Christmas

As is the case every year, Christmas for us was a several day event.

We started with the Hollis family on the 22nd. The whole crew went to Five guys for burgers and then back to the Hollis abode to exchange gifts.

The 23rd was a baking day as Daniel had a half day off work. He made a pound cake, a cheesecake, and some cookies. No wonder I gained several pounds!

The 24th found us traveling to spend time first at Curtis and Terri's house with them and Jason's family. Then, we ate dinner with Deborah and Madeline.

Morning on the 25th arrived at about 5:30 when the kids woke us up to see what Santa brought. My mom came over for a late breakfast. Later we entertained my Dad, Zeb, Jeri, and Todd with dinner, some Rock Band, and a rowdy game of Quelf. It was lots of fun.

December Fun

We enjoyed several fun times this month. Our annual trip to Roper Mountain Science Center to see the pretty lights is always a hit. Daniel, Owen, Nanny, and I loaded up the car on a frosty December Saturday to follow Sara and the colorguard to the State Championship Football game. Even though the Rebels lost, we still had a great time. Then, we were treated to Owen's first band concert as the 5th grade band played Christmas songs and impressed us with how far they've come since August.

Happy Birthday Zeb

Eighteen years ago today God granted a wish I had been praying for my entire life - I got a brother. I didn't really enjoy being an only child, but for many years it looked like that's how it was going to be for me. Then, shortly before my college graduation I found out that God does listen to our prayers. He just works on his own timetable and not ours.

He sent me Zeb, who I like to think of as my practice child. With him I learned many things about parenting - how to change diapers, why one should always take a change of clothes when going out with a little one, when not to overreact, and most importantly, how to really listen.

I have had the honor of bringing him home from the hospital for the first time, helping cut down and decorate his first Christmas tree, watching him take his first steps, watching him play soccer and basketball, driving him home from school everyday his freshman year, helping teach him how to drive a car, providing "locker space" and emergency school supplies in my classroom, and being his shelter from the storms of teenage madness.

I am so proud of him today. He's quite the young man. He's intelligent, strong, funny, caring, and fiercely loyal to those who put their faith in him. I know good things await him on the road ahead and I hope he allows me to keep tagging along for the ride.

Happy Birthday to my Zeb, you funny little monkey.

STATE

November 7, 2009 - Sara's first State Band Competition

The 2009 Rebel Regiment

Our Guard Girl

Taking the field


Warming Up

Getting ready

Highlights of State Day

* Bus Trip (except for the part where one of the buses broke down)

*State Gifts from State Buddy and Family

*4th place finish :-)

Congrats to our Sara and the entire Rebel Regiment for a great season. Pipe Dreams was a wonderful show. We can't wait to see and hear what you do next year!

Happy Halloween!

Here's how Daniel and Owen spent their Saturday morning. Happy Halloween!

Our spooky front porch!

What it must be like to be a jack-o'-lantern...

Daniel and his masterpiece

Owen and his creation

Homecoming Parade!!

Every year for Homecoming the high school celebrates with a parade in front of the school. The contestants get to ride in convertibles, the football team and other groups pile in the backs of trucks, the band and ROTC march, and each class creates a float around the theme for the year. It's always lots of fun. This year was extra special because Sara was marching with the colorguard and Jeri was riding with the annual staff (they won best yearbook in the state for the '09 edition). Here are some pictures of the girls. Happy Homecoming!

Wise's Barbecue

If you're reading my blog, either you've been to Wise's and are now planning to go back very soon OR you need to get your tail down Hwy. 76 towards Newberry and get yourself some barbecue!

Trips to Wise's are a Camp family tradition dating back to the 1970s. The prices are a bit higher now, but the food is still just as delicious as it was when I first went in 1991. Chicken (not fried), chopped pork, hash, ribs, rice, beans, pickles, and white bread are all on the all-you-can-eat buffet. Smother it all in a peppery mustard barbecue sauce and yum! There's sweet tea to drink or you can buy a soft drink from the machine outside.

Here are some pictures from our most recent trip. That's Carl at the top. He works at Wise's and he's a hoot! He's the resident icon, much like J.C. is at the Beacon. He won't yell your order, but he'll definitely make you laugh.