Thanksgiving in Lester

Last Tuesday night we traveled out to NW Iowa to be with my Kellenberger family for the holidays. We had great traveling weather (something that is definitely NOT a given this time of year in that state) and even better time with family.

Mali & Maden

Haven giving Mali a hug...
Haven had just woken up from her nap so doesn't look to into, huh? :)

Haven reading her "boohks" while Grandma scouts the Black Friday ads

Haven showing us proudly how old she is :)

we were also able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my Doorneweerd family at Uncle Butch & Aunt Kathy's...a good ole' game of Bid was in order.
(or for those of you in Illinois I've taught to play, it's also referred to as "Katie's dumb game")

Grandpa, Grandma & a scowly Haven

baby news

you thought it would be about us, huh?!

nope!

Arlan's cousin, Janelle & her husband Brent, welcomed into the world yesterday their little boy, Grey Daniel Young. He weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20.75 inches long.

He has "dark hair, dark eyes and big hands"-to quote their email...all 3 are doing well.

Congratulations Youngs! We are excited to see/meet your little one!

Friday's Funny-cousins

Ah, cousins...you gotta love em!

Today's post is in honor to little Charlee, who turned the big 1, about 3 weeks ago. I just realized I never posted any pictures! It was a chaotic but fun night watching Charles open up her gifts.

Happy Birthday sweetie...we love you!

Isn't she darling?! A little Cathy in the making ;)

Haven & Charles playing away

all 3 kiddos liked playing together with Charlee's fridge magnets

this picture cracks me up!
cousin Will loves being by Grandpa, but especially when he gets to drink Sprite!
isn't his very intense look towards the soda can something?

[**insert for Theresa's sake: if this was my kid, I wouldn't think it was all that funny!]

and last, my inspiration for this Friday Funny post, the 4 oldest cousins being silly in the basement!

baby X 2

This past Saturday I was fortunate to host my best friend Alesa's baby shower.
She is such a special friend in my life & has truly helped shaped the person I am today-really...she has no idea how important she is!

Well, she is being & will be "shaped" by 2 little ones growing inside of her-baby boy Bahler & baby girl Bahler will prayerfully make their appearance sometime the beginning of February 2011. What great parents her & Clint will make!

Some pics from the event:

Haven had lots of avid attention until her nap time :)

Alesa & her lovely sister-in-law, Angie

grandma Dix & Alesa

amazing women

This past Tuesday I got the privilege of spending time with eight lovely ladies.

Ladies who have touched my life. They have married. Raised children. Loved grandchildren. Laughed with friends. Learned hard lessons. Lost loved ones. And most & foremost, trusted Jesus. And I got the honor of getting a small glimpse into some of their hearts.

It was a beautiful brunch held at the Tearoom at the Depot in Mackinaw.

Thank you ladies for your wisdom, your smiles, your laughter...what a special time.

Friday's Funny-holiday decorating

So last Friday I got motivated to decorate for the holidays...partly because I always get very over-eager for the season and partly because I'm hosting my friend, Alesa's, babies shower this Saturday...hosting always seems to "encourage" me to do things a bit faster.

I'm not the most innovative interior designer, but here's what it looks like:

this is my Fall decor I took down....

....and replaced it with my nativity scene.

my tree collection

since my plant-loving husband hates getting rid of some of our greenery in the winter time, I incorporated my geraniums into our display...yes, Buddy-these geraniums are from your rehearsal dinner 1.5 years ago.

my entry way display....

Now what is so 'funny' about this Friday Funny post...well, it was a balmy 70 degrees outside and as the previous picture attests, it was warm enough for my neighbor lady to still have her Boston fern outside!

crazy? I know :)

our little social bug