I got a call from my Grandma today. I adore her.

I’ve lived with my Grandparents twice in my life. The first time was when I was 11 and my family moved to Texas. All 7 of us lived with them in their 3 bedroom duplex. It was a challenge but I remember feeling so grateful for their sacrifice and service for my family.

The second time was when Jason and I decided we wanted to have a second child and therefore needed to move home and be closer to family. Jason quit his job and we moved back to Texas. My Grandparents opened their arms and their home to us so willingly. They adored 1 year old Davis almost as much as we did. Every morning when Davis woke up, the first thing he wanted was Grandpa. Their bond was unbreakable and it was such a blessing to see. I loved living with my Grandparents during those 6 months and developed a bond that I still feel today. I’ll never forget the sacrifice and love they gave me and my family and I’ll be forever grateful. They made it so much fun and seem effortless. We had the best time.

The day they moved to Idaho was a sad one for Jason, Davis, and me. We missed them so much and over the years I’ve tried my best to stay in touch. With each phone call I feel the need to be the person my Grandparents lived with and remember. I try to make her laugh and tell her cute stories of the boys. My Grandma has the best laugh and I can’t get enough of it.

However, today the phone call was very different. Once again I needed her and she was there with open arms. She called to ask if she could organize a family fast for my surgery on Thursday. We cried together and I felt her love so much it was like she was right here in the room with me. I put my pride aside, and let her do what she does best – serve.

I realized the magnitude of my situation and the immense love that surrounds me in one phone call. She’s a person I look up to and aspire to be. With her kind of faith, I know I’ll be in good hands.

Huge thanks to Ashley for designing my card. I love it!

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

“The day before Christmas my broke back requried of me,
A second cortisone epidural.”

This time they angled it to get the nerve and help with the stabbing pain running down my left leg. Fingers crossed this will help my recovery and get me back on my feet. {{literally}}

At the hospital they had some fun decorations. One of the departments had a wreath decorating contest. They were all pretty funny.

My camera phone sucks, but here are the ones that I thought were the best. I love seeing people get into the Christmas spirit!

It warms my heart when old BFF’s put aside a petty argument that got way out of control and decide to be friends again. I lost a friend many years ago for a reason that to this day is still unknown to me. Gratefully, I’ve learned a lot from that relationship and tend to handle conflicts a bit differently.

No haters but, I’m totally pulling for Heidi and Lauren. I’m a believer in second chances.

In other friends news, I would love to hang out with Jessi, The Hills After Show host. How clever and fun is she! I’ve been watching tons of TV lately and right now she’s hands down my favorite personality. She’s fabulous!

So, I’m dying to know. If you could hang out with any TV personality, who would it be?

I’m reposting what I wrote on Tip Junkie – in case you missed my big announcement.

**Attention! Broke Back Needs Sister To Move Into Her Town. Please Help!**

I realize this is a shot in the dark, but I learned a while ago never to underestimate the power and influence of a blogger. {{wink}}

As you know, I ruptured a disc in my back and have been in severe pain ever since. I’ve been dubbed “the broke back”.

I got a cortisone epidural injection and it seems to finally be working and I’m on my way to a painful recovery. Surgery averted, for now. I still have sever pain in my left leg and ankle. I see the surgeon again on Tuesday and I’ll know more then.

We’re always up to something {{giddy}}

My favorite {{only}} sister, Lisa, came up to help Jason and me last weekend and gave me some amazing news. Her husband is getting a new job and they’ll be moving into my city! {{scream with delight}}

College Station, Texas

Now, they have to sell their house. Which obviously, is going to be tough given the economy. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help my sister, who has been there for me every time I needed her and is my best friend!

Yep, even a shameless plug on why you should buy her fabulous house. {{begging}}

Please buy her house so:

* I can have my best friend & sister close by. She’s amazing at landscaping, painting, and any project that requires a saw and tools. {{wink}}

* 2 sisters who fought growing up and are currently best friends can live in the same city and have those bonding moments they missed out on growing up.

* I (who have 3 boys) can help raise Lisa’s daughters. Naturally, we’re expecting my tom-boy sister to have all girls.

* My boys can be close to their favorite Aunt.

* I can get free personal training since I’m going to need intense physical therapy to strengthen my back to prevent this from happening again.

College Station in Castlegate

Lisa has impeccable taste and she did some hard-core negotiation with the builder and customized the house with tons of upgrades:

* A wonderful big front porch
* Tile throughout the house
* High ceilings
* Extra storage room in the garage
* The biggest marble shower you’ve ever seen in the master bathroom
* Pantry and a bonus “Chantry” (closet-pantry)
* Crown molding
* Upgraded doors
* Upgraded fixtures
* Open and bright floor plan
* Huge backyard
* Upgraded grass
* Fully landscaped front yard complete with running fountain {{it’s fabulous}}
* Nearly new, built in 2007

What makes this house extra special is the huge bonus room upstairs with closets and it’s own bathroom.

* If you are a Mom-preneur or are creative; this would make the perfect craft room.
* If you have your own business, this is the perfect work at home study.
* It can also be used as a studio apartment while housing a friend or family member.
* Since my sister is a personal trainer, she is currently using it as a home gym.
* You can use it as a playroom, media room, or game room.
* The possibilities of this room are endless!

We are jumping for joy to live close to each other once again!

So spread the word to all your friends and family who are looking for a home in Texas. Blog posts, e-mails, and phone calls are much appreciated! {{more begging}}

You can take a virtual tour of Lisa’s home and see tons of pictures. If you’re interested or know someone who is, you can e-mail Lisa directly or contact her Realtor.

Please Please Please help!! I can barely stand up straight and I need my sister’s help desperately.