A Really New Year

Happy New Year! We decided to start all over this year by moving to a new city and a new house and a sort of new job all on New Year's Day. The actual move went really well considering it was pouring rain. But Steven had lots of help waiting to unload the truck when he pulled in to Dothan, and I had lots of help getting things packed and cleaned in Calera. We've been in our new house for a week now and it's beginning to feel like home. The house in Calera held a lot of memories, but I'm looking forward to new ones here. It's been weird at times, because I grew up here, from a tiny one year old to a high school senior. I've only been back one summer and then a couple times a year for the past 15 years. A lot has changed in 15 years. And a lot is the same. I'm a lot different too. And a little the same. I never thought I'd want to come back, but I'm glad to be here.

And the kids weren't too sad this was waiting for them in the new backyard.
I'm also glad to announce we have a new niece we welcomed to the world today. My sister- and brother-in-law (Steven's sister) had a precious 7 pound 14 ounce baby girl today. And I wish I could tell you her name, but she's still nameless. They've had a hard time with the name, but I understand. We did too. None of ours were named until their birth days. They are several hours away in wintry Georgia, but thank goodness for picture mail, we've seen her. And she is beautiful.

See Ya

We are moving tomorrow. Moving is stressful. I'll be back sometime in January 2011. Happy New Year!

Christmas in Dothan

I'll never post if I wait for words, so here are some pictures from our Christmas celebrations in Dothan last weekend. I'll get around to actually writing again sometime, but we are moving to Dothan the first week of January. It's been a bit crazy around here with Christmas, family here, renting our house, finding one to rent, getting boxes, packing, Christmas, etc. We are excited and it has been another testimony of the Lord's goodness, kindness and provision for us. Merry Christmas to you all!

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." -Luke 2:10-11

Let it snow... a little.

We had some snow flurries today.

Reese just stood there frozen at first.

It didn't take long for him to warm to the idea.

The more experienced ones knew just what to do.


Sadly, it didn't last long and wasn't enough to stick.


But it was a magical day nonetheless.

Fires and S'mores

The Parade

Elle got to be in her first parade last Saturday. Her dance studio had a float in our town's Christmas parade and she happily volunteered to ride, wave and throw out candy. Because she was in the "5 and under" category, I also got to ride, wave and throw out candy. I'm quite sure if I had not been there to ration her bag of candy, the first person she saw would have gotten the whole bag dumped on them! She had a great time and was excited to be a part of it all.

The best part was that our float was sandwiched in between a "youth rock band" and the one and only Santa Claus and his reindeer float. We had screaming, amplifier feedback, non-holiday related tunes belted out in front of us while holly, jolly Christmas carols rang out behind us. It was quite hilarious. There was also a llama.

Now or Never

Last Tuesday, after a successful morning of oral surgery and a small bout with nausea and vomiting in the afternoon, we set off for a beautiful and fun-filled Thanksgiving at Lake Martin.

As the family trickled in Tuesday evening, we enjoyed the views and made ourselves at home.

It was a late night Tuesday, and some of us were a little rough around the edges Wednesday morning.

Nothing a little breakfast, hot water and soap and promise of fresh air couldn't fix. And though the drive-way almost got the best of us, we persevered.

It's taken me a week to get this far, so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

We thoroughly enjoyed being with our family though several members were dearly missed (Mark, AK, Powell & Jessica!). I'm hoping the group only gets bigger in the years to come. I reminded several of my cousins that I was married by the time I was their ages. Don't worry aunts and uncles, I also threw in that I was finished with school before I got married:).