Happy Anniversary! {8}

8 years ago today I changed my last name. Since then I've changed jobs, pants sizes, and income tax deductions, along with many other things. One thing hasn't changed. Justin McCollum, you're still the one! In the words of Luke (and Buzz Lightyear) I love you to infinity and beyond! Happy Anniversary!

They aren't always this sweet to one another...

but I could eat them up when they are!

Party for Jesus

This afternoon the kids at church had a birthday party for Jesus at Giggle Time. Luke kept asking if we brought Jesus a present and saying we needed to save Him a piece of cake. Thoughtful kid...:)

Christmas at Nana's

We usually have Christmas at Nana and Papa's on Christmas Day, but since Papa had the flu and Nana came down with a virus we waited until the coast was sanitized. Tonight we finally got together to visit and exchange presents. Luke was devastated when he didn't get a Buzz Lightyear at MawMaw's Christmas Eve (because she knew Nana had already bought one) and every day since he's asked "Mama, can you please take me to get a Buzz?" Needless to say he was beside himself over Buzz (and the Woody outfit).

E got an Ariel doll she had asked for a while back and,

of course, they both came home with tons of other loot.

Never Say Never

A few weeks ago Justin was in charge

of E, and they came home with this...

A few days later he told me he wanted US to take the kids squirrel hunting while I was off. My initial reaction was to extend my hand to this stranger and introduce myself, because obviously we had never met. I can honestly say that 8 years ago, as I was preparing to marry my love in a few short days, I never would've imagined being talked into such. The things we do for love! I'd say you could just call me Miss Kay, but I won't be frying up these bad boys! ;)

Merry CHRISTmas! {2013}

Sometime between late last night and early this morning

the big guy in a red suit must have found our house!

After breakfast we headed to church!

This is my favorite part of Christmas Day. The service is short and informal, but it gives us a chance to reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. A month or so ago Emma told me she wanted to sing a song on Christmas. I said ok... not thinking much about it. Then a few weeks after that she caught the preacher after church and asked him if she could sing. This morning she loaded up the guitar that she got last night at her MawMaw's and took it to church. When we got there she headed straight to the front of the church, and when Brother John called on her she stood up in front of a whole lot of people and sang for Jesus. There are moments when she makes me want to pull my hair out one strand at a time, but moments like these make my heart swell. I'm so proud to be her mama!

Merry Christmas from the McCollums!

Christmas Eve 2013

This year we decided we would let the kids open their presents from us on Christmas Eve morning. They were so excited, and I'm pretty sure the gifts were a hit -- BB gun and book for E and train set and book for Luke.

I think Daddy like the prizes more than as much as the kids did!

Daddy and Luke fed cows...

 and then we baked cookies for Santa and decorated a birthday

cake for Jesus. We usually spend the day baking at Nana's,

but since Papa tested positive for the flu this morning we

are staying away. Nana did join us for a few minutes, though!

It's a wonder there were any left for Santa...

This afternoon we went to the McCollums

for our annual Christmas Eve gathering.

"Happy Birthday Jesus!"

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

And a Christmas concert:)

We headed home to spread reindeer

food and Grinch dust in the yard...

leave cookies and milk for Santa...

read Luke Chapter 2, make up a new list for

Santa (see video evidence below), and fall fast

asleep in hopes that St. Nick soon would be here:).

Luke's Christmas Party

This afternoon was Luke's daycare Christmas party. Santa (and I use that name loosely, considering he told my baby to wait his turn or he was going to take his belt off right before he "rearranged" his face) stopped by to pass out a few treats before the kids ate and tore into tons of presents. Mrs. Elizabeth always has the best Christmas parties filled with wonderful homemade candies and the most thoughtful gifts. Luke got a pirate ship, which he obviously LOVED since he held it tight all the way home even after falling asleep. :)

E's Christmas Party

This morning was Emma's class Christmas breakfast/party. I'm so thankful to work at a place where not only is my baby up the hill from me, but I'm able to sneak away to be part of the fun! :)

Who's ready to open presents?

E & Mrs. Griffin

This kid loves a train...

Daddy went to a sale, E went to Nana's, and Luke and I rode with Dale and Wanda to the big city to go shopping and eat supper. While Wanda and I shopped, Luke and his Poppa Dale found a train. You'd have thought he'd won the Super Bowl...