Lifelong Friends

Shelby and I made a quick trip to Memphis today to visit my oldest friend, Stacy, who was in town visiting her family for Christmas. Stacy and I had a good visit while Shelby and Jacob played. And before we left, Jacob and I played a couple games of Wii Bowling. How fun! It is always great to see Stacy - too bad it isn't more often. I thank God for the friendship we have shared over the years.

Christmas in Memphis

We got up Friday morning and headed to Memphis to celebrate Christmas with my family. My nephew, Justin, got married in October, and so we were excited to meet his wife, Brook. Blake, another nephew, also brought his girlfriend, Amanda, with him this year. We had quite a large group at my parents' house! After a delicious meal, we opened presents. Then we visited, played games, and took a lot of pictures. It was a great time with our family.

I have to tell you guys what a wonderful sister I have in this post. I called Nunda earlier in the week, asking that she give me her recipe for spinach dip, as I'd been craving it quite a bit. So, instead of just bringing me the recipe to Mom and Dad's hosue, my fabulous sister made me a huge bowl all for myself!! Oh, it is delicious! I have definitely been enjoying it!

Memphis Pics

Christmas Day

This Christmas was so fun! Shelby was so excited about all of her toys, and seeing what Channing and I got as well. This year she got to pick out presents for us. Shelby got a necklace for Daddy and a necklace with matching earrings for me. She made excellent choices! Our lunch wasn't your typical Christmas lunch, but still very good. Channing grilled steaks. We also had delicious baked sweet potatoes and vegetables. We played Shelby's new game together, Hi-Ho Cherry-O. That night we went to see The Tale of Despereaux. Shelby loved sharing coke and popcorn with Mommy and Daddy. The movie was great too! What a wonderful Christmas! Hope yours was as special as ours.

Christmas Memories

Christmas Eve

This Christmas, it was just the three of us. We've enjoyed having our parents with us in the years past, but this year was also very special. We went to the Christmas Eve service at church, which was lovely. When we came home, Shelby opened her new pair of pajamas, and Daddy read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. After setting out cookies and milk for Santa, Shelby reluctantly went to bed. She knew Santa wouldn't come unless she was asleep, but was so excited she just didn't want to miss anything. Channing and I were watching a Christmas movie that had some bells ringing at the beginning. Shelby called me into her room, whispering, "Did you hear those bells?" She was so anxious for Santa to get here, she could hardly stand it!

Santa Picture

Christmas in Texas

We spent this past weekend in Texas, visiting family and friends. We met up with Channing's dad, John, for lunch one day. Shelby loves Popaw, and thinks his beard is so funny! We had a great visit with him as usual. We spent an evening with several of Channing's family, and it was great to see them. The food was excellent, as always! Shelby got so many great presents this year, including a baby grand piano that's just her size! It even has a microphone. She loves playing the piano and singing at the top of her lungs.

While we were in Texas, we were also able to go to a brunch for Paul and Julie McMullen, good friends of ours from Harding. They will be moving to Canada at the beginning of 2009 to serve as missionaries. It was great to see them, and hear a report of their preparations and plans once they move.