The Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13th was a huge success! We had over 100 children and foster parents, Santa, the Pantego Fire Department and much, much more! The lunch was excellent and we want to thank the companies who graciously donated their food: Quiznos, Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa Johns, Mijos, CiCi's Pizza and Chick-Fil-A. We even had ice cream for dessert! The entertainment was provided by the Martin High School Show Choir and the Bowie High School Voice of Praise, and they involved many of the children in their performance. All-in-all, a wonderful time was had by all.

As 2008 comes to a close, we want to thank our foster parents for the amazing work they have done all year long in ministering to the children God has placed in their care. It is through your tireless work and effort that these children are blessed. Thank you!

Our picnic day began with training and an inspirational message from Jan Goss. Jan drew from her own life experiences as a foster parent and blessed us with her stories and testimony about being a foster parent. Her sharing was an encouragement and motivation to all who attended. Jan also did some instruction on handshake etiquette. Who knew that Jan is the Miss Manner's of handshake etiquette? Thank you to Jan for instructing and enlightening us to the “do’s and don’ts” of a proper handshake of a proper handshake, and the fact that you can leave a lasting first impression with a firm handshake, a nice smile and making good eye contact. Thank you, Jan!

Weather-wise we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! The weather forecast predicted rain for Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, which left Saturday wide open for sunshine! What a blessing!

After lunch, that included fried chicken, potato salad and other fixings, we walked (or drove) over to the Bicentennial Park located behind Kornerstone.

We had bounce houses, and a slide
	cotton candy, popcorn, Billy the Balloon Artist

and Carolyn who turned children faces into little works of art.

The kids had a blast with the bounce houses! It was a joy to see the kids having so much fun.

While the kids were busy bouncing around, getting their faces painted, or standing in line mesmerized by Billy making his one of a kind balloon creations, the parents had time to connect with other parents.

It was a beautiful day and we hope to come together again soon as one big Kornerstone Family! God Bless you all!

On Saturday, January 26th Kornerstone and CPS hosted an expo on foster care and adoption.

This event was open to the public and more than 200 people attended as Kornerstone and CPS described the process of becoming foster or adoptive parents. Fifteen private child placement agencies, including Kornerstone & CPS were present allowing the attendees a chance to visit with the various agencies and receive answers to their questions.

CPS provided information about fostering and adopting as well as photo albums and videos of children who need a “forever home”. This was a great opportunity for people to learn more about foster care and adoption.

A special thank you to CPS, the private agencies and the staff here at Kornerstone for all their hard work in making this event a huge success, as well as to KLTY 94.9 FM for their sponsorship!

Our annual Christmas party got off to a great start with lots of food courtesy of Papa John’s Pizza, Quiznos, Buffalo Wild Wings and Mijo’s Mexican Restaurant. We are so blessed to have such generous supporters! The Martin High School Show Choirs gave a fabulous half-hour performance! What talented young people! It was like having our own private Broadway Show right here in Pantego, Texas. The kids and parents thoroughly enjoyed their show! A big thank you to Kay Owens for directing such a fine group of kids!

The kids enjoyed various games and activities such as pool, foos ball, & bingo. We had crafts for the kids to do, and of course we can’t forget the toy walk. The Martin High School Key Club came to help us out with all of the activities. We couldn’t manage doing this party without their support! Thanks to the Pantego Fire Department, the kids were able to see the inside of a fire truck and ask the Pantego firemen all their questions.

Santa Claus came by to pay us an early visit and to pass out stockings full of goodies for the kids! All the kids, young and old, had a chance to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and to have their picture taken. It was a great time to catch up with all of our wonderful foster and adoptive parents to wish them a Merry Christmas and to see the all the children as well. We had a few give-away drawings for those in attendance. A fun time was had by all! It was a blessing to see such a great turn out! So until next time, Happy New Year!!