My Christmas Break

Now that I am a teacher I think I can say that as a teacher I looked forward to Christmas break just as much if not more than my students did.  I found myself making a count down on the board and anxiously crossing off the days.  Once Christmas break did come it flew by all too quickly.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed my break and wished it would have lasted a little bit longer.

 This Christmas was very different from all others.  Christmas morning my older sister wasn't there to unwrap gifts with. However, she and her husband were able to come over in the afternoon to celebrate with us.  

This truly was an amazing Christmas.  Although part of me was sad to wake Christmas morning and just feel like it wasn't right without my big sister.  As I sat at the dinner table and looked around at my family I could not help but smile.  Nicole next to Jack..the two of them are perfect..that is just where she is supposed to be.  Seeing the two of them together fills me with a joy I can't explain.  I love Nicole and I love my new brother as well.  As my eyes shifted over to my mother  I couldn't help but silently thank God.  Just a few months before I heard the word cancer come across the phone.  Now, I was home with my cancer free mom- God is so good.  He never ceases to amazing me with His goodness. 

Having two photographers in our family now, we could not possibly let a holiday go by without a family picture.  I couldn't help but post the first two "oops" pictures. Apparently we didn't realize Jack  was taking pictures. 

A week after Christmas, Lauren and I were able to go over to Jack and Nicole's house for a couple of days.  We had so much fun just sitting around like little girls giggling and having fun.  Although, at one point I did have to stop and wonder: when did this happen?  When did we suddenly grow up?  I looked at my big sister who is now married to an amazing man and she herself is quite a wonderful homemaker.  I looked at my little sister who is in her second year of college and dating a nice young man. Time flies so quickly. We sat around reminiscing on old times and games we used to play laughing and sharing our memories with one another.  It didn't need to be said but I believe we all were thinking we have the best sisters ever!

Those two days went by to quickly, and once again before I knew it it was time to say good bye.  Although I hate leaving her and living four hours away I know distance won't change a thing we will always be there for each other. 

One evening before church I was able to go over to friend of mine's house.  I had the honor of being in Carla's wedding shortly before I moved to Ohio.  It was so nice to be able to catch up with her once again. While I was home I was also able to go for lunch with my friend Christina, who was visiting from Californian   The three of us started in kindergarten together and last May the three of us graduated from college together.  It is amazing to see how God is working in each of our lives in different ways.

ON the last day of my break, Kemisha flew back to the states from Grenada.  Although, I'm sure she hated to leave all her friends and family back in Grenada,  I was terribly excited to spend a day with my best friend before I had to head back to Ohio.  Although we didn't have much time together we always manage to fill the time we have with good laughs and wonderful times.

That same day Lauren's boyfriend flew back to college a little early and surprised her. My family along with Kemisha and Matt went to Chili's for a wonderful dinner.  

The four of us had a great time sitting around and playing games.

So thankful for these two.  They both have the ability to make me laugh like no one else. 

Although my Christmas break was a whole two weeks long.  It just didn't seem long enough.  However, part of me was also ready to head back to my church, friends, and students in Ohio.

But...I already put a countdown up on the board until Easter :)

Christmas Celebration in Photographs

Because Christmas landed on a Sunday this year, our celebration was a little different than most years.  

We started off the day by all traveling in our separate directions.  We each hopped on our buses to go pick up children for our Christmas morning service.  

Our Christmas Service was absolutely wonderful.  The children did a short Christmas program in which they portrayed the true meaning of Christmas. How easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle the holidays bring, however Christmas is all about the Christ Child who was born to die for you and me. 

After the Christmas service we headed back home again.  We all helped finishing up the last minute preparations before our dinner.

A confession: This cheese ball is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.  It is divine!

Some others get a little too excited about the deviled eggs!

Homemade candies, a holiday tradition.

While the ham was in the oven we enjoyed messing around getting a few pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

Anticipation is building...

This Christmas was absolutely wonderful in every way!

Merry Christmas to you!

What the fair means to me

A couple of weeks ago my family and I were able to make it to our annual county fair.  I absolutely love the fair for several reasons: 

 I love the large variety of different food to chose between.

I love the foot long corn dogs!

The corn on the cob is absolutely divine!

 I love spending time with my sissy!

Have I mentioned all the delectable frozen treats...for example: chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered bananas!

Yes, I truly love the fair for many reasons...the FOOD being the main reason.  However, this year while walking around the fair my mind began to race back to the many fairs of years past.  My mind traveled farther and farther back until I finally remembered- my very first memory of the fair:

 I recall my older sister tugging on my father's arm.  

"Hey daddy can Brooke and I go in there..please daddy"

* Note: no one asked Brooke if she would like to go, it was just assumed that Brooke was going to accompany Nicole.

" Daddy, can Brooke and I please go in the House of Mirrors all by ourselves!"

* Note: Notice once again, no one asked Brooke if she wanted mommy or daddy to come along with her for her safety and well being.

Well, daddy being the good man that he is agreed of course that his two little girls could go on...alone.

We entered into the swirling tube. 

Nicole began to race ahead..."Hey Brooke look at this , it's a whole trail of mirrors.  Let's race to the end Brooke.  Come on!"

* Note: notice that Brooke is not asked if she would like to race, Brooke is practically forced to race through a house with images of herself reflecting all over, confusing her poor little mind.

 I stood there watching my sister and her reflection racing through the house of mirrors to the end.  I had to go on... I couldn't stay in this ridiculous house forever.  I took the first step, only to run smack dab into my own reflection.  I looked around only to see thousands of little mes!  I was absolutely horrified   Where was my sister?  Where was my family?  Why did I see my image all over.  I began to run about..every time colliding with my own image.  I became frantic calling and screaming for someone to help me.  Eventually, one of the creepy fair workers came to the screaming little girl and help her safely though the house of mirrors.  When my feet were safely out of the creepy little house, I quickly ran to my parents crying. Asking them why they had made me go through such a terrible house.  

* Note: I have never ever again gone through a house of mirrors
* Note: I will never again go through a house of mirrors
* Note: I will never force my child to go through a house of mirrors.

At this point and time of my life, I absolutely love the fair- that is the food.  However, there is still something in me that repulses when I walk by the House of Mirrors.  There is still something in me that stays completely clear of that the creepy little house.