Christmas Day 2011

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Christmas Letter and Photo 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are once again. We are blessed in more ways than we can count. 2011 was a year of milestones for us. Let’s begin . . .

Jan. – An ice storm hits Atlanta! We were iced in for a week. We couldn’t get up the hill in our subdivision for several days. We didn’t lose electricity so we were very happy. Truthfully, the couch potato in me was thrilled. Alan liked the first 30 minutes. Then cabin fever set in for him.

Feb. – Milestone alert - Al celebrated the big 50^th birthday, but he hasn’t aged much in the last 30 years so I’m not sure that it counts. Young Austin reminds us of what it’s like to be 20 . . . He and his roommates decided to build a fire in the fireplace at their apartment. They will burn anything, including their trash. One of the boys gathered the trash from the bathroom and threw it in. A few minutes later, there was an explosion in the hearth, embers flew out on the carpet, and black smoke filled the apartment. There is a reason the labels on aerosol cans caution against putting the containers near open flames. Apparently a can was in the trash and they didn’t know (because they didn’t look). They didn’t want to pay for new carpet so they used a hair trimmer to cut the singed parts out. Now the carpet appears to have crop circles in it!

Mar. – Another milestone - Austin turned 21. Technically, he’s now an adult. (Though his actions sometimes make you wonder.) Alan and I bought a cake at Publix for him. We then walked from the bakery in Publix to the break room. We left the cake there because Austin and Amanda, both Publix employees, were working on his birthday.

Apr. – We went to Panama City Beach for Spring Break. We left the dog at home with Austin. The dog was not happy with this arrangement. Austin was not thrilled either.

May – Amanda finished her junior year of high school on May 25^th. On May 26^th, she had an appointment for her senior pictures to be taken. Again, technically, she was a senior, but I thought that was a little close . . . Meanwhile, Austin went to Las Vegas for his college break. His father and I gave him the “don’t be stupid in Vegas” speech. His sister gave him the “don’t get arrested in Vegas” speech. He wisely followed all advice given to him.

June – We went to the beach. A waterspout took out power lines, and we were without electricity for almost 2 days. It was HOT! Days spent at the beach were not so bad, but sleeping without A/C was terrible. I love modern conveniences!

July – Milestone #3 - Alan and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary. In honor of this occasion, I got my wedding dress out and found that I could still zip it up . . . as long as it was on the hanger! The veil, shoes, and jewelry still fit! On a brighter note, Alan wrote 25 reasons that he loved me and had it framed. It’s the best present he has ever given me.

Aug – The school year has started again. During a faculty meeting, our principal advised us not to share the students’ snacks. Experienced teachers know this, but the newbies need to be told. Our principal shared this story from one of her former teachers . . . A student brought potato chips in for his snack. He offered some to the teacher. She thanked him and accepted. She ate the chips (rookie mistake). Later, the little boy asked if she had liked the snack. She said yes. He replied, “Good because I licked all of the salt off for you.”

Sept. – Another milestone for the King family - Amanda turned 18. She dashed off and secretly had the cartilage in the top of her ear pierced. Of course, this secret only lasted about 48 hours. We wouldn’t let her have it done until she turned 18 and she had wasted no time! At this same time, Alan was learning ‘how to flip a kayak’. This was serious business for some of the gentlemen in our neighborhood! They watched a video on how to complete this task and then practiced in the pool. They wanted to know how to flip in case they turned over while kayaking in rapids. I can guarantee you that this is not a life skill that I will ever need.

Oct – Austin and other young college adults went to an outdoor Luke Bryan concert near Athens. When they entered, it wasn’t cold, but as the sun went down, the temperature plummeted. They wanted their jackets, which they had left in the truck. The ticket takers wouldn’t let them out of the concert venue to go get their coats. SO naturally they found a place to jump the fence. Getting out was not a problem, but getting back in was another story. They climbed back over the fence, were spotted by security, and fled like the juvenile delinquents that they are. They didn’t get caught, but they weren’t able to be smug for too long. When the concert was over and they went back to the truck, it wouldn’t start! They had to beg for a ride back to where they were staying and then figure out the truck problem.

Nov – Austin’s college adventures continue. He is now a collegiate athlete. He has embraced his inner redneck and has joined the fishing team. He is a “co-angler”. He seems to really enjoy it and the southern girl in me is actually very pleased.

Dec – The reason for the season . . . Luke 2: 8 – 14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the year!

We love you!

Alan, Deana, Austin, and Amanda King
(and Rylie the dog)

Thanksgiving 2011

Another year with so much to be thankful for! The King clan gathered at the Banner's home. Ken, Ann, and Jasmine were excellent hosts! We love the 5 minute commute!

Lisa and Greg came with Kaedy and Kelsey - who are home from college. Kelsey brought her boyfriend - Jason Woods - to our gathering. Brian, Connie, Jamie, and Avery joined us. Avery is walking now. Her baby days are flying by. Linda, Jimmy, and Dale drove straight from the mountain house to Ken's. David and Penny and her traditional broccoli casserole were in attendance. Total head count - 21. We missed Paula, Terrell, Harrison, Addie, Matthew, and Kristin, but hope to see them soon.

We prayed, ate, and laughed. It was all good.

Boys' Fishing Trip

Alan, Austin, and Steve spent a great weekend together. The weather was good and they went fishing! Now we are eating fish dip and grilled fish. Yum.

Perfect fall day

Yesterday was a beautiful fall day. Alan started his day off right by winning his tennis match. Then he came home and we made a dash to Cartersville to hear Bill and the 120 East band play at an outdoor venue. The event was a fund raiser for breast cancer so we were happy to contribute. We spent the afternoon listening to his band, in a bar parking lot, eating barbeque, and watching outdoor wrestling. You have got to love the South!

We finished the day by grilling at the Brannens. We ate Alan's fabulous stuffed hamburgers around the fire pit. Good food, good friends, good times.

Amanda's 18th birthday

Amanda is 18! We find that really hard to believe.

Austin actually wished her a happy birthday first with a midnight text! Her school day started off with cupcakes and balloons from friends. In the evening, we showered her with gifts and took her out to eat. A chocolate dessert finished off the meal!

The Senior Year Begins

In the top photo, we have Amanda and Davis getting on the bus for their first day of Kindergarten. We blink our eyes and suddenly they are in high school.

Amanda and friends (Alessandra, Jordan, and Davis) are now pictured after their first day of their senior year. They decorated their cars and dressed in black and white. I asked Amanda: why do you wear black and white? Her answer: because we're seniors.

Note the red heels! She had blisters, but the blisters were on the top of her feet. The price she paid for fashion.

Prom

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Prom - it was a busy day! Connie came over to do make-up around 1:45. After make-up, dress, and hair, it was 4 o'clock and time for pictures. Gina, Steve, and Austin came over. Amanda had very thoughtfully bought roses for Connie and Gina - her other mothers.

We called Davis to come over to take a picture. His attire was interesting!

Then we were off to Chimney Springs park to meet her date - Alex - and take group pictures. Amanda's entourage took care of her - helping her with flowers, reapplying make-up, etc. Amanda looked beautiful!

Easter 2011

A scrapbook by Smilebox

Spring Break

We traveled to Panama City Beach, FL for Spring Break. It took 7 1/2 long hours to get there, but we saw Austin's Smokin' Butt Hut on the way down! We all got a good chuckle out of that. When we arrived at our destination, we had an ocean front condo on the 15th floor, which we really enjoyed. AND we had an opportunity to look at many other teenagers walking around PC and realize how blessed we are! Amanda and Alessandra were great! They weren't at all concerned about missing out on the party scene and they didn't complain about going places with us either. They are such good girls! It was a good week!

Austin's 21st Birthday

Today is Austin's 21st birthday. He and Amanda had to work today. Austin doesn't feel too well. I believe he celebrated his birthday last night with his friends! We bought him a birthday cake and Amanda put it in the work room so that he could share it!

St. George

Amanda had a week off in February so she, Alan, and Rylie took off for the beach. They enjoyed some daddy/daughter bonding time, good food, and great weather. Bill and Kathryn joined them for the latter half of the week. They all had a good time.

Meanwhile, I got to get up every morning and drag my sleepy self to work. (sigh) I did enjoy my solitude, but a week is plenty. And - - I'd rather be at the beach too!

Amanda and Austin King - Christmas photo 2010

2010 Christmas letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Tis the Christmas season of 2010 and we find ourselves blessed in so many ways. Austin and Amanda are doing well. They have grown up and don’t get into too much trouble. And then there’s the dog – Rylie. This year, teenagers = no problem; one small dog = chaos on four legs! Most of the stories this year revolve around the dang dog. Here is our year in a nutshell . . .

Jan – We went out of town for a few days and left our children and the dog at home. We returned to find that Rylie had chewed - not one - but both living room chairs! I guess that was her way of expressing her anger at being left behind.

Feb – We leave the dog in the laundry room during the day while we are at work and school. We don’t leave her outside because she is determined to dig an escape route under the fence. Well, apparently, she has decided to use a similar strategy in the laundry room. She has chewed through the door molding! If she makes her way through the sheet rock, she’ll be free to roam the house for her seek and destroy missions! Thus, we bought a crate and spoiled all her doggy plans! She does not like it, but my walls are intact!

Mar – Heaven is one angel richer - Alan’s mother, Doris Ragsdale King, passed away. November 16, 1921 – March 8, 2010. We will miss her always.

Apr – We went out to a movie with friends and had a home invader while we were out! We left a window open at the house because the weather was nice. When we came home, we smelled something - - and it didn’t smell good. We let Rylie out of her crate, and she immediately alerted to the odor. Rylie pinpointed the foul smell on our couch. Apparently a cat had come in through our open window, marked his territory, and left! (Yuck) However - - if we had to be a home invasion statistic - - I’d rather it be for this kind of “cat” burglar!

May – Amanda finished 10th grade; Austin completed his 2nd year of college; and I finished my 25th year in education!
June – Amanda has now joined Austin as a Publix employee! Sometimes we go to the store and buy just one item. We ask her to take it to the car for us! It takes so little to amuse us.

July – We took Rylie to our friends’ mobile mansion on Lake Allatoona. She had a great time. She peed on their bed and got her head stuck between the pickets on the deck. (The photo was taken before she got her head stuck.) She really freaked when we had to hammer the picket to get her fat head out. So . . . we put her in her crate . . . next to the bed. She somehow managed to get her snout out far enough to snag the comforter, which she then chewed to shreds. So we took her home! We put her in her crate . . . in Austin’s room . . . next to the bed. Once again, she somehow managed to get her snout out far enough to snag the comforter, which she also chewed to shreds! She must think we are the best people ever or the stupidest people ever!

August – We are storing some items in our basement for a friend. One item is a deer head. For cheap entertainment, we take the deer head to the dog and make animal noises. It scares her. So naturally, the next step is to chase her around the house with it! Good times!

Sept – We took the dog for her annual vet visit. We were not surprised to learn that the dog is overweight. Of course she is! She eats chairs, door molding, and comforters for snacks!

Oct – If you leave something on the floor, it’s fair game for the dog. Warning - - - If you ever spend the night with us, don’t leave your under garments on the floor unless you want them paraded throughout the house for everyone to admire!

Nov – I think Rylie was the inspiration for the cartoon! Seriously. The day after Thanksgiving, she jumped up on a kitchen chair to get to the container of leftover turkey that was on the table. All I can say is “gobble, gobble” took on a whole new meaning!

Dec – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2: 10, 11

Let us remember to lift up one another as we seek God’s calling on our lives each day, and never be too busy to listen, too burdened to praise, too tired to talk, or too stressed to smile and give the love God has given us to one another.

Merry Christmas 2010,
Alan, Deana, Austin, Amanda, and Rylie King