Thursday, December 24th, A different Christmas Eve

We decided to go to the Chapel for Christmas Eve Service today because the timing of one of the services worked out with my schedule. Our church is under construction right now with painting the sanctuary and laying new carpeting. The Chapel is a non-denominational mega church and we know many people that attend there. Well, I think once a year is plenty for us to visit. The bass was so loud, I thought my heart was going to bounce right out of my chest! However, there were several elements of the service that I liked.

After my nap, we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Canadian cheese soup, courtesy of Candice's culinary skills.

Also, wanted to share these gorgeous cookies that the girls made:Last year was the first time I tried this recipe and they were a huge hit.

Sunday, December 20th, A Christmas Wedding

Today, our friend Allison was married to Steve Erl. Candice was a bridesmaid as she and Allison have been friends since they were 2. Everyone told me that she was the most stunning bridesmaid, which I knew.....Andy, giving away his baby girl...The happy couple..Candice was paired with a groomsman who is the brother of one of Catie's good friends from middle school and high school...It was freaky because these brothers could have been twins, they look so much alike.
Daddy, daughter dance
Chuck left early and I was so honored to be asked to stay and party with my girls!!!
Catie and Candice had a ball with their friends.
We had such a blast watching Kevin, the youngest Searle dance and Bust a move on the floor!!These are the brothers dancing together. We closed the place at 11:30. It was a great party.

Sunday, December 13th, Deconstruction

In addition to the spire being repaired and cut down at church, we are making some changes to the interior. I wasn't able to go to church today as it is my weekend to work. However, after the service there was a crew of people, Chuck included, that demolished the stage to prepare for a new one. I hope it is cleaned up by the wedding on the 20th!

Sunday, December 6th, The tower is now complete

The work is progressing on our church and yesterday we approved another $60,000 in much needed improvements, repairs and upgrading. I am totally stoked for how our building will look!! I know the steeple needed to be fixed, but it is going to take some getting used to.
Before:
After:
For as long as I have attended, we have called it the "Rapture Tube", not only because of it's shape, but also because when it was windy outside, you could feel the wind blow down into the baptistery. Guess God will have a different portal for us!!!

Tuesday, December 1st, Finally.....Buck a Roo, Baby!

After 4-5 months on the design wall and my repulsion for it, I finished Matthew Greer's baby quilt and gave it to Patti on Sunday. I had a great idea...or rather my sister did and I used corduroy as the sashings. Problem is, corduroy and cotton don't play well together. The warp or the weft or whatever it is tries to move at a different pace than the cotton. It is really cute and Patti loved it, and done is goooooooooood!!!!!!

Sunday, November 15th, Celebrating with the family of God

Today was our church's annual meeting. Actually now we call it an annual celebration. Complete with slide shows, food and lots of laughter and singing, it was perfect!!!
We had 7 people join the church. We are small, but every week, we see new signs of growth. I love my family!

Tuesday, November 10th, A little change

Since John has been pastor, he is very active in updating and repairing the building. One big issue we have had is a leaky roof over the sanctuary. He consulted some contractors and found that the bricks on the "rapture tube" were in severe disrepair. The decision was made to take the spire off.
Soon our church will have a whole new look.

Sunday, November 1st, Nursery duty

I had the very difficult job today of working in the nursery. We have been blessed with three new babies and they are now old enough to be downstairs during worship. We were a little short staffed today and I was there by myself. We have a paging system should I need mommies, but amazingly, it worked out fine.
This is Sawyer, the first to arrive. We walked around for a while and then he was rubbing his eyes so I put him in a swing where he fell asleep for the entire hour. His mom says at home he screams every time she puts him in a swing.
This is Matthew. We didn't interact at all because he came in his car seat and he slept the entire time. He woke up right when Patti walked in after the service to nurse him.
This is James, the busy, busy boy. He rolled around on the floor for the longest time and played with some toys that Tricia brought. When he got fussy and started rubbing his eyes, I picked him up and we rocked. He fell asleep and every time I tried to lay him down (only because my arms were completely numb) he fussed. So, we bonded....very hard for me!!

My friend Pat, who checks in during the service to make sure all is in control stopped by and this is what she found. Me and the boys hanging out....
I noticed how they were dressed like casual Friday in corporate America. James in his khakis and oxford button down shirt.....
Sawyer in his wide whale cords and plaid button down shirt. So cute!!!
Man, can't wait to get my hands on grand kids someday, but for now, I get a baby fix doing this job.

Saturday, October 17th, Showers of Blessings

Candice and I hosted a bridal shower for Allison Searle today. We have known her just about her whole life and it's hard to believe that she is getting married in December.
Instead of obsessing over the menu, Candice asked Allison what food she really liked and we based our food on that. All of the food was brought in, so I just had to come up with decor, games, coffee and prizes. We had breakfast casserole, with some Filipino food also brought in.
Heather Bernau's punch was a big hit and we had some fall treats like apples and caramel dip and peanut and candy corn.
Julie Dickson's cakes are mouth watering and this was no exception. Banana with sour cream icing!
The bride pictured with 3 of the 4 bridesmaids.
Candice was the mistress of ceremonies and ran the games. We laughed so much!!
A few of the 30 or so ladies in attendance.
Nancy gave the inspirational devotion and prayed for Allison and the upcoming nuptials.
Allison soaking up the Godly advice.
The main reason that we gathered!
The main color in her kitchen will be red.
Mary Jane gave this great set.
A great day and an enjoyable, stress free party.