Gaines' Baptism

Like I said previously, these pictures are all from Sister's blog. I am so lucky to have an on-the-ball sister to document all the important milestones for my kids' lives! She has even more pictures here.

I was raised Southern Baptist, so infant baptism was something I was new to (when we baptized Woody.) And in case you were interested in reading more about it, check it out here.

 (See my cute shoes? They belonged to Brooks' grandmother.)

 Dr. Pentz spoke about the importance of Gaines Alton's name. I have mentioned before, but Gaines was Brooks' grandfather's and uncle's name. Grandfather Gaines passed away when his plane went down on a mission for the US Air Force. It was very special since Gaines was baptized on the Sunday before Veteran's Day.

I would also like to take a quick second to talk about the other men where Gaines gets his name from too. I never met Uncle Gaines, but I love hearing stories about him. He reminds me of Brooks. He was funny and the life of a party. He also had a gift for flipping houses and wasn't afraid to try something new. I think we would have gotten along great! 

My Paw-Paw, Alton, meant so much to me. I grew up around the corner from his house. After my brother and sister left for college, I would go to his house after school. He called me Cotton Top, and sometimes I miss this nickname. Not only did he give me nickname, but all of his grandchildren...and his grandchildren's friends....and boyfriends/girlfriends! Sometimes they weren't the nicest nicknames, but it was special that he took such an interest in our lives. I wish that Brooks could have met him (mostly so I could get a nickname for him.)

And finally, my brother, William Alton. There are eleven years and one week between us, and I have always looked up to him. He is a natural-born leader (including being a principal.) When I was little, he would take me on "dates." I think it was probably so he had an excuse to see those cartoon movies or to show girls how "sweet" he was. One time he took me to see Dumb and Dumber when I was 8. It was awesome. 

I hope Gaines displays the characteristics of these men. Strong, dependable, outgoing, bold, brave, funny...I could go on and on!

 We held our breath, and Woody did pretty good. He climbed on the pulpit to give a sermon only once!

After, my sweet cousin, Becky, and her husband, Howard, hosted a brunch for our friends and family. Not only was it beautiful, but I got to chat with everyone without worrying about food or cleaning up! Extremely appreciative to them!

 Woody loved sticking his feet in the cornhole holes. He may be on to a new game!

 Gaines and my dad

 Gaines is so happy to be a child of God!

 My family (except for my sister's husband, Robbie)

I am so bummed I didn't get a picture with Brooks' family!

The grandkids

(Gaines-8 months, Marrell- 6, Maddox- 10, Hollon- 2 months, Jake- 5.5, Woody-2)

Woody is nothing but consistent when it comes to pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today is my last day at school before Thanksgiving Break. I will be taking a break from the blog, but promise to return on Monday. As I said last week, I have so many blessing to be thankful for, but these are the top of the top.

1. My Faith- I feel that this year completely changed my perception on religion and having a relationship with God. I never knew there was a problem, until I experienced the solution. And for that, I am very thankful.

2. Husband- Amazing does not begin to describe him. He has been there for the ups and downs and kept a smile the whole way. Sometimes I feel so undeserving of how wonderful he truly is.

3. Family- How lucky I am so have a healthy, loving family! My daily phone call to my mom, no matter how long or short, brings a smile to me. Besides my biological family, my "in-law" family is just as fantastic. I am so thankful to see all of them during this week.

4. Friends- Never did I think in moving to Atlanta I would meet so many amazing people I call friends. My own special "Atlanta Family." A great friend is someone who you cannot remember life without them and that is what I have found. Both these friends, and friends far away, I am thankful to have you.

5. Job- In this economy, nobody should take their job for granted. I feel so blessed to have worked at this school for four years. I work with teachers and children I love- so I give thanks.

6- And finally, Rammer Jammer :)

Blessings

Photo courtesy of Bippity Boppity Boo

With Thanksgiving a week away, I am realizing the blessings that have been given to me. I usually am complaining about "Why can't it be this way?" and "That's Not Fair." Today I realize how lucky I am to have so many blessings that it is hard to keep track.
I read an interesting statement the other day: "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you were thankful for today?"

Makes you think...and give thanks.