Giving Thanks

We were thankful to spend Thanksgiving at the beach this year. The children and I , along with my m-i-l, traveled to Oak Island for the holiday. J.J. was thankful to be able to spend time hunting. He shared several meals with the Brooms and shot an 8-pointer on Thanksgiving night.
Here are some pictures of our trip.

love the sunrise

We enjoyed a modified feast.

God has blessed us beyond measure. We have so much to be thankful for. We thank God for His perfect provision for our family and for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ!

The Thrill Of The Hunt

The oldest son of our church friends, Beth and Noah, has been waiting patiently to go hunting with " Mr. J.J." J.J.'s new hunting club is in Davie County and rifle season opened today.

So, last night, Isaac spent the night at our house so that he could get up bright and early for his first hunting experience.

Isaac and Drake are ready to go.

Here's the view from the box stand.

Snack time.

Isaac looks for some deer.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

They didn't get a deer this morning, but went back this evening.

Another church friend, Greg, bagged a 7-point buck. Isaac's beneath that orange hat somewhere.

Doesn't it look as if that buck's staring right at ya? Good shot, Greg! What a wonderful ending to a day in the woods. I think Isaac had an exciting time on his first hunting trip. Isaac's dad, Noah, has also been waiting almost as patiently, to go hunting. Perhaps he'll have a turn next weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Our New "Outhouse"

The Cullens' Campus has a new outhouse! We recently had a storage building built to house the boat, 4-wheeler, hunting and sports gear, the lawnmower, etc. We decided to place it in front of our smaller unit which we are still using to store the childrens' things. Hopefully we can break out those sleds in a month or two. Here's a pictoral directory of the process:

There's even electricity and enough room for a sleeping bag in case J.J. gets sent to the doghouse. Just kidding.

Our outhouse is complete. Too bad it really doesn't have a bathroom.

Flashback Friday: LYT's "Cinderella"

I'm technically only "flashing back" to last weekend, but preparing for Lexington Youth Theatre's production of "Cinderella" takes our family back to late August, when auditions were held. After many practices, the show was performed Nov. 6-8th at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center.

Hayden was a villager. Can you find him in the picture above and in the next three that follow?

The prince discovers that he is giving a ball.

At the ball....

Cinderella dances with her prince.

And they live happily ever after!

Corinna was a part of the Fairy Godmother's entourage.

Here are a few pics from backstage....I had an all access pass. Corinna wasn't afraid to dance with the wicked stepmother (Jenna).

Cinderella (Hannah) did a great job, as did the entire cast. She was so sweet to give all the girls in the play a Cinderella figurine.

Corinna and the Fairy Godmother (Fallon)

LYT's "Circle time." It's a tradition to circle up before each show and squeeze hands and shout "Break A Leg!" followed by a chant that I can't remember.

Hayden forgot to wear his hat during the dress rehearsal (when I took pictures). So here he is sporting it. Through this blog post, I can in no way showcase the talent of the members of Lexington Youth Theatre. I hope you were able to see the show. If not, check out LYT's spring play, "Seussical, The Musical." I'm sure it will be just as wonderful as "Cinderella."

Veteran's Day Tribute

Last night, Southwood Elementary School honored veterans in our community.

Jack Frank spoke about his experiences fighting for our freedom in WWII.

The Southwood Choir paid tribute to the veterans

by singing patriotic songs.

Some veterans stand to be recognized for serving our nation in the Armed Forces.

Hayden models his choir t-shirt.

The emblem of the land I love.....the home of the free and the brave.

Today I remember my grandfather, Perry Starnes, and J.J.'s grandfather, Grady Cullens, who both served in WWII. And I honor my uncle, Mark Crim, a retired Naval Officer, who served during Operation Desert Storm. I am so grateful to live in the United States of America. Thanks to all veterans for your uncompromising and faithful service to our country.



Below, Hayden sings a short solo and is joined by other choir members in "Free Like Me."