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.

Christmas in PA

We arrived in time for a late dinner

The traditional pizza dinner on Christmas Eve

Kendall and his Dad

Kendall's Mom (Donna), sister Torrie and nephew Holden

The table ready for Christmas dinner

Snacking on Chex Mix later in the day

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! For the first time ever I didn't get cards sent to friends and extended family. If I would have, it would have looked something like this.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!

A Caroling We Go

We were able to attend the annual Christmas Caroling evening at Pat & Jennifer's last evening. We gather for food & hot drinks and then head into the neighborhood to carol. It's a blend of Church friends and their neighbors. Jennifer giving instructions.
We caroled on Winter Drive! How cool is that??

Vivian & Liz

The kids loved ringing the door bell to let the occupants know we were there.

They all seemed to be appreciative of our vocal abilities.

Friday Happenings

Fruit arrived from an elderly couple in IL that I send cookies to each year.
We attended the Michael W. Smith concert at a mega church close to home.

He performed with the ASU Symphony Orchestra.

It was the highlight of the season so far!

Change of Season

This is what most of the week has looked like. We've had cool highs in the 50's and rain. It's got everyone thinking of Christmas! This was the view on my way to the office earlier this week. I had a meeting at one of our hospitals, so it was actually daylight as I approached downtown. Not to worry, traffic was slow enough I could snap a quick shot.

Strategic Planning and Cards

Friday my co-workers met at our house to do planning for 2009.

Kathy unexpectedly had her Granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth, with her for the day. She loved the homemade marshmallows!

After our planning session we headed to my card instructor's home to make cards to give as Christmas gifts.

Amy, Me, Sherrie, Janne, Kathy & Jennifer

Zoo Lights

Last night we attended a Holiday Trade Show hosted by one of Kendall's suppliers. This is the first time it was held at the zoo which made it much better than previous years. The food was finger lickin' good and we won a prize to boot! We had tickets from the vendors as well as tickets based on what Kendall had spent in supplies the month before. We put all the tickets in the box for a telescope -- we thought that will be put to good use at the cabin where the stars are plentiful.

There weren't many real animals out at night. Just one lone elephant that we sat and watched waiting for the prize drawing.

Trees were lit and danced in time with music.