Life Lately - December

Christmas in March?  I can't keep this blog up to date, but I REFUSE to stop trying.  

Way back during the holidays we enjoyed time with each other.  This year I did not make and Mail Christmas cards, nor did I force my big kids to sit on Santa's lap for a photo.  I did get the little gym below though while we were out looking at lights one night.

Tinsel Trail with my tribe.  Clearly we did not plan on a photo, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get one with all of us in it.  And regardless of Tanner's expression, he loves us.

December 13, 2015 was our first service in the brand new building at church.

Christmas Eve candle light service. 

And a very rare treat.  A picture with my first born child.  And he's smiling.  Smiling BIG!

Gray on Christmas morning.  We made a decision to explain the magic of Santa to her this year.  She did not react the way I expected.  It was all a complete shock to her.  After many years, she managed to survive it and enjoy her Christmas.

Extended family get together a continued. . .

Xoxo,

Tina

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

Independence Day Recap

I hope everyone had a great fourth of July!!  We had a great day filled with family, food, fireworks, food, and fun.  And possibly a little more food if you can believe it.  We spent the day at Nana & Paw Paws.  We had lunch and then put on our firework show for the grandparents this time around.

We all did a little relaxing in the pool. . . .

We created lots of smoke and noise. . . .

and sparkles too. . . .

Enjoyed a little acoustic music with Paw Paw. . . . & silly lyrics by G.

And I spent a lot of time trying to get a good picture of my boy. . .

The result was well worth the effort. . .

Today I am finding myself already looking forward to the next weekend!!

Happy 4th of July Y'all!!!

It's time to celebrate our freedom folks!! I absolutely cannot imagine what it would be like to live without the freedom that I most often take for granted. Today is a good day to reflect on what a great country we live in, and take the time out to count our blessings.

Hope everyone out there has a great time celebrating with friends & family!!

Enjoy your day!!