"I can't believe we have a dog!"

We decided to get Lauren a dog. This sweet lemon colored beagle mix 11 month old girl was on craigslist- FREE- she came with a huge crate, leash and a bag of food. Bella is house broken and crate trained and loves to sniff and fetch toys ( she can't quite grasp the idea of letting the object go). It is funny to watch Lauren walk Bella on a leash- they are the same weight- I am proud to say Lauren has really taken the responsibility of learning to walk her on the leash with gusto and has yet to be pulled down!!! She stands her ground.

Handmade Collar

Photo of a handmade collar that will be attached to a dress for Lauren.

Packing food boxes

Here are some pics
of Lauren sorting and packing food boxes at
church.

Thanksgiving Day

My dad's side of the family- minus my brother and his family- came over for Thanksgiving day.

Cliff successfully smoked a turked- it was delicious- and the rest of us pitched in the various side dishes. here are a few pics from turkey day.

It seems that if you are hosting you forget to get pictures of the whole group when they are present- I regret that I did not get group photos and will do so next time I have a group of people over. Really overlooked that and I am sorry.

Thanksgiving Hayride

Cliff's side of the family celebrated Thanksgiving with our 3rd annual hayride around the farm. We have been fortunate to have good weather for the event.

Here is a picture of Lauren and I before the others piled on...

and one of Lauren playing on a hay bale

Tree

Quick shot of the tree in the music room. Some of the ornaments were from my childhood dating back as early as the 70's- thanks to all of you that comment- that wasn't so long ago!!!

Thinking the tree looks really pretty at night in the spicy red room and green sofa.

And yes- there are no window treatments in this room- the house is sitting on 6 acres with lots of trees- nice view during the day without screens or fabric to obscure.

Happy Birthday Cliff!!!

Lauren's first words this morning.... Let's give daddy his car present.....

She picked out this remote control car over a month ago and has been patiently waiting (very difficult for her) for this day to arrive. Needless to say- Dad was thrilled with his present from Lauren and they had fun playing this morning.