~Christmas Week 2009~

We had a very busy week as I am sure you all do.  Sunday, I took the teens from our church to Dallas to visit the Children's Hospital and deliver toys.  We also took Christmas cookies and cards to the Rondald McDonald house.  We had a wonderful trip.  I hope it helped all the kids at the hospital have a little brighter Christmas!

 

On Monday night, we went to the home of my principal for a Christmas party with my co-workers.  We had a great time, and lots of great food!  (sorry I forgot my camera so no pictures of that one.

On Tuesday night we went to our friends, Todd and Jamie for our Young couples group from church Christmas party.  We again had great food, and had fun playing taboo.

Thanks to Jamie and Todd for hosting!

On Wednesday night we went to church to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!  It was most important for me to teach my child that Jesus is the reason we celebrate.  It is fun to get presents and share family time, but JESUS is the Reason for the Season!

On Thursday night we went to my parents house for Christmas at Grampy & Granny's.  Boy are those kids spoiled by their grandparents! :)  They even got a special treat.  About the time we were going to start opening presents, Gavin had an answer to a prayer he has been praying for over a month now.  We looked out the back door and it was starting to snow!!!  We NEVER get snow around Christmas.  That was a great gift from above!  It wasn't a lot, but the kids (and adults) enjoyed what we did get! 

My dad and the boys looking at the snow!

 

I thought this was pretty!

Our Family in the snow!

 

My sister and Nathan!

 

The boys!

 

Gavin and Grampy

 

Gavin and Granny

 

Opening gifts

Thursday night (Christmas Eve) when we got home Gavin had to feed the reindeer (in the snow this year!) and leave milk and cookies for Santa.  We also opened our ONE Christmas Eve gift, (our new pj's).  

 

feeding the reindeer

 

Gavin taking pictures (opening Christmas Eve gift)

 

New pj's

 

milk and cookies for Santa

 

He was sleeping when Santa arrived!

Christmas morning...

We got up and opened gifts at our house.  Gavin could not have been more excited (even though he still hasn't seen his BIG gift.  His new trampoline is going to be set up at the house we will be moving too.  Maybe Shawn will get it set up today!!!  

 

The Before Shot of Gavin's presents

 

In the middle of a child's dream!

My gift from Gavin (new blanket... he knows me well!)

(sorry about the no make-up ha!)

Shawn looking at his ornament for the year... a john deer lawn mower to represent his new job this year!

 

Gavin looking at what Santa brought him!

Christmas Afternoon...

We went to Shawn's Grandparents house for Lunch.  This year we had Mexican food (fajitas, enchiladas, tamales... and all the trimmings!)  I made my homeade hot sauce, Shawn loves it.

 

Mawmaw and Gavin

  

Ashli and Gavin

 

Kinzie & Gavin

 

Gavin and I 

 

Gavin & Hayden

Christmas night...

Our final stop was Shawn's Parents house (Papaw and Mimi).  Gavin loved getting to play with his cousin, and seeing aunts and his uncle.  After a long day, we made a short stop at my sisters house so Gavin could see his other cousin, then we came home around midnight and crashed!  

  

  

Nikki and her nephews

 

Gavin and his new sword... he has been wanting for a while!

 

Hayden and his new Bakugan toy

 

Shawn cuddling with Tila...awww!

It was a long and WONDERFUL Christmas week!  I hope everyone had a great Christmas too! 

Happy New Year!

***Amy***

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Favorite Christmas Memory

my sister and I

I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas as a child.  One particularly stands out in my mind...My sister and I used to stay up all night on Christmas Eve.  We were so excited about Christmas morning we could not sleep.  (as I am sure most kids do).  We would peek out our bedroom door and see if the presents were under the tree yet, if the stockings were filled... Trying to wake up mom and dad starting at 5 am... we were told to "go back to bed, its not time yet"  The time seemed to drag by. 

Now that I am a parent, I am as equally excited except now, I can't wait for him to open his gifts and see the joy on his face. 

Merry CHRISTmas to all!

Blessed!

During the CHRISTmas season, we all have so much going on.  Shopping, wrapping, hanging lights, decorating, visiting friends and family, Church musicals and plays, parties, school productions... etc etc etc the list goes on and on.  We all know the reason for the season, but with all that is going on, sometimes we forget to just reflect on the blessings God has given us.  Today's post is all about blessings in my life.

My Parents (with my son and my nephew)

God has blessed me throughout my lifetime more than I could ever imagine.  Lets start at the beginning, he blessed me with 2 wonderful Christian parents (who are still together, 35 years now, and still serving the Lord).  They raised me in a Christian home and taught me how to lean on God.  Depend on HIM to get me through all that life throws at me. They gave me opportunities to develop into what God would have me be.  Thank you mom and dad for All that you have done for me through out the past 28 years.

I am also blessed to have great friends.  I have had one friend, Mandy longer than any other.  We have been friends since I was about 2.  She now lives in Pennsylvania so I don't get to see her often, but I know if I ever needed her, she is always there for me.  (and the same for me to her).  I have also had several friends who I have been friends with since elementary,(Lisa, Debra, Andrea)  and some since high school (Wendy, Joey, Brandi, Kembre... the list goes on and on).  I am so thankful to have them all in my life as well.  I also have friends who have been close since I have been married (David & Elizabeth, Lucas & Kortney, Todd & Jamie.... again the list goes on and on)    Many of them no longer live close, but thanks to the internet, it is easier to keep in touch.

My husband Shawn

I have also been blessed with a wonderful husband, Shawn.  He is a hard worker, a wonderful dad, a Christian man, and my best friend.  I am thankful for all he does for me and Gavin.  We have had so many wonderful memories over the past 10 years.  We too have been blessed as a couple.  We have been blessed with wonderful jobs, a home, vehicles, etc.  But above all we have been blessed with a precious little boy, Gavin.

Which brings me to that special little boy.  I could never have imagined how wonderful and rewarding being a mom is.  He brings us so much joy.  Our home is filled with laughter, love and lots of toys... He is a very caring little boy.  He has a big heart, and we do not take it lightly our responsibility as parents.  I do know however, the bible says to train him up in the way of the Lord and when he is old he will not depart from it.
(paraphrasing).  I can't wait for the future.  I know God is going to use him in a mighty way.

I am also blessed to have been a member of 3 wonderful churches in my lifetime.  God has blessed me in so many ways, too many to ever be able to name.  When you are feeling down, whether it be bills, stress, sickness, etc, remember God is there all you have to do is call on Him.  Look at how blessed you are, not what you don't have, but what you do. 

May God bless you and your family, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Play

Well, it was a huge SUCCESS!!!  I couldn't have been more proud of our kiddos!  

(...and teens and adults too who had part in it!)  

Every time I have directed plays, during the dress rehersal you always wonder "Is is really going to all come together???"  It always does! Here are a few photos of last nights production!  

 

The Plane Truth!

I have a busy weekend ahead...  I am directing our church's Christmas play.  (I would say children's play, but this year I have teens and adults in it too!)  Today we have dress rehersal from 4-7... of course I need to be there early and I am sure I will stay later.  Tomorrow night we will perform "The Plane Truth" at 6pm.  We have converted our stage to an airport.  It should be great!  The kids have really worked hard and I am so proud of them.  I have also had a lot of help this year and I am so thankful for their time and dedication to it as well.  (Brandi and Lisa...Thank you!)  Not to mention all the other adults who have helped corral kids and the adults that agreed to be in the play.  I will post pictures after tomorrow night! 

Thank you to ~Jamie Kubeczka~

I love my new blog design courtesy of  

Jamie Kubeczka!  

If you love it too, you need to click on the link below and check out her work! 

Thank you Jamie!