A Girl's Best Date

Mallory and Paul went to their first Father/Daughter Dance a week ago at Melissa's Dance Studio in Sikeston. I had seen it mentioned on Facebook and called to to find out if it was only for dance students or if anyone could go. I asked Paul if he'd like to take Mallory and he said he would so he got the tickets and told Mallory he was going to take her to a dance. She was a litt apprehensive at first but got on board when I told her we'd get her a new party dress!

We found her a sweet little dress at Penney's and went about finding accessories to match. I got her little silver shoes in Frankfort for $7.00 and found a tiara, bracelet, purse and necklace at Wal Mart. I ordered a little wrist corsage for her daddy to give her and we were set. 

The day of the dance we were in Wal Mart again and I had them wash and blow dry her hair in the hair place in there. I don't know if they don't get asked to do that often or not because the gal just charged me $3 bucks! Totally worth it as Mal isn't the best at getting her hair clean and I often end up trying to wash it from outside the shower which is a mess. 

She didn't want her daddy to see her until she was all ready. She came out and he was waiting with her flower. She was so surprised as I'm sure she never would've thought of receiving a corsage. 

One last pic outside and they were off. 

They went to Applebbe's for dinner and then on to the dance. Paul took a few pictures while there on his phone. 

They had refreshments...

And crafts...

The decorations were sweet and the chair ties even matched Mallory's dress!

They played games like musical snowflakes (like musical chairs) which Mallory won and got a prize and other fun daddy/daughter games. They also showed them how to do a few different  dance steps. Paul said there were only about 20 people there but that it was a decent amount for the size of the studio. Sounds to me like they put a lot of work into hosting this special event. All afternoon that day there had been dances for the different  age groups of girls leading up to the 10 and up dance which they attended. I'm sure they'll go again as it was such a special, fun night for the two of them. 

Mallory came home so happy just telling us all about it. I'm so glad they went. I think it's so important for a girl to have a secure, loving relationship with her daddy. Paul is so good with Mallory.  I'm so thankful for that. He's a good dad. 

And I'm thankful and for having had a good relationship with my sweet daddy. 

Christmas Eve 2014

Christmas was nearly a month ago but I want to post these pictures so I'll have them to look back on one day. 

My dad recorded 'Twas the Night Before Christmas for the kids during his last Christmas on Earth. He had always read it to children in the family and of course to Mallory and Michael. I'm so thankful to have this special keepsake. The kids listened to him read it to them on Chrisas Eve then Paul read the Christmas story from Luke. 

Then the kids each opened a few gifts.

Next Mallory set up the snacks for Santa and his reindeer. 

After that the kids went outside to sprinkle reindeer food in the yard. These are our wonderful family traditions and make Christmas with kids so wonderful. 

Then the kids used the binoculars to look for Santa's sleigh. 

They said good night and good bye to our elves who would be heading out that night and then they went to sleep in great anticipation of the morning ahead. 

Wrapping up Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas season. So many great memories made. I'll highlight a few of our happenings here...

Mallory and I went to get manicures the day we got out of school for Christmas break. Mallory had had manicures before when she was younger but didn't remember it. She chose gold polish for herself and picked a nice red for me. 

We watched the Christmas parade in town on a cold Saturday morning with friends then went to McDonalds for lunch. 

Say cheese! We went over to Paducah for dinner and to see the lights at the city park there. We ate at Rafferty's which we really like. 

We also took a night to go to Cape Girardeau to eat out and look at lights. We went to Steak n Shake on that trip. 

Paul dropped us at Hobby Lobby a little before 8 and ran to pick up a couple of gifts for the kids. They closed at 8 so we made our purchases real quick but then had to exit the store. We were out in the dark and cold for nearly half an hour!

Our family attended the first annual tree lighting in town. It was drizzly which I believe kept the crowd away but it was a nice event. 

Our kids went caroling at our local nursing home and senior living apts where they had a good night of ministry. It was PJ Day at school that day and several of the kids including Michael hadn't changed:)

We had our church staff Christmas party at a local restaurant for breakfast this year. We had a small gift exchange and enjoyed the company two days before Christmas. 

The PKs!

The kids decorated gingerbread houses. We hadn't done this type in a few years. They seemed to enjoy it. I got the kits at Aldi. 

We did a birthday party for Jesus during our Sunday school hour on the Sunday before Christmas. We decorated cupcakes, lit a candle and sang and also made an ornament. We also used Mallory's nativity and read thru the Christmas story in Luke. 

 The kids both had solos in our kids' musical. Mallory played Mary and Michael sang a few lines to open the song Immanuel in "Isaiah Jones and the Lost Christmas Treasure". 

The church staff attended the district Christmas party at Cowtown in Bloomfield. Paul played Elvis and sang Blue Christmas. He was a good sport. 

Michael picked a funny place to write his letter to Santa. 

He also performed with the second grade class in their Christmas program which was held at the church. 

We ran into Santa at Wal Mart one afternoon so took a minute to sit and chat with him. 

Emmy and Lyndi came over for our 4th annual ornament painting party. 

We watched a lot of Christmas movies on tv. Paul always took care of recording what was coming on so we could enjoy them at any given time. 

My family came in for Christmas and I have quite a few pix from their visit so I will do a follow up post on that.