O' Christmas Tree.....

So with dad in town we decided we definitely wanted to get our Christmas tree while he was here!

Before I married the Hubs I would have told you I would never be caught dead with a fake tree.  We always did a real tree growing up.  And going on the hunt for the tree was almost as fun as actually buying the tree.  My dad would chase my brothers and I all around and we find the best hiding spots throughout all the trees.  I cherish those memories.  

Anyway, when I married the Hub's he already owned a 7ft. fake Christmas tree that was in good shape and we were never really in the financial position to go out and spend money on a real tree when we already had a perfectly good fake one.  We'd just rather spend our money on gifts then a tree.  Well last year we decided our tree had seen its last Christmas and free-cycled it.  I couldn't WAIT for this year to go pick out a real tree!!

We had intended to go to a near by tree farm and cut our own down but on our way out the door I just thought I'd check to see what time they were open till and they were all closing at 4 and it was 3:50. :(  So we decided having Poppi with us was more important than cutting our own tree down, so we headed to Home Depot. :)

We found a perfect tree pretty quickly! 

And then the fun of decorating commenced! 

Growing up, every year, after decorating our tree we'd lay under it and look up through it and enjoy the ornaments and lights, so fun to see my hubby and girls do it. :)

This one's for dad!

Today I wanted to give a little plug for this guy:

Several years ago after working with International Teams, then Willow Creek, and then International Students Incorporated by dad decided to start his own ministry, Peregrine Ministries. It's mostly geared towards men, sons, husbands, fathers, etc, but not limited to. After being pushed by many loved ones, including ME, he has decided to start his own blog! I'm so excited for him.

Now dear readers I'm aware most, if not all, of my readers are women but you could still learn from and appreciate his insight. Plus you have husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, would you consider passing the address on to them!?

I'm putting a button on the left side of my blog so all you need to do is click on it and you'll be directed to his blog. Also feel free to add his address to your blogroll! :)

www.craigglass.org

Let me know if you check it out or pass it on to someone, I'd love to hear what you thought!

Happy Birthday Daddio!

Today, besides being a very tragic day in America's history, is my wonderful daddy's birthday! I already wrote a post about 9/11 here, so today's post is all about daddy!

Like I mentioned in this post my dad has always been my number one fan. Encouraging me through all my stages of life. Talking to my grandpa (his dad) yesterday I learned exactly where he learned to be such an encourager.

In my dad's ministry he talks a lot about how, as parents, it is our priority to leave a legacy for our children. The legacy that I see being passed down from my grandpa to my dad is one of great inspiration and I can only hope and pray the hubs and I will be able to leave the same for our girls.

Happy Birthday Daddy/Poppi! We love you and wish you were here!

Daddy and Me (sorry mama cropped you out : ( )

My dad with brand new baby Bella.

Big hugs from Brynn for her Poppi!

Tuesday's Blog Hop-Encouragement...

What this is, is several blogs have the same theme and then we use MckLinky to link up others' blogs, that way you can check new blogs out and hopefully new people will come visit yours!  

This week's Blog Hop theme is encouragement.  We are asked to post our favorite verse, quote, saying, or photo that brings us encouragement and talk about why.

And although there are many verses and people that bring me encouragement I decided to share one, a photo of my daddy. (Ha, changed my mind, I'm sharing 3!)

My dad is probably the best encourager I have ever met.  My whole life he has always encouraged me in everything I do.  He'll go out of his way to call me or send an email just to say he wanted to tell me what a good teacher I am.  Or he'll tell me I am such a good mother.  And somehow it always seems to be when I feeling the lowest about myself in these rolls.  He is always there for me, rooting me on every step of the way.  He even goes as far as to encourage me when he likes one of my posts!  So this post goes to him.  Thanks Dad for being my number one fan!

* Actually right now this Grandpa is competing in the Senior Olympics in swimming and has placed in the Top Ten, in 3 out of 4 (4th one takes place tomorrow) of his events, in the nation.  He has also beaten is personal best times in all of his events.  In his age bracket there is a couple of ex-olympic athletes and college swimmers-neither of which my dad was!  He has gotten two 5ths and a 6th place.  But he would have gotten Silver in the age bracket just below him in one of his races!  Go Poppi!*

I just wanted to add my dad's website.  My turn for a little encouragement!  My dad started up his own ministry geared mostly towards men and fathers.  He is an AWESOME man of God and an amazing coach, speaker, counselor, etc.  SO go check him out.  He's located in Monument, CO but travels too!  http://www.peregrineministries.org/