This one is long, so be prepared. I have been falling down on the blogging job, so I will get caught up with all the happenings around here.
Thanksgiving was a wonderfully fun day for all of us. I am so thankful that Tom’s side and my side all celebrate together. It makes it very easy for us not to have to split up the day and I am very blessed that they all like each other and get along so great.
In fact, part of our day besides gorging ourselves on all the food, was planning our big family vacation next year. All of us are heading to the mountains for a grand time.
Bud and Jaden – complete buddies for the day! Thanks Jonathan for entertaining my little rat pack for the entire day.
Notice Julian’s shirt. It was a beautifully warm 70 degrees. The boys played outside quite a bit until Daniel took a header over the rock wall and took out the scarecrow. (Wish I could have seen that one!)
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Here’s Mom and Dad on Thanksgiving. I put this in here because I wanted to give you all the latest update on Mom’s health. I must give a big shout out to God for the awesome report from the Dr.
When Mom went, he examined her from head to toe and asked how she thought she was doing. She said “I really think I am doing good.”. He said “No, you’re not. You are doing TREMENDOUS!” He said that they really didn’t know that she would be here this year to celebrate the holidays. What a precious gift that God has given her and all of us. I am glad to have my Mom around and feeling so well. I don’t know what I would do without her! Praise be to the name of God forever and ever. Wisdom and power are His. He gives us such good gifts!!
Also, a couple days ago she got her blood work back. ALL of it was within normal ranges. The nurse told her that they never see that. He tumor marker was at 10 which went up a little bit. They don’t seem concerned with that.
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The day after the big turkey day, Uncle Mike came down for a visit. It was great to see him!! He brought quite the little bundle for the kids to play with – literally! His trunk was full of goodies and then he had a new Maltese named Alex that they loved.
Here’s everyone watching “A Christmas Story”.
Jaden and Alex
Evely and Alex. Isn’t he the cutest little dog?
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Monday evening we got the Christmas tree out. I baked a tea ring for Tom as his bribe and payment for hauling all the stuff down from the attic.
All the boys were up in the attic having fun. That was quite a new experience for them.
The three amigos!
Here’s our lowly little tree. The kids had a ball putting on the ornaments. I was shocked at how much Julian remembered and talked about stuff from years past. He has a mind like a steel trap.
I was wishing for a tree like Kenny and Barb’s the whole time. They have this awesome tree that comes out a box, you hit a button and the thing periscopes up and is fully lighted, fully decorated and really is pretty! I need that.
Here’s my favorite picture. Evely gazing at the tree.
Merry Christmas everyone! As you go about your fun festivities, don’t forget to stop and take time to worship Jesus, the reason for this celebration. What a gift He is to me! I couldn’t make it through the days without Him.
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Great pix, especially the ones of the kiddos. That is a cute dog and the picture with Evely holding it is great.
I wouldn’t mind a tree that already had the lights on it but I want to do the decorating myself (as a family that is)…that’s a large part of the fun. You do need to get a bigger tree though, Tom looks like the Abominable Snowman compared to it! :rotfl
Yeah, Carl, I would still want to put all our own ornaments and stuff on it. I just would like it to be put together and already pre-lit! That would be awesome.
Have you guys got your tree up yet? Do you do a real one?
Karen, your pictures are as nice as usual. Your mom looks so good, I’m happy for your family that GOD got her thru and doing great. Our LORD is KING! Praise him!!!!!
I love your Christmas tree. I got me the white one I’ve been wanting. I have my croched ornaments on it and it came with lights, just plug in and wal-la.
I wish you and yours “HAPPY HOLIDAYS ” and a happy “NEW YEAR”.
Thanks, Marlis! Merry Christmas to you too! You’re tree sounds pretty. I bet the white is a nice change from the green ones!
Auntie, I love your crocheted ornaments. I put a pretty butterfly pin you made on Anjelia’s stocking.
Karen, the pics are fun to look at. I love the one of Evely looking at the tree. She is such a petite princess.
Praise God for his healing power! Your mom looks terrific.
You are a brave soul to have than many to dinner, but I know you had a lot of fun!
WHAT A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING and so much to be thankful for. God has certainly blessed me and my family this year. God is so good, and not just when He gives us what we want, but all the time.
I praise God for life, health, and strength–things we take for granted until they are almost gone.
My highest praise to our Wonderful Lord. Thank you too for family and friends (and even those I have not met) who have upheld me in prayer and been there for support in the greatest battle of my life.
These holidays are very special to me. Those “three little amigos” are so precious to me, and I am so happy to be a part of their lives.
Karen, it looks like a great time was had by all. We have an artificial tree that used to belong to Carl’s parents. It’s a nice one.
Judy, you look great! God is so good!
Karen, I just realized you are wearing your big green bow! We need to get our picture taken in our head gear! I have your big candy canes!