First of all, the Bischoff family arrived Tuesday evening, December 23. I had cooked a turkey all day so it would be ready for their supper when they came in. The other kids came over as well because the little ones had been counting the days when they could see their cousins.
Wednesday, Wendy and I went to Wal-Mart early to get items to pack in our "homeless packets" that we will let the kids prepare on Christmas day. Then Wendy and I and the kids went in to Bass Pro and Hurts Donuts. (These are a few of our favorite things. :)
We had Christmas Eve service at 6 that evening at Springhill and Doug and Wendy went to Hamlin's service with Doug's sister, Gina and her family, then they went to Gina's house to exchange gifts afterward. We went to Heather and Todd's with Beverly and John, JC and Misty, Matt and Lindsay and all the kids and Cozy to have snacks and play games.
Christmas Day!
Everyone came over and we had breakfast at 9:30. After breakfast the first thing we have to do is get a picture of all the kids under the tree. Getting to be a little more difficult each year as they are all getting so big. But they are still all so CUTE!!
Then it was time to open gifts. As per custom, the children have drawn names so each one gave the gift they brought to the child whose name they had.
After they found their stockings from the clue I hung from the mantle where their stocking should be, we laid out the packet items and the kids went around the table filling a gallon size bag with items to hand out to those who are standing on corners asking for food. We put 40 bags together with crackers/cheese, a bottle of water, jerky, applesauce, granola bars, toothbrush, tissues, etc. Then the kids each wrote a note for each bag. Some put a scripture, some said "Jesus loves you", God bless you..... We divided the bags among families so that the kids could share with those less fortunate.
Great job, kids!
Friday, Karla, Wendy, Bailey and Ruthie and myself went to town. We went to Mama Jeans and Sams. Then in the afternoon, everyone met at the Springfield 11 Theater to see Night at the Museum 3. I got a total of 18 tickets, however Todd got called in to work, so we had to get a refund for one. So sorry he had to miss. Matt and Lindsay sat with all the kids on this row. Then the other five of us sat behind them. Kind of a small theater room, so we were lucky to find seats mostly together.
Saturday was a big day that I had been planning for a long time. Since the cousins didn't get together this summer for a picture, I planned a Winter Prom for them in the multipurpose room at church. I am so thankful to Sarah Boyd, Jami Bryant and Springhill for use of the decorations they left up for us from Sunday School. They were perfect.
The girls dressed up in fancy dresses and the boys wore tuxedo t-shirts and black pants. I have a couple of snaps I got of some of the kids, but the real pictures will follow soon.
Don't these two look ready for prom?
We served finger foods and chocolate frappucino punch. The kids were all so good and cooperative. Pappy and Mema were even in a couple of the pics.
That evening Gary and I and the Bischoff family went out to eat at the Pizza House. We just love that place!
Sunday we all worshiped at Springhill Baptist Church. I just loved looking down the seat at 9 of the granchildren sitting together with their Bibles open (Ava was in PreSchool class).
Sunday noon we just ate leftovers because that evening was our "Mexican Food/Talent Show" night. The Jones families joined us and we ate Mexican Villa's burrito enchilada styles, taco dip, nacho cheese dip and chips. Then we all gathered in the living room for the show. I failed to get pics of the first four acts. I was introducing each one and couldn't find my place where I could get a good shot at them.
Anyway, first act of the night was Ava Hope Wallace dancing to "I feel good".
Second was Cael Steven Wallace demonstrating shooting with a Star Wars lazer pistol.
Following him was Jude Ezra Wallace with a magic trick.
Fourth was Haven Elizabeth Wallace with a gymnastics routine.
Next, Jadon Creed Wallace performed a Taekwondo demonstration.
Then, here is Micah Steven Bischoff playing his trumpet for us.
This is a shot of our studio audience enjoying the performances.
Next was Bailey Rebekah Bischoff and Ruth Ann Bischoff Lip Syncing "Sisters" from White Christmas.
Last was Lucas Andrew Bischoff and Gavin Matthew Wallace with a Sumo Wrestling demonstration.
Then we asked for any volunteers and Ava and Annabeth sang "Let It Go".
Then Annabeth did a dance from "The Nutcracker".
The Finale was several of the performers dancing to "The Cupid Shuffle".
I know the whole audience was in awe of the tremendous amount of talent in that room that night. Even though they were the parents and grandparents of these kids they couldn't believe that they had such gifted children!
It really was a fun thing to do. Keep practicing for next year kids!
Then the really sad day came.....Monday! Time for the Bischoffs to leave for Texas. We won't get to see them again until March, probably. They stopped in Sherman to spend the night and made it home safely on Tuesday to begin their New Year's activities with friends.
Speaking of New Year's Eve, we were invited to Steve and Cozy's again this year to join with the Jones's, Wards, Dixon, McCarty, and Wallace families to eat good food, and play fun games. We just love all of these families and consider them our own....well, besides the two that actually are our own.
So, there you have it! The mega blog that catches me up for 2014 and starts me off for 2015. We'll see how this year goes. I can say I will try to be more faithful in writing, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.
Thank you for reading,
Donna
T
No comments:
Post a Comment