December has been a pretty cool month with lots of special events. I think this post warrants us beginning with a big congrats to Aunt Carrie. Congratulations Carrie! Mrs. Aunt Carrie Hall is officially a top notch certified educator with a BS degree in elementary education. Graduation was held mid December at Tusculum College campus. It was a big day and one very well deserved. Any school fortunate enough to hire this teacher will vastly improve their internal education system. 
We had two special birthdays in December. First off, Miss Shea turned the big 30 this year. Shea is Melissa's first cousin on her mother's side of the family. Melissa's mother's name is Sherry, but Aubrey calls her Nana "Sherry America". So, the "Sherry America" crew put on quite the surprise birthday party for Shea at a place called Angelo's at The Point in Dandridge. There was an awesome turnout of friends and family.....just don't ask about the salads! Happy Birthday, Shea!
Next, we celebrated Melissa's birthday. Happy Birthday, Melissa!! You are as beautiful as the first day I locked my sights on you! It's very difficult to match Melissa's planning and preparation for birthdays. I have never met anyone...and i mean anyone...that puts as much work, effort, planning and suprise into birthdays as my wife. Aubrey and I can't give you justice on your birthday, like you do so many other people, but we hope you had a wonderful day and we love you so very much!
We began Christmas early this year at Melissa's father's home. As always, being the awesome hosts that Mr. and Mrs. Franklin are, we had so much good food and treats throughout the evening. Everytime we go there, Melissa and Aubrey pretty much have to roll me out the front door. In a nutshell.....GOOD EATIN'!! This year, I must say I took way more good video than I did pictures (due to the kick butt Canon G9 that Mr. and Mrs. Franklin got me last year - thanks again!). Eventually, I hope to post more video when I have more time. Here is a good quick snap of the Franklin crew, followed by Aubrey and Kes doing what they always do best.....looking beautiful!
Next up during our action-packed-week was the two night stay at Aunt Channie's. Channie and Michael made us feel as if we were special guests and served us 5 star meals three times a day (and then some) - BOTH DAYS!! It was an enjoyable and relaxing two days. Best of all, Mamaw Brenda came to stay with us day 1 and Papaw Mike came to stay over on day 2. It's been a long time since the Church family as a whole spent Christmas together. Channie put a lot of work into successfully planning everything out. Thanks again Michael and Channie for all that you did in order to make it happen, especially for the custom PJ's. By the way, I (Jammey) won the "tight- fitting" PJ award. I might not be so confident next year when I give my size out.
After settling down for the night, it was time for a small talent show. Shay opened up the show with his rip roaring jazz performance that he has been working very hard on. As always, this guy masters everything he touches and entertained us all with the soothing sound of spectacular Shaver! Aubrey had been on display throughout the day with her one-handed cartwheel. She has the perfect body for a gymnist tumbler and has mastered the roundoff, cart wheel, backbend and we continue to work on the backhand spring. Next up was Michael and Channie as they put on display their latest dance moves. Melissa and Aubrey put me in the dog house until next year. I admit, I backed out of my part of the Elvis singing/dancing routine. I promise I will make it up to you guys next year!! In my own defense however.......SOMEONE HAS TO TAKE PICTURES :)
When questions are asked, you never know the response you will receive at times. The question: "Aubrey, what would you like to have for Christmas?" Answer: "Well, Dad, I think I would like to have a few dead frogs and a dissecting kit". As difficult as it was, I made the call to Santa and ordered two dead frogs, a microscope, and a dissecting kit. By Christmas day, sure enough, we had two dead frogs neatly wrapped under our Christmas tree. I belive that Mrs. Clause does all the wrapping because our gifts under the tree this year could have won awards based on presentation alone....thanks, Mrs. Clause! As Aubrey began to open up this gift, she had long forgot the frog request. I only wish I had a photo that displayed the reaction once the box was opened and the realization of a neatly prepared dissecting frog set in. Again, I've got it on video and hope to share soon. Let's just say there was a knee jerk reaction with a not-so-sure-what-to-think about it- look. After quite a few creepie willies and with the help of Melissa, Shay and Channie, we prepared to dissect a few days later. They all cut, pinned and pulled beautifully and Fred the frog served his purpose to enlighten a new generation of scientists. Thanks, Fred!
Here we are getting all ready to go. It started off great, however, the longer we went the further Aubrey got from the dissecting table. I think Shay and Melissa cutting Fred's leg off got to her a little :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUBREY! It makes me so sad to see my little baby girl getting older :( She has just entered double digits at 10 years old. We are so proud of you, Aubrey, for the young lady that you are becoming... You have an incredible character, you're a role model student, and you have God's love in your heart. Congratulations on # 10 sweetie and we love you so very much!
Earily in December, we also drove down to Lancaster South Carolina to visit Melissa's Grandparents, Mr. Bob and Mrs. Emily Franklin. All of the Franklin children and grand children pitched in to get their grandparents a new 42" HDTV LCD panel to replace what i belive to of been a 19" CRT that had been there i know for at least 30 years. It was a great idea. Ed and I especially loved the 4 hour assembly of the TV stand. I want to thank Mr. Bob and Emily Franklin for always thinking of Aubrey on special occasions, you guys are great. We enjoyed the visit and can't wait to see you again.
