Finally! Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Baker

It was a small wedding at the courthouse. Mike, bless his heart, married Kellie at his lunch hour, and had to return back to work to provide for their family. Lori's sister and her long-time boyfriend were married on 12/30/09.

Matt took the photos, and also stood in for a witness.

Something old (1972 penny); something new (bride and groom white gold rings); something borrowed (a silver bracelet from Lori); something blue (earrings in December birthstone); and a sixpence in her shoe (refer back to the 1972 penny).

We are so happy for them. Welcome to the family (officially) Mike!

Snow Fall of approximately 3-inches 12/29/09

Preparing for the Rose Bowl....

We bought the pups some Oregon Duck shirts from Rite Aid. They had reasonable prices and nice quality.

All three dogs, Checkers, Tiger (not pictured), and Bear will be sporting the green and yellow attire in support of the home team who are playing in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

Checkers (14), and Bear (4)

Jersey Shirt

yeah, he's a big boy~about 30 lbs.

Aunt Georgiana's 86th Birthday Party

Today we went to a surprise party for Lori's Great Aunt Georgianna. We met at Izzys Pizza, and it worked out well because no one had to cook or clean up~

Aunt Georgianna is a kind, loving, active lady. She has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is a hoot at family get-togethers and always has a smile to share.

These are a few pictures. We posted more of the family on Facebook.

Aunt Georgianna

Matthew

Lori's Sister, Kellie, and Aunt Georgianna

Sisters: Kellie (37) and Lori (40)

Lori's Dad, Frank

Momma Debi and Nicole

Frank, Georgianna, and her daughter Linda

Kellie and Mike Baker, still waiting to hear they are married~

Visit with Grandma Betty

Grandma Betty lives in a Dementia care facility. She still recognizes Lori at this point. We had a nice visit. We brought her some chocolates and pictures of the family.

The staff there are warm and caring. We were surprised when we went back to Grandma's room to find a Alzheimers patient in her room. Grandma says that happens often. After Lori shew-ed the stranger out of her room, we found a pair of soaked (with what we don't know) mittens in the candy dish. Abi promptly cleaned it out and we filled her dish with wrapped Christmas candies.

When we were leaving and waving goodbye to Grandma from the door, many of the residents waved goodbye to us as well. Nice people, and made an impression on Nicole and Abi.

Grandma Betty, Lori's Grandma (her dad's mom)

Abi, Great-Grandma Betty, and Nicole

The Eve of Christmas Eve

We had our family together the Eve before Christmas Eve.

Dan made it home, if only for a few hours; Nicole is home for the week from school; and Abi, well she should be home--she's grounded. Lori's work schedule this year pretty much determined the gift-opening time, as she works Christmas Eve and Christmas at the hospital.

Matt picked out a nice prime rib to cook up, along with his signature side dish--sauteed brussel sprouts with bacon. Mashed potatoes, butterfly rolls, and corn were also on the menu.

The movies we watched were Christmas with the Kranks and Deck the Halls.

Abi making friendship bracelets

Lori and her mom, bundled up with blankets and 3 poodles

Abi giving her big sister Nicole a huge hug for getting her the band t-shirt she had been wanting.

Dan and Matt

Lavender Tea House

The girls, Lori, her mom, Nicole and Abi, enjoyed Christmas Tea at Lavender Tea House in Sherwood. Jingle Bell Tea, Fruit Medley Tea, turkey noodle soup, finger sandwiches, fruit, and a fluffy scone with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd. Oh, yes, and assorted mini desserts!

A Car for My Wife....

Lori's Crocheting Project--Camo Granny Squares

During hunting season, I found some Red Heart brand camo yarn. I played around with it, and decided to make granny squares into a small quilt for our bed in the trailer.

This is a great project for me, as I can make squares when I have a few minutes of time. The center is a sage green, next is the camo, then coffee brown, and I'll do black around each square.
Shown here is the work in progress. I find time to work on it in the evenings when we're watching a movie or TV show. The work is going fairly quick, so I hope to have it completed before end of year.

Abi's Senior Pictures