Home sweet home

This past weekend, we made one last trip to Birmingham before Miss Ella's arrival. 

And of course, we partied it up with the old crew! 

just because i think it is fun....here is a picture of the same group circa 1987ish

From what I can tell, white visors were all the rage that year!

While we didn't have an ocean to keep us busy, we managed to have just as much fun eating our body weight in food, having lots of laughs and hanging out til most of the men had fallen asleep! 

Here are a few pictures to give you a glimpse of our fun (Thanks for the pictures Stac!!!) 

 

  (J and Lucy seeing how far they could get in the pond before someone fell....and by someone I mean Lucy)

(me and my dad) 

(the pregnant ladies and our loving husbands!)

 

 

Although we have all gotten older, being together is just as much fun as it was 28 years ago!

Catching up.....Thanksgiving Weekend

Yes it has been a while!  So to round out 2011, how about a quick overview of the major holidays?

First on the list....Thanksgiving.

This year J and I traveled to the land of milk and honey to celebrate Turkey Day.  Yes, you got it...we went to lovely Birmingham.

We spent some time with new friends.  Like this new family member....Bailey.

(Mom working the camera.)

and partied with our old friends!

 (I am telling you...we are real party animals!)

(the fun is just oozing all over the place in this picture!)

As long as everyone had some food the crowd was peaceful.....

but as soon as the fork was empty....

the crowd became a little hostile! 

All in all, we had one GREAT Thanksgiving!

Lifting up

sweet home Alabama.

My thoughts and prayers are with the communities that have been affected by this terrible, terrible storm.

I am thankful for the safety of my family, and pray for those who have experienced the tragic lose of loved ones and the protection of their homes.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD - Isaiah 54:10

The old homeplace

This gorgeous house was built in 1895 by my great grandfather.

25 years later, this photo was taken.

You see that baby sitting on the front porch?

Well, that is my dad!

He was born and raised in this house!

Although 80 years have past since this photo, the house is still standing.

Its not as majestic as it once was!

 But for this little boy, it hasn't changed a bit!

ps - Did I mention I am dying for the current owners to put it on the market :)

The Grinch(es) that ALMOST stole Christmas!

You see that lovely tree?

Yes, the 35-foot tall Norwegian Spruce that is erected every December in the middle of downtown Birmingham, Alabama?

Well, a couple of copper thieves decided to torch it yesterday!

They decided to set the tree on fire with gasoline in order to separate the copper wire from the Christmas lights plastic casing.  It is estimated that the wire stolen was worth less than $20.

The city said they would not replace the tree.

BUT the story doesn't stop there............

In less than 24 hours, the community pulled together and replaced the $7,500 Christmas tree!

The tree was dedicated this morning while local elementary students hung ornaments!

Now, that is what I call the true spirit of Christmas!