A new year...a new tradition.

On New Year's day we headed out for a nice drive.

We wanted to do a little target shooting...Daddy got a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas...still a firearm but a little safer for the kids.  Some of my fondest memories are heading out to nowhere riding around on dirt bikes and target shooting cans and such; of course not at the same time! :)  We also wanted to have you Miss Jasmine practice driving Daddy's truck since it a stick shift.

We all had such a fantastic time.  We drove out a familiar dirt road singing along to some good tunes and letting the wind fly through our hair.

We saw a few cattle.

 And we found the perfect spot to do some target shooting.  Daddy went over gun safety from the safety mechanism to holding the gun to shooting to standing in the box while everyone else stood back and of course calling out "all clear?".  I'm so happy he's your Dad...he's so safe about everything. :)
Our target was a target squirrel and some old cans Daddy found and rigged.  Daddy showed Jazz how its done.  We learned a BB gun doesn't shoot very far and your aim is not so good on a windy day. :)

We had such a fun time watching each other try for that squirrel, which by the way none of us hit! :o
We enjoyed a nice lunch, explored together and then it was time for Jazz to take the wheel. 
We learned that Daddy is also a good teacher-WHaT?!!?  We all know Daddy can be a bit stand off-ish in the homework arena but he's an amazing teaching for other things like shooting and driving a stick shift.  Its important to note that I took Jazz driving a few times in a deserted housing complex to give the stick shift a try...it was a lot of stalling and jerking. :)  But Daddy got her driving once she started up; he even had you driving through obstacles while Joce and I laughed in the back seat with amazement!  I could see the confidence in Jazz just in having Daddy as her copilot...its like he gave her wings.  I loved that...I love that we all have something to offer each other and that it so important not to let that good stuff just pass by but relish it!

I really saw your Daddy in new, different ways just on this trip and it makes me just swell with love and appreciation for him in our lives!  God is so good!

Finally, a photo of my two boys and my most favorite gift ever!
I am not a jewelry person beyond my wedding ring and earrings...I'm a simple gal.  But this necklace I just thought was too sweet.  Its a style that's like me and symbolizes some amazing people in my life.  Although Grant is not with us until we meet him in heaven; he change our hearts forever and his little bird reminds me of God's love.  That my God reached down to the depths of my soul to give me His love, His comfort, His peace that truly does surpass understanding.  And that He gave me a wonderful husband that doesn't ask what's wrong when the trigger of sadness comes unexpectantly (that gets less and less-so thankful God heal hearts too) but just holds me close.
Gosh I have a good husband! :)   Thank you Lord!!!