record-shattering longest post ever...

My lovely little niece, Miss Avry Plum Miller came for a visit this past week.  She was the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy & secluded week.  I have been under the weather in more ways than one and have pretty much been a shut-in.  I didn't even mind that she spent half her visit asleep!  And she is looking more & more like her sister Addie every day.  Look at all her hair!!!
My friend Bethany posted this happiness flow chart earlier this week.

original source unknown

I absolutely love it.  I am actively working towards getting myself healthy & happy again...and I'll take any bit of sunshine (whether from the sky or in the form of my beautiful niece) whenever I can.  I was hoping to make these Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes to celebrate St Patrick's Day...maybe I'll make them a weekend project instead.  My sister has made them before & they come highly recommended.
I also want to share a warm welcome to the world Mister Isaac Ross and congratulations to my dear friend Shelbi & her family on their new addition.  I can't wait to see her this fall for our wedding as it has been far, far too long.

And one last but not least important thing, please send prayers to Japan.  It is the only other place in the world that has been my home and my heart has been breaking this past week watching the devastation there.  I was terrified the first 2 days waiting to hear if my host family & all my friends still living there were all right.  Everyone that I know of is fine and was not near any of the most hard hit areas.  But my mind is constantly focused on what is happening there; the unimaginable devastation, the suffering of the people, the triumphs and small miracles, and the grace with which Japanese society as a whole is handling these disasters.  Please be sure to send your prayers and whatever other assistance you can to the Japanese during this time.