What we've done today

We are so enjoying our extra week out of school. Since it's been warm, we've been able to spend time outdoors. The kids have gotten to open many of their new toys and have had a good time playing with them. Here's all we've done today:

• We've played the Wii- our skills are improving daily.
• The kids have watched a movie or two.

• Brian has tried, although unsuccessfully, to load Anna's new MP3 player. Help anyone?
• Audra has played around on facebook.
• We've played with Jordan's new magnets.
• Anna's enjoyed a baseball game with the neighbors, in which she beat all the boys might I add.
• Jordan and Brian put together a bird house given by Uncle Jeremy for Christmas and Jordan and Audra painted it and hung it in a tree outside.
  

• Anna (on her Rollerblades), Jordan (on a scooter), and Audra (on her two feet) walked around the block.

So far we've had a fun day and are looking forward to a few more before school resumes next week. We hope our day will culminate with Papaw coming over to try his hand at the Wii Fitness. Certainly he won't be outdone by Nana last night.

A warm December Day

As anyone in south GA knows, we have had unseasonably warm weather this past week. Friday afternoon, all the Wicker gang gathered at our home and we were able to enjoy the warm weather by playing outside. It was nice to not have to wear big heavy coats, as the temperature has been in the 70s. Brian is especially grateful for the warm temperatures as we all know how much he hates the cold weather. He could be seen sporting shorts on Friday. Jeremy, however, did not like the fact the with the warm weather came the gnats. Welcome back to life below the gnat line. How quickly you forget those pesky creatures, huh Jeremy?

Uncle Jason giving Anna some tips for her new roller blades

Papaw and Jack playing basketball

Nana makes a layup shot- Yep, she's still got it!Go Granny Go!

Uncle Jeremy doing what he does best

More Christmas Photos

Christmas 2008

What a wonderful Christmas we had. We were able to spend lots of quality time together with all of our family, and we had a blast! It began with a birthday supper for Nana on the 23rd. The next day, we went to a Christmas Eve brunch in Albany at the home of a friend, and then back to Americus to celebrate the true reason for the season at a Christmas Eve service at church. This service was extra special for Anna since she was able to participate in her first Lord's Supper. She reports that the food was actually not so good, but it was still neat to have a part. The kids got up early Christmas morning to find the cool gifts Santa had left and open the gifts under the tree. Later in the morning, Mimi, Papa, Brent & Megan, Nana, Papaw, Jason and Jeremy came over for a Christmas morning "breakfeast" as the kids like to call it, to see what Santa had left. Next was lunch and gifts at Mimi and Papa's where more gifts were exchanged and a delicious meal was enjoyed. After lunch, it was home to set up the new TV and Wii that we got for Christmas. Next, we were off to Nana and Papaw's borrowed cabin for supper. Although the cabin's quarters might be small, it made it seem that much more homey and close. We had a wonderful day making memories that will last in our hearts for years to come. We were able to spend lots of time with Jen and her family, as well as Jeremy and Jason over the long weekend. It was so nice to be able to spend time with family. Jordan summed it up well, when he was asked by us what his favorite gift was that he received . He answered, "the love I receive from my family". We are so blessed and it's nice to have this time of the year to celebrate the gift of our savior and the gift of family!

Anna and Jordan with the new Wii

Mimi opening gifts

Thanks California Gang!

Part of our family lives in a kingdom far, far away (aka California). A few days ago, we recieved Christmas gifts by mail from them. The kids were delighted with their presents. Anna says you can never have too many pocketbooks and the webkin is a precious addition to her collection. Jordan has enjoyed racing the hot wheel cars on the racetrack. We hope you read this post and know that we love you and miss being with you during this holiday season!

Special Day

Not only is today the eve of Christmas Eve, it is more affectionately known at our home as Nana's birthday. Tonight we will celebrate with Mom and Dad at a local restaurant, where mom says No cake is allowed. My children are especially grateful Nana is living in-town now, allowing them to see her more often. I hope today is a special a day for her,because she deserves it!

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving the Wicker family celebrated at our home on Thanksgiving night. Jeremy and Jason drove in, as well as Jen and her family. We had a nontraditional supper of hamburgers (everyone gets tired of turkey, right?), and enjoyed the time spent together.

Sorry for the interruption of Services

We apologize for the lack of activity on our site lately. Our computer has been acting up and so we had to take it to the shop to be repaired. Well, after having to basically clean everything off, we are now in the process of adding all our programs back to the computer (anyone have access to Microsoft Office?- We can't find our disk!). This has been a time consuming process. I promise lots of exciting info and pictures next week. We have been busy and we'd love to share our activities with you. Check back soon!

How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey

The following is an activity Jordan's teacher did with her class. Thought you might enjoy reading the simple minds of children.


By Ms. Jeffcoat and Mrs. Atkins’ Kindergarteners
November 2008

Don’t forget to get a bow and arrow from the bow and arrow store. Make sure the bow and arrow is camouflaged so the turkey won’t see it.

Look for a barn and some ditches to find the right woods. Go into the part of the woods where all the turkeys live. If you want a really good turkey you have to search for the fattest turkey with good meat on it.

When the turkey gets real still cause he is taking a nap in the daylight, shoot him in the neck so you don’t hit the good meat. Use a big, sharp knife to cut all the nasty stuff off like the nose, feathers, and the red gobble thing that is hanging on the bottom of his chin.

If you don’t want anyone to take your dead turkey let someone in your family stay in the woods and guard your turkey. Go buy a truck (it will cost a lot of money) then go back to the woods put the turkey in a trap bag net. Put the turkey on a towel so you don’t stain your new truck.

When you get home put the turkey in a round, plastic basket and wash the turkey with some pink bath washer soap or green dishwasher soap. Rinse the turkey off with water and dry him with a towel. Use the same towel you had in the truck so you don’t mess up another one.

Put the turkey in a big, round, gray pot with a black handle that leaks the juice out.

Make sure you buy a stove. When the red light is on, the stove is hot. Put the turkey pot on the stove and turn it up until the turkey cooks for 30 minutes. If the turkey is hot wait for it to get cold.

Cut the turkey with a big, sharp knife and put it on a cute little Thanksgiving plate. Then decorate the table with a Thanksgiving sheet. Gather your family and your cousins and sit down to eat. That will be it. Don’t forget the desserts !! Happy Thanksgiving !

Thanksgiving at School

Jordan's teacher forwarded these pictures of the group this morning, and I thought they were too cute not to share. Enjoy!

Soccer Season continues

Anna's soccer regular season ended a few weeks ago. Her team was the champions for her league. They all seemed to enjoy playing and had lots of fun together. Anna was chosen as one of 3 players on her team to play on an all-star soccer team to represent our rec dept. They will play in Gainesville, GA the first weekend in December. Last night they had a scrimmage against a co-ed team from Cordele. They lost 3-0, but this really wasn't' so bad considering Anna's team is all girls and the co-ed team was barely co-ed with only 2 girls. Here are some pictures of the championship game a few weeks ago.

Jordan's School update

Thanks to many of your prayers, Jordan seems to be doing better in school. He seems to be making more friends, as evidenced in the picture. We have tried to focus on the fun things he's doing at school and it seems to help. He has not tried to get out of going to school lately, and even walked down to the bus without me the past two days. This is a big improvement and allows me more time to get ready in the morning. Anna is still riding the bus with him and that helps. He had a great report card and he performed best on the social aspects, so there is hope yet. Anna also did great on her report card, with her lowest grade being a 94. I keep telling Brian I knew they took after me. He is relieved they do!

Jordan and his friend Cameron in PE

Anna vs. The Trashcan

Yesterday as we arrived home after school, Anna volunteered to go to the road and bring the hobo (the large trash can for all you non-south Georgians)up to the house. Well, Anna and Jordan thought it would be fun to race while she pulled this trashcan that was larger than her. Needless to say, she lost the battle. She fell in the driveway and scraped her shoulder and popped open the skin by her eye. Brian doctored her up with a few steristrips, and she headed out to socceer practice. I guess she's tougher than we think her to be.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Saturday was Brian's birthday. He had two basketball games to cover and the rest of us went to a craft show in Moultrie, so we didn't get to spend a lot of time together. We had our family dinner at his mom's house on Sunday. Everyone was there- his brother and wife, my mom and dad, and of course our gracious hosts, Mimi and Papa. It was a nice night of family fun and fellowship. Happy Birthday Brian!

Happy Halloween!

Today is a busy day for our family. It all started this morning with Jordan's Model Student Breakfast. Our family got to attend the breakfast with him and enjoy doughnuts. We are very proud of him. The kids have special events planned at school today. They each packed goody bags to share with their classmates (Thanks Mimi!). There will be no trick-or-treating tonight; we're off to ballgames instead. The Trojans play their last game tonight- Go Trojans! Hope you have a great sugar-loaded day!

Fall Festival

Last night, our church held its annual Fall Festival. It is always a lot of fun. Last night was especailly fun because I didn't have to work at the event as in year's past, but could actually enjoy the night with my children. My mom was here for my dad's birthday, so all the family was at the fall festival, including Mimi and Papa. The kids had a large time. The games were all biblicallay based and most things were inside, which was nice since the weather is cool now. All in all, it was a great night spent with family and friends fellowshipping.

Happy Birthday Papaw!

Today is my father's birthday. The kids are especially looking forward to getting to see Papaw on his birthday. This is a specail treat since Papaw is staying in Americus now. The kids will get to spend time with him and mother (who is visiting today for dad's birthday) at the church's Fall Festival tonight. Here's to another great year!

Jordan, the Soccer Star

Tonight was Jordan's last soccer game. He is doing better as a player and has learned a good bit this season. Now he at least knows he is to chase the ball and try to get a kick. He turned out to be a pretty good goalie. He waited all night in the (50 degree weather might I add)to be awarded his medal. He was very proud of himself. Way to go soccer star!!