Merry Christmas

Givens Family Adventures

Winter ~ Noah turned six and to celebrate, we took a trip to the Savannah Roundhouse Railroad Museum and then rode back to Yemassee on the Amtrak. Both were a big hit and the boys still beg to ride the train again.

After years of prayer and preparation, Joe and I decided that it was time to try and expand Little Joe’s Trucking and began working toward that goal.

We got snow here this year! The four inches of fluffy white stuff meant that we were without power for two days. We spent lots of family time building snowmen, making snow angels, splitting fire wood, and camping out in the living room trying to stay warm.

For Micah’s first birthday we all took a trip to the circus and ate lots of chocolate cupcakes. On his first birthday, he still was not walking but was content to be carried everywhere by either Joe or myself.

By far the most important thing that happened this winter was that Noah gave his heart to Jesus. It was amazing watching him as God worked in his little heart.

Spring ~ Noah played soccer again, Joe started chicken farming, Noah broke his arm on the trampoline, we spent spring break camping in the backyard, and Joe and I celebrated seven years of marriage. Noah graduated kindergarten and was baptized in our church. Jonah had lots of tests trying to figure out some tummy issues and ended up getting pneumonia. Thankfully he healed well and the tummy issues are behind him. Micah was still content to crawl or hang out in Mommy or Daddy’s arms.

Summer ~ We enjoyed the zoo, two rounds of VBS, July 4th at the river, put-put golf, and go-kart rides. We finally gave in and bought a minivan. Long gone are the days of my Miata.

At sixteen months old, Micah finally started walking running, and has not slowed down yet.

Little Joe’s Trucking continued to grow and kept us plenty busy. Joe and Noah got a taste of the big city when I gave them the wrong directions and they ended up downtown DC in a loaded log truck. Oops!

Micah and Jonah got into the craft supplies and colored each other from head to toe with permanent markers. Luckily most of it was covered by clothing, and it wore off in about two weeks.

Jonah realized how much attention Noah gets when he talks and decided to give him a run for his money. Our chicken farming came to an abrupt halt when something killed all of our chickens. If you know me well, then you know that I was not really all that upset over the demise of the birds.

Autumn ~ Noah started first grade with me teaching him at home. It took some getting used to but most days we both enjoy school. He is doing great and has finished the first semester work already.

Jonah turned three and we all went to the mountains for his birthday. We took the kids panning for gold and spent a day at Santa Land in Cherokee, NC. We had not been since before Jonah was born, so it was a trip we all enjoyed.

The boys dressed as the Three Billy Goats Gruff for Halloween and Joe was the troll under the bridge. Veteran’s day was spent on the Waterfront in Savannah visiting the WWII memorial.

The boys painted pumpkins, drew pilgrims, and made paper turkeys galore for Thanksgiving.

So these are the adventures of the Givens family. Our adventures consist of raising boys, home schooling, potty training, and keeping a small business afloat. Not extreme by any means, but adventures all the same. We look forward to this next year and the adventures it will bring!

The Givens Family ~ Joe, Denise, Noah, Jonah, and Micah