Dana and Baby are fine

I called Tara this morning. She said that Dana had a C section during the night and she and baby are fine. That's all I know at this time

DANA UPDATE

She went to the hospital last night and as of 7 this morning she is 6 cm. We should have a baby today!

CHRISTMAS 2003

This photo was taken while Todd and Christa lived in Washington. They were working hard to get to China, making lots of sacrifices and trusting God to show them what to do next.

They have been gone for 16 months now and I think that the newness of it all might be wearing off. Being a 'Home-body' myself I can really sympathize. I pray that God will encourage them reminding them of his never ending love and keep them warm this winter.

Todd and Christa I love you very much and am proud of how well you are adjusting.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

The house is decorated (until Nattie comes, anyway) and the weather has been a little cool so I am begining to feel like it is time for Christmas. Caroline, Tony and Tom will all be down for Christmas this year and Natalie is old enough to enjoy the "unwrapping part" so I think it will be a good time.

Thanksgiving weekend has been relaxing and very enjoyable. Rolf came over for his first Turkey Dinner spending Thanksgiving in the USA. Dave golfed Fri. and Sat. and we went downstairs to Bill's last night for Chili. Today we went to the gym and are off to church now. When we come home we plan to have Kentucky Hot Browns for lunch and take it easy. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Watch the blog for some Christmas photos from the past.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Three years ago I was voted 'Employee of the Year' at Lifestyle Interiors. I was rewarded with a trip to New York City. The trip took place on Mother's Day weekend and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. I was not blogging at the time so I dedcided that this was one of those favorite memories I wanted to recall and record.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHERS

Rob Johnson teaches in Texsas
I think that if all math teachers looked this good girls in the 6th 7th and 8th grade would take more math classes.

I had this guy's dad for study hall in high school but he wasn't this cute.

FRIENDS IN AND OUT AT THE HIDEAWAY

In the fall many of our friends come for a few weeks and then go back north for the holidays. Since we were in Kentucky later this year it seems like we didn't get to see them much while they were here and most of them will be leaving this week.

Rolf, from Germany and the Thompsons from Canada will be staying until the end of the year and then everyone else will be headed back for the season.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKING DAY

It is mid November and the calandar is filling up quickly. Every year Cheryl and I spend a Saturday making Christmas cookies for friends. The day has been set for December 9 this year. Even though most of you that read this won't be in town to join us I encourage you to make cookies that day. It has become a favorite tradition of mine.

FOURTH ANNUAL WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS

This year was like the others a trip to Stephen Libs fine chocolate store was a top priority

Trick or Treat in Virginia / Autumn Party in Xining

The kids in Virginia went Trick or Treating with friends.


I was talking to Todd today (tonight for him) and he told me that the kids had an Autumn Party. Sarah was very happy dancing around because she had a bag of candy

NO CHANGE IN 34 YEARS

This was taken on Friday, November 3, 1972. Isn't it amazing how time stands still?
WHAT? You think we have changed. No, ofcourse we haven't.

NOT SO LONG AGO

When I was going through papers at Mom's house I ran across some old photos.
These were taken before I was born but not that long before.

They reminded me of how much things have changed in 60 years.


My dad drove a water truck. This is him and Carol, my sister posing for the camera.

My cousin,Janet and my sister, Carol standing outside of my Grandmothers house

SWEETNESS IS...

a little girl all dressed up.

NEW LOOK

You might have noticed some changes on my blog. While I was on vacation Todd went on and added a few things for me. I appreciate his help and am happy to use my blog to advertise his book. Since everyone that reads my blog already has one, I don't think he will get many sales from it:)

I am back from vacation and will be posting again, soon.

Last Photos for 10 days...

I ONLY HAVE TO GET THROUGH TODAY

David, the creep, as he is referred to today decided to just take the day off and start vacation early. I do not have that option so thats why I gave him that name. While he is getting things together I will be working and watching the clock.

TRICK OR TREAT

This year I didn't even have to go out the treats came to my door last night.

MAD SCIENTIST or CRAZY AUTHOR?

It's so hard to tell when they all look alike.

FROM A PRINCESS TO A QUEEN

I really believe that 'dressing up' is an art. Anna has it in her blood and does it very well. She didn't have to be coaxed to do it she found joy in it. If you will notice in the photo on the right she also included Cokie in the fun.

Another example of knowing how to dress up is this next photo. These are not any of our family members but these guys do it so well that I just had to give them the credit due them.

GODZILLA

Halloween was always such a fun time for me. As a kid getting the chance to get all dressed up and go around the neighborhood getting candy was a real treat. We didn't have candy readily available all the time like our kids and grandkids. It was not only an excitng evening but it was fun deciding what to wear and planning your route so that you would always get more candy than the year before.

With my kids and grandkids you had to be more careful with the actual Trick or Treating part because of all the crazys you heard about putting things in the candy but I enjoyed creating costumes and seeing them dress up.

This brings me to the point of the actual costumes. You can definatly tell when the child starts using his/her own imagination and getting in to the fun of creating. That is when they choose what they are going to be. This photo is Maison's first real choice. He went from the cute little lion cub, which he had no say in; to a cute little dalmation(photo to come later), that he had little in the decision process but agreed to on to Godzilla. Yes, this was all his ideal!