Happy Birthday, Grandma Jean!

 Debbie set the tables so beautifully

 Grandma greeting her friends, both long-time and new

Grandma praying before our meal

Grandma Jean and Doug (with Schaeffer on the flute) signing old-time show tunes

Stacy (holding Jane) and Sara (holding Hattie)

 Grandma blowing our her candles

 Grandma and her BSF buddies: Bertha, Gert and Frankie

 Adam, Stacy, Hattie and Grandma

 Grandma and her life-long friend Nadine

 Sara, Scott, Eli, Jane and Grandma

 Grandma and her great-grandkids

 stair-steps

 The whole family

 Grandma's kids: Gayle, Doug & Deb

Myself, Griffin, Schaeffer Jo & Grandma

Christmas Eve!

 i 'think' she likes it.

 opening our present from England--Santa in London!

 opening gifts with my my niece and nephew, Jane & Eli

 i 'think' he likes it

 the traditional Christmas pictures with Great Grandma Jean

 Sara, Grandma & Janey Bean

 all the girls

 the Winklers

 Scott having a sweet moment with Jane

(the moment before she smacked his face with that toy)

 opening toys & Christmas cookies make kids crazy!

 Eli & Schaeffer Jo both got 'snowman kits'

Eli 'snowmanned' himself

 faster, Uncle Scott! faster!

 setting out chocolate milk & cookies for Santa

carrots for the reindeer

 bursting with excitement

Santa's been here---and to everyone a good night!

Rockford Harvest Festival

 we're going on a hayride!

 the weather couldn't have been more beautiful for a harvest celebration

 pretty horses

 my baby--who doesn't look so much like a baby anymore

 my sweet sister, her honey & Hazel

 what are the chances of getting 3 sets of eyes?

p.s.: Happy Birthday, Aunt Gayle!

Schaeffer Jo and I ventured to Grand Rapids for the day--with the intention of walking in a fundraiser for HIS (health intervention services) in the morning, heading to Art Prize for a few hours in the afternoon, and then capping off our day by celebrating Aunt Gayle's birthday at Red Lobster. 

Well, our day pretty much imploded before it began, when we woke to 30 (ish) degree weather. We still haven't unearthed the boxes that contain winter clothing, so gathering enough layers for SJ was quite the feat. Once she was adequately layered to ward off even the abominable snowman, off we went for the 'big' city--already a few hours behind. 

We made it to the walk by noon (not 9:30 as we'd hoped), just as everything was wrapping up. We walked around town, delighted to find that Rockford was hosting a Harvest Festival. It was great fun taking the kids on a hayride, popping into shops, and enjoying the frigid crisp fall weather. 

All in all, we had a really great day, it was wonderful to celebrate Aunt Gayle's birthday (even if we arrived to her party also late). I'm so thankful that we live close enough to family that we can just hop in the car and spend the day together. 

Happy Birthday MeMa Laurie!

 Schaeffer Jo wrapped MeMa's gift with care

 the candles were lit with love

 they would not be blown out!

 look at that writing.

 the grimace on SJ's face is priceless

 that is one of my favorite color boxes!

forget the dutch oven, SJ likes the cardboard insert

A few weekends ago, we were able to be together as a family to celebrate my mom's birthday. It's always wonderful to be together, especially since my mom is quick to claim September as her birthday month.

Happy Birthday, mom--you are an irreplaceable part of our family. You bring laughter to tough circumstances, wisdom where there is none, maintain an undeniably fresh view on life, and most of all love with all of who you are. I am so blessed to have you both as a mom and as a best friend. I love you, and it's a joy to celebrate you.