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!