The Angel Tree

For the last few years we have participated in a program called The Angel Tree.  You go to the Christmas tree and pick out one or more gift requests from the tree.  This year we got two little boys, a 7 year old and a 10 year old.  We did our shopping at Costco and primarily Walmart.  I had a ball.  I could just imagine their little faces waking up on Christmas morning having some of the things they wanted from Santa.  Thank you to God that He provided us with the ability to do this.  I know He will see the smile on their faces on Christmas morning and I know it will make Him smile.  


What little boy wouldn't want a radio controlled red sportscar?  We also got the other little boy a cool radio controlled F-150 truck but I forgot to get a picture.  

Legos...who doesn't love them?!  Hours of creativity and fun.   And one of the little guys wanted a skateboard so I found this kit at Wal-mart where you make your own skateboards. 

I hope he likes his tool set and pads to ride his skateboard were definitely a necessity.

A cool skateboarding helmet.

A Tony Hawk helmet...even I thought this was cool :-)

Walmart has some great little boys' clothes.  I was impressed.

Little pajama sleep pants.  So cute.

I just thought these sleep pants were so cute.

Aren't these starter lite jackets adorable?!

Rob picked the shoes out and I was impressed.  They were nice.

Love these shoes.

Loved this starter set.

Isn't this little suit adorable for church?

Rob found this ultra cooooool skateboard at Costco.

The 10 year old's gifts wrapped and ready to go.

The 7 year old's toys ready to go.

Thanksgiving...and So Much to Be Thankful For

Carl and Margie (Rob's brother and sister-in-law) graciously offered to have the family Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day at their lakehouse.  Margie was busy getting everything ready.  

Drew and Jessica picking out a good wine.

Wow, the kids have grown up before our very eyes.  They are no longer babies.  Emily's in her first year of college at Auburn and the others will be there soon.  

Wow, look at all the good food.  Like most Americans, we were extremely blessed. 

Rob got this shot of Chris, his first Thanksgiving as a married man!

Everyone getting ready for the prayer before we ate.

We took Bodhi.  He was really good.

Kristen being Kristen...as you can see, she was happy :-)

Ryan...almost as tall as his dad Patrick now.

Our poor little baby...when we first got there were 5 other dogs and they were just trying to be friendly but Bodhi took off running "for his life he thought."  Bless his heart, he thought he was a goner.  He ran around that lakehouse with 5 dogs (who thought it was a game) hot on his trail.  As he got to the other side he lept up into Rob's 6'8" arms.  This picture was taken immediately after.  He was still alittle shell-shocked :-)

Bodhi feeling safe now that he's in Rob's arms again.  

I love this view of the lake.  It was so good to see and talk with everyone. 

Geri brought her pictures of her and Drew's trip to Ireland to share with us.  

Rob taking Bodhi for a walk outside near the end of our time together with the family.

Troy University Homecoming

Troy University's homecoming festivities in November 2010.