4 Years

12.4.04

12.4.08

Not our best picture, but that's us, on our anniversary.

Thankful

We have much to be thankful for today. Here are just a few snapshots from a wonderful day with family. Miss Addison on her first Thanksgiving.

Nana trying to figure out how I was taking our picture with my phone.

Watching dad dote over Addison.

"Grauntie" Celi

Grammy loving on our sweet girl.

Celebrating Ben's 18th Birthday!

Lots of candles for "Bendrew's" co-birthday cake and ritual bad singing.

Playing Blitz with Nana and the gang.

And the final showdown - Down & Dirty between Matthew and Me. First round ended in a draw. Then that little lucky bugger beat me by 1 point!

Only thing missing from this day...

Tim! We miss you and prayed for you. Can't wait to see you at Christmas. Just a few more weeks. (And I'm sorry I stole proprietary photography from your blog.... I didn't have a picture of you on my computer!)

On HIS Shoulders

Yesterday I was cruising www.cutestblogontheblock.com for a festive holiday background to help me get into the mood of the season ahead. I love this time of year. Holidays mean traditions, family, food, celebrations, carols, candle light Christmas Eve service at church, twinkling lights, peppermint mochas from Starbucks (I sure wish they had a sugar free version). After choosing a cute holiday background, I decided I needed to put up a holiday scripture. I chose Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." One part of that scripture really struck me ... "the government will be on his shoulders." Our world is so scary and uncertain. As our President Elect prepares to take office, I will take peace in knowing that the government is not only in his hands, but that a higher power is watching over it all. In God we trust, I hope rings true.

Lee's Post

Here is Nathan with his new pal Lee. Lee made this sign for the store as a gift to Nathan. Lee is a jack of all trades, tinkerer, maker of homemade wine and other beverages.

Miss Addison

Last night I stopped by to visit my favorite niece, Addison. Look what she was wearing in honor of my visit! She was quite the entertainer, showing me her latest dance moves, exercises, and happy noises. It's so much fun watching her grow and change.

Shootin' Shack

Here's the latest addition to the Trading Post. A "Shootin' Shack." Last weekend, Nathan held an inaugural "Turkey Shoot." Lots of buzz and about a dozen folks participated in the shoot despite freezing cold temperatures and sleet/snow/drizzle.
Such Rustic Charm!

View from inside the shack to the target. Grab your shotguns and come shoot with us.

Rescue

I arrived at the Trading Post and was greeted by "Smiley".

I guess you can see how he got his name. Nathan rescued this poor guy last week. While tending the store, he heard tires squealing then saw this sweet lab hobbling across the road with a mangled leg. No one has claimed him, so he's been hanging around the Trading Post recovering and getting healthy. Nathan is trying to find a home for this guy. But I think he might like it around here.

Pete, on the other hand, is not quite sure what to think about this rambunctious puppy. Look at those eyes!