Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

I'd say, "And the fire is so delightful", but since we have no fire in here, I guess that wouldn't make a lot of sense. =)

Anyway- we finally managed to have our Herrick family Christmas party. We ended up doing it the Wednesday evening after our originally-planned Saturday. The weather was just too ugly that Saturday, especially for Rich and the girls to go clear from Rockford to Holland. Here are some pictures from the Herrick Christmas.

Tom and Kathy gave these beautiful pashmina's to Stacey and I. They got them in Egypt on their latest trip. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Joe- very excited about his Star Wars desk top calendar. Can't go wrong with Star Wars when it comes to the Herrick twins.

Mom Herrick with Emerson and Camryn (Rich and Kelley's girls).

Generations picture! Rich (holding Camryn), Grampa Herrick, and Dad Herrick (holding Emerson). Good lookin' family!


Mom Herrick and Gramma Richards watching Emerson open a gift.

Camryn was a tad distracted by her shoe falling off, and was trying to fix it before taking the generations picture.

We had our Christmas celebration at Oak Crest Manors, where Gramma Richards lives. It was very nice. Now Mom and Dad Herrick are down in Florida for the next few months.

The weather continues to be a tad crazy around here. Ben had a snow day today (we have 10 inches of new snow in our yard), and our road hasn't been plowed, so I was unable to leave for work at Cottonwood. After watching the couple across the street get both of their cars stuck in the road and a truck get stuck trying to come through, we decided we are not leaving until our road has been plowed!! I'll have to try to take some more outside pics, especially of the dog. When he's in the snow you can barely see him now because he's so short compared to the snow piles. It's quite funny, actually.

Stay warm, everyone!

I likely won't post again until after Christmas, so have a wonderful holiday, everyone!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

The snowfall continues. If I had to guess, I'd say we have about 6 inches on the ground right now, and are predicted to get about 7 more throughout the weekend. As a result, the Cottonwood Christmas party (which would have been yesterday evening) was cancelled. Bummer! We are supposed to head to the Herrick Christmas party today. Not sure if Holland is getting slammed as much as what they were predicted to... but we are really hoping to pull that off. I'm about to bake some chocolate snowballs to take along. Yum! =)

Here's what it looks like at our house:

I took these shots just now. Ben is actually out shoveling the drive as I write. It's almost a live update. =)

Anyway- have a great day!

Christmas Season Already!

I cannot believe it's already December! Wow. And here I am, slacking on the posting again. No good excuse, really... Just haven't taken the time.

So, here's the latest:

Ben is about 2 weeks into the second trimester of the school year. He gave up his planning period for the second two trimesters and is teaching an add-on section of Algebra 1 to ease the load for a couple other teachers (who would have each had 35 students for that class). He's still playing with the Lakeshore Jazz Ensemble, which is now under new leadership. Gary, who founded the group, "retired" at the end of the summer. Fortunately, the group has decided to continue performing.

I am still part time at the BRAINS clinic. The caseload is gradually picking up, it just takes some time. We got some new sensory eqiupment, which will make my job a lot easier and marketing more effective. The other days each week, I'm still at Cottonwood working in the infant room. Much better than staying at home bored and earning no income. Plus- I'd never turn down the chance to spend more time with the kiddos!! =)

The search for a new church home continues. We have narrowed our search down to two churches, though, and will make a decision at the end of the year. We figure that will be a good time- start a new year with a new church home and jump in!

Since the last post, we've taken two trips up to the Pinestead, celebrated Thanksgiving, and decorated the house for Christmas. We will have our first of our Christmas parties this weekend already. Wow!

Okay- so on to the pictures.

East Bay on an October day.

Hilarity typically ensues when Catch Phrase is played. At this point, we are all cracking up because Ben said that the Oregon Trail ended in California. (He'll love that I told on him.) Pictured is my mom, Justin, and Jennifer.

Visited the Pinestead again in November. What is it about a pool that turns two 28-year-old brothers into 12-year-olds? =)

Ben and Joe and Bob in the pool- more goofin' around.

Joe, Stacey, Ben, Helen, and Bob- getting ready to shop in downtown Traverse City.

Ben and I with Crescendo. Took this picture while up celebrating Thanksgiving in Lakeview.

Just wouldn't be a proper blog if I didn't include my latest favorite picture of Crescendo. =) Yeah- he's the baby for now, so we take a lot of pictures of him!

That's the update for now. It's been snowing for the past two days here, so it definitely feels like the Christmas season has arrived. Hopefully I'll be successful at getting some Christmas pictures on here as parties occur. Otherwise there'll be a massive post in January.

Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone. I pray you will experience a meaningful, fun, and safe Christmas Season.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season- Amen!