Christmas Week: Wednesday ~ Life on Blow Street

Our day started at 5:00am. We were out the door by 6:15am, made a quick stop for donuts in Soulard, and were Iuka bound. The mission: Surprise my mom at Iuka Grade School to see her classroom in action.

We scored some major brownie points today. We made it to the school shortly after class began and shocked her socks off. It was alot of fun!Picking party day to visit was the best day to come.

The kids warmed up to us quickly. Not even 2 minutes after being introduced, a little blonde headed girl asked me to open her locker for her. Once we made it to the gym for play time, a little girl came up to Matt and proclaimed, "I know you! You are from the Smurf's movie!". Um...she never left his side for the rest of the day. Adorable.

Matt's new girlfriend

I was amazed to see my mom in her "element" with these kids. They all really love her, respect her, and listen well. This little guy is..well...special. My mom announced to the class that she found his star last night after everyone left to go home. Once he realized what was going one, he lit up like a bulb and squealed, " Me Wuv You, Mrs. Allen. Me Wuv YOU!".

That's a face of pure concentration.

Special story here: This is the first born of my best friend in grade school and high school. She looks EXACTLY like her mother. I have never felt so instantly connected to a child before in my life.

School let out early and we had to hit the road. Matt and I have the privilege of leading a community group through our church. Tonight, we gathered the friends that haven't left town yet on christmas break for a potluck dinner. For the sake of the boys, we made bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Yes. No typos there.

The food was great, the conversation was quotable, our hearts were filled with joy, and the evening ended with a white elephant gift exchange. Our spin this year was that all the gifts had to be purchased for under a dollar at the goodwill outlet center.