Valentine's Day

You gotta love Valentine's Day. Tim had to work today until 6:00. The kids worked for a couple of hours decorating the table and making dinner and a cake to surprise him when he came home. They were so proud of themselves and so were we. Valentine's Day is usually more of a family holiday for us. We had a great time preparing then enjoying dinner and dessert together.

In memory...

Today would have been my Grandaddy Leon's birthday. He passed away 10 years ago. Wow, It seems so weird to say that it has been that long ago. He was a wonderful man and loved us kids so much. I was pregnant with HannahGrace when he died and I think so many times about how he would have been so in love with my kids and the other great-grandkids too. We love you grandaddy, Happy Birthday. I can only imagine what it must be like to have Jesus at your birthday party...

Saturday's at Upward

Carter is playing Upward basketball at Bethel Baptist Church. He loves to play any kind of sport. He and our next door neighbor, Jordan are best buddies and play on the same team. They are use to playing basketball in the driveway where anything goes. You can tackle, slap, hit, trip, or whatever you need to get the ball. Well, I guess 7 year old's can't really separate the two environments so when it is his time to get out there and play, it's "game on". He doesn't deliberately hurt anyone and hasn't to date, but it is hysterical watching his backyard basketball techniques together with the shy kids who are running around praying that they don't have to touch the ball. God love him for his enthusiasm!

I love me some snow days, only it's not a snow day...

Well we are out of school tomorrow because it is cold. How crazy is that? Don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED to death!! This is one of the reasons that I became a teacher...so I could be home with my kids on days like this. We are planning on taking full advantage of the day. 1st priority: sleep in!! Then we are going to see "Hotel for Dogs", now we get to go during the day when it's cheaper instead of catching the evening show. The only bad thing about the day is that Tim has to work tomorrow night so he has to sleep for part of the day. That is our movie time. With him working night we have learned to strategically plan things while he is sleeping so the house is quiet. Not a lot going on with the Preston's, so this is a good thing. One more thing I wanted to mention...tonight HG and I were headed out to the video store for some movies and as I came out of the entrance to the subdivision, across the highway was a house on fire. It was fully engulfed in flames. We pulled over right there and said a prayer for those people. It is such a sinking feeling to see such a sight. I can only imagine what the owners of that home are dealing with right now. Please say a prayer for these people, whom ever they are...

Best Friends

These two girls are best friends. Hannah Grace and Anna Grace. They have been thick-as-thieves since they were in Kindergarten together. They love each other so much and I am so thankful that they are friends. You just never know who your kids will pick for friends and I don't think HG could have done any better. We are so thankful that Anna comes from such a great family and home. I know the girls will look back at these days when they are older, and still friends, and know that these are the best days of their lives. We love you Anna.

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's back to school we go...

I cannot believe these last two weeks have gone by so fast. It is unreal to me how times goes by faster and faster each year. Remember the days when we were kids and the year seemed to go on forever? I want time to be like that again. Oh well, watcha gonna do?
This year has already started off with a bang. School is fixing to get back into swing. Carter is playing basketball, HG is taking dance, and we are already getting calls about baseball and softball. Before we know it Spring will be here and the year will be half over. I am really trying to make a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy these years with the kids being young and having fun. I don't want to look back and wish that I had done things differently. Don't get me wrong, there will ALWAYS be things that I wish I had done differently but I mean as a whole, I don't want to have any regrets. I am looking forward to what this new year has in store for my family.
Well, wish me luck in this 2nd half of the school year. I hope everyone reading this has a blessed year and may God Bless you and your families.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I can't believe that I have been out of school and I have blogged less than when I am in school. Our family had a wonderful Christmas. The kids got way too many things, as usual. But we always say that is why we had them, so we could spoil them. It doesn't help that their grandparents spoil them way beyond what we ever could. We spent a lot of time visiting with family, this is my favorite part of Christmas. So many people do not like the chaos of family but I tend to love being right in the middle of it. Call me crazy.
Now I am looking forward to the new year. I was filling out my new 2009 calender last night, putting in all the birthdays and other important dates that I didn't want to forget, and I was looking back at all that had gone on throughout 2008. There were deaths, births, anniversaries, ball seasons, dance seasons, me graduating and getting a job, cars had been bought and sold (Tim) and so much more. I can only begin to think of what things I will be looking back on this time next year. There will be more of all the things just mentioned and so much more that will be happening in the lives of us all, how exciting, the fear and excitement of the unknown. If I had to wrap up my thoughts for this year in a few simple words they would be:

Thankful
God given
Hopeful
Love

Happy New Year from the Preston's!!