Joyful January

Sorry it has been a while since posting. Honestly, there hasn't been a lot to post. Back in December a friend of mine told me about a "month of no." In other words, other than family time, church, and school you say no to doing anything else. Even though we didn't intentionally follow this plan, we sort of naturally fell into the groove of just saying no. Last year was one of the toughest, busiest years of our lives. I think deep down we just needed a break....to focus on living better...loving better. I can honestly say that this month hasn't been filled with a lot of activity, but it has been filled with plenty of laughter, silliness, hugs, and lots of love. I am very thankful for my family. At times the road wasn't always easy, but it has taught me to fight harder, to love deeper, and be grateful in ways I had never even come close to before! To say the least....it's been a joyful beginning to 2012!

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Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

A Season of PARTIES...

With just moving into our house right before Christmas last year, we didn't get too in to the whole celebrating mode.  This year, however, was a different story!  I think we may have gone a little above and beyond seeing as it is December 26th and I am WORN out!!!  Parties, parties, and more parties is what took place in our home during the month of December.  While it did take a lot of work, I am very thankful that God has given us with a home to host and such wonderful friends and family!  It was a busy and blessed season for sure!!!

The Watson Family Party

 The men found their own table!

 Cousins ~ Alex, Josh, and Axel!

 The talented cousin Amy

 Aunt Brittany and Grandaddy

 Sweet Nanny

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A Hat Party for Tracey

 My dear friend Tracey has been fighting and conquering a battle with colon cancer!  While we are THRILLED the surgery to remove it was a success, she is still undergoing chemotherapy to continue to fight the lingering cancer cells.  Please be praying for her and her family during this "not fun" season.  In order to help equip her with just a little more armor to fight this battle....I decided to throw her a hat party!  So many sweet friends came out and showered her with love and hats!  Hair loss ain't got nothin' on this girl!  Her joy is contagious!

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Baker's School Party

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Bible Study Party

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The Stewart Family Party

 The cousins and their loved ones! (Elizabeth we missed you!!!)

 Nancy, Mom, and Dad  (Karen, Mike, and Bryan you were definitely missed!)

 Too much partying!!!

***There was also a Community Group Party hosted at our home too but I do not have the pictures yet (Derek Kramer!!! =)!  Soon to be posted!

Our Little Turkey

Baker had a precious Thanksgiving play at school.  And this is how he performed.  While the other sweet children where singing and dancing, Baker stood like this.....

 or this.....

He is DEFINITELY our little turkey!!!

Rock and Roll Mickey

We took the boys to Toys R Us to find some toys that they want for Christmas. I'm pretty sure Caleb found one he liked!!!!

Oh how he makes my heart happy!!!!

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Family Pics

These weren't even half of them....so hard to pick all my favorites!!!

Runs With A Van

The Tennessee Ragnar Relay is a 12 man relay race from Chattanooga to Nashville....196 miles total.  This year we put together a co-ed team to tackle this adventure.  We had so much fun accomplishing this together!!!

 crossing the finish line.....

 WE DID IT!!!!!

To read more about my journey, click here:

http://abeatinheart.blogspot.com/2011/11/journey-of-196-miles.html