Deck the Halls . . . . . . .

Kyle and Eric came over on Saturday and we had a decorating blitz! Eric is the expert on the bay window and dishes. He changes out the regular dishes with the Christmas dishes - no small task with all the trips up and down the stairs.

Kyle was a huge help outside as he worked with Dad and me.

Everything is just about done . . I'll have to get some pictures of the finished product!

Thanksgiving Memories

Grandma (Carolyn) asked everyone to share a Thanksgiving memory . .here they are in no particular order . .

Marching in the St. Louis Thanksgiving Day Parade

Matching family sweatshirts worn to Silver Dollar City

Having very little money and eating hot dogs and stove top stuffing and then heading home to STL for good food (taking the leftovers home!)

The windshield wipers going out in a horrible rainstorm and Lori having a meltdown in Litchfield

Thanksgiving at Grannie and Grandpa O's and Thanksgiving at the "cabin" of Grannie and Grandpa Henley. Eating and hanging out with all the family.

56 years ago (1953) playing in the West Frankfort Redbirds vs. the Benton Rangers Thanksgiving Football game and winning 34 to 13! I was a Redbird! Homecoming Dance was that night and telling my date (she asked me) that I'd meet her at the dance and then eating dinner and falling asleep and waking up the next morning (hadn't told my parents I was supposed to go to dance so nobody woke me up!)

Leaving STL to head to Southern Illinois and as we cross the Mississippi River singing "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go"!

When the "boys" were little putting up the tree and giving them holiday outfits and pjs.

As a young girl my Dad and brother watching football and my sister, Chris loving football and chocolate pie. Chris getting so excited during the game that she jumped up and her pie went flying and hit the ceiling!

Smoked turkey and baked turkey.

Going to Silver Dollar City and the Singing Christmas Tree Show!

November 30, 1985 asking Carla "Do you want to be a Henley?" Getting engaged that day!

"Play On" - Eric is a Stagehand

This is the first play that Eric has worked on at St. Charles West. The title was "Play On"! He helped to build the sets and then worked as a stagehand during the play! The play was performed Thursday and Saturday evenings. We went to see it on Saturday night (JD went both nights!) These are a few pics from the night.

We were proud of Eric for finding a new activity to participate in and jumping in and getting involved!

This pic is dark but it is of Eric moving the couch on stage :)

The Set!

Hangin' with the Kruse's!

Marlin and Carolyn spent last weekend in Monticello - they hung out with Lori, Rod and Matt. The guys watched football and basketball and Lori and Mom did some of that and shopped. They all went to a Bradley basketball game on Sunday. Lori and Rod in their home -they will be married 25 years in December!

Matt with Grandma and Grandpa!

Matt kind of overshadows Grandma and Grandpa!

Paying Respect!

Saturday morning Carla and I stopped at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois. We were going to change the flowers on my grandparent's grave. We were in awe of the beauty of all the flags flying the length of the cemetery for Veteran's Day. What a powerful reminder of all those who gave their lives in service to our country and to protect our freedom.

This is the grave of my Dad's parents.

I have no idea why these pics keep turning but they are the graves of my Dad's brother and sister who died as children.

Justin and Lesley's Shower

Today was the bridal shower for Justin Jones and his bride-to-be Lesley! Justin and Lesley met at Harding University. Their wedding is Dec 20th in Little Rock. The shower was a brunch at the home of Lynn and Jerry Jones. It is hard to beleive that Justin is getting married. Justin and Lesley were delightful today as they told about meeting, dating and getting engaged. Congratulations Justin and Lesley.

Justin was there with Lesley -these were all friends of his from growing up.

Beautiful Bride-to-be!

A small portion of the packages.

Proud Mama DiAnn with her son Justin and future daughter in law, Lesley.

Justin's Grandma Flo and Lesley.

Lynn was a gracious hostess - the house was beautiful. Jerry broke out his new apron to help and park cars!

Halloween Happenings

Here are a few pics from Halloween evening (my nephews apparently dodged the camera all night!) We had a great evening! We have been hosting a Halloween Open House for 20 years and love getting to see everyone! Susan and Jeff

Aunt Marion and Gracie

Jon and Angie

J.D. and Carla (JD and Jon could wear the Illini orange since they won on Saturday!)

Gracie and Lexi

Nurse Emma

The Super Hero Roades Family - I love that they come in a family costume!

Jeff and Uncle Mike

Lori and Rod were here for the first time this year!

Mom and Dad - Dad was a trooper for a guy who had surgery less than a month ago! Note - he stays prepared all night by just keeping his fork in his pocket!