Baking and Bonding

It has been a few years since I have been at the original Baking and Bonding. I have hosted my own in other countries and other states, but, boy, did it feel good to be back with my roots.

As I remember, the "Bonding" far outweighs the "Baking". It is loud, colorful, and competitive, and many things said at this party should never be repeated outside of the circle of people who attended.

By far, the best gingerbread house display (vote for it at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=846767369465&set=a.626867076415.2279915.22413564 )

The Buckeyes (and for all the UofM fans, "I-hate-Ohio-State-balls")

The men doing the manly sugar-cookie-decorating.

Yeah, I love this man.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Since we are about to go back. . .

Jay and I are leaving for Nebraska today, and I realized I never posted my pictures from the last trip, so here they are:

(Nora is not drunk, but I think the look on her face is priceless, combined with the fact that she was fascinated by her Uncle Jay's empty beer bottle)

After the final Nebraska and Colorado game.

The men being manly.

Nora was also fascinated by Chango. Chango on the other hand was tolerant of Nora. He even treated her to a few kisses.

To Narah:

Dear Narah,

Someday I think it would be fun to be in Michigan when you are here. Let's try and make that happen.
P.S. We thought of you and your family a lot on the day this picture was taken.

As Promised.

Here are some picture of Ramona Jean!

This is a well documented little girl:)

Sleeping contented in her Uncle Jay's arms.

Yes, Ramona, this is your family. . .

Two kids under 3 - Good luck Matt and Megs!

You are a beautiful baby girl Ramona - we will see you again in a few weeks!

Baby Cooke is on its way!

I found out this morning that my sister in law, Megan, is in labor! For real this time. She has had false labor for the past month or so.

Please pray for her and baby Cooke (gender and name still to be announced).

Jay and I are tentatively planning on heading to Grand Rapids tomorrow to see them all.

Pictures to come.

Three years - and still good!

Jay and I had our 3 year anniversary last week. Traditionally a newlywed couple would save, freeze and eat their wedding cake topper on their first anniversary. We have never been very traditional in our life choices, so things went more like this: After the wedding, the cake was wrapped, frozen and put in my parents' freezer. Our first year anniversary was spent in Mexico - no cake. Our second year anniversary was spent in Nebraska - still no cake (Not even a thought of cake). This year we are in Michigan and my mom forced a foil wrapped package into my hands a couple of days before the big day. We weren't sure 3 year old cake would be any good, but we decided to give it a try.

  And you know what - it tasted great. I mean, our citrus and raspberry cake was delicious to begin with (most wedding cakes aren't, but ours was), and I was able to enjoy it more because I wasn't having my stomach shrunk by a white taffeta bodice.

Yeah for yummy cake. Yeah for caterers using liberal amounts of foil to protect the cake. And most importantly - Yeah for 3 years married to my very favorite man!

Fall in Michigan

The colors have been spectacular this year in Southeast Michigan. Unfortunately, we had a windstorm today so they may be gone by tomorrow. So this post is in honor of the colors of fall. These pictures are from our yard and our block.