THANKSGIVING DAY

My angels!!

Aunt Ann looking at the toy sales papers with Ella Grace and Emma. They were sitting on the kitchen floor.

All bundled up to go outside, but had to take a pic with cousin Jay first.

Ready to go riding with Mommy

Ok, now for the actual picture.

I mean, does it get cuter than this?

Kate and Chuck with Micah, Rae, and David

Me and sweet Rae, my cousin Kate's little girl. (Also, just realized I didn't crop my Uncle Scott's face out of this cute pic. I'm not sure what he was doing.)

Also notice the Phase 10 cards in front of me...here's the score Me: winner for two Thanksgivings in a row Family: gracious losers

GiGi playing with Rae and Ella Grace in the family room at Grandma and Grandaddy's.

Ok, so I'm sure some of you are going to be looking at these scenery pics and think, "Why is she taking these and posting them?" Well, glad you asked. I have only ever had one set of Grandparents to visit on Holidays. I grew up going to Pebble City, a little community inbetween Moultrie and Camilla. My Grandparents worked so hard all their lives to provide for their children and now grandchildren and great grandchildren. The land that once seemed so country and way too quiet now is so beautiful to me because of the history and memories it has attached to it. It was a beautiful day.

I was holding Ella Grace's hand as a security measure. You see Chris and I inherited a lead foot from our Daddy. Apparently Chris' is not limited to a car. I thought it made a sweet pic.

Daddy and his girls

Heather was the official "unhook and rehook the gates on the farm" girl.

Happy Ella Grace

I took this pic as Chris was driving so that's the excuse for why my hair was flying all over the place. Ahh the memory.

The bulls were more friendly than the cows. They almost came right up to Chris and Ella Grace. Let's just say it was close enough that Mommy was a little nervous.

It was cold on Thanksgiving day which is why Chris covered up his bald head. Not real sure why he was wearing shorts though.

Mommy and Emma stealing sweet sugar while waiting on Daddy and Ella Grace as they were looking at the bulls.

Ella Grace asking her Daddy a question. Look at her hand out and that face.

The calf was not liking the attention, but she really was so cute.

I'm sure Emma was saying something funny to get a big grin out of my brother like that.

Look at those sweet grins. Cherish that Daddy/Daughter time!!

Emma on the back of the golf cart. I like the way the sun and wind were catching her hair.

My hand and Emma's little hand.

I love my Aunt Clair. She got onto me at Christmas for not keeping my blog up to date so this little picture post and love are dedicated just for her!

HAPPY MEDIUM

This is a break in the speed posting to talk about my (big surprise) feelings. I've been on a little emotional through the Holidays. There are so many memories that are deeply attached to my Dad with the Holidays. Please don't misunderstand, I love my family. They are precious to me and I am thankful for every minute I got to spend with them. I just miss my Dad. No one can take his place. I know time heals, but I just wish for a happy medium. (This post is seeming rather similar to my roller coaster post) There have been so many precious babies born in the past few months and I see the blessings they bring. Then in the same swoop I see another young lady losing her Dad unexpectedly 4 months before her wedding. I know you can't stop life and death. It is what it is. I think I just wish I could have normal emotions again. I wish for someone to love and someone to love me back. I wish I could be more like Paul and say, "Whatsoever state I am, therein to be content."

WELCOME TO THE WORLD...

MONDAY NOVEMBER 23RD I'm a proud "Aunt" again. My friends Chris and Jessica were blessed with Maelee Kate Baltrus today. (And yes, I always try to color coordinate my clothes to the sex of the baby.)

so tiny... 6lbs 6oz 19inches long

SATURDAY NOV, 28TH After a lot of waiting, I was super happy to see my best friend out of pain and see her precious bundle of joy, Karsyn Grace Strickland.

Addie is getting so big! Them being in Macon is just not working for this "Aunt".

Libby showing Addie Baby Karsyn in the window.

7lbs 3oz 20inches long

Proud "Pap" Mr. Scott Nichols

Proud "Nana" Mrs. Angie Nichols

Brooke's Grandparents, Jan and Roy DeVane

Look at those lips!

Mama checking her out.

Robbie came out to tell the very full waiting room that Karsyn made her grand entrance.

MERRY MARKETPLACE 2009

OK, SO THIS POST MIGHT TAKE A WHILE! Merry Marketplace is an annual Christmas Show that the Valdosta Junior Service League has been putting on for 36 years. (It used to be called the Arts and Crafts show) It is by far our biggest money maker. We use the money to help out several local charities. One year ago, I was asked to be the Registration Co-Chair. The job would be a full placement(We have to do 60 hours of service each year.) and is a 3 year committment. I thought about it and was excited to take on the task. I can still say that I am happy I did although I now understand the full grueling commitment the position holds. I, along with my wonderful chair, Jenny, spent the past year getting vendors for the show. We ended up with about half and half of retailers to artist/craft vendors. We spent a lot of time going to different shows and stores and talking up our show. We begged, pleaded, bargained, and purchased items all in the name of scoring some great vendors. In the end, we were all pleased with how the show turned out. (Side note: I now know what it would be like to plan a wedding or a big party...no matter how hard you work or what preparations you make, something will always happen at the last minute, good or bad, that will alter your plans.) We raised a lot of money for charity and in the end...that is all that matters! At the League meeting on the Tuesday before MM, we did a little rap to help get the members in the spirit. The pink bandanas were in honor of one of our causes this year, the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer fund. One of our members, Dr. Nikki Yarbrough, was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. She has been a great pillar of strength and positivity through it all.

Jenny and I on Registration day! It was a very nerve wracking, LONG day. We had to get all the vendors checked in, make sure they were paid up, and accommodate them in any other way we could. This picture was very early in the am! We basically lived at the Conference Center from Wed-Sun. I am so thankful for all the ways Jenny helped me and prepared me to take her job next year. I am thankful that we were able to become better friends through all this as well. I am thankful that her husband put up with me being at their house at least once a week discussing MM. Lastly, I'm thankful for her two sweet daughters who captured a little piece of my heart.

During the Preview Party on Friday night of MM, we had a silent auction for 8 Christmas trees. My class volunteered to decorate one and we came up with "White Christmas." This was our version of it. I shopped and hunted deals in order to save some cash. I'm not sure how many people have in one swoop bought absolutely everything that they need to decorate a beautiful Christmas tree, but it's expensive!!! In the end, the Steel's family from Steel's Jewelry graciously bought our tree for $500 and gave it to a charity organization in town.

Our beautiful presents that decorated the bottom of the tree.

There was a wonderful buffet set up in front of the trees for the Preview Party.

Amanda and Dan Tillman

Me and Amanda. Her brother in the background...loving that he got his mug in our pic!

Curry, me, Karla, and Holle hanging out at the Preview Party

Melanie being silly

I love my friends!!

On Saturday morning of MM, we have a character breakfast. Yummy food and about 30 characters to keep the children entertained. Ofcourse, Santa is on hand to take pics as well.

being funny

At the end of a very long day, Jenny tried on an adult bib and that's all I'm gonna say about that!

ok, so this starts the pictures of vendors' booths and items. I'm not going to stop and put the descriptions under each one, but at least this way you get the general idea of some of the items we had for sale. ofcourse I just realized that I ended up not taking a lot of pictures as I had intended to do. We had over 120 booths. Maybe next year I will go around and take pictures on the first day so I won't be so exhausted by the end and forget to do it!

Another side note: it seems so sad that this little blog post is all I have to show for the months of work that was put into the show! Oh well, it will be good to see us able to help so many with the money we raised as well as keeping a tradition in Valdosta going!