This last week has been super busy! Monday and Tuesday, I had to go to Cartoogechaye and to Western @ night. Wednesday, I kept my neice, McKenzie and took her to Dollywood. Thursday, Thanksgiving. Friday, after Thanksgiving Day shopping! (thank you Scott and Garrett) Saturday, Radio City Rockettes (again, a shout out to Scott)!
Anyhow, there are 3 new posts of our week of fun filled adventures.
Enjoy!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dollywood
Brandon and I had such a special gift this week. On Wednesday, I kept McKenzie, my neice while her moma was at work. We decided that it was the perfect chance to take her to Dollywood. I am so glad we went. We were able to spend the whole day together and so many times throughout the day, I hoped that Jesus would let her Daddy watch her smile.
She fell asleep all the way over the Smokies and woke up just as we entered into Pigeon Forge, I was glad she had a good nap and was ready to ride rides. Brandon and I rode some things with her, until I was informed that she didn't need me to ride with her on the Bubble Bee, because "this little boy is going to ride with me". From there on, she called him "best friend". It was sweet.
The whole day was a special day and a true gift.
On the Trolly, going into the park. McK was so excited!
Babes in Toyland Show
Off to ride the Dumbos
The boy that would become "Best Friend"
Well, I tried to get a picture of the three of us. We smooshed Brandon.
We give the day "two thumbs up".
Before we got out of the park, we had a sleeping little girl.
I am so thankful for this special day and time to spend with McKenzie Faith. I love her "to the moon and back"!
Thanksgiving 2009
Brandon's dad, Terry, was researching the origin of Thanksgiving and found George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation. We decided that should not expect to find this published in the Asheville Citizen Times or in the Franklin Press, therefore, I have taken it upon myself to publish it in my blog. :)
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
G. Washington (his actual signature)
*************************************************************************************
Brandon and I have so much to be thankful for not only on Thanksgiving Day, but all year long.
- Christ's Redemption and Love
- Our Marriage
- Our Family
- Our Friends
- Our Employment
and the list can go on and on, just as I am certain that each of you have your lists. The prayer of my heart this Thanksgiving is that I will celebrate King Jesus for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and that I will recognize His hand in all that surrounds us.
Happy Thanksgiving.
The Radio City Rockettes
For so long, I have wanted to see the Radio City Rockettes. I have only been to New York City once and that trip did not allow any extra time to go to a show. So when my friend, Brooke King asked me if I were interested, I jumped on the opportunity. However, this wasn't just a trip with Brooke, but we would be going on a tour bus trip (this was another new adventure for me).
We met at the Kmart parking lot and left on the bus at 9am. We were scheduled to eat at The Varsity for lunch, but when we arrived there, the parking lot was covered with tailgaters anticipating the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game that afternoon. Therefore, we went to Plan B. We ate lunch in the food court of the CNN Building.
After lunch, we got back on the bus and headed to the Fox Theatre. At this point, I was extremely excited! Since I have been working at the Smoky Mountain Center of the Performing Arts, I have become increasingly interested in other theatres and shows. I have never been to the Fox Theatre, but have heard so much about it. I was thankful to have the opportunity to be in the theatre with such history and success.
Before the show began, I went to the balcony so that I could see the entire theatre. I stood in amazement as I looked around. The theatre was beautiful!!! So much architecture and detail. I was overwhelmed.
We met at the Kmart parking lot and left on the bus at 9am. We were scheduled to eat at The Varsity for lunch, but when we arrived there, the parking lot was covered with tailgaters anticipating the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game that afternoon. Therefore, we went to Plan B. We ate lunch in the food court of the CNN Building.
After lunch, we got back on the bus and headed to the Fox Theatre. At this point, I was extremely excited! Since I have been working at the Smoky Mountain Center of the Performing Arts, I have become increasingly interested in other theatres and shows. I have never been to the Fox Theatre, but have heard so much about it. I was thankful to have the opportunity to be in the theatre with such history and success. When we arrived, we got in line (that went down along the building and went around the other corner) and waited to get in. I loved every minute of it.
Before the show began, I went to the balcony so that I could see the entire theatre. I stood in amazement as I looked around. The theatre was beautiful!!! So much architecture and detail. I was overwhelmed. At the end of the Rockettes, the show continued into the story of Christ. There was a live nativity scene, complete with two REAL camels, donkey, and sheep. It was beautiful.
The show was wonderful and I am so thankful to have gone.
I could not let the night end without getting a picture with Brooke. I am thankful for this special woman. I keep thinking, "when I grow up, I want to be just like her". She is the wife, mother, and friend, that I want to become. Her friendship is a gift and I am thankful for who she is in my life.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Fall Decorations
The last couple of weeks have been very busy. The semester is finally coming to and end and with each passing day, December 18th seems to get closer and closer. As exciting as this is, the final assignments always seem to add an extra touch of stress. I am to this point in the semester. The larger assignments' due dates are getting closer, plus I have had to prepare for my Praxis 2 test. This past Saturday, November 14th, I went to WCU to take my test, so I am thankful to have that behind me. I won't have my scores until several weeks from now, but I am glad that it is over. I did my very best best and did all I could do. We'll see how it turns out.
I am really looking forward to Saturday. I am off from the theatre and I want to decorate for Christmas! But I thought before I did that, I needed to take pictures of our fall decorations. I love fall, it's definitely an enjoyable season. This year, it seems as though it has flown by. So I have posted a few pictures of our decor.
**Reminder: Our 800 square foot apartment can only handle so much decorating, there isn't a lot to decorate, but for what there is...we did our best to welcome fall.
Stay tuned for Christmas 2009!
I am really looking forward to Saturday. I am off from the theatre and I want to decorate for Christmas! But I thought before I did that, I needed to take pictures of our fall decorations. I love fall, it's definitely an enjoyable season. This year, it seems as though it has flown by. So I have posted a few pictures of our decor.
**Reminder: Our 800 square foot apartment can only handle so much decorating, there isn't a lot to decorate, but for what there is...we did our best to welcome fall.
Stay tuned for Christmas 2009!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"The Leaves Are Still Going To Change"
It seems like I miss my brother, David the most during the Fall season. I say that, but really, in Winter, when families are gathering and celebrating the Birth of Christ, his absence is overwhelming. In Spring, when I see new buds and life surrounding us, I remember the Easter pictures we would take as a family with the young blossomed Dogwood in the background. Although there have been more added to this family portrait, there always seems to be a vacant place where he would have stood. The Summer makes me think of the June nights that we would spend outside catching fireflies as kids and hanging out on the lake as "somewhat" adults. So in reality, I miss him all year long, but this week has definitely been one of those weeks when I miss him with all I am.
David used to say, "The leaves are still going to fall", meaning there is another season coming. Maybe it's because of this saying as to why I grieve for only having a childhood with him rather than a lifetime during the fall.
As I drove to work this morning, there were red and yellow leaves falling, floating in the wind. It was another reminder of not only David and how I miss him, but of Jesus and how I love Him. As I watch the leaves fall, I am not only reminded of the fact that yes, indeed, another season is just a few days away, but the fact that life is only but a season, itself.
There is a new season coming. A time when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. A time when we will all sing along with the Angels. A day when we will celebrate without ceasing. A day when we will lay our crowns at the foot of Jesus. Oh what a day!
David used to say, "The leaves are still going to fall", meaning there is another season coming. Maybe it's because of this saying as to why I grieve for only having a childhood with him rather than a lifetime during the fall.
As I drove to work this morning, there were red and yellow leaves falling, floating in the wind. It was another reminder of not only David and how I miss him, but of Jesus and how I love Him. As I watch the leaves fall, I am not only reminded of the fact that yes, indeed, another season is just a few days away, but the fact that life is only but a season, itself.
There is a new season coming. A time when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. A time when we will all sing along with the Angels. A day when we will celebrate without ceasing. A day when we will lay our crowns at the foot of Jesus. Oh what a day!
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