Bible Study Christmas Party

Our Bible Study went to Arnie's in Rockford for dinner and to celebrate Christmas together. We had a great meal, lots of laughs, and great fellowship. After dinner we went to a place called the WAR Chest. WAR (Women at Risk) is a boutique that sells many beautiful items made by women who live abroad who are being exploited sexually by men. They find refuge in Freedom houses and are able to live and and get away from that lifestyle and able to make money and at the same time find their self worth. A very noble cause.

Mar and Rhonda

Judy and Nancy

Renee and me

June and Vi

Julia, Coleen, and Fran were unable to join us, as they were not feeling well. We missed them...and we are looking forward to starting our Bible Study again the first of the year.

Chicago with Pam

Pam and I in the Windy City

The Christmas lights are amazing and beautiful

The beautiful Christmas tree by the John Hancock Building

Looking out the window at the Cheesecake Factory

We took a bus with a bunch of other ladies and it was a lot of fun. We enjoyed shopping, eating, and just spending a great day together!

Thanksgiving 2009 at Koezes

Sarah, Andy, and Allie waiting for the amazing dinner!!

Ok, Sarah and I made the pies on Wednesday, there were two different types of crusts, I think that the majority liked Sarah's crust better than mine. That's okay! I made mine with butter and Sarah made her's with Crisco. Either way, we were really proud of our "made from scratch" pie crusts - and they both tasted great!!

Aunt Wilma and Allie checking out the sales that will be happening tomorrow! I am not a shopper that goes out the day after Thanksgiving!

Tim and Pam working on Thanksgiving dinner......

Pam mashing the potatoes! Thanks Koezes for a great dinner...looking forward to a great Christmas!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

A different kind of Thanksgiving this year. I have a new perspective on life. Since, I have been recovering from surgery this year, I was unable to spend Thanksgiving in Texas with Nate and Emily and their families, and my brother, Tim and Jalena because I had to stay close to home. I am very fortunate to have a sister, aunt, nieces, and others that I could enjoy Thanksgiving with this year. Of course every year we miss those who can't be with us because they live far away or that they are in their heavenly home. I keep thinking about the feast we will have when we all get to heaven. Above all I am very thankful for a God that loves me, watches over everyone in my family that live far away and time to plan on the next time we will see each other. The following song I learned when I was in elementary school and it has been in my head for the past few evenings while I try to go to sleep -

"Father, I thank you for this night and for the pleasant morning light,
For rest and food and loving care and all that makes the world so fair.
Help me to do the things I should, to be to others kind and good,
In all I do in work for play, to be more loving everyday" !

I pray that ALL the people I love had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Andy and Sarah are engaged!

My niece Sarah is engaged to Andy! I am very excited to have another wedding to look forward too!! Congratulations!!

Parting Shots

Went to take a picture of Elaina before I left and she was sleeping, but then......

Nate and Brooke got her up so they could say good bye as a family....

I don't do well at good-byes and this is the best picture of me while this is happening. I just don't look good when I am trying to smile while I am crying!! I love spending time with my kids and they are always so generous and hospitable while I am there. Why is saying good bye so hard to say when love them so much??

Hudson snapshots

I am saying "McQueen" grandma!!

I love to play with my daddy -- we like to wrestle, play football, race, and play cars! I think he is tickling me here, tho!

How can you not love this face?

Me and my mommy - she is so good to me and loves to play with me!!

Notice my big boy underwear!! This potty training is a trying process for me and my parents!!