There's always a reason...

I truly believe that God puts people in our lives for different reasons. For example, my new wonderful friend, Candace. She and her husband live about 10 houses down the street and it is such a blessing to have them in our lives. Candace stays home as well and we have such a good time together. Her beautiful daughter, Melaina, is a month older than Brooke and they play so well together. Candace and I have now started a weekly routine that is going to be a life saver and just so good for all of us. Here's an example of the new plan:

Mondays- Music Mondays at Candace's house (she and Tom are both musicians/singers so it is AWESOME to have her play the guitar and keyboard as we sing with the kiddos)
Tuesdays- I watch both kids while Candace gets out on her own for a while...
Wednesdays- Arts and crafts at my house
Thursdays- Candace watches both kids and I run out on my own...

We think it is a WIN WIN for all... I am so thankful for their wonderful family. Ahh. Life is good. This was taken yesterday when they were over. I think Brooke was crying because Melaina was playing with something she wanted. (Sharing is something being taught at the moment!) :)

Adorable Melaina!

Melaina chilling in the chair while Brooke was playing with her purse...

Today we had music day at Candace's...so fun!! The girls were loving the keyboard.

Thanksgiving

I wish everyday was Thanksgiving. What is better than hanging out with family, eating LOTS of food, and having the excuse to just relax all day. We were supposed to go to my sister's house for T-giving but they were all getting over being sick so we all decided it would be best if we stayed home. My Mom was still in town and so we made EVERY dish she would normally do for the big day. It was so much fun getting to learn how to make all of my families recipes. I normally would've done the hashbrown casserole and that would've been it...not this year!! I'd loved every minute of this day. Just hanging with the fam... Family photo before going for a walk...Nana gave this wagon to Brooke for Christmas! (so...it's a little early?!!)

Daddy got Brooke bundled that morning to go for a walk. From what people here are saying...it is unusually cold here. Of course, we move away from cold.. and it follows!! :)

Loving on Nana ... we miss you, Nana!!

Brooke Clapping for her birthday!

Enjoy the video! Thanks for uploading this, Jill!

Brooke's 1st Birthday!!

Memorable and comical. Two words that describe Brooke's birthday weekend!

Party goers-
Mimi (Scott's Mom)
Aunt Katie (Scott's sis)
Nana (My Mom)
Aunt Judy (My Aunt)
Uncle Kurt (My Uncle)
Jill (my cousin)
Aunt Lisa (my sis)
Candace (my new wonderful friend here)

Scheduled party day plans: Scott and I host BIG breakfast, lunch, and party to start around 4pm. Hang out at the house most of the day and play... and bond.

Actual day events: Woke up to NO electricity (300 houses in the area were out of power). Went out to breakfast instead (yum). Went back to house... STILL no power. It was freezing outside so house was cold too. 5 of us had not showered (no hot water) and we proceeded to go wander around the mall (SO not what I had planned). Went back to house and power came back on at 3:30pm. Went out to pick up cake and BBQ with Lisa and Aunt Judy..while on our way home the designer cake I had made (looked like a BIG cupcake) FELL over in the car. Ruined. BUT, tasted just the same. I don't think I have ever laughed as hard as I did this weekend. As crazy as the day went...having our families here made it ALL BETTER. We love you all and thank you so much for traveling here to celebrate with us. It wouldn't have been the same without you. Brooke on her actual birthday (Friday). We still cannot believe she is 1!

Sorry these pics are a little out of order... hanging out during the festivities at the house.

My side of the family...

Mimi and Aunt Katie snuggling with Brooke at Falls Park...

BURRRRR!!

The YUMMY ruined cake! UGH...

The beautiful Grandma's!

Mimi helping Brooke with her birthday hat!

Proud parents!

YUMMY CAKE!

Nana called me upstairs to take this pic of Brooke looking at her bible. I love this.

Aunt Judy having wild fun!

Candace gave Brooke this toy..SHE LOVES IT! She kept putting her feet up to ride more.. we were laughing so hard.

Admiring Uncle Kurt...

Loving the clapping for her during the singing of "Happy Birthday"! Every time we would stop clapping... she wanted more!

Florida State Weekend

Scott and I had a great weekend in Tallahassee for the Florida State/Clemson game! It was so much fun being back and seeing my college friends. I couldn't get over how much they have added to the campus... it was so great to be there. While we were down in FL, Lisa and Devin, were SOOOOO sweet to watch Brooke for us. THANKS AGAIN!! They said everything went great and that Brooke had such a great time!! I have been trying to upload the pics they sent from their weekend but I am having trouble. (Will keep working on it and get them up asap!).... I just LOVE seeing Seminole flags flying everywhere!

Having fun at the game!

Scott and Justin (husband of my best friend, Brooke)

Me, Cori, and Brooke before heading to the game!

Greenville Zoo

Brooke was so amazed by the giraffe's yesterday... I forget how much fun the zoo is!

Trick or Treat

This was Brooke's 1st Halloween and it was a great night. Our neighborhood has a parade (really everyone just walks with their children down the main street...no real spectators!) but a fire truck leads the parade! We went over to Candace and Tom's house beforehand. They are neighbors that we have met and they have a 1 year old daughter, Melaina. She and Brooke play great together! Our little cat and Melaina was a lady bug! So cute..

MEOW...

The parade started at the end of the cul-de-sac... Here goes the fire truck!

Me and my kitty. :)

Candace with the girls...

The parade starting to walk!