Blue Jean Days: January 2009

Much has happened since October 27th (our last blog). Tim turned 30. Gretta turned 2. Sam turned 8 months. Then he turned 9 months. Nat is still 27 :) We celebrated Thanksgiving, then Jesus birth at Christmas, and now the new year. As I type, Tim is on his way home from ice fishing in Florence. The kids and I stayed at GG and Gampys for a few days. A few cold and flu symptoms caught our eye (literally in some cases :) so we took everyone in for a checkup this morning. Diagnosis: Gretta has pink eye. Sam has a double ear infection. Nat has a virus. Cheers to antibiotics! We are now home and resting, eager to hear about Tim's fishing trip.
Despite the long nights and sore noses from so much kleenex, we are making it through, thanks to God, who gives us hope even when the rainy days dont seem to have an end in sight. He is our provider and our strength in the good and the bad!

Playing in the leaves

Sam telling Gretty a secret

This is Gretta's good friend Annabelle. The funny thing about this picture is usually the smiles and the frowns are in the other order :)

Sam at 8 months...

During Sunday School, I turned to see what Sam was up to, and his buddy Oliver was showing him the ropes to a fun toy...

Gretta at Thanksgiving in jewelry heaven! These necklaces had all belonged to my Grandma Fran. I bet she would have loved to see Gretta enjoying them so much. Hours of fun for Gretta!

Gretta bored...Sam interested..

Gretta happy...Sam confused...

Maybe this jumping jack will make you both laugh...yep!!

Sam at 9 months

Tim's cousin Amy was in town from Fargo with their little girl Ally.

Look at those dimples!!

Gretta is happy to see Auntie Lisa, but not so happy to share a lap with Sammy

Painting paper snow flakes

Gretta turned 2 on December 19th! Here she is opening presents

Lots of pretty paper and bows. Gretta was so fun to watch open her gifts. At first, she took each gift so carefully, and gently lifted the tape off of the paper. After a while, ripping became more fun!

Time to eat!

What 2 year old girl can have a birthday party without Dora? :)

"Hey Gampy, that's my cake!" -Gretta

Christmas Eve at GG and Gampys...Gretta not interested in pictures

"Gretta...wait up! Im just learning!" - Sam

Our Christmas Tree from Great Grandpa's little tree farm. Note to self for next year: measure. Then still take an additional 6 inches off :)

Tim humming the lyrics to Sara Groves song 'Toy Packaging'

We spent Christmas Day at Tim's Great Grandparents. Here's Diggs his favorite time of year. Notice the small hill in the distance. Tim attempted to take Gretta down in a sled but she cried the whole way up and the whole way down.