Gingerbread House Party

Last week Josh and I were invited to a gingerbread house making party. We both have never made one before. I think we did pretty good. It was a timed competition, and then judged. We did not win, but it was fun anyhow! I'm not sure Josh thinks that putting candy on a cookie house is that great of a time, but I'm glad we got to spend some time together.

So Thank-FULL!

Thanksgiving was great! Ken and Chris and Winston and Cora got here with no problems, there was no stomach virus (trust me. It happens a lot!), and Chris brought THREE pies! :) It was so nice to be able to spend time with some family. Most had other plans, but we were able to talk to everyone either 0n Thanksgiving, or the day after.

Friday night we were able to go to Howell for their fantasy of lights parade. It is a fun parade that they have at night, and everything is lit up with Christmas lights. It is a fun way to ring in the Christmas season. :) We stopped and got pizza and bread sticks for dinner at Josie's favorite restaurant before the parade. We had great service, and amazing food!

It was a cold night, but a lot of fun. I think it may be time to get out the Christmas decorations. :) I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!

Ready to eat out feast! We are so blessed.

Ken and Chris at Tomato Brothers enjoying their bread sticks!

Visiting Jenna at the parade!

Thinking and Thanking

Today is Thanksgiving. During this day as my kids watch the Macy's parade, my hubby finishes moving furniture into the guestroom, and I spend the day in the kitchen, I am thinking of the things I am most Thankful for. So, while I wait for Mr. Turkey to finish cooking I decided I would share.

I am thankful for Jesus' saving work on the cross. God is SO gracious.

I am thankful for a wonderful Husband. Josh is so kind and gentle and loving to me, even when I do not deserve it.

I am thankful for the three most beautiful girls in the world. What joy they bring me each day.

I am thankful for our family here in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. Wishing we could celebrate this day of thanks with all of them, but knowing some years it doesn't work that way.

I am thankful for the dear friends I have, and missing them terribly. Most of which I feel like I could put in the "family" category.

I am thankful for God supplying all our needs. For never going hungry. For always having a place to sleep that was warm and dry.

I could go on forever, but I need to get back in the kitchen. Turkey is in the oven. Mashed potatoes, corn casserole, green bean casserole, jello salad, dinner rolls, sweet potato casserole are in the works. Chris is bringing her world famous pies and dressing. I think we will dine like kings tonight!

I'll let you know how it goes!

I hope I didn't forget anything!

Growing Up!

Look who's growing up (without even asking her Mommy if it was okay)!

I was just taking pictures the other day and I thought Addie looked cute so I snapped a couple of shots. When I uploaded them to the computer I couldn't believe what a big girl she looked like. She is my baby! Then I realized, she really isn't a baby anymore. She is no longer in a crib. She drinks from a regular cup, is potty trained, and doesn't eat in a high chair. It is official. I have three girls. No babies.

I think she looks like Emma sometimes, just with curly hair, but in this picture Addie kind of has her own look.

Pssst! Did you notice her ears?

Lookie What I Got!

It is a pressure canner! I have a great big stock pot to do hot water bath canning in, but now I have this baby. Now I can can corn and green beans! OH! I am so excited. The best part is, I only paid $7! What a steal!

So, anyone wanna come over and show me how to use this thing? :)

Up, Up, and Away!

Did you know we have a secret rocket ship at our house? It has disguised itself as a comfy reading chair, but with the right imaginations, and a couple of strong arms, it becomes a rocket!

1 percent terror, 99 percent thrill!

What a landing!

Can't Help But Be Friends

It was bound to happen. Their moms are great friends. Their dads are great friends too. Their older siblings are even great friends. These two just didn't stand a chance.

That's okay. I think they have a lot in common anyhow. :)

Security

Addie has the strangest little habit. Whenever she gets nervous or upset, tired or lonely, she sucks her thumb and with her other hand she rubs something in between her thumb and first finger. Her favorite thing is a piece of fuzz from a sweater, but when that can't be found, she makes do with other things: my hair, play-doh, paper, and even beaded necklaces as shown below.

So tell me, is she a strange bird, or is this normal?

My Kind of Math

What do you get when you add this:

Plus this:

Plus this?

Why, a fiesta of course!

Last week we had some students over for some yummy Mexican food. I got some lessons on how to make my salsa hotter, and we all had a great evening of eating and enjoying each other. Two common bonds: a love of Mexican food, and a love for our Heavenly Father. Ain't fellowship GGGGGGGREAT? :)

Dress Up Fun!

Saturday we were able to take the girls to a fall harvest party at a local church. We have been doing this every year since 2005 and the girls really enjoy it. This year it was SO COLD! We didn't stay to do everything because of how cold it was.

This year, Josie and Emma had some help with their costumes. My friend (and NTBI alumni) Jenna made Josie a pink poodle costume. Josie LOVED it! Once I painted her face and put the collar on, she was barking and howling the rest of the night.

Emma really wanted to be a fairy. Another friend (and current NTBI student) Elizabeth had Emma design the dress, and she sewed it. It looked great!

Addie went with the tried and true Tigger costume, mostly because it was warm and she kinda reminds me of Tigger sometimes. I love this little costume. Emma used it when she was little, and before that, it was her cousin Cora's. This Tigger has definitely made its rounds! :)

Overall, it was a good night. The girls are enjoying their "spoils", and we are enjoying sharing the candy with all the students. :) I may or may not have had a Reece's peanut butter cup, or two, or five...

Josie is barking. She would bark when I said smile. I guess that is how pink poodles smile.

She was so excited she couldn't stand still!

Emma's costume complete with her great grandmother's gloves. She was SO careful. It was SO cute!

Just like Tigger, all Addie could do was bounce!