Merry CHRISTmas!!

Oh Christmas Parties...

 It all started 10 years ago when our worries were few and we were always in search of a good time; Taylor and I decided to have a Christmas party. After the first year we had so much fun that it became an annual tradition. Over the years we have made so many wonderful memories preparing for the party, enjoying everyone on the BIG night and even the clean up brought us memories! Lots of things have happened since that first year, we went from living down the hall from each other to being married ladies in two different towns. We decided that it was time to close out the tradition on year number 10 and this year the fun tradition came to a end. 

 This year we had the party at my house. I always have so much fun decorating the table. 

 We displayed some invites from the years on the chandelier. 

 Anna Kate and Connor living it up!!

 Reagan, Landon, Bridget

Taylor and Brad

Oh Christmas Parties...

Olan Mills Pic!! 

Taylor and Reagan 

A couple of weeks ago Taylor hosted our Bible study Christmas gathering; each year we do an ornament exchange. This is one of my very favorite times of the season, it is a night full of laughter. This year poor Stacey's ornament got stolen from her about 7 times, she informed us that she might have to resign from the group due to the fact that we were not treating her right. :) I am glad to report thanks to Taylor, Stacey left with one of the ornaments she really wanted and she has withdrawn her resignation. 

 Sarah, Beth, Jeanne

 AK

 Ktown in the house...Reagan, Stacey, Taylor

 Laura and Hope

 Caroline and Kade

The newest edition to the group Mr. Ethan with proud Mama E and Neta.

Yee-Haw Las Vegas

 Last weekend Caroline, Uncle Charles and myself headed to Vegas for the National Rodeo Finals! Caroline had been dreaming of going for years and with just a little talking got her Daddy on board. I tagged along to keep them in line. ;)

 The rodeo was really good. I had only been to little rodeos; let me tell you there is a big difference!! This one was nonstop action from the moment it started. 

 The Cooper Boys (they are famous Cowboys...according to Vegas)

We also celebrated Uncle Charles' 60th and my 30th on our trip. 

We stayed at the Venetian and the Christmas decorations were awesome!!

Rounding Out November

 Stuart and Josh are MARRIED!! The weekend before Thanksgiving we celebrated the marriage of Stuart and Josh. Stuart has always held a special place in my heart, I feel so blessed to have so many little brothers and sisters. 

 Time for the cake!

 Kari and Stuart had a little performance in store for the evening. 

 The Girls

 Our wedding filled Saturday was followed Sunday with the dedication of our God daughter, Hayley. I am so sad that I did not get any good pictures of her, she fell asleep on the way home. Hayley's dress was very special for 2 reasons it was made out her mom's wedding dress and her big sister wore it when she was dedicated. To say that Hayley loves Bryan is an understatement, I think he is pretty smitten with her too. 

 Taylor and I had a little photo session when we got home. 

 This past Thanksgiving was probably my favorite Thanksgiving so far, with each passing year I realize more and more the thousands of gifts God gives us each day.  All of my Mom's siblings came home for the turkey feast and fellowship this year, it was the first time in 10 years they were all home. We started our parade of eating in Snow Hill with my Dad's family and then we made our way to the K for a family photo, more food and non stop laughter. 

 The Griffin Bunch

I included this picture so you could get a good laugh........can you say posed for the photo!?!

Fabulous Fall Weekend

 So often I get caught up in the busyness of this world; I am really trying to make it a point to slow down and take in each gift HE has given me. Friday I took off from work, I kicked off my day with Taylor, Katie and Anna Kate at the Mainstreet sale in Washington. After I whirled around the sale grabbing some Christmas goods I headed to a Veteran's Day celebration in Snow Hill where my dad and brother both participated in the ceremony. It was very special to stop and honor the men and women who defend our freedom in years past and today. My Daddy did his mayoral duty and welcomed the crowd and dignitaries, then he handed the ceremony to Zack who briefly discussed his service and did the invocation. It was truly a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of so many.

 Papa and Zack a generation of veterans. 

One proud Papa!!

Friday evening we joined some friends and headed to a SoCo in Black Creek, which is right outside of Wilson for dinner. The people that own the SoCo remodeled an farm house and in the back they have a restaurant where they do dinner for groups of 8 or more each evening. It was a 4 course dinner and let me just tell you it was absolutely delicious. 

If you are looking for a neat experience you should visit SoCo!

 Roasted carrot soup and it was my favorite part of the meal. 

Yesterday my Mom came over and we went Christmas shopping. I am going to Las Vegas the first weekend in December and I have set a goal to have all my gifts bought and wrapped before I board the plane. So far I am very proud to say that I have made a huge dent and everything that has been bought is wrapped. My mom is crazy for those of you that do not know and yesterday she did not fail me I laughed so hard at that woman!!

As for today we had a great service at church, in Sunday school we started a study on HIS SPIRIT. I am super excited for this study. I hope that you and your family have enjoyed this weekend too!!

ECU GAME

 Saturday we headed to Dowdy Ficklen to cheer on the Pirates. 

The game was not so good, but the fellowship with friends was special as always. 

Having some tailgating fun with the girls...Allyson Lake, Taylor, M and KT.

 Bryan's Saturdays are usually set aside for studying, but he got to venture out to the game this week!

It was Military Appreciation Day at the game complete with a fly over. I have to say that standing in a stadium observing so many Americans singing the "National Anthem" is one of those moment in life where you pause and you say "Thank you Jesus for those who serve". I think about all who make sacrifices each and everyday so we can live in the land of the free. Thank you Zack for your service to our nation, you always make me proud!!

Since the Pirates were not really playing football we decided we would head to see some real action....ANNA KATE!! 

We had fun playing with AK and letting her show us all her tricks (counting to 10, waving "Bye" like she is about 13 etc.). 

We hope you had a great weekend too!!

Arrgh!!!

 B had school so Pirate Dowdy helped me hand out all the goodies to the little ones on Halloween. 

I always make "special" treats for the children we know. 

This year we had Halloween s'more bags complete with pumkin Peeps, a Hersey bar and graham crackers. 

Our "Pirate" helped me brave the storm and pass out goodies for a few hours.

 I felt so sorry for the parents that had to brave the torrential down pours. 

What a blessing it is to see the sweet little faces light up when you greet them with a treat. 

Race for William

William the Warrior

On Sunday a group of us headed up to Durham to run a 10 miler for William. William was born  in March to our friends, Jayme and David, from church. All of the money raised from the race was donated to research for Down Syndrome. It was so moving to see so many people support such a great cause. I was honored to be apart of "The William Warrior" team. 

 Jayme pushing William across the finish line. He met her at the very end of the race. 

 I am so proud of Caroline!! She has trained so hard for this race and it paid off on Sunday!

Yes, we are about to die!! :)

 Family

Melodie coming in!!

William's Verse
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."-Hebrews 11:1