Happy Birthday Baby!

My precious niece and god-daughter is one today! You are such a blessing to our family, Miss Sophie Mae, and I can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend!

Port Huron or Bust

A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend with Lisa, one of my very best friends from college. She was my roomie for 3 years, which means she has all the dirt on me! ;) Of course, I have some on her, as well! She recently got engaged and, since I hadn't met her fiance' yet, I had to make sure he was good enough for her. Not just anyone will do for my Lisa! :) We had such a great weekend together, catching up, talking about the wedding and making the rounds to see her family. Lisa is the volunteer coordinator for the local Habitat for Humanity and I got to go to work with her on Saturday. What a cool experience! They make such a difference in the community. I got to meet Dave, Lisa's fiance' (he passed with flying colors - GREAT guy! Can't wait to be in their wedding next year!) and I also got to meet little Eli. What a cutie! Lisa is definitely one of my "forever friends" and I'm grateful I got to spend the weekend with her.

Visiting one of the Habitat homes

New mommy and Eli

A surprise when I got home!

Where does the time go?

Last weekend, we all met at Mongolian BBQ in Okemos to celebrate Hannah, my "baby" sister, turning 18. The little girl who made me crafts in grade school and came to stay with me during sibs weekend at college has grown into a beautiful young woman. It makes me cry to think about it. (What doesn't make me cry, according to Veronica?) She truly has a heart for the Lord and longs to make a difference in this world. Her vigor for the unborn and helpless is quite an inspiration.

When thinking of Hannah, I can't help thinking of this verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11. As she graduates and heads to college in the fall, I am excited to see just what the Lord has in store for her. I know it is something amazing!

"Happy Birthday to you!"

(Great background, huh?!)

"Take a picture of my grouchy face." ~Maria

Sophie is such a poser!

Christmas Recap

Hard to believe Christmas 2009 has come and gone! Our first Christmas together! The holidays were a great reminder of just how blessed we are. Everyone's generosity and hospitality were overwhelming! The 23rd-25th were extremely busy for us . . . making the rounds to our friends and relatives around the state. Tis the season, right? I don't know about you, but sometimes it is easy for me to forget what we are really celebrating with so much going on. Next Christmas, I have vowed not to let this happen . . . somehow . . .

I would write about all the details, but how about some pictures instead?

Here are a hodge-podge of images from our whirlwind holiday . . .

Christmas Eve at . . .

the Gaston's

then Gma Bisonet's,

then Uncle Jeff's,

then "midnight" Mass

(Phew!!)

Bobbsey Twins

SOOO excited!

Christmas morning at my parents'

Christmas dinner and gifts at Brook's parents'