One Little Indian

Natalie was in her first ever Thanksgiving program at school. She made an adorable little indian. Her long, Pocahontas locks were made by her "Nonnie with the purple hair." She does hair for the movies and has a wig for just about any occasion that could possibly arise.

On Mrs.Coats' hip. A little too little to see over the back pews.

So happy to see that Daddy attended her performance.

Classic preschool class photo. Gotta love this.

Waiting for the feast to arrive.

A little cowboy, hiding from the natives.

OPeRaTioN CHRiSTMaS CHiLD

I wish I had time to write out every detail about how God brought me to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. It is a story of his provision in answering my prayers with exactly the opportunity for me at this season of my life. It is a testimony to his continued grace in my life and how humbled I am to be his servant. This ministry allows me to continue to stay at home with my children, yet help to reach the nations in His name. Needless to say, I am loving every minute of working with OCC.

So, in honor of the Christmas season, I'd like to give a quick visual of how the boxes get from the one who chooses to pack to the child in need.

People pack the boxes, then take them to a drop-off site. These pictures are from the day our church collected and dedicated the boxes. To me, the prayers over the boxes are one of the greatest gifts the children receive. This is Natalie coming down the aisle with her box, then spotting Grandaddy.

She couldn't resist a quick hug. The joys of attending the same church as your extended family should not be overlooked. However, that's another post for another day.

Even the smallest people get to bring their boxes, i.e. Sutton. :)

The boxes are then brought to area relay and collection centers. These are all staffed by volunteers from adults who are there all week, to school groups that drop in for a while and help out.

Cartonized and loaded onto 18 wheelers.

Then driven to Charlotte, our closest processing center. (There are 7 across the US, but Charlotte is the largest, processing nearly 2.1 million of the 5.8 million boxes collected this year in the US).

At the Charlotte Processing Center, approximately 35,000 volunteers over 3.5 weeks go through the boxes, making sure the contents are safe and appropriate.

Here's a quick look at what happens at the PC. Check box for donations (don't want cash getting into a child's hands. That could be very dangerous for a child) and for boy/girl label. Then inspect for inappropriate items.

Tape up box.

Scan label and cartonize. Scanning the box and the carton it goes into makes it possible for you to follow your box around the world!

Cartons are then organized and loaded onto sea containers and taken to sea ports to head out to national leaders who are waiting on the shoeboxes so they can deliver them to the children!

I got to work in the PC for an entire week. I was recruiting volunteers and it was a blast. It was truly remarkable to see how this project works, and almost entirely through the help of volunteers!! Oh, and if you didn't get to pack a shoebox yet, you can still pack one online through the end of December at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Perfect Rows

Natalie is always setting things up in perfect order. When I walked into her room and saw the shoe train all lined up with its doll passengers ready to ride, I couldn't help but run for the camera. I just love moments with preschoolers. They are so creative.

For a few weeks during Fall, she came home from school with a pocket full of acorns nearly every day. I can't really explain how much I love finding things in her pockets or happening upon her little rows of items or dolls in a circle that have inevitably just attended one her classes. All reminders of the children who live in our home, whom God has blessed us with. Gotta love it.

Halloween 2011

The Lion and the Lamb at the church trunk-or-treat.

He begged for coffee ALL night.

Angel, Miriam, Lion.

Cinderella and Payne Stewart, trick-or-treating at Granny and Grandaddy's.

It was the first year of trick-or-treating in our new neighborhood and it was a BLAST! So many decorations and kids out. Already looking forward to next year and I've honestly never cared about halloween before. It was just fun to be out with the neighbors.

Two little princesses hand-in-hand.

The fearless foursome. Well, until a man answered the door and squeaked a little frog toy in Sutton's direction. Then, not so fearless.

Thankful Hearts

Those grins were not falsely placed just for the photo. They were there ALL night. These grandparents, and grandkids, literally couldn't be happier to be together. Granny K told me at least 5 times to be sure to tell Nate, "Thank You for moving your family back here." We are together all the time, but on these special, yet simple occasions, somehow the gratefulness seems to be greater. And the happiness goes both ways.

Horseback

Our church Fall Festival was awesome. They seriously had all things autumn. Natalie and Sutton both really enjoyed riding on the ponies.

With every new thing they experience, my heart continues to grow. Thank you, Lord for allowing me the privilege of parenting.

Fenced In

I love that we now have a fenced-in backyard where the kids can explore and play together. I just love watching them play TOGETHER.

Best Little Pumpkin Patch in the Midwest

Natalie and I tried to see as many friends and pumpkin patches as possible before leaving KC. This is a place in Platte City that looks like a patch right out of a magazine.

The kids love it because there are tons of barn kittens roaming around.

Love that Luke Auston. Does that kitten look comfy? I can't decide.

Passing the kitty off to Addy.

Just one afternoon and night with the Nelsons, but we'll take what we can get!

Photos of these two together just never get old. I see brides and bridesmaids in 20 years! What a sweet friendship, even if it is long distance now.