Trying to catch up...

Even though I have updated several times in the last few weeks, I feel like I'm falling behind on general updates. So, I'm going to try to get caught up now.

First of all, on December 10th our church family had a surprise 40th birthday party for our good friend and youth minister....Kenny. His actual birthday is Dec. 12. Yeah, I know, 40 is kinda old to be a youth minister :). Hey, I must say the kids must keep him young, because he doesn't look 40 and certainly doesn't act 40!! Anyway, I do believe he was surprised...

"2-T", aka..Nancy Morrow made the cake. It shows Kenny trail bike riding and falling. Kenny and Bobby (my guy) are trail riding buds. This bike riding thing is becoming addictive, which is a good thing. Also from the surprise party, I must share this picture of the daughter of one of my good customers, Jessica Gallahar. Here is Harper taking some of her first steps at 11 months old. Jessica better look out...Harper is on the move!! :) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Saturday, December 13, we travelled to Leeds, AL to celebrate Christmas with my mother's mother, siblings and extended families. Altogether, there are about 60 of us, so this celebration took place in the fellowship hall at the Ashville Road Church of Christ building, where my mom's youngest sister and her family are members. My mom is the oldest of 6 (5 girls and one boy). One member of the family has ties to the North Pole is "the" official Santa. He always pays a visit to the family gathering. As you can see most of the kids are thrilled, however there are a couple that aren't so thrilled. Here are a few pictures from the day...

Here is Santa with my Maw-Maw.....

Here is Santa with the kids (minus 2 sweeties).......

Here are the 2 sweeties with their "Pop".....

Here is Santa reading "T'was The Night Before Christmas" with the help of one of the angels....

This is Hudson, the youngest of the whole clan-- with his grandparents and daddy (my cousin). The next addition is due in January!!

A fun time was had by all. We are scattered all over the south east, so it's always great to see everyone.

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Moving on, Sunday, December 14 is Kenny's sister, Tammy's birthday. She isn't as old as Kenny :). Anyway, Tammy started the W.I.N.G.S. bible study that I'm a part of on Thursday nights at her home. Well, all of the W.I.N.G.S. "sisters" met at Cracker Barrel and had dinner to celebrate Tammy's birthday. It was really great to be able to get out for a few hours and have fun with the girls. Sorry I don't have a picture, I didn't take my camera :(

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Then of course the next night is when Tammy's daughter, Taylor was so suddenly taken from us. We are all still hurting and will for some time. Here is a link to a tribute here grandfather (Ken Wright) put on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhnMcMRBZE . Tammy sent me the link with this message..."THIS IS WHY WE'RE STILL RUNNING THE RACE!!! How true! Taylor made a difference in this world during her short 17 years and she will continue to make a difference. We have all rallied around Tammy and her family and will continue to do so, but it will never be enough. We are all looking forward to the day we meet her at the gate!! I love you Newsome and Wright families. Let God be your strength. This picture was taken on the youth mission trip to Mobile inner city we went on the Summer of '06...this is how I prefer to remember her...

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On, Sunday, Dec 21, we had Christmas with my parents and my brother and his family at our house. Below, are my parents....Here are my 2 girls and my brother, Stan's 2 girls, Brandy, Alison, Courtney & Abbey...

It was a nice relaxing afternoon and always great to have us all together.

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On Sunday, December 21, about 20 of Alison's friends from school and church met us at Struts to celebrate Alison's sweet 16. I'm sure they all had a great time. I tried to stay in the background. It looks like they had a good time anyway. Thanks to all her friends for the support. She loves her friends....every one of them....

Moving on, Tuesday, December the 23rd was a big day around here. First of all, my baby turned 16, so there was no question where we were off to first....The Alabama State Troopers office in Jacksonville, AL...to attain her first Alabama Driver's License. I'm nervously proud to announce there was SUCCESS!! I will have to admit, I would not have been disappointed if there wasn't success, but I would have had one sad 16 year old on my hands for Christmas. So, Congratulations Alison. Now for the rest of you, if you see her on the road, please don't distract her, she is concentrating!!! :) Here she is with her birthday crown on while she's still the princess.

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I'm not through yet, but it's getting close to time to start the "party". It's time to welcome the New Year. We've invited my W.I.N.G.S. sisters and families over for a night of fun, food, and games. I really need to get myself in gear and get ready, so this blog will be continued tomorrow, Lord willing, and a new year. For now, everyone have a safe New Year's Eve and remember.....

"How you exit one thing, determines how you enter another"

May you all be blessed in the New Year!! I love you all!