today...is different

Mark gave an awesome sermon at church today. Just talking about how life doesn't always turn out as we have planned. (Today is ... different) Sometimes our life takes a drastic turn, someday you may get that phone call at 2 o'clock in the morning.

Jeremiah 1:19 "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

The struggles of life will happen. but don't forget that God is for you...even when it seems He is not there. God is protecting you, even when it seems He isn't. God is watching over you, even when it seems He is ignoring you. God is loving you, even when who or what you love is gone.

I hope and pray that God is my portion....that I will seek Him and He will give me strength in the day to day of life.

_______________________________

Jolie and I after church...

she was being cute, as always! ;)

look at her pose...hand on hip! sassy pants!

Mark and I are trying to figure out where we went wrong???

Pray for us....a rebellious streak is starting to shine through:

LOL!!! ;)

holiday cheer

the excitement of Christmas!

Jolie was so really looking forward to meeting Santa...

as we waited in line.... "Santa...Santa!"

She was so excited.

Then...Mark asked her if she was going to sit on Santa's lap.

meltdown!

nooooo!!!!! I even tried to sit with her and Santa, didn't work.

Our attempt to get a picture of Jolie with Santa failed. As I got up Jolie was wrapped around my leg for dear life. poor girl, she was so stressed out by the end of this. As soon as we get 20 feet away, Jolie was saying "Santa" in her sweet little happy voice again.

our skinny little Christmas tree...

Jolie 'helped' me decorate the tree for the first time.

she's such a good little helper...although, I'm so afraid she going to break something. I guess it's bound to happen. I've been finding random miss-placed ornaments in the tree.

twinkle twinkle

We decided to put Christmas lights up outside for the first time, ever!
Jolie thinks it's great.... "oh...pretty"
Christmas will be so much fun this year!

Outdoor Christmas lights: check
Christmas tree: check
Fireplace mantel: check
Louisville Christmas tree: check

I couldn't wait till after Thanksgiving!!!
Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

mark's opinion: wear sunblock!

poor Mark....he was so mad at me for taking this picture.
He had to have a Basel cell removed.
Thank God he noticed the spot early on....
The amount removed was fairly small, about the size of a kidney bean.
(the bandage makes it look worse)
But my poor boy had to have his face cut!
Mark suggests that you wear sunblock...
The doctor recommends SPF 70, DAILY! just FYI

especially if you live in Florida!

I followed my mother's request and visited the dermatologist also. Dad had a malignant melanoma removed earlier this year. I have to be careful with my pasty white skin! ;)

the C family

such a wonderful family! I am so thankful God has crossed our paths at Mission Way Church. They are like family...we'll even be spending Thanksgiving with them. :) Well...this wonderful family needed some wonderful family pictures...and I enjoy taking pictures.

weekend in Wisconsin...

I love her. I love to hear her life stories. I love to visit with her. I am so glad Jolie and I were able to go home for her birthday weekend. Our time there was short and fast...but I wouldn't miss it!

Breakfast with Kristy and her boys, Koen and Ethan. We met up just for an hour or so, but it was so good to see Kristy. I'm so happy for Kristy...her dream of being a wife and mommy has come true...she's living the dream. We all know the 'dream' has it's trying moments, but there is nothing better.

Jolie & Koen ♥

puppy l♥ve
Mom's new puppy, Lucy. Such a cuddle bug!

My girl...

I think you should also know that Jolie was such a good little traveler!!! PTL! My hands were full-with a suitcase, diaper bag, purse, and a toddler. I didn't know if I would make it to the gate...I actually borrowed one of those backpack/leash deals. That thing saved my life! :)

Grandma's 90th Birthday Party

Happy 90th Birthday Irene!

Family & Friends celebrating her big day! She loved all the attention!

It was a perfect weekend for a party. Fall in Wisconsin... it felt so good coming from Florida's heart. Mom and Dad with their grand-girls :)

5 Generations

Grandma, Great-Grandma, Granddaughter