The Shack

This was my airplane reading over the holidays that was a gift from my friend Kathy. It is quite an interesting book and makes you think about the many possibilities of who God is.

When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of The Shack. This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good!
Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus Of Spiritual Theology,Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.

http://theshackbook.com/index.html

We do more than watch football...

We enjoyed the company of our dear friends, Doug & Janell from Illinois, this weekend at the cabin The towel Mom gave me in my Christmas stocking found a home
We had a great time watching the birds come to feed

Bob showed up to take his share of the corn on the cob

Doug taking pictures of the wildlife with his camera

Doug and Kendall worked on putting the telescope together

Then they played mechanics; changing out some wires

Sorry no pictures of Jenell! We were too busy playing cards to take a picture

Family Feud ON!!

OK, who is going to join us in the Super Bowl?? Will it be the Steelers or the Ravens? Nothing like all three of our teams at this juncture! Quarterback Kurt Warner

Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt

What a Win!!

What a game! We watched the game with friends and enjoyed great tailgating food as the Cardinals showed what they are made of.


Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) reaches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Chris Harris (43) defends during the second quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2009/01/10/warner_cardinals_lead_panthers_27_7_after_half/

Celebrating the Season

It was great to be together to celebrate on New Year's Day. All were present except for Josh who is being a responsible young adult and had to work.

Rachel passing out gifts

Urbane helping Rachel on Lois' exercise ball
Julie with Noah and Whitney with Evan

Nap time in the afternoon for Lois, Naomi, and Daisy. Rachel couldn't resist joining them.

Rachel & April

(our cousin Keith's daughter from Atlanta)

Noah & Whitney

Luke

Uncle Monroe

Phebe & Evan

Emma

Asa & Noah playing with the best gifts - big empty boxes!

The kids were amazed at Kristen's ability to make sound come out of that thing





The morning after - bird watching. A poor bird was stunned when he flew into the window and knocked himself out. They were watching him recuperate and eventually fly away.

Urbane, Noah, Dad, Whitney & Kristen

Bell Ringing

New Year's Eve finds us at The Casselman once again to sing Christmas and New Year's hymns before the 'ringing of the bell' that rang 29 times this year. One for each 100 years and then 9 for the new year - 2009. The group was smaller this year with few of my first cousins in attendance. Urbane & Luke
Lowell (Mom's cousin), Monroe & Naomi

Ready to brave the cold on the porch. Kendall went to the church to participate in the ringing.

Transitioning to Maryland

We stopped by to see cousin Sarah and to meet Brutus before they headed to Iowa to spend time with Ryan's family.

We headed to Maryland the 27th after having Sunday dinner with Dorcas and Glenn, Joel & Stephanie in Lancaster. Dorcas is Mom's youngest sister. The temperature was much warmer than the day before as you can tell by the lack of coats.

When we got to Maryland it was time to prep for the rest of the family and get caught up with the youngest of the nieces and nephews. This is Noah who celebrated his first birthday after Christmas. He is walking like a pro!
Cookies cooling for the upcoming weekend.