Christmas in July

Ok, so I'm a little late. But I guess it's never to late to rescue your photos from the digital camera. It's kind of fun to look back on the holidays and snow pictures when it's nearly 100 degrees outside!! I felt a little cooler looking at these snowstorm pictures from January!

Christmas Eve Morning with Nathan's family looked like this:

Lots of Baby Sam time!

Branded Signs made by Nathan - one of his newly acquired Hill Billy skills.

Games!

And Presents! We did "Dirty Santa" this year.

It was FUN! "F3? Who has F3?"

Most of all, time with loved ones!

Christmas Eve we spent time with my Family before Church

The little Star of the show! Not sure about all of the attention!

Nana is super pumped to get some new socks!

Grego girls' tradition - light a bayberry candle for good luck on Christmas Eve.

And last but not least, Christmas Morning with my family!

We draw names around Thanksgiving and try to keep a secret who has who... but there are a few known cheaters and sneaks in the family who always seem to figure it all out...

Matthew finally got a real bow and arrow.

He went outside as soon as he figured out how to shoot it and immediately lost the first arrow.

Addison really getting into the whole "presents" thing.

It's not a family gathering without Blitz! Poker faces.

Isaiah 40:3-5

Comfort for God's People

"A voice of one calling:

"In the desert prepare

the way for the LORD;

make straight in the wilderness

a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be raised up,

every mountain and hill made low;

the rough ground shall become level,

the rugged places a plain.

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,

and all mankind together will see it.

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Father's Day Dos

Dad, you've taught me so many things.

Surprisingly enough, You've taught me patience.

How to appreciate good food.

How to be serious

How to be silly.

How to be generous and appreciate time with family.

How to tell a good story and how to laugh.

How to work hard and have a little common sense.

That I am loved.

You mean so much to me. I am beyond proud to call you my dad.

Proverbs 23:22 -25 (The Message)

"Listen with respect to the father who raised you,
and when your mother grows old, don't neglect her.
Buy truth—don't sell it for love or money;
buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.
Parents rejoice when their children turn out well;
wise children become proud parents."
So make your father happy!
Make your mother proud!

Father's Day Uno

Happy Father's Day, Freeman!

Freeman and Sons, 1992

Freeman & Sons, 2010

This evening we celebrated Fathers and Grandfathers with the Hollis Crew. Nathan debuted his smoked pork loin. It was delicious!

Freeman & Granddaddy Gene

The Hollis Women

Nikki, Me, Virginia

Haydn & Eli

Mo enjoying the leftovers

Freeman & Nathan, 1980

Psalm 103:13

"As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him"

A Very Happy Easter

What a beautiful day! Worshipping our RISEN Lord, celebrating with family, eating great food, enjoying the sunshine, rocking on the porch, napping with the windows open. Who can ask for more? I had to include a few snaps from Easter dinner at my parents house today of my niece Addison, my dad and of course, you can't miss Nana in her Easter bonnet.

We sang "Mighty to Save" at church this morning and the lyrics have been on my heart all day.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,

My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,

He rose and conquered the grave,

Jesus conquered the grave.

If you have time, check out Hillsong's version below.

On another note, Mo and I spent a little time today checking out my 100 Days of Flowers just blooming away. I think we are up to day 20? The tulips opened yesterday. Daffodils appeared a few days before and something that may or may not be a weed has popped up as well. Sadly, they are still mulchless. I've got to get on that! Is it too late???

I hope you all had a wonderful day and found time to praise our Saviour God for the amazing gift we were given on this day.

"So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."

Ephesians 1:6-8

New Living Translation

Valentines

Friday we had a little impromptu Hollis Valentine party. Started out with Sam and Gin stopping buy to rummage through my latest closet purge.

Love me some sweet, sleepy Sam!

Then it evolved to heart shaped pizzas and the rest of the Hollis nephews joining us. Lots of excitement for the dogs and our couch (which apparently makes a good trampoline or repelling tower and simultaneously kicks in Auntie Kate's stickyfingerphobia).

Haydn had a little holiday confusion.

But cleared it up when we were informed it was red, um, hello!

We drew straws for Valentine favors (cast-off loot I received from the kiddos at school), and quickly realized they would have made better parting gifts than after dinner surprises.

Jack + chocolate = me running around with wet wipes

Jack + sucker = (Mo getting a sticky beard + heaven) x me with more wet wipes

Fun night and maybe a new Valentine's tradition!

Ephesians 5:2

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.