It is Beginning To Look Like Christmas

In preparation for Christmas, Dad hung the lights on the house. I helped untangle them. It was a beautiful day outside and does not seem like Christmas at all. The lawns are beautiful green. I also have decorated inside. We are trying to be all organized as we await the arrival of our children.

Thanksgiving Dinner

A turkey feast at Hy-Vee. It was delicious and I did not have to do dishes. We made a pumpkin pie at home and managed to eat most of it over the coarse of the day. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day Project

Our goal was to make the back basement bedroom a little more appealing. This picture is not flattering but it shows that I (we) painted. The walls are brown. This wall turned out great the cement walls not as good. We decided they should have been treated before painting, but non-the-less they are better than they were. Getting this new piece of carpet downstairs was a two man job done by one man. It was quite a process but he did it. Another feat is that Dad decided the room needed lights that turned on by a switch at the door. I did not know he could wire but after several hours of trial and error he did it. Now the room has a light switch. I asked him how he knew to do that and he said watching people and the internet. What a man! Next project he plans to tackle is a door on the room.

Putting the carpet down. It fits the room. Goodbye old gold carpet.

Finished project. Dad also put up the piece of paneling on the unfinished wall. Yes Dave and Anita that is your coffee table. Your love seat is also in there. We decided it was a safe place for them both but we don't intend to keep them. :)

I even hung a pictue on the wall and got new bedding. I had fun making the collage of older pictures. Dave and Anita are the lucky first occupants. :)

The Ostrich Nest

Here is Uncle Matt up in the Ostrich Nest. If only he were little again.

Grandma's Favorites

These pictures are, in my opinion the best of the best. I bought Katelynn this silly hat and I thought she was cute as a button in it even if the balls were almost as big as her head. Who could resist this picture of Josiah and Jonathan with their Grandpa. I will forever cherish this picture and hope that the boys will also.

Again I thank God for my wonderful family and the privilege I have had to live long enough to enjoy these moments.

Kate and Jack

We have been blessed with another set of babies. Ours seem to come in sets now. It truely is double fun. Here is sweet Katelyn

Hopefully the start of a lifelong friendship. Sweet Jackson

Eric and Sarah and children, Becky and children and Matt and Unity came home for the wedding of cousin Liz Zuehlke. We all missed Dave and Anita and their family, and Becky's husband Chaun, but it wasn't possible for them to come this time. The pictures above and below reflect this family celebration.

Jonathan and Josiah

The recent visit by my girls at home gave some opportunity for fun shots of the two boys who aren't twins but seem so to grandma. I heard a knock on the back door and when I opened it, in came these two characters on thier bikes.

Reading at the motel.

Scott and Liz Gamblin

In November we were excited to be part of Scott and Liz's wedding. We enjoyed our trip so much and sharing precious time with family. Following are some snaps of our week-end.

With the happy bride and groom. Congrats Scott and Liz. (Liz is Sandy's sisters daughter)
Pouring punch

With Josiah and Jack Luke holding Katie

Josiah and Jonathan played so nicely at the table

Cousins

Dad waiting for the wedding to begin. Uncle Matt enjoying Katie.

Unity enjoying Katie.

Sisters -

Eric and Sarah visit Meriden

Eric and Sarah came on Nov. 18th. They came for Liz's wedding but got to spend a day at home with us before we left for GI. We had a really good time with them and the little boys. Here is a picture of them at the wedding.

The Ostrich Nest

The tree house has been officially named. The winning entry came from Uncle Matt. I am sorry all you wonderful grandchildren. I loved every suggestion but in the end I couldn't resist Matt's name, "The Ostrich Nest". Josiah and his daddy were the first ones up. I don't think Josiah was too thrilled but his parents thought it was neat. Hopefully we will have a nice enough day over Christmas when everyone can go up.

A Trip to Milwaukee and Chicago

Near the end of October I took a trip by myself to Milwaukee and Chicago. The trip there was challenging, rain, some night driving and staying in a motel by myself. The reward however once I got there was oh so sweet. First (Friday morning) I stopped at Sarah and Eric's. Josiah was excited to see me and that squeezed Grandma's heart. He was delighted with my bag of books and wanted me to sit down and read immediately. Jackson was so sweet and a pure delight to love on. Around supper time Sarah, the boys and I climbed into my van and drove to Chicago to Dave's. There I was met by 4 enthusiastic Grandchildren. We had soooooo much fun. Eric came to Dave's later and then the next morning their family left for Kentucky. Saturday I spent with Dave's family. We went shopping, ate ice cream, read books and just soaked up being together. I love visiting Chicago. I had to leave on Sunday but before I left I had breakfast with Unity. We had a nice visit and a good breakfast. Then I left Chicago and headed home. The trip home was daylight and a beautiful day. It went good. I still am amazed that I can do this trip by myself but oh so thankful! It was wonderful to return home to Larry. How thankful I am to gave him waiting at the end of the road.