Rachel's new smile

After wearing a very large appliance in her mouth for six months, Rachel's palette has dropped down significantly and hopefully, her thumb-sucking days are over.

Wrap it up

I wrapped up gifts tonight.

Advent Conspiracy Market at St. Alban's

Today was Day Two of the Advent Conspiracy at St. Alban's. Our aim was to have parishioners bring whatever their gift or talent is and sell it for $20 or less. Other parishioners could buy these handmade items as low-cost gifts. All money collected goes toward getting water to third world communities. Here are just a few of the wonderful offerings.



Our little market - -- which was really a low-key, no stress, fun event -- netted over $1000. Final tally when the church treasurer counts all the proceeds. People were already talking about what they would bring next year.

Christmas Cookies

Cousins Emily and Rachel roll out dough.
It takes a big group effort to decorate.
My mom -- the master cookie baker.
Me and my sister Laura, carrying on the tradition.

Ready for the dance

Ambree, Stephanie and Jessica are going to the Midway Middle School dance.

Christmas Village

Rachel enjoys putting up the Christmas village. Our collection is nowhere near as extensive as some, but they do like to set it up.
The church reminds me of our own church, St. Alban's (minus the snow).

Christmas cards

My task at work today was to insert 600 cards into envelopes, put labels on, seal and put on postage. I got as far as labels on about half of them. I created the card using a couple of tutorials I found online.