Of Cold + Christmas

EEK!  It occurred to me that maybe I hadn't blogged in a while, so I went and checked.  Uh ... October.  Hmmm ... maybe an update is due? ;) 

November was mainly spent working, on my part.  My boss graciously gave me 3 weeks off in October to do some traveling, and when my trip needed to be extended, he gave me off the first week in November as well!  So kind!  I was able to attend a retreat where I learned so much and grew personally and in my business.  Afterwards, I spent a week in Pigeon Forge, TN, and then several days in South Georgia as well.  So many happy memories, and lots of sightseeing :)
Once I came back home, I voted ;) ... and then jumped into the work grind.  I normally only work three days a week, but I started working five to make up for all of my vacation time. 

  December was a busy month, as usual, but we were able to make some fabulous memories and adventures as well!   We took a trip to DE and PA, where we spent the week before Christmas with Mom and Dad's family.   Between all the sightseeing, visiting, sharing music, and consuming of dessert *no shame*, the week went by quickly.  Christmas Day found us HOME.  That may not be a big deal to some people, but because we are almost always up north or traveling on Christmas day, being home together was a breath of fresh air.   We had a sweet time of enjoying pancakes for breakfast (a rare treat!) watching the littles re-enact the Christmas story, exchanging gifts, and going over to the neighbors for a hymn-sing and indoor volleyball in the evening.  

This past week leading up to New Years has been spent recuperating from the winter business, and prioritizing around the home.   It's so easy to become lax in our everyday home-life, but we want to be purposeful this year in how we live life, how we treat each other, and what the atmosphere of our home brings to its guests! 

Other winter news ...
We enjoyed lots of cookie baking (and eating), and some caroling!
Joshua, Elise, Lydia, Sophia and I were also blessed to join the Franklin County Community Choir this past season.  We meet every Thursday night for practice and then gave two concerts in early December.  It was so much fun, and we are excited to begin Spring practice this Thursday.
We were able to perform music several times throughout December, both as a family, and we girls.  While I don't have a video from each place, I have uploaded several to youtube this past week, and you can view them on my page:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XH8pknVg-yAdeEKnDyR6g

Sophia and I are also starting to work on more duets together, so hopefully you will see more videos coming before too long! :) 

Sorry to be so absent, lately!  I will try to step up the game and keep on top of blogging more frequently! :) 

Bradenton River Walk

Our family has always enjoyed walking, running, etc.
True, we have our times when we all sit on the couch and tell stories, and laugh, and joke, and carry on like there's no tomorrow;  but, those of you who have been readers of our blog for a little while, have probably noticed that our posts were oftentimes about moving.  Going somewhere, doing something, out and about ;) 

One of our favorites is slipping on our shoes and simply going for a walk someplace with pretty scenery.  Our house is surrounded by woods, and we get to explore those whenever we wish, so I appreciate walks through open areas, in particular.   Bradenton's River Walk is located in Manatee County, FL - and this beautiful spot along the wharf is known for it's Manatee's!  It's so neat to see different species of birds, fish and mammals that we don't get to enjoy up here in Virginia! :)

Looking at the fish ... 

... and keeping an eye on the nearby heron.

OH. OH. OH.  Sorry ... but I just LOVE those teal colors! 

I don't think Lydia wanted to be in the picture ;) 

I love her spunky personality! :) 

... FISH STORIES ...

My parents are so cute ;) 

Nathan decided to jump and grab the tree branch.  I missed it the first time, but he kindly agreed to do it again for the sake of the camera :) 

He is growing up SO fast!  Already taller than me :( 

These goof-balls brought a smile to my face! :D 

These train tracks are no longer used, but the setting of the wood against the water still makes them gorgeous as ever.  We had fun climbing on them (well, they climbed, and I took pictures ;) ) and finding out just how good our sense of balance really was ....  ;) 

Towards the end of the evening, it started raining us out ... 

Lydia wanted to take a picture of Elise without being noticed ... but of course, I wanted to take a picture of the picture, and she kept trying to distract me.  This is as good as I could get XD 

And what's an outing without some humor and laughter?! 

We are so blessed to have special family times together.  Often, I take for granted the fact that I live in God-honoring, loving home ... that is, until I get out in the world and see all the hurting hearts and miserable people.   

Thank You, Lord! 

Welcome!

Welcome to our new "space!"
We filled up our old blog and rather than continue to make annual payments on something we couldn't use, we relinquished our rights to the old domain, made the leap ...

... and created a new blog!  

Thanks for checking our little corner out! :)