Let's Lighten Up A Bit

Okay - So it's time to catch up on some of the family photos!  I've been a little heart heavy lately so now let's catch up on the world that continues to move around me as God has been speaking to my heart.

Thanksgiving

We spent our Thanksgiving with Sasha and Jeff again this year in New Port Richey. It's always so nice to take off and spend a few days relaxing with them.  Yes - even cooking is relaxing!

 So Anne "helped" with the homemade noodles again this year.  She sat and played with this flour for over 2 hours!

 It was a warm Florida day, so the kids BEGGED to get in the pool!  Of course, it being Thanksgiving, I did not pack any swimsuits.  I think they are crazy!!!

 Jarod checking pool thermometer - 72 degrees!  Could be worse, I guess.  Both were shivering - crazy people!  But that is what memories are made of!

 Didn't get Russ and Jarod in the photo - but her is our Thanksgiving Spread!  Yummmmm!!!!

Christmas Beginnings

Nana helped get the Christmas celebration started by hosting a girls day to the Rockettes!  I don't know who was more excited out of the three of us.  I have always wanted to go to New York to see them.  Coming here to Jax was the next best thing!  It was a wonderful show.  Anne completely loved it!  She sat mesmerized the entire time.  Thanks Nana for a wonderful day!

 Anne and Nana before the show began

 After we got home from the Rockettes, we went on our annual Christmas Tree Hunt.  Now this isn't difficult since they are all laid out nicely for you under a tent here in Florida but it is fun just the same.  I know this may be strange to some, but each year I pray to find my perfect tree.  When that tree is planted - God knows it's going to wind up in my house for our Christmas Celebration.  He has been growing my tree and making it perfect and we enjoy looking for it!  I just love how God is so into the details!  Even of a Christmas Tree!

 Cute!!!!

 Found it!  Taking it home.  Russ had to ride in the back and hold the door down. This is the first year we haven't had his old truck to get the tree with.  I guess that truck was good for something!  Ha!!!!

 Bringing it in and getting it set up.  This was the first time in our 13 years of marriage that he got it straight on the first try!  He was sooo proud!  No fussing, no rolling of eyes, nothing.  Just up and ready to go!  Yea Russ!!!

 So this is the first year we've had a cat in the house at Christmas.  She was so curious about all that was happening and has actually done surprisingly well.  She likes to lay under it and when she plays - she hides behind the manger scene, peeks through the crack in it and then pounces!  Way cute!  We did catch her drinking the water in the bottom.  Gross!!!  She's been walking around the past few days with sap on her head.  Silly Kitty!

 Finished Product!  I'd say that was a perfect tree!  Thanks Lord!

I am enjoying the Christmas festivities, please don't misunderstand me.  I know I could be taken as a Scrooge or a Grinch this year with my recent posts.  That really isn't the case.  I'm just searching to see what God is whispering so loudly to my heart.  Difficult or not, I'm just excited that He is working in my life.  Something crazy is coming and all this growth will have had it's purpose.

Well, I'm off.  Sam is coming over and we are going to begin baking our cookies.  Decorating them tomorrow.  Small party this year - just Marc's family and mine.  God's plan is perfect.  Until next time.......