After Thanksgiving Breakfast

Blake, Lori's Family, and Bryce's Family were able to join us on Friday morning for a late breakfast.  Before that, Joe and I did a little Black Friday shopping.  I thought that was all I was going to do, until I realized later in the day that I needed to go to Penney's to take advantage of their sale on towels.  Lori reluctantly agreed to go with me.  I think it had something to do with the fact that she had gone with me the year before.  I promised we'd only go for the towels that Grandma Miller wanted me to get for her, and I kept my word -- I only bought the FORTY towels for Mom.  And, if you think that is no big deal, you are wrong.  Counting, carrying, bagging, and carrying to the car that many towels is no small feat.  Thank you, Lori, for realizing that I really did need your help :)

Thanksgiving Day: Turkey Bowl at Shangri La and Dinner at the White House

The McMinnville Ward Turkey Bowl took place in our field on a cold and foggy Thanksgiving morning.  I walked out and had a little visit with Sampson's wife, Brittany, before she joined the guys on the field.  There were lots of familiar faces in the bunch, as well as some new ones.

After that, we headed to Oak Ridge.  We had a wonderful meal there with the Whites, Betsy's family, Eric and his children, Matthew's Family, Blake, and Brett.

Lunch at Hickory Creek

Sure enjoyed my first (!) Thanksgiving meal this year with Kyndal.

Mostly, I enjoyed the roll and being with her ;)

Sisters

Beautiful Kathy

On Monday, November 14th, Agnes, Carolyn, and I went to see Kathy at Holston Community Hospital in Kingsport, TN.  Kathy's physical health has taken several hits over the last several months.  She was diagnosed with cancer and then withstood the subsequent series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  In a condition considerably weakened from those things, she developed double pneumonia.  After being treated for that, she experienced a relapse.  The fight against cancer has taken nearly every ounce of strength she has.  Her son, Tim, works at the hospital and met us in the lobby when we arrived.  We were pleased that after he escorted us to her room, he was able to stay for a while and visit.  It was a bittersweet experience:  so good to be together, but so hard to see her so weak and fragile.  It will take a lot of work and time for her to regain her strength, but we are hopeful and prayerful that she will be able to do so.  It was very difficult when it came time to say our goodbyes.  We wished we could have taken her with us.

Debby holding Tim, Kathy, Carolyn (made in front of the Rhineharts' recently built house in Kingsport, TN)

Skinny Minnies (Kathy & Debby) in FL

Once upon a Christmas  . . . Kathy, Agnes, June, Mom, Charles, Carolyn, & Debby

Men at Work

One of Will's b'day gifts was a set of yard tools.

We have plenty of dirt for him and Jack to try the tools out for the first time.

Jack is wearing my old hat and Will has on Pa Joe's.

 Right after these pics were taken, the Jones Fam said, "Toodle-oo-tah-tah."

Well, Jack did, anyway :)

Four Years Old!!!

Bedtime Story(ies)

I did my part to delay bedtime as long as possible since this was going to be the last night at our house for the Ellsworth girls for a while.  I started missing them before they even left.  Sure love all our grands.

Jammie Time!

I wanted a pic of the kids and me after their moms got them ready for bed.  Remember what I said about group shots that have little kids in them?  Another fiasco, for sure.  The reason I appear to be looking at the ceiling is because a little head came back and caught me right in the mouth.  Ouch.

Bean Counters (and Pourers and Mess-Makers)!

G'ma Miller Visit

On Thursday, we took lunch to G'ma's to share with her and Carolyn (who has been staying with her since she was released from the hospital).  We stopped and bought pizza on the way out - cheese, ham & pineapple, and extravaganza (G'ma's fav).  For dessert, we enjoyed an Apple Crisp - deluxe edition - that Julee made that morning, topped off with vanilla ice cream.  Yum!

Afterward, a photo shoot.  There is nothing quite as frustrating and humorous as trying to get group shots with little kids.  First up, Lori & boys.  Next, Julee & girls.  Lastly, a cute shot of Ces playing with some farm toys.