Pictures of this and that . . .

This Thanksgiving we were blessed to have a house full of family and friends to share the day. As always around here, we had plenty to eat.






Kaylee caught getting into the candy cupboard. (One special memory from Grandma & Grandpa Brown's house was the candy cupboard. Guess that's why I have one now.)

Matthew's new facination right now is Christmas lights. Loves to plug them in and hopefully they work. He had found this tangled mess of lights and needed Papa's help fixing them.

Erin - such a delightful child - trying to be just like Mommy!

Good friends! Recently had a sleep-over.

Not sure how Matthew ended up in the middle of story time?!?

New Addition . . .

This is a new addition that Todd & Tristan are putting on their parent's house. It will be a new bedroom, lg walk-in closet, bathroom and lg living room area. (I am posting these pictures mostly for the benefit of distant sis-in-law. The rest of you are allowed to look. Enjoy!!!)


This view from barn side of the house. Opening on left is a double window into the living area. the two windows on right of addition will be in the master bedroom.



Back view. Window on end will be into bedroom. 'Higher up' window into the bathroom and the door opening will be patio door into living area.



View from garage side. T & T Construction doing a fantastic job - as always.

The next 4 pictures are intended to show a L to R view of the inside. 1.Closet and bathroom. 2. Master bedroom. 3. Living area. 4. New addition will open into old house thru the dining room window. (Kaylee is trying hard to comprehend this idea - 'we will be climbing in and out thru the window???')
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I hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour!!!!

Home again, Home again . . .

The kids and I had a great time in PA with Nana & Pappy for almost 2 weeks during October. And I just realized that I failed to post any pictures. Getting back in the routine of things and getting caught up with everything - well I won't make any more excuses. ;-)


A very cold train ride - Uncle Alan, Kaylee, Gavan, & Matthew.



The train stopped at half-way point to let us off for a picnic.

Meal time was always very eventful - feeding 8 kids.

Don't know how Nana did it!! Getting 6 to sit and listen for storytime.



Trying a different angle.

The trip home was very interesting! Dave & Rose took us part of the way.

I was in the back of the Suburban - with six little people - entertaining, feeding, cleaning up 'mess', and trying to stay comfortable. Dont' I look happy?!?



And last but not least - my new nephew, Dylan - was a great traveler.

We made it home after a 3 lap journey. Todd met us in Nashville and brought us safely back to our Home Sweet Home.

'The morning after . . .'

I picked up my Bible this morning looking for some encouraging words. And this is what I read: Jer 29 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord.

When I stop and think of the results of the election, I can't help but be a bit discouraged. It would seem that evil prevailed on every hand. From the Colorado amendment to define life beginning at conception; to the amendments protecting the institution of marriage and the family; even to the election of a man who is undeniable not Christian; it just wasnt' a good day in the history of America.

Yet even considering the events of yesterday and what the future may hold - I'm am thrilled when I realize that the Church of Christ throughout history, thrives and grows the most when it suffers the worst persecution. We so easily forget how much we need God when times are good, but we are soon on our knees when faced with circumstances as we are today. So be encouraged there are good days ahead for the Church.

I'm not blind to the difficult days that are ahead of us, but I am looking at the good that will come out of these troubled times. So I am encouraged today because my eyes are on Jesus and not on President-elect Barak Obama.

Dunlap - Postol Wedding

Janna Dunlap & Stephen Postol joined in holy matrimony!















This was the kids before the wedding. They were hanging out in the nursery.

Kaylee S. - Matthew S. - Breyanna P. - Tyler ?? - Erin S. (getting toy on floor )

Me and my hubby.

Family picture.

Cooking class 101. . .

Today I decided to let the kids help me with some cooking. It could have been a disaster but they both did really great. Matthew mixed up Pumpkin Custard Pies and Kaylee mixed Sweet Potato Casserole. I did the measuring of ingredients.

Before we got started, Matthew was beating on the mixing bowls - making music (noise rather)!!

Mix, mix, mix! Stir, stir, sir!!

The pies are baking as I post this blog. I wish I could somehow post the wonderful aroma. Anyone want to come for over for some freshly bake pumpkin pie?? :-)

Auction time . . .

Several months ago, Todd and several other family and friends decided to hold an auction. It was all farm equipment, tractors, trucks, tools, storage buildings, and a whole ton of other misc items (but nothing for the ladies). I thought I'd post a few pictures of the sale.

This Amish man (a long time family friend) was riding around with a 'for sale' sign on his horse. Unfortunately, I don't think he was successful in selling that day.

I was involved with planning and working a consession stand for the day. It sure brought back memories of all those fund raisers from my high school and college days. We sold hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, water, coffee, etc. It was lots of fun - thanks Paula for all your help!!