I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!!!

I've been dying to share this news and finally got the OK!!!! Marc and Sam called us Christmas morning to tell us that they are expecting! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! I'm so excited! No definite due date yet - but they are thinking August or September.

Please pray for an easy pregnancy for Sam and a healthy baby Mickle!!!! I will definitely keep you posted!!!!!!

Congratulations Marc and Sam!

Merry Christmas!

Many of you have been asking to see Anne's Castle so I posted some photos on here for you. It was the hit of the day - which is no surprise for a 3 year old who loves everything princess! I would have loved this myself! Aunt Sam and I had a great time setting it all up!

It has lights, and the clock chimes as well! Even makes that fun Tinker Bell sound!

It has completely taken over my coffee table so now we have to find it a home!

We spend Christmas night at Russell's parents house with family. Jarod received a really cool illustrated Bible. He can't stop reading it.....

Enter Karaoke machine.... Here are 3 generations joining together in song....

Notice Anne is the one with the microphone. I told you Nana created a Diva! Hee Hee!!!!

Our Anne will be 4 in two weeks! Hard to believe - the time just flies by so quickly.
We had a quiet Christmas with family and friends and we are looking forward to the next week as well. Both Russ and Jarod are home and we plan on just laying low and catching up on doing nothing!
Merry Christmas!

Away in a Manger

Anne got to get all dressed up for church today as her Pre-School class was singing "Away in a Manger" during the worship service.

She did pretty good - you know how it goes with 3 year olds. Too cute for words. Of course, she kept trying to get closer and closer to the microphone. Her teacher kept making her get back up on the steps. Anne kept trying to lean over into the mic and was getting very frustrated with her teacher. Finally, during the song, she announced that, "My Nana says you have to sing close to the microphone!" I'm afraid Nana has created a "Diva" as she has recently introduced Anne to the Karaoke Machine!

Russell helps sing with the Praise Band.....

Anne made lambs ears in her class today while learning about Baby Jesus. Goes with the dress, don't you think?

Finally, tonight we got together with several of our Pathway friends for a Christmas Party. What fun and laughter and great fellowship! They have been such a blessing to us and we truly consider them our closest friends. We are so thankful for each family and what they mean to us. It has been our joy and honor to share our life's path with them and they each are so special to us!

A few of the kids.... Zander, Anne, Maddie and Jarod

The Bennett Family!

Marc & Sam! Somehow I missed Jon and Shanon! Sorry guys! And of course we missed seeing the Kolb's and the Edwards! Hope the Open House went well Charlotte!

Until next time......

Skate Boarding down The Hill

The kids LOVE our hill! At one point when we were driving around Orlando, looking at possible neighborhoods, Jarod said, "But Mom, non of these have a hill!" We still aren't 100% sure about Orlando yet, but we have to trust that God will replace our hill with something else fun for the kids...

Enjoy!

Today's Sunrise

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2



This was the sunrise outside of our house this morning. Doesn't it just make you want to sing praises to our Lord? No matter what is happening in our lives, He is God, He is still in control and He will bring glory unto Himself. We truly serve a Mighty God.

The Littlest Christmas Tree

Jarod was in his first Christmas Program last night at school. He was so proud. He's been singing the songs around the house for weeks! We took advantage of him being all dressed up and took a few photos. Thought you would enjoy them.......

Merry Christmas!

Gotta have that "cool" pose....

He's growing up so fast!



Jarod is top row - 3rd from the right - next to the really tall girl!

Christmas Cookies

Christmas has arrived at the Franklin house!

It never feels completely like Christmas until the Christmas cookies are made. When Marc and I were very little, mom began the tradition of these special, homemade sugar cookies. We would decorate them for hours and then mom would make goodie boxes up with them and all the other yummy things that she baked. Then we would take them to friends and neighbors. Once Marc and I became teenagers, the tradition evolved into having our friends over for a Cookie Decorating Party and whatever they decorated, they got to take home to their families.

We have continued the tradition and had our Cookie Party this past weekend. What fun it was to sit around the table, chat and decorate cookies!!!