Sweet Memories

I have been reminded once again that we too often take for granted the little things in life. I was born and raised in Illinois, and lived there until I moved to Tennessee to go to college. I lived in the same house all my life, and attended the same church. We have made several trips to visit since moving away. But last weekend we made our last trip there before moving to Brazil, and somehow, so many little things became much more special.

~ Spending a day of girl time shopping with a childhood friend
~ Listening to my mom read a story to the boys every night before bed
~ Going out for lunch with a friend I've known for as long as I can remember, and holding her precious new baby for the first time
~ Sitting at the kitchen table and chatting with my older brother
~ Braiding my niece's hair
~ Joking around with my "little" brother
~ Going out for breakfast with my Grandma
~ Watching Josiah and Jonathan wake up early to go outside with their Grandpa to feed the cows and look for eggs in the barn
~ Hugging sweet ladies from my home church

These are the memories that I hold dear to my heart.

Home from Alabama

We have just returned from Helena, AL where we were a part of the mission conference of Gospel Light Baptist Church. It was a great blessing to be there. The people of the church were very gracious and friendly, and we enjoyed our time there very much.

On Saturday, a couple in the church volunteered to keep our kids so we could go out for Valentine's Day. That was a special treat! We went out to eat at Olive Garden and we had a great evening.

On Sunday evening the church voted to take us on for support! Praise the Lord!

This was our last scheduled meeting. Now we have to dive in to the task of packing and preparing to move! We were wanting to go to Atlanta on the way home from Alabama to work on completing the necessary paperwork at the Brazilian Consulate. However, we found out they were closed for President's Day! Rather ironic, don't you think? Now we will have to make a quick trip down to Atlanta sometime soon....in our spare time!

Jonathan and His Birthday Cake

Jonathan with his birthday cake - Ahoy Mateeys!

This is not a close up - on purpose! The cake and icing didn't cooperate with me too well this time, but I think the decorations helped to make it look better. Jonathan liked it, so that's all that matters!

The birthday boy with some of his gifts

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

It's hard to believe that Jonathan is 4 years old today! He is growing up so quickly. Jonathan is so much fun to be around. He loves to make us laugh...and that he does! He is so special and we love him very much. We are thankful that God had entrusted him to us. Enjoy watching him grow up in these pictures!

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

Snow day!

We got a few inches of wet heavy snow yesterday. The snowflakes were huge, and it accumulated very quickly. It was a nice surprise! The boys couldn't wait to get out and play in it!

Daddy started it by getting Judson to try to catch some snowflakes on his tongue. (Disclaimer: Yes, Judson is barefoot and in his PJ's but he was only out there for a minute!)

Josiah getting in on the fun

See, I do know how to bundle them up!

Congratulations, Dad and Mom!

Yesterday my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage! I am so thankful for my parents and for all they have done for me and my family. I am grateful to have them for an example. I wish I could have been with them on their special day, but that just wasn't possible. I am looking forward to seeing them in a few weeks if all goes as planned.

Thank you Dad and Mom for staying together. Thank you for giving my siblings and me a stable home and providing for our needs. I love you! I hope that we will always make you proud!