Stress Relief?

Me: "Can we do something about that dresser on the front porch? You might be a redneck if...."
Mike: "Sure. I'll take care of it."
Me: "Thanks, babe."

10 minutes later I go outside and find this....



Not exactly what I had in mind...



Are you signaling for help?



I greatly regret not getting a picture of the mile-high flames rising from our front yard. We were a little busy making sure the roaring fire didn't overtake our very dead grass. Was this the best idea?




Ummm....ok. He looked at me with sincerity in his eyes and said..."this is one of the greatest days of my life." Nice.

Christmas Morning 2010

We had such a fun Christmas morning! I'm thankful to live in a safe home and enjoy the freedom to celebrate Christ with my family...

Loved having my Sisters & Mother-in-love with us!!

My cup runs over...

9 Years Old

My first born baby turns 9 years old today! At exactly 7:11 PM she will officially be in her last year of single digits...it's so hard to believe!

Gracie,

You are a beautiful, smart, kind young lady and Daddy & I could not be more proud of you! We knew you were a special treasure the day we found out you were going to be the 3rd member of this little family.

As you grow, I'm praying that you will always keep your tender heart and your compassionate spirit. You are such a blessing and we love you very much! Daddy & I are the most blessed of parents to call you our daughter.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph 1:16-19

We started the celebration by meeting Gracie for lunch at school on Friday to pass out cookies to her classmates & teacher for her birthday! After passing out the cookies, she wanted to go out to the visiting area and eat lunch with just her Dad & I!



Then we checked the girls out after lunch and made way to the movie theatre. The new Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawntreader was out and we thought it might be good to see it in the early afternoon before all the Friday night crowd moved in! We were SO glad we did. We only had to pay matinee prices (and we had a gift card!) and there were only 2 other people in the theatre with us! It was great!



Then we took the girls over to The Sweetest Batch Cupcakery. It was very girlie and pretty pink. The cupcakes were huge and delicious! The girls LOVED it :)



Then we got Jersey Mike's and headed home to just hang out! It was really nice. Gracie said she had a great time and that's what we wanted!

Saturday we deep cleaned the house. Amen.
That evening 3 of our favorite families came over to eat with us. The Abrahams, The Phillips & The Dickisons. And to top it off our good friend (and neighbor) David came by. We were planning to have a bonfire, but the torrential rains did away with that idea so we all settled into the house for a good night of food and fun. I'm so thankful for the friendships the Lord has blessed us with :)

We woke up this morning to SNOW! Gracie found her present on the table and enjoyed ice cream (a tradition we started when Gracie turned 3!) & her leftover cupcakery cupcake for breakfast! A pretty "great" birthday weekend according to Gracie. And that's what it's all about!

A picture of the snow this afternoon. Mike & the girls were out playing in it and at last count we have over 3 inches!!

"Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel"

Here's a video I've put together as an intro to the classic Christmas tune, "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel". Hope you like!