Mid-November to Pre-New Year's Eve 2007

Hello Everyone,
We have been kept quite busy in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas and now as we roll steadily towards the new year we are finally slowing down a little.

We went in November to a 'Community Stadium Party' in which a concert was held and guest speakers gathered together to introduce Christ to the community. While there we listened to a testimony given by Tino Wallenda - of the famous Flying Wallendas. He gave a testimony while walking a high wire. It was interesting.

We celebrated Thanksgiving here at home but called several family members to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. As always David's pumpkin pies made a HUGE hit with me.

We got to go to see the Polar Express train locally this year. We didn't go on it (the line was too long) but it was neat to see the outside. In the photo album link you can see new pictures that go along with this update. I waited several minutes just for the elves at the train to turn around fully because one of them was drinking coffee in a mug and I thought it would be cute to take a picture of them. It was pretty warm but when I took the picture the train decided to belch out a blast of steam between me and the elf. It turned out to be a better picture than I expected.

On December 3rd the children of the church held a 'Signs of Christmas' program in which our Tiffany was quite involved. She helped prepare the kids for the program along with the Children's church leader and also participated in it. There is a candid picture of her and some of the kids involved. She also sang praises to the Lord in a solo for the Adult Christmas Cantata. I love to hear her sing and she did a great job....not that I'm biased or anything.

On December 7th we went with some friends and my mother-in-law to a long awaited Gaither Christmas Concert in Jackson Mississippi. It was such fun and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Rochelle showed great restraint and did not bungee jump from the nosebleed section to the stage to visit with Mark Lowry and for her good behavior she and Tiffany ended up meeting Ben Speer and Mark Lowry. When I finished taking the picture of Tiffany, Rochelle and Ben Speer; Ben told me that if that picture didn't turn out well we could go back several more times because he could spend all day taking pictures with such beautiful girls...what a sweetie. Rochelle got to give one of her drawings to Mark Lowry (she's a big fan if you didn't know). When he looked at the picture he teased her and told her the head wasn't big enough. Rochelle laughed because he always jokes that his head is too big but we think it's just the right size. Mark asked if the drawing was for him. She told him yes and I told him she's always drawing him. Tiffany piped up and told Mark that that was one of 13 drawings Rochelle had done of him. Mark looked over the top of his glasses at Rochelle, said "of me?" and when Rochelle nodded he said he felt honored. I got a picture of Rochelle and Tiffany with him as well. Someone asked if I wanted to get in the picture. I told him thanks for the offer but I take pictures better from behind the camera. He laughed. It was the thrill of a lifetime for Rochelle to meet Mark. We also had the privilege of meeting Lynda Randle. In the photo section you will see a picture of Tiffany and our dear friend Summer with her. It was a wonderful evening.

There is also a picture of Heather and her boyfriend David Ghere. They are on their way to a social at the BSU. They make such a nice looking couple. David recently received Soldier of the year for his unit and battalion. We're pretty happy for him.

My David did his annual run to the head start center to play Santa, but before he went there he swung in at Pepsi. It was so funny because grown men were running around yelling Santa's here! Santa's here! Naturally we had to take a few mug shots with some of the people he works with. It was reported later that he had lifted the spirits of many of his co-workers. We went on to the head start center and Tiffany got to see her former head start center teacher and there are pictures of her with Tiffany and SantaDavid. David always enjoys seeing the reactions his suit brings about. One of the teachers kept asking him for some really expensive gifts...it was cute.

We spent Christmas Eve visiting at my mom and dad's house. Heather's David came as well and we all opened gifts, then later she and her David went to see the bonfires that were lit along the levee. It was nice. The next day we went to visit with my David's side of the family and ate Christmas dinner with his brother Paul's family. His wife Paulette did a good job of stuffing us.

The holidays were a little tough this year but we made it through. We really miss the people we lost last year and this year, friends and family members but we are blessed to know that the ones we lost all accepted Christ in their lives and we will one day see them again in Glory.

As we roll forward into 2007 I look forward to a new year full of promise and pray that everyone will know God's provision and love. I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and safe. Take care and God bless. Happy New Year!!!!

P.S. : An update on my youngest nephew, it seems he is highly allergic to mosquitoes and has asthma. He also continues throwing up his food quite often but they will be having tests performed to try to find out the reasoning behind that. He now walks at the age of 7 months, so he is making great strides there. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.