Spring Break 2018-Helen, GA

This year Bobby and I were both off the entire week for Spring Break with the kids.  At the beginning of the week, we took a quick two day trip to Helen, GA.  I have wanted to visit Helen for a while now.  It is the cutest little down and was everything that I expected.  I would really love to go back during the peak season, or possibly during Christmas one year.  

We had a lot of hiking planned, and a couple of destinations to visit.  In our down time we just strolled through town looking at all the shops.  And we spent entirely too much money at the candy store.

We did a BUNCH of hiking.  Lots and Lots of steps. . .

On our way out we stopped for our last quick hike to 

Anna Ruby Falls.  It was a very short and easy hike, and the waterfall was just beautiful.  The gift shop was also very nice and the attendant was super helpful and friendly.

The trip was very laid back but so much fun and I am so glad that I could convince this crew to go with me.

XoXo,

Tina

Thanksgiving 2017

Here are the results of our annual Thanksgiving Day Christmas card photo shoot.  We got some great pictures thanks to my sister - in - law despite fighting with the fading sunlight.

I love that I got a great photo for the cards, but hate that I ran out of stamps and did not even get more stamps to mail all of my cards to everyone on my list!!  Maybe next year. :)

XoXo,

Tina

Me and My People

Before 2013 is too far gone, I wanted to post a few of the photos from our Family session that we did back in the fall.  We had our pictures done in early November to use for our Christmas cards.  We used a new photographer this year.  She did a wonderful job and was able to capture some beautiful images of me and my people.  The three peeps in these photos with me will always be my favorite things from each year.  I don't think 2014 will be any different. 

Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving {2013}

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving with family.  Great food, fun, and memory making as always.  Considering I am trying to do a better job with this blog, I even packed the Canon.  

We always celebrate at Nana and Pawpaw's home.  This year we had a little lesson from Uncle Ricky on how to tie a tie.  Tanner decided to wear his tie all day and dress up his hoodie for the occasion.

After lunch Gracyn wanted to go outside for a little photo shoot.  She LOVES the camera, and is always game for a few photos. 

Tanner played basketball with his cousins Patrick and Connor.  These three boys are always playing some kind of sport.  Call me biased, but I'd say they are all pretty good athletes. 

When we went back inside to warm up, Mrs. Jennifer and Aunt Heather were talking about how Gracyn needs to cut her hair in a cute bob.  She jumped at the opportunity and did not even think twice.  Her dad intervened and said "NO short hair!!".   She trimmed about 4 inches and it looks adorable! 

We have so much to be thankful for this year as we do every year.  Of course I am thankful for our home, our health, and our jobs.  I am also thankful for so many of the little things that I sometimes take for granted.  I am so thankful for a God who loves us unconditionally and whose mercy and favor continues to pour out all over our family.  I am thankful for my witty thirteen year old that will sometimes put the teenager attitude on the back burner and make me laugh for hours.  I am thankful for my husband who at times is terribly grumpy and annoying, talks way too much for my liking, but never bores me.  I am thankful for the cutest little girl with a heart so full of love.  She has the most vivid personality and truly makes the most of every moment and "lives out loud" for everyone to see with no regrets.  I am thankful for the sweet little friends that surround my children each day.  I am thankful for the family and friends that have been placed in our lives that make every day so special.

I am full of thanks!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord HE IS GOD:  it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;  we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the Lord is good his mercy is everlasting;  and his truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100

Weekend Recap

The weekend went by entirely too fast as usual.  I had high hopes for putting up all of our Christmas decorations this weekend, but we only managed to get one little White tree up in Gray's room, and it doesn't even have any ornaments on it yet.

Saturday the girls enjoyed sleeping in late while the boys got up to go deer hunting.  We jumped in the car to head out for a little while, and Gray and I ALWAYS listen to Christmas music when we are without the boys.  Neither of them seem to love Christmas music as much as we do.  Go figure.

Gracyn had her very first official eye exam at noon.  She has been complaining that she has trouble seeing the board during class.  

She was not exaggerating.  She is just a little nearsighted.  She was beyond thrilled to pick out her glasses!  This is not my normal picture posing girl, with dilated eyes she wasn't very happy.  But she wanted a picture to send home to Daddy right away. (After this has posted, I realize these are not even the glasses that she chose!!)

Tanner and Bobby were in the woods hunting the entire weekend.  Tanner shot his first deer of the season Friday afternoon.

Sunday morning we went to church for the second sermon of "At The Movies".  It's a really neat series that the pastor is doing for a few weeks.  They take movies and relate them to scripture.  This is nothing like a traditional church service, but it is pretty cool.  We are all really enjoying it.  Even Gray has her own age appropriate movie during Highlands Kids.  Anyway, this weeks movie was The Impossible.  I had never seen it, and had no idea that the brief scenes shown would make me a hysterical crying mess.  I wasn't the only one, luckily.  So of course I ran right to the Redbox and rented it so I can see the whole thing.

After church Gracyn and I  made a quick run to Target, and did a little pre-shopping on her Christmas wish list.  

Now, time to get ready for another busy week.  This week holds three basketball games, one field trip, one after school music practice, one small group night, and one 39th birthday celebration for someone special.  I don't know if we have the time that we need for all of this to take place!  

I hope you all have a great week!

Pumpkin Patch {Sneak Peak}

Last weekend babyG and I went out to Old Bakers Farm for some fall fun.  We were accompanied by my MIL, my two SIL's, my three nephews, and one BFF.  It was a great day full of fun and wonderful photo opportunities.

I wish I could sit around all day every day learning how to edit my photographs.  I feel like I sometimes have a pretty good shot, but can never get the look I am going for.  I love the soft, vintage looking photos that I am seeing everywhere these days.  And one day, I would love to be able to edit that well.

For now, this is as good as it gets!!

Stay tuned for more pumpkin patch photos. . .coming soon.

Wordless Wednesday {Almost}

Pictures from our weekend, or THREE weekends ago!!

 Big10 and I paddled all the way to the end and back & both kids enjoyed a little fishing.

 I {heart} the braids on this Bama girl.

Beach pictures coming soon. . . .


I am linking this post up over at and then she snapped, with Rachel.


Also linking to Naptime Momtog, & Project Alicia.