Walker's Christmas Party

Walker was so excited about his class Christmas party.

He couldn't wait for some cupcakes, games and gifts!!

After all the snacks, the kids played Christmas Picture Bingo.

Walker was so excited that he was the 1st to Bingo!

Vick enjoyed Bingo.

Then they opened their stockings to see what surprises were inside. Each child brought little "happies" for the other children in the class. Walker was adamant that he wanted to get "Bubba Teeth" for the boys. So we went to CiCi's Pizza and got 8 sets from the vending machine! He didn't think the girls would like funky teeth, so he got them coloring books. Needless to say, the boys LOVED their teeth!!

Germarcus
Sam

SANTA!

The kids finally had their Christmas lists finished and decided it was time to go tell Santa. I think Anna Grace said she wanted a tie-dyed bike, digital camera. cell phone, dry erase board and surprises. Walker said he wanted drums, an electric guitar, bike, football cards and Mighty Beans. Mom asked for earplugs!!!

She's Growing Up...

Just before Christmas break, I finally allowed Anna Grace to get her ears pierced. She has been begging for years and I kept telling her that she had to be 10 years old. So she was pretty surprised when I said we could go ahead and get them pierced at Christmas.

Avery Ray went along for moral support. Anna Grace was so brave! She said it hurt a little but was so glad she finally got it done! I think she looks beautiful, but I'm a little teary-eyed that my little girl is growing up!

Singing and Reading

The Pierce St. Pride Choir sang at Barnes and Noble after Thanksgiving to kick off their Book Fair. Even though it was cold and rainy, there were lots of kids running around in lime green Pierce St. Pride shirts (and lots of moms and dads!) The kids did a great job singing their hearts out!

Of course, the kids begged for some new books (love that!) So, this is what I found when I turned around in the car on the way home!

Operation Christmas Child

The Harrisburg Baptist Church children's choirs presented Christmas Around the World for the Operation Christmas Child service. It was absolutely wonderful! Walker's 1st grade choir dressed like children Europe. They were precious! I think Walker looks a little like Pinocchio!

The Young Musicians choir is made up of 4th - 6th graders. They dressed as children from South America and sang songs from that culture. My favorite was "The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy." Love it!! Operation Christmas Child always gets us in the Christmas spirit, but also reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

John the Elf Returns

Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, the kids began their search for John the Elf. Every morning. they would scan every nick and cranny looking for John. Each morning that he wasn't here, the kids would be so disappointment - especially when they heard that the elves at their friends' houses had already returned. One morning, Walker asked if John wasn't coming back because he and Anna Grace were "too old." I assured him that they were not too old and that John usually didn't come back until the beginning on December.

Finally, after much anticipation, John returned. Evidently, John got here during the day while we were all gone to work and school. The kids were so excited!! John even brought along gifts for the kids all the way from the North Pole!! What a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season!!

Decking the Halls

Anna Grace and Walker really enjoyed decorating the Christmas trees this year. We always love unwrapping each ornament and talking about where it came from.

Chip even got in on the decorating action!

After the big tree was finished the kids tackled the trees in their rooms. They've both decided that they have so many ornaments they need new trees for their rooms!

Merry Christmas!!!

Wrap it in Maroon and White

We enjoyed the Egg Bowl this year at our house with lots of our family! The kids loved putting on their maroon and white and cheering for the Dawgs!!

Charlotte, Meg and Anna Grace

History Lesson

While we were in Brandon recently, we visited the Ag Museum. It was amazing to walk through a cotton gin, see how they picked cotton and visit an old time school, church and store. We even saw printing presses from the early 1900s! It really reminded me of Mayberry!!

Blessed Beyond Measure

Our family was blessed beyond measure by the precious 5 weeks God allowed us to spend with Layne Grace Gaston. He was so gracious to allow us to love her here on earth when we didn't even expect 1 day with her. God used her sweet life to draw so many people to Him, and we look forward seeing how He will continue to touch hearts through Layne's life.

We am so grateful for the love and support of so many friends. Your sweet words of encouragement and especially your prayers are what sustained us during the ups and downs of the past months.

To God be all the glory, honor, and praise!!