Thanksgiving at Papa and Grandma's

With two family Thanksgivings on Thursday, it was time to head to Gma and Papa's for Thanksgiving supper Friday night! I was really looking forward to this time. My Dad, brother, and myself arrived early on Friday to spend some extra time with Papa and Gma. I also helped Gma in the kitchen and we did a little cooking together. We made her famous crock pot mac and cheese, corn, a Paula Deen spiral ham and pineapple casserole. We had a lot of fun together.This Thanksgiving was a lot different from all of the others. Normally, Gma does pretty much all of the cooking and we just show up (maybe bringing a dessert or something small). But this year, with Gma's cancer and being sick, she didn't need to be doing all that cooking nor did she feel up to it. So the grandkids really stepped up. We pretty much cooked and brought all of the food.
I cooked the ham at Gma's and Derek and Julie brought this amazing deep fried turkey. John, from their church cooked it, and it was so good! Here is everyone trying to carve that big bird.
My sweet Papa and Grandma! I'm so thankful for them, their love and for the Godly examples they always set for us! I'm also thankful that, even though these have been some very difficult times, Grandma has pushed hard to fight this cancer and improving day by day! And Papa, you have been amazing (as always) through it all. You continue to stick by Grandma, care for her and be the faithful husband that called has called you to be! I love you both so very much!

Papa, Me, Grandma and Shane

Thought this pictures was so cute! My Dad and Papa playing with Caroline!

Papa and Grandma with their two boys: Donnie (my dad) and Danny (my uncle)

"Sweet Caroline"

Katie and Dustin

Grandma with Caroline and her mama, Julie

The guys...and one big knife :)

Love it! Papa and Grandma with Caroline

Me with my handsome husband and my precious grandparents

Our big happy Family!

This Thanksgiving was a lot different, but it was a great one! It's amazing what a difference a year can make. I'm thankful for life, especially my Gma's this year, and I cherished every moment of our time together...as a family!

~"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name" Psalm 100:4~

Thanksgiving Day at Mom's

After Thanksgiving at Nanny's, I came back to Mom's house for supper. Josh was still sleeping but was able to get up in time to join the festivities before heading off to work. We had lots of good food and a great time with the whole family! We treasure these times together and love each one of you! My Mom and I started a new tradition this year that I hope we continue. Wed night, we cooked and baked together till close to midnight. We cooked all kinds of things including: pumpkin-carmel monkey bread...my oh my it was umm umm good :) and my new "trademark recipe" a Pumpkin Roll! By trademark I mean something that I'm known to make and make good :) We will see how that goes! But my Mom and I had a great time in the kitchen together. I'm so thankful for her, and the love and encouragement that she gives all year through. Love you Mom!
My brother Shane, my Mom and Me! Shane currently lives in Charleston. I don't get to see him as much as I would like too, so I am super thankful for the time we do get to spend together.
My Mom and Shane

Greg stopping for quick pic before the festivities begin.

Addi and Bella

Tom and Sam

Vickie and her sweet Grandbabies!

Deanna and Ron

Olivia and Me

Brother and Sister: My Uncle Steve and my mom, Donna

Jonathan and Lori

From Josh, Brandie and Chloe, We want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

~"Always be joyful, never stop praying and be Thankful in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:16-18~

Thanksgiving Day 2011 at Nanny's

For Thanksgiving lunch, I headed to Nanny Tuck's house. Unfortunately, Josh was working on night shift, so he was sleeping and Kylie Grace was with her Dad, so both of them were unable to come. We had a huge spread of delicious food and spent some quality family time together!The girls!
Missy and Me. I'm so blessed with such a wonderful and Godly sister in law!All of the Grand-girls and Great Grand-girls with Nanny Tuck!

Sweet Izzy...pretty girl!

Nanny Tuck with her daughters: Silvia, Vickie, Patti and Donna! (We missed you Michael)

Nanny Tuck with her Grandchildren (minus Josh and Jeffrey)

Nanny and Jim Nanny with most of her grandchildren and spouses, and great grands (minus a few)

Nanny and Me!

What a great start to this Thanksgiving holiday! I'm so blessed to have married into such a loving family! I love you guys and thankful for each one of you!

~"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting." 1 Chronicles 16:34~

Bowling Night

Last night, we had a surprise get together for Karen! She has been stationed in Alaska for the past few months and has just found out she will be deployed to Afghanistan next month. So, before she left, she got to come home for a couple of weeks! We were so glad to see her and spend some time with her. We have been really missing her.Here is the group waiting to surprise Karen. :)
The Guys
The Girls

And the group! We rented out a room in the bowling ally and had cake (it was Karen and Kristen's bday too) and a small devotion. Then we hit the lanes for some fun. The rest of the pictures are of the group just being silly and having some fun!

Weird pictures...but kinda cool! The lights from the cosmic bowling made for some crazy pictures!

Karen, we love you and are going to miss you dearly! Know that we will be praying for you and for God's hand of protection around you always! Thank you for your service!

~"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6~

Aly's First Birthday

Saturday, we went to a birthday party for this sweet girl,Alyson Lea Holston "Aly"! She turned 1 year old! It's hard to believe that she is already a year old. It seems like yesterday I was here: in labor and delivery after Kaci had just had her. Boy, time sure does fly by!What a sweet family! James, Kaci, Jameson and the birthday girl, Aly!And the family just one year earlier!Sweet brother and sister!
And me with the birthday girl!! She was probably thinking "Would you please stop taking my picture." :) I can't resist..she is just too cute!
Aly and me, one year ago!

Josh and Brian at the party

And my best friend with her baby girl!

Happy 1st Birthday Aly!

It's been so wonderful to share in the life's greatest moments with my best friend and her sweet family!

We love you Holston Family!

~"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14~