Isn't She Lovely?

Beauty walk days bring back lots of memories.  Aunt Di always helped Lindsey on those days, and we had so much fun!  Now, Lindsey gets to share the experience with her girls, and I love getting to watch and help just a little. My wish for these events is always for the girls to have a good time and enjoy the day.  I also pray for no tears, no trips, and no falls!!  This year was a great success!

The process begins! They are both so beautiful to begin with so that helps a lot.  And no, I am not prejudice!

Slow and steady!

My heart melts!  Love these girls so much!

Ready to go meet those judges!

Lovely in white!  This was not planned. Maddie went in wanting white. However, Lillian tried on dresses in every color known to man.  I must add that helping these two pick out the perfect dress is a process.  Luckily, I raised their mother, so I am experienced in this adventure. This is not a job for the faint of heart.  Lillian tried on many, many dresses before deciding on this one........It's a process! Maddie is not quite as picky.  She has a few basic requirements, and she's good.  

Beautiful, like their mom! Still hanging out and waiting on things to start.

Hanging with friends makes the time go a little faster.

Finally, time to hit the stage!  All smiles!!

2nd Alternate

Love this angel!

Now, it's time for the big girl!  

Miss Congeniality and 3rd Alternate

Family Time

So proud of these sweet girls.  Regardless of awards and accolades, I would be just as proud.  They are both precious, sweet girls.  

January

It's hard to believe that January is almost over!  Time truly flies...… The big kids have made a couple of trips here, and we will head that way next weekend.  We've been busy with lots of things this month, but have managed to sneak in some fun adventures.  I have to be honest-I think I am just about ready for spring.  A very added bonus this year is the arrival of another grandchild!  We can't wait-so hurry up spring and summer!

This sweet girl asked for a crossbow for Christmas, and Pop was happy to oblige.  On her very first shot at a deer with her new bow, this big boy hit the ground.  Both were super excited! 

These two thoroughly enjoy their time together hunting.

We rushed down to see and take pictures as soon as we got the call.  Sadly, John Sawyer wasn't home, so he missed this one.

And because no family should have just 3 dogs, we added another little one to the bunch.  This little girl came from north Georgia, and has been a doll so far.  To say the other three are unhappy about her would be an understatement.  Beau, Maybelle, and Sweetie Pie are simply not impressed.  We are hoping that she will soon win them over.

John Sawyer is quite impressed with her.  Lindsey asked her dad if he had ever put a sweater on a dog before.  He quickly said no, but this little one has been shivering non stop-so, a sweater it is!

She is a German short-haired pointer, and hopefully will earn her keep by bird hunting. If not, she is a great snuggler!

 How cute is this!!

And this!

We can't wait for the other 3 to meet her.  We think they will love her just as much as John Sawyer does.

This cold weather has kept us inside way too much lately.  We both love being outside. I am also including this picture, because I am working on a post about old things becoming new again. That chest in the back is just one example.  More to come on that...….

And finally, Maddie and Beau were having a high old time chasing each other.  

Catching Up

We are currently waiting on the bad weather to pass through, so I thought I would take that opportunity to catch up a little.  Things have been busy, but quiet here lately.  Getting back in the flow of work has been challenging, but luckily I love my job. The big kids were coming for the weekend, but Pop didn't feel it would be safe to have Maddie and Reed in a deeer stand with 50 mph winds. They will be here next weekend for hunting, picking up beauty walk dresses, ice skating and more.  We can't wait!

Wow!  We are super proud of this Teacher of the Year!  I am a firm believer that there is no greater profession, and I am honored to be the mom of one of the best!  

We've been doing a little farming around here lately.

And every now and then, we head out for a little cruise. Actually, this little one would stay outside all day.  We are looking forward to warmer weather.

Love these guys!

This bunch is blessed to have this beautiful creek and woods on their land.  They spent a day before school started back doing some exploring.  

What a cute little cowboy and sisters!  Can't wait to see them.

Now, we are going to hunker down and pray this storm passes quickly with no damage!

Hunting

Happy New Year!  Everyone has gone home, and things are super quiet here today.  The weather didn't cooperate a lot, but Maddie and Pop did manage to get in several good hunts while they were here - So good that Maddie began naming the deer they saw.  Pop assured her that wasn't a good idea.  The little ones and I managed to find lots of fun things to do here while they were gone. 

Pop spends lots of time getting the fields and stands ready for hunting.

This sweet girl asked for a cross bow for Christmas.  Pop was thrilled!  She has an excellent shot!

Reed doesn't always like to go hunting with them, but has a great time when he does. Pop is hoping that as he gets older, he will enjoy it more.  He would love it, if he didn't have to stay so long.......

He loves to fish!  He and Pop enjoyed an afternoon fishing trip together.

You couldn't pay this cutie to go fishing or hunting.  She loves to make cookies though!

This little one was sick most of their last visit, so they sadly didn't get to spend much time with him. 

 If there is anything sweeter, I don't think I've ever experienced it.

We are looking forward to another great year!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Good intentions-I really had them.  I was going to do multiple posts during this wonderful time of the year.  I was going to share all the little and big things we had going on.........It just didn't happen.  So, I'm just going to skip to the main event, and assure you that we had a wonderful month.

The decorations and tree are down and all boxed up.  The big kids are here for a visit, and sadly the little one is under the weather. All that remains are wonderful memories, and the promise of more to come.  As I have said many, many times, I love everything about Christmas.  I mostly love sharing it with the ones I love the most!

The gang's all here!  We actually celebrated here the Saturday before Christmas.  I have adopted that day, and so far it's working out perfectly.  The big kids stayed a couple of days and played with John Sawyer.

Next year, there will be one more.  Reed is thrilled that the boys will outnumber the girls 3-2!

After breakfast, we opened presents.  Smiles all around!

Maddie asked for and received a crossbow. John Sawyer thinks Reed is the greatest thing since peanut butter!  

Just a few more snapshots of our time together.

And he's off!

Back to the presents!

After opening presents, the kids played and then we enjoyed a great supper together.  It was a full, but wonderful day.

 We took the kids back and spent Christmas Eve with Lindsey and her family, and then traveled back to quickly see Caleb and his family before they left for the Hall's.  Very busy day, but so worth it!

For some reason, I didn't take one single picture Christmas morning at Caleb's.  So, this precious picture of this angel will have to take the place of those pictures!

We made cookies, looked at Christmas lights, attended different events, enjoyed Taylor's cantata, shopped and more.  I am thankful for such a blessed, wonderful time of celebrating the birth of Jesus!
It was a very Merry Christmas!