Merry Christmas From Our Home To Yours!

You can click on the picture to enlarge!

A Few Joys of this Season...

This is the scenery under my Mom's tree that dates back to I believe her Great Grandfather and has been passed down. Her Grandfather built a good bit of this by hand...like the fence and the pews inside the church...so amazing! I remember growing up with this every year and spending so much time on the floor in awe of all the little details of the amazing sight!!

The beautiful manger...so simple & modest...so fitting to capture that humble moment!

The Faithful Shepherd tending to his flock...not leaving behind even one little lamb...showing them the way...to the truth and the light!!

What an awesome tradition this was to grow up with! Even now as I look at this, the Lord reveals to me something new to focus on...in his unfailing and unconditional love for us in every facet of our life!!

Another Joy of the season...being able to get a taste of the cold temps, imagining what it would be like to live up North in the snow... :)

The girls are ready...

...for that new adventure whenever the Lord blesses us with it... a vacation anyway!!! :)

A Beautiful & Joyous site to see...the sunsets this time of year when it's cold outside!!!

We may live in a corrupt and fallen world that is overcome with so much evil. However, be encouraged when we are going through our tests and trials and feeling discouraged...when our faith and hope feels like it is running out and when we are tempted to give up. It's sights like these knowing how much our Father loves us...we can fix our eyes upon Him, how Beautiful He is and how firm His hand is upon us and every situation and season in our lives. He is Incredibly Faithful and His timing & plans for our lives is so Perfect! Let's choose to rest in Him and all the beauty He has placed all around us when we take the time to stop and look and spend time with Him!!!!

An Afternoon at Sea World with Grandpa! (Last week)

A sweet service dog that is in training visiting the Penguin Encounter. The family mentioned that we could call (locally) and adopt the pets for the weekend so they don't have to spend the weekend in the kennels! Really neat idea...haven't checked into it yet though. Sounds like a nice alternative for those of us who are not ready for the full time responsibilty of owning a pet yet:)

Madeline was actually shy...I was surprised!


Mia patiently waiting outside the pet show for Mommy to finish her coffee before the show while Grandpa & Madeline went in to get us seats:)

Even though I am against their usual activity above our heads...LOL...I thought this was a nice picture of their beauty!

First ride Grandpa attempted to go on with the girls...the ride was having some hiccups...they had to get off!


2nd attempt to ride with the girls...this also shut down briefly ( both rides were controlled by air pressure) so they did not all get to ride together that day...:)

Hooray, Grandpa & Madeline got to go on a ride...Mia doesn't like roller coasters right now!!

So happy the crab ride is operational again...Mia's favorite!!

Sea World really stepped out in boldness this year with this show called "Christmas Miracles" it is Shamu's incredible Christmas show! There were several carols/songs in this about our Savior's birth and images on their big screen showing the camels with the three kings making their way and even spoke of the miraculous birth of Jesus!! We were so impressed to be at a major theme park with thousands in attendance everyday in this stadium soaking in their final show...ending the day in this way with Jesus is the True Reason for the Season...instead of the "safer" Happy Holidays!! Way to go Sea World...it awakened our spirit with pure Joy...God is so Good and this was such a treat!!!

My camera is not capable of capturing the beauty of this show!!

Mia's Party on Sunday!

Sunday we celebrated Mia's birthday with our family after church. It was a nice afternoon...just went by too fast:)

I made the cake to save money. Everyone said it was just as good as Publix! I got a can of Wilton decorating icing that came with 4 tips at Walmart for only like $3.00... I think we will pursue this route next time and it was fun to do too:)

Mia patiently waiting for the birthday candles w/ Uncle Carl & Madeline in the background.


Daddy in our Cracker Barrel garage sale find of the year!

It's time for cake & ice cream!!! It was Daddy, Mommy, Madeline, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Jan, Uncle Carl & Aunt Dee-Dee and the 3 pups in attendance. We missed you Papa, Kevin & Dian and Brian , Katie & Laura:)

Ooohhh...it's a Thomas package...I wonder what it is??


WOW...it is Lady!!!! Also the Sodor Engine Works w/ Percy...so cool!!!

We have been on a search for at least 2 years now for the trian "Lady" in the stores. My Aunt Jan took the time to do research and found out that it had been retired. She went on Ebay to find it and won the auction...Praise the Lord!!! Thanks to her time & efforts we have one very happy birthday girl...thanks Jan:)

A little "silly" break!

Looking to see what they have and if there are others to add to their hopeful list!

So neat...a Cars Doodle Pro...Mia is a big fan of that movie!

One more to go...what could it be...???

A Cars "Mack" truck full of stuff to play with inside...it was pretty neat!!!

This Doodle Pro came with two stencils for them to trace "Mater" & "Lightning McQueen"...Mommy wanted a turn with this one!!!

AAHHH! This is going to be the Christmas picture for Carl & Darlene this year:)

Mia's 5th Birthday!

After the wedding rehersal we went to Cracker Barrel for dinner with Pastor Keith & Lee. We had a very nice time! They are precious friends to us and we always enjoy their company:)

Pastor Keith & Roy

Lee, Madeline & I

Mia while they were singing Happy Birthday to her...she can be so Shy!

Birthday Dessert is on the table!

Perfect ending to the evening!

Mia's presents from us...her ball & bat for outside!!

What sweethearts!

Wow...so many stickers!

Ready to go!

A Memory game out of one of the cards she received~!!!