Our Elf on the Shelf

After we got our tree in the house and all decorated, we introduced the girls to our elf. Rachel decided to name her Jamie. The elf is Santa's helper that comes during the Christmas season. She pops up in a new place each day after she flies back to the North Pole to give Santa a report on our girls' behavior.

Jeremy is reading the Elf on the Shelf book to Rachel.Here is our elf, Jamie, perched on her first spot, our tree.

A Trip to the Tree Farm

Today, we went to the Merry Christmas Tree Farm to pick out our tree. This has become a family tradition for us. The girls really enjoyed the hayride that took us out to the tallest trees. I think that we ended up with a 10' tree this year, but they called it a 9'. Now, it's time for the hard part...the decorating!

Thanksgiving in Arkansas

We were able to spend Thanksgiving in Arkansas with our families again this year. We had lunch with some of Jeremy's family at his grandparents. Then, we had an early dinner with some of my family at my Mom's.

The next day, we drove to visit Jeremy's Mom and brother, Micah. She had some new litters of puppies and the girls loved playing with them while we were there.

Micah is in the Marines and was home visiting for a few days.

Wee Kids Praise Thanksgiving Program

Here are some videos of Rachel and Wee Kids Praise singing at our church's Thanksgiving dinner.

Rachel's Thanksgiving Party

Abigail and I went to Rachel's school for her class Thanksgiving party. This was the first class party of the school year and the first time that I was able to meet most of her classmates and their parents. Rachel got to decorate a turkey cupcake which was similar to the ones that I made for her class last year. She was so sweet to share her lunchable and treats with Abigail.

Rachel's Soccer Season

Jeremy coached Rachel's soccer team this year (except a couple of games after his back surgery.) Our season was supposed to end at the begining of November, but we got so much rain that several games had to be rescheduled. At any rate, Rachel really enjoyed playing soccer again this year.

SBEC Fall Festival

After Rachel's soccer game today, we went to the SBEC Fall Festival. The girls had a great time. Rachel climbed a rock wall and Abigail really enjoyed the moon bounces.

Halloween Fun!

On Thursday night, we went to Trunk or Treat at our church, Broadway Baptist. It rained that night so everything was moved inside the gym. It was cramped, but everyone still seemed to have fun. It was a great outreach night for our community. Jeremy even managed to come with us for a while (it's only been one week since his surgery.)

On Saturday morning, the girls and I went to the Midsouth Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The girls had fun and dressed in pink costumes. We participated in the family fun walk since I had to take the stroller.

Saturday evening, we took the girls trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. Jeremy probably overdid it, but he walked the neighborhood with us.

Jeremy's Second Back Surgery

Jeremy had his second back surgery today. The doctor said that it went well. He explained to me that he had to go in and shave down the same disk that had been injured before. There was a fragment that was compressing a nerve bundle and that's what had been causing Jeremy so much pain. We are hopeful that this will be his last back surgery for several years. (At some point in time, he will probably have to have this portion of his back fused.)

Rachel's First K5 Field Trip

Today, we went with Rachel on her class field trip to Cedar Hill Farm. Everyone had a great time. Rachel enjoyed most of the day with her friend, Morgan. Abigail really liked petting the animals (until the donkey nibbled her fingers...LOL!) Both of the girls got to pick out their own pumpkin to bring home.



Here are some pics from the day.