A Glimpse...

I think Facebook has almost killed my blog. It is easier to get on their, post a little funny about the day, and go on. But, I don't want to lose my blog because I think it is more of a scrapbook of our life. And, I love my life.

So, here is a glimpse to catch up the tons that has been going on around the Pierce household...

We had a wonderful visit with Grandpa Wally and Grandma Ina for Thanksgiving. Since they live in St. Louis, and we are all in south Georgia, the visits are few and far between. But, they are they most wonderful grandparents whom I love very deeply.

We also celebrated Julia's first birthday (and yes, my family fussed at me for her outfit, but I loved it).

In preparation for Christmas, I began trying to take a decent picture of the kids in their Christmas clothes. This is about the best I got...
This doesn't nearly cover our past few months, but it makes me feel like I have accomplished something for today!!!

Christmas Cards

We have been talking a lot lately about what we are going to do for Christmas cards. Actually, I have been talking, and I think Allan has been half-listening! We have debated saving the money and donating to a charity instead of cards OR now we have found a great promotion from Shutterfly for Bloggers. They are our favorite cards and the cards we have used for years. Here is where you can see their Christmas selection.

Here are my rules on Christmas cards (self-imposed of course):

1. Make sure they arrive BEFORE Christmas.
2. Always have them say MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Not Happy Holidays... want no confusion about what we are celebrating in the Pierce family).
3. Get a cute picture of the kids... after all it will be on fridges across America, and we want to win the "who has the cutest kid on their card" un-official contest!"

We also use Shutterfly each year to make calendars for the Grandparents.... always a winning present! It is really easy to make and the shipping is quick, quick, quick. Try it!

Can't wait to get started (and yes... this is a plug for Shutterfly so I can get some free Christmas cards)... Gotta love it!

"It Takes a Village"

We have probably all heard the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," which was popularized by Hillary Clinton's book she wrote while First Lady. Recently, I read on a homeschooling blog where someone wrote, "It takes a village... and I don't want my kids in that village." That made me really start to think.....

I understand the quote saying the whole community comes together to all play a part in raising our children. I can see that. Really, all those people do have an influence on our children. And, I can see the side that we don't want our children raised by the village (or the world) around us. The world around us is a scary place full of people who I don't want to influence my children. I have chosen to home school my children to avoid some of those negative influences.

HOWEVER... I do think it takes more than just Allan and me to raise our children. I would say, "It takes a FAMILY to raise a child." Then define family.... for us, that family is grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, CHURCH family, and close friends. All of those people come together to raise our children. Yes, we are the greatest influence because we are with them the most, but the influence of our extended "family" is unbelievable.

My children simply adore their grandparents. Between history lessons, tea parties, play time, games, and snuggles, the the impact grandparents bestow on them is beyond any measure of value. However, our family doesn't stop there. Since A.J. was born, we have been part of 4 different churches... both full of people who truly LOVE our children. They have sat with others during church, had church members at their birthday parties, and stayed with church family when we were in the hospital with other family members. And, there are also those friends who we consider part of the family to raise our children. Our friends and the children of our friends are just as close to us as our blood related family. We love each and every one of them so much.

So, yes it does take a village... but parents must choose who is in their village. We are careful to only let our children spend long amounts of time with people who love the Lord and impart good values on them. Thank you to all of you who are in our village!

Happy Birthday, Abigail!

This year, for Abigail's birthday, she wanted a trip to the American Girl Doll store in Atlanta. While there, she got her first "big" American Girl Doll. (She already had a Bitty Baby, but now she got one of the historical figures). She chose Kit from the Great Depression. When we returned home, she had a family birthday party, complete with cupcakes and ice cream of course.

Them American Girl Brunch...
The home party....
Abigail at the end of the night, going to bed dressed like Kit...

North Georgia Trip

Annually, we take our kids to pick apples and do other activities in the Ellijay, Georgia area. This year, the whole McMillan family went. We had a wonderful time. The first day, it rained, so after a LOT of begging, I convinced my wonderful husband to go with us to Babyland General Hospital, where Cabbage Patch dolls are "born." They have built a new building since I was there in college (with my favorite Wesleyanne, Amy-Chris). Here are some pictures.....
Proof that the boys went to the Patch....




We also enjoyed our visit to the pumpkin patch...




And then, there was the hike...


And, don't forget the apples....

Peeking in at our School

I thought some of you may enjoy a "peek" into our school days. So, here is something that will amuse you. If you know me well, you know I am a "city" girl. However, I am married to an "educated redneck" (as my brother has called him). He has decided to raise chickens (which is probably a whole blog entry on its own). Here are our baby chicks and the kids making butter during a study on pioneers. Really??? What have I become? To top it off, we attended the Ag Expo here in Moultrie. Oh me, oh my!









All this makes a family tired!!!

Julia... Growing and Growing

It is so hard to believe how fast the past 9 months have gone! We were quite shocked to ever learn we were having another baby, but now, we can't imagine our lives without her. I think God knew how difficult these past two years would be on our family and what a ray of sunshine this one baby would bring. Between medical issues (can't even number all of those) and job/living transition, she has been such a bright spot in our lives. Here are some updates on how she is growing!

She has mastered her toys....


She has mastered crawling...



She has mastered peek-a-boo (or peep-eye as they say in the south)....



And, she has mastered our hearts!!!!