{there's no place like HOME}

My step-dad was so nice to give us some land to build a home on. However, the more soil tests we started having, the more we realized we might not be able to build the size of home we wanted. We started looking at homes to buy, but still keeping the building option open just incase. Were we ever going to find a place to call home? Should we still try to build or see what is out there? It was a very stressful time and MANY prayers went up asking for guidance.

My best friend Megan showed us a victorian-style home in the historic part of Harriman and we fell in love. From the moment I saw it I envisioned us living there. One of my biggest requests was to find a home with a big enough yard for Pat and Pearl. This home came with two plots of land beside it. I just felt like it was meant to be. We don't like carpet because of our horrible allergies, this home has not one room with carpet, but the original hardwood floors all thru out. Everything seemed to be falling into place; we made an offer, got a counter offer from the bank and we accepted. 3 LONG days went by waiting on their signatures saying that they approved. Finally, on Friday we got the signatures!!! :)

Now I know that things are not final until our closing date 45 days (and counting) from now, but I just feel like God wants us there. I feel like it was meant for us to have it. So please, anybody that reads this, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during the next few months as we get everything finalized.

WE ARE SO EXCITED AND THANKFUL :)

{Haiti}

WAKE UP! I don't think everyone realizes what the people of Haiti are going through. We have no clue how blessed and spoiled we really are. Even the poorest person in America would be considered wealthy in Haiti. There are brothers and sisters over that need us, need our prayers. God has really put the orphans of Haiti on my heart and that we pray for them.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

{hey hey hey GOODBYE!}

I can't blame someone for following a dream. I think everyone out there has a dream job and would do anything to get it. USC was his dream job and he went for it. However, the WAY in which he just up and left us?! Most of the players read it on the news before he even told them, he gave a one minute press conference with no live cameras allowed, he took everyone with him (probably even some recruits)...karma sucks and I do believe this will one day come back and bite him in his butt!

So goodbye Lame, Mr. Dooley and his southern charm seem to have more manners than you ever will!

{north carolina}

Every other year, we head up to NC to celebrate the holidays with some of Casey's side of the family. We draw names, exchange gifts, and just spend some time together which is most important. This year we went bowling, played cards, played Wii, and I even got to take some pictures of Zack and Sarah (see my photography blog for those). We had a great time, but then again, it's always a great time when you are around this group of people...







Starr gave Zack and Casey a scavenger
hunt to find some gifts which was VERY entertaining...


I have never seen him run so fast...








Brian's gift giver did some awesome wrapping...





OK so I had to let everyone see a glimpse of the pictures I took of Zack and Sarah but you have to go here to see more:
http://photosbyklp.blogspot.com

{chick-fil-a bowl!}

What a great time we had at this game! Beforehand, we went to something called Fan Fair, where all the fans go and basically there are stands set up everywhere of people giving stuff away. We got our picture taken with the Chik-fila-a Cows, and the Giecko Gecko. We somehow wiggled our way up to the front of the line for the Vol Walk and got an upclose and personal glimpse of the coaches and players. I must say it was the highlight of the trip! Even though we lost, it was still a great experience. We drove up with Zack and Sarah, got a hotel 3 blocks from the stadium, had great food, great fun... Couldn't have asked for a better time! We got to count down to the new year in a little pizza joint next to our hotel, this place had the best pizza ever. I couldn't think of a better way to start off the new year but with Tennessee football and pizza. :)



Our cheerleaders in the parade earlier in the day


Eric Berry

the traitor.

Kiffie was there too!

view from our seats