Friendship and Vests

With every move, we get new neighbors.  Over the years, we've had some great ones!  No one has ever compared to our first neighbors, The Huntley Family...but those memories are for a different time!  We love our new neighborhood.  When we moved in, we were sure that the Southern Hospitality would be over-flowing...but people are busy {us included}.  Of course everyone waves as they pull into their driveway, but we wanted Friendships - not just waves...  SO, we had an idea...

It is a family tradition to have a Christmas Party each year.  This tradition started when we were first married.  The Elliott's, Kostjuk's, Waldeck's and Us!  We had fun year after year and made sweet memories.  Although we moved away, Jon & I have continued to host Christmas parties.  Sometimes it's with our Small Group, some years it's been a Christmas Brunch.  One year everything was ready except for the arrival of our guests....then the stomach flu hit me...and Cancelling the event was the only thing left to do. 

So, coming into this Christmas season, we knew we wanted to have a party ~ we just didn't know who to invite.  Then we thought about our neighbors!  As we walked door-to-door handing out invitations, I wondered if anyone would attend.  Regardless of that concern, the planning began.  I LOVE PLANNING PARTIES!  Love it all!  One thing that I do delegate gladly is the Activities for the evening.  That's where my other (better!) half comes in!  He is great at keeping a group happy.  I must admit that I had a few doubts about his idea, but I went with it.  Every "Holiday" party should have guests wearing their best "holiday" sweater, right?  The plan was for everyone to make their very own Holiday Vests. 

Fast Forward to December 17th, 7pm.  Jon and I put on our decked-out vests and we opened the door to greet our first guests.  They (remember, we don't know our neighbors) looked at our vests, gave an akward smile and continued talking.  I was so relieved when Jon told them it was a joke and that they too could make one!  This crazy idea turned out to be a fun time of bonding.

The Supplies

The Hosts

The Food





Some of the guests

The evening was a success.  Plenty of food, drinks, laughter, happy kids and more!  The best part was that we made new friends.  We are all busy and rarely take the time to do more than wave... but now we have shared memories and can continue building friendships with these sweet neighbors.  I am continually grateful that God placed us in this neighborhood.  I was convinced that House # 1 then #2 then #3 were the perfect houses for us.  I was wrong {again}.  God knew what we needed and I will be faithful with what He has given us and whom He has placed us near.

If I had a Penny...

IF I HAD A PENNY every time I've thought about updating this blog...hhhmmm....I'd have at least 20 cents!  I haven't forgotten about the blog, life is just speeding by so quickly and I can't align my "creative thoughts" with actually sitting at the computer to type them >>>  UNTIL NOW!

Where to begin?  Where I left off is the best place.  Yes, in my last post I shared about being the recipient of a Speeding Ticket.  After 2 months, I am finally right with the LAW again.  You see, yesterday I had the privilege of going to City Hall and standing before the judge at 7:30 a.m.  In front of a room full of people, I had to say the word "Guilty" and I said "Yes, I do want to attend traffic school...Thank You".   So that is where I begin...

Now what has this Tennessee girl been up to for the past 2 months?  Well, all y'all can keep reading to find out!  :)

My dear Friend Kelli E.  and her sweet girls came to visit Franklin (uh, I mean ME) in October!  We had a great time seeing everything a tourist should see, eating lots of great food and spending time with a friend that lives too far away.  She was the photographer that week so pictures are on her blog.  http://www.moment4milk.blogspot.com/  

November came and went in a hurry.  My girl, K, turned 9 years old and we had such fun celebrating HER on several occasions.  On the night of her Birthday, we loaded up the car {even the dog} and headed to Texas.  In the past, we have always flown to TX...but we were up for the adventure of a 10.5 hour drive.  Arriving early to surprise my parents was such fun and we loved having extra time with them.  It was a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family!

Now...December is half over, and I am wondering where the days have gone.  The house is decorated, lights are up, family is coming soon and we are eager to celebrate the birth of Jesus ~ our Savior.

Until next time...

**P.S.  Sorry for the lack {non-existence} of  pictures...This was definitely a "catch-up" post...Pictures coming soon!