Blissful Weather

What a difference the sunshine can make! We gladly greeted some much warmer temperatures this weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday were full of sunshine and temperatures in the 60s. It was a little taste of Spring. I know Spring is still a good ways away, but it sure was nice to get a sneak peek. We sure needed it after the past few weeks of frosty weather.

We made the most of the blissful weather with a trip to the park on Saturday morning, Sam's first stroll in the wagon with his big brother and lots of plain ole fun in the backyard. Josh did some yard improvement projects, and I did my best to help. On Sunday, we returned again to the great outdoors after church with swinging, sliding and bubble blowing. The weekend was capped off with dinner off the grill and by the grill. It was a perfect night for relaxing by the outdoor fireplace and star gazing.

Hope you had a blissful weekend too!

P.S. - I added last week to our 365 album.

Where A Kid Can Be A Kid?

If Chuck E. Cheese is indeed where a kid can be a kid, what does that say about this photo below?

Overall, not a bad way to spend your day. Pizza, games and lots of smiles!

click, click

After a one-year hiatus, I'm doing my best to get back on the Project 365 bandwagon. The idea is capturing a photo each day of the year. I've done okay so far. I've had to use my phone a few times since I still don't love hauling my camera around everywhere. Here's how things are going so far.

Despite capturing a photo every day, it has taken me almost three weeks to begin uploading them. So, I won't make any promises about how frequently I'll get around to updating the folder. But, for those of you that care, I will try to let you know when I get caught up so you can take a peek.

My sister has been doing a phenomenal job with her 365. Not only does she take a photo, but she's been giving a short summary or story to accompany each day over on her blog. It's been a pleasure to read since I don't get to catch up with her as much as I'd like to.

Sometimes

Sometimes the best laid plans go a wry. Sometimes we don't get to do things the way we want to do them. Sometimes it's probably a good thing that I don't get my way. Sometimes I wonder how I survived the day in one piece.

In these times, I am reminded that I'm not in control. I was reminded tonight at my weekly bible study* that we must be willing to allow God to use us. The last several weeks of our study on Genesis have been dedicated to Abraham. I grew up singing "Father Abraham." And you probably remember the words too: "...had many sons..." I also can recall hearing the story of Abraham and his wife Sarah conceiving at such an old age. And, there is of course the example and foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice when Abraham is called to and is willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. I know I'm not a biblical scholar, but I guess I would have guessed Abraham could have been covered in one lesson, right? Thankfully, there is so much more to the story. What a joy it has been to study the life of a man who truly walked with God. Sure he strayed from his faith relying on his own a few times, and those were great lessons to learn as well. But, his testimony honors God, and it shows God as faithful and true. It was a bit sad to say goodbye to Abraham this week. We're moving on to his son, Isaac and grandsons, Esau and Jacob. Sometimes you think you know what a book is about, but then you realize there is so much more there. What a blessing!

*a brief plug for the Community Bible Study that I participate in: it is a non-denominational ladies bible study that meets at 7pm on Monday nights in Clarkesville. We are currently studying Genesis and would love to have you join us. Let me know if you need more information.

eleven

Today marked the eleventh month for sweet Sam, which means next month he'll be one! Unbelievable, right? Our little guy is cruising all over the place. When he feels like it, he'll walk around in front of you holding your hands. He still prefers crawling as his mode of transportation and still wants to eat anything and everything. Tonight at dinner I gave him a spoon with mashed potatoes on it. He immediately lifted the spoon to his mouth. When it comes to food, he's a natural!

Here's Sam enjoying his rocking horse. A guaranteed pick-me-up, it always makes him smile!

It's Christmas Again!

I failed to mention in my snow day post that when Jack peered outside Monday morning that he yelled, "It's Christmas again!" What a funny idea to have that snow and Christmas go together...not usually in the South, sweet boy.

By the way, we are on day three of our great snow-in. We've got plenty to eat. We've been able to cook and re-heat...just hoping we won't lose power when all this snow and ice starts to melt. Josh ventured back to the office today. Not sure how many patients he'll actually see, but maybe it's a sign things will be back to normal soon. We're trying to enjoy our unexpected family days at home. We've played lots of Memory, CandyLand, watched a few movies (Toy Story, Despicable Me & Veggie Tales), made a snow man, created snow angels, thrown lots of snow, baked cookies.

I'm a little eager to just get out and drive around a bit, but I won't wish these rare days away. Hope you are enjoying some rare family time too!

Snow Day

There's no day like a snow day, and we were thrilled to welcome one today. Our first snow of 2011 arrived quietly while everyone was sleeping. We went to bed like any old Sunday night, but awoke to a winter wonderland Monday morning. I actually got a sneak peek at about 2:30 when I had to go upstairs to take Jack to the potty. I peered out the window before heading back down the stairs to see the ground completely covered. I couldn't see the driveway, street or anything and it was still coming down. Overall, I'd guess we got somewhere around 7 inches.

It took some convincing and a few layers but we managed to get Jack out in the fluffy stuff, and I even think he had some fun. Josh & I sure did. Before heading inside, we grabbed a bowl full of snow and whipped up some snow cream. Hands down, this was Jack's favorite part of the day.

Even though the heavy snowfall resulted in Josh's office closing for the day, the hospital was still open. So, early this evening he set out for his weekly shift at the ER. Our family snow day has come to an end, but I'm hopeful that he'll be home by lunchtime tomorrow. Who knows...maybe even sooner if they decide to close the office again tomorrow. Sam is already in bed and Jack is not far behind...then, I'll spend the rest of my night watching the last college football of the season.

Snow Day photos to come...right now I've got a game to watch. Hope you enjoyed your snow day too!

Oh What Fun It Is!

I'm behind on my blogging mostly because of the holidays. We've been busy enjoying each other's company and hosting family and friends. Not to mention the time spent trying to get the house back in order and decorations packed away. Here's a few highlights of what we've been up to...

Last minute visits to Santa

Creating candy houses!

"Can I turn the Santa??"

Opening the first gift a couple of days early...Christmas Eve PJs

Showing off our Christmas grin!

Enjoying our treasure from Santa!

A VERY quick romp in the snow...I think he lasted about 3 minutes!

And eating lots of deliciousness...including Josh's prized find: the Tur Duc Hen