This is only going to be a partial mega post because I'm pretty sure there are some pictures on my other computer and not on this memory card I have with me. When I get back to my computer, I'll update with the rest of the pictures.
Here's the rundown:
AC goes to a Methodist church pre-school. The church was having their annual Hanging of the Greens service, and invited the pre-school kids to sing a few songs at the beginning. Miss "I love to sing at the top of my lungs and I'm not shy" Anna Claire stood with her friend sporting a dear-in-the-headlights look for the performance. Lovely. Her regular Christmas school program is in the morning. We're hoping for more participation. :)
Before the program:
This past Sunday, Anna Claire wore a dress that our friends Jeff and Anita gave her. The dress even came with a matching outfit for her doll. Ignore the random sock by AC's foot and the crooked tree skirt. It was a c-r-a-z-y Sunday morning as most are around our house!
These next two pictures make my heart happy! In January of this year, some friends introduced us to a local hole-in-the-wall Mexican food restaurant, El Rancho. We were hooked after the first dinner, and we go there multiple times a week. You see, the food is very tasty, but the main reason we go there so often is for Jayne, our waitress. We have built a very special relationship with her. She sends me her schedule every week via text message so that we make sure to only go when she is there. She has four precious children, and she's searching. Jayne's "big day" in regards to tips is Sunday, so that has always been her reason why she couldn't come to church. I told her that while she was on maternity leave (she just had Grayson at the beginning of November), I better see her at church at least once. Do you know, she hasn't missed a Sunday in 5 weeks. She brings the whole family - mom, current boyfriend, and all the kids. They come right in and sit on the second row. Usually the kids sit with me on the front row. I love it! This past Sunday, the choir performed several Christmas specials. One song needed a nativity scene, a king, and some other people. They asked Jayne, Nelson, and Grayson to be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. And they said, "yes!" They were so excited to be a part! Jayne had her kids dressed in their Christmas best, and we were able to take a few pictures by the Christmas tree in the Sanctuary. This is the best Christmas gift!
This past Monday night, Brad and I had the opportunity to attend a Christmas reception at the Governor's mansion! Fun times! We had a professional picture with the Jindal's that we will be ordering, but here is one that Mrs. Jindal's assistant took with my camera. They were so warm and hospitable.
And here we are with our DS and his wife, Bro. Greg and Mrs. Elaine, in front of the mansion:
And here we are with our friends, Dale and Carmen, in front of the beautiful Christmas tree in the mansion's foyer:
Last night, our church went to a few different nursing homes/assisted living centers to sing some carols and hand out treat bags.
Anna Claire and her friend, Hannah, thought this was fun!
Here's Anna Claire and myself with our friend, Mrs. Pat, a sweet lady who is a member of our church and a resident at the center we visited:
