Holiday Festivities

Our Christmas break was quite different this year. Eli made things a whole lot different for us. We had such a great time loving on him and sharing him with all of our friends and family.

We made a quick trip to Mobile after Christmas to see some family and then had some of our friends come visit us to celebrate the New Year. It is crazy what all can happen in a year's time. I can remember pleading to the Lord around this time last year that I just wanted to know what was going on and where He would take us. There were lots of uncertain things happening then and I just thought, "What is God doing?" Well I guess he was up to some major things. Since pleading with Him, we have had lots of major changes. Chris and I were just talking about it last night that at this time last year we weren't pregnant, he worked at a different school and had different coaching jobs than now, and I was still a third grade teacher. Now we have a son, Chris has a new job, and I stay at home! Wow! I'm glad God didn't reveal all of that to me this time last year...I might of freaking out and had an anxiety attack! We are so thankful for all God has done in our lives and we know that each gift and every day is given to us from above. Here are some pics from the holidays.

All of us picking out our Christmas trees.
Eli in his Christmas pjs with reindeer hat from Aunt Emily.
Eli and me by his new stocking. I have the same picture of me with my mom at my first Christmas. Our whole extended family has this same stocking made with love by Mrs. Mary Evelyn Jackson. She had Eli's made the day after he was born!
Eli visiting with his great grandmother, Francis. This is my grandfather's second wife. She is so sweet and took such great care of my grandfather through his battle with cancer.
The new Kirby family came for a visit. Congrats Zach and Kate!
Eli with his new friends, Haleigh, Madison, Zoie, and Alex. Haleigh and Zoie belong to Noelle and Madison and Alex belong to Jessica. Noelle and Jessica are my friends from Young Harris. We got together a few days before Christmas to hang out and catch up. It was great to see them.
Chritmas night reading the Christmas story with Eli. This is a family tradition.
Chris, Eli, Trei, and Brock at the Akridge-Stallworth-Hendrickson Christmas party.
Eli met Coach Jeff Ward. He is one of Chris's best friends.
Jocelyn looking on at Eli.
Girls, girls everywhere! Reese and Kiley and Gabbie and Jocelyn hanging out on New Year's Day with Eli. He didn't know what to think of all those girls. It was great seeing you guys - Hawarahs' and Blacks'!