We flew - well, not literally - up to Virginia Beach last Wednesday - 850 miles in 13 hours (including fuel and pit stops)! But it was worth it when we were able to be present at Jennifer's pinning ceremony on Thursday, the 20th. Nineteen months of non-stop classes and then clinicals led to the receipt of an associate's degree and her RN designation, praise God! All that she has left is her state boards (probably in late February), and she has already been offered a job on the floor (cardio/med-surg) where she did her externship!

Jenn and Mrs. Weir, her favorite - toughest instructor!

Jenn waving to Brandon after he called out for the whole assembly to hear - "That's my mom!"

We enjoyed having my three kids together for a few days (Jenn has gone to PA to spend Christmas with her dad and Jon has flown back to Nashville), and we look forward to spending Christmas Day with Janelle, Chris, Zach and Nathan. We were able to spend an evening with Becky, James and Cody on Saturday (thanks for dinner and the birthday cake, guys) - especially nice since it was Willie's birthday - Happy Birthday, Babe - may there be many, many, many more!

We spent Sunday afternoon helping get ready for the parsonage open house, and then were able to see quite a few of our friends from the church here and also spend some time with Ted and his friend, Dawn. We look forward to seeing more of family and friends before we head back to Tampa and our motorhome...only to get ready to move to Bonifay and Teen Challenge Ranch on Jan. 4th.

(We'll be putting some family photos from our trip on the Family Scrapbook blog in the next couple of days, so be sure to check that out!)

We wish for each of you a Christmas filled with the love that can only come from the Savior above and a day filled with the blessings He bestows!