Thankful: Day 9

I am thankful for football! Yes, I said it! I am from the south. I enjoy watching football. I grew up watching my mom's favorite team, the Dolphins (NFL), play every Sunday. As I have grown I began to like the Tampa Bay Bucs, after I met my husband I grew to enjoy watching college football more, there is more passion in college. I know it may be a strange thing, but I enjoy the game and the family time. We would always go to my in-laws every Saturday to watch football. Everyone would bring food, we would get nap time and jammies for the kids and spend the day enjoying football and togetherness. Now that my mother-in-law is no longer with us we do not go over, so I try to make our time at home just as special. We enjoy sitting around and watching the game. Even tonight my oldest daughter watched with her princess dress on. I am thankful for entertainment and family time!

Tonight's game

Emma (2 months) and Ray-J (19 months)

My little football player at "Papaw's base" (that is what he called the base where my father-in-law worked)

Emma (13 months)

Cathy Belle (10 months)

Cathy Belle (9 months)

And ROLL TIDE!!!!!

Thankful: Day 8

I am thankful for my mother-in-law! Today would have been her 56th birthday. She is celebrating on streets of gold today, so I know she is much happier than those of us left behind. She was an amazing woman! She touched the lives of so many, as a teacher, co-worker, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was not only my mother-in-law, but a friend. We talked almost every day either face to face or on the phone. She had a great testimony, and she would make sure anyone who met her also knew about God's love and saving grace. I met her just 8 short years ago, and although it was such a short time I still grew to love her. She was the first person I told when I found out I was pregnant with Ray-J. She was so excited to hear she was going to be a grandmother, a Nana. She so enjoyed spoiling her grandbabies. Her strength was amazing to watch as she battled cancer, then Cushing's syndrome, and cancer again. Her faith never faultered. She taught me so much, and I am so thankful for my time with her. Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of her life!

Thankful: Day 7

I am thankful for my dad! He is an amazing dad. I have said before how he just stepped into the role of both mother and father. He carried a weight that no one should have to, but since he did he did it well. I was always a daddy's girl. Now I get the joy of watching my children enjoy him and him enjoy them. There is something special about watching your parents with your children! Thank you God for my dad!

My dad and me

My dad and Ray-J, 2 1/2 months old

Ray-J (21 months) and Emma (4 months)

Cathy Belle (9 months)

Thankful: Day 6

I am thankful for my mom. While my time with her was short, I am still thankful for her unfailing love and the wonderful memories I have of our time together!

At an annual share holders meeting of my family's business.

A picture of us when I was about 5 or 6 months old

Thankful: Day 5

Today I am thankful for my church and my pastor! My church is awesome! I am so thankful for a church that truely feels like family. I am so thankful that God started the local church, where we can find safe place to worship in today's evil world. My pastor is well knowledge and constantly learning. He teaches doctrine and teaches us where and how to learn for ourselves. This church has been a huge blessing to our family, and I am so thankful for their love and kindness! 

Our church

Baptism

Our pastor checking out the new playground

Friend and I at a local pizza place after a special night a church. Everyone went and we enjoyed pizza and fellowship.

The church bought Cathy Belle a pack-n-play for my baby shower

Emmie Jewel playing in the nursery

Cubbies, and no my son is not picking his nose.

Thankful: Day 4

Thankful for my sweet beautiful oldest daughter, my Emma Jewel! She truely is a Jewel. She is independent and yet still my baby. She loves to snuggle, mommy is happy to oblige. She is a little to mommy to her baby dolls, and she tries to be one to her baby sister. She loves her big brother so much, they are almost like twins (the way they act and how emotionally attached they are). She is so smart, she loves to sing and memorizes songs quickly. She brings laughter, joy and beauty to our lives. Thank you God for our precious Jewel!

Not even a day old

Going home from the hospital

1st birthday

Playing in the pool

Almost 3 years old

4th of July, 2013

Trio to Navarre Beach, 2013

3rd birthday

Fish at Bass Pro Shop

Riding the train at the zoo

Snuggling with mommy before bed

Thankful: Day 3

I am thankful for my son! He is an amazing kid. He so smart and eager to learn. He is the best big brother, very protective and helpful to his little sisters. He was a great baby and we were so excited to have a boy first (especially his daddy). He is growing bigger everyday. Thank you God for my precious little man!

4 months

4 years at the zoo

About 5 weeks old with Prince

4 years

Sparklers on the 4th of July

At the park last week