More Memories with Family

My nephew Josiah celebrated his 3rd birthday--he is such a cutie.

Samuel and Joseph--my boys

Lydia and Alayna-close cousins

Kaleesha shares a hug with Lydia

Esther and I found a good deal on matching shirts after Christmas

Our families together

Chris and Esther

Julianna shares a special moment with Melanie

Josiah and Joseph had lots of fun together

Samuel plays his trumpet for a nursing home

My step-dad Dave, opens a gift

Julianna and Lydia playing violins--they also played for the nursing home

Esther brought her recipe for chocolate mint truffles--so yummy

Julianna and Lydia--new pajamas and dolls

My brother, Kerry and me

Kerry, Karen, Kaleesha, and Kaleb

Making truffles with kids

Mom and me

"A Winter Wonderland"

I just had to share these pictures with my friends. No, they were not taken here in the Sunshine State. I grew up in Indiana and Kentucky, and I always look forward to going back to see friends and family. One of the things we hope for on our annual Christmas trip is snow. Since we know this is the only chance our kids have to see the stuff, we really pray for a white vacation. This year we were not disappointed in the least. We had so much fun freezing to death. It had been 2 years since we had seen snow, and I got a little carried away with the camera. It was one of those snows where it stuck to the trees and sparkled. I drank in the beauty.
We even had a chance to go to a state park in Indiana that has a 1400 ft. of refrigerated toboggan track. The older 3 couldn't get enough of this. We even took Joseph down once--that is all he could handle. It is kind of like being shot out of a cannon. It dawned on me at the end of the track that he had never even been sledding; we really broke him in. He told me after we returned to Florida that he dreamed he was on that sled, and he did not like it. Well, if you are from the north, these photos might not mean much to you since you see it all winter long. We have returned to the sunny south, and it definitely is not snowing--but I do have my pictures to enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIANNA

Julianna turned 11 on Thursday. This was her year for a family birthday. She "ordered" chicken, homemade dumplings, and peas for supper. We had a nice time celebrating her special day. I took cupcakes to her classroom in the morning, and surprised her with a balloon and candy. Her wish came true at her party when she received a digital camera. She was very excited!!
Her cerebration continued today when she placed first in her division in the school spelling bee. We were very proud of her accomplishments.

Cornerstone at the Grandover Resort

We arrived at my mom's house Monday night (12-17). She had a nice anniversary meal prepared for us along with a cake and gift. We played in the snow for a while and then I went in to repack and get ready to leave the next day for the company Christmas concert Doyle was hired to perform in. We were really looking forward to this event, and we were not disappointed. Joseph had never flown before, so it was neat to watch him enjoy being above the clouds. We arrived in Charlotte, and traveled to Greensboro for the Resort. A special thanks to the Grubbs family for picking us up at the airport and letting us use one of their vans while we were in the area. The Grandover Resort is a five-star hotel that is absolutely magnificent. Cornerstone families stayed there 3 nights while the guys practiced for the big concert. (We did miss Emily and the twins who were not able to make it.) We really enjoyed living "the high life." The company concert went very well with about 500 people there in the ballroom for the evening. I even got to see some friends that I had not seen in many years. We talked a long time getting caught up on all of the past news. The meal was out of this world. It was nice to spend some time with the other families of Cornerstone--we even got to go shopping while the guys practiced. I know I am partial, but I think the guys sounded great. There is a possibility of them making a brass Christmas CD this summer.

The only thing negative that happened is that I got some type of virus the last night we were there. It hit me like a ton of bricks in the middle of the night. I was so sick and weak. I did not know how I was going to get on that airplane the next morning, but God really helped me. Lydia woke up and realized her mom was in bad shape. She asked me if she could pray for me. I assured her that I wanted her to. It was one of those moments I will never forget. She put her little head next to mine and began to pray, "Dear God, you healed the lepers, you made the blind to see, and you made the crippled to walk--would you please touch my mommy and make her better." I was in tears when she finished. I definitely felt God's touch. I got on that airplane with an ice-pack on my neck and my air sick bag ready to go. When we were ready for touch down, Joseph began to say, "We are going to crash land--yes we are coming in for a crash landing." I did not need that info. to make my stomach feel any better. I assured him we were not, and everything was going to be O.K. We were glad to return to my mom and step-dad's house and remain there for the rest of our vacation.

Visiting with Kentucky family

The first part of our vacation was spent with my family from Kentucky. We arrived there Saturday evening (12/15). Although we only spent a couple of days with them, we always have a good time together. We had originally planned on going ice-skating in downtown Cincinnati, but it was raining (mixed with freexing rain) when we arrived. We adjusted our plans and went to David and Kelly's house a little early. She had a yummy meal prepared--Cincinnati chili. I don't get this very often, and I throughly enjoyed every bite. Our kids put on their annual Christmas play. This is something they love to do. This brings back a lot of memories for us because that is what Tim, David, my siblings and I used to do a lot. I always enjoy my time at Erma and Marvin's house. I can't imagine not spending some time with them at Christmas. She really spoils me, and I guess I will have to admit that I don't mind. We had the privilege of seeing both of the programs on Sunday. This was special because my cousins' kids had several parts, and it was neat to see them sing and speak. Sunday night we went to Tim and Patty's house. She had a lovely meal prepared, and we also were able to help celebrate Brittany's birthday. We said good-by Monday morning (12/17) and left for my mom's house in Indiana.

We Are Home!!

We are finally home after being gone for about 3 weeks. We had a wonderful time with family and friends, making lots of memories together. Yes, we saw snow--lots of it. I am in the process of getting everything unpacked and returning to some form of normal. I am excited about all of the pictures I have to share with my blogger friends. Right now I am in the process of washing coats, mittens, and winter gear that we won't need for another year. We are very thankful for a safe trip.