Christmas in Dixie

It has been so long since I posted and since I finished my last final for the semester tonight, I thought I would do a little update!

Christmas is here and we have just gotten the tree up. The boys helped the other night while we watched "Charlie Brown Christmas." I had forgotten how wonderful it was...especially when Linus stood on stage at recited the true reason for Christmas. In the midst of Christmas lists, parties, toys, and family, we needed them to be reminded about why we celebrate the season. I got misty-eyed while watching them watch...Our Savior came to earth knowing He would die on the cross for me...yet He still came! I am anxiously awaiting His return!

Scott and I have celebrated another wonderful year together. This makes 11 years for us! We made our annual trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. This year had a more special activity for us. We were able to see Casting Crowns in their Christmas Celebration. We had 2nd row, center stage tickets and couldn't have enjoyed something more! What a wonderful way to ring in the Christmas season! Scott and I always come back renewed and refreshed. The past 11 years have been the best of my life, and it's wonderful to fall in love more and more each day.

The boys have thrived this year and are growing into such wonderful little men. They have enjoyed the 2 days they get to spend the afternoon and night alone with Daddy while Mommy goes to school. And they LOVED spending the weekend with MiMi and Papa while we were in Atlanta.

The extended Perry family grew this past October as Mark, the youngest Perry, married the wonderful Kaci. She is lovely and fits in so well with us already. Of course I think we have loved her longer than Mark has. Kaci is a godly woman who loves us and, more importantly, Mark...btw, she waited patiently for him...she knew long before he did that God had sent her her husband.

Scott has spent the last 10 weeks going to Troy University online. I am amazed everyday more and more by him. He has made A's in his classes and has one more final to confirm it! I am so proud of him and try to tell him daily how proud I am of him. It got stressful a couple of times, but he handled it and was rewarded in the end!

I have finished my 3rd semester. I have 7 more classes then my practicum and internship! I am still looking for a job, but I know that God will provide when it's time. I pray that I am faithful to His will.

I pray that this Christmas season brings everyone joy and happiness. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Blessings to you all!

Auburn

I don't have much time, but I had to tell of the excitement we had taking the boys to Auburn this past weekend. It was Christopher's 2nd ballgame and Jonathan's first. Even though it was so hot, we had a wonderful time. Christopher got into the ballgame in a way I've never seen, and Jonathan spent most of the time looking for the eagle and Aubie. They were troopers for walking so much. We had to park past Momma Goldberg's and walked all the way up to J&M and Toomer's. So much has changed since Scott and I were there. It was like seeing it for the first time again. I hope we will be encouragers to the boys and will find them in Auburn in 10 years!!! I will write more later and post some pics....Love to you all!

2 Weeks down [insert tragedy/drama masks here]

Well, Jonathan and Christopher have been in school for 2 weeks. They have taken to school this year like gangbusters. I am so proud of both of them!

Jonathan had no issues getting into class and settled. He has made fast friends of his tablemates. Each day he came home from school the first week I would ask him if he made any friends. Each time he would say (in his precious little voice), "Mama, you have to remind me to ask them!" For my little boy who refuses to speak most of the time, I was informed that he actually got fussed at a little on Friday for TALKING at lunch!!! Like I said before, he would be the one to come home with every story of the day. He enjoyed his first pep rally today...well maybe enjoy is too strong a word. I will be bringing tales from Kindergarten for everyone's pleasure.

Christopher has been doing very well in 3rd grade. We waited a whole week and a half before the first meeting with the teacher. He made all A's on all his papers...until Thursday. We had a little conference and was better today. Please pray for him and us. He is such a smart little boy but just gets distracted so easily! Scott is spending a lot more time with him, and Christopher's had his stomach turned upside down when he realized he had to tell Daddy about his bad day! He is playing football and doing so great! He has turned into a real player. Scott and I are so proud! He will do amazing things! God has such an amazing plan for him, and we will continue to pray that Christopher takes the time to realize it and listen!

I have 2 weeks of school down myself. Continue to keep me in your prayers. This will be a challenging semester for me as I learn how to be the best counselor to God's glory!

As an added note...please pray for my little brother, Mark. He leaves on his first trip to Israel on Tuesday.

God is continuing to bless our family each new day, and we will praise Him for each new blessing and trial!

Love to you all!

School Days

I just was sitting here tonight thinking about what will be coming up in the life of our family on Monday. Christopher begins 3rd grade. Even though this will be his 4th first day of school, this is a new year and things will be different around here. I'm looking forward to what will transpire in the next few weeks and seeing how he will grow and find his way.

Now, for Jonathan....this is the last 1st day of school for our family. I don't see anymore children in our future, but God has His plans for our lives and laughs daily at me as I tell HIM my plans. My little Jonathan...for those of you who know him (and me) know that this will be an interesting week. He is his own little man...marching to his own beat. He, more than Christopher, has been my sidekick for 5 years. I will miss him dearly, but I know that he will enjoy this time away from me. He will be the one to come home and tell me EVERYTHING about his day...while Christopher says, "It was fine". Christopher was his own little man from day one! Jonathan has always acted like mine...just mine. Christopher has always wanted to go anywhere but where he was. Jonathan has been content to be wherever I was.

I love my little men...and that's what they are...little men. Scott and I will say good-bye to them on Monday, and I just feel like life, as we know it, will never be the same again. I will pray over them before they go and trust our Father to care for them while they are away.

Thanks for reading...and praying! Love to you all!

It's only just begun...

OK...I have been jealous of those who can blog consistently, so I am going to try this. I love my life. It can be rough at times, but it's mine and I'll take it anyday! We'll see what comes out of this disorganized head of mine...should be interesting!