cutting down the tree

This year we went to Kluck's to get our Christmas tree. This is the same farm I went to as a child, and now the place we take our family of five.

finally... some December photos!!!

Snow day! Elise had her first snow day in early December. Too bad it didn't stick around for Christmas.

Thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for my family. Thankful for these girls...

Thankful that the pies turned out okay...

Thankful for Youtube videos that demonstrate how to do a lattice crust. And thankful for my easily impressed Elise who, after watching me very carefully as I weaved the strips of crust, exclaimed, "How did you do that mom?!"

Thankful the hunters returned home safe and sound.

Thankful for Mom Long's gifts! Look at that festive table! She knows how to celebrate. And cook. We had an amazing meal!

Thankful for cousins. :)

Thankful for traditions!

Thankful for my sister Tarami and what a wonderful aunt she is.

Thankful for a warm fall day and crunchy leaves and...

smiles all around.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD;

HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

1 Chronicles 16:34

our family table

Thanks to Craigslist, Ikea, and even Meijer we have been able to furnish our new house without breaking the bank. But there was one purchase - after over ten years of marriage and the addition of three kids - that was definitely more of an investment. Made by Amish woodworkers in Ohio, our new table is sort of sacred space. Built to last. A place to gather, connect, converse.

I know this table isn't necessary. I remember well the card table we used in Princeton and the used table Toby pulled out of a dumpster. Our last "dining" table was actually a desk, complete with a keyboard drawer that I've stored bibs in now for five years. And all of these tables served us very well.

Our new table doesn't guarantee a happy family life or ensure our girls will answer the question, "how was school today?" (or eat their veggies, for that matter). And as much as I like the near perfection of this wood creation, I know it will get scratched, nicked, and colored on.

But I'm thankful for what it represents, grateful for any time we'll share around it and for those who will join us.

Halloween night

Halloween @ Hemmeter

pumpkin carving

Halloween Dress Rehearsal weekend