Shannonogans

Sticking with the family theme of Christmas, we had a chance to see the entire Smith side in Lufkin. The Monday after Christmas we zoomed over to Lufkin to spend time with my dad's side of the family.

Lots of great-grandkids on this side of the family. This was the first time all of them have been together. 10 kids - notice the amazement in the kids' faces.

Hey, ho, hey, ho....

The last time the entire family has gotten together was for my Mamaw's funeral. My Papaw has moved into a senior living residence where he met Gloria. This was the first time I had the privilege of meeting her, and she was as gracious as every one had told me.

Striking a pose. We like to have fun on this side of the family.

The parents'-to-be hanging out on the sidelines.

We had the entire day's worth of activities at the First Baptist Lufkin gymnasium. Perfect for all the wiggly kiddos on a cold winter day. We got some races going.

Justin loved being in the pack of boys all day. Nothing like testosterone companions.

It was so fun watching all the kids play that all the adults decided we must do this more often. It's always hard with work schedules, where to stay, etc. But just putting forth the effort is always worth it.

We didn't see an age limit on the tricycles, so my dad gave it a spin.

As did some of the cousins.

Then I decided we would have crawl races. Those didn't last as long. Ole Shani always has to organize the chaos at some point. Plus, what kid doesn't like to compete?

It was rather humorous watching the adult grandkids play as hard as the younger kids. Something about a gym and a stack of dodgeballs.

If they weren't throwing the balls at someone else...

...then they were getting pegged and on the ground instead.

The second story helped make that possible.

Lots of wrestling going on. My physical touch boy was in hog heaven.

Then we went into one of the banquet rooms to have a catered dinner.

The kids ate quickly and then continued on with the games. A lot of the kids had not been around each other in years, but the blessing was how well they got along.

Papaw gave a good talk thanking everyone for coming and how blessed he has been. So thankful to not only still have a grandfather alive but a believing patriarch as well.

It was so fun to hang out with my cousins. And how blessed we are to have so many.

Derek had caught a one day flu-ish bug but happened to escape the hotel to join us for dinner. And make it for the grandkid and spouse photo (which was timely right after I took off my shoes and traded them for tennis shoes).

Papaw and his three children

Uncle Charles had already left at this point, so we included mom and Gloria.

Though I don't know Gloria well, I do know how happy she makes my grandfather and what a good companion she is. Which in turn makes me happy.

So thankful for my Papaw

We couldn't leave without one last tackle.

So thankful we made the effort to do this. Plus, we lucked out when the hotel manager heard Derek was not at his best and gave us a room with a suite. So Justin and I bunked in one room with sickie Derek in another. What a blessing. Justin loved sleeping in the same bed with his momma for the first time. Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Advent. It's what this year's Christmas was all about in our home. Anticipating Christ's birth, the gift of our Savior.

We had two Advent calendars going - one with verses and an activity for the day (thanks to Sarah P) and another with the manger scene. Justin would run downstairs every day to do the calendars.

The night before we headed to Waco for all the festivities for the upcoming Christmas weekend we had a quiet moment with our little clan. We reread the Christmas story.

Opened a few gifts.

Some eliciting better reactions than others. Derek had told me to please not get him the gift someone recommended I get him. He laughed when he realized I had already done it (and has since used it multiple times).

Hey there, little golf ball.

Justin had made us a gift from school. Every day he would give me a "hint" or another clue as to what it was. It's round, has a photo of someone in it, etc. We loved our round ornament with our son's face in it.

We will see how many more years Roxy makes the family photo. Right now she is still up there.

She probably doesn't realize how good she has got it.

We recently got our (free) piano tuned so that it sounds like it should. I played some Christmas carols and some we sand along to. Derek loves it when I play the piano and has requested I start playing more often.

It's just a little tricky to practice sometimes.

The next morning we headed off to Waco, home of all our families. We rolled into town and then immediately Katy and I jumped in the car to go to Dallas for too short a time to see these precious twins, Coyt and Crew. And to hug on newest mommy, Caryn.

Justin and Birdie did some baking the first day.

A Jesus birthday cake

Another project

Do-it-yourself gingerbread house. Justin was bummed my mom did not have a kit around so they made one with things from around the house.

Kathy Place, my parents' neighbors, made us bowling ball cakeballs in honor of our family going bowling, Justin's favorite Waco pastime.

We had just gone through a hand-me-down load of clothes and stumbled upon this youth large t-shirt with bowling pins on it. Score.

Everyone picked Superhero names - Catwoman, Inspector Gadget, Wonderwoman, etc.

Keep it all moving

Our latest superhero - Elise, who just gave birth to my new nephew!

The bowlers

That evening we went to my parents' church's Christmas Eve service.

Elise carrying baby Daniel

My boys are troopers with the amount of photos they take

The fam after the candle light service.

Before heading home we went to go look at the amount of lights on this one home in Waco. They even had strands 6 inches apart on the ground. Some people have too much time on their hands...

At the prompt time of 6 and 3 we were awake on Christmas morning thanks to our human alarm. Justin had been awaiting what was in his stocking.

He helped Papa play Santa

I think he was more excited about his two dollars to play video games then anything else.

There was a little creativity this year as we were debating how to do gifts. We all have started wanting to not have Christmas be about the stuff we get but about what we can do for others.

Justin got this globe from my parents.

Window on the World is the big reason why we use the globe daily. Not only does Justin know geography pretty well now, but we pick a group of people or a country and pray for them. Today we talked about the Lobi from Burkina Faso who take their 7 year old children into the bush for several months and make them do bravery tests. Some of them never come back, and no one is allowed to talk about it. They, like all the pages in the book, need the Lord. I bought the adult version, Operation World, for myself. Not only does Justin enjoy this but I have learned so much as well. Keeps things in perspective in our American perfection culture.

Window on the World: When We Pray God Works

I received milk and honey to feed a tribe from Shane and help for women in human trafficking from Aaron and Elise. All from Samaritan's Purse. Who needs another GAP sweater when you do that? Shane gave me some actual milk and honey to show what he bought in my name, and Elise gave me an ornament talking about joy to describe their gift. I always want gifts like this from here on out - gifts with purpose.

Later on in the day it was fort making time.

Then for lunch my in-laws came over to share in the celebrating of our Lord's birth. Such a treasure to have both families that live in the same town! Such a wonderful way to share memories.

My mom prepared everything beforehand so that she wouldn't be in the kitchen all day. When I grow up I want to be my mom (or my grandmother, take your pick).

Post naptime Justin and Birdie tried out the new football and flags in the cold.

Uncle Shane got coaxed in to a movie time with Justin. Sweet uncle.

The day after Christmas we went over to the Michaelis' house to exchange gifts with them. Justin and his stocking.

Mary Beth's love language is gifts, and she does it well. But then you throw in my child who has a heart for kids who don't have anything. After opening all the gifts, he came and told me how excited he was that we could give some of these gifts to kids that didn;t get any presents for Christmas. Sweet child.

I gave Mary Beth this necklace (and bought myself one in purple) to help women in Thailand work their way our of the prostitution industry that many are forced into. Bought it at a Night Light event at my aunt Pam's house.