American Idol

Although I haven't been following American Idol very much the past two seasons, I found a great reason for me to start following it a little more closely. One of my childhood friends is a contestant on the show and will audition on tonight's audition in Louisville (1/21/09).

Her name is Felicia (Hocker) Barton. I was doing a little research online and she and her husband are so incredibly talented! I can remember the days of youth camp and camp meeting in Virginia when she'd sing or lead praise and worship. God has definetly blessed her with a wonderful gift.

Here's her website, which contains a video of a performance from last year: http://www.feliciabarton.org/. Check it out!!

3180

Three thousand, one hundred eighty – that’s the mileage of our latest trip! We started prior to Christmas and got home January 4. We left from Omaha (trying our best to beat an ice storm) and drove to MO. Thankfully, we had a wonderful place to stay with family friends! The next day, we drove to Lenior City, TN where my mom’s extended family gets together prior to Christmas. This is the only time when I’m usually able to be with all of the family. We had a wonderful time, but we missed a few family members who couldn't be there.

The next day, we drove to Virginia to be with my dad and stepmom for our “Christmas Celebration.” My brother, Josh and his wife, Shannon were also there. We had a wonderful time! We played games, went to church, crammed in Susan’s car to look at Christmas lights, ate, stayed up late, went to the movies and just had fun together! Shannon and I also worked as Susan’s “elves” – we shopped, wrapped and boxed. We opened gifts on Christmas Eve (AM), ate breakfast at Famous Anthony’s (a family favorite) and then we all left in different directions headed to our next destinations.

We spent the next few days with Matthew’s family in South Carolina. We spent Christmas Eve (PM) opening gifts and eating some incredible home-cooking! The mac-n-cheese truly hit the spot. My in-laws always make the best meals and we just enjoyed being with family and not having much on the agenda. I really enjoyed all the “snacking” (sweets, coffee, etc.) we did while we were there. Matthew was glued to the History Channel (Band of Brothers) and Fox News. We were able to see friends and get our ChickFilA fix since we don’t have it in Omaha. We truly loved living in SC and miss living so close to our family!

After leaving SC, we went to spend a few days in Tennessee with Autumn and JR. They are just like family and always open their home and are wonderful hosts. We had a blast! We were also able to visit more with Josh and Shannon in Cleveland. We ate more ChickFilA and even got some Jenkins! New Year’s Eve/Day was spent with friends and family. Matthew was especially glad the Georgia Bulldogs won.

On the way back to NE, we stopped (again) in MO and then drove the next day to Iowa where Matthew was scheduled to preach. The weather was bad (foggy and ice) and church was cancelled, so we drove home. We were so glad to be home!

I can honestly say that this year takes the award for the Best Holidays! We don’t take time with family for granted and we were so excited to be able to see the majority of our family. As Matthew and I drove (well, actually he drove the entire time – I’m so blessed!!) back to Nebraska, we reminisced on the wonderful Christmas Celebrations we had. We are so blessed to have wonderful families that love and support us.

We are thankful for all of the Lord’s blessings in 2008 and are excited about 2009! Happy New Year!

Highlights of Christmas 2009

Family – TN, VA, SC
Friends – TN, MO, VA, SC
Georgia Bulldogs victory
Neti Pot – somewhere between VA and SC I got sick and it was a life saver!
JR’s Ribs – amazing New Year’s Day meal; they should open a family restaurant
Wonderful Memories!!!!!!