Alaina's acting debut

 

Alaina and I was asked to be Mary and baby Jesus at TCS' school Christmas play (Matt was asked to be Joseph, and what a perfect Joe he would've made but he said no way...)

 She sat still in my lap for 45 mins and was a perfect Angel-- She put on her 'holiness' for the evening.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, all too the way..."

Today, I was in school.

I have a lot of wonderful students in my class with awesome families.

But today, one stood out among the rest.

'Huntsman' (We'll just call him) was playing on the playground like any other day. We were talking and he was excited to tell me he wouldn't be in school tomorrow because they were going to Jacksonville to pick up his father. His dad, serving about 16 years, is a Captain in the US Navy and his family has proudly stood alongside him. Tomorrow, my little Huntsman is driving with his mother to welcome him home after this recent deployment of 9 months. He is thrilled and I would love the opportunity to be there and cheer them on, watching from the sideline. I mentioned what a wonderful Christmas present this would be and Huntsman smiled but said, "I don't need presents- We don't get gifts for Christmas because it's not our day, it's Jesus'". His mother shook her head in agreement and explained to me they take Christmas day to go out and serve others because that sounds like a better way to give to Christ on His birthday. No presents. No gifts. Just time & effort given selflessly to others in honor and respect for the newborn in the manger.

WOW. This struck me today as I think about all of the hustle and bustle of this season. As a mother, I get caught up in the busyness and look forward to getting my kids certain gifts and seeing their joy. But let's take it a step farther and ponder the eternal gifts that would mean so much more to my children. Huntsman was not sad or bothered by not having anything under his tree on Christmas morning. And of all families to 'give up' their Christmas. They already give their dad and husband to an ungrateful, selfish world. Our military families deserve so much because they give so much. But they don't see it that way. After Thanking Mrs. Huntsman, she simply replied, "It's just what we do". Thank you, Huntsman for 'getting it'. Thank you Mrs. Huntsman for instilling in your child something that matters. Thank you Mr. Huntsman for serving so nobly. I salute you and your family.

May He receive all the glory.

"O' come let us adore Him..."

Grandma and Grandpa time

Grandma Chris and Grandpa Larry took Isaac and youngest cousin Bethany to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios for the afternoon. Nemo, McQueen, flying dinos and ice cream was the order of the day...

 What makes us think that children would like to hug an alive, large, hungry bear?

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for our special treat!

Happy Fall Y'all

 Alaina's first pumpkin patch

the many expressions of Alaina

These were taken at my parent's within a 2 minute period and I just had to post all of the expressions Alaina made. She is so full of cuteness it's not even funny =) (ps-excuse Pop's hairy legs--xo love you dad)

being a model makes one sleepy!

we love our Alaina

my farmer family

farm day at school outside of my classroom

cowgirl mommy needs a coffee!

"How Great Thou Art"

I grew up on country music. I can repeat it all.
I listened to Vince Gill's first Christmas album and watched Carrie Underwood as she respectively won American Idol--but this duet shows their maturity and character and joy to have salvation through Jesus. This is why I love Christ and country. If you are looking to be inspired or looking for a Savior, this is a taste of what God can give those who trust in Him. A voice to praise, a song to sing and the people to listen.

playfulness:part 3

the last bit of our family vacation in North Carolina...

at the park with my sisterinlaw Sarah--We were friends in youth ministry and swim teamates before I met her brother. "Funny ol world init?"

Sarah and Peter will be married one year in January...can you tell? =)

the wind that day was strong. but not that strong.

remember tetherball?

We had a "Merry UN-birthday party for all of the kids since we miss each other's real birthdays during the year. I found these squirters at the dollar store and they were an obvious hit. Permission to squirt cousins and siblings with water? Hello.

wash the car son.Good job.

Grandpa Larry with Alaina

Isaac enjoying the campfire out front with his first s'more