The gift that keeps on giving!

Makenzie has wanted her cartilage pierced for a while now, so we decided it would be a fun Christmas surprise for her. Troy couldn't watch, and she didn't flinch!

Christmas Morning

We are having a wonderful day celebrating!

(and hope you are, too.)

Hafford Family Christmas DVD 2009

Feel free to view our Christmas DVD by clicking the link below.

REMEMBER TO PAUSE MUSIC ON THE MIXPOD PLAYER BEFORE VIEWING.

Untitled from Kendra Hafford on Vimeo.

Christmas Card 
&Letter 

Honestly, Christmas Cards almost did not happen this year. Not because we have stopped loving you or did not want to share what God has been doing in our life, but because Christmas Cards take time! (especially if you have attention issues and obsessive compulsive tendencies!) This year we have really tried to put a high priority on how we spend our time at home.   Little time at home is hard for this family of five who just loves being at home.  Troy and I love being at home which is no surprise based on our constant “projects”. So do each of our children, almost always choosing to have their friends in our home rather than going elsewhere, which is absolutely answered prayer. This has always been our heart’s desire and motivation in making our home!

Of course, we love to do a lot of things that we really just can’t do at home. Mitchell (8) would have a hard time playing basketball and soccer at home. Georgia lawns are definitely not made for playing level field/court sports! Makenzie (14) cannot cheer and tumble at home – our ceilings aren’t high enough, not to mention she would so miss the competition she thrives on.  Marshall (16) absolutely cannot participate in Marching Band Shows and Competitions or even Concert Band at home. He might be able to have Academic Bowl meets at home, but sadly, I am not sure anyone else would ever answer a question.  Troy can’t hike at home, unless he was to wear his backpack to take out the trash!  I can do a lot at home, but eventually I would need more supplies! Of course, Troy and I couldn’t watch our children doing what they love if we stayed home. All of the time spent away from home just makes things like eating together, hanging out with friends, and staying in touch with those we love a top priority when we are home!

Much of our time spent away from home this year was fabulous. We were blessed with a trip to Ft. Myers Beach (thanks Uncle Mike!), a trip to Panama City Beach (thanks Uncle Jim & Aunt Tammy!), two trips to Illinois, a gold panning trip for Troy (and no, he didn’t get to quit his day job!) and a weekend in Savannah. Yet, every trip, regardless of how awesome it was, always ended the same –all of us ready to be home.

Exactly as I know Heaven will be, as incredible as the journey is here on earth—

there is nothing like Home.

Praising Jesus for leaving His home in Heaven for us,

Troy Kendra Marshall Makenzie & Mitchell

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

It 's a Jungle In Here!

Awesome Weekend!

We celebrated Christmas with my family this weekend.
We so loved getting to spend time with each one of them, and are already missing everyone!

This just in ...

The nerdbowlers are going to Regions! Isn't that great?!

CrAZy BusY ...

& loving every minute!

So, this past weekend was insane and I would do it again next weekend if I could! Friday night I hosted our neighborhood Christmas Bunco & Ornament Exchange. I love my Bunco ladies. We laugh, we eat, we laugh, we eat, we laugh ... oh, and we play Bunco! Then, Saturday night same time, same place, same game, different crazy ladies.

Sunday afternoon was the annual Holiday Tour of Homes. I love this day. I love seeing old friends and meeting new friends. I love sharing my home and some Christmas treats with others. I love exchanging decorating ideas. I love sharing my faith and what Christmas means to our family.

And, then, to finish the weekend ... look who showed up in our yard! Silly, I know! I love it, though!

He's Baaacckk!

Buddy, our elf, showed up tonight just as we were getting ready to eat dinner. Buddy is a mischievous little guy, but he always seems to start out on a good note. Tonight he brought us all Christmas pjs -mine are super comfy! Of course, we all know that a good start can only mean lots of trouble in the coming days. And, for some very odd reason, Marshall and Makenzie were not willing to pose in theirs!

(and, we get to start eating the candy

out of our Advent Calendar today!)