CAROLING

A week or two ago, we had a night of caroling with the Junior Youth Group.

It was a nice time.

And very cold.

We met at the parsonage..

Opened the evening with the Word and prayer

And off we went..

Sarah & Brian were able to make it with us.

We're glad you could come, especially when they only got in that afternoon!

There were a lot of people in the neighborhood not at home...

(who tipped them off that we were coming???)

but it seemed that those who were home appreciated the songs.

Afterwards, for some hot chocolate and cookies.

And conversation.

Whoops!  A spill!

And Jill, Trevor & Hannah were able to stop by!!!

Out for the holidays...

CHRISTMAS IN THE PRE-K

Yesterday morning, the Pre-K had their holiday celebration.

They had practiced a few songs and how to say Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

in a couple of different languages.

All of the parents brought in some goodies to share with the class..

After eating, Michael played with trains..

..until Rena was done eating. 

The class also made some nice gifts for all of the parents..

Last day today till the New Year!!

LET IT SNOW

Yesterday, while Rian was napping..we had a chance to play out in the snow..

Both kids enjoyed it..but Michael especially.

Our mini snowman..

..and his family.

Nola came out of hiding to see what was going on.

Rena could not keep her hat on her head.

They slid down the slide super fast between snow pants and the wetness..

Fun times at the Rose home.

p.s.  I don't really want to "let it snow"...

..is it spring yet???

HOLIDAYS.....GATHERING #1 (12/12)

This year, 2009, we hosted the annual Christmas get-together at our house.

Joey & Esther had it last year..and we did it for..3? years prior to that.

First time in our "new" house though.

This year's menu was made up of breakfast burritos and their trappings.

Getting ready..

Guests arriving..

Table #2 is set..

We had 18 people total. 

I tried the two tables in the dining room..and while they did fit, it would have been pretty squishy.

So we rearranged the kitchen a bit to accomodate table #2.

Some of the buffet.

Table #1

Dessert table.

Time for presents! 

This year was also different in that area. 

We still chose names like we did last year, but instead of buying gifts (cept for the kids), we

did a modified "white elephant." 

We gave things that were around the house..it made it more interesting to watch and see what

everyone got..and gave.

Michael has a new bike helmet!

Zachary got a hat that matches the one Eric got for his birthday.

It was a bit small..has to be re-made though.

Eric decided everyone needed help opening their gifts.

Carina, once again, did not really get into the whole gift-opening thing.

Nena got a baby banana tree from Jamie & Donny...

these things get HUGE!!

Someone broke the rules of the gift exchange..but Mike made out with a new shirt. 

He says it is very warm..

:)

After gifts and some people left and some people went to go hunting.. those who stayed made gingerbread houses.

A first time for everyone.

I was going to make all the ingredients etc..but

after looking at recipes, I decided it was too much work for too many people with having to do food and all that too...

This was NOT a neat project.

 I probably still have icing splattered around the kitchen.

I looked at this picture, and thought, wow! Sherilyn you have hairy arms!

And then realized, they're Joe's arms!!

Ha Ha!

It took several tries to get the icing consistency right..

Yup, messy project.

They're starting to look like houses now..

Yay, I thought I had a picture of all of the finished products.

But either I reased it or it disappeared.

Anyway, that was get-together numero uno.

Stay tuned for more to come.