Despite all the chaos and turmoil our country finds herself facing these days, I am a proud American! The National Anthem still draws tears, parades still choke me up and fly-overs give me chills. There is not one thing I can recall in this moment that I find more majestic than a soaring Bald Eagle. There is nothing more American than Baseball, Football and NASCAR! Good Luck to you today Jeff Gordan! You are a true symbol of a sportsman, father, Christian and American! ‪#‎jeffgordon‬ ‪#‎daytona500‬
 

Tomorrow begins my ten week journey of Live Healthy Iowa. A group of nine family members have signed up as team Mission Slimpossible and accepted this annual challenge to get healthy. After seven weeks on the road, I have yet to get back to my morning running routine. Cheers us on as we push to reach our goals in the coming weeks!

Time to catch up again.  With a New Year here, I must resolve to stay more connected here.  Last year was a very busy year for us, so let's just go over the holidays.........

November 8th, we trekked, not far, to Houston to bid farewell to family before our big move to Los Angeles.  We had both quit our jobs and were preparing our travel trailer for a haul cross-country.  We enjoyed a week of visiting, laughter and relaxation, staying in a rustic condo on Lake Conroe.

Were honored to be able to treat these two lovebirds (such huge inspirations in my life) to brunch at the Walden Yacht Club.  After stuffing our bellies with delicious omelets, bacon and breakfast potatoes, we caught some beautiful rays of sunshine on the balcony overlooking the sapphire lake.

Check-in and unpacking commenced at our condo for the week, and we caught this warm Texas sunset on our way out for the evening.  It was a brisk afternoon, but our hearts were cozy.

Monday morning came early, and we fought traffic to meet up at the Houston Zoo with our favorite little guy!  Jaxson had such fun with us, Grandma Vicki, Aunt Kristina and all the chimps and giraffes his little heart desired.  Finished off with the perfect picnic and headed to dinner with family, but not before a stop-off at James Avery.

Bought this little gem there to commemorate a most special day and my sister-in-law Kristina treated me to a sweet "Little Sister" charm to add as well to my bracelet.

At 4:45pm central time, Tony and I were blessed with this precious gift from God.......our gorgeous first grand baby, Miss Aspyn Lynne.  Our hearts were bursting with joy!

Spent some time through the week catching up with cousins and old high school friends.  Upon planning our trip back to Austin, we came to the decision and realization that California was now out of the picture.  Our future lies in Austin!

On Thursday, November 20th, we piled six weeks worth the clothes and goods in our car and hit the road.  First stop, Baton Rouge.  We stayed in a not-so-cozy little Motel 6 just off the interstate (in our top 3 worst stays ever), and after a long night of not much sleep, we were on our journey once again.  This trip would call for a drive through the streets of New Orleans, of which I had never seen.

 My husband's favorite pastime.........seeing every NFL Stadium across the country.  Upon our drive by of The Saints' stadium, we followed one of the ESPN Monday Night Football rigs onto the property.

 Such history here in New Orleans and old world architecture you really don't find anywhere else on earth!

 The famous Cafe Du Monde......fantastic pastries!

 Mardi Gras is present all year long here........

I really MUST have a porch/balcony like this!!

 Next stop over, crossing into the Mississippi Delta.......will be doing some extensive research soon!

.....And the colors of the trees changing were just magnificent!  The shine of the sun's rays on the leaves looked almost cartoonish!

Finally, our last state until we reached our first destination!  The orange groves, Atlantic Coast and sand-laden beaches!  Oh how we have missed the sun-kissed seashores!

And we finally meet her!  Three generations of McBrooms!  She's as sweet as sugar and certainly stole our hearts in an instant.  Let the spoiling embark!

 Sweet little sugar pea's first outing and she was already a pro!  Hit up the Orlando Farmer's Market!

There just is not a more picturesque backdrop in a downtown that I've ever seen......Lake Eola.

The night before Thanksgiving and all was quiet throughout the condo.  I had spent the entire day preparing Thanksgiving meal for the next day and thoroughly enjoyed myself!  The silence was broken when little bit felt the first stream of water flow from the sink faucet.  This face said she knew something was amiss..........her first bath a success, but she was not very thrilled about the event!

Had a houseful for Thanksgiving at my daughter's home.  What a lovely day to share with others.

During our ten-day adventures of Florida, we went ice-skating (who knew) with our daughter Ashlee and her boyfriend Ethan after spending two days with our Florida family, Memaw and Poppy, in New Smyrna Beach.  Special moments we will relive for a lifetime!

Sadly, it was time to say goodbye for now.  It was so hard to leave little sugar pea, her parents and her auntie and uncle.  Exchanged our hugs and kisses, stopped by Full Sail to visit with Cami in Career Development then headed to an hour or so on Daytona Beach on our way out.

 Discovered major expansion taking place at Daytona Speedway.

.......and the inviting waters and boardwalk of Daytona.  Couldn't leave without our slice of boardwalk pizza from the arcade and soaking in a little sun from the Joe's Crabshack Pier!

And then we were off!!.......
Off to the colder, snowier conditions of the Midwest.

Our overnight stay was spent at the Wingo Inn on Arnold AFB.  Arriving late on a rainy night, we were exhausted and were out before our heads hit the pillow.  But the next morning, woke up to a breathtaking site of this fog covered lake.  Upon our departure, we explored  the base and lake before continuing our road trip.  What a beautiful area.  We will certainly be making a trip back soon!

Not far down the interstate, the ice encrusted tree branches began to glisten in the sunlight.  We were NOT in Florida anymore, Toto!

The temperature on the car dash plummeted quickly.

Made it to Iowa that evening, when my phone got jacked by two crazy ladies :).....hmmmmm......such mischief.

A couple days after our arrival, our niece, Bethany's cap and gown was delivered.  On Sunday evening, December 7th, a special graduation ceremony had been arranged for Bethany to receive her high school diploma.  She had fulfilled all requirements to complete school, and after petitioning the state, she would accept her diploma early.  Her health had been failing quite rapidly lately, and Lamoni High School staff wanted to be sure she received her accolades.

 Since we would be spending the month in the old 1860s farm house we purchased from my brother and sister-in-law over the holidays, we needed some Christmas spirit.  We pulled together some extra decor from several family members and began the holiday cheer!

 After the local town Christmas parade on December 6th, we went back to Troy and Dawna's house and wrote and addressed letters to Santa and decorated homemade sugar cookies for Santa's elves that would be by in the night to collect the mail for the North Pole.  Needless to say, I had just as much fun as Allen and Amelia!

Too sick and weak to attend her graduation, I sat with Bethany and her mom the evening of the 7th, after an afternoon of holding her hand while she rubbed my fingers.  Family came from all over, including Missouri, Texas and Illinois to be present for her recognition of achievement.  All gathered in the high school gym, and her sister, Kayla walked in her place to accept Bethany's diploma.

So many people came by the house that night after the ceremony to visit with Bethany and share their congratulations.

In the moment, I am so glad I caught this image of Grandma Nellie holding Bethany's hand that night, for the next morning would bring us sad news of Bethany's passing around 9:10am.  A knock on the front door confirmed this news, and we rushed over to be with family.  The day was long and exhausting, and I am so gracious Tony and I were present to celebrate Bethany's life.  She touched and blessed so many people around the world in such a short time.

Breath of Bethany tulips, as I coined them, arrived from her aunt the next morning.  I spent the next days documenting the blossoming of these purple gems.  I am continually amazed at God's handy work.

I have no words for the indescribable moments I witnessed throughout the night of Bethany's visitation and the funeral the next day.  For a small town of 3500, there were over 500 in attendance to honor Bethany's life.  Beautiful stories of the unique young lady Bethany was were so moving.  I am so blessed to have known her and been touched by her life.

Was overjoyed when I received this picture of my granddaughter in her Miss Santa suit.  I can't get over her sweetness!

 Tony and I began lengthy renovations of the farm house with ripping up the kitchen linoleum.  Can't wait to see the finished project once we get the new floor put in on our return in the summer.

 Put the Christmas lights up around the front porches.  It's not much, but a start and much more festive!

Our first snow hit the morning before my birthday, and so I enjoyed a White Birthday for the first time in my 39 years.  What a treat!  Drove around that morning taking in the powdery substance covering every inch of the town, then headed to Des Moines for the day.  After dealing with the replacing of a dead battery in a fairly new car, the day improved immensely, and I enjoyed celebrations with family at the church drama and birthday dinner at Perkins!

 This girl.....she's my protege!  We have way too much fun together!  Photo bombed by Papa!

So, this was my birthday dinner!  Yes, I embellished in coconut creme pie and a vanilla malt.  My favorite gift was my Hello Kitty card filled with stickers!!  Still a little girl at heart!

 Attended Nicholas' winter band concert in the school gym.  What a strong young man and great kid! He's the one in the back on the tuba :)

 Can't spend time in Lamoni without a few trips to the Amish Country Store at the interstate.  Unbelievable hand-made gifts and wares by the Amish, including the best donuts ever!

Christmas Eve, we were overwhelmed when Lori and Michael and the kids opened their presents Bethany had made for them on her last day of school, just days before her passing.  Since her passing to this day, we had all found the strength to bury Bethany and prepare for the holidays in the midst of unexplainable grief.  This is a truly amazing family who displays the true definition of love!

 Spent hours cracking a bag of Texas pecans, and an intimate evening having dinner and visiting in the basement of our dear friend (and family) Barb as we built our Christmas gift for Ryan and Megan.

Lori, Bethany's mom, so graciously offered up some of Bethany's paints to use on the herb garden we made for Ryan and Megan.  Megan was truly moved and will cherish this gift forever.  Thank you for that, Lori!

We then opened our gift from Troy and Dawna.  How beautiful!  I have always desired my own Nativity......and now I have one!!  It's spectacular!

My two musts while in Iowa were spending some time at Uncle Ron and Ginny's and seeing the covered bridges of Madison County again.  I had seen three of them a few years ago, but there were a couple more I wanted to experience and explore more of Winterset.
 

 Holliwell Bridge.  The river was partially frozen over and was a stunning sight to see!

 Cutler-Donahoe bridge placed in the city park.

 Spent the afternoon exploring Uncle Ron and Ginny's property and buildings.  I wish I could put into words the experience.  The barn has been completely redone and is originally from the mid-1800s.  Two brothers owned conjoining farms back then and settled the area.  Such rich history!  Ron and Ginny bought the property, cleaned it up and have built a beautiful log home by hand using re-purposed and recycled materials.

Spent the night in the bed brought to Garden Grove, Iowa from Ohio in 1849 by Tony's great-great-grandfather when he was still a bachelor.  Oh the stories I'm sure that bed could tell!

 Uncle Ron and Ginny treated us to breakfast at Northside Cafe on the square, famous for the cafe scene with Clint Eastwood in Bridges of Madison County.

 Drove by John Wayne's birth home.

 Witnessed the oldest and only surviving stone outhouse in America.  It's on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Visited Roseman Bridge from the movie; one I hadn't visited in the past.  Discovered this proposal on a wood plank.  Good luck Tom!  Hope Vikki shows!

 I took this photo under the covered bridge, deep inside where one would have driven through.  Interesting to see snow had blown in that far and was still frozen, when all snow outside on the ground had melted.

 Hogsback Bridge.  I think this one is my favorite.  There's an overwhelming emotional connection I had to this bridge.  I wish I knew what drew me to it so.

My precious hubby posing beside Hogsback.  We were able to explore the underbelly of this bridge.  Amazing engineering for the mid-1800s.  Though you can not drive through these bridges anymore, they were accessible up until the 1980s & 90s.  They have all been renovated and are in unbelievably great condition!

 The time had come to leave this ornery little lady behind.  Sure enjoyed morning coffee and donuts with Momma Nellie!  Miss you already!  (She wouldn't fit in my luggage to sneak her back to Texas.)

Headed back to the "Heat" of Texas (It was 9 degrees when we left Iowa and 36 degrees when we arrived in Austin) before the snow storm hits that was headed our way later in the night.  Drove in driving ice and snow with gale winds that cut to the bone well into the wee hours of the morning before stopping for the night at McConnell AFB in Wichita, KS.  This was the view from our room the next morning.  Still very cold and windy, but the snow had stopped and the morning sun was rising.

Made it home that night to Austin, safe and sound!