Home Depot

On this first day of the New Year, we're making an announcement.

Chris and I are moving.

Don't panic, it won't be soon. Chris has to get a job at Home Depot and move up to CEO.
Then he has to fight the current CEO for rights to his beach house.

This incredible house:

Courtyard

Back yard

Gorgeous white porch

Right on the beach. I was taking this picture standing on the sand.

We'll keep you posted on when the move takes place.... :)

Happy New Year!

We're spending the last day of 2009 here.

Hope you're enjoying this eve of the New Year!

God bless!

Liam

Kisses and smiles. Precious!

Graduation

The Husband has done it.

He fought the good fight to get his MBA and he conquered.

It's been a 1.5 years of class, homework, study groups, projects, and papers.

He's worked extra hard and excelled at time management.

All while still providing for our family. (He kept his day job and went to class on Tuesday nights and all day on Saturdays.)

He made sacrifices and did his best.

Never complained.

I am SO proud of you, Darling!

Before graduation. Family picture on self timer. (Disregard that I look prego. I am definitely not! It's just a flowy shirt.)

He is so smart.

He's gotten even smarter over this past year. Now, we talk about things like "case management" and "six sigma."

(Disregard that I just had to ask him to name something he studied in school.)

Macy and me. Notice her head tilt... When we talk to her, she tilts her head as if that makes her hear us better.

As if we don't talk loud enough.

Maybe she's just trying to understand us. Either way, she's adorable.

Back to graduation...

The ceremony.

Chris, in full regalia, walking to take his seat.

He saw me. But failed to humor me as I snapped his picture.

There they go. The graduates.

The patriotic salute and singing of the National Anthem.

One of the graduates was actually deployed a few days before he would have walked across the stage. His parents were there to receive his diploma and they brought a life-size (top half) picture of him. It was definitely touching.

But then, these days I cry every time I hear someone has been deployed.

Anyway, The moment has arrived! Chris' name is called and he begins his journey across the stage...

Wahoo!!!

His parents were so sweet to come and support him. We cheered as loud as we could when he walked across the stage!

Chris was just glad the guy was able to put on his hood since he, at 6'3", had to bend down far enough for the man to get it over his head.

Full stage view...

All future graduates of any degree, be sure to wear good shoes for your big day. A pair that you can walk successfully in and look beautiful.

Because people like me will be watching.

And checking out your shoes!

The graduate and his wife.


Way to go, JC!!!!

Merry Christmas!

To all of you who can't believe Christmas is here...

To you super organized ones who was finished shopping a month ago...

To those of you who pulled everything together last minute...

(I believe I straddled the fence and was both semi-organized and, of course, wrapping right before delivery of said gifts.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

It's 12:19 on our bedroom alarm clock. My husband is sound asleep beside me. I can't sleep. Maybe it's the excitement of being with family all day. The church service we attended in Morristown with the family. Seeing pretty friends I don't get to see very often. Maybe it's all the wonderful gifts we got (because we cheat and do everything on Christmas eve). I'm sure it has something to do with the super small and really cool new laptop Chris got me. Maybe it's due to the amazing and wonderful family that we adore. Family - the love for them is so great.

It's our first Christmas together. Husband and wife. Wrapping presents that are from the two of us and delivering to family - together. Splitting holidays, which I like to say are just an excuse for more family time... his and mine. Ours. Marriage is truly a gift. One that amazes me everyday.

Marriage. Together we are a more accurate vision of the Father.

The Father who, as we celebrate tomorrow, sent his only, perfect Son to us as a baby. Born in a manger. Born to Mary and Joseph. Given to us.

Given.

The most wonderful gift of all.

JESUS.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord." Luke 2:11

Thanks be to God! Merry Christmas!

Dad's birthday

Dear Dad,



Thank you for being born on December 19th. (You didn't have much to do about being born, but I'm very thankful you were.)



Thank you for being a handsome little boy who loved to dress nicely.



Thank you for working hard.



Thank you for being smart cause that's important in life.



Thank you for your desire for excellence.



Thank you for marrying Mom.



Thank you for having me. (And Beth and Ben...) We wouldn't be here if you hadn't.



Thank you for moving to Morristown and continuing to drive to Rogersville.



Thank you that my first motorized toy car was in fact a "BIG WHEEL."



Thank you for coming into my room at night and talking to me when you would have to work late.



Thank you for taking me to Hamilton Place to go shopping when I was in middle school for Daddy's and Daughter's day.



Thank you for teaching me to drive.



Thank you for not making me learn how to drive a stick-shift after we rolled onto the main road.



Thank you for being a Christian.



Thank you for your patience.



Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with the Lord.



Thank you for always providing for us.



Thank you for telling a boy you would kick his, ahhh, rear-end if he ever came near me again. We both believed you.



Thank you for teaching me how to clean a car the right way.



Thank you for always going to church and making sure we did as well.



Thank you for all the family memories, trips, and vacations we went on.



Thank you for being a man of your word.



Thank you for standing outside the church, greeting everyone as they come in, and opening the door for them. Even in the bitter cold.



Thank you for loving coffee and coke-a-cola. Not sure they're the healthiest of drinks, but that's my Dad!



Thank you for moving me into every place I've ever lived. I've moved a bunch and I really appreciate it.



Thank you for sticking up for Mom and for being team parents.



Thank you for all the gifts you given me, even the flowers and chocolates before I had a Valentine of my own.



Thank you for being a good husband, committed and devoted to Mom.



Thank you for setting the example of what a good man looks like.



Thank you for having integrity, even when we're not around.



Thank you for not drinking and for being a Dad I never had to worry about. (Even though I worry that you have a motorcycle.)



Thank you for being the one who checked the noises at night. (Chris loves getting to do that now.)



Thank you for giving Chris permission to marry me.



Thank you for walking me down the aisle.



Thank you for being level-headed and not easily angered.



Thank you for the fatherly advice you've given me.



Thank you for caring.



Thank you for always being there.



Thank you for being a Dad who is easy to respect.



Thank you for making me proud to call you my Father.

Happy Birthday to the world's greatest Dad!

Love always,

your daughter

27

27 looks dang good when you get to spend it here...

and here...

and over there...

Back to here...

and up that... and down an extreme outside tube thing...

but not when 27 make faces like that...

but it does when 27 woke up and was married to this man...

27 also looks good when you spend part of it at the Pancake Pantry...

and when your man thoroughly enjoys his coffee...

and when 27 can still enjoy drinking chocolate milk...

Why yes, I do believe I am going to enjoy being 27!

Thank you to the fabulous husband for this surprise birthday extravaganza!

Our Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Morristown:

Our pretty Yegi on "bed rest" at Sonya and Mike's. This is the only picture we have from M'town on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving in Birmingham:

For some reason, I love this photo! Natalie was reading the newspaper in Gran's living room. We were all hanging out after church, getting ready to head home, and decided to have a little photo shoot... For your enjoyment!

We had such a lovely Thanksgiving! Hope you did as well. Full of food, family, and lots of thanks-giving!!