Christmas Connection

This year we wanted to do a little more serving around Christmas time.  There really are so many neat ways to serve those around us.  Because there are so many ways, it can be hard to figure out what do to.  A couple of different people had mentioned how they were serving at Christmas Connection.  One church LifeGroup adopted a family and another family was going to volunteer at the warehouse.

I decided to give them a call to see what we could do.  I explained there were 5 of us, four of which were kids from 5-12.  She was a little hesitant about EG, but I told the lady we go everywhere together and I felt she would stay by me and not get in the way.  I told her if it didn't work out, we would just leave and she seemed OK with that.

So, this past Monday, the kids and I went to serve at the Christmas Connection warehouse.  The organization provides food, clothing and gifts for over 500 families in our county and surrounding counties.  It is a BIG operation.  Anyway, we checked in and met with a volunteer who coordinated our jobs in the warehouse.

Our first job was to go through a couple of bags, boxes and grocery carts full food and separate it all out.  The kids did awesome and took it very seriously.  When we were done with that, we went over to the toy section and helped to find all the toys that needed batteries.  We then attached batteries to those toy boxes.  We also helped separate some containers and carts of toys.  Our last job was to sort and separate donated socks and underwear.

Before we did our last job, a lady who has been volunteering for over 10 years, took the time to show us around and explain just how everything works and what the needs are around the area and some of the other ways needs are met.  She enjoyed talking with the kids and was so thankful for our willingness to serve.

We really appreciated being able serve and knowing we were helping others.  I think we were all kind of surprised by the needs just in our local area.  The kids were disappointed we couldn't go back on another day (or two.)  They made me promise to put it on the calendar for next year, in plenty of time so we could help out more than once.

It just reminded me how truly blessed I am, we are, with a happy, healthy family that truly wants for nothing.  I believe it helped all of us put things in perspective in such away that maybe it brought just a little bit more meaning as to how and why we celebrate the Reason for the Season.  And that being here on Earth isn't about us but about loving God and loving and serving others . . .

Camping and a Birthday

In November, we went camping for the very first time in over a year.  Even as I type that, I find it hard to believe.  The year before we camped probably a half dozen times.  From the beach to the mountains.  We had not used the camper in over a year because when we had camped in October 2012, we had taken our tent.

I will admit, it was a little more difficult getting ready, but, when we got to the campground it felt so good to there!  We had missed it!  I made it a point to schedule a couple of trips when we got back just so we wouldn't go so long without camping again.

Anyway, when we went camping in November it was on EG's birthday.  So, we had her party at the campground with her very special friends.  I think she enjoyed it!  We camped at one of our favorite campgrounds which just happens to be at the beach.  Gotta love November in the south.  When we arrived it was crazy cold.  A day later the kids were playing in the water at the beach!

EG's birthday party.  And her present from Mommy and Daddy.  A brand new bike so she can keep up with the big kids.

As the boys get older, the dads teach them all kinds of outdoor skills and they have a blast learning things on their own.  When I see them with hatches etc my heart skips a beat, but they love it and they are learning important life skills.

The view from our camp site.  Beautiful!

The girls and boys spent some time fishing.  One of EG's friend's caught a fish and Boop caught an eel.  No one was real sure what to do with the eel.

The beach at our campground.  One of the most beautiful places on earth.  I had hoped to get our family picture here this year, but EG ended up being sick, so while all the kids were playing at the beach, she was in the camper sleeping.  Maybe next year.

The playground at the campsite.  If you look real close you can see the littles with their feet stuck through the holes of the tunnel.

Boop fishing.

We have been camping with all the kids for quite a few years.  Our families continue to grow.  One friend is pregnant with baby number four and another friend is getting ready to adopt.  We love these families!

The kids loved playing at the beach.  On the other side of the dunes it was calmer and many of them got in.

It was a great time had by all.  We just love to camp . . . .

Christmas Pictures

Our babysitter took our Christmas pictures again this year.  We went to a park that I didn't even know existed.  It had an abandon house on the property, which I thought made a pretty cool back drop.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I Love EG

EG was on the couch staring at our Christmas tree lights.

EG very excited with an amazed look on her face:  Mommy, the Christmas tree lights just flashed!

Me:  Ummmm, EG they didn't flash.  You just blinked.

She. Is. Awesome. . . .

St. Augustine

As I am sure I have mentioned numerous times before, our book club is studying Florida History.  One of the field trips we decided to take as a group was to the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine.  Our family has been there a number of times.  But, I will have to admit, that after reading quite a few books on the history of our state and this city, it made the a whole trip a new experience!

We have read a couple of historical fiction books about the area but also a couple of factual books about the city and surrounding areas as well.  It really brought the sites and architecture and the whole city to life.  

Flagler College.  More about that later.

The Castillo de San Marcos.

The Discovery Cross.

Shooting the canon of the fort.

The view from atop the Castillo.

In one of the historical fiction books we read, it told about the time the Spanish town inhabitants of St. Augustine had to stay in the Castillo while their soldiers fought the British.  Hundreds of people had to stay in the courtyard of the fort for many weeks.  In the story, a canon misfired and hurt the main character's father (if I remember correctly).  Anyway, Boop found this misfired cannon and was certain it was from the event in our book.

The courtyard where towns people would stay during war time.  Osceola stayed in the fort briefly.

Lunch in the park.

An old church across the street.  Its windows were Tiffany glass.

The architecture was phenomenal.

The old Ponce de Leon Hotel built by Henry Flagler is now the home of Flagler College.

Statue of Henry Flagler.  He spent much of his time and money developing Florida.  We read a great book called The Two Henrys about Flagler and Plant!

As you can see from the pictures, the campus is small but beautiful.  The kids want to go to college there!  I can't say I blame them.

Henry Flagler built the above church in memory of his daughter who died.  He and many other family members are buried there.  I can't even imagine attending a Sunday service there.  It is just so beautiful.

We had a great day with friends and I think learned just a little bit more about our state history.  What a neat experience to go to a familiar place with a little bit different perspective. . . .