Prima Ballerina

Beth performed in her first ballet recital on December 16 with her preschool class. They performed to the music of the Nutcracker. Beth has a lot of fun....and we loved watching her!

Clara marching out with the Nutcracker!

Beautiful curtsy.

Beth's biggest fan....her private dance coach, Faith Anna.

Christmas memories...part 2 and 3

Our annual Nutcracker outing! Such a fun memory for the special girls in my life....

Gran and Caroline graced us with their presence.  And we were truly graced.  Loved having yall with us! 

Sweet friends.

Hope of one day being a "real ballerina".

And hope that this big ol' lollipop might just be real.

Beth sang in her first Christmas concert at our church this holiday season.  She had some big fans that came out to watch her debut.



Thankful.  For family that is helping shape our little girl's confidence and character. Thanks for making her feel like a superstar!

Some random memories from Christmas eve at my parents house (part 2)...
Love is

...a new Sesame Street remote control that you think is a phone.  Doesn't get much better than that.

....joy.

....cousins and passies.

....an incredible legacy.  This is a pic of my Pappaw Tag...one of the most amazing men I've ever known.  And our little man's namesake.

And Christmas morning at our house (part 3)...

Love is

...surprise!  Who knew a pink webkin pony would elicit such joy?

...family.  I made this "You are Special" plate for our family this Christmas.  It's one of our favorite dinner-time traditions.

...an unsolicited hug.  There's really nothing better.  Faith hugging me as I show off my new boots.

...free.  I love having daughters.  I hope to always teach them about the free gift of love that Christ has given us.  Just reading a book to Faith Anna that we had made for her.

...always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.  

1 Corinthians 13

Christmas memories...part 1

Christmas with Boo, Chris, Jordan, and Nanny...

Love.

Excitement!

Determination.

Satisfaction.

Surprise!

Adoration.

Skill.

Laughter.

Success!

Perservence.

C.Y.K. Nanny.  Until next time!

Thankful...

Well, it's January '09 and here I am writing about Thanksgiving!  Shows you how this crazy mom of four loves to live life....and doesn't always take the time to document it as I go.  But alas, the pictures are all there....just stuck on my computer at the bottom of a pile of things to do when I have "more time".  After 12 years of marriage, a bunch of kids, a couple of degrees, and a few life experiences, I've finally realized that more time never comes. What?! You already knew that? Guess I'm a little slow to master this one. So since I will always have just 24 hours in a day, I've decided to just enjoy it more instead of trying to get so many durn things accomplished!

But oh how thankful I am....

for the most precious little one-year old boy who continually makes us laugh and take life less seriously.  He is the best cuddler, loves to babble my name about a hundred times a day, and loves to brush his teeth with any toothbrush he can find in any bathroom in any drawer.  I could just eat him up in his footie pjs!

And for the most animated six-year old, toothless blonde cutie.  Faith Anna is me made-over, I swear!  She is Miss organized, go-getter, loves school, loves to make-believe the most hilarious, intricately detailed things, and is always singing, dancing and doing gymnastics over any available piece of furniture in the house.  She totally cracks us up.

for my handsome husband....my perfect partner in crime.  I love you so much, Luke.  Can't imagine doing this journey without you by my side.  

And my Logan... you are growing into such a fine young man.  And a tall one...you're about to outgrow your mama!  I love your tender heart, Logan.  You are going to be the best husband and dad one day.

for second chances....

for new life.  For brothers.  For God's creativity and craftsmanship....

for the best mother-in-law a girl could ever ask for.  Boo, you have given me such a gift over the last 8 years...the gift of time.  You are truly one of the most generous people I know.

for an awesome brother-in-law who has enriched my life so much.....not to mention the kids adore him!

for cute little furry puppies that make Beth smile....even though we all know that big dogs are best.  :)

for family...and friends.  Man, God has blessed us so so much!  

Flying High

Congrats to my man! Luke got his private pilot license recently... a new fun pastime. Lots of adventures ahead, I'm sure!