Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
Bryan and Ms. Lillie
Nice....Real Nice

Zack gave Uncle Jeb a very special gift. It was "Nice...Real Nice."

Mama's Christmas Tree

It was beautiful!!

Christmas Morning

Dowdy sporting his new rain coat.

Daddy and Dowdy opening gifts.

As children we would go to White's Lights in on Christmas Eve. This year after we left Ronnie and Barbara's Zack was dying to go. I piled into Zack's truck with him and Allie and off we went. We giggled like we were 10 again! It was so much fun.

Then Santa needed a little help with a football field so went to the Powells to help out. My friend, Melodie's boys got a football field complete with field goals from Santa. It was awesome!! This was my first year helping Santa and it made Christmas Eve so fun.

Liles-Radford

Our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. was very busy and special. It was so good to spend time with many special friends and family. I am missing a few...I forgot my camera when we did Christmas with the Radfords and poor Mama did not make it in a photo. Sorry! :( I hope that you had a great Christmas and may the joy that came so long ago in a manager fill your heart the entire year!

Elizabeth and Taylor Christmas Party

My college roommate Taylor and I decided one random night 8 years ago to have a Christmas party at our house. We were far from domestic divas, but we did break in the kitchen the night before the party. I am known for loving to "throw the heat" when I am cooking and that night 8 years ago I did just that to a batch of Hello Dollies and to say the least it was not a pretty sight. We said then that we were going to do this every year no matter what and we have kept our promise. We look forward to this each year and you would be happy to know that the food has come along way since that first Christmas party. :)

The Meeks Family

Mattew & Mary Beth



Chuck & B

My Daddy

Katie, Danielle, Chris

Clairon, Barry, Jamie

Wilson Sunday School Friends

Tay & Brad

M & Andy

Bible Study Girls

Mayor Dennis Liles

It is official Dennis Liles (aka Daddy) is the Mayor of Snow Hill. They had a really nice swearing in ceremony on December 14th.




Daddy getting sworn in.

His first speech to the people. I know that I am a little bias, but he did a great job!

Bobby Taylor, New Town Commissioner
Becky Scarbourough, New Town Commissioner

No time to waste...moving into their first meeting.

Bryan, Daddy, Elizabeth

Daddy and Terry

Papa and Daddy

Caroline is 21 and Zack is HOME!!!

Our family has a tradition that we go to Mike's Tree farm to help us all get into the Christmas spirit. We headed there a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time. At the end of the hayride of lights there is a big American flag flying and they play "God Bless the USA". That always touches all the hearts on the ride. Last year I wept because, Zack was overseas and this year I smiled and thanked God because on that very day he came home. I give God all the glory, honor and praise for bringing him home to us once again safe and sound. Please continue to pray for those still serving overseas during this holiday season.

Pretty Lights

Aunt Angie and Elizabeth

Caroline and Justin

Mama and Josiah

(Two of a kind)

Celebrating Caroline's 21st

Aunt Angie, Caroline, Uncle Charles

Caroline and Justin

Happy 21st Caroline!! We love you!!

Just a Reminder

In North Carolina we have a new law that you can't text while driving. I must admit that this is a hard one for me. However, I am really trying to work on not texting while driving. I have been warned by numerous people that I better remember the new law, but this is was the best...

Thanksgiving Wrap Up

We had a fun filled Thanksgiving week and weekend. We started out our Thanksgiving at The Little Willie Center in Greenville. The Little Willie Center is a center that serves under privlege children. I have had the opportunity over the past few years to volunteer tutoring at the center. On Thanksgiving Day they open up to the community and serve a meal. Bryan and I started the tradition about 3 years ago to go and volunteer before we go have our Thanksgiving meal. I am always reminded just how blessed we are and my heart is warmed to hear those that are less fortunate be so thankful for a meal. My mom decided to join us this year. Then we headed to my Uncle Horace's house for our family Thanksgiving. We had sooo much good food. It was nice spending time with our family. Uncle Howard, Aunt Miriam, Daddy, Uncle HoraceI talked my Mom, Aunt Angie and Caroline into doing a little "Early Bird" shopping with me. My mom spent the night with me and Angie and Caroline came over at 4:30 am. We headed out to Target to meet up with at least 200 of our "closest" friends. We did get some good deals, but most importantly we really had a good time together. I came home and crashed. Then Friday night I went over to a friend's house in Wilson to play Bunco. I have been wanting to play so bad with group since I moved here so they got a group together to play. Saturday was game day. Decked out in purple and gold off to Dowdy Ficklen we go. The Pirates won and we will host the conference championship next weekend in Gville. GO PIRATES!!!

East Carolina Girls (missing Stace)

Saturday night Bryan and went to see "The Blind Side". I am not a big movie fan, but this movie was so good. If you have not seen it you should go. Today was church and then one more Thanksgiving feast with Bryan's mom. We had BBQ turkey and it was really good. The best part about Thanksgiving is that I got to spend time with Bryan, my family and friends without having to rush to my next desintation. I hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving too!!

Thankful

I love Thanksgiving week. It is the kick off of the holiday season. The decorations go up, let the shopping begin, seeing family and friends, good food and the list could go on. Before I jump in to enjoy the festivities I want to take the time to reflect on the things that I have to be thankful for this year.

-I got married! I survived planning a wedding and the first 6 months of marriage. :) In all seriousness I am so thankful for Bryan.

-Health-I count it a true blessing to get up each morning and feel good.

-Family-With me and Zack getting married this year my family has extended quite a bit. I am so thankful that I have my family to laugh with, cry with, and just be "me" with.

-Friends-The new and the old friends are all such a blessing to me. My old friends have been so supportive of me over the past year from the 1,000 wedding showers to moving to Wilson. My new friends are what have helped this girl that does NOT like change adjust to Wilson and boy am I thankful for that!

-Job-I am very thankful that each day when I get up I have a job to go to. Also, I blessed with a job that I love.

-Church-When we moved to Wilson we sat out to find just the right place to serve. I am so thankful we found First Baptist and Cornerstone Sunday School class.

-Bible Study Girls-I do not know what I would do or where I would be without this group of girls. Studying God's word with this group of ladies is such a blessing.

-Service Men and Women-When I lay down at night I know they are working hard to defend our freedom. Thank you!!

-Zack's Safety-I know that over the past year he has faced many dangerous things and God truly has held him in the palm of his hands.

These are truly just a few of the things that I am thankful for, but the most precious thing that I am thankful for is my salvation. I am so glad that I am a daughter of the King!

Wherever you may go to celebrate may you find a moment to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!

God Bless the USA!

Happy Veterans Day!!

To those men and women that have served and continue to serve our country I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Since Zack has joined the Army have been reminded on so many occassions just what a sacrifices that are our service people make each day. We are truly a blessed nation and today I stop to salute each of you that have served or are currently serving.

I ask that you continue to lift Zack and all the service men and women that are currently overseas in your prayers. We will not have contact with Zack for a couple of weeks so please pray that God provides him with the strength that he needs. Also, please keep his wife Alex in your prayers as she waits for Zack to return.

Zack-you know that I am so proud of you for being willing to follow the call of God. I can't wait to see you!! I send my love and prayers!!

Birthday, New Mayor, Baby Shower

Sunday was my husband Bryan's birthday. I had to decorate a little so we could celebrate!! One of neat things about being married is you get to share so many firsts. This was the first time I have ever celebrated "My Husband's Birthday".
Dowdy was excited it was his Daddy's birthday so he could play with the ribbon.
Bryan we love you and thank God for you daily!

Daddy and Terry

My Dad has served as a Town Commissioner for 2 years now and when the seat for Mayor came up for election he decided that he would run. He has always LOVED his town and he always been a very active part of the community. Many people worked really hard on his campaign and on Tuesday night the people of Snow Hill elected him Mayor. Congrats Daddy!!

The men and lady of the hour.

New Town Commissioners-Bobby and Becky

New Mayor-Dennis

Daddy with former Mayor Ben Raeford

Mr. Raeford served the town of Snow Hill for many years. I think it was so neat that he saw Daddy win the election.

Our good friend Julie is expecting a little girl in December on Wednesday we went out to celebrate the baby on the way!
Stacey, Taylor, Katie, Danielle

Precious Cake

Jeanne and Julie

Jeanne is due in November with a boy and Julie is due in December with a girl. There could be some match making going on. :)