Family

You know how some of your family members you love dearly, some you can only take so much of at one time, and some you just don't understand how you are related to? Maybe you feel you need a major vacation after a family reunion? I know we all have family like this, but I have never truly wished that I was not connected to a person or situation as I am right now. Never have I ever had one person cause so much widespread hurt among the people I love and call family. Please pray for all of my extended family right now, we are confused, we are hurt, we are crushed, and we have a long road ahead. We NEED God more than ever, I have faith He is carrying me right now, I cannot walk myself.

Christmas Lights

We had two great light outings this year. The zoo, a new one for us, was a long day but well worth it. We did both a daytime visit and night visit all in one day breaking it up with dinner at Cracker Barrel in between. Here we are at the lights at the zoo.
It was so cool, they had 4D short version of Polar Express at the zoo, I think this is my first 3D type experience and I know it was the girls' first time. The 4D experience was that the whole place smelled of yummy hot chocolate!

The youngest could go to the zoo and skip the live animals and go just for the merry-go-round!
We've never done this before, but happened to be there at the perfect time to buy some nectar and get to feed the parakeets. Red loved this and never freaked out even though one landed on her head!
Kelly was not as happy about the bird thing, since right after I took this picture, one sat on his head and then peed on his head! EWWWWWW!


The other lights outing was the Lights of the South. The biggest difference besides the lack of wild animals, was the hay ride instead of walking, and the fact that the night we went here, it was about 27 degrees!! Burrrrrrrrrrrr.........

They have hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights starting with the story and Jesus, then the kids' favorite characters and ending with Santa himself. We got to roast marshmallows over the open fire pits and drink hot chocolate and apple cider to try to warm ourselves.

Christmas Program

My sweet girl was in her very first Christmas program and Daddy was home to see it. Some of the angels sang more than others, but they all looked angelical! She choose to watch more of the program going on behind her more than participate, but Mommy and Daddy had a great time watching her.

On a side note: you should know that the angels are all 3 years old, and that they stood through the program was a great feat in itself, AND Mrs. Pat and Mrs. Alice said that this was the BEST year of angels, since no one took off their halos or wings until they were all finished.

Sara Groves

On December 15th, Kelly and I went to see Behold the Lamb of God, with Andrew Peterson, and best of ALL, Sara Groves. After I saw her at the MOPS convention, christian music is about all I listen to, so I was really excited to find out she was coming to Augusta. The concert started off with the 6 different musicians taking turns singing some of their own songs. Then the second half was Behold the Lamb of God, a story of Jesus from creation to His birth in songs. It was GREAT and I recommend that you go see it next year if they come to your town! I felt so star struck and a little silly, but very excited to actually get to speak to Sara on her way out of the convention center while Kelly was cd shopping; and I was brave enough to ask for a picture along with 2 or 3 others. Sara's music is so wonderful and you should check her out if you've not heard any of her songs. She has a great sound and an even better message in all of her songs. This is Sara's site that has her info: http://www.saragroves.com/ and you can get most of her cds from you local Christian book store.