Wow, it is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since the last time I updated our blog. Where has that year gone? When I look back at the pictures, think of the events, I am overwhelemed that SO much has happened in just ten short months! While I can't even begin cover all the activities/happenings in our lives, I can share those that have brought us to where we are right now.
Since March 2009, we have celebrated birthdays: Will turned 5, Emma turned 1, Matty turned 3, Amanda turned 13, and Ashley turned (gulp)16, Nate turned 5, and Anna Grace turned 3.
Will celebrates turning 5
Emma Lane turns 1!
April and May found Scott and Amanda busy in the garage with soap box derby cars. This year we were able to help two other drivers enjoy the excitement of Race Day. The racing team "Wine Farms Racing" was born. A group of three dads and three daughters worked hard to get their cars ready for inspection day!
Three cars on their way to Inspection Day!
Two weeks later came Race Day. Just two days prior to Race Day, we celebrated Will's graduation from Kindergarten. It was wonderful, yet a bit sad. It was a moment of celebration as we were reminded of Will's accomplishments in Preschool, and it was sad as we said good bye to a terrific preschool teacher and the staff at Mainstreet UMC Preschool that we had grown to love.
Will and Mrs Tracey say goodbye
A Wonderful Preschool Graduation!Race Day came with sadness and overwhelming disbelieve, as just 24 hours before, we suddenly and unexpectedly lost Scott's Dad. Shock and sadness were overwhelming as we were without the quiet, gentle yet powerful patriach of our family! Scott and Amanda bravely made the decision to participate in the Race, because in their words "Granddaddy would want us to". All racers had a wonderful day and again this year Amanda placed in the elite eight for her division.
Charlotte prepares for her first run down the hill.
Again this year, Scott gets a run down the hill!
The days, weeks, and months, since the loss of Scott's Dad, have been difficult, especially for Scott as he dealt with the loss of a parent as well as the leader of the family business. In our difficulties, we gain strength from God and he has carried us through. Just a few short weeks after Granddaddy's funeral, Scott and I again faced a difficult decision, as we had to euthanize my beloved cat, Murphy. Murphy had Diabetes for over two years and tolerated two shots a day without complaint, but suddenly he developed some unrelated problems and within days we discovered cancer. We said good bye to a seventeen year old friend who was much like Granddaddy, quiet, gentle yet filled with strength! On Father's Day this year, our family planted a tree in the yard in memory of Granddaddy.
Sooner then we could ever imagine, the summer was over and ALL the kids were gearing up for school . Amanda is now in her last year of Middle School and Ashley is a Junior. Will started Kindergarten this Fall(and mommy has still not adjusted to this).
Bad Hair day - and 1st day of School!
So this is "MY" desk, I'm not impressed
It hardly seemed like school had started, before we celebrated Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Both Holidays were bittersweet, but we enjoyed many happy moments with our families. We continue to feel so blessed to have great family nearby and are even more aware of how preciously short our time is with them. It makes the moments we spend together even more special.
Just prior to Christmas, Virginia received a blizzard snow storm that left us with 30 inches of snow. I love snow, but it isn't quite as much fun as an adult as it was during childhood, but it is still for me the act of nature that most closely demonstrates all aspects of our Heavenly Father - power, quiet grace and beauty!
Front Porch View
A path for the Dog!
My Polar Express and Drum Set!
This is alot harder than it looks!
Church Christmas Play
As 2010, already seems to be rushing by, we look forward to the many activities, events, accomplishments and happenings that are family will experience and I hope to bring them to you in a more timely manner! Blessings to all of our friends and family.
Snow fall on the Farm - the beautiful views!
Every trip down the hill, Will would find a hugh snowball(result of the plowing) and carry it back up the hill with him. One time I asked "Will, whatcha got?" He answered "A Potato!" Do you think he was silently thinking "Mom, hereeee's yer sign!"
Thrill seekers, that's us!!
I made it to the top of the PILE!
After struggling with the new(and improved) plastic sleds and getting nowhere, we finally pulled out the 40 year old wooden sled with runners. Found the wax, slicked up those runners and we were flying down the hill after that. In the end - the antique was the best ride!
