Catching Up...

So, what I've decided to do is post pictures from last summer until now to try and play catch up.  We have had a huge year, guys.  The biggest thing was that Daddy decided to open his own State Farm Agency.  This wasn't something that he decided on spur of the moment.  When Chastain Homes wasn't really making any money (the housing market went tank), we started praying as to what our next step would be.  Daddy went on several (5-6) interviews and nothing really worked out.  The Lord put this in front of him and we decided to pursue it since he does have a master's degree in Insurance.  Well, our prayer became that if this wasn't the right door for us to enter through, close it!!  After much preparation (and the word "much" doesn't even begin to describe what Daddy went through), he finally got word that he was being offered the Sandy Springs location.  He officially opened the doors on January 3, 2011.  We pray for him daily, as he has never been gone from us this much and he has to drive at least 1 hour one way, and for the blessing of our Heavenly Father on this new venture.  

This new office consumed our lives this year.  From finding an appropriate space to lease, to praying for and eventually hiring the right employees, to decorating, etc.... we have had little time for anything else.  We didn't get to have a "formal" vacation this summer, but we had lots of fun anyway.  JD and Jacob  did go to the beach with Aunt Carrie and Uncle Robby.  You guys had a blast!!

So, in light of all of the crazy circumstances, I thought I would just post some pictures to catch us up to date, and then take over the blogging world from there.

First of all, JD, you won the State Bible Drill!!  What a huge accomplishment.  We couldn't have been more proud of you!!

We went on picnics...

We had an awards ceremony at CHAT before Field Day...

JD, if you could have made us any more proud, on May 2, you were baptized...

CHAT yearbook signing...

Mother's Day 2010

Audrey's Spring Ballet Recital...

Luci's Softball Season... you guys went undefeated...

These are just a few of the pictures of the Pool Party Audrey planned during the week of VBS...

Silly Luci...

Audrey, you lost your first tooth...

 ...and decided to get bangs!

...and you made a flyer and collected tons of food for the Bread of Life!

We girls went to BabyLand General with Mimi...

Jacob, in July, we were so blessed as your parents to watch you be baptized...

Picking blueberries...

Letterboxing in Calhoun and then lunch at JD's Place...

Luci's 8th Birthday...

First day of CHAT!

Secret Keeper Girl...

Sunday School BBQ at our house!

Daddy took you guys camping with Uncle Robby and Larkin...

Luci, you saved your money to get your first $100 bill...

Audrey, we had you a surprise party for your 7th birthday!  You weren't very happy at first, but once you warmed up, you had a blast!!

We've never missed the Cartersville Christmas Parade...

Christmas 2010

Audrey dancing at Maple Ridge Nursing Home...

Luci and JD playing basketball...

CHAT Mother/Daughter Christmas Tea...

Christmas Carolling for Papa at Starcrest...

Mommy's Annual Cookie Swap

Women's Resource Center Diaper Collection Night

JD's 11th Birthday...Chick fil A and the Movies!!!

After Daddy's first day at his new office, we all met him there and went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner...

So, maybe this give you a little taste of what has happened since my last post.  I love you to pieces guys, and the Lord has never been at work in our lives like He is now!!  We are so blessed!!  We continue to pray for Daddy and stay grateful and thankful for each other, our home, our families, our food, cars, clothes, God's grace and mercy, and that He wants to use us for His Glory, if we'll just obey and let Him!!