Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone.  We hope that you have a holiday season filled with blessings and time with family.  As we try to tell Frank IV, it is not about the presents (presents are a fun part) but about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In the hustle and bustle of Christmas I hope you have time to reflect and remember the true reason for the season.

As I look back over the year of 2010, it has been filled with challenges, laughter and tears.  I could not have made it through the year without the knowledge that God was with me every step of the way, despite me asking "why me?"  I do not know the road that lies ahead but I look forward to the challenge knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  For that I am truly thankful and blessed.

Luke Chapter 2:  "1 In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world. 2 It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be listed. 4 So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. 5 He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby. 6 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.

8 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, 14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!" 15 The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. 20 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told."

Thank you Veterans & Active Duty Servicemen and Women

Dear Lord:  Thank you for all of our veterans and currently servicing military troops that support and defend our country.  Please be with them as they serve and bless those families who lost loved ones in defense of our country.  Help those who have returned injured to heal and be with all military families on this Veteran's Day 2010.  Amen.

Fall Festival 2010 - Frank & Friends October 29, 2010

Soccer Fall 2010 - Go Owls!!

Christmas is coming soon

You can find our lists on Amazon.com.  Check for updates. 

We are looking forward to spending time with friends and family over the holidays.

Braves Game

Frank and I had lots of fun at the Braves game Saturday night.  He surprised me with seats behind home plate.  We got to see everything up close!  We ate supper in the 755 Club overlooking the ball park.  All of the people were very nice and helpful.  We had an enjoyable time. 

Gamecocks Win

We are National Champions in Baseball for 2010!  Awesome victory in the 11th inning.  Way to go Gamecocks.  I had no idea the season would end up this way way back in the beginning with losses to ECU and Clemson.  This team fought back from adversity and being down so many times to finally win the CWS.  Way to go Gamecocks!! 

Go Gamecocks

I am hoping the Gamecocks continue their winning ways and win the baseball national championship tonight.  I would have loved to be in Omaha to cheer in person for the team and to enjoy some yummy steaks!  Let's go Gamecocks!!

Trip to Zoo June 3 2010

Frank and Daddy

Frank and MommyFrank around Zoo

We took an evening trip to the zoo on June 3, 2010.  It was fun to be there with hardly anyone else there.  This time we got to see all of the outside animals, although the lions and tiger were sleeping.  We did see the new baby giraffe.  Frank loved seeing the animals.We also had dinner and saw some friends from around town I went to law school with and worked with.

Happy Memorial Day 2010

Thank you to all the men and women who have given their lives to protect the USA.  God bless you. 

More May Day Pictures - May 1, 2010

Frank is first runner up!  He is a real cutie!

Frank escort Jessica during the introduction of the May Day Court

Frank's class performs Mr Sun with Ms. Sultan and Ms. Grimes

Kelsey, Josh, Frank and Kori

Frank helps wrap the May Day pole with the May Day Court

Frank & Mommy

Why Frank IV loves his Mother

Happy Mother's Day 2010. 

Frank said he loved his mother at church in children's church because she made him cereal!  I did make him some cereal before church that day.  He certainly made the children's church volunteers laugh.

Patience Please

Last night at church I really needed some patience.  Even with trying really hard to work with Frank IV I ended up grabbing him and leaving early.  Then he cried all the way home because he wanted to go back to church.  Argh!   He would not be quiet during the service even with 4 different types of toys to play with.  I took him out and talked with him.  He promised to listen and be quiet.  Did not work!  So then I said we are leaving and we did.  No yelling by me just firm words then action.  We then went home and took and bath and he went to bed at about 9pm. 

Make Today A Good Day! (Point of Grace "How You Live")

So we all have bad days, good days, in between days.  I usually had in between days although I had some bad days in April.  I am trying to make a concerted effort to have Good Days!  No more in between days - every day needs to be a good day.  It starts with prayer in the morning, then constant prayer after that.  I am trying very hard to place all of my "burdens/cares" on God because I do not have to worry when God "has my back."

"Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open. Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken.  Wear your red dress, use your good dishes.  Make a big mess and make lots of wishes.  And have what you want, but want what you have
and don't spend your life looking back. 

Turn up the music, turn it up loud.  Take a few chances and let it all out 'cause you won't regret it.  Looking back from where you have been 'cause it's not who you knew and it's not what you did.

It's how you live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet and go see your folks more than just on the holidays.  Kiss all your children, dance with your wife.  Tell your husband you love him every night.  Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no.  Face it and you'll be okay

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been now is the time to begin.  So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving even when you don't think that you can 'cause all that you do is bound to come back to you.  So think of your fellow man
and make peace with God, and make peace with yourself 'Cause in the end, there's nobody else."

May Day 2010

Frank was part of Brookland Academy's May Day celebration on May 1. 2010.  He was the first runner up in the May Day King competition and his class performed "Mr. Sun."  All of the children did an outstanding job. 

Frank is May Day 1st Runner Up (Again)

Congratulations to Frank IV who came in as the first runner up again at the Brookland Academy May Day celebration.  Frank raised the second highest amount for the fundraiser.  The money goes to help fund PTO activities like teacher appreciation week, fall festival and other activities and needed items for the Academy. 

Thank you to everyone who sent in money to help with this fundraiser!  We are looking forward to seeing Frank perform Saturday with his class and to get his recognition as first runner up.   

Current Fav Song

Kutless - "What Faith Can Do"

Everybody falls sometimes, Gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning, Anyone can feel the ache

You think it’s more than you can take, But you are stronger, stronger than you know

Don’t you give up now, the sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds, To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end, Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard, Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death, when they decide to take that step

Out on the water, It’ll be alright

Life is so much more, Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way, If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end, Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds, You don't have a chance

(That’s what faith can do)

When the world says you can’t, It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end, Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes - You will have the strength to rise

Happy Day After Opening Day!

The Braves Win!  Atlanta won its opening day game against the Cubs in high scoring fashion. 

Duke Wins!  The one year I do not pick Duke to go all the way - they do!  I just wish the game would start earlier. 

Frank IV pics

Frank & Granddaddy with GeoTrax April 4,2010

Nana and Frank Dec. 20, 2010 (Laurens)

Jordan, Frank, & Hunter Thanksgiving 2009.  Frank Nov 2009

Our Store

Pictures of the store from April 3, 2010.

As you can see, we have lots of options for really cute personalized items.

Happy Easter!

Frank at the Grace Egg Hunt on April 3, 2010.  Family after Easter service April 4, 2010.

Thoughts on My Birthday

As I turn 36 and look back over the last year I am thankful for what God has provided.  We sold our house (finally), celebrated our 4th wedding annivarsary, celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and friends, Frank IV turned three years old and we moved the business.  It was a busy year - it went by very quickly!  I look forward to even more wonderful things during the next year. 

Sometimes it is hard when I get caught up in the every day same old - same old to remember the blessings that I do have.  It is easier to focus on the little bad things instead of the good things.  I am blessed with , a wonderful family, a great church (even if it is far away from our home right now), friends I can count on, a job and a being an American.  I can celebrate my faith freely and take a moment to smile when Frank tried to pick every single yellow dandelion "flower" for Mommy.  And I mean he wants to pick every single one. 

I can hardly remember life before Frank IV and all the changes he has brought.  Having a little one definitely helps bring you back to simple things and trying to find time to play.  Life is definately a bit crazy sometimes and I could do without the tantrums...but every day I get to spend with "my Franks" is a good day.  Now if we could get the poop in the potty instead of the pull up or briefs, even the tantrums might not be so bad.  LOL. 

Dear Lord:

Thank you for all the blessings you provide to me.  Please help me to slow down, enjoy them and take time to pass on your love to those around me. Grant me patience and the knowledge that comes from your still soft voice.  Help me to be more like Jesus and less like me.   Amen. 

Grace Softball Team Wins First Game 3.17.10

The Cahoons were the EH "extra hitters" for the Grace Softball team last night.  Lets just say Blakely has an on base perctage of 100.  I got on base both times - without swinging the bat.  Frank walked both times so I got to walk behind him.  I did not score since it was with two outs and the next batter got out but I did make to first base and I was ready to run.  Thankfully I did not to have to run since I am out of shape :).  We had a fun although cold time. 

Bible Study Verse for the week

"Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirty."  John 6:35 NIV

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of thr world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  John 8:12 NIV

Brookland Academy PJ Party October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween Pictures - Trunk or Treat at Grace UMC Oct. 25, 2009