2009 NOVEMBER -- Lacquered box from Russia

SPEECHLESS AGAIN!!! We looked at so many gorgeous lacquered boxes in Russia but didn't buy any ( I thought....). The one day I stayed on the ship to rest my broken foot while the rest had a free day to shop, etc., Kent had Sue help pick out a box for me for my birthday. I don't know how Kent so cleverly hid it all that time and got it packed in his suitcase to come home. I was so totally SHOCKED at my birthday dinner when I opened the package with this gorgeous lacquered box from Russia!!! Speechless for the 2nd time that night! Thanks for your help, Sue, in picking it out. It is beautiful! WHAT A BIRTHDAY!

THANKSGIVING 2009

The family is getting so large that it works out well to have our Thanksgiving in the finished room in the barn at Roger & Bonnie's. So many have other plans or in-laws to be with over the Thanksgiving holiday, that we decided to have our dinner the Saturday before Thanksgiving so everyone could be together. Everyone was able to make it except Ryan & Theresa. We also had Lucille, Eunhui, & Naomi with us and David & Eleanor Barkley, so there were about 58 of us, I think. We had a wonderful day -- tons of scrumptious food and pies of every kind. A very nice Thanksgiving and much to be thankful for!

Have to have pumpkin pie!

Jananne, Jody, Shelley, Johanna, Mamie set up the tables, etc.

Even had wicker furniture for relaxing!

My sisters
Marilyn & Donna were glad to get in on our big dinner!

Kent & Roger ordered flowers for the tables

Lots of yummy food!

Good food & fellowship!

Roger, Ivan, Carl, Norma, Sharon & Kent singing a hymn (Brent's pic)

Kent & Sharon

Marilyn & Kent having fun at the piano!

Kelly & Tucker announced their engagement!
(Brent's pic)

Kids crafting

Lots of laughs at the game table!

NOVEMBER, 2009 HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY, SHARON!

Kent surprised me and flew my two sisters here for my birthday. We walked in the restaurant for dinner with Brent's and Brad's families, and there sat Marilyn & Donna at the table with everyone! I was so shocked! Speechless! What a great surprise and a wonderful birthday week-end! It was very special!
Donna & Marilyn waiting to surprise me...
(Brent's pic)












Shocked & speechless!
(Brent's pic)












I can't believe you guys are here!
(Brent's pic)


























Gag gift from Brent & Brad -- steel toed boots for their clutzy mother!!! (Brent's pic)













WHAT A BIRTHDAY!!! THANKS EVERYONE!

2009 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

"The happy tourists!"

Dad & Joan

Brent & Johanna

Paxton

Shelley

(Brad's malfunctioned... so no costume!)

Ellie & Ava

2009 HALLOWEEN PARADE

We went to the elementary school this PM to watch the kindergarteners and 1st graders march with their teachers and classes in their Halloween parade. Lots of cute costumes! Paxton, Braden, & Brody were all in the parade. The band lined up on the playground playing while the kids marched all around the playground a couple of times showing off their costumes. Cute! It has been a tradition in Milford for years & years, although when grades 1-5 were all together they marched behind the band all around the oval in the center of town.

The band playing

Paxton with his class

Braden with his class

Grampa & Shaelyn watching the parade

Brody with his class

Mr. Paxton the magician

2009 OCTOBER -- APPLE PIES!!!

Dad, Joan, and I made 10 apple pies Thursday AM to take to Chappell Tractor for the employees. Dad & Mom started that a few years ago, and Dad & I continued it last year. This year Joan joined in the fun, and we made enough pies for both the Milford and Brentwood dealerships. Dad used the corer/peeler/slicer tool and prepared all the apples in jig time. Joan mixed up the apples, sugar, & spices, and I did the pie crusts and filled the pies. We had quite an assembly line going. Had great fun! All the pies fit in my two ovens, so that was great. And what a delicious aroma floated through the house as they were baking! Took the warm pies along with some vanilla ice cream to the shop for their afternoon break, and the pies were gobbled right down. Brad took the ones for Brentwood over with him Friday AM. We didn't have any problem getting rid of the 10 pies...





Dad & Joan at work.










8 done and 2 to go!













All baked! Smells so good!



























Ready to serve!

2009 OCTOBER -- MUSICIANS!

Ellie & Ava both continue taking piano lessons and do well. They have a very enthusiastic Russian piano teacher who is great with kids. Now Ellie has started flute in 4th grade and is in the band. She is quite excited! She has just had two lessons so far. Ava has started trying to learn to play some hymns on her own on the piano besides her lessons and has 3 mastered now with one hand. She is thrilled! Gramma sometimes plays the bottom hand along with her.

Ellie with her very own flute. "Now I don't have to rent one!"












"I like There is Rest, There is Peace in the Fold the best!"