Christmas 2009

What a wonderful way to celebrate Christ Birth than having Christmas. As you all know Mike is in Iraq and with him gone we did not feel right putting up our big Christmas tree. So the kids and I decided to buy two small artificial trees and decorations. We sent one to Mike and we kept the other one at home. Here is our Christmas tree and the picture below this one is of the tree and ornaments that we sent to Mike.

Christmas is not complete without Mike being with us. We were very excited that he was able to contact us with Skype. He graciously waited until we got upon Christmas morning to open presents with us.

Here Tony is opening his presents.

And Cheyenne is opening her's.

After Christmas at our house we headed to Mike's twin brothers (Marty) house and had a wonderful Christmas dinner and then had more presents. Before we opened presents Mike was able to Skype in again from Iraq and read to us the story of Christ birth from Matthew and Luke in the Bible. What a wonderful story to be read on Christmas Day.

Every year Mike's mother (Billie) gives one member of the family "Gifts from Granny". The recipient this year was Cheyenne. Billie does her version of the 12 days of Christmas. As you will see by the picture below. Cheyenne had a great time reading each note that came with the presents.... then on the final present is the "big" gift that Granny gives you.
This year Cheyenne got money!

Baby Picture time...

Let me introduce to you Patrick. He is the little fella that I take care of in my daycare. I couldn't resist taking pictures of him for his Mom and Dad's Christmas Present. He was such a sweetheart laying on the blanket as I took picture after picture trying to capture the right one! I think I did a pretty good job, of course he is such a cute little fella that it would have been hard to take a bad picture.

Talking to Chris via Skype

Today I had the privilege of talking with Christopher on Skype. What a surprise for all of us here! He told us that he lives in a 40 man tent and sleeps on bunk beds. I asked him if this reminded him of living at home as a little boy sleeping on a bunk bed and he just chuckled. He did mention that he is not really working in his field right now, just doing lots of odd jobs and watching a lot of movies. He works the noon to midnight shift and is about 10 hours ahead of us in his time zone. Needless to say it was very good to be able to see and talk to him.



We Love and miss you Chris and are praying for your safety every day!!

Lovingly,
Mama

Cheyenne's Holiday Christmas Concert

Cheyenne had her Christmas Concert this past Thursday evening. She did a wonderful job playing the Contra Bass Clarinet... I was fortunate enough to be able to sit on the front row and hear her playing. I am so very proud of her!






Merry Christmas to All!!

Deployment UPdate three

Thank you for your prayers. We received word today from Cil, Chris's wife, that he made it safely to his destination. Right now he is battling his allergies due to so much dust. As I learn more I will update all of you again.

Much Love,

Deployment UPdate two

Just thought that I would update everyone regarding Christopher and his deployment. As of today's date we have not heard from Chris. I'm sure that he is fine, but you know how a Mom can get... I need to hear his voice to know that he is ok. So please keep him in your prayers! And when we do hear from him I will let everyone know!

Averie Grace is ONE

I would like to introduce to you my sweet little niece Averie. She is the precious daughter of my sister Leslie and her husband Ronnie.
Yesterday Averie Grace celebrated her FIRST birthday!

Happy Birthday Averie!!

Here is her complete family.
From left to right is Ashlie, Leslie, Averie, Ronnie, Alexis and Andrew.

They are a beautiful family!

Thank you Leslie for giving me permission to share your pictures on my blog.

I Love you all!!