Saturday, January 31, 2026

January Joys

January weather was not my favorite, especially this year with many cold days, ice storms that closed down our business, and finally some snow (at least there's that).  One of the best things, though, was getting a visit from Lauren and her family.  Ezra was very excited to show Josiah his RC car.
It could, also, go in the water.
Tired ladies!
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After rescheduling many times, Shiloh and I were finally able to make it to cash in a Christmas present and get her ears pierced.
She did a great job!
Then her lunch date of choice.
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We, also, got to do a belated mini Christmas celebration with the Prentisses!
All the cousins back together again!
We sang to Jesus and enjoyed a special treat.
Josiah handed out his adorable gifts that he assisted his parents in making.
Each of the cousins got a lego picture of themselves with Josiah, and then put them together.
It was truly the sweetest thing and such a special gift!
I had looked up a couple of silly games for us all to enjoy (after Josiah was in bed, so the most challenging part was not being to loud).
This looked way easier than it was!
Unfortunately Shiloh was not feeling well enough to join us.  She seemed to sleep much of the month.
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Ezra added to his gift from Josiah and put a frame around it, as well as lego pieces to represent them (so precious).
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Winter Jam was this month, and I took Zoe and her friend for their first one!
We all had a great time and they got matching t-shirts.
What a privilege to get to worship our Savior together (we missed our Shiloh being there as well).
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While there wasn't as much activity this month, there were lots of selfies on my phone...some I found.
While not my favorite month, as we nativatged through sickness (especially with underlying issues with Shiloh), thankful for the good times that were had along the way!

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

December Extras

December is always such a full month and this year was without exception!  After the first packed weekend, getting to see Saluda Shoals Lights, (and the best days of Christmas Eve and Christmas), there was still some celebrations and traditions thrown in.  I went to our annual church women's Christmas party where my mom and Danielle joined us!
As well as the amazing Lauren!
We played a silly party game around our table and had some special times of worship!
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Annual check-up for the kids, which we would later find out after getting their blood results back that it was very needed.
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Shiloh had a sleepover with some friends where they decorated cookies.
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We had a great time celebrating our friend's 40's birthday!
Chris is such a great guy!
Someone in the group had surprised the birthday boy and we all had Chris face cutouts!
While eating at a hibachi restaurant, Lauren will give a good side eye if you don't order hibachi.
We enjoyed a very smokey fun hibachi dinner.
Such a beautiful night we didn't want it to end!
Group Chris photo!

Lots of laughter!
And sillyness.
Did Beach enjoy a comfy nightly couch nap as usual, but this time in disguise?
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We enjoy having theme days at the cafe, including Christmas sweater day!
Peep photo bomber in the back.
Another day was PJ day and Beach represented in his onesie.
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Small group Christmas themed.  The oldest kids were the tiredest.
The adults enjoyed some silly games together.
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Selfies round up found on my phone this month...
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The big day arrived for Ezra, as he had been anticipating getting braces for some time.
And accomplished, we now have two in braces!
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On a beautiful Saturday, the boys and I tried our first go of Pickleball.
We had a good time, although we were just hitting it around.
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New Years Eve was very low key; the boys and I played a board game.
And then attempted to watch the ball drop.  Zoe was at a friend's house,
and Shiloh was not feeling well but did join us for the toast.
Sparkling grape juice tradition.
And the end of another year full of ups and downs, challenges and joys, and always fighting to find the gratitude.  Thank you, Lord!