Yes they're all Mine

Saturday, December 25, 2010

December 22 (Day one of Break)

Day one of Christmas break was spent doing a lot of nothing!! Our big outing was to the library where we stayed for over an hour playing games and reading. Once we got home we enjoyed a lot of quiet reading time-it was such a great afternoon!!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Talbott's Tree Farm

Derek forgot the saw

Riding the tractor

The gang starting the tree search

Tree number one

For the past 16 years Derek and I have gone to Talbott's Tree Farm to pick out our perfect tree for the holiday season. From the very beginning this adventure includes hours of trekking around to make sure that this perfect tree, a special combination of tall and fat, is found-regardless of weather we're talking at least an hour here. As time has gone by, we've added several little people to our family and we've kept this as our most precious tradition. I love that the kids know that every year on the day after Thanksgiving we will load up in the van and head out-yes there are groans and Emmy makes sure to point out that she doesn't particularly like the walking part-BUT when we get there it is the official start to our holiday festivities.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2010

We travelled to Mapleton for a yummy Thanksgiving dinner

Grandpa Story, me, Fiona, and Michael

Uncle Alec, Grandma Story, Emmy, and the girls dancing in the background

Big smiles!!

Alec and Derek

The wish list tradition continues

The kids were given stacks of catalogues to browse through. Anything that looked good was circled-yes, there was a lot of circling going on!

We aren't really sure when this went on during the festivities, but obviously the girls had a blast jumping off of the bed.

What a great Thanksgiving day!! We are blessed!!

Thanksgiving Lunch 2010

All of the Grandkids

Front row (from L) Addison, Berlyn, Avery, Peris holding Ayden, Emmy holding Oliver

Back row (from L) Michael, Fiona, and Ella

Dad, me, Tim, Tom

(Dave was downstairs playing pool and wouldn't come up when I yelled at him)

Peris holds Ayden

Mr. Cutie

Michael and Berlyn hanging out on the couch

Something naughty is going on here!!

Fiona (not eating) and her Dad (trying to get her to eat)

The "big" kid table

The "little" girl table

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Imagine Toy Collection with our Small Group

The mathletes of our group (i.e. the toy counters)

Danielle and I-inventory control!!

Dan poised and ready for action!!

Jeff and Derek-they don't look poised and ready for action...

Charity, Danielle, JoAnn, and I

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Our small group volunteered on Toy collection day at Eastview and had a blast!! As of last Sunday, the total toy collection was upwards of 25oo!! Now that is God's love working through some serious toy donations!!

Imagine day is December 18th at Eastview. If you know of someone in need, please call the church office for further details, or send me an email and I will get the information for you.

It is a wonderful thing!!

Go Team Fulkerson!!!

We are so fortunate to be part of such a wonderful small group!!!

Imagine Kick Off - Toys

This year we kicked off our holiday season by heading out to buy toys for the Imagine project at our church. Imagine is a wonderful outreach that will provide thousands of toys, coats, and food to families that are in need here in our community. This year our budget was more of a challenge, but we were still able to purchase five wonderful gifts that we pray will bless 5 wonderful children. There has been a lot of discussion in our home this year about where these toys go-the kids are beginning to realize that cell phones, iPads, Itouches, and all of the things that we think we "need" really have little meaning in the big picture that God paints for each of us. While I do not mean to push volunteerism only during the holidays, I would encourage you to reach out to someone in need during this time where many aren't feeling the joy of the season. Then perhaps we will reach out beyond the season and continue to give to those who have a need whether big or small.