Saying Goodbye to Uncle Ard

Uncle Ard came to visit!  The kids enjoyed having their uncle here and was sad to see him go today.  I was sad to see him go because he was a huge help while mom is here.  I came home from the grocery store one afternoon and there he was folding my laundry.  What a brother!  

Bernard, thanks for all your help and it was great seeing you.  The kids are already missing you.  Keenan sat at dinner saying "Ar".  Enjoy your new toy!  :)  I want a ride when I come to visit.  Thanks again!

Christmas Joy

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Bailey enjoyed setting out cookies for Santa.  She thought he would be hungry after all his travels and even said that he probably would need a nap.  That's my girl....she loves her sleep like her momma!  So Santa came and left part of his cookie, which Keenan enjoyed the next morning.  I look over and he is munching on the cookie.  He is all about eating.  He is always going in the pantry and saying "Nack" (snack).  So back to Christmas morning.....  Keenan did not really know what was going on.  He was a little overwhelmed with Bailey's excitement.  Bailey was really excited to see the gifts under the tree.  It was really cute.

The kids enjoyed time in the backyard with their cousins.  And I looked like the paparazzi.  I won't overload you with all the pictures but I will have to say I got some cute ones!

A little update on my mom...she is doing great and making progress each day.  I know I will always remember this Christmas.  Even under the circumstances, it was very special.

Happy New Year to everyone.  May you have a wonderful 2009.

God Provides

When the waters get rough, God provides.  Actually, God provides all the time but I had this picture that I wanted to use. :)  God has definitely provided for me and my family.  My mom had hip replacement surgery today.  It has been a long road for her so she was more than ready this morning.  Her surgery went great with no complications.  She was well taken care of and very much loved on today.  

So many family and friends prayed for us today.  I am so grateful.  My sweet in-laws are taking care of the kids so I can be with my mom.  My hubby was working at the hospital today so he was able to check on mom and give me updates.  Those who know me well, know I can get pasty real easy when it comes to medical stuff.  So the update "She is doing great and the doctor just cut." was just on the edge of too much info.  But I was so thankful to know her progress while she was in surgery.

It was great to come home to messages of "Just checking in to see how your mom did."  It was so comforting after a long day.  And a home cooked meal was waiting on the front porch.  What a sweet friend who knew that would be such a blessing.

So while the waters are rough, I am already seeing God's hand at work.  He is teaching me so much through all of this.  We have some days ahead but I know we will get through it. 

It's beginning to look like Christmas around our house.  The kids are having fun with all the festivities at school, and the excitement that Christmas brings.  Mom gave Bailey a wooden nativity set when she was 18 months old.  The rule was that she could play with it on the fire place and it would stay there.  So she was always careful with it and knew it was special.  

So this year has been a little different with little guy around the house.  He is a busy little boy and he has different ideas about where the nativity set should be.  So this is what I found the other day.  Charlie Brown and Lucy in the manger.  I think he had a little help from Big Sis.

Bailey had fun putting ornaments on the tree.  It took a little while for Keenan to understand that they stay on the tree.  I wish I had set up my movie camera.  

While Bailey and I decorated the tree, Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wise men got a ride in the firetruck.

These are such fun and sweet days.

Maui Memories

Here are the first pics from our trip.  Some of the highlights were snorkeling, helicopter ride, sugar cane train, luau, beach, pool, great weather, pineapple everyday and Tarheel basketball.  And speaking of pineapple, I really think Scott ate a whole pineapple everyday.  It became a joke about how much pineapple we were eating.  You can't beat great pineapple for 99 cents!

The kids did GREAT on the plane.  All that worrying I did for nothing!  Bailey loved the plane which was totally different from this past summer.  And they adjusted to the time difference with no problems.  

So I have mentioned that I do not enjoy taking scenery pictures.  So most of these pics are of us having fun.  Maybe I will post a few scenery pics in a few days because we did see God's beautiful hand work.

We stayed in a hotel the first 2 nights.  The kids loved playing on the lawn.  Scott and Bailey enjoyed time at the pool the first day (Keenan and I were taking naps).  However, Bailey was so tired that she fell asleep standing up.  She is just like her momma when it comes to sleep!

We enjoyed having open air breakfast.  It was always a fun time with Maw Maw and Paw Paw.  Maw Maw always had something fun to do in her purse.  We enjoyed relaxing and being together,

I had my first snorkel experience and it was unbelievable.  There were HUGE turtles and fish right there with us.  I got a little concern before we got off the boat when one of the crew said "Please do not grab a turtle and swim with it. And do not come eye to eye with a turtle."  Are you kidding me?  Didn't have to worry about me...I was not about to GRAB a turtle.   The crew was great and made it lots of fun.  Speaking of the crew...do you like how I spelled captain on my photo page...Camptian.  No spell check in Photoshop! 

We enjoyed a night at a Luau.  Bailey and I learned the Hula Dance.  Pictures to follow.  Why is this underlining?  

Well that is it for right now.  More pics to follow and then I need to get started on Christmas.  It's beginning to look like Christmas around the Garrison house.  So check back.

Have a great week!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Tomorrow is my honey's birthday.  He never expects or wants anything for his birthday.  He always just says "I just want to be with my family".  How sweet is that!  When I am asked the same question, I can come up with a whole list of things.  He really makes it easy on me.  Scott, I hope you have a great birthday.  And I really like your facial hair!  

We just got back from a great trip to Hawaii.  Scott is the planner in our house and always plans fun trips.  His favorite team, Carolina Tarheels, were playing in a basketball tournament in Maui so he planned a trip for all of us to go.  He had so much fun surprising his parents with the trip.  His mom is a huge fan of Carolina and had always wanted to go to Hawaii.  Thank you, Scott for taking us all to Hawaii.  It was an awesome trip that we will always remember.

And speaking of Hawaii....I have lots of pictures!  So come back and see.

Happy Thanksgiving

Aloha!  Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

There is so much to be thankful for.  I am especially thankful for family and friends.  The Lord has placed so many people in my life who have touched my heart and I am so grateful to Him.

My devotion said today.....

"This is the day that I have made!  As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training.  Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you."

No matter what you are doing today, I hope you enjoy your time with your family.