Turkey in Tennessee
7:43 PM - Posted by Erin - 0 comments

We did it!  Our first major road trip with Taylor!  We drove the 12-hour road trip to Memphis overnight and our little Tater Tot did wonderfully!  We're so proud of her.  

Our Thanksgiving vacation in Tennessee with Rob's grandparents was made complete because of the following highlights:
  • A very traditional southern Turkey Day meal with smoked turkey and mouthwatering side dishes!   I totally think the sides make the meal!
  • Several desserts from scratch including multiple four layer cakes and pies. I have no shame in admitting that I had cake for breakfast one day... hey - Aunt Janet did it first and Grandmama did it second! When in Rome... 
  • REAL autumn colors!!
  • Afternoon strolls while wearing fleece through the small southern town with plantation style homes and awesome Magnolia Trees.
  • Catching up with family we rarely see - Rob's older brother, Aaron and his family drove in from Wisconsin, and Rob's Aunt and cousins that live in Tennessee were all part of the festivities... I just wish I got more pictures of everyone!
  • Graceland!  I know... checking out "Elvis the Pelvis" is not really a typical holiday activity, but I had never been there, and I couldn't pass up that opportunity... 
  • Seeing the LOVE that Rob's Grandmama and Granddaddy have for little miss Taylor brought tears to my eyes.  
I could go on and on... and here are a few of the highlight photos from the trip... there are TONS more, but they will have to wait for another time.  
Here's Rob's mom, Michelle, and Chris.
Our little nephew, Adrian!!  So stinkin' cute!  He's showing off his rocks in this picture!
Rob's cousin's son, Donovan, was so adorable with Taylor... seriously... the sweetest thing ever!  (Guys, he REALLY needs that baby sister!!)
The brothers... Rob, Chris, and Aaron.  They just look related, don't they?!?  Maybe it's the way they all have their hands in their pockets that make them look alike?!?  :)
Here's Taylor's sweet Great-Grandmama.  She and Taylor seemed to have a very special connection. 
Little miss T all bundled up for our walk around town.  
Our little family... we're still on a high from the joy and love we felt last week.  I feel such an appreciation for Rob's grandparents.  Not having my grandparents anymore really makes me cherish my time with Rob's.   They treat me like their grand daughter and it feels like I've known them all my life.  Soaking up the time with them was the ultimate highlight of the trip, and I can speak for Rob (and Taylor) when I say that we can't wait for our next trip to Tennessee!   



How cute is this?!
7:45 PM - Posted by Erin - 2 comments




Morning Joy
4:35 PM - Posted by Erin - 1 comments

Psalm 30:5 - For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

I have so been enjoying the lazy mornings I get to spend with Taylor these days.  This morning was like many of the others... Typically Rob leaves for work, although this morning he left early to go fishing, so it was just her and me.  She woke me up around 6:45 to eat.  If we have the time after filling her belly and changing her diaper we like to sit and talk to each other.   I take it as a chance to really soak up her joy.  





It never ceases to amaze me... the Bible tells us to have faith like little children - believing wholeheartedly in our God and His promises.  Not that Taylor is old enough to have faith or know what it is, but I really think she might be wise beyond her years.  Regardless of the previous day's events Taylor wakes up smiling these sweet little heart-melting smiles.  Her complete, unadulterated joy reminds me that I should be joyful too - I have every reason to be joyful!   Thanks to Jesus Christ, each morning holds new mercies and a second chance to get it right.  Each sunrise is an unfailing reminder of God's faithfulness.  Like Taylor, the birds sing God's praises with the dawn of each new day.  Each of us has God's favor, and joy comes in the morning.  Thank you, Daddy God, for all these things... and thank you for the precious gift of a daughter to remind me daily.  


Halloween Festivities
10:02 AM - Posted by Erin - 2 comments
Well, we entered the holiday season in an effort to start a few traditions and have some fun!   It started at the pumpkin patch on Friday.  Too bad Taylor slept the whole time... at least I got a few pictures to commemorate the event!



We carved a pumpkin and roasted the seeds!  And we had a couple costumes for T... the classic pumpkin - which she seemed to actually enjoy, and the not so classic hot dog - which she really hated!  In fact, I had to recreate the photo op in the hot dog costume as she was in and out of it too quickly on Halloween!  




I'm already looking forward to next year... I think I've already got her costume picked out!  Perhaps something more homemade... and we're now officially into this holiday season!!  Yay!!