The Bright Eyed Brunette

Happy Turkey Day, people! We had a nice holiday weekend. Thanksgiving was harder than I expected it to be. It was hard not going to my Papaw's house (for the first time EVER) on Thanksgiving night, but we pushed through and enjoyed our time together as a family. It was very different this year not only because we didn't go to Papaw's but also because my sister and her kids were not there. This is the first "big" holiday since the divorce and it was just kind of hard. It was hard on her because she didn't have her kids and hard for me because things just weren't normal..and we all know I thrive in the normal! I felt off all day. The rest of the weekend went well.  Carl and Trey went deer hunting but didn't see anything. We went to the carnival but didn't ride any rides, only walked through the tents (and Carlie got to see her "friend"), ate at our favorite Chinese restaurant and continued decorating for Christmas.  We also grilled hamburge

He is such a goofball! We made a stop at the Apple Tree Mall and of course Makena found a guitar and fell in love. Carlie doesn't play any instruments but we decided she might play the tambourine, lol! Trey found Mater! At the Dixie Stampede! Waiting to go in This was an old folks tp group from St. Louis.  It was funny because they were so stiff! Selfie time!! This was the first time we have ever seen the Christmas Show It was beautiful! We decided that we needed a little get away. Things have been a little crazy around here and a break was just what we needed! We left early Friday morning. The first thing we did was buy tickets to the Dixie Stampede. We could only get in at the 8pm show, which was not my first choice, but we took it and it all worked out really well! Saturday we drove to Springfield to go to the Bass Pro Shop. We haven't been in years so it was nice to see all of the changes. Fun times! My girlies

Our annual Harvest Supper at church was held on Wesnesday and we had an awesome crowd! It is always good to see so many people from the community come out and share this time with us. I pray that as a church we will always be known as a "warm and friendly church" just like our sign says. We are here to serve and I hope we (I) never loose aight of that. Much Love, Beth

Happy 17th birthday to Carlie Erin!! It is so hard to believe that you are seventeen. You have grown into such a wonderful person. You are sweet, smart, and beautiful inside and out. I am proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Even though I still have to be in "Mom" mode because you know, I am your mother, I also feel like we are friends. I pray that you will always let God lead you. Seek Him in all you do and you will always be good to go! Friday night we went to Little Rock to ice skate. You had a ton of fun and only fell down once! You went hunting with your dad on Saturday, but he forgot to send me any pictures.  You saw a doe but let it walk because you are waiting on that buck!! Sunday, your actual birthday was church day. We let you open presents from us before church.  After church, we had a party at Nanny and Pop's for you and Nanny! Your dad smoked some ribs and pork butts and they were very tasty!! You and