Holiday Musical Review...

I'm a little distracted throughout by my audience, but I really get into the spirit of the holidays as I belt out this Christmas classic. What about that enunciation technique I put into full effect!?! It's a talent few professional artists use, due to it's difficult mouth contortions, but O'Girl knows how to bring it home at least on the last word of each stanza... "Jingle bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the WAY!"

In this next little ditty, I get to shine as a musician, and also as a dancer. I am nowhere close to mastering the wicked dance moves my mother possesses in terms of shakin' your money maker, but at least I'm not following in my father's or in my Nana's footsteps when it comes to the dance floor. (Have you ever seen the movie, "The Jerk" starring Steve Martin? It's not a gross exaggeration!) Dancing is a term we use very loosely in our family's gene pool... it's definitely an adaptation!

Video to be posted later... darn this computer/blogger!!!

Broadway... HERE I COME!!!

The Way We Roll...

Addie asked if she could play dress up when we got home the other night. Of course I said, "Sure Sweetie!" I probably will have to start rethinking my response to this common question in our household.

A Visit with the Jolly One...

Santa... he's my best buddy!
Given' some L-O-V-E

I told Santa, all I wanted for Christmas was a candy cane... seriously that's what I asked for. Mom just about cried cause it was so sweet and Dad started mentally calculating all of the purchases he would need to return.

Happy Holidays!!!

Find the Spirit... Live the Word

Our church, Northview Christian Life, this holiday season is "Thinking Outside The Box."

Some Food For Thought...

He didn’t come to help us drown in consumerism, to get the “must have” toy of the year, or rack up credit card debt. He came to teach us love, hope and truth. And to ultimately save our lives. This Christmas, our church is inviting us to experience Christmas outside of the tree, the toys, the ribbons and bows. To trade in consumerism for compassion.

Last week's sermon, Dec. 5/6, was on Children. This might have been one of the most moving and emotional services I have ever attended. Through a video documentary, we were introduced to 2 young children, a brother and a sister, in Africa. Their story moved me to tears, so much so, that I had to leave the service to regain my composure. This video completely shook me to my core and the images portrayed will forever be embedded in my brain and singed on my heart.

I encourage you to view the sermon, especially the video clip through the NVCL link above. Once on the home page, click Watch/Listen. You can find out more information on missions and needs of children in Africa through Horizon International.

Upcoming topics at NVCL:
Dec.12/13: Poverty
Dec. 19/20: Injustice
Dec. 24: Hope

Scripture I am hoping to live by...

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Proverbs 31:8

Happy Birthday Alli!

We had dinner at Usual Suspects in Broadripple
Followed up with a night of laughs at Crackers and then out to Brothers for a night cap.

I Freakin' LOVE This Kid!!!

Fishy, Fishy...

Sportin' her new swim attire... thank you very much Target for carrying swimsuits in December!

Our little fishy swam for 2 hours straight!

Daddies and their dolls!

Beach Bum...

Which way to the beach?

Let the good times "blow."

Gift Exchange...

Gracie, get over here and act like you like me!
Give me some of those sweet cheeks!

And Disney wins again... Gracie racked up "The Mouse" goodies and Addie scored with both Mulan and Pocahontas DVDs and dollies. It was so cute watching both girls open their Christmas gifts in their matching PJs from Nana.

Happy Thanksgiving...

We brought the turkey centerpiece decoration all the way from Indiana!

Mandy and Jesse prepared a fantastic Thanksgiving Day dinner with all of our family favorites. It was so much fun watching the Macy's parade with the girls, playing outside together and enjoying each others company. We are all so blessed and so thankful!

River Street Santa...

Just outside the fudge and candy shop on River Street in Savannah is the cutest Santa, posed ready for a picture with him.Here is Addie Leigh at 4 months old on her first trip to River Street.

Here she is 3 short years later... must have heard that not sharing puts your name on the naughty list! And then there's Miss Gracie Jane... Nice List!

Sleepover...

My mommy finally convinced my silly Aunt Kay-Kay to allow Gracie to spend the night with me... I personally think she didn't miss her mommy or daddy one bit! Who would when you have a rock star cousin like myself to host you for the evening! I introduced Gracie to the fun world of Play-do art.

We snuggled in bed and watched the "Mouse" as Gracie refers to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We ate a breakfast of champions consisting of iced cinnamon rolls.

We topped off the morning with a bike ride to the stables.
We fed a horse some carrots for breakfast.

We drove to Gracie's house in Savannah...
We are good buddies this Gracie kid and I.

In fact, we are just tickled to be in each other's company!

Dinner at the Land's End Tavern...

Captain Doug...
Arh Mateys!

Little did the tavern know what a hurtin' the Hoosiers would put on their all you can eat crab legs and shrimp!

Bikes and the Beach...

We really enjoyed all of the time we spent exploring the plantation using the scenic bike trails and gorgeous beach front. Addie had quite the time at the beach.

Harbor Town...

The Lighthouse & Yacht Club... "Buffy"
The famous 18th hole at Harbor Town...
Doug and Jesse were lucky enough to tee off for 18 at the PGA course.

My Secret Love Affair...

Not many people would admit that they are in love with trees, but I am. I am addicted to the Live Oak Trees that flourish throughout the South. I find that they are so majestic and romantic. Can you imagine how many conversations and events they have witnessed... oh the secrets they could divulge! This particular tree on the Sea Pines Plantation is in Harbor Town at the Lighthouse. We enjoyed a morning of playing and exploring around this mighty giant.
Holy Big Branch!

1...2...3... Ready or not here I come!

Hercules, Hercules!!!