Thursday, March 3, 2011

Wait!?!?!?!

I thought I had posted at least 2-3 times in 2011...only to find the first two months of this year have slipped past me without a post at all :(  Where did the time go?

Well, in January we had snow...and it was nice because we never lost power.  We also managed to plug away at school, so our calendar will still allow us to end at mid May as originally planned.  I also had my annual Crop Til You Drop retreat..getting a lot of pages done in my own albums.  Most of the ladies got a lot done as well.  Each year I learn more about how to put together a retreat that works well for those who are in attendance...and many of the 'repeat' attendees commented that it was the best yet as far as their productivity. 

In February, I turned 44 years old.  The years just keep  ticking away, but God is faithful and I am grateful for that.  Overall I feel that I have good health and a caring family and friends as well.  

During this time period, I also learned that we'd be having a reunion to honor our high school band director.  I am very excited about this, as he was a very influential man in my life on so many levels.  Going back to my hometown to join many former classmates in late April is something I am already looking forward to.

We are praying about schooling choices for Abigail next year as she enters sixth grade..and there is a good possibility that she will attend  'traditional' school after 6 years of being homeschooled.  We are trusting God to open the doors to the right school as well as to part time employment for me to pay for her tuition.  Trusting and waiting is not always an easy thing for me...so your prayers would be appreciated.  There are so many good options out there....but we want HIS best for our family.

So..those are just a few of the things going on right now with us......Happy new year..a few months late!

Friday, December 24, 2010

ICE--a fun tradition

The nativity at ICE (near the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN)

Abigail and Bruce before entering ICE

Abigail and Laura with Kris Kringle and Jessica (young Santa and Mrs. Santa before they were married)

Abigail at the beginning of the exhibit

Bruce and Abigail..soon after Baby Santa was found by the elves
We enjoy visiting Nashville each year around the holidays.  This year we visited ICE again.  The theme was Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  The carvings were incredible..and boy was it cold..about 17-18 degrees!!!  They issued us parkas to wear as we toured the exhibit.  As usual, we had fun..but it was nice to exit into the balmy 30-something degree weather :)

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

Most of the family--front row--Maddie (the birthday girl), Abigail and Ben; back row--Laura, Bruce, Grammy and Vincent (dad of birthday girl)

Grammy with the three grandkids

three silly grandkids...waiting for everyone to arrive so they could order and eat :)
Maddie turned 10 years old this week.  We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Olive Garden with most of the family.  These children are growing up WAY too fast.  Happy birthday sweet Maddie!!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Adult One Sunday School Party

Tony, Cindy, Sharon (background) and Joe look on as Loly opens her 'dirty Santa' gift....


Mike and Debbie wonder what could be in that package....maybe some more Santa shorts or a hat??

Bill, Scot, Kitty and Steve are watching poor Cheryl choose another gift..she held the record for being stolen from the most at the party that night....

What will Chris get????

George, Cindy and Suzanne.....


Bruce loved his hat..until CINDY took it :)  but here he must be telling a story.....


...or opening another gift....

We had a wonderful time at our annual party!  Thanks for hosting us Bill and Kathy!!