Merry Christmas From The Straughans

Cast Away

We took Callie to the doctor today to get her cast removed. She did her 'nervous chatter' ALL DAY long, so I was very thankful to get it over and done with. Chad was able to meet us there--thank God! Callie sat on her daddy's lap while the nurse removed the cast. Callie still has issues with noises and her ears, so Daddy had to cover her ears while the rotary saw went to work. After the viewing the X-Rays, the doc gave us the , "All Clear"---Callie's fracture has completely healed. She does have to wear a temporary brace for a few more weeks, but other than that, she can resume her normal activities.

Latest Happenings

Sorry, things at school are crazy this time of year--here's a few of our latest events.

It SNOWED in Texas!!

The boys eating snowflakes

The kids went to visit Santa with their Christmas requests.

Callie performed in a Christmas concert at school. Callie gave us a little trouble when it came time to pick out her outfit. She had quite a few requests: a skirt that would twirl around, something beautiful like a princesss would wear, and shoes that made 'noise' when she walked.

Jake finished an incredible flag football season---they won the Champiohship Game on Saturday morning. Jake had a receiving touchdown and a few key first downs that led the team to victory. We are so proud of you, Jake!

Today we bought our tree and set out the Christmas decorations.

Here's Chad helping Mace put on the finishing touch.

My beautiful family by a beautiful tree.

We finished the night by decorating a gingerbread house---at one point the boys were squirting the icing straight into their mouths. Meanwhile, Callie decided to lick each piece of candy first to make it stick to the gingerbread.

And the tradition continues. . . .it just wouldn't be the holidays without McJoseph!

Callie's New Accessory

Callie went to the doctor on Monday to get her cast--and in true Callie-fashion

it is purple and pink!

Callie did go back to school today, and she seems to be adjusting. She has a 'bathroom buddy' that goes with her to help tear the toilet paper, then her teacher 'checks her out' to make sure her pants are all the way up and zipped. And thanks to Jake, she has learned how to write her name and numbers with her left hand.

Her eye is almost completely healed--only a few colors remain, but the swelling is gone. Also, the bruises on her body are healing and lightening as well. And if all goes well, Callie should be cast-free by Christmas!