The Bright Eyed Brunette

I've never been one to pick a "word" of the year.  It just wasn't really my thing, kind of like new year resolutions.  However, I thought I would change things up bit this year (new year, new you!).  I did some digging and praying and one word just kept coming to mind in everything I read... Overcome: verb- succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty).                              defeat (an opponent); prevail                             (of emotion) overpower or overwhelm. There are so many Bible verses, so many applications for this one little word.  In the coming year, I plan to learn more about the word overcome.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble, But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Much Love, Beth

Well, in true 2020 fashion, Christmas looked very different than it has in the past.  Thankfully we were all well (Makena's cough was finally gone. Woo Hoo!!) but as I said in my previous post,  Carl's step-dad tested positive on Wednesday and his mom was showing symptoms by Christmas day.  We didn't go to their house on Christmas Eve like we normally do, so that day looked very different for us. I finished wrapping a few last minute gifts from Amazon, made a few snacks to take to Grammy and Papa's house, and cleaned house.  It was so boring!  Carlie and Caleb came to our house and visited for about an hour before we all went to Grammy's (after we got the call that we were late..I was told between 5-5:30). We were all getting ready to eat when we heard something that sounded like a thud.  Lo and behold, it was my Grammy.  Here is another story for the dementia chronicles. She had decided that she needed to get in the attic and find a baby seat for my c...

 It's almost Christmas!  We had to make a quick trip to Little Rock on Tuesday to purchase something that I had already purchased but never got shipped. I am thankful that I found them and didn't have to drive too far to pick them up.  Instead of going straight home we went to Pine Bluff to see the Christmas lights at Regional Park.  Those are the OG lights for us.  I am soaking up every minute of the four of us being together because all too soon Makena Faith will be back in Arkadelphia.  Not the best picture! I came home and wrapped presents... and I still have more! My mom, Aunt and I went and cleaned Grammy's house for her.  Let's just say it was a labor of love! While we were there my mom put George Strait's Christmas vest on him.  He growled the whole time but once he made his way back to Grammy's lap, he was all good.  He's such a grumpy little dog! Now I'm just here waiting....waiting on Christmas and a missing package that I couldn't...

Only 5 more days until Christmas! I have to admit, I've been running low on Christmas spirit this year, but I am determined to keep things as light as possible for my kids (or at least Makena and Trey). We made the trip to Sherwood to see the Christmas lights along with what seemed like half of the state of Arkansas. I guess everyone felt pretty safe driving thru lights. We waited in line for around an hour and a half before getting to the entrance. Trey and Carl cranked the music up and we had everyone around us laughing. Me and Makena may have been crouching down in our seats but their antics made the time pass a little faster. This is the first year that Carlie hasn't been with us. I invited her (and Caleb) but they were doing some home renovations.  The piano man He played Feliz Navidad and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. I love hearing him play the piano but these days his preference is the guitar. Aunt Becky and her students.  We had the Christmas recital on Saturday ev...

 Happy Thanksgiving my fine friends! We had a great time getting together with a few family and friends. There wasn't a lot of breathing room between the wedding madness and Thanksgiving festivities, but we made it through! My hens wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and that they are thankful they aren't turkeys! Photo booth! Sisters  Trey and Papa The newlyweds  My mom with her only sibling that came to Thanksgiving. She has three older brothers but this is the one closest in age. He was thrilled for a picture! I caught my cousin and her daughter, Hadlee as they were leaving. My mind was still stirring from the week before. It took me a minute to get my bearings back. I found this cleaning a cabinet out earlier in the week. Trey made this for me in Sunday School when he was 14 months old. How I wish I could go back for a day or two! Mi familia I Love them all so much! I didn't get pictures of everyone like I wish I had. My parents neighbors, Uncle Alan and Aunt Polly, came...

I just wanted to post a few of the pictures from Carlie and Caleb's wedding. It was exactly the way she wanted it. And ya'll, it was perfect.  The princess found her prince charming and they lived happily ever after. The end. Much Love, Beth * I would like to say thank-you to my parents, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law (Wendy) for all of the help. It was a group effort and you guys are super stars!  *also thank-you to Carl's niece, Leslie (Southern Sights Photography) for taking Carlie's pictures. It was so special to have you be part of this special day.