HO HO HO...Merry Christmas!

Tandi and I stopped at Cool Springs Mall on our way to take Madi to meet Lyssa in Columbia.  We were afraid she would be scared of Santa but she wasn't the least bit afraid!  Madi's been such a good little girl this year that I'm sure she'll get everything on her Christmas list and more!
 
We love you, Madi Lynn, and we can't wait to see you again. 
Kisses and more kisses,
Poppie and Grammie

Family = Blessings

                                                         Hunter and Kim

                                Our little blessing...Madi Lynn

We are truly blessed....

Proud Parents...to be

Portia holding the book that Johnny gave her as a birthday gift

These two will be great parents!

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

THE GIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This gift is from Johnny Van.  He was so proud of it and himself!  He said, "I went to Cracker Barrel and picked this out all by myself and they even gift wrapped it free."

SURPRISE!

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

Portia is looking at Tandi in this photo.  I took the picture!  It took me a second to realize exactly what the gift is...AND IT'S A BABY...Johnny and Portia are having a baby!  I think Tandi and I screamed about the same time.  We are soooo excited! 

This Thanksgiving was just wonderful: I was able to walk around without crutches; We got to spend time with Madi; I spent Thanksgiving day in Chattanooga with Peggy and her children for the first time in many years and I enjoyed every minute of it; and Johnny and Portia surprised us with the ultimate gift...a baby!  Thank you Jesus for our many, many blessings...we are so grateful. 

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Portia..."

Portia's happy birthday was officially yesterday but we were shopping so we celebrated today along with our Thanksgiving meal.  Johnny couldn't wait to cut the cake and open gifts!  He was ready as soon as dinner was over.  Madi enjoyed helping Portia blow out her candles.

Madi and a Happy Birthday cake for Portia

"Grammie, I licked the bowl and the cake is going to be delicious!"

Madi and I baked a birthday cake for Portia on Saturday morning.  I let Madi stand in a chair at the island while I mixed it.  She really enjoyed stirring and licking the bowl!  I had some trouble taking that spatula away from her though!  Clean up wasn't nearly as much fun but it never is! 

Black Friday

Prayer time before bed

The girls and I got up early, very early, to go shopping.  We met Robin at VEC at 5:00 am.  I was lucky and got the last wheelchair at Guest Services at the Mall.  We shopped at the mall until Poppie called for us to come home.  Madi didn't feel well and she had whined all morning.  Tandi was a little upset that "tradition" was cut short.  We got home around 3:00 pm.  Madi just needed a new face!  The girls stopped by on their way to the theatre and brought Madi some blocks.  She played and played with the blocks.  Just what a whiney baby needed!  Thank you Portia and Tandi!     

Blessings on Thanksgiving Day

Zachary, Haley, Seth

Hunter, Zachary, Haley & Seth

Kim & Karen

Haley & Karen

Kim, Karen & Tandi

Kim, Haley, Karen & Tandi

Kim, Peggy, Karen, Haley & Tandi

On Thanksgiving morning, Greg, Madi, Tandi and I drove to Chattanooga for the day.  Madi spent the day with Jim and we went to Peggy's for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.  We enjoyed lots of good food and fellowship with family.  The day went by way too fast!  I am so thankful for a wonderful family!     

Memphis Girls

Greg and I along with Stacy and Tandi went to Memphis on Friday, November 13.  The boys had tickets to the UT/Mississippi State football game on Saturday.  The girls and I shopped in Southaven, MS during the game.  We met the boys at Harrah's in Tunica at Paula Deen's Restaurant after the game.  The food was mmmmm good!  These pictures were taken in front of Johnny and Portia's house on Sunday before we ate lunch at Old Venice.  We said good-bye to Johnny and Portia after lunch.
It was wonderful to spend time with both my girls.  I miss Portia terribly.  :(    

Autumn Days

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the outside before the cold winter days ahead.  Madi, dressed like Pa in overhauls, enjoyed playing with the leaves.  I enjoyed watching her have such a good time.   

Poppie Love