shoot me

Got a new toy for Christmas... a Canon digital camera. I'm having a good time figuring out how to use it, however, it's at Scott's expense, and he's not thrilled about that! Here's some pics I've taken today during my learning process...

more to see

Here's a few more Christmas pictures courtesy of Sarah and Doug.

Little Gavin, and more Meyerings






Sarah and Doug



Mom, Dad, Joel, Rach, Scott, Grandma B, Doug and Sarah



Christmas Eve Dinner:
Scott, Joel, Rach, Dad, Aaron, Mom, Aunt Becky, Seth, Grandma B (can't see!), Emily, Sarah, Doug, Uncle Dave

the whirlwind that was Christmas

Growing up, Christmas stretched from the weekend before all the way to New Years, depending on which family's house we would travel to, and how we could best finagle the plans. This year, Scott and I had five celebrations in just three days, which was definitely an adjustment. I'm guessing (and hoping) that things will change for future years, and we won't be attempting a feat that involves long travel, late nights and early mornings. How much more exciting to have days on end to which we can look forward, instead of cramming it into one continuous event! Here's the blow-by-blow...

Friday morning we made a visit to Pete and Amy's house (which is absolutely adorable and charming). Here they are in their living room.



Friday night was the Meyering christmas at Mom and Dad's. Here's Aunt Kelli, Grandma and Sarah looking at Sarah's wedding photos.



I think Aunt Sue likes her gift.



Uncle Les and Denae just hanging out.



Joel in engaging conversation with the Grandmas.



Sarah and I smiling for the camera.



Saturday afternoon was our Christmas celebration with the Nelson's. Here's the kids and Grandma as they open their gifts from her.



On Saturday night (Christmas Eve) after church, we made sure to get some shots in our finest duds. Here's Dad, Scott, Joel and Doug. Mom now has her own "three sons".



The original three Meyerings.



Classic Joel and Sarah goofing around. Can you hear the kackle?



Rach and Scott.



Sunday afternoon (Christmas Day) was spent at Scott's parents with his brother. Here's the four of them... I'm taking the photo.

to us, from us

Over the weekend, Scott and I received our Christmas gift to each other... new interior french doors that divide an addition (with a natural gas guzzling heater) from the rest of the house.

Our installer showed up at 9:45am on Saturday morning, and was nothing short of wonderful. He transformed our garage into his own work shop complete with a heater, and did the entire job by himself. He paid so much attention to the details and spent 45 minutes cleaning up our house after the job was done. Best of all, he was the lowest quote and most personable guy.

Maybe this will give you an idea of our house. We tried to seal off the addition in the back, even though it could be used four seasons, because it has a self-contained gas heater which runs constantly in the winter months. We don't use the room unless we have company, so this seemed like a good idea (and a pretty one, too).

Here's some before and after pictures from the addition looking into the kitchen, and looking into the living room...

This is the exposed brick that used to be the back of the house circa 1960. It has since been slathered with wood paneling and later painted.

And the beautiful finished product! They still need to be primed and painted, and those not-so-attractive 80s sconces need to be yanked as well, but all in due time.

it's almost time

Remember just a couple days ago when I was saying how bored and unexcited I was? That I should prepare and wait, and become the epitome of Advent? That has all changed! I am now feeling frazzled with tasks, and at the same time, going to Grand Rapids can't come soon enough.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still the same Rach... my gifts have been wrapped for weeks, and I know exactly what still needs to be accomplished per my running list. It's just crunch time now. A few more days...

more from our nation's capitol

Over the weekend Sarah and Doug went down to the mall and checked out Christmas decorations. Here's some pictures from the Willard Hotel, the White House and the National Tree.

missing you

Last night I was at Grandma B's house after work. We had a nice dinner at our fave Chinese place, and then came back to get the Christmas tree up. She's had an artificial tree for a couple years now... getting a real one is her wish, but she knows it's difficult and takes more care. So we assembled her tree, and I strung the lights and put the angel on top. It looks nice in the corner window and glows beautifully, even from Rochester Road.

While Grandma B and I have a special relationship (that I don't think would have been created with my Grandpa B still around), it's times like last night when I realize how much I miss both of my grandpas.

I can see how the absence of my grandpas affects their wives... driveways don't get shoveled completely, furniture isn't rearranged as often, jobs that are typically "male" get completed by sons or sons-in-law (or granddaughters). But while I miss Papa and Grandpa dearly, I know that I wouldn't have the opportunity to know my grandmothers the way I do now. These are wise ladies, as their husbands were, and I cherish all the time spent with them.

Grandpa B and me (1982)

Grandpa M and me (1995)

across the miles

This just came into my inbox from Sarah and Doug. They decorated their tree, and wanted to share pictures. Looks just lovely! Can't wait to see you two in just nine days! Hopefully Scott and I will be able to share pictures of our tree soon.

chop, chop

This past Saturday we chopped down a lovely Blue Spruce for our living room. We went with our good friends, and their two little ladies. It was incredibly cold, but worth the adventure to find the perfect tree.

This little-known place was on Shea Road, somewhere northeast of our house! It was truly a gold mine to us, with lots of trees and the perfect price (the other more commercialized farms in the area charge $60 for the same trees).

These are our super friends, all bundled up for the day. Aren't they an adorable family?

Here's Scott, cutting down our tree. He looks so thrilled to be down in the cold snow...





...and then carefully planning the best way to make it home. "Um, do you want someone to consult with on this?" No answer. Must be things are under control without my assitance.

I'll have to see about getting some pictures of the thing actually up and decorated!

christmas quiz

My co-worker gave us this Christmas quiz. Try to determine the correct title for each of these famous Christmas songs. I got most of the answers correct. Can you? Post a reply, and I'll tell you if you're right! Needless to say, I've got some free time on my hands at work.

1. The fancy hotel room of a psychiatrist
2. The lad is a diminutive percussionist
3. Decorate the entryways
4. ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
5. Frozen precipitation commence
6. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole
7. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season
8. Tranquility upon the terrestrial sphere
9. The red-suited pa is due in this burg
10. 288 yuletide hours
11. Present me naught but dual incisors for this festive yuletide
12. Exuberation to this orb
13. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis

preparing... and waiting

I wonder if I am the epitome of Advent, and just don't realize it? Sitting still is a challenge for me, I've discovered recently, and while I don't care to be caught up in all the hype that is Christmas 2005, I do want to be caught up in SOMETHING!

With all the shopping done, and half the gifts wrapped, there's not much going on, and I find myself looking to Scott to entertain me. Maybe I should be looking elsewhere... preparing and waiting patiently for the celebration of Jesus' birth. After all, it is the season of Advent. Maybe God's trying to say something, and in all my desire to be constantly busy, I should just "be still" (as my Mom would say). Hard as it is, I think I'll give it a shot and try to embrace these slow days.