Christmas Road Trip 2010

Two holidays, three destinations, ... one Toyota Corolla... 1,850 miles. We're borrowing my sister's car, a 4 door Corolla (4 doors!!!), and packing up to hit the road just a couple days before Christmas. First stop, Jackson Mississippi to spend Christmas weekend with Grandmama, Mr.Grant and Lynn, Sister Seale and Matt and allll the rest of the wonderful Grant family. Then it's on to Chattanooga (Hixon) Tennessee to see Sister Cayte and Jacky in their new home. Which is conveniently on the way to Gatlinburg Tennessee, where we'll ring in the new year with friends Jon + Clair and Chelsey + Taylor (and Hammy cat). Chelsey's parents have a cabin in the mountains with just enough space for a memorable New Year's gathering.

Now... I hope we survive to post pictures and stories from this adventure.

Found the Marches!

For those of you who have met the unforgettable Caree March, you can now catch up with her and Andy online! I've added their blog to my blogging buddies, visit them here andycaree.wordpress.com. I keep asking people how they're doing and today I got this Christmas postcard with more info. If you haven't met the Marches, let me just say they passionately live for Jesus and are inspiration in servant-hood. Upon moving from their 2BR apt in Rogers Park, where they attended RPCC, to their Florida - they took on parenting 6 foster teenage girls. They can't post photos on the blog, but I'll just bet it's something to see!

Gracie D is 1 year old!

Our little niece, Gracie D, turned one year last week! She's the cutest one year old little girl I know and her parents, John and Ashley, gave her one sweet birthday party last weekend. I wanted to share pics from the day taken by my sister in law's brother in law, Shawn. A day celebrating with family is a reminder of all the support we have as new parents. There are three babies in the family now - Grace, Eli, and David - and that means three first-time moms. All the women on the D side are dear to my heart and no matter what stage of life, we're tied to one another as sisters in Christ. Then there's the men who keep us grounded and yet turn to mush over these sweet babies!

We got Grace a set of pjs from old navy and the handmade stuffed owl. Ashley made incredible chocolate candy cane cookies from a pioneer woman recipe. She also had out snowflake sugar cookies, icecream and cherry cupcakes. To make the cherry cupcakes, start with a white cake mix and add the juice from the Maraschino cherry jar... oh dear, I can't really remember the rest. But the icing was regular vanilla just tinted with food coloring and maybe chopped cherry bits.

Support Branches in Style

Clare Weaver's band, Branches, consists of Tripp and our friends Jon, Clair and Antoine. While many Chicago friends and family show their support by coming out to monthly shows, you can now show your support in style! Branches t-shirts are now on sale and can be yours for only $15 or get one for your best friend 2 for $25. All proceeds go directly back to the band. Ready to order? Contact Clare Weaver or email branches at branchesband@gmail.com.

Haven't gotten a chance to experience Branches tunes live?
Check out their videos on you tube
or videos on facebook

Need a custom t-shirt designed for your group or event? Comment here or contact me via email/facebook.