Thanksgiving Feast

This week was the Thanksgiving Feast at St. Luke's. The kids enjoyed the meal and then did a great job singing Thanksgiving songs. We were so proud of our little turkey!

Happy Halloween

Henry had a busy week filled with Halloween fun! We kicked things off by picking out a pumpkin and then carving our jack-o'-lantern.

On Tuesday, we went to campus to trick or treat in Bacot Hall (where I lived 13 years ago!). 

Henry's class at St. Luke's had a Halloween party on Wednesday. Thanks to Miss India for the great pumpkin masks and trick or treat bags!

Every year we look forward to the Batson's hayride and trick or treat event. Henry enjoyed seeing his friends in all of their costumes. 

Pets, and Majors, and Rides.....Oh My!

The James family had another fun fall weekend. On Saturday, we kicked things off by attending St. Luke's Blessing of the Pets. Penny Lane loved visiting with her furry friends and Henry enjoyed playing with his friends in the bouncy house.

We then took Henry to the Millsaps football game against Hendrix. One of the perks of attending/working at a DIII school is that you can stand right next to the end zone to watch the game. Henry had a blast cheering on the Majors to victory.

On Sunday, we went to the Mississippi State fair with the Upchurch and McKibben families. The boys had a blast on the rides and were intrigued by the animals at the petting zoo. One of the camels gave me a little love bite as were were taking pictures!

Football and Fun

Last weekend was filled with football and fun!

Henry loves his new cowboy boots

Taking on the opponents at the Jackson Prep football game

Checking out the pep rally and the band

Getting creative at Tatum's birthday party

The personalized aprons were a hit!

Keeping Fondren funky!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Late Summer Edition

As fall finally approaches, I thought I would share a few of my favorite late summer things. 

Everyone in my family recommended the show but I didn't believe all of the hype. Well, I was wrong. So wrong! This show is addictive! Ricky and I knocked out Season 1 and 2 in less than two weeks. I've loved Claire Danes every since My So Called Life and can see why she wins an Emmy for EVERYTHING. 

How did I miss Friday Night Lights when it first came out? Thanks to Netflix streaming, this show definitely became my summer addiction. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

It took me about 6 months to finally get Sheryl Sandberg's  Lean In  but it was worth the wait. Sandberg articulates the thoughts and feelings of so many women. I'm only on chapter 9 but can't wait to discuss this book with my mentors and students. 

Do yourself a favor and drive yourself to the nearest grocery store to pick up these bad boys. One cone only has 110 calories and always satisfies my ice cream cravings!

Summer Happenings

Here is a quick recap of some of the fun happenings we've had this summer.

The CS10 girls took a trip to The Grand hotel in Fairhope, AL for my birthday weekend. It was great getting away from reality for a few days.

We celebrated July 4th with the entire Shaw family in Birmingham. Never a dull moment with that crew. I was able to catch up with my good friend, Kristin, while we were in the Magic City. Her little boy, Nick, just turned one. Kristin and her husband are expecting baby #2 (another boy!) in January.

One of Erin's writers did a story in Jackson so we took him to Apothecary and Hal & Mal's. He called me the next day to stage me for a photo shoot at High Noon Cafe. Perhaps I'll make the cut to be in SL again!

Our Sunday school hosted a diaper shower for our friends Carol and Matt Fields. Their little girl, Charlotte Marie, will make her big arrival in August.

I attended a quick (24 hrs!) DDD meeting in Dallas in July. It's always inspiring being around my DDD sisters. Check out the book my field consultant roommate wrote!

Even Henry has to represent the DDD!

We celebrated two great events in Fondren-Dinner on the Grounds at St. Luke's and the opening of Lululemon (finally!!).

Most importantly, we spent lots of time as a family playing and reading.