More pics

Hello!

Papaw and Trinity

Fourth of July - watching fireworks

Thomason Gathering

After bath

Ain't I a cutie!

In my swing

Trinity's Christmas Picture

Here is Trinity's Christmas Pictures that we had made......

And this was the only family photo we did the whole time at Christmas...can you believe that???!!!!

And thankfully my mother-in-law thought to take this one as we were leaving Christmas night!!!

Oh well....maybe next year!

Better Late than Never

This was Trinity's first Christmas and I had a blast decorating her room for the holidays.  Here's some pics:


Here is her pimped out Christmas Tree - I used hot pink feather boas as garland.  We bought the tree 2 years ago after Christmas to use in the kitchen (now its Trinity's tree), I got the topper at Dollar Tree - it was silver and I painted it with pink glitter glue.  The silver circles on the tree (don't know if you can see them or not) were braclets that came with the boas (Dollar General in the little girls toy area!) and I had the silver balls last year for the tree.

And here's the tree after "Santa Claus" came with Trinity's loot!

Here is the wreath above her bed - again made with feather boas and I got the "HoHoHo" sign at Dollar Tree!!!

And here is some foam snowflakes (also Dollar Tree) that I hung from her curtain rod with ribbon!

The rest of the house unfortunately didn't get decorated as good!  But we spent most of the time in her room anyway!  Maybe next year the rest of the house will be just as good!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year From The Thomason's!

2009 was the greatest for us.  We were blessed with our precious gift from God!  Can't wait to see what 2010 holds for her and us!  We feel so blessed! 

Hope you and yours have a safe, fun, and Happy New Year!!!

Happy Birthday to my Hubby!

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful husband in the world!

I really mean that too! You are so understanding, caring, and loving. Over the years I have seen you transform into the husband/man God has big plans for. Always trust in him regardless of how many bumps appear in the road!

Thank you for being my soulmate, my best friend, my protector, my lover, my rock, and my everything!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Your wife, Sherlyn

Out with the old...in with the new!

2008 is gone but definately not forgotten.

Last year held many ups and downs for us. But regardless of the direction....Christ has been right there with us the whole time. We are so blessed!

I don't even try to know what 2009 will hold for us but we will continue to trust in Him and lean not into our own understandings.

I hope you continue to check in with us....cause I know there will be love and laughter and who knows what else this year!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Precious Gift

Wow…I know I say that a lot about God…but words can not explain how I feel. He is just so awesome!

So many times I let the world enter my mind and then bang! He presents a sign to get me back on track.

Why do I disbelieve?

If you are normal reader of this blog, you know our desire to adopt. So much worldly things has happen this past year – from the stress of my new position to hubby being unemployed. I have constantly been on a rollercoaster of feelings. One minute I feel excited and I’m researching about adoption and then life happens and time slips by with nothing happening. There’s time I think…..we’ve waiting too long and now it’s not going to happen or it’s not suppose to happen….then I let little worries pop up like what if we start the process and then I get pregnant – all that money gone!

Regardless of the worldly things that keep attaching themselves to me – GOD IS ALWAYS CONSISTENT!!!! He continues to provide signs in the least unexpected ways. In October it was Steven Furtick’s message at the Catalyst.

Today it was in the form of a present from a special friend (Billy – if your reading this it will spoil your note in your Christmas Card!) We have known Billy for quite some time. He’s one of those friends that is friends with so many of the family members that he just feels like he’s always been apart of the family. We didn’t get to meet up like we have done so many Christmas’s in the past – time just got away from us – so he left gifts with my aunt/cousin – and they brought them just now to me at work.

I had just realized that I needed to take a lunch – and after being sick this past week and just feeling blah about life – I decide to go ahead and open the gift while waiting my lunch to nuke.

Wow (again there is that word!) What I opened wasn’t just a gift – Billy has no idea how God has used him as another means to ensure me and motivate me regarding adoption. I don’t know that I’ve even ever really told Billy about our thoughts/plans/God’s signs for us to adopt – he may have read everything through here – whatever or however he knew – his present has me still in tears.

You see part of the gift I unwrapped is a book called “ The Adoption Decision – 15 things you want to know before adopting” by Laura Christianson.

Just when I was feeling all blah about life – this innocent gift – wow (that word again!) what can I say…..

But THANK YOU BILLY for this precious gift and THANK YOU GOD for continuing to ensure me of what I heard a year ago!!!!

Does anyone else experience this? Any suggestions?

Hey everyone....It's been awhile. After making it through Thanksgiving and the first part of December without catching every ones cold....Last week....I was sick. Stuffy head, barking cough, etc. And then end of this past week - hubby gets a kidney stone...but God is good - past it the next day! However he's in bed this morning with a stuffy head.

Christmas is just a few days away. I love Christmas - everything about it! Decorations and lights, Church programs reminding us of Jesus birth, Beautiful Christmas Music, Fellowship, Home cooked Food, etc. The whole month of December I feel so excited but then when it gets down to a few days before...I get....well I'm not sure the word to use? Anxious? Nervous? Uneasiness?

Both sides of our family (mine and my husbands) always has some sortof drama! I guess I just don't understand why families can't truly love one another and respect one another - especially for one day out of 365.

Sometimes it's silly petty drama like someone did or didn't show up or they brought someone with them! And then sometimes it's really silly and petty, like some one's feelings get hurt because everyone liked this persons dessert better than theirs! But then sometimes (this is where I have to bite my tongue!) it's serious......

You see unfortunately we have some folks in the family who uses these times of getting together to talk about why they feel the world is so bad! It wouldn't be so bad if it was a talk about global warming, animal cruelty, how the world has made Christmas so about stuff and money...but no it's ignorance talking!

It goes something like "because of the Mexicans taking our jobs....", "great, now we have a black president", "well if "they" would get off of welfare...", "if all our jobs didn't go to China...."....etc, etc, etc.

Each holiday this type of discussion happens. I've bite my tongue alot and try to turn conversations to something else. Last Christmas I promised myself...no more. In the past I've not wanted to cause conflict at Christmas. I would get sad and depressed over the situations.

But this year....well I'm just so tired of the prejudice, the self-centeredness, the "I'm better than you" way of thinking and tired of people always pointing the finger at someone else instead of taking responsibility.

I know that one reason for feeling this year needs to be different is that hubby and I are planning to adopt (could even be a soon as this new year!). We haven't settle on from where...could be from the states, from Africa, Mexico, China....only God knows. We just want to do what the Lord has told us to do. A year ago, he told us to adopt. If we do happen to adopt a child from a different country whose skin color is different from ours.....I don't want them to be around this type of talk or way of thinking....especially coming from family and at Christmas!

Another reason is this past October we signed up with Compassion (more about this later) and we are supporting a beautiful child from Colombia. We feel like until we get other areas in our life in order - this is one step of helping children/adoption. How can I support this and allow this type of talk to go on? Isn't that being alittle hypocritical?

How can I stand by and listen to this ignorant talk? I've prayed all month that this doesn't become an issue this year! But what if it does? Do I speak out?

I sortof feel by not speaking out then the uneducated will never be educated. That the ignorance and self-centeredness will never change. That those that "don't get it", will never have a clue?

What's your thoughts and suggestions?

A cool blog, video and (two) websites.....

This evening I've been trying to catch up on my reading of blogs.

I came across the following at Robin's blog called "Pensive".




Really makes you think. For the past two years, we have really "cut lean" our Christmas list. This year more than last, since we are down to one income.

The cool thing is our families have been on board with this. Instead we want to spend more "time" with them - talking, eating, laughing. This is what memories are made of not "stuff".

You can find out more by visiting www.adventconspiracy.org.


Also while reading this blog, Robin told us about the website
"I AM SECOND".

You have to visit this site. I AM SECOND is a movement of bringing people together - People who realize they can't do life alone. Everyday struggles, job loss, hurt, etc. This website is about relationships with others and most important with our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Check it out....you'll know some of the speakers!

Our baby at Halloween

Where has the time gone?

Wow 2008 has really flown by....

Fall is here! Yeah...I love this time of the year. The cool crisp air that makes your nose tingle when breathing in. Soup season! Fuzzy sweaters and boots. Pumpkins. Bonfires and chicken stews!

.......These are a few of my favorite things!

We have just 11 more days till we leave for Catalyst! Can't wait! I'm so excited!

At work we have just 9 more days till we go to our new electronic medical record system.

And 88 days till Christmas!



Wow...

Mary.....Did you know?

Give Christmas Shopping and Christmas Wish

Yesterday, one of our small groups went shopping for "Give Christmas". What is "Give Christmas" you may ask? Well, its a ministry our church has going on throughout the whole year where we collect toys, clothes, stocking stuffers, food, etc. to give out to the needy.

Last year they estimated that we had around 300 children. This year due to the local plant closings, loss of jobs, etc, they are estimating that we may have a total of 700 children come through the doors.

Our first small group (hopefully a name for each is coming soon!) got together after church yesterday, ate lunch, and then we hit Wal-Mart and shopped. It was wonderful!! Knowing that you were purchasing gifts for children that may not have received anything....it was very touching.

I know that Christmas isn't about gifts and that today Christmas is very commercialized. I know and understand that the true meaning of Christmas is about Christ.

But I also remember being a kid a long time ago and the excitement of surprises that came around about this time of year! I know even as an adult, I still like surprises. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside to know that someone went through the trouble of surprising you. I know everyone has different feelings on "Santa Claus" and I don't want to get into all the different aspects of that.....

It's just sometimes I miss the innocent/magical feeling of surprise and excitement. I don't know about you, but as an adult, the world creeps into my life and takes the excitement away sometimes. All the responsibilities and requirements of being an adult takes away from the giddyness and excitement. So I get a buzz from watching children at Christmas, watching their eyes glow with wonder, hearing their shrieks and laughter, it takes me back to my memories of being little when you felt like you didn't have a care in the world and all the world was safe and happy.........

I love the decorations, lights, and music at Christmas. And of course the food! It's the one time of year where just for a few moments you feel carefree....this year I want to look at everything as a child. I want to see my loved ones and hug them as if I was a child. Children give the best hugs! They give them with everything they got and feel! I want to remember happy memories with my family and laugh! I want to hear laughter bounce all around the rooms! I want to just soak in the moments of love and laughter......And truly, I wis everyday was like Christmas time!

That's my Christmas wish.....

Imagine Christmas

Tonight was our church's first run of "Imagine Christmas". Upon entering the auditorium, the set was beautiful. White trees, fake bunches of snow. They started by playing on the screen above the stage, a winter scene of falling snow. I actually started feeling chilly! Bible verses telling the story of Jesus birth flashed on the screen throughout the presentation. Starting off was a skit by our Music Director and the Youth Director playing as "Stomping Angels" (There the ones responsible for snow falling!) One had a paper and was reading "Heaven's News". It was telling about Jesus going to the planet of the people (The pronounced it as "Ear" "th" - ear then at the "th" sound!) as a baby. And that only the illimunation angels and vocal angels were going to be apart of it. They didn't understand why all the angels weren't going to be involved in such a big event.

Through these two angels, dancers, singers, even children, they retold the story of Jesus's birth. It was a whole new spin from anything I've seen before.

It really put me into the Christmas spirit. It made me laugh, cry, be thankful, realize how important this event is to us.

It was amazing!!!

Thanksgiving Day

Wow, thanksgiving was wonderful. It was also my aunt's 50th birthday. We spent time in the kitchen together and then we ate a huge meal. Then Mike and I just came home and chilled out for the rest of the day. He played Xbox and I read.

Then Friday, we cleaned house and put up the Christmas tree. It has been a nice weekend. Tomorrow night we have small group.

Happy Holidays!!!

Thanksgiving Food

Oh, How I love the food at Thanksgiving!!! My husband and I stay on the go so much that alot of the times we are eating out. And here lately I feel like I have lived off Healthy Choice frozen meals...lunch, Sunday nite, Monday nite, etc.

Diet and Healthy Eating is another blog post for after Thanksgiving!

So my mouth is so watering for real homecooked food. We're going to my parents house for lunch Thursday. My mom's doing turkey, ham, green beans and corn. My aunts doing dressing and 2 Paula Dean desserts. I'm in charge of the potato salad, mash potatos (for my dad - doesn't do mustard - weird I know!), yeast rolls, and I'm going to surprise everyone with a new dish that I am absolutely in love with! South Georgia "Caviar". Don't know how it got its name but it's to die for. Here's the recipe:

South Georgia Caviar

2 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Ro-Tel)
2 cups chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (8 oz) bottle Italian dressing
1 (4 oz) jar chopped pimentos, drained

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate mixture overnight. Serve with corn chips.

I eat it plain - no chips. One of the local resturants started serving it several months ago. I crave the stuff now. I love sweet and sour stuff. Give it try, let me know what you think!

Giving Thanks - Thanksgiving

We’re just a few days away from the Thanksgiving holiday so I want to share alittle about what I’m thankful for.

My two favorite Bible verses that talk about giving thanks are:

Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I know that everything I have and everything that I have the opportunity to do is because of our Amazing God. I praise Him and give Him thanks for everything! I want my life to be lived for Him, to glorify Him.

• I am so thankful for my wonderful, understanding husband. Sorry ladies, But I really feel I have the best guy in the world!! I am so thankful that God placed him in my life. He is truly my soul mate.

• I am also so thankful for my parents. They have supporting me my whole life in everything that I have done. I owe them so much.

• I am also thankful for my brother. We grew up beating the crap out of each other, but when times were tough, we always had each others back. He is always there for me.

• I am thankful for my little cousin. I’ve watched him grow to a wonderful young man. There were times I felt like you were my own son.

• I am thankful for all my family and in-laws. It’s what thanksgiving is all about.

• I am thankful for my church family, friends, small group members, etc.

• I am thankful for all my animals – Bobo, Motts, Lucky, Snow White, Jessie, Rascals, and Carago.

All throughout the Bible, Christ teaches us about relationships and families. I feel so blessed to be apart of my family. I owe it all to Christ.