Jesus and Brownies

This morning in church, my friend Mistie gave and awesome example of God's grace.

Her little girl, 3, was having a not-so-obedient day. After dinner that night she asked for a brownie.

Her mom said "do you think you *deserve* the brownie, after the way you've acted today??"

"No mommy. I don't"

She said " you are right. You don't. But just like we didn't deserve God's love, and we didn't deserve His forgiveness and Jesus' death on the cross. He gave us grace. And He gives us grace every day"

And then she went on to say "and I love you. And because God has given me grace, I'll give you the brownie. Just because I love you. Not because you deserve it"

God's grace! Wow!

enough said

He would've been a teenager today!

Today, he would've been 13.

I could've been having a great big birthday party!

But, it's not.

For whatever reason, that's not God's story for me.

And, again, and again, I am reminded of that.

I just read my post from 2010------and sadly enough, my feelings haven't changed one bit.

I run.

Jazz Kitchen Express - Home away from home!

Nothing says "Southern food" like Beignets. Yes, pronounced BEN-YAYs!!!


And we love them in the south, and when you go to New Orleans, you MUST, that is a MUST stop at Cafe Du Monde for fresh Beignets.

So, imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon the Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney at Disneyland, and they had them!

Oh, sweet mother of pearl!

So, I ate my Turkey Sandwich (mostly because I was starving) but really because my Mama told me that to get to dessert, I had to eat lunch. So, lunch I ate!


and then we dug right into the bag, or warm, powdery goodness!


And, yes, we licked our fingers....and we liked it!!!

And the truth is, maybe we ate 2.

Well, maybe we did. Maybe we didn't!

Omg. I love him!

2011 in review!

My year in review---via my iPhone camera roll.

It's been a great year, and I'm glad I captured it all! Say cheese, and Happy New Year!

January!
My sister and I completed my biggest personal accomplishment to date. Disney's Goofy Challenge.

Half Marathon on Saturday. Full Marathon on Sunday. Yes. 39.3 miles!

*I can't think of anyone I would've rather crossed that finish line with!

February
A group of Girls dashed down to Orlando for the Princess Half Marathon! Fun times with the girls!!

March
We zipped down to Destin for a very impromptu Spring Break Beach trip!

April
To Chicago for our last-ever Oprah show!

And April, 27,2011
The day the tornadoes took Alabama "by storm" and our lives were all changed.

May
Mothers Day! I *heart* these cute boys!

June
We set sail on the Disney Wonder. Destination:Alaska
This pic is one of my faves! Kids in the pool. Snow-capped mountains in the back!

July
I fractured my leg, and Scott and I woke up that weekend with no kids and no plans! So down to the beach we went! Best 3 days!!!!

August
School started

Football season had us "all systems go"

September

My sweet Mason totaled his truck. And it reminded me, yet again, of just how precious life is.

Football. Football. Football.

And I wouldn't trade these minutes for anything!

Me and Susie took a break from reality and skipped down to WDW for a quick over-night "work" trip!

October
We did the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. Always one of my faves.

We managed to squeeze in an Alabama football game!

More Panther Football!

November
Scott and I and our little anniversary rendevouz.

Lucy and I fly to Houston for a little bit of scrapbook fun!

Back to the Happiest Place on Earth for work!

And as football came to a close, we dove right into basketball season!

December
Took Macy and Alora for a fun night of girly shopping!

Lots of yummy gifts for the teachers!

Jingle Bell Run!

We took the most wonderful Disney Cruise Christmas Vacation ever!

And then our Christmas Card photo!!

All in all. 2011 has been fantastic!!!

I can't wait for 2012!