Happy Faces... Happy Hearts

Last week, I had a few vacation hours that needed to be used... soooo I headed down to Atlanta to see some of my favorite people. My Sis, my bun-in-the-oven neice... affectionately called "Baby Bump" and this little face right here, my nephew Tayo!

Always the comedian, I had to share this pic which was pretty much the state of our faces the entire time. Smiles, smiles and more smiles!

Leaving lots of details out... for time's sake, I will suffice to say that after such a great weekend we all were left with happy faces and happy hearts!
I am so grateful... for the precious time we were given.

Dear Daddy,
Thanks!
For being YOU... and for being able to cheer away the chill of Winter in both the natural and within my heart. The Love of family and the joy of children so filled with Light, Life and incredible imagination has a way of bringing sunshine that fills us up so beautifully!
Renewal happened...and I feel the anticipation of Spring. Newness!
I welcome all that is in store, knowing you have reviewed it all and smiled upon it.
My heart is happy, because of Your plan and your provision.
Bless my precious family. May they remain joyful throughout the week, even as I will. May we always remember to smile up at You, as You smile upon us.
Lord, let the Light of Your face shine on us.
You are radiantly lovely and we long for You...
In Jesus' Name.
amen.

Snowed In

It's snowing in Nashville today.... too bad I couldn't get a picture of the beautiful view in time for this post.

I'm happy to enjoy the scenery and the relaxation.
I'm a little sad that the roads are not safe for my drive to Atlanta to see my family.

So I thought I put a few pics up of my family..... since I was reminiscing anyway.

Here's one of my cutie-pie nephew. He's great friends with Elmo :0)




My Mom and Dad will be at my sisters house this weekend.... and I was suppose to join them... but we all thought it best not to make the drive :(

Here's the girls of our family... My mommy, sister Trina and me. This was taken during my nephew's naming ceremony. He was sooo little! My Mom made the little prince outfit he had on... wasn't he adorable!














So here's me and my little buddy back at Thanksgiving.... he was only a few weeks old then.

And here's Cutie-bug again... with my brother Hines. I've always said he's the prettiest kid my parents had :0)




Putting all of these pics on here today... I realize that two people are missing from my collections.... My brother Shedrick (his precious family) and my Dad!!!
Well that will have to change!!!!

I love my family so much....
It is such a blessing to have them close enough to get together often.

My prayer today, is that you know how much you are loved.
Even though I'm a bit saddened by not being with them.... I am full of the Love that we have given one another in times past. I am reminded today, to cherish those moments always.

Maybe this little message could be encouragement or confirmation to you today.... to pick up the phone or write out a card for the ones you call family. Hold them close for as long as you have them. For tomorrow is not promised, right?

Dear Daddy,

Thank you so much for my family..... for the great joys and the deep sorrows that have filled our years together. Lord, I see you often, in the optimism of my father, the diligence and leadership of my sister, the passion and humor of my brother Hines, the analytical wisdom of my brother Shedrick, and the beautiful heart of my mother. What a contrast of characters you chose to blend into this family. Your ways are far higher than ours.... and I'm trusting that as they have blessed and enriched my life, I am doing the same for them.
Thank you for our health... our wealth... our love and most of all for our Faith.... for that is what led us to YOU.
May You know Lord, today... just how much Your family Loves you!!!
We bless and honor you and give you all the glory.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Have a relaxing and worry free weekend.... and for those of you here in Nashville, enjoy the snow!!!

Lovingly,
Tracye

Precious Gifts!

My amazing sister Trina... and my beautiful new nephew Tayo... having fun washing the do!



Isn't this a fun shot!
For all who have never met her... I have a really amazing woman that I am privileged to call my sister. Her name is Trina Dukes....whoops,... I mean Trina Ashadele!
She's my upclose Oprah!
laughing....

Well for those of you who know how much I love Oprah.. that's a reallll big compliment!
Anyway... I love my big sister dearly.... and although we were not the best of friends growing up... I am truly enjoying this new and wonderful chapter in the story of our sisterhood!

It was only two very short months ago that Trina gave birth to the little one who has stolen my heart! He is so very precious to me.... a true gift from God.

There are many more pics to come.... I just thought this one was so adorable... I wanted to share it right away!

Today... be blessed! Embrace Who and What you have... enjoy them completely. They are a precious gift to you!

Love you all,
Tracye