Disney Magic

We just got back from Disney!  I guess it's time to get back to the real world!  We had a wonderful time as usual.  My sister, Peyton and Paxton also went with us!  We can't believe how well the kids did traveling.  I guess we must have watched The Smurfs at least 10 times while we were on the road.  It seemed like that many times anyway. 

Pure Sweetness!

The Safari Ride at Animal Kingdom

Waiting for the parade at Hollywood Studios

Ethan with his new shirt!

McKinley and Ethan were able to ride all the rides several times. Ethan even rode the Tower of Terror without tears this year!  Way to go E!  They rode Splash Mountain for the first time ever!  Every year when we go during this time of year it is always closed, but this year it was open.  They loved it!  Peyton was tall enough to ride Soarin' , Dinosaur and Test Track so she was excited about that!  She thinks she's a big girl now!

I even faced one of my fears on this trip!  I had never rode the Rollin' Roll Roller Coaster.  It was great!  I rode it twice.  I have tried to ride everything because I don't want the kids to be scared to try all the rides.  I guess it's just the fear of the unknown.

Of course Peyton and Paxton got to see a lot of the characters!  McKinley was a big girl and helped out a lot with little Pax!  He is so darn cute!  We have just loved up on him all weekend!  They grow up so fast!  The magic of Disney is in the eyes of children!  Even though the adults are absolutely exhausted!

We were able to spend a day in each park:  Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot! 

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Now it's back to the real world tomorrow! 
Happy Monday!

Our Family Photos

As a Christmas present one of the parents in my class took my family's photos.  She did a great job.  She got some really good shots of the kids and we enjoyed this time together.  This was a great gift and we will cherish these photographs forever.  Lisa has a great gift and I wish her the best as she continues to pursue her photography business!
Here are a few of the best ones!

Happy Birthday Peyton!

We celebrated my niece, Peyton's, birthday this past week!  We took the kids and a few of Peyton's friends to Build-a-Bear and then to Mellow Mushroom for lunch!  Peyton was so excited about building a Smurf and her little brother, Paxton, had fun too building a chipmunk!  Even though McKinley and Ethan are older they still love to build bears at this place.  I don't think you ever get too old for stuffed animals.  We had delicious cupcakes from Southern Cupcakes ( a new cupcake business started by a coworker's wife).  They were yummy!  Paxton liked them so much that he had two!



Look at that sweet face!!!



We all had a great time!  Happy 4th Birthday Peyton!!!!!

A New Beginning/Christmas in Review

It is hard to believe that it has almost been a year since I started this blogging journey.  Our family had a wonderful Christmas and took time to remember the "REAL" reason for the season!  A few years ago Curtis and I told the kids that they could ask for only three things from Santa.  We told them that if it was good enough for Jesus, it was more than enough for them.  They stuck to it this year and were very happy with all that Santa brought them.  Curtis and I just gave each other small gifts.  There wasn't a thing that we needed.  We are just so blessed to have each other and two healthy children!  God has blessed us in so many ways it is hard to find the words to thank him sometimes!

McKinley and Ethan with their new scooters!

Ethan loves his new beyblades!

New boots!!

Justin Beiber perfume!  Just what I wanted!!! Thanks
Grandma and Granddaddy!!!

I guess you can tell Ethan was pretty excited about his one!
Thanks, Mimi and Papa!!!!!

The kids with their stockings!!!





In 2012, I am going to strive to be a better wife, mother, youth teacher, friend, co-worker, and first and foremost CHRISTIAN!  I am going to try to find more opportunities to share CHRIST with others.  We are living in the last days!  Our pastor shared with us today that we as Christians  should weep over the fact that there are lost people out there that need the Lord.  I was reading a blog just recently that touched me so much!  It went something like this: "So why is it that we would not dare allow a house to burn with people inside without trying to help them, but we don't have an urgency to share with our co-workers, friends, and family of the wrath to come and the fires of the wrath of hell!"  Wow, if  that doesn't make you think about your purpose, I don't know what will.  I have so many friends and family members that are dealing with hard times.  I just pray that God will give me words of encouragement to share with these loved ones.  Words that will bring them closer to him so that they can embrace HIM during their hard times! 

As you listen to this song, think of someone that may be asking themselves this question!

I hope that each and everyone of you had a great Christmas and that you have a blessed NEW YEAR!  Now is the time for a NEW beginning!  What will you do with YOU this year?????