My fave four songs of 2008 - turn up the volume!

I am taking a break from posting the Christmas pictures (and yes, solved the slideshow dilema), because I wanted to take time to remember all the Lord has walked me through this past year. It has been a full one!
My biggest challenge - moving with a new baby, 2 little ones, to a completely new, foreign enviroment - the biggest hurdle for me by far in 2008. Much to my dismay, the Lord decided to take me completely out of my comfort zone. However, looking back over the events that have occurred over the past year, I wouldn't trade the my run in the "race" marked out for me (Heb 12:1, 2Tim 4:7) for a walk in the park. A sense of deep gratitude (1st song on playlist) overwhelms me as I ponder God's love for me, that He would love me enough to grow me, despite my ungrateful attitude. He has opened my eyes to my selfishness, self-centeredness and reminded me to appreciate all He has given me. My Saviour has challenged me to praise Him for not only the pleasant,but the unpleasant as well - to thank Him in all circumstances. And by doing so, by surrend (-er 2nd song) ing my will and desires, I have felt my spirit filled with a renewed sense of gratitude for all the Lord has chosen to bless me with. I have and continue to cling to Him for He is my All-in-All (3rd). In Christ Alone (4th) do I find my strength, my peace, and joy. The first 4 songs on my playlist are all very dear to my heart. I hope they bless you as much as they have blessed me this past year. 2009 is rapidly approaching and I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me, but I choose to embrace it all! God bless you and yours this New Year!!

D.C.

It was bitter cold outside, but we bundled up and headed out to see some of the many historical buildings in D.C. With 3 little ones, I only head out when I'm with Nate or when family comes into town. This is only the 3rd time I've been downtown and I've only begun to touch the surface, so to speak, of all there is to see. It is truly amazing! Swans swimming in the pond in from of the Lincoln memorial

World War II memorial

My photography skills are nothing to envy and how I wish I could do these amazing memorials justice! And, sisters, friends, confidants... these girls are truly my best friends and I'm so blessed to have them as my sisters.

Lincoln Memorial

The views are awesome! Dad and I are standing at the top of the steps leading up to the Lincoln memorial, behind us is the washington memorial.

Thank dad for bringing the fam up here and for all the lunches, dinners, and most importantly, LOVE. Although I have a new #1 Man in my life, you will always be "#1 fader" =) and my hero! I love you!!!
Viewing the Vietnam memorial and taking a moment to remember all who served.
Another view of the Washington memorial, aaaaaah... never gets old. The colors (or lack of) of the seasons give it a whole new look.
The White House
Soon to be the home of the new president-elect and family. Let us remember to keep our beloved nation in our prayers!

Our Christmas Celebration - part 1

I begin by warning all my viewers (since I have SO many -haha...) that this next week will be filled with Christmas picture posts. Unfortunately, I am still trying to find the time t0 figure out how to post a slideshow. I know I should be able to do this!!! As a result, I am posting pictures from the last week. Family, grandparents can't get enough pictures... Friends, I'll try not to bore you! So here it goes...
We began our Christmas celebration by opening our gifts from grandpa & grandma Sullivan. To be honest, I had been eyeing the package for a while and was dying to open it. =) My excuse to Nate was that we didn't want to "open ALL the gifts at once, right?" Thank you Sullivans for all the fun gifts!

On a cold wintery day, December18th to be exact, my family arrived in Virginia!

To begin our week of celebration and set the mood, we introduced them to a delish restaurant. It was the perfect beginning to a wonderful week... Lights glistened in all the trees and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the center of the "corner" made it feel "like the most wonderful time of the year!" =)

Yay! The Aunties are here!

I thought this picture was super-cute and seems to scream, "Yes, grandpa's here! Just between you and me, I've got him wrapped around my little finger. A week of good times and whatever I want!" Grandpas (and grandmas) are good at spoiling... Thanks dad for being such a wonderful grandpa. My kiddos are blessed to have such wonderful grandparents (that includes you Dave and Patty!!) and I praise God for their love.

Christmas fun to be continued... it is fun to relive the past week and cherish the memories.

"God with us"

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
~Matthew 1:23

We thank the Lord this Christmas for being "with us", for guarding, protecting, loving, pursuing, guiding... all glory, all praise belong to our Lord and Saviour!!

Cute Kid Comments

It has been a while since I've documented a cute comment made by the kiddos...

Mya: "Don't forget to clean Slaeter's bean!"

Audrey: I was teaching Audrey to attach the M to mya. I was over emphasizing the "Mmmmmm..." and was so excited when she finally said, "MmmmmmmmmmmmmYa!" However, I quickly realized she didn't quite get it when she soon after said, "Mmmmmmmmm-laeter!" So, now I'm trying to emphasize the S in SSsssssssssssslaeter.

Happy Monday!

Christmas dress pictures

I headed out to a battlefield park last week to take some pictures of the girls in their Christmas dresses. I love this little area! In the fall, the leaves and colors are gorgeous! Now that winter is here, the leaves have fallen, the trees are bare, but the place has not lost its charm. The history is amazing and I can't help but feel a sense of awe everytime I walk these paths.

I have to make these girls keep their hands off their brother. How they love this little man and I know he REALLY enjoys the attention!

Thank for the the boots Paige! They are perfect for this weather!

The girls don't understand the history... but thoroughly enjoy the nature and squirrels found in the park.

Until we come again... can't wait to see it come spring!

Mya's 2nd b-day celebration

We celebrated Mya's birthday before we left S.A. with all her very dear friends, but couldn't resist doing something on her real birthday. It turned into a 3 day celebration. Friday night, we went to the mall and let her choose something with her b-day $$$ from the Sullivan grandparents. And we also bought her some ice cream - yummy!

Out of all the toys in the shop, this is what she came out with - of course!

The next day, she opened her package from my (arias)family and we celebrated with a little ice cream cake. Audrey was so excited!

Then, on monday, we met up with friends at the mall ( not the same one as friday night) and played, had lunch (mya's fave), and playtime at our place. We are so thankful for these very good friends!

Because we did so much celebrating, Mya is a little confused as to how long a b-day should last... she is still talking about her birthday. Thanks to all who have made this 4 year old birthday dreams come true!

I hope you find this humorous...

Mom at his service, ready to meet his every cry, trying to keep up with his massive appetite. Thanks to the friend who passed this along to me (wink)! This shirt says it all... by the way, it is a size 12months. I think it might be a small 12month shirt, but still, my son is just shy the 6 month mark!!

Ever since the move, he has not been on any schedule whatsoever. By this time, the girls were sleeping soundly through the night. He was sleeping 7 hrs. before the move and now... lets just say I never get a full nights sleep. So, this was the baby to receive this tiny T.

Farris fun!

We are so thankful to this wonderful family for taking us in this Thanksgiving! Pictured below: Just the gals - Emily, Mrs. Farris, Katie, Angela, Jessica, Kristi, and Grandma.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera (actually I thought I had lost it, but that is another story... lets just say I said an extra prayer of thanks, when it was found at Target!) and many thanks to Emily for the pics! I felt right at home with these girls... reminded me of my sisters. Only difference is they have 4 brothers, which makes 10 children in all and a very large gathering!

A special thanks to Katie for being such a great friend to me! You are already a very dear friend.

AND TONS OF FUN!!!

Emily took these fun pictures of Mya and Kristi's little girl. She had a blast playing with all the kiddos.

I don't have a picture of Jenna at the moment, but will put one up soon! Jenna has been a blessing to Mya. She has taken Mya under wing and helped me out with my little ones so much. Thank you Jenna!

One of Jenna's cousins-can't remember the name... what can I say... there were a lot of them that afternoon. =)