Opryland's Comeback

It's always been a family tradition to stroll through Opryland Hotel at Christmas while ooohing and ahhing at the lights.  When the flood hit Nashville in May, and the hotel was under feet of water, we assumed we'd have to pass this year. 

 

Lucky for us (and TONS of other spectators) the hotel was up and running by Thanksgiving and our tradition could continue.

  We actually ventured that way after the holiday this year. . .even choosing the night of the Music City Bowl. . . thinking that the crowd would be minimal.  Wrong. . .

I'd say this year was the most crowded by far.  Mainly due to the fact that people from far and near were curious about the famous hotel and their comeback from the flood.  

A comeback indeed.  The hotel was breathtaking, as always, and even boasted a few new restaurants and scenery.  We enjoyed a dinner buffet at Waters Edge and took in the beauty around us. 

My mom, Cade, and I

Love the pose

My dad and Michael

Kyle and Laura

Cole insisted I take his picture with this statue. . . should I be worried??

Somewhere, Over The . . .

I love the phonetic spelling :)  His handwriting is also improving by leaps and bounds!

Cole loves to create using his new easel from Santa.  His favorite things to draw these days are pizzas (pezus) and rainbows (ranbows).  What a combination!  His pizzas often include interesting toppings such as mac-n-cheese, cucumbers, and spaghettios - who knows, maybe he's got a winning idea in there somewhere!  

He definitely gets his love for art from his mommy. . . give him paint, crayons, markers, stamps, chalk, and paper and you've got one happy camper!

New Year's Eve

Friday night, we enjoyed the company of Kyle, Laura, and long-time friends, William and Charis Brown, as we rang in the New Year.  We had no specific plans for the evening. . . just excited about a couple's night out (Cole rang in the New Year with Nana) and spending time with one another.

We headed to Green Hills and surprisingly found a short wait at the Cheesecake Factory.  While waiting, the boys enjoyed a Starbucks and we strolled the (closed - bummer!) shops.  

After a delicious dinner, we traveled back to Kyle and Laura's place for fondue and games.

Our lovely hostess

Fondue!  YUM!

Kyle breaking out the bubbly :)  We all actually stayed awake until midnight!

Kyle, Laura, and Maple

William and Charis

Michael and I

Here's to 2011 and all the joy it will bring!

My Boys

How I know 2011 will be a great year. . . .

Because these two boys are by my side.

Thank you Lord for Michael and Cole - may I never take them for granted. . .

my gratitude list continues. . .

8.  The warmth of the sun

9.  Cole dressed up for church - he's the most handsome 4 year old ever!

10. the stillness of nap time

11. warm, straight-out-of-the-oven brownies

12. a sleeping baby in my arms (how I long for you Cade!)

13. compliments on motherhood from a complete stranger

2011 Gratitude List

   Know that the LORD is God. 

   It is he who made us, and we are his; 

   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

    Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

   and his courts with praise; 

   give thanks to him and praise his name. 

    For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:3-5

In my previous post, I challenged you to join me this year in naming 2011 blessings during 2011.  I'm coupling my list along with my daily quiet time through the One Year Chronological Bible, and may post my blessings from time to time.  What better way to start out the New Year?!

1.  Long-time friendships that remain the same even though separated by miles.

2.  Seeing the joy of answered prayer on the faces of loved ones

3.  The laughter that ensues from a board/card game - the doubling over, tear streaming kind :)

4.  A lazy day lounging in pajamas with no schedule or agenda

5.  A looooong hot, shower

6.  A little boy sleeping in until 10:30 a.m. after a fun night of ringing in the New Year

7.  An organized, cleaned-out attic    

2010 Blessings

As this year comes to a close and 2011 makes its debut, I'm reminded of all the blessings the Lord has showered on our family.  Many may seem small and insignificant, but we know by His unfailing Word that every good gift comes from above. . . and He delights in our praise and thanksgiving.  Here is a small, far from complete, list of special memories/blessings from the past 12 months.

* Watching Cole grow in his knowledge of Jesus and begin to ask questions about sin, salvation, and heaven.  Michael and I pray daily that the Lord will give us wisdom when sharing with both of our boys and that they will walk in His ways at an early age.

* Reading through the Word with precious women while gleaning from one another.  In depth, verse-by-verse studies of Ecclesiastes and Hebrews were my favorites (thanks to my sweet friend, Regina, for leading us!).

* God's sustaining hand in Michael's business.  In times where the real-estate market continues to sway and no month-to-month salary is guaranteed, he has stayed busy and his cliental has grown.  The Lord's provision amazes us!

* Relationships built through Michael's business.  Alan and Dawn, we are so thankful for your hospitality and sharing your home/time with us.  We truly felt as if we were residing in a 5 star hotel.  Our NYC getaway was greatly refreshing and appreciated!  

* Cuddling together at night on Cole's 'big' bed while reading about Jesus, singing, and praying.  It's sweet family time that I'll always cherish.

* Enjoying lots of time together this summer through mini-vacations and fun day trips.  Chattanooga was a definite favorite with highlights being the aquarium, zoo, and Rock City as well as a fall getaway to Gatlinburg.

* Cultivating new friendships with lunch dates, play dates, shopping outings, and dinners together.  Michael and I are so thankful for this answer to prayer!

* Seeing precious friends come to know the Lord. . . many which have been prayed over for years.  I also had the joy of leading three HHS cheerleaders to Christ during our church's Fall Student Crusade - to Him be the Glory!

* Our Long Hollow church family.  We feel so blessed to be a part of a congregation that truly believes and LIVES serving others and reaching our community/world for Christ.  This past year, our work in Haiti has touched my heart the most.  Watching children be brought into the orphan village that we've built, listening to their stories of redemption and grace through Jesus, seeing their hands lifted high in praise. . . it's humbling.

* Learning of the arrival of our sweet new blessing in April 2011.  The sugar on top was finding out with our fun gender reveal party that it was to be another BOY :)  We can't wait to welcome Cade Elias to our home!

* Celebrating 9 years of marriage to my best friend.  Michael, I'm so thankful for you and the way you lead our family.  You are a wonderful husband and dad that strives to follow God's will - in your life and ours.  Not to mention you are one handsome hunk!  We love you very much!

* I finally got a sister! :)  My brother, Kyle, married his best friend, Laura, in June.  We were thrilled to be a part of their special day and were excited to 'officially' welcome Laura to the family.  We can't wait to share many memories together in the future.

* Cole turned four and is truly the joy of our home.  His love and laughter make life so much more meaningful and exciting.  This year we celebrated his birthday with an outer space theme - it was definitely an outta this world party!  We also marvel at the way he is growing and changing.  He is reading fluently (he reads bedtime stories to us) and becomes more of a little man everyday.  How we treasure these years for we know they will quickly pass us by.

As you pause to ring in the New Year, I pray that you will look back and recognize God's hand over the course of your life in 2010.  Even amidst trials and pain (which we all experienced), He was there - showering us with his Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love (a quote I love from Cole's Jesus Storybook Bible. . . my favorite!).

I also pass to you this challenge. . . see if you can name 2011 blessings in 2011.  Divided, it ends up being 5-6 each day.  They can be mighty answers to prayer or the simple things such as finding a GREAT parking spot on a cold, rainy day.  As I begin my Chronological Bible study this year, this simple list will be a part of my quiet time with Him.  Reflecting on His goodness, mercy, and love through the everyday circumstances.  

These daily reminders of thanksgiving and praise are mighty things bringing us closer to the Father's heart.  I'd love for you to join me!

Rejoicing in a new beginning, 

Adrian  

White Christmas

There was no dreaming of a white Christmas this year - God provided the real thing!

The snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was beautiful. . . we were thankful it lasted an extra day as well so that we could enjoy a little snow fun.

Gotta love the out-of-bed-no-shower look :)

Tank and Maple enjoying the snow - they both ran laps forever!