3 years means a lot of food.

Al....I can't believe Sam and I have been married for 3 years. Time is really flying by, but this year has been a really great one. Not to say that it hasn't had its difficulties, but everyday I'm so thankful the Lord has given much such a loving husband. That life-changing day when he completely surprised me with an engagement ring....it's still fresh on my mind. (i'm still surprised that no one called the police, because I was screaming at the top of my lungs, hyperventilating.)

The night we got engaged back in 2008.

You know you and Bjorn took this picture at Pita -Pit the night we got engaged. Looking back , I'm so glad you guys were there to celebrate with us (even though it took you so long to notice my ring, that I had to tell you.)

This year, we kept it simple (like last year) and had a great dinner at a new restaurant in Birmingham called ORE. It's a restaurant opened by Taylor Hicks, the 2006 American Idol winner.  I loved the interior. A good mixture of modern and rustic. Hopefully we'll have a chance to go back again, because I wasn't as hungry as I wished I had been. Here's why:

Oh. yes....My sweet boss took our office to Ruth's Chris for our Christmas Lunch last Friday. It was fabulous. So between the sizzling steak I had for my entree and the gigantic chocolate mouse cake (pictured below) I had for dessert, and all the other sides in between....Let's just say our anniversary dinner fell on the wrong night. But oh well. It was still a lot of fun. 

Jeff, Me, Danny (aka, the guy who answers all my questions. He is awesome.)

As if the lunch wasn't enough of a gift for all us, at the end of the meal, Andy, my boss, stands up and says a few kind words about our hard work, and then pulls out some pretty boxes. I was a little confused, and then out of nowhere I hear the word "iPad2." I may or may not have squealed like a 3 year old seeing Santa Claus for the first time at the mall. (I was actually a little embarrassed of myself, but I am rarely ever surprised by things, and had no idea we were getting an iPad.)

After our initial shock, we were all really excited to have a new little toy.  I was later told by my boss' wife that just seeing my expression was worth getting these ipads for everyone:) awesome. 

my boss Andy, and his wife Linda

So....our anniversary was slammed packed full of great food and great people. Al, I'm so glad you and your painting made it back safely in one piece:)  We miss you guys already and hope you have a great Christmas with Bjorn's family in Gothenburg. Looking forward to some pictures of snowy weather, because you know it's like 65-70 degrees here.

 

love you,

Whit

An Iron Bowl Weekend

Since we had an early Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, we had some time later in the week to take advantage of a little more time with Allie and the family before everyone had to head in 20 different directions. I think one of the biggest blessings that comes from you living in Sweden, Al, is that I cherish the times we all are together so much more. I'm sure that comes with age and maturity, but knowing that we only have a few weeks together until the next holiday rolls around, makes me appreciate just being at home together. Even though it can get a little crazy....

we are never left without entertainment.

and are continually reminded to count our blessings:

and take time to do simple things together. 

we found our guys playing football

 

Bjorn had to fly back to Stockholm late Saturday night from Atlanta, so we decided to pack up and go see the Browns. They were so gracious to let our crew invade their lovely home for a night:) Normally we just rotate holidays, so this was the first year we were able to see both families at Thanksgiving. 

Sam, Logan, Jon (wishing he had that much hair.)

 We were also able to visit with our friends Eric and Megan DeJesus and their super friendly, highly intelligent Golden, Bo.

My parents were able to get a glimpse into life with a 2 year old again. Our nephew, Parker, is growing up so fast and is still one of the happiest toddlers I know. (Jon and Melissa have done such a great job.)

He is all about Curious George and Elmo. 

And only sits still for very small portions of time or while eating food.

He loves being tossed around, plays really hard, and sometimes passes out in his highchair, he's so tired.

 Parker loves his Great-Grandparents, Mrs. Nancy and Granddad.

And his grandparents, Lynette and Mark. Happy 34th Anniversary to you guys!

Jon (w/ a little less hair), Eileen, Sam

Playing with Bo

Parker and Logan became fast friends

A little half-time football game in the street. 

Our time in Atlanta was a great end to wonderful week. Bjorn made it back safely and Allie changed her flight to stay until next week!  Thanks again to my wonderful in-laws for being so flexible, and my parents for making the short trip up to see us. You guys really are awesome.

-Whit

Thanksgiving in pictures

{WARNING: way too many pictures here, but I'll just go with it.} 

Friends, we had a great Thanksgiving this year at the Gilchrist house. I had many reasons to be thankful, but I'd like to share the 5 most important ones.

1. Our sweet 89 year old grandmother, "Mama", who has been in and out of the hospital over the last year, was able to "check out" of the hospital and come to our house to eat with all of us. I cannot tell you how big of blessing this was to all us. I truly believe it was the Lord giving her extra grace and time with us. Her sweet smile always bring joy to my heart. She is such a wonderful, strong lady. Which brings me to number...

2. Our sweet cousin, Nicole, was also able to fly down to see us for an early Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday night, with Mama. We have so enjoyed getting to know our cousin again, and feel like she could be the our 4th sister:) I mean, she looks just like us:)

The Gilchrist Clan, with Allie and Bjorn, Mama, Vivian, Jerry

 3. I'm also super exited that my twin sister (and her hubby) have been visiting the states for the last week. Allie...it's so fun to have you here. I miss you terribly when you're gone. I wish I could skip work this week and come stay with you in Dothan:)

4. Sweet Parents: This year both of us married couples will be at our spouse's home for Christmas, so Mom and Dad thought it would be nice to do a little not so  spontaneous gift-giving. I'm so thankful for parents like them....super generous and thoughtful. Love you both:)

excited about her boots.

super excited about my saddleback leather purse.

 5. Last but not least: my siblings and husbands. Yes, the siblings (and husband) can drive me crazy, but they (he) are pretty cool at times. (Sam is awesome all the time:) I've especially enjoyed seeing Logan grow about 4 feet over the last 2 years. Seriously, 6'4" at 16? He was also quite the comic relief during our most recent "family photo op" as you can tell.

 

Bjorn, Austin, Sam, and Logan

Bjorn, Allie, Me, and Sam

Sam and Whit

Bjorn and Allie

Mary Jo, Bjorn, Allie, and Dad

 I've also really enjoyed seeing this guy go off to college and become a grownup. I finally feel like I have "older" brothers now. Now if we can just get this kid to study a little bit in college. haha. Just kidding, that's about all he does. However, he has managed to do well and have a social life. Keep up the hard work Austin:)

Allie, Austin, Whit

Logan, Lindsey, Allie, Austin, Whit

Logan, Mom, Lindsey, Allie, Austin, Whit, Dad.

 Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Whitney

"You'll have to do without the Sweet Potato Casserole"

That was the text message that we got from Krystle, my sweet friend training me at work, on Thursday morning a couple weeks ago. I knew this meant two things: She had had her sweet baby girl, and she wouldn't be making the office Thanksgiving party this year. In fact, the day before had quickly become her last day of work, and I was "officially" taking her spot, ready or not.

I have a had a little over a week and half to get transitioned into my new desk, and my new role, answering questions that I had to ask Krystle about before and although exhausting at times, I am loving it. I expected this job to be challenging, and it has proved to be in so many ways. But thankfully, Krsytle did a great job training me literally up to the last minute she was there.

Our friends from Small group, and the guys at the office, couldn't be happier for Krystle and her husband Michael-Luke. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Noah.

June Vahrenkamp meeting her new friend.

Krystle and Noah

Me and Baby Noah

Danny, one of the talented Architects who sat by Krystle at work for 5 years, and now keeps me sane, came up to the hospital with me after work that Friday to see this sweet little girl.

June, 2.5 months. Noah, 2 days 

Congrats to Krysle and Michael-Luke. I thank the Lord for the blessings He's given you this year!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!