Merry Christmas

When we got home from Glasgow on Christmas Eve, Warren and I got busy getting pork butts ready for smoking.  We hosted the Fast Christmas on the 26th, and made pulled pork sandwiches, which meant that we needed to smoke the meat on Christmas day.  It turned out to be an interesting day.
When we woke up, the clocks were flashing as the power had been out overnight.  We planned on having our Christmas dinner at noon, so before long I got busy preparing the meal.  Our traditional meal is steak and shrimp, but this year we replaced the steak with prime rib.  Warren got the smoker going for the pork, and the prime rib went into the oven.... and the power went out again.  After a while the guys started the generator, and things got cooking again.  We had a nice dinner an hour or so later than planned, but it worked out fine.

Waiting for dinner...

Showing Natalie the nativity ornament

helping pass out gifts

one of Natalie's favorite things is talking on the phone! 

We already have lots of fun with Natalie's little kitchen set.  I can't wait for tea parties!

Now that Craig & Lindsay are home owners, Craig needs some tools.  Here is a start to the fun for him.

It takes two to open this one.

As I look back on the day, I almost (almost) forget the power being out, the late meal, and whatever else wasn't perfect. The cold, the snow, the fog, all just make it more cozy inside, right?  All that really matters is that we were together as a family.  Nothing is more important or more precious.  Thank you, Lord, for the family you have given us.  We are blessed beyond measure.

Christmas Eve 2010

Craig & Lindsay arrived home for Christmas on Dec. 23.  It was wonderful to see them again!  Our kids spend Christmas with us every other year, and the other year with the girls' families.  It has worked out well for us.  This year we started what may be a new tradition for us on the years we are all together.  We went into Glasgow and attended the Evangelical Church's Christmas Eve service.  Our home church doesn't have a service on Christmas Eve, so it hasn't been a tradition for us.  What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of Christ! 
After the service, we all went to Harvey & Gladys's home in town for supper.  I had gotten some pizzas from Eugene's, along with salad and drinks.  Amy brought goodie trays and Gladys had some dessert on hand as well.  We had a small gift opening, and enjoyed each other's company for the evening. 

 Gladys getting a little help with her gift.

Craig & Lindsay

Harvey

playing peek-a-boo with Ducky



Natalie's First Birthday

Natalie turned one on November 16, but her party was on November 19.  Guests included Warren's parents, Harvey & Gladys, his sister Shirley and her husband, Duane,  his sister Joan and her husband Keith, us, Tony, Amy and of course, the birthday girl, Natalie.  Amy served a meal of pizza and salads, which we all enjoyed. 

Duane & Natalie

After supper we went upstairs so Natalie could open her gifts.  I tried uploading some videos, but couldn't get them to work, so here are some photos. 

The video was cute of Natalie opening her gift from us, a doll house.  She crawled into the big bag to get the book out and almost disappeared for a bit.  She got lots of nice gifts, including toys, tub toys, clothes, a pillow case, books, and things like cups and such.

  Natalie has a little ducky blanket that she takes to bed with her, and loves her ducky.  Amy made two ducky cakes for the party.  One was just for Natalie to dig into. 

She was getting tired by this time, and didn't like the texture of the frosting, so stayed fairly clean.  It was better once she got into the high chair and got a spoon. 

So Big!

Happy First Birthday, precious girl.  You have brought much joy to our lives.  We love you!

Happy Birthday, Tony!

Birthdays of my kids always remind me of past years, memories of the day they were born, favorite memories throughout the years.  Today has been no different.  Twenty-six years ago we changed from a couple to a family.  What a fun, sometimes challenging, adventure our lives have become since then!

We have loved watching Tony grow up, from preschool days spent playing with his brother Craig "fixing" things and playing with toys pretending to farm like Daddy, to new adventures as he got older.  

School years brought plays, programs, room parties, spelling lists, homework, AWANA, and later on music concerts, basketball, track and many more activities. 

In recent years we have been priviledged to have Tony come home from college to join us on the family farm.  We are happy to see his dedication to his family, his love of the land and farming, and most importantly, his love for the Lord. 

Happy Birthday, Tony!  As you celebrate your special day, may you know how much we love you.  We pray the coming year will be one of love and much happiness and blessings for your growing family.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Happy Thanksgiving!  Last night I couldn't find the words to say what was in my heart.  I was touched by what my friend Rachel said on FB this morning and thought I would share it here.

It sure is hard to be down when you look around and start seeing all of the things you are thankful for.....even the smallest things. It's pretty much impossible to be negative when you let your brain remind your heart to be filled with gratitude.
                    ~Rachel

Thank You God for all the people in my life. You have blessed me beyond compare. Happy Thanksgiving to all my Family, Friends and Loved Ones. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving today!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!  We are blessed to have a great family and friends who mean so much to us.  God has supplied our every need, and given us a good year.  We have enjoyed spending time with friends and family, whether in person or phone calls with those far away.  We have much to be thankful for.

Happy 1st Birthday, Natalie!

This morning I was in the office and Warren's computer was running through a slideshow of our photos.  There was little Miss Natalie, the day she came home from the hospital.  Today she is one year old, and the time has flown by.  We all know how kids grow so fast, change almost daily, but its different when its your own child or grandchild.  We are so blessed to have Tony and Amy live nearby so we can share in their lives, and see Natalie often.  We are so thankful.  I often think how much we will miss when Craig and Lindsay have a family some day. 

This photo was taken when Natalie was 5 hours old.  With H1N1 in the hospital, we weren't able to visit her, but had to see her through the window.  My heart melted, seeing our baby holding his baby.   Once they were released from the hospital, we were finally able to hold her.

It is so much harder to get photos of  Natalie these days - she moves too fast!   She does take time to give some cuddles and loves,  but they don't last long.    She is definitely imitating things that people say.  We can understand Dada (lots of things besides Tony are dada.) and cracker.  She likes to watch the birdies and doggies, and loves her ducky blanket and toys.  She is doing well with stairs, most of the time remembering to turn over and slide down them on her belly.   Its fun to see her head for the toys, and the first things she grabs are stuffed animals.  :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Natalie!  We have loved watching you grow in the past year, and look forward to a fun and adventure filled second year too!  Love you!