When I'm supposed to be working...

Yes, it's shameful, but I just received a link in an email at work, and dedicated my lunch time to a mindless pleasure...Enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Simple Gifts

Grace, Caroline, Nicholas, and Caroline

Back in October 2010, Nicholas and Caroline were members of a select choir from their school to was asked to sing with the local  orchestra. What a treat!  The choir was comprised predominantly of 4th & 5th graders, but their teacher also accepted three 2nd graders to sing with them. The orchestra was performing Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring (one of my all-time favorites). The new conductor likes to "spice things up" a bit on her concerts, and the special event on this night was the choir.  The children walked out on stage just before the Copland, and sang the folk song that Appalachian Spring was based on, the Shaker melody Simple Gifts. It was a truly magical moment for us, watching our children on stage performing with the orchestra, and it was a night that I personally hope I will never forget...

Mistletoe Mash @ the Jingle Bell Ball

In December, Nicholas attended his first formal dance, but the story goes back a bit...

Caroline and Nicholas all dressed up...with somewhere to go?

Our family celebrates Football Saturdays (or Sundays, or even Mondays) once a month with two other families that we know from school. We started doing this back in September (I think?) and kept it going all fall.  Each Football Day was potluck, and had its own theme; Mexican, Italian, favorite finger foods, etc. We rotate homes each month so that it's not so taxing on anyone (but it does guarantee that our house is super cleaned once a month).

all the single ladies, all the single ladies...

Well, one of the families happens to be the family of Nicholas' shmirl-friend (we were not allowed to say girlfriend, at least at first), Jon and Kari, and shmirl's name is Caroline (oddly enough). On the football day at their home, the kids were in the playroom playing on their Wii, and Casanova Nicholas bravely popped the question. On a quick break from the game, Nicholas simply remarked, Hey, you want to go to the Jingle Bell Ball with me? Caroline's face turned bright red and her mouth gasped open...but I think somewhere in there she said yes.  To alleviate some of the pressure, they decided to invite the whole 5th grade (or so it seemed)! They only got a few girls to go along, but hit the jackpot with the boys! Nicholas must have been very persuasive...

The guys, chilling at the Pre-party...

Off we go to purchase the $50.00 tickets (per person), but fortunately the proceeds went to a charitable campaign.

The rest, as they say, just might be history...

future engagement photo perhaps?

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely is my Shmirlfriend?

Gotta love a group photo...how's that for recruiting?

Silly pose #1

Silly pose #2

Nicholas rode with all of these in the "girl"-mobile...wow...

Go Georgia Bulldogs!

Our Bulldog Family!

We enjoyed an extra-special Christmas present this year (thankyou Tita Liz and Tony, words are not enough for these priceless memories)...Tickets to see our beloved Georgia Bulldogs play in the Liberty Bowl!

Baby Dawg and Lovey Dawg, sporting the Gs

Even Otis and Lexi caught the DAWG fever, and sported their game-day apparel.  They look a bit sleepy though...

Lexi & Otis "Hunkering Down"!

Halftime? Maybe postgame...

We grabbed our rain gear and headed to the bowl to bark like DAWGS at each kickoff, and to bask in the awesome sound of the REDCOAT band!

Daddy Dawg, and Bubba Dawg

Though the outcome wasn't quite what we hoped for, it was awesome for our kids to see the Bulldogs in person,

My Dawg pack!

and it was also fun to have one of my former students (Dr. Donny Allen) bring his band (UCF) to the Liberty Bowl. Congrats Dr. Donny, and UCF!

Enjoy this slideshow of our Bulldog Day!

Praise Him In ALL things....

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Personal Best!

Each 9 weeks CS has a award ceremony and the first 9 weeks our sweet Caroline received the Personal Best award for her class!  We are so proud!

So Sweet!

How sweet is this?