A New Year's Eve Christmas and Snowball Fun!

This past Wednesday we had some unexpected snow that was truly beautiful!! The snowflakes were HUGE! Honestly, I can't remember a time that I have ever seen them so big. We finally made it outdoors when Daddy got home and even though it was already dark, the snowmen went up and Landon and Addi had their first snowball fight. They LOVED both! It was a fun night!!






New Year's Eve weekend was Christmas with my family at the river house in TN. Everyone was there for the entire weekend and it was truly a special time. I am so thankful for each time we have together as a family and for the memories we make.
A look at our fun Koppe Christmas at the River House.....it was such a wonderful weekend in so many ways. I am so blessed!!!!

Trisha Yearwood - Real Live Woman

I thought I would post this song because as of late I have really enjoyed listening to the lyrics. In a world where I often feel surrounded by so many things that I constantly compare myself to, this song and video is such a positive reminder to relish being a "real, live" woman! Cudos to all you other "real, live" women out there!

A Griner Christmas 2010

Well, another Christmas Day has come and gone, but we are blessed because our Christmas holiday extends through this week and even into this weekend. We had a wonderful Christmas at our home. Santa was very good to each of our children and the kids were all very excited! We did not have anywhere we HAD to be.....so we had a nice lazy day playing with new toys, eating lots of yummy food, and watching new movies! I am so very thankful for the time my family got to spend together....just us :) Then, the next day we began a wonderful family visit with Mike's stepmom Betty and his sister Ann and her fiance Larry. They stayed until this morning and we had such a nice visit catching up and hanging out. I am so thankful that they were able to make such a long trip out to see us. The kids were excited too! Finally, this weekend we have one more Christmas celebration with my side of the family at the River House. I am really looking forward to all being together for some Christmas magic and new memories! I am very thankful for so many things! Here are some pictures from our Christmas so far.......

The First Snow of 2010!

Today was our first snow of 2010! The kids were out of school and I think I was as excited as they were! They couldn't wait to go out and play this morning, despite the bitter cold temperatures. We didn't have very much snow but it was enough to ride tricycles in, make snow angels and throw at each other, so the kids were pleased. When we came in all of our faces were pink and it felt so good to warm up by the fire...note Addi holding her feet up to the stove :) It has been a great, cozy day and......we just found out the kids are out tomorrow too!!!

This picture was taken by Addi----she was loving her turn with the camera!

Decorating Fun!!!

Decorating for Christmas is a day I absolutely LOVE! This year we did it a little earlier than usual because I wanted John to be home while we did it. Can I say again how much I LOVE my home and the way it feels at Christmas time, by far, my favorite time of year!

Our tree "mostly" decorated. I love it because it if filled with "family and kid" ornaments :)


Addi was very excited! She and I were both home from school and work so she helped me all day to get ready for the rest of the crew to get home.


John, Addi and Landon being silly!


Mike relaxing with Andi on the couch. The couch is Mike's ususal position after he helps me bring in all the boxes. He loves to sit and watch all the fun!