Family Night

Thursday night, December 23. After Candlelight service at church we headed home to read love notes. MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR: reading a love note from everyone in the family. Yes, there are 10 of us, yes there were a total of 90 love notes. Yes, it took us an hour and a half. Yes, Cameron was patient, although antsy to get to the gifts as it got later and later. Yes, IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT.

After love notes each of the kids opened up a gift from one of their siblings.  They all love each other and know each other so well, buying one thoughtful gift was a great way to give this year.

For the record: Katelyn bought razor roller skates for Cameron. Cameron bought two silver rings for Jordan. Jordan bought two Razorback tees for Ryan. Ryan bought a blanket scarf for Erin. Erin bought slippers and flannel sleep pants for Ian. Ian bought personalized stationary and a Russellville tee for Sheridan. Sheridan bought fuzzy socks and a necklace for Lauren. Lauren bought Katelyn a gold clutch purse, gold journal and a cookie cutter (for her collection). It was SO SWEET!

I love it when we're all together, smiling, with pretty paper all over the floor, Christmas lights on the tree, and our hearts filled with love from the personalized notes.

Wedding post #2

Until we get our OFFICIAL FABULOUS professional photos in...these are my favorite of the ceremony. Burgundy dresses, grey vests, and falling lights set the stage for Lauren and Ian's BEST DAY EVER. So very thankful that they could demonstrate a CHRIST-centered, fun wedding for every guest in the room.

Yes, the best man acted like he forgot the ring. A red ring pop was passed forward...until the real ring was found.

Yes, the pastor said there was much more written to the men in the Bible about how they needed to treat their wife...because men were a little slow, or they needed more instruction.

Yes, they danced off the stage...including twirls for the bridal party.

Yes, Richard helped me figure out yet another crazy plan to hang lights from the industrial ceiling in our church and did it without complaint!

Get a CLUE

SWEET Katelyn is explaining to Jordan how to play Clue. Kate starts the game setting up the premise: "Someone has killed someone."
Jordan: "Here?"
Kate: "No, not here, these are just plastic characters."
...
Jordan: "It might be her, (looking over Mrs White) she has a pan in her hand."