Merry Christmas cookies

Despite everything else going on around here, it's just not Christmas without some cookies!

This year's crop

They look like they're taking off!

And now they are packaged and ready for take off!

Ok! It can be Christmas now!

Youth Group does Christmas!

Life has just been one big party lately!  Including Youth Group!!  This year's theme was wear your youth t shirt.  Every year we have a youth shirt, so the kids were asked/challenged/encouraged to wear at least one, but maybe more of their favorite shirts.  It was a lot of fun, and a bit of a trip down memory lane too!

Relay picture telephone

 Hot potato present!

Such fun, such great kids!

Life's a party around the office

My faithful readers are going to start thinking that all we do at GFS is party.  

You might be on to something there.  

The lines do blur, especially around this time of year!

Our department ugly sweater or festive headgear white elephant party was Tuesday morning, lots of delicious food, fun, and great gifts!

Since I didnt have an ugly sweater, I opted for the headgear...

Beth's sweater lit up and had a battery pack!

 The whole gang, including Figment.

Friday morning the GFS Carolers came calling!  How fun!

I'll say it again, I just love where I work!

Work Family

I have often said that I've done a lot of growing up since hitching my wagon to the GFS family.  

In fact, there are several people whom I work with that call me 'kiddo' and others who have called themselves my 'work dad or mom.'  

My engagement was met with thrill and delight, so to celebrate they threw me a Bridal Luncheon.

My lovely hostesses and dear friends Karla and Yana

The attendees

  I really am so blessed to work where I do.

Work it this Christmas!

Peter and I both had our work Christmas parties this past week.  His was Wednesday night and it was a murder mystery!  ooo lala!  It was held at an old historic home in Kalamazoo and we were encouraged to dress the part and really get into it!  Our table was able to crack the case, so we were awarded certificates of honor!

We sat with his grandparents, his gram totally dressed the part!  Fine furs and everything!

Saturday night was the GFS Annual Meeting!  Another success!  And by that I mean we hung out with friends, played Ms. Pacman, got a Yesterdog, heard a great comedian, and saw a magic show!  Oh and had desserts, fancy coffees, and movie theater popcorn at my fingertips! Perfecto!

I had a hot date too

Here's to another year of workin' it!

This Year's Version of Caroling

Time has been at a premium this year for things like caroling, putting up a tree, baking, etc.  So when Mrs. B themed her shower for me with caroling, I'm counting it!  It was a most lovely morning inside, outside was a totally other story, early December blizzard!

The decor - I was also gifted 2 of these, so special, whenever I see these carolers, I always associate them with the B's!

My lovely hostess, and life long friend Mrs. B

My Grandma makes the most amazing bows

Some of the lovely ladies in attendance

Pillowcases! Mom and I came across those in Chinatown this summer, good thing he proposed!

Me and the Matron of most honor.  Wedding Shower Warrior!

It was so fun to have family and a lot of long time friends at this shower. It made for a morning full of laughs and great food too! :)

Showers of blessings!

It was shower week!  Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Monday!  This was Tuesday's evening. It was such a nice time with the ladies at Peter's church.  

So fun to celebrate our joy with others who know and love Peter.

Opening gifts - the little girl in the middle is in Peter's SS class, and was full of things to say! :)

My hostesses!

The Matron with the most Honor!

Despite the snowglobe weather outside, we had a wonderful evening spending time together!

The Tennis Girls

If you know me, you know about 'The tennis girls'  After coming home from college, I basically joined the Calvin tennis team and have been so blessed by them and their friendships!  Last weekend, my friends threw me a lovely mother-daughter shower.  Kari's mom hosted, so it was like having a shower in my second home growing up :)

What a wonderful time!

Me and my Momma! Matchy matchy!

Chatting it up!

 My girls!

Lifelong friends :)

Delicious food, snow, and a warm fire! Doesnt get better than that!

Over the river and through the woods!

To my brother's house we go!  The Michiganders in our family packed up and hit the road to visit our Virginian contingent over Thanksgiving weekend.  We had lots of fun spending time all together, with just the boys, with just the girls, and just in general!

Off we go!!!

mmm snack break for Mos!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Photo bomb courtesy of Samuel)

Think she'll remember me?  Uhh yes, Peet-o, she sure did!

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Potato prep, it was ALL worth it! yum!

Two turkeys

Andrea's brother and SIL and their kids came too!  Pie time!

An outing to the NRA museum - I have stiff competition!

AUP (Almost Uncle Peter) and Sam just chillin'

Hanging with grandpa

Boys outing and girls outing on Friday

Birthday gifts for the birthday Rita!

Mos!  The kids just love hanging out with their cousin.

Sisters, with another one on the way!!

Me and Sammy!

Party time!!!

Wedding prep :) In your underoos...duh

Baby cousins

Snuggly bears with their Auntie

Hug time with Mos and his AUP on the ride home!

 What a great time spent with family!  A weekend full of delicious food and lots of fun!