Christmas07!

Danny & I celebrated a wonderful Christmas with both families last week! Because I am nearing my due date, both sides came to us, for which we were grateful. We spent the holidays at the beautiful lake home of a gracious family in our church. We spent our time playing games, working a puzzle, watching movies, singing carols, and, of course, eating tons of great food. We hope you and yours had a very blessed Christmas!

Here are some scenes from our holiday. Our camera stopped working, so the following pictures are the only ones we have to share....


Opening presents on Christmas morning.


Scott (Danny's brother) & wife Yvi sing Christmas carols to little Will (the newest member of the Giffen clan).


Emily's side of the family on Christmas morning.


This is how Emily is now spending most of her days (the baby is killing her back!).


Our cute nephew Will on his first Christmas morning. He traveled all the way from Greenville, Illinois, for the occasion.


Mima whips up her famous peanut butter fudge -- a Christmas tradition on Emily's side of the family & a huge hit with the Giffen side.

Marley, Rest in Peace

My sweet, old Marley is gone. After 6 years of her being a part of my family, I am heartbroken to write that she is no longer with us. She was suffering from congestive heart failure and arthritis and after consultation with our vet, we made the decision to put her to sleep. She went out very peacefully ... she just fell asleep. A very appropriate end for a dog who spent about 22 hours a day sleeping.

She had a good life and certainly lived a *long* time for a greyhound (12 1/2 years). After spending her early years racing, she "retired" and eventually came to live with me. We've had six good years together, and it has been far more difficult than I thought to say goodbye. Danny & I already miss her sweet greetings, her handshakes & her roos. This old girl will forever be a precious part of our history.

Here are a few photos:


Taking a bath.


Enjoying (not so much) a Christmas past.


Cramming her lanky self into Piper's bed.

Danny MDiv

It's official! Danny graduated with his Master's of Divinity degree from Beeson Divinity School (at Samford University) this morning. After five long years of classes, this was a monumental day. It seems like Danny has had a milestone moment every couple of weeks (actually he HAS had one every two weeks since starting the ordination process in October), but this was a special day. No more long work days, then late nights writing papers. It'll be nice to have his off-days with me instead of with the books. Danny is looking forward to just being a Singles Minister, husband and, soon, dad. We are very excited!

The magic moment:



The graduate.


The full effect (hood & all).


Celebrating graduation Thursday night with some of Danny's seminary buddies. The wives got together and threw a party for them. These are a few of the PCA grads (l to r: Eric, Danny, Brian, Joe and John Mark).

The Roo

Here is a bit of doggie humor ... Marley, our greyhound, loves to roo. Rooing is the greyhound term for singing/howling. Lately, when she is rooing, Piper has wanted to get in on the action. He usually only manages to get out a few high pitched squeaks or yelps. It is so funny to see him throw his head back and try to match pitch with Marley. Here is a video of the mighty roo-ers in action.

Baby Belly -- 30 weeks

Here we are at 30 weeks. You probably can't tell much difference from my last belly picture, but I promise I have grown. At my most recent appointments, the heartbeat has been a strong 157 & my tummy has measured right on target. Danny and I are having a hard time believing we're in the home stretch!