Albany Gymnastic Meet

Ashlyn and Kari (Ashlyn's best friend from gymnastics they share the same birthday)

Ashlyn was getting discouraged at Gymnastic practice this past week because she was not able to do some of the skills she could do before. She even talked about wanting to quit come May. Her comment was 'I want to do something I can be good at'. How sad. It has always been her decision if she wants to quit. Then she went to her Albany competition and did EXCELLENT. Now she said she does not want to quit. She had set three goals for this meet and she met two of those three goals. She wanted to get her shoot through (she did), she wanted to make all 8's or above (she did), and she wanted to make a 9 (she didn't but it gives her a goal for her next meet). She is already setting new goals for the Feb. 20th (I hope I get to go) Tifton meet. She wants to get over an 8.55 on something and she wants to make a 9. She did very well at this meet watch and see what you think. Leave a message if you want Ashlyn loves to read the messages!
8.4 on Bars, 8.55 on Floor, 8.55 on Vault, 8.25 Beam, AA 33.75

Best Friends

It is not too often that high school friends can be best friends years after high school is over. This past weekend I got to spend time with two of my best friends from high school. I was telling some coworkers that I was getting together with some best friends that I went to high school with and they were all astonished that we kept in touch and that I still consider them best friends. Erika came down to stay with us and her three kids Montana, Kemp, and Morgan. She was kind enough to bring down some baby stuff for the soon to be arrival. The house was filled all weekend with laughter and playing. The kids had a ball! Then Monday we got to go over to Beth's house to play with Josie, Maggie Rae, and Bailey. Yes we all (soon) are going to have three kiddos. The kids played like they had known each other for years. It was an instant connection. Maggie Rae, Ashlyn, and Montana reminded us so much of ourselves when we were younger. Even though we keep in touch this weekend made us see the value in friendship and that we need to take more opportunities to spend time together. So hopefully this will not be the last pictures you see of our little ones together and soon there will be 9 running around. I miss you guys and love you both!!

Erika, Sherry, and Beth

The crew (back row LtoR) Erika holding Morgan, Montana, Sherry holding Clayton, Josie, Beth holding Bailey, (front row LtoR) Ashlyn, Maggie Rae, Kemp

Ashlyn, Montana, Maggie Rae looking like us when we were younger.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

We have been very busy the last month. We were able to see Nana and Pop over Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas. Thanksgiving was at Aunt Jennie's in Atlanta and we went to Stone Mountain. Here are a few pictures.
Then we went to see Amy and Keith's new arrival Noah Keith Gunter.Next we came home and put up our Christmas decorations. The kids got into the decorating this year. Clayton even wanted to pray in front of the Christmas tree.We spent the weekend before Christmas at Nana and Pops. We had a lot of fun playing at Nana and Pop's. We were glad to see that Pop was feeling better and we got to spend time with him. Our Christmas present from Aunt Jennie were gift certificates to Build a Bear. Nana came with us and helped us Build our Frosty the Snowman and Dog. We had a lot of fun.Next it was Christmas Eve and we watched the Nativity Story and opened one present. Then it was Christmas morning.Then we had Christmas with Mamaw, Aunt Amy, Uncle Keith, Autumn, Noah, Aunt Lea, and Uncle TJ on Saturday.We had Christmas with Papa, Aunt Amy, Uncle Keith, Autumn, Noah, Aunt Lea, and Uncle TJ on Sunday.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful families. For New Years Richard went camping and Clayton, Ashlyn, and I ate shrimp, chocolate chip cookies, and drank sparkaling grape juice. Clayton crashed at 10:30 and Ashlyn and I rang in the New Year. As I think of 2010 I know there are going to be a lot of changes in our family with the addition of a special new one. We will finally get to know if it is a boy or girl :) I would be kidding myself if I thought this was going to be an easy year but my New Years resolution is to put 2010 in Gods hands. It might get rough and a little scary at times with financial strains this year but I know God has ALWAYS provided for our family and he will continue! I hope your family will be blessed in 2010!