Our Thanksgiving Tree

A few years ago I bought some foam paper and created a thanksgiving tree that we used as a centerpiece for our kitchen table. I cut leaves from the foam and fashioned a tree trunk to stick them too. We each thought of things that we were thankful for and wrote them on the leaves. Each year we have written more things. As you can see, this year our leaves are taped to the window because last year curious hands destroyed my tree trunk- but the message is still the same, We are thankful for each of you reading this and for our many MANY blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

Game night.

It was game night at our house. We recently picked up a boxed game set with 8 different games in it. The games have provided us with some fun ever

since the sun changed its bedtime. (You can also see that I was trying to do some homework while they were occupied.)

Emmy really really wanted to play or maybe just destroy the

game that her sisters were so intently playing.

After the game the girls got their dominoes out. Dad found the action

riveting as you can see!

Then the construction moved to the floor.

After this Dad entertained us all to a night of "Karaoke with Brad". It is

quite comical believe me. He loves to sing "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On"

Not sure if you are familiar with that one. Oh yeah "Do You Want Fries With That" is another of his favorites!

"Go Daddy Go" It's too bad he can't carry a tune :)

Jo's dance and Emmy's mess

"What do you mean what's on my face Dad? I didn't eat a thing!"

Emeline snuck a little whipped cream with the help of her mommy.

Today Jo and I (and Emmy) partook in one of our favorite pastimes.

We turn the radio up real loud and
DANCE!! Little thing wouldn't slow down for me so my picture came out blurry.

more after party pics

Party pooper or just pooped out from the party. Baby Brendan is tuckered out.
The young ladies table. Josie, Georgia, (Matt's cousin) and Ava from left to right.

Jessie, Stacy and Ben enjoying lunch.

Brendan is awake. This is the first I had seen his eyes.

A few pictures from the after party.

From left Ava, Josie, Georgia and Russell putting a puzzle together at Jessie's after

Elsie's baptism. She (and Matt) had a great lunch awaiting everyone.

Mom and Rick with Grandson Brendan.

Jessie and Matt tearing into their loot. I thought it was

cute the way all the kids looked on.

(more pictures to come soon)

Veteran's Day observance

Here is Brad, his father and Josie at the Veteran's Day observance at the Legion this morning. He and his family are very active in the Legion and it's affairs.

"Parade rest"

"Present arms"

"Fire"

A Glorious Day.

This is Elsie getting ready to become one of the newest children of God!

Nothing more beautiful than a baby full of grace.

Here is Elsie just after being baptized. She was extremely well behaved and found herself immensely intrigued with everything the Priest had to say. "Good girl Elsie"!

Here is the happy family with Elsie's Godparent's, Brad and I. We were very honored to be her Godparent's and sincerely look forward to assisting Jessie and Matt with whatever the future may bring there way.

The family beaming with their bundle of joy.

Salute to our troops.

We just got back from a Veteran's Day celebration at the school. This is Josie and Emeline with their Grandpa and Grandma B. The young man on the right is a cousin named Will.

At the assembly all military members from the neighborhood were on stage. As they were introduced family members walked up the aisle to place a medal of honor around their necks. Georgia and Josie (along with other cousins) went up to meet Grandpa B. who was in the Army. It was very moving. I was surprised at just how many active military members little La Fargeville has.

The most touching part was a man that just returned (midnight) from Iraq last night. His kids had just found out he was home and they introduced him to a rousing round of applause. His family was crying and everyone on stage turned to salute him.

We give a salute to Grandpa B, Grandpa H. and cousin Dale. We are very proud of you!

ambiguous baby

The many moods of Emeline. She can really

get that lower lip to pucker.

Mighty St. Lawrence

Here is an autumnal view of the mighty St. Lawrence river. It was

very windy today but the river still looks beautiful.

These pictures were taken from the docks in Clayton.

Visitors

Jessie and Elsie came over to visit (and catch up on laundry) yesterday. Elsie was a very tired girl and slept almost the entire time but woke up a very happy baby. Emeline thoroughly enjoyed her company as you can see!

Jo's countdown

Josie and I made a countdown to her birthday (Dec. 2nd). She puts a sticker on it every night then can see how many days she has left.

mittens

A couple of days ago we received mittens in the mail from (great) Aunt Joann. She is pretty
remarkable and can be found here http://www.tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com !

sleepy babies and ben at the dinner

When my pies were done last night I went to get Brad to go to bed and look -

my two babies were snuggled up together.

Ben and I had to wait tables this year. (I have for over about 15 years now!)

He was pretty nervous but I was his boss and he did a great job!!

This is Ben calling Mom G. to pick him up. "Mom hurry up I'm done!"

Busy Saturday

You can't possibly guess what that is. This Sunday is our church's annual harvest dinner. For years now I have helped make the stuffing. This is three cafeteria sinks full of stuffing! Hopefully nobody thinks we put grass in it this year!!!
When I got back Dad took the kids out to play while I started on a pumpkin pie for the dinner. Here he found a way to help Josie ride her bike on the grass.

Then they took a walk to get the mail.

This afternoon Dad went to carve turkeys. 28 in all!

When Dad got home this is how he found Josie! If you can't tell she is sleeping :)

Now it is 10:30 and I have my second pie- apple, in the oven.

Our Friday

After running in the weight room they ran in the gym!

Later we went to Dad's school. The kids played in the weight room.

They love to run on the treadmills.

Josie did some homework today while I gave my eyes a break from reading.