Getting Ready for Christmas

We have been getting into the Christmas spirit around here with our crackling fires, roasting marshmallows, gingerbread houses, and cookies. Madeline had just finished tanning that's why she was in her swimsuit while making cookies. Just kidding, no really she came out na*Ed and wanted to put it on. I think she wanted to check to see if she had packed on the pounds yet with all the baking we have been doing. No worries, it still fits. Lucky!!! She went to an indoor swim party the other week and has since been obsessed with wanting to go swimming and to the beach.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Marathon

Lance ran his first marathon this past Saturday in Memphis. He ran 26.2 miles in 3 hours and 49 minutes. His goal was under 4 hours, so he was pretty pleased. Earlier in the week he was concerned that he might not even finish because he has developed a little bit of tendinitis in his Achilles heal. At mile 9 he started to hurt then stopped to stretch, then he slowed his pace down some. I got to see him at mile 4, 7, and 22. A good friend's sister lives right on the race route, so I was able to stay warm in her house in between. Thankfully everything worked out for Lance to finish. I am so proud of him. Unfortunately, Lance's mom (who was keeping Madeline for us) ended up in the hospital Friday night due to a pretty terrible nose bleed. So we headed straight to T-town to see her and pick up M. If you all could pray for her we would appreciate it. Its been over a year that she has been doing some form of chemo and its just taken its toll. My mom is doing better, thanks to everyone who prayed. They are still working out medication and do not know why she threw clots, but things are looking better.

We listened to most of THE GAME on the radio on the ride back, but it was still great. ROLL TIDE!!!!

My Friends

These are my sweet friends from church (minus a couple who had sick kiddos). These women have been some of the closest friendships I have had in my life. Its been a blessing to walk along side them through struggles and joys and to see how God is writing their stories to make them more like his son Jesus. They have been the hands and feet of Jesus to me many times, and a constant source of encouragement. Two of them moved this past month which is a huge loss for me personally. I will miss you Kate and Lory!