Happy 8th birthday, Emma!

2nd Grade Field Trip to Huckleberry Railroad and Crossroads Village

Our K-4 Through 4th Grade Christmas Program at School

Family Times

We had the privilege of hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. (I realized that I haven't really posted much since the middle of Nov., so I thought I would let you know some of what we've done since then.) My aunt and uncle were able to come up from the Detroit area, along with 2 of my cousins and their families. We were so glad that everyone could get together at our house before they all headed up to Aunt Barb and Doc's cabin in Cadillac. Everyone pitched in on the food that we feasted on. It was all so delicious. I had just gotten a new roaster that plugs in on the counter, and I cooked a 16 lb. turkey in it. It turned out great! I am liking the roaster. I have used it twice now.

Aunt Barb makes the most amazing stuffing and brought that with her. I always love my cousin, Jenni's, corn casserole, and was glad to have that as part of the meal. Of course, we would all say that Thanksgiving would not be complete without the sweet potato crunch! Mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, salad, pies, cheescake, cookies, and who knows what else was enjoyed that day. Aunt Barb has also gotten me hooked on her special mix of vanilla spice egg nog and Vernors. It is quite yummy.

Other fun things we did (besides eating ha ha)were celebrating my cousin's daughter, Eryn's birthday, listening to their son, Cole, play the piano for us, having our girls sing some songs, listening to Christmas carols that Emma played on her violin, and all of us singing some songs together. We ended the night with a few rounds of Blurt and Catch Phrase games. That had us all in stitches at times. I am just so thankful to have family within a couple of hours away. We had a great day, and I thank God for the many blessings He has richly given.

Snowy December

Well, I don't know that we have to dream of a white Christmas (and yes, it's "Merry Christmas" despite the one window with "Happy Holidays") in MI. We had quite the storm on Dec. 11th, and had a little snow even before that. Now we have over a foot on the ground! I can't imagine that all the snow we have piled up outside is going to go anywhere fast. In fact, I saw that there are predictions for even more snow here later in the week. I guess it is said that a true white Christmas is one that includes snow falling from the sky that day, not just snow that is on the ground. We'll see what happens. I just know that it will look white outside. Well, here are some pics of what we saw after quite the snowfall last night and through the first part of today. Because the winds were supposed to get so bad and create possible blizzard conditions, white outs, and snow drifts, our cantata was canceled for tonight. Thankfully it is working out to reschedule the program for Wed. night at 6:45. We have certainly enjoyed the unexpected rest today! Soon I will get caught up on the last month's happenings with us. . . .