Walk through Nativity

When we lived in Atlanta, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was a local church's recreation of Bethlehem.  We participated in "Walk through Bethlehem" several years.  I really missed that tradition when we were at the farm!  So I was thrilled to be able to go to something similar this year.  We walked around the parking lots of a big, local church and enjoyed actors, beautiful backdrops, and live animals recreate the story of the life of Christ.  Afterwards, the church served hot chocolate and cookies.  What a wonderful ministry this church has to organize such a large event for our community!  Joy to the World!

Our Birmingham house all ready for Christmas

The sitting room/library/coffee room was the perfect spot for our tree.  Still hanging on to the "live" tree tradition!

Coffee bar, decked out and ready for friends and family!

A little décor for the banister

The foyer.  I made the "JOY" letters this year.

Dining room

Kitchen

My baby boys, Christmas 2002

Lydie's 2 year old Christmas handprint

Family room

Ready for the countdown...

" O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord." 

Thanksgiving and the Iron Bowl

 

Praying at her class party

Her gratitude list

Celebrating an exciting victory over Alabama in the Iron Bowl!

Yes, it was an amazing win in the last second.

War Eagle!

This year was really strange.  My parents and brother's family took our children to Nashville to stay in the Opryland Hotel for Thanksgiving and a day or two more.  We stayed here while Andy was recovering.  The children enjoyed the trip so much and were enamored with the hotel and all they were able to see and do that week.  Andy and I were so thankful for the help!

While they were gone, I got all of my Christmas shopping done and spent good time with Andy.  I felt so ready for December this year, even with Andy's surgery and recovery, which was such a gift!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to Andy's parent's house for a traditional thanksgiving meal and to watch the Auburn/Alabama game together.  Andys' dad did most of the preparation, as his mom just had surgery, too.  It was more of a football night than a thanksgiving dinner.  We had so much fun!  It was a GREAT night to be an Auburn tiger and a fun day with family!

Another birthday::38

I wanted to try a new French restaurant, which I enjoyed.

The French bakery was a plus!

I am a blessed lady!  I have many hopes and dreams for age 38.  Praying to graciously receive whatever the Lord has for me this year.  I'll have to ponder the year more when life slows down a little...

"The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been."

Madeleine L' Engle

Olympic day

Soccer

Lydie played soccer this fall and loved it.  She was on a co-ed team with varied ages.  For most games, she was the smallest player.  She was a little timid, but that improved a little throughout the season.  She is definitely fast!  Her coach was a very kind man who interacted well with the children.  I think she learned a lot and had fun.  This experience was her first with sports.  A success!

Back surgery #2 for Andy

Much to our dismay, Andy had another herniated disc in his back.  He never felt as well as he should and by the end of the summer he was in a lot of pain all the time.  So just before the Disney trip we found out he would need a second surgery.  We were both extremely anxious and disappointed, knowing what this surgery would require.  It takes over 8 weeks for the body to be fully repaired.  It's a big stress on everyone, especially Andy.  But we had no choice.
I took the week off of work and the kids went to the Aunt and Uncle's for the week.  My Mom was the driver who got them to the places they needed to be.  Surgery was on a Tuesday.  The weekend following, my best friend took the kids to Atlanta for the weekend.  Her house is probably their favorite place to go, so this was so fun for them.
We were so thankful for so much help with the children!  That week involved a lot of rest and therapy/healing for Andy.  I stayed at the hospital with him both nights.  So we came home very tired.  I know it was so discouraging for him to go through all of this again.  But thankfully, it went well.  We are hoping this surgery will allow him to live with little to no pain.  Oh, I pray that will be the case!  We received several meals, which were each SO appreciated and needed! By Monday I had to return to work.  But I came home each day after school at 1:00.  Andy was able to get around well enough to make it alone.  By God's grace, we made it through the month until our break at Thanksgiving!  Praying for healing!!