Christmas in Dixie

We had Christmas in Hartselle a week early this year.  It was nice to be able to spend time up there without being rushed.  There's a lot of kids, so there's never a dull moment.  Scott flies for Delta and had to work, but the rest of the crew was there.  Thanks for everything, Gmama and Granddaddy! 

Shelby

Grace



Eli and Sawyer got camping equipment.  The flashlights were a hit!



Sissy Brown-Brown

Caroline

Hayes, Al, and Caleb

my boys

Katie and her new Jessica Simpson boots...cute! 

Gmama, Grace, and her new Kindle

me and SWEET Caroline

"God's Gift to Us"

Sawyer and Eli had their Christmas program at their "school" on Dec. 13th.  It was PRECIOUS!  The four-year-olds dressed up, and they marched in as a man read Luke 2.  I (of course) teared up seeing them walk in-Jesus' birth and my baby dressed up as a shepard was a little overwhelming for me.   Sawyer sang every word and did every motion.  Last year during the Christmas play he didn't crack a smile, but this year, he was with it! :)  I told Allyson she may have to stand in for me at the preschool graduation in May.  I'm a basket case, y'all!  At the end of this program, I was ready to go to the doctor and get some nerve pills.  My grandmother and her sisters were incredibly emotional, and I remember her taking a nerve pill once.  I really think I could use one the next time my boys perform.  Oh my!  Thankfully, Walker is use to me and expects it from me.  He just handed me a napkin and smiled!  ;)



Here comes Eli.  The two-year-old classes joined the group for the last two songs.  You NEVER know what to expect from Eli.  The first day they went to practice, Eli's teacher told me he just stood there.  I told him in the car on the way home that we expect him to do what his teacher tells him, and I wouldn't tell his daddy yet, but if he didn't sing the next time, I would tell him and his daddy would spank him.  He said, "Okay, Mama."  So...the next practice, before I could ask, his teacher said...WOAH!  Eli sang louder than anybody today!! :)  He did FANTASTIC in the program!  Praise the Lord!

See him doing the motions.  This is "He-He-He-He Saved Me, and I've Got the Joy of the Lord!"

He spotted us at the end of the program.

Sawyer found us too.

I could eat them up! 

By the way...My favorite song of this was "Soft, Sweet Hay." 

Milk Cow Mooey

Donkey Chewey

Funny, Little Place for a Baby to Stay

Milk Cow Mooey

Donkey Chewey

Little Baby Jesus in the Soft, Sweet Hay.

Jesus, born in a Stable

Sleeping on a Bed of Hay

Precious, Gift from God Above

With Love



Our Train Ride

We took the boys to the Polar Express on Dec. 10th.  They LOVE trains, so they were really, really excited about getting to ride one.  We read the book and watched the movie which helped build excitement, and by the time we were ready to go, these boys were pumped! 

We were all four given a "magic key" that will unlock any door.

This was my favorite part.  This cute elf talked and talked to Sawyer about what he wanted for Christmas.  He just kept laughing and smiling at her.  She said, "Why do you keep laughing?  Are you laughing at my ears?" Then, she let him touch them. ;)

Waiting at the North Pole for Santa and Ms. Claus to come visit us.

Aren't they cute?

Christmas has been fun around here!  All Eli asked for was a cupcake, and Sawyer wanted a Transformer.   Sawyer memorized Luke 2: 1-14 for the second year.  As a Mama, I don't want them to get too caught up in the "getting" of Christmas.  Thankfully, that's really not either of of their nature (yet at least).  We really talk a lot about how the town is decorated for Jesus' birthday and how it's all about HIM.  I hope we can always remember what's important and what really matters.   

 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

 Matthew 1:21

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16    

Thanksgiving

We went to Hartselle for Thanksgiving for the first time in a few years.  It was lovely!  Gmama and Granddaddy tried to get a good picture with all their grandkids.  Guess who didn't want his picture made??

Here's the big kid table enjoying Thanksgiving luch together.

Sweet Caroline

Handome Hayes

Catching Up

Eli moved up to a big-boy bed for his birthday.  He's since decided he likes for me to come join him about 2:30-3:00 every morning.  I oblige.  He is so tiny he only takes up a tiny part of the bed, and he seems so proud in the mornings that I went "night-night" with him.  How could I resist??

Small Steps had their annual trike a thon for St. Jude in November.  The boys got to take their bikes to school and ride.  Here's Sawyer with his class. 

Here's Speedy on his bike.  When I told him to slow down, he got off his bike and came and stood by me.  His bottom lip hung to the floor.  His teacher asked him to get back on, but he was not going to budge.  Eli is a little on the stubborn side for those unaware.  So, we ended the trike a thon in the fellowship hall bathroom with a spanking.  Lovely!  We're working on doing what you're asked around here.  I am starting to see a little improvement maybe, but it's a work in progress. 

We made our annual trip to the Peanut Festival to "ride those rides!"  Sawyer and Eli loved it!  It's fun that they are big enough to ride and enjoy everything.  Who knew the carousel could cost us $10??  Oh well (I guess!)!  Here are a few more from the peanut festival. 

And, in other news, I thought I should share a picture of the group we hang out with on Sunday nights.  This is most of our lifegroup.  We meet at our house every Sunday night, eat, fellowship, and Walker leads us in a Bible Study/discussion.  Most of these men are affiliated with Fort Rucker and flying helicopters.  I have such a great respect for them and their families and the sacrifices they make.  Most are here for a little while, and some of them will leave within a year.  I feel like I'm being "cultured" as I meet these families from all over the US (and one from Korea).  ;)  I admire them for how they love and share Jesus with others! 

to be continued...