Associates in Christian Counseling

This photo (above) shows me at the (tall) podium for our annual Spring fundraiser (2007) in Winston-Salem.

I always enjoy our staff Christmas potluck lunch (our whole staff is shown here). Below, I made it to the head of the table, as we celebrated December birthdays (mine if near Christmas).

Our kids at work and play

Lydia and Russell fill their play cart at our Natural Science Center.

Lydia (front row with yellow shirt) excitedly recited her line in the First grade holiday performance.

Lydia (above 2nd row back, third from left) and Ross (below, center) with friends at school on Pajamas Day- always a big hit with the kids!

Our First Disney on Ice Show

The five of us headed over to the Coliseum for Disney on Ice. For us, it was a chance to re-experience the ice shows of our youth: Ice Capades, anyone? This show featured characters from The Incredibles movie.

Russell was fascinated by the show, though at times was concerned it was quite real - we all had a great time!

Russell at home with mom during the school day

Russell is pretty musical on our piano. He often plays for guests and then calls out "I done!" until we notice and applaud...

There are few things as exciting for Russell as a peppermint treat!

Annie event and Prepping for the first Christmas in our new house

Lydia enjoyed a special outing with her Dad to see Annie, the musical.

And we all decorated the Christmas tree ...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Fun at Home

Uncle Bish is predictably a fun play date! Here, he 'flies' Russell while their whole family visited our house for dinner one night.

Russell Will Sleep Anywhere!

Russell recently fell asleep on our kitchen floor. That nap just wouldn't wait for Mom to finish lunch and take poor little Russell upstairs to bed!

You can always spot the boys who have an older sister. Please don't tell Russell, but his hand-me-down umbrella is pink with hearts all over it!

Our Holiday with the Thomases

Russell builds with his Dad's classic blocks in Gamma and Pa's Blacksburg den. Note: Aunt Anne bought this special rug and our red oriental rug in Iraq while she was finishing her doctoral work in the Middle East ~ 2003.

Just after New Year's, we got together to share Christmas gifts. Above, Aunt Anne (pregnant and due in June) opens a bag of bibs her mom had saved from Anne Elise's and John's childhood.

Below, Gamma Beth shares new treasures with Ross and Lydia.

Gifts

Russell sings Jingle Bells.... Hey! (just like his Mom did as a baby). He also made up a song about Home Depot and WalMart. Oh, my....

Christmas morning memories: The Bishop girls did a great job of reciting the Christmas story, as has become our tradition before opening the gifts.

Russell was thrilled with his first full-sized basketball (from the Bishops). He used it as his chair, moving it and plopping down wherever he wanted to be. When Ross wanted to share the ball, Russell momentarily left the living room. He returned with a tennis ball which he handed to Ross, proclaiming, "That my ball. You use 'dis ball!"

The Bishops gifted us with neat cell phone charger/organizers. Bill got his first. I was so excited when we opened ours up later. Elisabeth chuckled when I said, "I've been wanting one of those for about an hour!"

Our Traditional Christmas in Charleston, WV

Christmas Eve we had the Moyerses (our Godparents) over after the worship service. Above l-r: Bill Bishop (Brother-in-law), Chuck Moyers (Family Friend) , Jim McCain (Dad), and Bryson McCain (Brother).

We enjoyed another delicious holiday meal with the Moyerses and their friends (one of these friends is shown with our family above). Pat Moyers must have been in the kitchen- I need to snap a picture of the chef next time!

A mixture of family and friends eating in the living room.

Ross at with my brother and other friends by the fireplace in the den.

Christmas Day

Ready, set, go! 8 AM 12/25/08

Russell explores his stocking.

Christmas 2008- Anne Elise and Phil took their 2nd annual ski trip out west. Gamma and Pa made their first trip to Costa Rica. We spent an exceptional 7 nights in Charleston with all of the McCains. This was the first year having Honor, Bryson and Barrett right here in town- so convenient! We're so glad that Honor is having a good second pregnancy (she's with Ross above) and that Anne Elise is expecting their first baby!

Christmas Eve

Russell (2) and my Dad are great buddies- Russell thrived on his time with Dad during our visit there!

Headed out to our traditional Christmas Eve nativity service at the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, WV. Pictured: JT and my Dad, Lydia and Russell, Barrett (cousin in front)

Russell couldn't wait to open the gifts. I can so relate to his feelings!

Fun at Gamma and Pa's House in Blacksburg

Gamma (Beth Thomas) and our Lydia (age 6) baked a delicious apple pie for Thanksgiving.

Russell found this Jeep collecting dust in the basement. He lugged it upstairs exclaiming, "We need 'dis upstairs!!!"

Comparing Old and New Family Portraits

Our McCain Clan in Dec. 1996. J.T. and I were living in Baltimore. The lone grandchildren were Anna and Bethany (in MiMi's arms).

Dec. 2008. Six grandchildren are shown and Baby Skye was well on the way!

Above, August 2001. Ross (looks so much like Russell!), Jen, and J.T.

Above, Dec. 2008 with a couple more wonderful additions since 2001!

Jen's 39th Birthday Dinner

JT and I near the pretty flowers he sent for my 39th birthday. My birthday was also JT's dear Mom's 65th birthday. She celebrated by taking a trip to Costa Rica with JT's Dad.

There are pros and cons to having a birthday during Christmas week. One big 'plus' is that I usually get to celebrate with my FOO (family of origin). Here, my Dad, my kids, and two Bishops sing to me. :)

Lydia and Ross are still just thrilled to lick the candles