Celebrating with GovStrive

Last week, James' company, GovStrive, hosted over 150 people for the third annual GovStrive company-wide holiday party.  I'm so proud we can do this for so many reasons: first, to bring everyone together to celebrate the season and the successes of the year; second, a chance to show off the hometown headquarters and the work and impact we're making in the community; and, third, an opportunity to have fun with colleagues that many people don't see but just once a year (as the company has grown to three different offices). 

Before the Friday night festivities, we hosted the Management team at our house for a smaller, more intimate affair. I always enjoy this because - and I say this as humbly as possible -  it's really my only chance to show off the beautiful decorations. Our house looks lovely this year! 

I didn't take too many pictures because busy playing hostess.  The Country Club catered and made our lives exponentially easier by setting up, cooking, taking down, cleaning up, and washing dishes. I mean, you could argue I didn't do much to host, other than quickly hide all evidence of children and life before the guests arrived.

Truthfully I stayed up a little too late (and enjoyed a little too much vino) on Thursday, so Friday dragged a bit.  It required a 3PM Venti Americano to rally for the Friday party! 

We hosted at the renovated Ice House, one of the coolest venues in the area and now owned by friends.  They did a beautiful job on the facility, and delivered on a cool ambiance and delicious food.  Just like last year, Danielle pulled together one heck of an event. 

James delivered one of the best speeches I've heard from a leader, emphasizing the growth and diversification of the company, the strength and stabilization (after only 5 years in operation), and also the commitment they are making to our community to grow jobs, give back and invest in future employees through children's and education programs. 

We had "Dr. Don" playing some guitar music throughout dinner, then a DJ for lots of fun dancing tunes late into the evening.  We had caricature artists and photo booths, plus door prizes throughout the night.  People had a wonderful time.

You know it's a good party when the ladies have shed their heels...

A wonderful, marquis event of our Christmas season.  I'm so proud of James and this strong, generous company that he has built!

The Christmas Spirit, Part 2

The Christmas festivities just do not end!  I wrote about Part 1 of our holiday kick-off from the first couple weeks of December, but the fun didn't stop there.  This past week we enjoyed the children's Christmas program at school, plus a beautiful Messiah production in Downtown.  Strong reminders of why we celebrate this wonderful season.

First, the children's program. JB, who played the part of a Wiseman, had practiced his line for weeks ("we have brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh").  He confessed leading up to the play that he felt very nervous, but I assured him he had practiced and prepared - and then he nailed it!

 

His Pre-K four class all played different parts of the nativity, and they amazed us with their capacity to memorize all their lines and bring the story to life.

The PreK 3 and 2 class all joined them in song throughout the play.  They fully embodied the spirit of Christmas.

Our little angel, Maryn - who sang the songs to us all month - got a little shy during the actual production, and scowled most of the show. Then, poor thing, she fell off the riser on the last number and no one could get to her!!  Needless to say, I don't see myself becoming a stage mom anytime soon.... :)

So proud of these sweet preschoolers (and their teachers) for pulling off such a beautiful production.

One of those folks from the children's production (our own Music Minister, Dwayne Little) also worked tirelessly over the past several months to pull off a professional-level production of the Messiah in our little hometown.  Bringing together professionals from around Georgia, musicians from the local colleges and schools, and chorus members from various churches in the area, they delivered a beautiful performance this Sunday afternoon in the downtown theater.  They encouraged a sing-along, especially during the famous Hallelujah chorus, but I didn't want to ruin the lovely harmony coming from stage with my own singing voice.  :)  I'm so proud of the arts here in Dublin.

Close Friends, Close Again!

How excited are we that some of our besties from Atlanta are so close to us again!?  The McLeods are officially in their new home in Perry (give or take an easy hour drive from us), and that means lots of hang out time in the future.  James and JB went to visit their farm/hunting camp last week, they are coming the end of this week so the (big) boys can quail hunt, and then we drove over on Saturday to see their beautiful house.  Three times in three weeks. It's like old times! (Although, back when we were neighbors, we saw each other roughly three times a week - on a slow week.)

The kids had tons of fun playing in the yard; trying to ride bikes/scooters/power vehicles (especially the babies - who must try everything that the big kids do!); loving on the neighbor's cat; climbing trees; building hideouts; jumping in leaves; hanging out in batman PJs; running up and down the stairs; refusing to sit for pictures; not going to bed.

The adults enjoyed some steaks, fine wine, way too many holiday sweets, and running constant interference with 5 little children underfoot. :)  And did I mention that they refused to go to bed???

Can't wait to see this fierce five grow up together! (Oh, and sorry/not sorry for the mass quantities of pictures.  They are just the cutest, silliest bunch of kiddos and I can't help myself!)