Christmas

I think if you asked anyone, "what is your favorite holiday?" you'd hear "Christmas". Well, I am no different. I absolutely love this time of year. The lights, ornaments, Santa, the wishful dreams of snow, Christmas songs, family, the tree, gifts, Jesus. It's just magical.

My family has its' traditions for every holiday. This year was a little different because Sarah is now a nurse. And of course, she had to work Christmas Eve night and Christmas night. So she wasn't here at 6 am when Ben and I went downstairs to see what Santa left us. She wasn't with us when we went to Grandmother's house either. She and Drew were here in time for Christmas at Meme's though. Then we came back to our house and did gifts here. We were a little rushed because Sarah was closing in on being up for 24 hours!

We had a wonderful time. I think we finally finished around 3 pm. So it was a LONG day, but it was full of excitement, surprises, laughter, and love. Now comes the Debbie part of Christmas, taking it all down and packing it all up...until next year!

Graduation and Mission Arlington

Friday, December 9th, 2011, I graduated from Mississippi State University. I wore tassels from PKP and KDP. The words "Summa Cum Laude" were beside my name in the program. The ceremony didn't last too, too long. I just can't believe it's over. I'll start teaching January 9th in Louisville, MS. I'll be the new 4th grade Reading/English teacher. I'm ready to get my room set up, but right now, it just doesn't seem real. So glad I have a family that supports me through everything.

Shaking President Keenum's hand.

Graduation was a little different. Daddy and Ben were not able to come. The whole family came to Starkville Thursday night and we celebrated then. That was wonderful, but it still just wasn't the same without everyone being there. Thankfully, my wonderful mother and sister were able to come. And I know Daddy and Ben were with me in spirit the entire time.

Sarah and Drew got me a pretty Mississippi State picture frame (very suitable for the family picture with me in my cap and gown) and an insulated MSU cup! Momma and Daddy got me....a Cannon Rebel camera! I could NOT believe it! I was hoping to get a new camera, but I figured it would be a little Kodak one like I've always had. This completely trumps all the other cameras out there. I absolutely love it and I'm just looking for reasons to take pictures now! Meme got me a George Forman grill, so I'm going to try that gift out tonight for dinner!

The day after graduation, a group of us loaded up and headed to Arlington, Texas. We have done this for 3 years now. We go to Mission Arlington and volunteer for a few days. MA is absolutely amazing. Right now the Christmas Store is going on. Adults with children can come in and shop for their children. They get 1 large gift, 2 small gifts, and 1 book per child. However, before they can enter the store, they hear the Christmas story and have a chance to make a decision for Christ. We did a wide variety of jobs this year. We stood at the entrances to parking lots to direct cars, delivered bikes, went door to door at apartment complexes, moved a lot of boxes, worked in the Christmas store, and worked in the bins.

Mission Arlington has a special place in my heart. Blessings rain down on us whenever we go. Yes, they work us hard all day long, but it's all for the Kingdom. Even down to the smallest, insignificant job, it is something that has to be done, so why not us?

This is our group with Heather and Mrs. Tillie. Wonderful people, wonderful ministry, wonderful memories. Looking forward to going again!