Merry Christmas

A Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends!! My computer at home is down for a couple of days. I will be back in touch after the holidays!!

Kindergarten Christmas Party

Salem Christmas Program

Mrs. Cheryl Forrider did another great job with the children's Christmas Program. The picture is a little bit dark, but you can see Andrew holding up his star.

. . . Snowflake Evening

The annual AWC Christmas Banquet was tonight. The Student Council did an excellent job of decorating. We enjoyed seeing all the new couples that you will soon hear about. The food was great topped off with Mrs. England's pies...sooo delicious.

It Did Not Run Away!

Andrew was pretty proud of this gingerbread boy that we made. Although he made a point of telling me that the gingerbread boy was not alive, he watched to make sure that it did not run away.

Finishing the Kitchen

I am slowly fixing up our apartment...one room at a time. My husband recently painted the kitchen for me, and I put up some decorations. Then during Thanksgiving I was able to sew curtains for it. The cloth I used for the curtains matches my dishes (pfaltzgraff--orleans pattern). I found the cloth on ebay.



The picture is a puzzle that my neighbor, Rev. Edwin Manners, put together. China cupboard is from my Grandma Mcpherson's Aunt.

The Waiting Bride

Enjoyed going to Abby Reitz's bridal shower today. She looked beautiful and happy. The shower was a in a lovely decorated room at Essex. It was hosted by Pam Reitz and Amy Stratton. Several ladies brought in delicious goodies. Abby received a lot of nice useful gifts. Best wishes, Abby!!!

Sisters of Encouragement

We had a lovely Christmas get together at the parsonage this evening with a gift exchange amoung the sisters of encouragment.

One Little Indian . . .

Sue Myers helped the kindergarten class with this costume.

Annie Visits

Andrew spends many lonely hours without a playmate, so he was delighted when his cousin, Ann Marie, stayed overnight with us. They played together all day!! When she left this evening, a little boy's heart was crushed!

Cousins Game Night

Thanksgiving Dinner at AWC

Once again we gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner in the dining hall at AWC. The Student Council did a great job of decorating for the event. The kitchen crew provided another superb meal. Joe Ball and Miss Ritchey shared memories of God's blessings and Thanksgiving. Susanna Sturtevant, Kasia Cope and Valerie Quales sang a special. We all joined together to sing a couple choruses of praise. All in all, it was a lovely evening! Here are some pictures of the decorations.

Time for a Coat

just out the door



a final goodbye to mom

We are thankful that we have the church academy nearby. Andrew leaves just before I do in the morning. He goes over to the Quales where he waits with Brittany and Brooke Quales for Barb Sannes to pick them up. In the afternoon Valerie Quales brings Andrew, her two girls, and Barb's two boys, Victor and Bradley, back from school.

Andrew has enjoyed every moment of his school experience for which we are very thankful.

The Beauty of Snow

Outside kitchen door


Neighbors

Shopping before the Christmas Rush

After spending nine hours overtime this week at the office, I was more than happy to go Christmas shopping today with Mom. Andrew does not always look forward to shopping, but he soon fit right into the mood with us. We started out at Lion and the Lamb right here in Salem and then moved on to Value City in Alliance. They are closing in just four days and had everything 70% off. I did not pick any Christmas gifts up there, but did find some things for baby showers. (I always like to have things tucked away, so that I do not have to make a special trip to town just before a shower.) We then went over to Carnation Mall. I was able to find some things there for people on my list. We did not think our day would be complete without going to Ollies in Canton. I found some really good buys!!! The day was very profitable, and I was able to get gifts for most of the people on my list. The delightful part of Christmas is giving. It is so rewarding when you know that you found that perfect gift for someone special in your life. A bonus--I will not have to shop with the larger crowds next week after Thanksgiving!

Dust of Snow by Robert Frost

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued

Going to a Birthday Party

Andrew was invited to go to a birthday party for Brooke Quales. She is turning 10. Since the Quales live right next to us, Brooke and Andrew play together.


In his eagerness to go to the party he put his hoody on backwards.


All set to go!!! (At the last minute my brave little fellow wondered if I would go with him to carry the bag!!)




Andrew and Brooke

Family Project...Fall Evening

Leaves...rakes...a wheelbarrow...tag...smoke balls...bean soup...homemade bread...bonfire...aroma of leaves burning...blinking jets...twinkling stars...full moon...glowing embers...joy of a family.

Kindergarten Field Trip

Andrew and his two classmates recently enjoyed a trip to the fire station in Salem. They learned valuable information about what to do in case of a fire.


Andrew, Brentin Duvall, Clayton Myers

After Election Jitters!!!

This is what I saw when my doorbell rang at 8:30 p.m. Enjoyed the girls stopping by for a visit!!


Lynn Nevseta, Jenny Troyer, Stephanie Washburn, Danielle Leamer, Sarah Nevseta

Sweethearts Forever

My first roses from Andrew. I guess I will be the lucky girl for the next several years!!!