Now - the pictures of our Christmas Tree Hunting Day

We got all bundled up for the chilly outdoor temps!And it was cold. Here we are on the tractor hay ride out to the tree farm.

"This one looks great!" That's what we decided after about, uh, 2 minutes of looking around. :) We did pick a winner, though!

"Ohhhhh" Greta says

Jill helped chop down the tree as well as carry it. (thankfully, the tractor came back to pick us up)

Some old friends come for a visit

Josh and Katie Larsen as well as their sons, Jason and Braedon, came for lunch the day after Thanksgiving. I hadn't seen her since before we both got married...almost 7 years ago. We were close friends in college.

And here is what happened the past 6 1/2 years.

What a fun reunion we had!!!

Thanksgiving Dinner

I had the privilege to host my first Thanksgiving dinner. Adam's parents and brother came along with my sister and her family!

...AND...I used my China dishes for the first time!

The "stuffed" turkey...looks pretty good, huh?

The little turkey gobblers awaiting the meal

Mom G finishing up the gravy and Adam carving the turkey...I had lots of help!

Carly's Happy Birthday Party!

All dressed up, with big smiling faces...Carly's sporting her new fancy overall's - Valarie had something to do with her adorable outfit!!!
...and another smile for the camera

Getting lunch together: flower shaped PB sandwiches and for dessert...cupcake cones!

MaKenzie and Brooke Enloe joined the girly girl party!

Picking Out Our Christmas Tree

God's Wonderful Gift - A New Home

Here's my little tour for those of you who want to come and see our new home:The former owner LOVED plants, gardening, and a goldfish pond with a waterfall...

And here it is: there are probably 30+ fish in there....I haven't killed them so far. :) The girls love having this pond, but it's an adventure keeping them away from it!!!The entry-way looking into the dining area...

Some more of our House!

Formal living room (as you walk in the front door , it's off to the left)We are getting Adam's parents' piano...this will do for now :)
Our lovely kitchen!
...so much cabinet and countertop space! yeah!
....and pantry space as well as a built-in desk and mail cubby holes!

Our House Cont...

View from dining area looking down to family roomWe made a little activity area for the back of the fam rm
Family room - we are looking for an entertainment armoire for our TV
A view from the fireplace looking up at the floor-planHalf bath on family room level/garage level

More House...

Sub-basement is our storage rm and playroomThe other side of basement has nice built-in cabinets and countertop...scrapbooking anyone??!!
Taking a look from the dining area upstairs...I need help in putting something up on that ledge...any ideas?
Upper closet laundry room
Girls'/Hall bathroom

More of the House...

Greta's Room
Jill and Claire's bedroom w/ their new bunkbeds!!!The other side of their room
Master Suite


Yes - that's Jill and Claire in the jacuzzi - we told them they won't get to take baths in there very often, though...it's "mommy and daddy's tub" :)

Dressin' up like some cute characters!

I pulled out their little Tigger and Piglet outfits from last year and they fit pretty well...so we dressed them up and got a little candy along the way...

Sarah Clemons dressed up as the Energizer bunny...cute. And Dan was just along for the candy, but became a "pumpkin-head" hee, hee

Claire's Birthday Morning

We were living with some friends, the Clemons' family, when Claire had her birthday. It was also Laura Clemons' birthday! We had muffins and sang to them. She got a couple presents from them too...and a balloon! :)

A pretty little purse...and she loves purses...to put things into!!!

I dressed her in her new Dora dress from Grana! Thanks Grana and Papa! Poor thing, she ended her birthday with the flu :( And was staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house...thanks for cleaning up!!

Ordination Day at Church

Mid-October was Adam's ordination service. We had our church do it. The deacons made a recommendation and the church voted. Dennis Clemons, a deacon and ordained minister, gave the challenge. It was a special time for Adam and I , as well as for the church.
We sure are thankful to be used by God here in this church ministry.

Kerri Clayton keeping an extra eye on Greta...many thanks to those who help me out each Sunday!