's house and about 1 1/2 hours from the restaurant) well between her and I we were able to pull it off. SO the highlight of the whole night (for me anyway) was when she snuck into the restaurant and surprised Brady. (he is so hard to surprise!!!) The look on his face was PRICELESS.......I can't say I've eve seen two people as happy as those two were to see each other....up to this point anyway.....Mike's & my turn is coming, just had to throw that in there....on the down slide now. OH.... I was talking about Brady & Jess....sorry, lost my head. but no, they were very happy and it made me feel all warm and mushy inside. I am very proud of both of them and love them both very much!

Well folks I am at work...it's real slow...the holidays. Tomorrow my contract expires....UGH...still have no word on who will win the award....when I left yesterday they (the Govt) was going to extend the existing contract to the end of the month (Dec); this morning when I came in they (the Govt) are supposed to be extending it through Jan 19 or something like that. Now don't get me wrong I am so grateful to still be employed, but what kind of sucks is I will have to get a new badge, well 3 new badges, the first of the year and then when ever the contract is awarded. You ask why is that so bad....come on I'm working with the government!!!!! that and what you have to go through to get not one but 3 new badges and then to have to turn around and have to go thorough the same stuff 3 weeks later......Nothing is ever easy....but like I said I really don't care....I have a job and if they want to pay me to go stand in line for at least 2 days(1 day for each renewal period) just getting my new badges....I will..............

OK now I really do need to go.....I hope everyone is getting in the spirit of the Holiday and is either done or almost done with all their shopping so you can enjoy the actual Holiday.

I LOVE YOU MIKE!