Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

We've decorated for Christmas...our first Christmas in the new house. It was nice seeing all of our ornaments and other special mementos. Last Christmas was spent with Keri's parents, so all of our decorations stayed in storage. We have glass ornaments from Keri's maternal grandmother's collection. And, wooden German angels given to Keri by her paternal great-grandmother and grandmother.

Front Rooms

These pictures show the entry, living, and dinning rooms.

Annual Thanksgiving Presents from MaMa and PaPa

Freida began this tradition with the two older girls when they were the only grandchildren. Every Thanksgiving she gives the kids Christmas pajamas. Getting the traditional picture of them in the attire gets trickier with each grandchild addition.

Living Room Window and Door Trim

Jewels took most of Thanksgiving week off and worked on the living room. Andy came over Tuesday and Wednesday to help. The windows and doors are now cased in "fancy" trim. Our goal was to make this room the most formal, but still comfortable. The trim looks fantastic. Crown is next!

No More High Chair...

Little girl thinks she's too big to sit in a high chair. She wants to be just like her brother and sister - sitting in a real chair. When we sit at the table (it does happen occasionally) we put her on the chair with arms. Her new favorite place to eat is on the counter...

Front Door

Hoelscher delivered and installed our new front door on Friday (a week late due to a work deadline for Jewels). Michael did the work - impressive install. He put in a new threshold, weatherstripping, and the solid door by himself. Thanks Mom and Dad! The door makes the front of the house look SO MUCH better. Jewels is bemoaning the fact the rest of the outside now look worse. The old door was so ugly the peeling paint, aluminum windows and unfinished fascia boards didn't look so bad. You can see our choice of paint color for the trim - Roycroft Brass.

Front Door Prep

Bill and Ginger are graciously giving us a front door. Jewels is busy prepping the existing jamb for delivery Friday! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Where's the Tooth Fairy?

Our little boy is turning into a big boy. He's having a great time in Kindergarten. He received his first report card and it looked good (parent/teacher conference tomorrow so I'll get more scoop). And, he lost his first tooth. The one beside the hole is very loose too. The dentist told me to start saving for braces - for all three kids! I hope the new teeth come in somewhat straight.

Finishing Touches

More Range Install Pictures

The Beast

Jewels and crew (Kenneth, David and Todd) installed the range (aptly named "the beast") this evening. Bill and Ginger dropped by to supervise. It took one extra trip to the store - the flex tubing would not allow the range to fit close to the wall - but the second try was a success! THANK YOU for helping guys. Dinner at our house next week!

Vent Hood - the end

Jewels mastered the vent hood install. It took longer than we estimated - isn't that always the case? The end product looks great. And, it works!

Vent Hood - the beginning

How many drill bits does it take to install a vent hood - 4! The tile is so hard that Jewels broke 4 bits drilling 6 holes. These pictures show the start of the installation.