Ole Dixie Roller Rink

Connor and Macy Beard spent the night with us Friday night and then we woke up and went to the Hamilton Skate Place on Saturday morning. Being there brought back wonderful memories of my childhood at Ole Dixie Roller Rink in Lenoir City, Tn. They still play Michael Jackson, turn off the lights, do weird light shows, spin disco balls, have a dj, and play fun roller skating games just like they use to! The kids had a hard time at first but after awhile, and a lot of falls, they started to get the hang of it. Good times all around!!

Vacation from Vacation!

So we spent 2 weeks with just the 4 of us in Costa Rica, so it was real nice to come home and go to a cabin with our friends, with no kiddos! We stayed at Amazing Grace Lodge in Blue Ridge, GA and it was really nice, we ate great food from each couple, we played games, did crafts (sort of), put together puzzles, karoaked, sat in the hot tub, wore pjs all day, and laughed a lot! Thanks to Josh, Amy, Micheal, Mandy, Eric, Tessa & Anthony for helping me to relax for 3 days. Until next year!

Greetings from Costa Rica!

What a wonderful time we are having on our 2 week vacation in Costa Rica! Here we are looking into the crater lake of the Poas Volcano right outside of San Jose. We have had wonderful weather, eaten yummy tico food, and seen some amazing animals and things. Just a name a few, we have also seen the Arenal volcano from a distance, hiked around it (seen venomous coral snakes and toucans), gone to zoos, been in Manuel Antonio park (seen sloths & monkeys), hiked on hanging bridges over the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the list goes on. We are still planning on a boat ride to see whales and dolphins and maybe even horseback riding (still would like to see a macaw one evening). Although it has been fun, it is also a little bit trying as a family. We only have the 4 of us and we have to somewhat get along (most of the time with no iternet or tv) when we are having fun AND when we are tired, lost, and don't understand the language or don't have the comforts of home. So I would have to say that I love to travel but one of the things I love most about traveling internationally with my family is that it forces us to grow even closer to each other!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Since it is getting ready to get busy for everyone I thought I would say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year a little bit early! Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs that I wish to you and yours:

May the Lord mighty God, bless and keep you forever,
Grant you peace perfect peace, courage in every endeavor,
Lift up your eyes and you will see his face and grace forever,
May the Lord mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

I sometimes sing this to my kids at bedtime and I also sang it to my Granny as she died in front of me 1.5 years ago. Just a reminder to spread God's love thru the holidays and to stop and lift up our eyes to see His face. May God grant you peace perfect peace.

Happy 6th Birthday Ty!

Well Ty turned 6 yesterday. He had a party with some of his friends and class mates on Saturday morning. It was hunting themed and they wore camo and brought their nerf guns. I had games planned for them to play but they were happy running/screaming/shooting/chasing each other thru our house so we just let them do that. Monday was his actual birthday and when he got off the bus his neighborhood friends surprised him and Marley with one last surprise party/play date. And then our family went to Pastaria for our annual birthday celebration (my favorite part). It has been a fun birthday weekend, but to be honest I am glad it is over and I am glad it only comes once a year. :)

Ty, I love you very much and I have enjoyed watching you grow up into a nice young boy! I am very proud of you.

Happy 4th Birthday Marley!

Yesterday Marley turned 4! We started the celebrations early. While Ty was at school on Friday she had a small party with 4 friends (Marjorie, Willa, Macy & Emie). They ate pony cake, played games and just did things that other princesses do. Then yesterday on her actual birthday we went to church, then to McDonalds for her to play and celebrate with Lula, Phoebe & Greyson and finally a play date with Beza last night. Thanks to everyone so much for making Marley's days so special. We love this little girl SO much and I count how many times during the day that she makes me smile and laugh. Thank you God for placing her in my life.

37 Reasons Why We Love Josh

Okay I got this idea from Andi, but I wanted to give 37 reasons why we love Josh on his 37th birthday.

1) He is a great husband
2) He is a great dad
3) He gets up early every morning to go to work so I can stay home with the kids
4) He is not selfish
5) He is very humble
6) He plays rough with Ty
7) He plays baby games with Marley
8) He does not like Disney but takes us often
9) He cooks dinner when I am not in the mood
10) He is a great leader for our family
11) He does not get confused on what is more important (family or work)
12) He comes home early
13) He does not talk bad about other people
14) He is a great supporter (emotionally and financially)
15) He is cheap like me
16) He is smart
17) He practices baseball with Ty
18) He likes to take us on fun vacations
19) He doesn't care how I decorate the house
20) He wears whatever I buy him
21) He is a snazzy dresser :)
22) He always likes to try new things
23) He sets a good example
24) He is my voice of reason
25) He is cute
26) He is funny and always makes me laugh
27) He knows what I am feeling even when I don't say it
28) He is active
29) He loves the outdoors
30) He is a hard worker
31) He does a lot of house projects and is very handy (as long as he doesn't cut his wrist)
32) His love of the stock market and retirement planning
33) His willingness to go with the flow
34) He puts up with my crazy schemes
35) He doesn't complain too much
36) He cleans up the kitchen when I am gone
37) He doesn't mind chaperoning play dates on his own

We love you Josh and thank you for all that you do for our family!