Recent events, Part 2

Next up in the December line-up of activities was cookie baking.

Grandma Joy and Andrew rolling out the dough.


Mixing up the gingerbread cookie dough.
(I promised not to publish the picture of their faces so they are getting their backsides posted instead:)


Decorating the cookies, a family event.


Laura's traditional Santa scene


We also dipped dried apricots and pretzels, which were equally as yummy!

Recent events, Part 1

I pulled out a title I've already used since I am so far behind. December has been a busy, fun month. I thought I'd do a couple of recap posts just to get caught up. (Although, January is looking even busier so may be slim, too!)

The first weekend of December I spent in Minnesota. Two college friends and I went to a lovely dinner, best ravioli I've ever eaten, and to Bethel University's Festival of Christmas. It was so well done. They asked everyone not to clap until the end, which just about killed me, I wanted to clap more!

The next day Cindy, her sister Cheryl, Bebe, the dog, and I went to a tree farm and picked out a tree. Here is a recap in pictures...

Searching for the perfect tree



We found a good one! It has a hole on the other side, but it is just the perfect size for the dog to run through while she is looking out the window, so we chose this one.



Takes teamwork to cut it down. Cindy did most of the work, Cheryl helped steady the tree, and I just took pictures!



Now to get it home...



Hope you have all had fun preparing for Christmas, too!

A Little Update

Between the Thanksgiving post and the one before it, a lot of traveling has happened. Here is a little update!


My mom, sister and I went to Sioux Falls Seminary for a mentoring workshop. Several of our friends were leaders or participants. It was fun to see them and hear from them. We even sat with a fellow Madisonite!


Then I went to Jamestown where I had a lovely surprise. The pastor who baptized me was there with his wife visiting her mom! It was so good to see Doug and Patty, catch up and play "remember when..." We also had a lovely cup of hot chocolate at a great coffee shop in downtown Jamestown called Babb's.

Then came the visit to Grand Rapids to see Susie and family. Susie and my sister and I grew up together. We call each other's mom, Mom. For years we ate dinner together every Wednesday after piano lessons and before church. We had a great time chatting and playing with her kids. We went to Lake Michigan one day to see one of the lighthouses.




Also, while in Michigan I was reminded of the black squirrels which we do not have in SD or Japan.


After leaving Grand Rapids I headed over to the eastern side of the state where I visited two churches in St. Clair Shores, Bethel and Community. I got to stay for a week between church visits so had many opportunities to hang out with various people from both churches. Thanks, all!

Four of the five ladies who took me out for Mexican food and shopping.


My friend who used to minister in Belgium and who took me out for Panera and shopping and encouragement.

Okay, so this is a little more than a little update! Just wanted to bring you up to speed on the home assignment adventures! Thank you for reading and commenting and praying and encouraging!