Decorating the Christmas Tree

Every year we put the Christmas tree up on the weekend after Thanksgiving. We were a little late this year but it was fun getting it all together and decorating. As the kids get older this gets easier and easier...and goes a lot faster!

"Fluffing" the tree.


While Dad handles the tree the boys handle the tree topper.


Putting on the tree topper. R has it all ready


Upsy Daisy...you can do it!


Way to go!


A quick break for some Christmas music.


Ready to decorate...finally!


Time for the ornaments to go on. All of them...What fun!




Everyone can use a little help every now and then.

Reminiscing over older ornaments and homemade ornaments.


Daddy doing his Santa imitation much to the delight of the children!LOL!

Putting the angel on the tree.

The finished product (Taken several days later!)

Family Landscaping

While trying to get out Christmas decorations down we realized the garage needed cleaning. We also realized we would need to clean up the landscaping before putting lights up. So, off we went....

Getting in the Christmas Spirit while working on the garage






Dad teaching C how to use the electric hedger....



Fast learner!

Distracted by an anthill....


pretty cool.


It was a really good day and we accomplished a lot. The kids really worked hard. We were so proud of them. I love it when we work together as a family.

Family Pictures at Thanksgiving

Where it all began...


Daughters (we are missing our brother due to health but we missed him)

Granddaughters and Great-granddaughter

Grandsons and Great-grandson

Sons-in-law with grandchildren

Daughters with grandchildren

Grandparents with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (We are missing a few but they are in our hearts always)

Sisters

During our Thanksgiving celebration we took family pictures. Here is a set of me and my sisters. How many sisters does it take to get a good shot?

Can you tell who is the oldest?




Then the baby sister steps in to add her 2 cents.



Are we ready yet?


NO! Wait just a minute.


Finally! I think it was well worth the wait. LOL!

What a joy to have all my sisters together again. Can you tell we laugh a lot when we are together?

Thanksgiving 08

We were able to travel to San Antonio for Thanksgiving this year. For the first time in over 4 years all of my sisters were together. Health prevented my brother from joining us. We had almost all the grandchildren present and both great grandchildren were there. It was a wonderful time together.
There were MANY cooks in the kitchen.





But there were many more willing to eat!



After lunch while the girls cleaned up the boys enjoyed the game.

That turkey will get you everytime!

Vacation October 08

After J was hospitalized we were finally able to take a long awaited vacation. We went to the cabin of a friend on a lake in East Texas. We had a wonderfully relaxing time without computers or TV or even telephones for the most part. We were able to read, relax, swim, canoe, paddleboat and just enjoy each others company. Here are a few highlights of the week.
CANOEING
Phillip enjoyed teaching the boys to canoe.


Hmmmmm??? C watch out!

Can you see the concentration on their faces? LOL!

Beautiful girls enjoying the sunshine.

Phillip and I got to enjoy some alone time too. But, we had to go out on the lake to get it!


SWIMMING

FISHING

The boys really wanted to fish. They went fishing on the canoe, on the paddleboat (don't know what happened to that picture??) and early in the morning on the dock. I love this picture.
All in all it was a very fun and relaxing vacation. The Lord truly blessed us with this opportunity. It was a much needed rest.

Christmas Eve

I know I have not blogged in a long while and am hoping to catch up on blogging in the next few days. But I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Chistmas. As the world shuts down to celebrate this time I pray you are able to experience peace, a peace that was brought to the world when our Saviour was born and which we can have so long as we call Jesus our Lord and Savior.
May this season focus you on our beloved Lord who became Savior on the cross at Calvary. We celebrate his advent into this world as we look forward to the advent of His second coming.
Come Lord Jesus!

Mom, Dad, Sister, Lee, Babe, Bill if you are out there, and all those attached to you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love you all!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

My baby is 9 today. He was not supposed to be. I was told after my third child I could not and should not have any more children. Thankfully we serve a mighty God who knows what doctors do not. We were both surprised and overjoyed when the Lord decided to increase our family by one more. Life has never been the same. R is full of life. He takes it at 110 mph wherever he goes. He is a bundle of energy that spreads joy wherever he goes. So today we celebrate the gift the Lord has sent to us. We celebrate 9 years of wonder at God's creation.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-15

All that God makes is wonderful. We celebrate the wonderful life he has given us in our youngest.

Happy Birthday R!

Hopefully I will post pictures in a few days!

Oohh!! Look at me!!! LOL!

Thanks to DeEtta who sent me to "The Cutest Blog on the Block" I have now changed my blog to a fall theme. Like it? Anyway, it was quick and easy and fits my personality of liking to change things on a regular basis!
I am hoping to blog more these days. In fact, I have some very cute pumpkin patch pictures to post soon. I will try to get to it later today.
Off to enjoy my Saturday with my family and to get some things done!