Annual Opryland Trip with the Akins

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is going to Opryland with our friends the Akins! This year we went to the Caney Fork Fish Camp restaurant and then over to Opryland. We went 2 days after the sweater party so the Akins were probably sick of us! We figured out that Monday night is an awesome time to go! It was so uncrowded. The kids LOVED seeing the lights this year. It was such a fun year to watch their faces, and we actually went without a stroller! We all had such a good time. Here are several pics from the night!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Okay, here goes my attempt to get my Christmas posts done before February! These are some pics from the Akin's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. We went to eat at Logan's this year, and we had to skip out on the after party because we needed to get the kids home. We had a great time hanging out with friends. Props to Brian who picked out our sweaters and that hideous thing around his neck all by himself!

Misty

If I am being honest I have to admit that part of the reason I am so behind on my posting is that I knew this post came next in order and did not want to do it. I just didn't know what I could possibly write that would put into words the emotions of this post. On the day after Thanksgiving a precious friend, Misty George, passed away. She was 30 years old and has 3 young children. Her family is very dear to us and her brother, Houston, is part of our family because he married Sarah. She was a light in my life. She was such an amazing example of a wonderful wife, mother, and follower of Christ. Her life and legacy will not be forgotten. A couple of nights ago I sat down to try to write a poem about her and the feelings we are all having right now. I feel like God spoke to me in those moments, and here is what came out on paper.

Mighty to Restore

Terrible sorrow

Unbearable pain

Earthly nonsense

Heavenly gain

Why has she left us?

I ask once again

You reply:

"I was at her beginning and end."

How can this happen?

I ask in deep strife

You reply: "She was mine child.

You knew by her life."

"You know how she loved me.

You know how she gave.

You knew her humble spirit.

She lived the life of the saved."

Then why did this happen?

Where were You? Where was I?

"I took her with Me to Heaven,

And you don't have to know why."

But we miss her, dear Lord.

Oh her family, their pain.

"I'm the God of salvation.

I know how to sustain.

I am a God of compassion.

I am a God of much grace.

You, my sweet hurting children,

You will feel my embrace.

In quiet moments with me,

In a hug from a friend,

In the smiles of a child,

Each heart I'll gently mend.

I understand pain, Child.

You were bought at a price

But understand this, Love

She is in paradise.

She is dancing with me.

She is hurting no more.

Trust me now with your burden.

I am mighty to restore."

"I am Mighty to Restore."

Thanksgiving 2009

Well, I am behind again, but here goes. Thanksgiving this year was a great time with family. We enjoyed being with everyone, and the kids loved playing with their cousins. I was thankful to be able to actually eat Thanksgiving dinner without getting too sick! The picture of the whole Forrest family is all of us in the fundraiser adoption shirts for Jenny and Duane. Sarah had the great idea that we should surprise them by ordering them and wearing them to Thanksgiving. I know this is short and sweet, but enjoy the pics!