at it again.

Sorry it's been so long since my last post... I've been enjoying a winter lull. (now there's a word that doesn't get enough use) And when I say lull, I mean really enjoying it. Since we got back from OH, I've allowed myself the cozy winter luxuries of relaxing on the couch in front of a fire, spending Sunday afternoons watching movies, and reading books. Today is no exception, and I'm sitting on the loveseat as I type, with a down throw on my lap, enjoying the warm air from the furnace. Joe is being productive and installing a new kitchen sink faucet, which I'm really looking forward to. It's tall and curved and pretty, and perfect for filling a large stock pot with water. Which you know means I'll have to cook more... oh darn. :)

We had a wonderful time with our family and friends while back in OH. I thought two weeks was going to be plenty of time to catch up with everyone, but we still came up short when trying to schedule a visit with everyone. But, I suppose that's why we have the handy world wide web to keep up with everyone. For those of you we missed- please accept our sincere apologies.


Our nieces and nephews have been growing like weeds, and continue to get more loveable, which I didn't think was possible. Below are pictures of JC and Maggy's kids in the aprons I made them for Christmas.

I'm holding the newest cutie, Luci (who looks like a Gerber baby), Joe has his hand on Sam- giving the cheese face, and Ruthie with the shy, slightly annoyed look, while Abe is in front, and Pierce stands to the side. Below is a picture of Randy and Jeanna's kids, Tyler and Tierra, with some of their new presents.

I didn't get a picture of them with the sleeping bags I made for them for Christmas, (rats,) but Tierra's was pink with kitten faces, and Tyler's was camo. They were both cuddled up in front of the TV with them on Christmas Day.

Joe and I will be getting a new nephew officially in October 2007, though he's already wiggled his way into our hearts. :) Joe's sister, Jill, got engaged over Christmas and will be marrying Nick Gasser this coming fall. Nick's son, Ethan, is such cutie (and Nick's not too bad either- ha), and we really enjoyed spending time with them while we were back. Here's a picture of Ethan...

Joe and I stayed at the Inn at Honey Run while back in OH. We had a lovely, very relaxing time while we were there. It was so pleasant, and peaceful. We spent a while watching the birds come to the feeder on our room window. And the food was delicious, we'd recommend it to anyone! I used to work at the Inn right after I graduated from Asbury (one in a long list of previous employment locations- I know many of you are chuckling at that, and I suppose you have good reason to).

We were also able to go down to Springfield, OH to visit with my college girlfriends at Erin's house. What a great time, and it was so good to see everyone again, and catch up. We got to see Kim and Scott's new baby boy, Ryan. What a little champ! He's so boy! And I loved every cuddly inch of him! Haley is growing into quite the little lady, and very much the big sister. Her charming brown eyes still melt our hearts. Brian and Erin's daughter, Claire, amazed us with her expansive knowledge of the animal kingdom. While most 2-year-olds are pointing out doggies and cows, Claire confidently declares "water buffalo" and "tree frog" when shown the pictures. Too cute! And of course, we ate well. Erin made an amazing ham with ginger snaps, brown sugar, and bourbon- Mmmm! Accompanied by a delicious homemade macaroni and cheese. Kim brought Amish Cinammon bread, which we inhaled. Tell ya what, those girls can cook! We took our traditional picture, as if marking another notch on the door frame for how tall we've grown, or in our case, how far we've come as friends. I hope one day to fill an entire scrapbook with those pictures we take each time, as mile markers of our friendship path.

Thank you to all who welcomed us into their homes and hearts over the Christmas season, we appreciate the time spent with you. We hope that you all have a very prosperous New Year.

Click here to see more pictures of our visit with friends and family.