Monday, January 31, 2011

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving this started with me running the Gobble Jog 10K in downtown Marietta. I plan to do another post on running, but I'll just quickly say that running -- since having Grey -- has been a life-saver. Whew! Anyway, it was a great run. I felt a little tired. Gasp! Shocking that I'd feel that way since I still don't have a baby that sleeps through the night. But my great friend Tracy ran it with me. Running is even better when you do it with a great friend.

Thanksgiving this year was pretty different. This was the first year we've celebrated a holiday without my brother. Since he left, I've tried to do a blog about it but I can't quite make it through. Hope to see that soon. Anyway, he's serving in the Army and stationed in Afghanistan. I really felt this year that running on Thanksgiving was my way of trying to relate to what Jake was going through. While the physical demands are nothing compared to what he's encountering, I just need to "do" something tiring.





Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. This year was no different with the great addition of Grey. He is my living reminder of God's faithfulness. When I find myself tired, worried, stressed, whatever I can honestly look at Grey and see that God will see me through.
Grey with my niece Kelsi

Little camera ham!

Having fun with Daddy pulling Bo's hair.
Grey and Bo
Grey's first Thanksgiving feast! YoBaby Peach yogurt and sweet potatoes...yummy!

My mother always sets a spectacular table. Great memories of that my entire life.

Her enormous spread for every holiday is standard for every holiday too. Good thing I ran a 10K!

Hannah's Birthday

I would completely remiss if I didn't cover Hannah's birthday. Grey absolutely loves Hannah! Every time Grey sees her, he wants her to hold him, he kisses her and just stares and smiles at her. It's really sweet! Funny thing is, they don't really see each other that much -- so I'm not sure where the bond comes from.

First time in a tunnel and he loved it! "Dear Santa..."
Family picture at the pj party

Birthday girl




Chocolate Chip Pancake Cake

Mrs. Nicholas

Just before Thanksgiving we were able to go visit Mrs. Nicholas. She is a long-time family friend and a second grandmother to Curtis. Curtis has always had the very best memories of being with Mrs. Nicholas. Since we've gotten married and I've had the blessed opportunity to get to know her, I can say without reservation that I love this sweet woman with all my heart! She is pure gold. Not only is she the best cook, a beautiful artist, a spectacular gardener, but more than all these things she is a grounded, godly woman. I feel like I'm a better person just being with her and listening to her advice and stories.

It took too long, but we were finally able to introduce her to our sweet Grey. No doubt, Mrs. Nicholas prayed down heaven to get him here and we couldn't wait for them to meet. No surprise, Grey loved Mrs. Nicholas...and Mrs. Torrance (her daughter). I'm so thrilled I got a great picture of them. I seriously could go on and on with nothing but the best things to say about her. I love her so and I'm so glad she got to love on our Grey!

First Engagement Party!

Our friend, Brandon, recently got engaged. We were able to attend his engagement party in November and meet his lucky fiance. It turned into a weekend celebration because our friends Tony and Lia came in from Las Vegas. Grey was such a little trooper! It was great getting to reconnect with old friends and finally introduce our little addition.



Posing with daddy




Manuella and Courtney
Lia, Josh, Kevin & Joanna


Old and new buddies...


Tony & Lia - Brandon & Emily (soon-to-be's)
Josh giving Grey some life lessons. Scary!

Brasstown Bald

In November we traveled to Hiawassee, Ga. for Curtis' mom's birthday. A family member has a cabin there. Curtis' sister and three kiddos joined in the fun too. On that Saturday, made the short drive over to Brasstown Bald and hiked the mountain. Let me just tell you that this mountain hike is NOT for the faint of heart. I pushed Grey in the stroller and I got a heck of a workout! Anyway, it was beautiful up there! The view is incredible! ...and it should be. Brasstown Bald is actually the highest point in the state.

Nathan and Hannah showing us the sign.

Family picture (minus Brian, Carrie's hubby)

On the lookout deck.


Daddy and sweet, baby boy


"Whoa! We're up pretty high!"


Love my sweet boy!

Love those boys... and that view!

We made it to the top!

Grey and Gigi on her birthday

Little Miss Ruth





Sweet Six Months