2010 in pictures part 1....

in january, my niece stella was baptized.

and we had the "storm of 2010" and our pups LOVED romping in the snow...even if it was difficult at times!

in february, the family got together to celebrate birthdays and just spend some time together!  kayla made the cake.  those cake decorating classes at joann are really paying off.

 little kate was as cute as ever!

and great gramma got to meet little alex!

in march, we celebrated my nephew, elijah's, 5th birthday.  his mom made the really cool dragon cake.  he was pretty happy about it!

april was a busy month.  first the easter egg hunt at church...

even the big kids got into it!  love this pic!

at easter, we got a family pic with everyone...well almost everyone.

i got the opportunity to to go to san diego for a national council of teachers of mathematics convention.  it was fantastic!  i have never been to california!  beautiful state!!

breathtaking...

both girls got involved in sports.  kayla tried out softball for a second time...

 tea tried soccer for the first time.

in may, we surprised kayla for her 13th birthday, by taking her to melting pot with 2 of her closest friends...unfortunately, one of them couldn't make it, but she was there with us in spirit!

 and a few days later, she was confirmed.  we are very proud!

and my nephew alex was baptized in indiana!

june brought the girls' birthday party

aunt steph brought our newest "niece" harper to play with our canine girls.

and lucy was looking too cute!

part 2 to come...

Candlelight services. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

Candlelight services. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

very funny post! the comments are hilarious!

60 years ago...

today, i found myself being very nostalgic. as i was wandering the rooms at my gramma's house, i found myself remembering how my cousins and i used to "hide" and play in different rooms of the house.  i have so many fond memories of growing up and celebrating christmas with my family.  they seemed to come rushing back to me today as i was able to celebrate with my family.  we are all grown, and having children of our own, but we still come together each year, because that is what families do.  i love watching my own kids make memories.  my husband and i talked about how my cousins would use him as a jungle gym when we first started dating.  and how now, those same cousins take time out to make sure they say hi to him and talk about the browns...or other important guy things.  my gramma revealed today how it was 60 years ago on christmas day that my grandpa gave her an engagement ring.  boy, am i glad she accepted!  he's been gone for almost 20 years, but i still miss him!  and even more,  i miss seeing them together. they were (and still are) the best example of  what a marriage should be.  i miss him calling her "boss lady" and her singing "you are my sunshine" to him.  


today was an amazing day. i love watching christmas through my girls' eyes.  tea has not put her american girl doll down yet!  and kayla was upset that she didn't have a light she could use to read from her kindle on the way home.  God has blessed me with such an amazing family.  i give praise and thanks to Him today for giving it all for me!


i will post pix later this week...another family celebration tomorrow!!  more memories to be made!  


merry christmas to all....and to all a good night!