Operation Christmas Child 2012

This year Sarah participated in Operation Christmas Child. You take a shoe box and fill it full of items for a child in a foreign country. You choose either a boy or girl. and then you choose an age group 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. You pack your shoe box for whichever gender and age group you chhose. Sarah had trouble choosing so she did one for each age group for a bor and a girl. It was a lot of fun looking for things that would fit into a shoebox that would bring Christmas to a child in a faraway place. Through this experience we really got to talk about how blessed we are. So many everyday things we take for granted. I hope that Sarah always has a heart for others. Through serving others we're reminded of our own blessings.

Camp Fire Chroncicles Nov 3, 2012

Tonight we went to Congaree National Park to participate in the Camp Fire Chronicles. Sarah and I had done this about four years ago when they first started. We started at about 7:00 pm on the mile and a half walk along the boardwalk to watch the reenactments of the different people who used the swamp during different time periods. The ranger talked about the Congaree Indians during the 1500's. The European settlers brought many things to the new world but not all were good. Small pox nearly wiped out the Congaree's who were absorbed into the Catawba tribe. We moved on the escaped slaves, whose desire for freedom was so great that they were willing to risk almost anything to obtain freedom. Many lived in the swamp trying to make it to Florida where they could be free. Next we watched a reenactment from the militia. They used the swamp to their advantage for many years. Loggers tried to harvest the cypress trees but encountered many hardships in trying to do so. The swamp was a great place for the moonshiners to hide from the revenuers and make their moonshine. Many hunters and fishermen also used the swamp to get by. Many people worked long and hard to have Congaree become a protected site. What a great and informative night. The weather was cool but not cold and we all enjoyed being together. We will definitely look for more opportunities to get out and enjoy Congaree together.

November 1st Juniorettes Meeting

Tonight was the November monthly meeting for the Juniorettes. It was a working meeting. Tiffany quickly called the meeting to order. Sarah led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Janet led the Jr Pledge. The girls quickly covered old business and new business. They moved on to working on their plans for the Christmas parade float. They also put together the penguin stocking to donate to the silent auction.

Halloween 2012

Christina brought the children over for us to see their costumes. This made Sarah very happy. She went and got dressed up also. I love that she still has the little girl in her. Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to raise this young woman. She is truly an amazing human being.

Zoo 10-27-2012

Today we took Sydney and Brandon to the zoo with us and had a great time.
Afterwards we came home and let the kids play outside. They had a great time. Family time is so important. It is truly to be treasured. I thank God for the opportunity to enjoy spending time with my family.

Dracula 10-25-2012

What a great night at the ballet. We all love Dracula. And it didn't disappoint this year.

We were on the edge of our seats. It is a wonderful ballet.

October 2012 State Fair Competition

Sarah raised all of these from eggs that she hatched out in the incubator.

Today we went to pick up Sarah's chickens from the fair. She got her ribbons and her check. Not bad for the first time she has ever tried something like this. She entered six chickens and won four first place and two second place. Way to go.