Russ's Match Day

Today was Match Day - the day when Russ found out where he would continue his training as a resident. It turned out just the way he wanted! We are all so happy, and I am so proud you can probably see my head getting bigger and bigger as the day goes on. Ha ha!

Russ will complete a preliminary year in internal medicine in Jackson. Then, he and Megan will move to Memphis to complete his radiology residency for four more years. We are so excited to have them closer! Radiology is very competitive. In fact, he earned on of only two spots for his preliminary year. There were six spots available in Memphis, and he earned one! Russ and Megan are so pleased, and their families are too!

Me and Jim, the proud parents, waiting for the ceremony to begin

Megan's mom joined us as well

Russ and the proud parents after the results were announced

Russ and Megan

Congratulations Russ! We are so proud of you!

Christmas 2008

Christmas was yet another fun-filled time spent with my family! I'm so blessed to have Jimmy and Jenny's families close by. Hopefully, Russ and Megan will be closer when Russ finishes his residency. We can only get the entire family together on occasion, so I was very happy to have them all home. We all get together on Christmas Eve for lunch. The daughter-in-laws provided a lovely meal, and we enjoyed visiting and eating. Then, we celebrated my birthday! My birthday is on Christmas Eve. My children work hard to try to make it a separate celebration.

The birthday girl!

Opening one of my birthday gifts

After opening my birthday gifts, we were ready to open Christmas gifts. The kids were chomping at the bit! Just look at all the gifts! I guess when you have such a large family, the gifts take up a little more room!

My new Christmas tree surrounded with gifts

Getting the gifts handed out - Jeff, Megan, and Jenny wait patiently

The kids, on the other had, were having trouble waiting. Grace and Leah were shaking their presents. Seth, Sam, and Roan were waiting on their gifts.

These girls have grown into beautiful young ladies! Julie and Olivia are admiring the silicone cookware set they received!

Will is playing it cool.

My new apron Megan and Russ bought me from the Paula Deen Store in Savannah, GA!

Clay and his dangerous pocket knife!

Julie, Grace, and Sam admire my digital picture frame that Jimmy and his family gave me for my birthday.

My oldest boy and his youngest boy.

Russ loved his percolator from the Mansels.

Our lovely children and their familes went in to give us this framed photo of them from their beach trip this summer! How special!!

Christmas is such a special time in our home. I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas! We sure did!