Ornament Tradition

I'm really big on family traditions. I grew up with many and want Cole to have that same experience as well. When he was born, Michael and I made a 'list' of some specific Christmas traditions that we wanted to incorporate as we celebrated the holiday each year. Baking a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake, letting Cole buy for a child in need, counting down the days with a homemade Advent Calendar, and making Christmas treats to deliver to the neighbors were just a few of the things we wanted to do (I must say this year was so much fun being able to finally do some of these treasured things with Cole now that he's older). I had also been wanting to do something with a special gift each year, but was stumped on what to do. After looking through the book "Treasuring God in our Traditions" by Noel Piper (GREAT book) and visiting a friend's blog, I had my idea.
A tradition that I found and loved was one of getting a special ornament each year for your child. Then when he/she gets married, you box up all of 'their' ornaments and give them as a gift for their first Christmas tree with their spouse (we all know how bare those first trees can be!). Many people do a theme (snowmen, Santas, angels, etc.) which I love, but I wanted to add something personal for Cole. His first name, Nathanael, means 'Gift of God' so I wanted to incorporate that somehow. Michael and I decided that since Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, we would get Cole an ornament each year that depicted a name of Christ. We began this year with a beautiful Nativity ornament we found with the inscription - King of Kings. It also has a verse on the back from Isaiah about the birth of Christ. While shopping during the after Christmas sales, we found a beautiful crystal ornament at Pottery Barn that is a cluster of grapes. We both loved it and will use it one year to depict "I am the vine, ye are the branches".
I am also starting a notebook to give with the ornaments when he gets married. It will list the year, the ornament given, the name of Christ it represents, and a supporting Scripture verse.
Just a little insight on a tradition we're starting...what are some of your favorites?

Before Christmas Fun

Whew...what a busy week! We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did as well. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I'm just now getting all of my pictures uploaded and organized. Give me a few days, and they'll all be ready to view (I'm sure you're on pins and needles with anticipation, lol).
I will begin our picture journey a few days before Christmas. Cole had so much fun helping me complete the gingerbread house I created at MOPS (see previous post), visiting Santa, and riding the Christmas train. I must say that visiting Santa was a hoot. We went to The Streets because the Santa there was free, AMEN...and you could bring your own camera for pictures. Well, Santa had to move indoors to Barnes and Noble because of the weather. Not good for us. We visit Barnes and Noble often for storytime and Cole knows as soon as we enter the doors that he can go play with the train set. Of course, that was where he headed when we walked in. He wanted nothing to do with Santa. We had to convince him to 'show Santa' one of his trains to get him away from the set. He showed it to Santa, but would NOT let Santa have it...we're working on sharing :-) We didn't get a great picture, but walked away with a funny memory and story to tell as he gets older.
The real fun began when we left Barnes and Noble and headed to Rivergate with Papa and Gigi to let Cole ride the train. What fun he had! We weren't sure if he would ride by himself...he surprised us all and rode like a pro. No crying for Mommy or Daddy to ride...one more sign that he's growing up. I had tears in my eyes watching him go around the track. People were probably looking at me thinking "What is wrong with that woman!?". He looked so big and smiled the whole time. He had so much fun that we just HAD to let him ride a second time. This go around, another little girl rode in same car with him. She was probably around 4-5 years old and just took Cole's hand as they rode...so sweet!
More pics and posts to come soon!

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Jesus is the Gift...MOPS Christmas meeting

Yesterday, we held our MOPS Christmas meeting. We usually keep our regular decor./theme for this meeting, but this year, we decided to do something different. We deviated from the MOPS 'theme' and went with a Christmas theme of our own...Jesus is the Gift.

Our Coordinator, Brandee, found this JITG website last year, and ordered some beautiful ribbon, paper, mugs, etc. with the phrase on them. We thought it would be perfect to center our meeting around this saying. Being moms of preschoolers, it can sometimes be hard with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays to keep our focus that JESUS is the ultimate gift and reason for our celebration. Lots of prayer went into our preparations for the meeting and the Lord blessed in a BIG way!

The meeting began with our yummy breakfast (as usual!) and announcements. The decor. was festive with each Steering Team member decorating their own table with 'holiday' items. Christmas music was in the air and the mood was light with everyone bringing in Christmas gifts for friends and sweet treats making the rounds. After announcements, we headed upstairs to the chapel to listen to a Christmas message given by our guest speaker, Betsy Collins. Betsy is a beautiful lady both inside and out that has raised three amazing girls...one of which just signed up for the IMB with her husband. She is a wonderful mentor to all of us young moms and there was no better person to share the gospel message of the greatest gift ever given. When she gave an invitation, we had several moms raise their hands to accept Christ and three confirmed that they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior...I cannot describe to you the joy that filled our hearts and the room! Such rejoicing!!

After the message, we headed back downstairs to play some games and decorate our gingerbread houses. So much fun watching grown women pry apart Christmas gifts with oven mitts and so intense about decorating a candy house :-)

Our MOPPETS (children) also enjoyed a fun day of celebrating with a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party. What a fun morning!

**Thanks to Brandee for letting me copy her pics...can you believe I forgot my camera!?

My table...I decorated with a gingerbread man theme.

Dana's table...she chose to decorate with our meeting theme 'Jesus is the Gift'

All of our precious kiddos...ornaments made by MOPPETS

Playing our game...go Holly!

Dana Won!

Decorating our gingerbread houses

The "W" in Christmas

My mom forwarded this email to me. Being a school teacher, it touched my heart about the true meaning of Christmas.

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his class mates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.

HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

One...two...three

One of Cole's new favorite pastimes is emptying the bathroom cabinets, lining up all the lotions, perfumes, etc., and counting them over and over. I was drying my hair the other day and when I looked down, this is what I saw...

One...two...three...

A Proud Sister

I have been such proud sister this past week. My younger brother, Kyle, will graduate from Nossi College of Art this month with a degree in photography and had his portfolio review last Thursday. All the seniors set up booths for the family to view as well as graphic art/photography businesses and professionals. I must say that Kyle's was one of the best there. I was so proud to see him using the talents God gave him while he talked and shared with people as they browsed through his work. He was even approached by a CMT photographer about the possibility of some clients...wow!

To check out Kyle's photos, go to http://www.kgcapture.com/. He has done numerous weddings, family sessions, infant/baby photos, etc. I am so proud!!

Lights on 109

With Cole's fascination with all the lights this year, we wanted to take him to the decorated house on Hwy. 109 and drive through. We stopped by Mom G's house for dinner last Friday night and brought her along for the ride. In all her years of driving past, she had never stopped and driven through, so it was a treat for her as well.
Cole LOVED all the lights...that's probably an understatement. He was fascinated. We rolled down the windows, despite the cold air, to hear the holiday music. Cole also loved looking through the sunroof at all the arched lights overhead. A special treat was getting a candycane from Santa in his workshop and a kiss from Frosty.
When asked what Santa says, Cole usually responds "HO, HO, HO!"...so cute! We thought we would show out with this Santa, so when he gave Cole a candycane I promptly asked, "Cole, what does Santa say?". His answer..."Hello Cole!".

Opryland Christmas

I love Opryland Hotel. I guess it holds a special place in my heart because that is where Michael proposed to me 8 years ago. We love going back every now and then, walking and enjoying the sights. Last year, we decided to make it a Christmas tradition to go every year with Cole and look at all the lights (one day we'll show him the bench where his daddy proposed :)).
Last year was fun strolling Cole and watching his little eyes dance. This year was even more fun!
Not only did Papa and Gigi join us, but Cole LOVED all the lights, sights, and sounds. He was mesmerized by everything he saw and wanted to touch them all. Our night began with dinner at the Water's Edge International buffet in the Delta. It was delicious and we had great seats...right by the huge water show. After dinner, we began our sightseeing. We loved looking at all the trees, lights, and other decorations. Although it hardly changes from year to year, it's always breathtaking. After wandering through the Delta and Magnolia lobby, we headed to the Cascades and Garden Conservatory. The lights were beautiful and they even had a spot set up where you could send an email to Santa...no more postage stamps :-) We also happened upon the Rockabilly Christmas concert. This is a free show Wednesday-Sunday nights at 6, 7, and 8. They sing some of the classic Christmas carols with an 'Elvis-rock' twist. It was so much fun and the whole crowd was movin' and groovin'. Cole really enjoyed the show as well. We had a wonderful night together and can't wait to go back again next year.
Just one little tip...park at Opry Mills and walk over unless you want to pay $18 for parking! You can also get your parking validated if you eat inside the hotel.

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A Heavenly Christmas

A beautiful poem posted by Laura on her blog that I thought fitting for my family as well. May it bless those of you that have seen loved ones go to be with the Lord this year...

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars, reflected in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away your tears,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But their sound can't compare with the Christmas choir up here!
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring,
It is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see your broken heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
Thank you for your kindness, you know I hold you dear,
Be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ, this year.

I send to you a special gift from Heaven, my home above.
I send to you the memory of my undying love.
The gift of love is precious, more precious than pure gold,
And always most important, in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep those others, as my Father said to do.
I just can't count the blessings He has in store for you!
So have a merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year!

Reflections on Thanksgiving

We've been so busy that I'm just now posting about Thanksgiving! With Dad G's going home, this year was different for our family. Instead of traveling to Gatlinburg, we stayed here to enjoy the holiday together. Although we were home, we tried to keep to some of our traditions just the same.

Michael, Cole, and I headed over to my parent's home on Wednesday night. We stayed through Saturday! Even though they are only 20 minutes away, it felt so good and "normal" for all of us to stay together through the holiday. We woke up early Thursday morning to the tunes of the Macy's parade and yummy scents floating through the house. Mom G came over and we all enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving lunch together. The mood was a little somber, but we laughed, joked, and enjoyed being together...it was beautiful to see Mom G laughing again. Thursday afternoon was spent planning our shopping route for Friday, watching Christmas shows, and addressing Christmas cards (which I still haven't sent!). That night, we headed upstairs for an informal pool tournament. I must say that I shocked myself...I wasn't half bad!

Friday was a shopping day for the women. Now, we're not the wake up at 4:00 a.m. type. We enjoyed a breakfast spread of waffles, bacon, and biscuits and finally hit the stores around 10:30. We stayed out until 4:00...we found good deals and had lots of fun. Friday evening my parents went to a friend's home for dinner, so Michael and I had the house to ourselves. After laying Cole down for the evening, we went up to the new theater room and watched Kung Fu Panda that Michael had rented earlier that day. It felt like a date!

Saturday was spent playing outside in the leaves, putting up mom's Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate/cider and relaxing. That evening, our extended family came over to watch The Polar Express. My grandparents hadn't seen it and LOVED it!

All in all, it was a wonderful holiday spent focusing on how much the Lord has blessed us. We hope yours was wonderful as well!

Fun in the leaves

Making handprint turkeys with Papa

Decorating the tree with Gigi

The family getting ready to watch The Polar Express

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas...

This year has been so much fun decorating the house/tree with Cole. Michael and I have always enjoyed doing these things together since we got married, and it's so wonderful to be able to share this joy with Cole. Last year, Cole had just turned one...he "helped" some but basically just admired the tree. What a difference a year makes! This year, he is helping to decorate EVERYTHING! Watching his eyes light up at all the new decorations as I continued to pull them out of the attic was so cute. "Whoa!" was the favorite term for the day :-) He really loved the Nativity set and it was beautiful to be able to share the true meaning of Christmas with him. He loves talking and singing to Baby Jesus...childlike faith and innocence is so humbling to watch. It reminds me to keep the wonder of the season and not get caught up in the "busy"ness of the holiday.
Decorating the tree(s) was fun as well. We don't have a color theme...all of our ornaments are from our travels (with the exception of a few...Baby's first Christmas, etc.) Reflecting on all the memories as we hang each ornament is always a favorite of ours. Cole's favorite ornament is a bell from the Grand Canyon...it plays "Jingle Bells". I may have to hang that one a little higher :-) I have a feeling I'll be tired of the carol before Christmas is over! He also enjoyed decorating the tree in his room with 'sporty' Santas, tin soldiers, etc., compliments of Mom G.
We've had so much fun and the season is just beginning!

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Bye-bye Curls

After giving Cole a bath last night, I was brushing his hair and missing all of those precious curls! He desperately needed a haircut (see previous post), but I'm sad that they are gone. His hair has always been pretty straight in the front, but the back boasted tons of curly locks...especially when his hair got wet or the humidity kicked in. I guess it's just one more step to him growing up. Here are a few pics of before and after...

Before...

After...

It's Paw-ty Time!

After such an emotional/hard week, it was great to CELEBRATE! I still can't believe that my sweet precious boy has turned two. How the years have flown by! I love the way Cole is growing and changing every day...what a beautiful gift the Lord has given Michael and I.
The festivities began on Friday morning, Cole's actual birthday. He woke up, watched a special show (we usually don't watch TV in the mornings) and ate a yummy b'day breakfast (doughnuts and apple muffins...a favorite). He then opened a couple of gifts from Michael and I. What fun it was watching him open the presents by himself! What a difference from last year's b'day/Christmas! It was so much FUN watching his little eyes dance as the paper was ripped away.
After getting ready, we headed to the salon for his first "official" haircut. It was supposed to happen earlier in the week, but with the other events taking place, it was pushed to Friday. Now, I have "trimmed" Cole's hair a few times myself (over the ears, the bangs, etc.) but it's never been cut professionally. I was expecting the crying b/c at home he doesn't like scissors. Well, I was right. He didn't like ANYTHING about the experience. He squalled and it took both Michael and I to keep him somewhat still. It was pitiful! The whole time I'm thinking...his hair is going to look awful - there's no way she's able to get a decent cut with all this crying and "dodging" of the scissors! Luckily, Janice (my hairdresser) proved me wrong. He looked so handsome, and so grown-up!
After this traumatizing experience, a birthday lunch was definitely in order. We met Papa and Gigi at McDonald's grab a bite to eat and let Cole play. We usually go to Chick-Fil-A, but thought we'd try something different. This was Cole's first time at McD's PlayPlace...he had so much fun!
The rest of the day was spent playing and getting ready for the party on Saturday. What a fun time we had! I went with a puppy theme since Cole LOVES puppies. I made puppy invitations, puppy cakes, and served dog shaped sandwiches and snacks in dog bowls and other "puppy" containers. It turned out so cute! Cole was the star of the show and loved showing off his puppy birthday shirt. The hit toy was the train set along with a singing dog Mama Jo got him...it sings a Christmas version of "Shout" while its ears flap up and down. Cole thought it was hilarious!
All together it was a wonderful few days full of fun memories that we will cherish. Now, where to put all the toys!?!

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See you in the morning...

Yesterday we held the memorial service for Dad G. What a beautiful celebration of life it was. Bro. Courtney Wilson and Bro. Larry Gilmore spoke...we laughed and cried as memories were shared and Dad G's character was praised and admired...such a strong man of faith, integrity, steadfastness, and love. Both pastors also gave beautiful examples of the hope we as Christians have in Jesus Christ when a fellow believer passes from this earthly place into the arms of God. The salvation message was portrayed beautifully and our family knows that the unbelievers in attendance were witnessed to yesterday afternoon...seeds were sown as the Word was proclaimed.

I love the passage in Scripture that Bro. Larry shared yesterday when Paul was speaking to Timothy. Paul said "...the time has come for my departure" (2 Timothy 4:6) meaning his death. I love the wording he chose - departure. Departure is not a finality...it means moving from one destination to another. "I'll see you later", "Wait for me...I'll meet you there" are the common sayings. What a beautiful picture of what the Christian life embraces.

The song "Arise My Love" also comes to mind. It's usually sung at Easter, but the lyrics are perfect for this time as well..."sin where are your shackles? Death where is your sting? Hell has been defeated. The grave could not hold the KING!" Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. The Heavenly Father watched his beloved son die on a cross for you and me, but oh the JOY when Jesus Christ arose victorious on that beautiful morning to bring freedom to all mankind. What a promise of hope that death has lost its sting!

I want to also thank all of you for your prayers and words of comfort/encouragement over these past few days. They have truly been felt and God's grace has been sufficient for every moment just as He promises.

The pictures above/below are from the dove release that the family did at the gravesite yesterday after the chapel service. It was so beautiful. The first basket holds three male doves that are released first. These represent the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When released they are trained to circle overhead until the final dove, a female, is released to join them. She represents us, the bride of Christ, going to meet bridegroom. When she joins the males, they all fly away together...it was breathtaking.

A Wonderful Life

I love the Christmas movie "It's A Wonderful Life"...one of the classics. I love the ending when Jimmy Stewart's character realizes all the blessings bestowed on him and all that he has to be thankful for. This sentiment has been so real for me the past few days watching Dad G struggle with cancer. Realizing all the blessings of my beautiful family and thanking God for each moment spent together.

My sweet Dad G went home to be with the Lord this morning at around 5:00 a.m. I spent the morning at the hospital with Mom G, my mom, dad, and Kyle (my brother). What a roller coaster of emotions. We have perfect peace that he is with his Savior...what a beautiful hope we have in Jesus Christ, but we are also grieving that we will no longer talk with, hug, kiss, or crack jokes with our precious Dad G.

For those of you that didn't know him, he was FULL of life. He was a natural salesman and would literally talk to a wall (that must be where I get it from...ha!). He owned National Stores which used to be on the square in Gallatin for many years. After he retired, he worked part time at Vic Jenkins and then Gibson's Furniture...only to stay in contact with the public and use his "selling" charm on all that walked through the doors. He would meet his buddies at the Dairy Queen for coffee and was a regular at the Lion's Club Luncheons. He always knew ALL the town business and if you ever had a question about anyone, just ask Dad G :-)

I am so thankful for all these memories and so many more that will surface as time goes on. I have realized by speaking with many of you what a blessing it was to have known my grandfather on such an initmate level and spend so much time with him over the years. He played a HUGE role in my life and I'm so thankful for the godly heritage he passed down to my father which passed down to me. What a beautiful example of the love of Christ...I'll never take that for granted again.

Please keep my family in your prayers over the next few weeks. The funeral should be Thursday, Cole's second birthday is Saturday, and then the holiday festivities begin. It will be so different/difficult for all of us this year. Pray specifically for my precious Mom G that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around her and fill her home with His comfort and peace.

(** If you haven't read my previous posts, please do so...it gives a little bit more of our journey over the past few days.)

Cancer

I hate cancer...yes HATE! I never use that word, but it's all that I can think of to express my feeling towards this disease. I'm sure that all of you know someone that is dealing with cancer, or have dealt with it in your family...it's everywhere. It doesn't care about your economic status, your gender, your age, or your race. No one is immune.
Dad G has taken a sudden turn for the worse. We are no longer going to Gatlinburg, but are staying here to be with him and Mom G. We aren't even sure he'll make it through Thanksgiving. It's so hard watching a strong man that you love so much become so frail and weak.
There are so many emotions stirring in me at this moment...fear, anger, sadness, selfishness. All of my grandparents are still living. I've never experienced a death in my close family. I've had a few great aunts and great-great uncles pass away, but nothing that will compare to losing a man that has been such a huge part of my life. I'm angry/saddened that his disease has gotten worse around the holidays and Cole's birthday. This is supposed to be a happy, rejoicing, thankful time, not a time to grieve.
Please pray for our family, and if you are dealing with this horrible disease as well, let me know and I'll be praying for you. One huge blessing is that we are confident that Dad G loves the Lord and that very soon he will be whole again, praising his Heavenly Father surrounded by the beauty of heaven.

Dad G and Cole last year in Gatlinburg. Reading a book that Cole got for his first birthday.

Things Change

Change...sometimes I welcome it, sometimes I fear all that the word embodies. Over the past few weeks, "change" has hovered over my family. With the return of my grandfather's (Dad G) cancer, the holidays will definitely be different. Ever since I can remember, my mom, dad, brother, and I have traveled with my grandparents to Gatlinburg in November to celebrate Thanksgiving. I believe it's been for the past 25 years (or more!). Dad G and Mom G would leave on Sunday to spend a few days enjoying the mountains before we would arrive on Wednesday. Mom G would welcome us on Wednesday evening as we unpacked with a pot of hot soup or chili. We would wake up early Thursday morning and begin cooking our Thanksgiving feast. The Macy's Thanksgiving parade was always on and the evening was spent watching football while the ladies addressed Christmas cards by the fire. Friday was spent shopping downtown and in Piegon Forge trying to find some good deals and snacking on leftovers throughout the day. Saturday was filled with trips to a new destination every year (Dixie Stampede, Ripley's, a day trip to the Biltmore Mansion, etc.) As we left on Sunday, stopping to ride go-carts at "The Track" was the norm.

This year, it is all changing. Dad G and Mom G will not be going because of his illness. He is stable for now, but we know that short of a miracle, this will be his last Thanksgiving with us. It hasn't really sunk in yet...writing it even seems surreal. My mom and I are going to cook them a Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday and we will all celebrate together at their home for the evening. On Wednesday, my family will head to Gatlinburg (the chalet was already rented and my grandparents are insisting that we go)...but it won't be the same. It's the little things I'm going to miss...hearing Mom G's footsteps early in the morning as she starts a pot of coffee, walking with Dad G to the office to get some fresh towels and patiently waiting as he chats with the staff, reassuring Mom G for the millionth time that we ARE warm enough to go shopping and that we don't need an extra scarf :-)

I think we all thrive on family traditions and I'm having to learn that it's okay when traditions change. Who knows what next year holds...will we continue to go to Gatlinburg, or begin a new tradition with Cole? Although our destination may be different, I have years of beautiful memories shared in the Great Smokey Mtns. with my family that will be with me forever.

To celebrate these memories, my mom and I went through old photo albums and found pictures from 1975-2007 of our times in Gatlinburg with my grandparents. We laughed hysterically at some and some brought tears. It was amazing to watch through photographs how our family grew and changed...from my newlywed parents in 1975 to last year when Mom G and Dad G got to celebrate with their great-grandson for the first time. We are taking all these pictures and creating a slideshow DVD for my grandparents at Thanksgiving. What better way to celebrate all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us over the years and sharing all that we have to be thankful for.

I know it's easy to get caught up in the "busyness" of the holidays...buying the perfect gifts, hoping the turkey is edible, racing from this party to that...but I encourage you to slow down and enjoy FAMILY. You never know when it will change...

Dad G reading a book with Cole

Enjoying a snack with Mom G

Storytime with Janet

Cole and I met friends yesterday at the Hendersonville Library for storytime. The library had a guest storyteller, Janet from Janet's Planet on PBS. She teaches kids how to be healthy and provides healthy tips for parents as well. The storytime room was packed...about 50 kids I would guess along with their parents...WoW! Afterwards, we let the kids play and look at books before heading to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Such a fun morning!

Playing with the train set

Checking out the books...I think he found every "puppy" book they had!

Fun with friends at Chick-Fil-A...Resa and Dagen, Lindsay, Maddie, and Natalie, Nancy, Ryan, and Lauren.

Cole LOVES the play area. He cries to play if we even pass a Chick-Fil-A while driving down the road. I credit this to Michael...they always go to eat here on their "man-club" outings :-)