Friday Photos... Last year's snow storm!

I have been doing a lot of reminiscing about last year's snow storm. We are expecting winter storm to pass thru overnight and tomorrow, to include ice. This doesn't happen in eastern North Carolina. Normally, we only get a dusting of snow. Last year's storm, that produced 5-6 inches of snow, was a rarity... so to have two consecutive years of winter precipitation is absolutely unheard of!!!Let me tell you, Lilli is well aware that we will be getting snow too. Completely my fault!! I know I changed the television 15 times this morning to the Weather Channel, interupting "Handy Manny". SHAME ON ME!
I'm like a school kid, so excited about the possiblity of the white stuff, but dreading the ice!! How in the world am I going to sleep tonight?? I have a feeling I'll be up, every hour on the hour, nose pressed up against the bedroom window in amazement and delight!

Bundle up this weekend y'all... it's gonna be a cold one! ((HUGS))

Thankful Thursday - BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those

who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

and they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown ~

What are you thankful for today, my friends?

Wordless Wednesday

Hope everyone has a wonderful day... ((HUGS))

Temptation Tuesday - Ain't Too Proud to Beg

"Grandma", Danny's Mom, came over for a visit the other night. She brought Lilli an early Valentine's Day gift, a animated puppy dog. When you push the heart on it's chest it plays "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", by The Temptations... and the puppy's ears flap up and down. Super cute! Lilli loves it, but unfortunately, I have heard the song in my sleep ever since her visit.Thank you Grandma! You always know how to make Lilli feel special and you spoil her sooooooo good!
You know, with this being Temptation Tuesday, I thought it would be fitting to share "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations with you! Have a blessed day y'all! ((HUGS))

God, Our Father

At every meal, before bedtime, and in the morning... we pray. I'm certain that most of you do too. Many times, Lilli even has to remind me about saying our prayers, because in my chaotic life, honestly I forget sometimes.Case in point, yesterday. Following church we went to our favorite Greek restaurant in town, The Olympian. The food is fantastic and with both Danny and I being on a diet, there is a multitude for us to select from... most of it really healthy and organic.
When Danny and I received our salads before the remainder of the food came out, I opened up a pack of crackers the "satisfy" Miss Lilli until her food came out. She looked at us and said, "Close your eyes Mama & Daddy - Lilli pray now." (BTW -When Lilli prays, she "sings"!) She proceeded to clasp her hands, close her eyes super tight and belts out "God Our Father" - sung to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin?"
God, Our Father - God, Our Father
Once again - Once again
We come to you with thankful
Hearts of Thanksiving
Amen - Amen
The restaurant was PACKED & VERY LOUD... but it quickly became super silent. It was FANTASTIC! What a awesome blessing! Everyday is a blessing with my girl! God is so, so good!
Have a fantastic Monday! ((HUGS))

Wordless Wednesday - "Biker Chick"

Have a wonderful Wednesday everybody! ((HUGS))

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!!

We celebrated Nana's birthday on Saturday evening. It was a wonderful night! After my Dad carried my Mom out for a nice, quiet birthday dinner, my parents and Aunt "Boo" came over for a little cake & ice cream.Lilli helped unwrap Nana's presents...... and then we played a game of pass the babydolls. Everyone had a turn holding and feeding Lilli's "lovies". She has so many babies now and has to sleep with ALL OF THEM. Soon there won't be enough room for Lilli to sleep in her own bed. :o)Again, happy birthday Mom... we love you very much!! We hope your day was as beautiful as you are to us!!! We are so blessed to have you in our lives.I hope everyone has a TERRIFIC Tuesday! ((HUGS))

PRAISE REPORT: I am feeling MUCH better today! Praise God!! I haven't had to take any pain meds except for Tylenol and my hand isn't nearly as swollen as yesterday. I can't wait to get this immobilizer/cast thingee off!

Ready or not, here I come.....

No, this post has NOTHING to do with playing "hide-n-seek", although lately we have been playing that frequently in our home. I am heading back to work today after wrist surgery. Not so sure I'm ready...
The morning routine went okay. Thankfully, Danny had the day off to help me with Lilli. It was a little crazy, but we both did fine. Pray I get through my day!! PRAY HARD!
The last few days have been very difficult for me. After having surgery on Friday, I did little to help with Miss Lilli... Danny did it all! God bless my sweet husband!! He is such a good Daddy... so patient!! After the pain meds, I simply had no energy to do so... The pain meds were necessary, I promise! This is one of the most painful experiences of my life. I have had my share of surgeries, but the pain from this one - tops all!!
After sleeping the majority of Friday and all Saturday morning, I attempted to get back to the land of the living on Saturday afternoon. Lilli had a photo shoot late that afternoon, so I had to gather myself... The photo shoot went well and Miss Lilli looked like an angel!! (It's easy to look like an angel, when you are one, right?) I'll share those pictures with y'all within the next few weeks. Later Saturday evening, we celebrated my Mom's birthday with cake & ice cream... (pics to come tomorrow!) Again, Happy 29th Birthday Mom!
Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend... and has a wonderful Monday! Thanks for your prayers and calls. Y'ALL ROCK!! ((HUGS))

p.s.- My best friend and her family gave Lilli "Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom" and "Chicka-Chicka-1,2,3" for Christmas. These books are her absolute favorites! She knows them by heart. Martha, James, Samuel and Lydia... Thank you again for making Lilli's Chirstmas extra special!

Thankful Thursday - FRIENDSHIP!

I have the wonderful fortune of having some very good friends. These are childhood friends, which I still see on a weekly, almost daily basis. Be it Bible study, Supper Club or just a girl’s lunch; somehow, someway… we always find time for each other. You can really count on them to be there for you in a moment’s notice too. They are truly blessings from God!!
One of my dear friends, Scarlett, has been in my life since we were in “Moppets” together (30 years ago) and we have remained close. “Moppets” is a local children’s theatrical group. I am so blessed to have Scarlett nearby!
Lilli & I enjoyed some time on Saturday at the “Jumpin’ Monkey” with Scarlett and her niece Josie. Josie is almost 4 and so, so precious. Lilli loves playing with her and they really make a great duo!! I have a feeling that Josie & Lilli will be lifelong friends, just like me and Scarlett.We’re ready for our next play date Scarlett & Josie! Just let us know when and we are there!!
Today, I am thankful for my friends - past, present, and future… What are you thankful for today?
Happy Thursday everyone! ((HUGS))

Prayer Warrior Request:
Tomorrow, I will FINALLY have surgery on my left wrist to take care of my carpel tunnel syndrome. The left wrist will be done first because it is more severe, followed by the right wrist, once the left has healed. I have had problems with this for over 10 years, but after losing sleep at night due to terrible pain... it's gotta be done!! You can't live on 3 hours of sleep forever, ya know? Please pray for God to guide my doctor's hand during the surgery... because God IS the Great Physician! Also, please pray that my recovery is swift and that I'll be able to return to work on Monday. XOXO

Wordless Wednesday - Daddy's Little Girl

Wishing everyone a WONDERFUL Wednesday!! ((HUGS))

A Tricycle for Miss Priss...

The following are photos & as well as a little bit of video footage from Lilli's first outing on her new tricycle. Just prior to Christmas, if you asked her what she wanted, she’d tell you she wanted two tricycles. Never one, but two! I’m thrilled to say that she was completely satisfied with only getting one. Believe me, I was a little worried. Her trike is so cute too! Purple & pink… exactly what every princess wants & needs! And of course, she also got a Dora the Explorer helmet and elbow pads. Although the helmet is a little big on her, you can't be too "safe" with this accident-prone child!! :o)

Have a wonderful Monday y'all... ((HUGS))

My Favorite Gift...

My Mom is a gifted artist. Although it's just a hobby, she really has LOTS of talent and a great eye. I have been BEGGING her to paint a portrait of Lilli since returning from China. This Christmas, my Mom gave me the best gift EVER... a beautiful painting of Lilli. She used a photo that was taken during an Easter egg hunt at First Presbyterian last year.She used watercolors and the painting is about 16 X 22 in size. I absolutely adore it!! Needless to say, it is hanging prominently in our home. I love my Mom!! Am I blessed or what?! Isn't it BEAUTIFUL???
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. It's so cold outside... so keep bundled up, or just stay indoors & enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate by the fire. ((HUGS))

Thankful Thursday - Christmas Afternoon

We spent Christmas afternoon at Nana and Papa's... Several family members streamed in and out of the house for the better part of the day. Christmas dinner was delicious!! My Mom always outdoes herself! IT WAS A GREAT DAY!!

Lilli with Liesel & Aunt Boo

Silly cousin Liesel and LilliNana loved her homemade apron from LilliLilli and her cousin LaineyPAPA!!!Daddy relaxing!!"Unc" JohnHappy girl...

"Unc" John is so silly!

This Thankful Thursday, I am so very thankful for my family, but most importantly... my parents! My Mom and Dad are so supportive, honest, loving, giving, and always try to remain optimistic. They have endured a lot of pain this past year due to a family member's mental illness, yet they remain somewhat positive. I love my parents dearly!! My whole life, they've only wanted the best for all of their children. Although sometimes I didn't want to hear their opinions, they were always honest with me... and 99.9% right! I couldn't ask for better folks! As I grow older, I am appreciating them more and more. I only dream that I can be half the parent each of them have been for me.

What are you thankful for on this Thankful Thursday? ((HUGS))