December 27-31, 2018

On December 27th, we headed to the beach. The weather was chilly, but not unbearable. We were able to do some shell hunting and long walks on the beach. We had Lou with us, as Daniel was visiting Sara's family in SC.

We visited New Brunswick and Fort Raleigh. It is a very interesting historic site. We had a great time exploring.

Then it was back to this beautiful sight. Winter sunsets are so very pretty!!

This was on my seat at church on New Year's Eve...

I'm claiming this promise for the new year!

We played lots of "Farkle", a gift from the Millers. We played it New Year's Eve. and had lots of junk food. The kids stayed up to see the new year ring in!

Like all years, 2018 had some wonderful moments and some horrible moments. God taught me that if he allows it in my life, he will get me through it. I also learned that God gives us grace sufficient for the current day, not to worry about being able to handle the future. We almost lost John, Jr. We did lose John's mom. We had some wonderful family times and we had some not so wonderful family times. John and I grew closer than ever.  He is my rock, my partner and I am so blessed to be his wife and share this life with him! I pray that God will protect us throughout the new year and continue to bless us. I also pray that my whole family will be stronger and stronger in our faith and love of Jesus Christ.

Ready or not....here comes 2019.

HELOC paid off!!! December 27, 2018

When we bought the beach house, we took a home equity loan out on our main home. It was quite a bit of money. Amazingly, God has provided through John's hard work, and he has been able to pay the entire thing off!!!

This is really a huge deal. I'm so grateful to the Lord for providing for us!!

December 26th, 2018

The next day, Anna, Jamie and the girls drove back. Beth, Greg and Evie stayed the night. My mom and dad came to our house.

We feasted again!!

and presented again

Elijah got a robot who was super curious about Solomon. Solomon just sniffed him and laid his head down.

The day went really well until the end. I prefer to not remember it and the things that were done and said, so that's all I'm going to say about that!! I just like to say, "Christmas 2018, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times!"

Christmas Day 2018

Look who got caught on our security cam.....😛

Breakfast in bed...cooked by the kids!

 We saw this in our neighborhood....who knew Ralphie lived here?

 I cooked desserts for weeks and stored them in the freezer.

Christmas story with Mimi....

 of course, presents

Then a couple's rendition of "Song quiz" via Alexa

Abbey modeling a shirt of her favorite You tuber.

It was a glorious day! Everyone got along and genuinely enjoyed each other.  Thank you, Lord Jesus! I love all of these people soo much!

Leading up to Christmas..

This year we kept our usual traditions. We went to the same place to get our tree. The merry go round has always been a big hit

 We have our annual cookie decorating...

We went to Charlotte to see Evie in her preschool Christmas pageant. Such a sweet little angel!

Evie, Beth, Abbey, Elijah and I went to see the Nutcracker! Waverly and Layne were supposed to be with us, but Layne got a stomach bug.

 So, as a make up time. Layne and Waverly came and spent the night. We did Christmas crafts and made cookies.

 Christmas Eve brought Daniel and John to join us for the usual festivities....

 Piggin out!!

 Walking around to see the luminaries.