Just about . . .

Tall enough. 

I still think we could have found one a few inches taller-

the star is only barely touching the ceiling after all.

 {Amy D. - I think of you every time I gaze up at my silver swirly things!  It's pretty neat to think we have matching international Christmas trees! }

Trimming the Tree

Behold . . . our 2011 Christmas tree.  A 10' beauty with Wisconsin roots {literally}.

And here's the electrical crew - set to work after Tarver sounded the all clear once determining all the lights were in working condition

- yes, he checked each and every one -

  Our resident reindeer excited to help this year . . .

Our team safety captain . . . 

Langston getting some help from older brother Braden in hanging their 2011 ornaments . . .

And then helping Ryland find a spot for his. . .

The master of the lights, Tarver, hanging his 2011 ornament.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!



Coming Soon . . .

Our Christmas House

{just as soon as Tarver checks each light and untangles the strands . . .}

Small Celebration Big on Thankfulness

Aahh . . . Thanksgiving.  For our family it usually means a day filled with food, games, puzzles and time to sit and enjoy just being with us.

 One of the traditions that came from Bob's family is the snack bar- his favorite memory of Thanksgiving from his youth.  It is quickly becoming a favorite for his sons, too!  Another tradition the sons of this house are becoming accustomed to is having a meal to feed a small army.  Generally the Mom of this family enjoys the cooking and baking so much that she prepares enough food to feed 100.

{Hooray for leftovers!}

 Langston is anxious for the official opening of the Snack Bar!

 Let's see- peanuts, caramels and baby pickles. This three-year old is not exactly holding to the traditional Thanksgiving fare.

The weather was amazing with temps near 70 - perhaps the first time we spent Thanksgiving afternoon riding bikes!

Setting up a marble track {look closely above, you can see Braden's marble making a jump!}

After playing and snacking comes the grand meal - turkey, stuffing, biscuits, cranberries, spinach salad, potatoes and baby pickles.  My boys love pickles!

Someone enjoyed getting dibs on a turkey leg it seems . . .

{Ties somewhat optional}

Reading to remember why they did it -

why we need to remember and be thankful.

The sure sign of a successful meal - clean plates all around.

And finally, taking the time for some family pictures.

So much to thank Him for . . . Psalm 100

Thankful Garland

Our thankful leaf project takes on a new look with each year -

this year we opted for a mixture of paper leaves and then traced our hands and each wrote what we are especially thankful for this season.

I love incorporating hands into our decorating as it gives me a neat memento to save of our growing family.

FDNY in NC

Last week we had an amazing opportunity to attend a ceremony at the Fire Department.  Our F.D. is one of two places in all of Nebraska to receive a piece of World Trade Center Steel -

truly an honor.

Two FDNY families escorted the piece of steel from Tower One to present it to the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting.  The ceremony opened with the F.D. Color Guard and Bagpipes - it was a very reverent and moving ceremony.

Enjoy some pictures . . .

{and see if you can pick out our favorite firefighter, two junior firefighters and two reverent Scouts!}

FDNY in black and Nebraska City in white

 This particular flag, covering the piece of steel from Tower One, was used to cover the bodies of First Responders as they were pulled from the rubble in September, 2001.

A FDNY helmet offered as a gift - 343 signifying the number of lost to FDNY

Tower One

In Memory . . . Never Forget

Success . . .

is sometimes {or most of the time} about perspective.

Although Braden's hand is on the shoulder, Ryland has a somewhat mischievous twinkle in his eye, Langston is obviously singing 'Merry Christmas' and Tarver is missing his wonderful smile -

it's not too bad and I think this is the winner for our 2011 Christmas card photo.