New house?

Tom wanted to show me the place he would like to own, so while we were out scoping out the hunting area we went to this little place. It sets up on a knoll on about 2 acres. The kitchen/dining area has french doors that open on to the deck on the other side of the house-very nice! There are 2 bedrooms and baths. We're assuming the upstairs is an open loft. We are thinking about checking it out. Maybe while the kids are home we'll all go take a look! Anyway-it's all fun to think about.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tom and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

It sure is different not having the children home for the holidays. We'll see Aaron and Shannon today and celebrate with my family tonight. We'll celebrate with Hannah and her family in a few days. Nate and Becky won't even leave WA. til Weds. My, how time changes things!
We are so very glad Christ came, but even more glad He completed the plan of salvation for us!Some days more than others, we are acutely aware of our need of Him. I am so glad HE KNOWS!
He is most trustworthy for every need!
Enjoy the day and each other! Merry, merry Christmas!!!!

Waiting patiently

That's what Tom and I are doing.We're so looking forward to the children being with us again. This will probably not happen again for a year or more since Nathanael will be shipping out in the early spring and may be gone for a year. Hopefully, Aaron, is not called up to go!
Hannah, Andy and Chastity are to be arriving next Mon. eve. and should get to stay for the week. Nate won't be here til about the 10th--it's up in the air whether or not Hannah and Chastity stay on til he gets in, but we're hoping they do.At least Andy wants her to! Aaron isn't far so it should be no problem for him to be here.
It's a busy end of the year--lot's going on in our little part of the world. I hope all of you are enjoying the season and looking forward to spending it with family and good friends.
I'm sure I'll have pics and things to post once the kiddos arrive--how can a grandma not share her time with her grand-baby!?

Thanksgiving breakfast, dinner and Christmas lunch

Thanksgiving morning started pretty early for us. We were having our friends over for a breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits, quiche, pumpkin scones, cinnamon rolls, fruit salad, hot choc. and tea. Tom's chef hat was essential for him to be able to work properly--or so he said! He helped me make the scones the night before then tended the sausage for me in the morning. Yes, I cooked in my robe! Not a flattering pic, to say the very least!! When I get up at 4:30 to cook, well--I stay in my robe!
Everything was enjoyed and the company was good. It's so very refreshing to meet safe, honest people who are genuine and also love God truely. These kids have really taken to Mr. Downer! He has so many fascinating stories to tell them and they seem to like them all. He and most of the boys did a major wood-splitting job a few weeks ago and they had such a great time.
There were 15 of us but we all fit very nicely into the new place.











Every year my family gets together and shares a potluck meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I believe if we were all there, there would be about 113. We don't seem to go a year without adding 1 or 2 -maybe more- to the family. So far, there are 3 new babies expected next year--one will be the first great-greeat for my folks! Dad stopped by on his way home from a hosp. stay!! that accounts for his worn look. The little guy was our littlest helper!






These are some pics from the lunch/exchange we have for the married and over 18 girls. It started out just mom and us girls but has grown quite a bit. It's always a lot of fun but, this year was very good!











Becky and her girls




Linda and her girls and 1 DIL




Mom and all us girls. Next we added one sis-in-law, Kollette



Mom, sister Gloria and daughter


Mom, sistr Christine and her girls and g-baby


After the party and Mom and my sister Mary



Tara just showing her real self!