Sunday Surprise!

The alarm had gone off, I had pressed snooze twice, & just didn't want to get up! The phone rang & that finally got me out of the bed- you all know how much I love mornings! It was a great surprise- my big brother! Tyler & the boys were on the way to Garner to visit Grandma & wanted to meet for lunch. After church we headed to the Laurels, visited Grandma, & then we all went out to grab some lunch at Zaxby's- Granny got to pick! Cameron got WikiSticks in his kids meal & I made him some glasses- Ty is showing them off for you! Grandma had 2 Slinkies in her room, someone had won them at bingo- they party hard at the Laurels! The boys had a blast with them- you just never know what kind of fun you can have in a rest home! Of course all the little ladies thought the boys were precious & they all wanted to talk to them- if they only knew! =) Grandma's room was fun of grandkids & great grandkids- what a great way to spend the day! What a great Sunday surprise!

Mom said there is no denying we're related- but who do we look like??! It could be worse! I do love my big brother! Thanks for a great day of family fun! Becca- we missed you, hope you feel better soon. We missed you too Matthew- someone had to work today while we all had fun!

Prince Caspian

We watched Prince Caspian last night, a birthday present from Seth. Great movie! I will have to admit of all the books I’ve ever read The Chronicles of Narnia are by far my favorite. Yes, Karen Kingsbury, Beth Moore, Nicholas Sparks, John Eldredge, and many others are amongst my favorites, but none compare to C.S. Lewis & Narnia. You have to read the entire series in order, but you’ll love them! I know they are “children’s books,” but we could all use a little childlike faith!

One of my favorite parts of this book, it is better in the book than in the movie too- of course, is Lucy’s encounter with Aslan. The children are back in Narnia, trying to find their way to Prince Caspian, trying to find Aslan, and trying to save the day of course! Lucy sees Aslan from afar, at least she thinks she does. The others, well they are too big to believe & their doubt causes Lucy to doubt that it was really Him. He appeared several times, trying to lead them down the right path, but since they don’t see Him they won’t follow. They complicate their journey by going their own way, it takes much longer, is much more dangerous, and the stress of it all causes several quarrels amongst the children. In time Lucy finds Aslan, but He confronts her and her doubt. Though she spoke up for Him, she didn’t follow, she let others lead the way & cause her to doubt. She made it to her destination, but how much easier it would have been if she had of only believed & followed Him from the beginning.

Faith like a child, so precious, yet so hard for us grown ups at times! We have our path mapped out, we think we know the way, yet we miss Him, the glimpses of Him, and His provisions from time to time. As He talks with Lucy the feeling is bittersweet- you smile because she found Him, because His presence warms your heart and hope has returned, but there is also that feeling of guilt- oh how we can relate. How we have doubted in our own lives, but rejoice because His love is eternal & His forgiveness is much more than we will ever deserve. He is ALWAYS there, though we fail to see Him at times, & we fail to follow at times. His plans may not be ours, but they are always the best, we just have to believe & follow- faith like a child.

What a great series! Read the books, then watch the movies! Sad to say that Disney canceled plans to make more movies in the Narnia series- guess you’ll just have to read them!

Snow day!

It is still snowing! We'll post the final count when it is all over, but the flakes just keep coming! It is beautiful! Time to go make some snow cream!
Check out our snow day!

Happy 63 Dad!!

Dad and Mom stopped by for a night on their way back from visiting Grandma in Fla. We celebrated with a a great meal, and a special carmel cake that Ashley made.



This is starting to be a tradition :)

Ashley's 30th

Ashley celebrated her birthday early this year... and why not it was her 30th!!!. We met up with our friends for dinner at 518west. Great food once again and we added the cupcakes from the Cupcake Shoppe- sooo good!



Monday was the real b-day and Ashley will have to fill in the blanks of all what happened at school that day.
(Ashley) 2 surprise parties & 2 rounds of cupcakes! We came in from art & 2 of my mom's were setting up a surprise party! Cupcakes, chips, lots of singing (out of tune!!)- lots of fun! We came back from lunch & there was my mom setting up another surprise party! She had her b-day wagon loaded w/ another round of cupcakes, 100% sugar juice bottles for the kids, & cups full of candy! I had to wear the b-day tierra & we had another round of out of tune singing! Lots of sugar & lots of fun! The kids are great- I had tons of cards & even gifts, lots of smiles, & who doesn't smile when you are bombarded with 2 rounds of loud out of tune singing! I love my job!


I cooked dinner for Ashley and we went to Garner to visit Grandma & have birthday cake. I picked up her cake from the 'Cake-Lady'...and I believe she would make a million if she could make air fresheners that smell like that cake :) Now I know why Ashley loves her cakes so much!

Wednesday night we ate dinner with Ashley's Dad & Mary. McKenzie made brownies- they were good!

We had another get together with our friends at Sarah's house on Friday night, thanks for hosting! Good food, cupcake decorations, and Kevin and Ashley stole the show reliving the tough childhood walks to the pool in the summer! Leanne & Janet didn't have much sympathy!!

(Ashley)I have to give credit to Matthew for the best birthday gift! You just have to know my brother to truly appreciate this! My angel is just glad she now has a friend to ski with!! & some of you are laughing at this & some are just so confused!!!! Family is the best!

We're so happy to share this happy birthday(week) with Ashley!!
(Ashley) I am so blessed to have such great family & friends! I have never had so many parties in all my 30 years! Thanks for a great birthday week! For all of you who are dreading turning 30- a week full of celebrations makes it worth it!! =)
Click here to see all the fun!

Happy New Year!!

Kevin and Leanne invited us down to Pine Level for New Years. Holt, Sarah, and Tabitha completed the crew.

Have a great 2009!

I(Ashley) was lucky enough to celebrate New Year's twice on Wednesday! Of course I had a great time with our friends & the countdown at 11:59, but my favorite part of the day was the countdown I celebrated at 2:53pm! Yes, that is right 2:53! When I visited Grandma yesterday the PT had her up & in the chair so we went for a stroll around the halls of the Laurels. Along the way we found the New Year's Party in the cafeteria- what fun! The room quickly filled, everyone had party hats & horns to blow, refreshments, music, a countdown at 2:53 (no significance on the time!), a "Happy New Year" shout, & a sparkling cider toast! Grandma & I enjoyed it & were glad we stumbled along the party! When it was over the staff asked for "designated drivers" to help get them all back to their rooms- too cute! I am blessed to have so many special memories with my Grandma, but this one will always be precious to me! Happy New Year & may you be blessed with a year full of special memories!