Speakerless Retreat for the Exhausted

That is what we titled our itinerary that we created for ourselves.


I went with my bible study this weekend to a self-created retreat. We went to a retreat center in the mountains of TN and had an amazing time. We had study/prayer time, praise time, testimonies, and even had time to take a small hike in the middle of the day on Saturday. It was so nice and so very needed. Eliza went with us seeing as she was a girl too, and she LOVED it. She literally just sat in the middle of the circle and talked to EVERYONE. She was the center of attention and she loved it. I have never heard her talk as much as she did this weekend. I suppose she learned from example!

Our attempt at a self photograph.... two of the girls stayed behind in the cabin to talk, and we unfortunately never got one of all of us.

We even made smores! ....in the microwave.

The boys had their own boys weekend. Their cousins came up for the day bringing our new adopted dog Scout. They have spent hours throwing ball for her the past few days. I think everyone involved loves it! We have wanted a dog for quite a long time and Scout seems to be perfect for us. She was a family dog that had to be given away because of space.... and she is so much fun. 4-5 yrs old with lots of energy and very well trained! Seriously, what could be better!

Stayin Afloat!!!

So, I have been avoiding this post. There have been so many events and SO many pictures to go with them that I couldn't face putting it together. Christmas, family wedding,... to name a few. I have finally decided I will not do them justice either way and to put a few of all of them up. I will comment only briefly.

Random light show put on by some "southern" people a short drive from my house put up every year. They put up over a million lights! It was a sight for sure!

Candle Light Christmas Eve Service at my parent's church



A tacky Christmas Eve Statement....thanks mom.


Toys for Boys

The Wedding and other family activities!

Kids activities!
Thursday night party.

Bridesmaids luncheon


Rehearsal Dinner


Getting ready



It was a December 31 wedding and went until after midnight. It was LOTS of fun. I haven't stayed up until the "ball drop" for quite a long time. And when Eliza woke up at 4 to feed and 6 for the day after I went to bed at 2..... I remembered why!!!

Since then....

Alabama won the National Championship

Steven had his Kindergarten Interview for next year!


and the giants are on their way to the Superbowl!

Happy January to all!

Gingerbread Houses Part II

Ever since we went to see the gingerbread houses at the Grove Park, my boys have wanted to make their own. I was a little nervous about the proposition knowing it takes forever to make the ginger bread, glue like icing, and not to mention they would not be able to make something that seemed worth my time in prep. But when I was at ALDI I found a kit for $5.99 which included gingerbread, icing, candy, and a stabilizing tray! I was all in.

Sam helped me put together the houses while Steven was our photographer. These are by far the best two pictures he took.
After "naptime" we got busy decorating. It was a perfect afternoon activity for our rainy week. I will say Sam's ended up being a bit better because he let me put the icing on for him (for a lot of it) while Steven "is good at building lego houses." Which OBVIOUSLY transfers to tubing icing and candy on a gingerbread house. I was very impressed with the kit. It held up really well and the boys loved it!

Picture taken by Sam

Picture taken by Steven

Picture taken by Mama

Totally doing the kit again next year. When we are skilled enough to enter it into the competition at Grove Park, we'll go from scratch. But for now.... kit all the way.