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Franny says she is going to blog. She can put it right here.

Christmas Cheer!

We had friends drop by to bring some Christmas Cheer. They gave us a bottle of their first press of wine. The label says Singing Woods 2010 Pinot Noir. They picked the grapes and were coached through the whole process. How cool is that!

Chris & Amelia's First House!

I will email everyone our new address but I had to share photos:

 Front of House

 Walkway to Front Door

 Kitchen

 Great Room: Living & Dining

 Master Bedroom

 Master Bathroom

 Master Closet

 Bedroom #2

 Bedroom #3

 Guest Bathroom

 Side Yard

Backyard

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas weekend!

-Amelia

Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas

Amelia and Chris took ownership of their new house!!!!  We all met there to celebrate with a glass of champagne. Clark was running and jumping to show his enthusiasm for their new place. Chris helped Clark find the best hiding spot ever. It is a wonderful house and they will have many happy times there I'm sure. Congratulations!

Wreath the Halls with Tea?

For those of you who know about Paul's crazy obsession interest in tea....look what I made for him.

Spritz, The Next Generation!

Alli and Mimi made spritz at my house. Mom I remember you saying that you and Aunt ME would say "spritz" when the dough cookie was out of the press and on the pan. Amelia says something else. I got her to switch for like one pan but then she went back to splat or whatever she was saying. I had to get happy that I at least had spritz being made on the premises. Happy day.

Baby Girl Porter!

It's a girl!!! Isn't she lovely!  Having been at the appointment, I can tell you that she is acrobatic. We got to see her yawn and stretch. Love her already!

No Butcher, but a Baker and Pie Maker!

On Thanksgiving day I was so proud. Amelia made the best rolls ever. That picture is on someone else's camera. I will try to get it. Really, the best. I did get a picture of Allison's pies. There were actually 4 pies but I got a picture of 2 pecan pies and a cranberry pie that was really good. A roll maker and a pie maker, are we lucky or what? Oh and Amelia doubles as the gravy maker, following in the tradition taught to her by her Uncle Bob. It was a good day.

Crafts with Clark

Allison bought the kit and took pictures with her fancy pants camera while Amelia and I assisted Clark in making this gingerbread house. (This picture however is from Amelia's phone).Clark LOVES crafts which makes his grandma happy!!

Hawaii Toes

Mom got her first pedicure yesterday and I got the polish reapplied to mine at the same time. Anna gave us matching flowers on our big toes.

My Quilt

I thought you would all like to see the quilt Jeanie made me for my birthday. It is full of irises and I love it!! The top and bottom are reverse applique which I particularly like. I also like the label on the back that says it is for my 50th birthday and dated 2011. So I've dropped four years off my age!! Too cool. Jeanie said she wanted ME in the picture so I made sure I was. Sorry Jeanie but I never did my hair after showering this morning! I'll take another one someday.

Fall Adventure

Today we decided to take a drive along the gorge. We stopped at Multnomah Falls. We were there 26 years ago in August with John and Alexis. Alexis and I, both pregnant, stood in the parking lot and talked about if she might be having twins. Guess we know the answer to that now. Anyway, it was a beautiful fall day. We saw a famous statue and the world's biggest leaf. Then we headed on the Mt. Hood and had lunch at the brew pub then did the tour of the brewery. Very nice day and we will plan to go back when we can stay longer.

Bob's Birthday

Thanks to everyone who called and chatted with Bob on and near his birthday. John and Alexis - we'll call you soon - we loved hearing from nearly the whole famdamly. The pic is of Bob showing off the skin he got for his Kindle from the Seymours. (Bet you can figure out that he's showing the back, not the front of the Kindle.) Mr. Bob turned SIXTY FIVE!!! How the heck does that happen??!! We'll post the birthday card winners as soon as a pending late entry (ahem) is received. There have been some excellent entries already.

Remembering Dad and his roses

Wanted to highlight a couple of roses in our yard. This is a beautiful and wonderful smelling red rose that is very hearty that Rick's Mom planted. It's fragrance is very strong and very beautiful.

The other rose looks like Brandy in this picture but is actually a little more pink/orange - its name is Brigadoon. Also very fragrant. These beautiful roses remind me of Dad's rose garden. They have brought out these blooms even in November to remember him.

Pipecreek Texas

We are home from our adventure to Texas. We had a very nice time with Joe and Barbara. While there we saw Georgian, I took a cooking class, went to the Alamo and dined on the famous Riverwalk. Oregon looks exceptionally green after being in Texas. Enjoy the pictures.

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch

Today we all went to the Pumpkin Patch. We played in the hay maze, the bounce house, pumpkin patch, hay ride, cow train, and got Clark's face painted. It was a great day and got very warm before we left. I also took pictures of strange squash and other sites. Then off to lunch at a brew pub in Portland where I had a delicious burger on homemade sourdough with goat cheese, thick bacon, candied pears and Jalapeno pesto - served with sweet potato fries too. Here are a few pictures....trust me I have more.

It's Julia's Fault (fall-t)

We visited Julia and Paul on one of the last nice, convertible-friendly, summery evenings in Sept. I admired several of these crafty things on their family room window sills. Next thing I know, Julia has handed me all the fixin's to take home to make my own pumpkin.
I also noticed quite a few of these beautiful fall leaves lying around. Not only did I get a quick "how-to" lesson but Julia sent me home with this pretty green leaf that now adorns our entryway table :) Yes, I said "adorns". Can you say "score"?
All that to say it's Julia's fault that I got into the fall crafting mood. I remembered making a fabric wreath years ago with different fabric for each season. One trip to JoAnn's Fabrics and we now have a fall wreath on the front door. BTW: it's super easy, you can google or ehow it.
Thank you, Julia for your creative ideas and for giving me the crafting, uh, well, I don't exactly have the bug but I do have the desire :) I really enjoyed making the pumpkin and the wreath. How does one mind come up with so many fun and creative projects?? Those of you who share the gene are blessed!

Painted House

3rd post - just make sure you see the other two! I am on a roll. And last but not least - here are pictures of our newly painted house. Very cool!

Roger and Catherine visit with Mom

Please be sure to see pictures of Soccer Savannah that were posted before this one.
Roger and Catherin Magnusson came to visit one Sunday afternoon. Mom spent quite a bit of time talking and then Rick, myself, Mom and them went to dinner at Elephant Bar. I think that is the first time I have ever met them. Very good time.

Here's some pictures of activities in the Elola/Abraham house recently. Since fall has come upon us, so has soccer. You see Savannah playing goalie and also running down the field. Fun time for all of us and her.