New Year's Eve, 2008

Today would have been my brother Brad's 56th birthday. Hard to believe it has been 20 years.

Edwards continues to delight us. He is very smart and seems eager to please. . .except for those occasions when the dreaded boogiejazz takes over! He is getting bigger.

Lucy's 6th Birthday

Brothers!

You were definitely missed Josh!

Three generations of Tate men

Grandpa and the birthday girl.

Telling Uncle John something very interesting. Thanks for a swell party Lucy!

Lucy Joy

Lucy got a scooter from Uncle Job this Christmas. Great fun and now the girls are anxious for a place to scoot!

Merry Christmas 2008

Christmas breakfast: Sausage

Sweet Rolls

Orange Juice

Piping Hot Coffee

Fresh Fruit

Blessings in Abundance


Lucy wearing her Christmas stocking pink headband

Elisabeth and Grace in their Christmas stocking hats.

Let the festivities begin!

Children emptying their stockings.

Job and Edwards bonding! Edwards was the star of the Christmas gathering, well, actually Obadiah with his chain saw was the star, but Edwards was a close second. He did not have a single accident while in North Chittenden and he was calm and quiet amidst all the holiday festivities. He loved all the little children and only opened one gift that wasn't his!

He had a safe retreat when things got overwhelming.

Uncle John reading to Obie. Snow fell in big fluffy flakes most all day but roads remained passable and there was never any worry about getting home.

Edwards felt BJT and I might need a little help with this package so he did the preliminary work.

Edwards got a new chew toy made by Elisabeth and Joel. Not sure what Obie is chewing on as I don't think he got any chew toys for Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the JMF!

GrandGirls,
Here is your last clue. Go to the bottom of the basement stairs. Ahead of you, leaning against some wooden shelves, you will see a door. On the bottom shelf behind the door, you will find a black, wire carrying case containing eight large, heavy red and green balls. The Junior Mints are in that carrying case. However, you will find that the carrying case is locked with a padlock. Search carefully and you will find the keys to the padlock hanging on the Christmas tree.

Such a good Edwards dog!

Picture taken by BJT at the end of the snowiest day so far this season! This has been our 2nd accident free day!

Barry is a reluctant tech assistant. Sorry for the blurry quality. Keep posted for improvements in technique! I just took a loaf of bread out of the bread machine and have plans ato make an apple pie with the last of our apples from Champlain Orchard. Edwards and I have walked down to the West Hill Schoolhouse and back. It is really snowing!

Sorry for the blurry quality. Barry was giving Edwards a happy 4 month birthday rub down. Edwards is a pup Barry named a full month before we made the decision to actually add him to our family. The kettles and boxes of fireplace kindling are a constant temptation to our little chewer.

The IceHouse has a wonderful fireplace.

This pup loves the snow. He has been chasing leaves that are blowing wildly over the deep snow. Tuckers him right out.

THANKS, JOB!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3qcAVE1dRk

I was hoping BJT would make a snow cave when he was done shoveling! There are still a few flakes falling from the sky. We need to go to the hospital and retrieve my car that stayed behind when I got a 4 wheel drive ride home yesterday afternoon.
Edwards does enjoy the snow!

Edwards learns to Play

The kong bounces like a football which frustrates and delights Edwards. Every once in a while it will lose one of the dog biscuit pieces crammed inside much to his excitement.

There are sound effects that go with each of these pictures that you will only have to wonder about. He is a very cute pup.

His duck has a wonderful quack when Edwards chomps on its body. I am always glad to hear the quack for it tells me that he is not peeing somewhere!

Winter has Arrived a Tad Early!

These pictures were taken outside the Emergency Department the morning after our ice/sleet/snow storm. The trees were all ice encrusted and really very pretty.

Missing Work

Finally got the car door open with the help of various kitchen utensils and hot water.

Driveway down to a very icy West Hill Road. I am not anxious to go out and get stuck. It is not even winter yet, arghhhh!

Job Bartholomew Tate

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOB!!!

Edwards is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever!

Jonathan Edwards "Ed" Tate

Edwards came to live with us this afternoon. It was a hard decision. . .to go through the puppy stage to have the wonderful dog we know he will be. He has claimed the corner inside the door as his spot. . .has investigated his wonderful crate and eaten his supper. He was very docile and calm in the car on the ride home. Stairs are brand new to him as is the collar and leash walking.

Snapped by Barb at Green Mountain Chessies as we were getting ready to head out the door!

North Chittenden Wesleyan Church

Lucy Joy amidst the poinsettias.

Christine made beautiful Advent banners.
Beautiful tree. . .I did not even get the top of the tree in the picture.

Elisabeth's 10th Birthday Celebration

Christine checking out a catalog at my request. Elisabeth is getting ready to open her birthday presents.

A computer game from Grandma and Grandpa and reptile stickers.

Grandpa gave a Elisabeth a 6 number Sudoku to solve.

The IceHouse has lived up to its name! Came home from work last night to find Barry and the Bannermans standing around our Empire heater which had been taken pretty much apart. It stopped working late in the afternoon. The B's contacted the appropriate repair man who came about 7:30 and worked until 9:45 to no avail. Found a couple of problems and one he was able to fix with a part he had in his truck. The second problem will require a part that hopefully will be available this morning at the supply store in Rutland. Barry had a wonderful fire all laid in the fireplace and so we lit that and had a cozy evening. Plenty warm overnight and the bathroom has a little electric heater which makes that room nice for shower taking. I am off to Manchester again today where it will be nice and warm. If BJT shows up on your doorstep invite him in to get warm!

Friday Night Fun!

The North Chittenden Tates came to the IceHouse for some Friday night eats and a general time of fun family time. We enjoyed a fire in the fireplace and leftovers topped off with 4 different types of pie.

Obadiah, little monkey man, enjoying the view from Joel's outstretched arm!
The vegetable and dip platter when Obie was done! Be aware he is a double and more dipper!

Our resident coyote watched over all the proceedings.