Merry Christmas!

I bought a new filter for my camera. It makes points of light into a starburst. I'm still getting the hang of it but here is my tree:We've been having a busy but good week. The kids are out of school and we've been running errands, buying presents, cleaning and all sorts of good stuff to get ready for Christmas. On Saturday we will be going to Roan Mountain for the week. Since we will be celebrating Christmas there with my family, we had our own little Christmas here last night. The kids were so funny. They were very happy with their gifts. Our big family gift this year was the Wii. They were VERY excited. We've managed to steer clear of the big gaming systems, but we caved on this one since it does offer a modicum of physical excercise! I hooked it up last night and we've all been having fun with it today.

I need to start packing and I probably won't be posting again until we get back, so have a Very Merry Christmas!

Roan Quote: While opening a present, he was so excited he said, "I'll bet this is....SOMETHING!"

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Monday night, Alyssa had her Christmas concert. They sounded great! This is Alyssa's last year in the District Honor Choir as next year she'll be too old!

Last night I went out with my friend Deborah to take pictures at the 'Lights Before Christmas' at the zoo.

We had a fun time followed by dinner at Cracker Barrell.

This morning Roan had his little Christmas program. He was so cute in his cow costume!

Roan Quote: One day Roan was watching TV in the living room while I was in the office. Roan called out to me, “Mommy, you can own Mr. Bean’s Holiday TODAY!” Then a few minutes later, he came into the office and informed me that I can get a complete cake decorating set for only $9.99! I told him I already have one and he asked, “Do you have a spreading knife?” I laughed and said, “Yes!” He went back out and a moment later, called out again, “It makes HOMEMADE cakes!”

Our Weekend

This past weekend Dean was in Alabama for a marathon. He made another PR (personal record) with 3:20. His next marathon is in February in Myrtle Beach, SC. Then a week later, he'll be running the Mt. Mitchell Ultra-marathon (40miles). Whew!

While he was gone, I took the kids to see 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium'. Then we picked up Brandy and the girls and went to drive through the Living Nativity. We've never done that before. It was cool.

Saturday morning I took Alyssa to choir practice, then the boys and I went Christmas shopping. After lunch we went to Kai and Alyssa's Martial Arts Open House. That night we all watched a movie at home. Dean came home just before midnight.

Sunday was a nice relaxing day. Dean had this Sunday off in Kid's Cove so we had a nice slow morning and went to the third service. Sunday evening Dean and I went on a DATE! We had received a gift card to Outback Steakhouse from a friend. After dinner, we hung out a little while at Barnes & Noble. Nice day.

Here's an ornament for you. It was one of the first ornaments we bought as a married couple. We bought it at the North Carolina State Fair from an artist who hand cuts the paper in one piece (called Scherenschnitte) then places it between beveled glass. It's very pretty.

Also, last night my NINE year old, Kai, was playing outside. He came running in to borrow my camera to take a picture of the sunset. He did a great job! Here it is:

Roan Quote: I asked Roan why he always has to jump and climb. (on me) He said, “Mommy. Look how big I am.” I said, “I know, but why do you have to jump and climb?” He said, “I’m six years old!” …….He’s five.

Irmo Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday night Alyssa's sang with the Honor Choir at the Irmo Tree Lighting Ceremony. She did great. Afterwards, they had hot chocolate and cookies. Then a fire truck arrived with Santa. It was a fun little evening!

Dean is going to Alabama tomorrow for another marathon. While he's gone, we'll probably drive through a living nativity and catch a movie or something. (I suppose I should throw a little house cleaning in there, too...) Also, Saturday, Alyssa has a rehearsal for her Christmas concert followed by Kai and Alyssa's Tae Kwon Do Christmas Open House.

Congratulations to my sister-in-law, Terri-Ann! Yesterday, she had a baby boy! His name is Evan. This is her third child. Alyssa was a bit disappointed that it wasn't a girl! Poor thing, I keep telling her that a baby girl won't be born 11 years old, and an infant would do her little good, but she doesn't care, she just sees that the cousins are woefully tilted toward the boy side. All together there are now 5 boys and 3 girls. Andrea, you are her last hope to even things out!

Brilliant.

I went to the mall today. I had a couple gifts to purchase. I figured I'd make my purchases, then grab lunch at the food court on the way out. I got what I needed rather quickly, so I browsed in a couple other stores for a few minutes. When I was ready to leave I went to the food court, arriving just after the six school buses unloaded about a million kids. I wonder whose brilliant idea THAT was.

I'd like to write them a strongly worded letter.

Photo Contest

In October, I entered the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden's first photo contest. I entered all four categories. My photo of a cactus won first place in the 'Floral Close-up' category!

Also, my frog photo won second place in the 'Garden Critter' category:




Alyssa also entered the youth division and won second place with her flower:

The prizes are some bulbs from the gardens, a private after-hours photo shoot in the gardens, and our photos/names will be in The State Newspaper in January, and the Riverbanks Zoo magazine in March. The winning photos (top 20) are on display right now at the zoo in the Discovery Center during the holidays, and they are also on the zoo's website where the public can vote for the Grand Prize Winner. (I don't know what the prize is...) So, if you want to vote, go to the website and look at the top left of the page. It is one of the rotating ads.