Birthday shout-out

Mom said I loved to kiss Andrew. I was almost 2 and he was about 4 mo.

Andrew and me(guessing we are 2 and 3) Don't we both look a bit mischievous! Don't ask how we managed to get in the trunk...if you ask us it was staged!

Today is Andrew's birthday and we wanted to wish him a happy one. What fun memories we have as kids.

We have plenty to praise God for; brothers.

Thanksgiving is here

Hope you are enjoying time with those you love...Happy Thanksgiving from us to you!

PS Don't eat too much! Glad I have maternity pants to wear...room to expand!

We have plenty to praise God for; "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

and more snow...

Making a snow angel.
Baby snow angel.
Mommy and baby angels.

Snow cones anyone?

Some of the snow was almost up to her knees!

Which made for challenging walking.

Well, it kept snowing Thursday night, and we were left with more than the last time I think. Maria and I took advantage of the complete calm afternoon and spent about 30 minutes playing in the snow. Although Maria decided that she wanted to sample the snow. We also made snow angels...she thought it was fun to fall back in the snow, so I showed her how to make a snow angel.

We have plenty to praise God for; snow gear that keeps us toasty.

snowflakes abound

Tuesday's snow

Here is our little winter wonderland...Tuesday we awoke to lovely snowy world, and just this afternoon, it started snowing again. So since we had just gotten Maria some boots, we took her out (for like 5 minutes! that snow was blowing hard) to frolic in the snow.

We have plenty to praise God for; the beauty of seasons.

meeting Rosalia

We were able to stay with friends Dan and Anna and meet their adorable daughter Rosalia on the way home from our vacation. Dan and Larry met in college, but since they live about 5 hours from us, we don't get to see them often. It was great to hang out and catch up on things...late into the night. Rosalia was adorable, although she was feeling a bit under the weather.

We have plenty to praise God for; the generous hospitality of great friends.

A Valley View escape

We had a wonderful time on our retreat/vacation. I already explained the place on a former post, but again if you have a pastor you think could benefit, please pass along the Pastor's Retreat Network name. Here are some pictures from our time away. We were staying in the New Bedford, Ohio area, near Holmes County so there were lots of Amish farms there. The scenery was beautiful, we were able to read, relax, put together a puzzle, and take several walks through their property. Maria had a great week, being spoiled by my parents. We're not really sure she missed us at all!

We have plenty to praise God for; coming home after time away!

bubble wrap fun

My mom got a package while we were at her place last weekend, which was wrapped with large bubble wrap. Maria had a great time popping the bubbles.

We have plenty to praise God for; simple pleasures.

mission accomplished

Well, I was busy last week working on a couple of rompers for presents. My sister-in-law Lisa is due in Jan with a little boy, so I made this sailboat romper for him...hopefully it will fit next summer.

I also made this flower romper for Rosalia. She is the daughter of Dan and Anna, Larry and Dan were friends in college. We get to see them next Friday as we are going to Ohio for a retreat/vacation and they live close to where we will be. Since we haven't met their daughter yet, I thought I would make her a little gift...let's hope it fits next summer too. (Maria was so kind to model it for me, although she didn't want to hold still for a picture, hence the counter!)

This house, called the Valley View Inn, is part of the Pastor's Retreat Network, and where we will be staying for the next week. It is free for pastors and spouses, thanks to generous contributors. Our kind of vacation. Basically you get a room and food for the week and quiet so you can relax, retreat and rejuvenate. They ask that you don't bring laptops, cell phones(or at least leave them off while there), and other things that will keep you current to the world. The point is to disconnect with everything for a week and connect with God for that time. Other pastors and spouses will also be there, but nothing is structured except meals, so you can do (or don't do) as you please. Any pastor is eligible to attend. So if you think your pastor might be interested give them the info from the link I provided, they must request an invitation to be invited there. They also have a house in Wisconsin, which we stayed at about 2 1/2 years ago, and one in Texas, which we hope to make it to one day. We hope to enjoy our time away. Maria will be at my parents, and will enjoy every minute of her time we're sure!

We have plenty to praise God for; time to connect with our Creator.

ooo la la...

Maria doing her dog imitation.

Isn't that tail cute?

Well, Maria was Fifi the poodle for Halloween...although we only went to about 10 houses. We just wanted to dress her up in this cute costume I made Friday afternoon for only $3. She enjoyed making her dog imitation, panting with her tongue sticking out. We got to eat some yummy chocolate after we got back...ah, the joys of parenthood!

Enjoying some loot!

We have plenty to praise God for; an oh-so-cute poodle!