Eva Camille Barnes

It was fun to have the Barnes' over the other night and to get to see Eva Camille. She is so cute.

Just thought you all might want to see a picture of her.

 

A Different Kind of Christmas

This year has definitely been a different kind of Christmas--but good. Since our family has been hit with the bug (namely, Tim & Micaiah), we had an "Airborne" party yesterday afternoon in an attempt to make the sick ones healthy and to keep the rest of us healthy. As you can see, we're not too sure whether we like this particular flavor.

After our afternoon naps yesterday (Dec. 24th), we all converged at the Steve Bixbys for a snack and game night. We had a great time together.

Now we're all getting ready for the Bixby Christmas Eve fondue tradition (taking place on Dec. 25th) and the Bixby Christmas day, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Dec. 26th. Of course, we're missing the ones who won't be with us for these exciting events (Dan Bixbys and Hansons). 

Becky Keiser & Jim Rulapaugh's Wedding

We were very excited to be able to participate in Becky's wedding last Friday. It went very well, and it was exciting to see her. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and her parents and brother were very handsome too. It was good to meet, however briefly, her groom. We drove up 6 hours and down 5 1/2 hrs on the same day. We got back about 2 am. There were torential downpours the whole way up and part of the way down! Poor dad had to endure the worst of it, because it was so bad even I didn't want to drive! Becky was beautiful. 

The Newly Weds

We saw Jo and Brian for a short time at Becky Keisers wedding on Friday. They were still glowing! Johanna got to sign her name as Johanna Hanson for the first time. We saw a few pics of their first couple days of honeymooning. They were having a great time and are not anxious to come back to the rest of us!  

Daddy misses his little elf...

I hear the elf has been shopping for daddy while he is gone. But apparently she has stopped to dance a little Christmas jig. Get back to work, Elf Patience! Daddy wants a Christmas gift from you when he gets back...

The O'hare traffic was horrendous. I couldn't beat the crowd that got on the first bus, so I stayed in the cold and waited until the 11PM buses came. Got the last seat. Got home well after midnight. But I am home.. It doesn't seem like home when the girls aren't here.

A Bixby Family Gathering

Thursday we gathered as an entire family--minus the newlyweds, of course. We enjoyed a large meal of ham and all the fixins (made up entirely of leftovers from all the previous week's activities) and then headed downtown for an evening's fun. We began at the Hyatt, then enjoyed pizza in a parlor, then did the "Mice on Main" search (found all 9 mice!), and finally ended up at Reedy River Park. It has been fun to be all together. 

Cute pose!

 

Parents of the Bride

They were a stunning couple! (from Donna) 

More Primping!

Even Grandma Hanson got in on the action!! 

More Fun Pics

 

Some Wedding Day Special Shots!

One of the extra special joys of these days has been being together as a family for the first time in four years! As parents, we cannot express the delight it has been to watch our grown children and their children interact. Each and every one of them is super! 

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hanson

She was a radiant bride, he was a glowing groom, the weather was perfect and we were a joyful family as we witnessed the covenant of marriage and the making of a new family. Our cup overflows with love and gratitude to all of our family and friends who made the day so special. 

French Manicure

The ladies primped and decorated all day yesterday! 

Christmas program

Well, a long week culminated in the "production" of our Christmas program. I called it "A Simple Christmas" just to prepare people that it wasn't going to be as big of a concert as last year.

The kids did well. In fact, their best song, they sang in French! You can see the program here.

We used quite a bit of congregational, and just took a historical look at Christmas carols, starting with "Of the Father's Love Begotten," and going through a new song by the Getty's (In Christ Alone, etc.).

It is good to have it done, and I trust it was a blessing to all.

Bombay traffic

Mumbai (Bombay) in the rain.

Chocolate World

Finally able to blog again, but it looks short-lived. The computer seems to be acting up again. I guess I'll have to spend a few more hours on the phone with Dell. Anyhow, this is a little picture collage of our trip to Chocolate World on our way back home from Thanksgiving in PA. 

Snowflake Theme in 70 degree Weather!

Well, our theme was SNOWflakes--but we had no cold, let alone snowflakes! Jeanine was initially in charge of this Christmas church b-fast, but due to her grandmother's health ended up not being there. It went okay inspite of the change of plans. It was a good southern meal (one I've never made before)! Biscuits and "scorched" gravy--the scorched part wasn't planned, of course! Rosettes--in shapes of snowflakes (which are technically Italian!!), b-fast casseroles, fruit soup--which was a hit, Jennie; and beverages! 

Uncle Tom, The Saxophonist

Few people know that Uncle Tom sacrificed a career as a jazz saxophonist before following the Lord's call to be a Baptist deacon.

When Uncle Tom picks up his old sax, this is what he hears!

A foot of snow...

We got a snow day today!! Three of four of us were thrilled to get a day off... Milou was less enthusiastic when he realized that he still had to "go" outside! Poor thing the snow is over his head. I was scheduled to work this morning and was happy to stay home and take down my fall decor instead. Please don't tell Patience what a snow day means to most kids as she did school today! It was nice to be home bound all day and tonight I'm hoping for some hot chocolate, fresh cookies, and maybe even a Christmas movie! (Christmas decorating has been put off until Monday afternoon, unless alternative plans arrive!) 

What is your theological worldview?

Okay, family and friends, here's a game. Who dares to do it? This is a computerized (be assured, not scientific) test to discern what you really are theologically. Here are the rules that must be strictly adhered to.

1. You must take the test by yourself without input from anyone.
2. You must not google up terms or look up terms in any other way.
3. Helpful hint: If you don't know a name or term choose "disagree"
4. You must give the results of your test for the rest of us to see as Jennie and I are doing in the comment section below.

Have fun!

Here is the test. What is your theological worldview?