{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

{it was a very merry christmas!}

We are so blessed. Blessed with two great families who love us very much. Last night we celebrated Christmas Eve at the Peddicord's, and today we celebrated Christmas here with the McCluen's where we currently live. We could not have asked for a better day and week. We are so thankful that we had the week off and got to share it with each other and our families. Having a giving heart and being with one another is what it is all about. Thank you everyone for everything, we love you! :)

our tree...


Casey opening his "Alf" Season One DVD set :)


cheeeeese!


The aftermath!

{our cabin getaway}

Casey and I have been awaiting this week for a veeeeery long time! Not only was it Christmas week, but it was time for our cabin that we rented. The mountains in Sevierville were covered in snow and it was gorgeous! We had to get chains to put on the tires to even make it up there! I got to open all my Christmas gifts while I was up there (Casey's new stereo system in his car was his gift)! I got business cards, a new camera case, the New Moon board game, and Grand Ole Opry Tickets! Thanks baby, I love you! <3

Our cabin, "Bear Hugs"


Kiffey was there for the fun! :)


Dollywood!


The fireplace was my favorite (next to the hot tub).


Our caricature drawing we had done :)

I can't wait for next year!

{my granny}

My sweet great-grandmother, Violet Carson, went to be with Jesus on December 13, 2009. A little over a month after having a massive stroke, she just could not go back to the way that she was. She was never fully herself, but she is now :) What a great Christmas she is having in heaven. Now she is healed with no more pain.

Many people don't know the story of my great-granny, but she took in my mom and her 4 siblings when they were young. She became their mother, raising them like her own. Therefore she was more like my granny, the only granny I ever knew.

Her technical name truly does fit the person that she was = a GREAT Grandmother :) I love you granny...