Crazy Christmas

Well, this is a snapshot of what Christmas week looked like in our house.  We were actually in the house the first week in December, but our household goods didn't arrive until December 23rd.  So, this can go down officially as the craziest Christmas thus far.  Andrew and I were just happy to actually sleep in a regular bed after sleeping on a mattress on the floor for 2 weeks.

These are a few pictures of Christmas Eve. M&M were still super thrilled about Christmas. Funny, how the boxes and chaos didn't seem to bother them. They just go with the flow and love all the new and exciting experiences. Man, can I learn a lot from that attitude.

Papa and Mama Jo (Andrew's parents) were down to help and M&M loved having them here.  Andrew was able to read the Christmas story this year and they actually listened and sat through the whole thing.  They are still at the age where they don't expect a pile of presents Christmas morning.  So we agreed to get them one big gift and only one other smaller one.  It was perfect!  They've gotten so much since then from other family and friends I'm glad we didn't kill ourselves getting a bunch of "stuff".  We got Mary Ellen her pink and white play kitchen with a big selection of plastic food.  Michael got a wooden Thomas the train track with 2 engines and a big play fire truck.  It was all a hit!  Now that we have the bonus room as their play room, they have plenty of space to play, play, play!

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. We thank God for the immeasurable blessings he poured out upon us this year. There are so many hurting an lost people in our world, country, town, our very own neighborhood even and I can't help but thank God for His grace and sustenance. Are we worthy? No, but I will certainly praise him for this little bit of heaven we call ours in Sumter, for a supportive and loving husband, for two healthy and happy children, and friends and family that love and encourage us. Our cup truly "overflows" (Psalm 23:5).

Thanksgiving in Laurens

We spent Thanksgiving this year in Laurens, SC. Jamie's (Andrew’s sister Amy's husband) family has a cattle farm and had a big get-together in their huge state-of-the-art pole barn. A day full of great fellowship, yummy food and lots of outdoor fun! M&M loved riding on the 4-wheelers. Even though I was a bit nervous at first...Andrew took it slow and they loved it!

Andrew giving Brygs and Mary Ellen a ride.

Andrew giving Michael one of MANY rides!

Aunt Amy helping Michael ride the John Deere.

Mama Jo and Mary Ellen watching everyone get a turn on the 4 wheelers.

M&M watching Daddy carve a turkey.  I think they fried about 8 or 10 turkeys that day!  So yummy!  Andrew would feed M&M little bits every now and again.  Mary Ellen loved the skin.

Mary Ellen obviously pointing out to Brygs the finer points of picking the skin off the turkey!

What a fun day.  Hope it becomes a tradition.  Fun to think of M&M growing up so close to family.  It's great to be back in the south!