Birthdays x 2 and Shantae's Baby Shower...

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for, including you :) Enjoy!

This edition includes pics of AJ at his Friday playgroup, Joe's birthday party, Shantae's babyshower, Artist's birthday party and some other fun stuff for good measure!

These pics were taken while AJ was at his musical play group

He's thinking of giving the mandolin a go...

Kiara came over to spend a little time...we were in the holiday spirit so we made Thanksgiving -themed cards



...and then a few pics before heading to Joe's skating-rink birthday party...

Erika and Noah getting in some practice laps
The Birthday Boy, Joe (cousin, in center) with his buddy and sister, Venus
Theo with her cuties
Keith and Naima getting their skate on!

a pooped-party animal

We were honored to host Shantae's baby shower in our home...Danielle, Aunt Janice and the girls did all the shower decorating...

The Mommy-to-be all dolled up...how beautiful!

Marsha and Marleigh came to celebrate

Games galore...this is alwasy an entertaing one...who can finish the baby bottle first?!

Surrounded by love and gifts!...

Daddy-to-be, Sam giving his Sweetie a hug

...while at Shantae's shower, Arian took AJ to our cousin Artist's 3rd birthday party...

Aunt Gwynn and AJ

PJ and Uncle Paul

...one more Shantae baby shower pic...Danielle with AJ and Shantae

We visited Conrey and LaToya's church and then had dinner at their house...

LaToya and Paris

Conrey chilin'

Arian calling attention to Conrey and LaToya's 'full circle' experience...Arian is reading the back of a picture of Conrey that he gave to LaToya back in highschool...

I made Native-American feathered headbands with the kids at daycare...

We really love our church and church family...the Marriage Ministry (called After-I-Say-I Do ministry) hosted an evening of dinner and jazz and also had a mini workshop on effective ways to communicate with your spouse. We had a great time!

Me and my stamping (Stampin' Up!) buddies...we meet once a month over Kathy's house, where we let our creativites run wild...I really look forward to getting with them each month!

...Just relaxing with Dad...

AJ's First Halloween, Lady T's Baby Shower and Dad Everett's Birthday...

Trick-or-Treat!!! We had a great time this weekend with Halloween, birthday and babyshower parties...

The parties kicked off at AJ's daycare...and he was, guess who?!?....POOH!!!

Aubrenae is ready for her trick-or-treat goody bag

Let's see, how many pics does it take to get a baby pooh to smile AND have his eyes open with his grandmommy?....hmmm

One...eyes are open, but is distracted, no smile...

Two...ahh, we're getting there, but the preflash will get you everytime...

Three...ditto

Four...

okay, okay...I think we can all agree that this one is close enough :)

AJ and guess who?....

...Aunt Janice!

We are sooo happy and excited for our Pastor and First Lady, James and Tara Jackson! They are expecting their first little one, James Anthony Jr. There was a tremendous outpouring of blessings, love and support from the New Beginnings family! Congrats to the Mom and Dad-to-be and we look forward to meeting Little James Anthony Jr!!!

...and then, we were off to another shindig! AJ & Aunt Niya posing before we head off...

We went over to celebrate Yvette's son, Jeremiah's 2nd birthday...awww, somebody's a little sleepy, all the birthday celebrations have worn him out (pictured: Jeremiah and Michelle, Yvette's sister)!

Yvette and I go waay back; we've been friends since Jr. High and have some awesome memories!

Yvette and AJ

"...whew, so many parties...so little time...I think I need a nap!..."

AJ and Paw Paw Everett, just kickin' it...

Dad Everett's birthday dinner...

AJ enjoying a little Jell-O

Theo and AJ

Erika, AJ, Theo and Venus

Ms. Mary, Grandpa Everett and Erika catching up...Kaila & Arian in the background

Aunt Sis and Uncle Bo

Me and Uncle John

Naima, Keith, Aunt Lois and Uncle Jr. chatting...

Ms. Mary and Grandpa Everett

"...We won...Go Colts!!!"

A Tribute to Mom Everett

I find myself sitting here thinking where to begin to pay tribute to my late Mother-in-law, where to begin sharing how wonderful she was and how much I love her. I remember first meeting Mom Everett at their home. Arian and I had only been out on a few dates and he wanted me to meet his parents and I looked forward to meeting them. From the start I knew that Arian was from a strong, loving, Christian family - it was solidified when I met Mom & Dad. I met Mom first and as I recall the jittery feelings of meeting her melted away when we started talking. She was always so kind, loving and funny among other things. I have always, from the very beginning, been welcomed into my husband's entire family and it all began with Mom.

Mom was a great example of what it means to walk in faith, to be a devoted wife, to be a loving mother and to be available to not only those she loved, but to anyone who needed her. I will miss her, we all will, but to paraphrase Aunt Lois (Mom's oldest sister), "it was a blow to hear that she was gone, but it's not a knock-out punch!", and that's because we know that she is with Christ & we praise God for that!!!

We'd like to thank & bless each and every one of you that has kept us lifted in prayer, checked in on us and/or have done a kind deed as we adjust to life without Mom Everett. We love you, God bless you!