Over the last two days

From a sunny Thanksgiving to a snowy Christmas tree hunt, here is a pictorial walk-through of the epic adventures of the incredible Franks.

Late morning dishes before the awesomeness of Thanksgiving lunch - props to Mom for cooking up the best as always!

What? Don't you normally spend Thanksgiving on house projects like cutting off half a staircase?  No, you don't? That's odd. Or maybe we're odd . . . 

I'll have to look into that one.

Okay.  Food play.  I started cutting up an apple and pear to serve for lunch and a turkey kinda appeared!

Yummy pecan pie and look at that gorgeous sunshine.  No matter that it was a chilly 38 degrees outside, there was sunshine and it was beautiful.

My sister with the fall flowers.  Yes, I agree with you; we are odd.

My sister 24 hours later in slightly different circumstances.

We will find the perfect Christmas tree.  It's just around the next bend in the road.

Or maybe the next one? Come on, I've just got to see what's around that corner.

It wasn't until we walked a mile back to the truck and started driving back down the forest service road that we found it!  Only it was 10 feet down a steep embankment.   Dad roped down and then I took his saw down to him and we hauled that tree up and out.

Dad tagged it with the five-dollar permit he got from National Forest Service and we celebrated by getting toasty in the cab. 

And then we went to the Christmas parade down Main Street with some friends and saw the tree lighting at Depot Park. 

Mom spent the day de-fall-ing the house and transforming the house into a Christmas wonderland.  She is amazing that way.  

Then we had a second Thanksgiving with Kacey, Jay, Ellie and Hudson.  Mom's cooking was just as good the second time around.  She is amazing that way too!

Here is a bit of silliness from us girls on the way to cut the tree if you want to watch.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

A wonderful day 

to be full of thanks!

There was yummy food to fill the tummies.

Then some work to get done before dessert!

Looks like Rachel is working!

Looks like I am working!

Ashley????

What are you doing???

I see!

Taking lovely pictures!

That counts!

You may have dessert, too!

Smiles from all the yummy food!

and

Gratitude for health that allows us to work.

Stay tuned for more Thanksgiving photos from Rachel!

Tomorrow the girls and Steve are off to the forest.

It's time once again for that "perfect" Christmas tree.

Ellie is ready. . .

Are you?

November 17th

As my mother said, "Today is a murky, muddy day."  I have this weird feeling that for the next 8 months that might be "as good as it's gonna get."    All I want is snow for Christmas; please, please, please.  You know, just a little blizzard or something. :)

The end of our cross street

Being a San Diego girl at heart still, I find it hard to be inspired by gloom.  I got up extra early this morning hoping to catch a beautiful sunrise over the mountains to fracture the monotony of these pictures, but the clouds were too thick and low to let the sun through.

Frost from the early morning - and notice the pond is just about frozen.  Skating soon!

But it was good to be up and at it this morning.  Saturdays tend to be a good day around here.  Getting work done, family time, gym time, but the best part is Saturday night church at Fresh Life.  One of the unexpected surprises about moving to Montana has been this church that is on fire to help those stranded in sin find life and liberty in Jesus Christ.  Their enthusiasm is infectious.

First Avenue Park 

First Avenue Sidewalk

Anyway, going to bed inspired and encouraged, often challenged, is awesome.  This weekend is the Operation Christmas Child drop off Sunday.  You friends of ours may remember that we have loved participating in this as a family since we were little girls.  So if you haven't packed a box yet, I'm sure Target is still open . . . 

Not much has changed on the front of our house.  I don't think we're going to get siding on before winter (too many work trips to San Diego), so we are all adjusting to turning a blind eye to the Tyvek, Tyvek, Tyvek.  Do you see the smoke coming out of the chimney?  We have been using the wood stove every day to keep the house habitable.  Now we rake the leaves and fill the wood room as almost daily chores.  Soon we will substitute snow shoveling, but probably not until after Thanksgiving.   

Speaking of, Thanksgiving is almost upon us!  My hope is that you find many reasons to be thankful this week.  I know when I start looking, the list gets overwhelming.  So, Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!

Grandma and Aunt Duty!

Yep, we are on duty.

Jay and Kacey are celebrating their 3rd Anniversary!

(just a wee bit early)

This is the first time that we have kept Hudson over night!  

He is pretty attached to his mommy, if you know what I mean!!!

Not only did we get a full night's sleep

BUT

Hudson drank his first bottle today from us!  

Way to go, Hudson!!!

Ellie. . . well,

She is just being her cute and adorable self.

Hopefully, tonight will be a night of rest for us all, too!

Happy Anniversary, Jay and Kacey!!!!!!

Today is . . .

. . . Lauren's 25th birthday!
       (today in the United States, that is)

with love,
mom, dad, ashley & rachel