Nothing like Oconee County skies...

After the girls had their sleepover, they wanted go to Starbucks and do some Christmas shopping! Emma drove us around town and did really well. She's really getting the hang of it! Since I wasn't driving, I could sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of the wide open sky that continues to take my breath away. It's one of the first things I fell in love with 16 years ago when we moved out here... the big open pastures allow you to see more of the sky. I also love the slower pace of life, and the sense of community that small town living offers.

This charming barn is right up the street from my neighborhood!

My baby girl is growing up way too fast! She's in 9th grade and we already share jeans, tops, and shoes! (I'm still an inch taller, but I'm sure it won't last for long)

 

Love this!!!

 

Emma and her friends, Faith and Rebecca are kicking off the holiday break with a sleepover!

 

Last week of classes before Christmas break...

Emma received the EPOCS award for Honors Government. Each teacher chooses one student that stands out among all the other students in all their classes. Emma's teacher said that she stands out because when she's absent, she always emails the teacher to make sure she doesn't get behind and is always on top of her work!

Ellie got on the "President's List" for maintaining a 4.0 average her first semester at UNG! 

Both girls got all A's this semester and have a 4.0 average, but no matter what the outcome of their grades are, what I'm proud of is that they put their heart and soul into learning! 

Emma and her friends exchanged gifts at school this week. This lama just makes me smile!

Wednesday was Emma's last day of school, so Ellie and I went Christmas shopping and out to lunch. 

Ellie had to work Thursday, so Emma and I went Christmas shopping and out to lunch. But first, we had to get her Covid test because she has to get an endoscopy next week to see if she needs her gallbladder out. We took these selfies in the car while we waited to get her Covid test. She has a crazy filter on her phone, lol!

Later we wrapped gifts...

 

Festive Holiday weekend... Christmas parties and Ellie's 19th Birthday Celebration!

Saturday, Ellie went to a Christmas Party after work. Emma and I spent the day Christmas shopping... It was an opportunity for her to practice her driving! (She recently got her learners license, such fun! Not stressful at all!) 

Sunday we celebrated Ellie's 19th Birthday! We started out the day making some Christmas goodie's... Haystacks and Turtles! The girls took some down the street to the Bushes! They are like another set of grandparents to the girls. Everything they do for their grandchildren, they do for our girls! Last week, they brought each of the girls money to buy Christmas gifts! 

Anyway, I made Ellie's all time favorite dinner... chicken and dumplings!!!

Oh and by the way, on Friday, when I bought Ellie's vanilla ice-cream cake, the lady wasn't there to decorate it. 

Sooooo, I bought some decorating icing and Keith went to town, lol!!! What a beautiful design he made!!!

Later Sunday, I picked up my gift for captaining a USTA COTA team... Cute Beany! And the girls and I wrapped Christmas presents!

COTA gave me this Captain's Beany!

Wrapped a few Christmas presents with the girls!!!

 

My nephew, Matt and his precious wife, Lindsey on a little getaway!