Visiting with Mallorie and friends

While in GA for Christmas we went over to Mallorie and Derricks house and then before we left we stopped to visit with my good friend Christy and her family. There truly is nothing like spending time with those you love. Family and true friends are what make life sweet. I feel blessed that God has put so many in my life and blessed me with experiencing what it is like to be family through LOVE. This is true with a blended family and with those few special true friends that are like family also.

Christmas at Miranda's

Let me just start by saying this was a VERY unconventional Christmas for us this year. Since we move so far away it was OUR turn to do the traveling and let me just tell you we certainly did. What a busy Christmas it was. First to my mom and dads and then to Miranda's and we also visited friends while in GA. Even though it was a busy, crazy,hectic Christmas I enjoyed every minute of it. I had not seen any of my family since June so it was bitter sweet for me especially to see how much little Madison had grown. You don't realize how much a child changes until you go six months without seeing them. She is a precious little girl and I look forward to seeing her change and grow. It was heart warming to spend Christmas with those I love so dearly. God has truly blessed me beyond measure and I pray that I never take his blessing for granted. I pray you all know how much I love you and cherish every moment we have together.

Christmas at mom and dads

I cherish every moment I get with my family especially my mom and dad. It was a good Christmas this year and I was so thankful to get to see my parents and brothers. Life is so short and now that we live farther away the time we get together is even more special. I can only pray that one day we will live closer to all of our family and friends but, for now I choose to make the best of the situation God has us in and embrace everyday that he gives us and try to always remember and live each day as the special GIFT that it is.

Putting up our Christmas Tree

It is always a challenge to learn how to decorate a new house and where to put the tree. We made our decision on the place for the tree and began to put it together and decorated it. I feel like it turned out pretty good. I always love this time of year. Celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He IS the reason for the season.

Thanksgiving

This was our first Thanksgiving in Indiana. We really missed sharing it with our family but, made the best of it. I made the normal Thanksgiving feast just for the 3 of us and Briana helped make the pumpkin pies. I must say that it turned out to be a good day after all.Buddy even got his own personal Thanksgiving feast and boy did he enjoy it. After eating we all relaxed in front of the TV and the fire. Even though we missed our family we enjoyed the day with each other and reflected an all the blessing that God has bestowed upon us. I am so thankful everyday and never want to forget all that he has done for us. He is an awsome God!!

Fall Break 2009 in TN

For fall break we went to visit our wonderful friends in TN that we had been missing terribly since we moved to Indiana. While we were there Briana and the boys were invited to a friends birthday dance party and it was lots of fun. We had a great time and really enjoyed our visit with them.

Halloween

I must admit this Halloween was somewhat a disappointment. We really did miss TN and hope that it will be better next year. We only got 3 trick or treaters at our house and soooo much candy left over not to mention all the candy Briana brought home. I was grateful that Briana had a friend to go trick or treating with I know it helped make this first Halloween in Indiana much easier.

Baby Riley

This is Riley Denise Wooten. My nephews baby girl. Even though he is my nephew to me he is more like a son. I love him with all my heart. It is just so hard for me to comprehend that he is a father. It seems like not so long ago that I was changing his diapers. It just melts my heart that they chose the name Riley Denise after Brandons mom who's name was Karen Denise. She was killed in a car accident when Brandon was about 10 it was a very sad situation. He has been through so much in his life and I just pray that God will hold my dear sweet nephew and his new family in his hands and guide and protect and draw them close to him along this journey of life.

Briana's 12th Birthday

My baby is 12!!! I just can't believe it. She is just getting so big and it breaks my heart and makes me proud all at the same time.

Briana's first day of Middle School

Briana's first day of 6th grade. She was so excited and didn't seem nervous at all unlike me. I just can't believe how fast time seems to be going by and how big my baby girl is getting. I pray that God always holds her in the palm of his hand and guides her down the path he has for her.

Colts vs Vikings Game

Some sweet neighbors here in Indy gave us some preseason Colts tickets since they could not go. I have watched football my whole life on TV and I must say it was amazing to actually see a game in person. The new Lucas Oil Stadium is very nice as you can see in the pics. We had such a good time even though the Colts lost the game 3-13 we still had fun. Troops actually repelled the flag down as the National Anthem was sang and the half time show was all about our troops. This was an experience I will not soon forget. I cherish these memories always.

Encouragement

Today is the launch of(in) courage. They are asking the we share what gives us encouragement. I have given great thought about this and as I ponder my life and all its uncertainty and unknowns and blessings....My wonderful husband and daughters and how it is love that has made us all FAMILY... and my wonderful friends that are always there for me to push me along or pick me up and to laugh with or cry with. To all the wonderful encouraging christian music that I listen to daily...To the masterpiece of the landscape of this world by Gods hand.. I come back to the same answer for me, of what encourages me and that is my wonderful Savior,my Father, my FRIEND my Hiding Place...Who gave his life for a sinner such as I who loves me unconditionally. Who is always waiting to talk and to listen and to just sit in silence and hear my heart when there are no words. His amazing GRACE and MERCY never cease to amaze me and in all my time of doubt, fear and uncertainty I find great comfort in his words Philippians 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to live life in my own strength and he soon reminds me that my way is not his way. Like the words from a song "he's still working on me." I thank my God for all he has blessed me with and for all he continues to open my heart and eyes to and for all the wonderful people he brings into my life.

Indianapolis Zoo

We spent the day at the Indianapolis Zoo with Briana and her friends Rex and Grant who are here visiting from TN. We had a lot of fun. It is hard to decide what was my favorite thing...I really like the Dolphin Show,the elephants, the tiger, the polar bear and well...I guess I liked it all. I hope you take the time to enjoy all the pictures it was a great day and I am glad to be able to share our memories with you.

Summertime with friends

This has been a very busy summer for us. Briana's friends from TN Rex & Grant are here visiting. They have been friends for 4 years now. They are friends and even more than that they are like brother and sister. This evening we hung outside and watched as neighbors were shooting off fireworks. Briana's friend from the neighborhood Kara came and joined the fun. We had a good time. Children are just so funny and I just love watching them have fun.

Happy B-Day Mallorie

It just seems like yesterday that I was planning for Mallorie's 13th birthday!!! It is true the older you get the faster time goes by. I just can't believe the my little Mal-Mal is 22 years old. How,When did that happen??? I so wish I could slow down time. We celebrated her big day at Maggianos. It was fun. I was glad we got to be there for her birthday this year. We love you Mal-Mal.

Summer trip to Mom & Dads

Every summer I go to Mom & Dads. I always love going to see them and getting to spend time together. It is always so peaceful. This summer an unfortunate even took place...My mom fell and broke her foot. I know it is horrible!!! I felt so sorry for her. Luckily the doctor said a break is better than a sprain. He said it takes about 4 weeks for a break to heal vs 3 to 4 months for a sprain to heal. I was so relieved to know she would not need surgery. It was, as usual hard to leave and heartbreaking now that I live even farther away. I cherish every moment spent with them.

Cruise to the Bahamas

Miranda & Danny's wedding

The long awaited day finally arrived! I will not soon forget this day. As the rain stopped and the clouds broke in just enough time to have the ceremony outside as planned. It was a perfect day for a wedding. As you can see Miranda was a beautiful bride. The ceremony was just beautiful and as I watched James walk his little girl down the isle and give her away my heart was so full of emotions and memories of all the years past. I just couldn't believe this day was here. Time slows down for no one! It was hard to hold back the tears. It was a great day of joy, laughter and tears. Life is a journey we are all on and we pray the journey ahead for Miranda and Danny is paved with blessings and goodness.