Flashback Friday

This is what our family looked like 6 1/2 years ago when we moved to Athens.

I found these photos while I was looking for a few files and could not believe how young everyone looks. It seems like a lifetime ago.

Ryan had his birthday shortly after we moved. The house was a disaster, he had no friends to invite, and Casey was out of town. It was a night filled with mixed emotions.

It's so hard to move. It wasn't the 1st time we had moved, but with every move brings different emotions and changes. We had been in Calhoun for nearly 8 years. I never moved as a child, so I was anxiety ridden for the sake of my children. I think I was more sick about it than they were. Kaitlyn was in the 8th grade. I cried for at least a week every morning after dropping her off at school. She says now it was better moving in 8th grade than it would have been in 9th. Cody was in the 5th grade. I home-schooled him his 4th grade year, so there was a huge wave of nervousness registering Cody for school. Ryan was home with me still, but we had no little friends to play with. We missed our friends. It was hard.

Although it was difficult, it was a much needed move. Casey was doing a lot of commuting. We needed to be closer to the University. Everything fell into place, and we have met and made wonderful friends. We love Athens and can't imagine ever moving again.

Change is good, but I sure do miss my wee little ones. How fast they grow.

Photo Bomber

It is nearly impossible and downright painful to get this 16 year old of mine to pose for pictures. I can't even begin to describe the, "Stop its", "Quit taking pictures" and "MOM(s)!!" I receive when my camera is in motion. However, give this boy a chance to photo bomb somebody else's photo session, and he suddenly becomes a willing participant...

Nice job Cody. Just remember senior pictures are coming soon!

Christmas Break

It happens every year, our vacation time comes to an end and I realize I haven't taken very many pictures. This year it was partly due to the weather, but it was also due to the fact I always enjoy the time so much I forget to carry my camera around and capture the moments.  My very favorite part is the time we are able to spend together.  It's the only time of the year that Casey, Kaitlyn, Cody, and Ryan all have the time off.  And we enjoy every minute of it!  Here are a few pictures I managed to capture of our activities over the break.

Merry Christmas Morning - The boys stayed in their new pajamas all day - best part of Christmas!

We played lots of games, this being the most popular and causing the most conflict(well, besides Monopoly).

We painted(mostly Casey painted and a few of us helped) Kaitlyn's bedroom.

Kaitlyn, Janelle, and I went to see Les Miserables - I enjoyed the music from the leading ladies, but most of all I love the book and the message that comes from the story - "To love another person is to see the face of God.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables.

We also were able to enjoy a few of our favorite eats.  We don't eat out all that much, so it really was a treat.

{Love their salad!  We stopped here two days in a row!}

{Always a favorite!}

{The best pancakes with Marionberry/blackberry syrup slathered in whip cream - YUM!}

{And a few of these - thank you, Kaitlyn.}

I used these a lot, hoping that my out-take was more than my intake. I will miss my mid-morning runs. They are the best!

Our company has left, and we already miss Mr. Sethie and his sweet giggles.

We cooked, we ate, we looked at Christmas lights, we played, we shopped, and we enjoyed our time together. We wish everyone A very Happy & Healthy New year!

A Birthday Note

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was the only one that wasn't struck with the flu, therefore I became nurse-maid to everyone. Mom was at the hospital bringing you into the world. She decided to stay longer after having you, because she didn't want to come home to a sick house. I managed to escape for a little while and walked over to the hospital with my friend to see you. She didn't have younger siblings, so she was nervous/excited about holding you. We had to put on gowns. I was 14, a freshman in high-school. It was Christmas vacation and we thought for sure you might be a Christmas baby. You almost were. You were the 5th boy and would prove to be one of the most determined, stubborn, loving, sweet boys in our family. I was the oldest and you were the youngest. You were my Joshy.

We miss you. We love you. We know you are close. Some things I have come to realize and know over the last two years : Life is short, The veil between life and death is very thin, We can still feel your love, Our Heavenly Father knows us individually, Family is important, Love is necessary for progression, We must listen and act upon promptings of the spirit, We need quiet time for pondering, and I REALLY know my Savior lives.

Happy Birthday Joshy. I made and ate lots of peanut butter cups, in your honor. They were your favorite. I miss sending them to you. I know you know how much we love and miss you. Give grandma a hug.

xoxoxoxo,

your sister in GA.

Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread House Construction

It's that time of year again...

When we gather our goodies

and construct our cottage, log cabin, two story, duplex, blizzard style gingerbread homes.

This year, things got serious and the competition a little fierce.

It was a step-by-step process.

And took some time.

They were all original and special in their own way(Andy's cool little snowman).

In the End, they each won their own prize...

Andy = Most roomy

Janelle = Most creative

Loved her fire pit...

Seth = Most Blizzardy

Cody = Most rustic

Kaitlyn = Most cozy

Ryan = Most pink/red

And his hands to prove it.

Alex came a little later but still constructed his very own masterpiece...

with a little help from his friend.

Great Job everyone!! Next year I'll remember the twizzlers and more frosting(right, Andy?!)!

Favorite Christmas Card

Goes to....

My brother & sister-in-law! Loved it!!!