CHRISTMAS FROM THE PORCH

Greetings of this Blessed Season from our porch in Liberty Hill, Texas!

We are a blessed people, and you can see that our tribe continues to increase.

The Matthew Griffins are dealing with the most recent Midland oil boom, the blessings and curses that come with that kind of growth. Morgan just turned 7, learning the piano and devouring reading material far beyond his years. Emma is reading like a 4th grader and movin' on. Viola is just enjoying being the darling baby sister, and does well at taking advantage of all that time of life has to offer!

The Ryan Hopkins's are happy nomads, blessed to have work and going where the job needs them. Currently they reside in Wichita, Kansas, and getting to enjoy some snow days. Kate keeps us entertained daily by posting on fb the latest quotes and activities from Mercedes and Evangeline.

We send heartfelt wishes that you will pause during the season, reflect on the miracle of 'God With Us', and make room in your hearts to welcome the 'Child of Promise', even Messiah, the One Who can give you new life, and forever change your heart.

Love,

Wes and Jan Griffin

Morgan's Seventh

We got to make our annual trek to Midland to participate in celebrating Morgan's seventh birthday. We are so proud of our oldest grandchild!

 The festivities begin with the extended family converging on Midland, and helping Ashleigh prepare for the party. Tacie and I pitch in to make the 'spider bites' of oreos with legs of licorice.

 And we always find something for the guys, since they seem to have an abundance of hot air!

 The theme this year is 'Avengers', and we're almost ready.

 But when the guests arrive, some of those girls just aren't going to stick with the theme when there are an abundance of princess dresses to try on!

 Morgan gives it a good blast to get every candle out.

 We joked about all the red-heads! A good looking bunch of party guests!

 Morgan enjoyed opening his gifts.

 Thor walks among us! Watch out for that hammer.

 The proud grandparents, Wes and Jan Griffin, Tacie and Randy Motz, with Viola, Emma and Morgan.

 Matthew, Ashleigh, and the birthday boy, Morgan.

 Morgan is a pretty serious piano student. We'll send out the invitations when he's scheduled at Carnegie!

Emma has taken off with her reading, and Viola appreciates it.

It is a wonderful time to spend with our family, and we are so thankful for that.

Griffinheimer Thanksgiving 2012

We were so blessed to share a rip-roarin' Thanksgiving with most of the family at the Baughman family compound in Sunnyvale, Texas. Ron and Mary were so gracious to allow all the Griffin in-laws and outlaws to convene there for extended eating and general cutting up. I sure hope somebody cleaned it up nice after we left!

 Those smiles are all about being thankful to be together for another Thanksgiving!

 It was great to have the Matthew Griffins in from Midland and the Ryan Hopkins in from Stillwater, OK.

 We can get them going!

 Mawmaw and a few of her Great-grands.

 In front of the gracious Baughmans' home.

 Part of the cookin' crew, thanks guys!

 Gettin' hugs from Mawmaw.

 Bridgette came bearing gifts; handmade full-sized quilts for Morgan, Emma and Viola. Such a blessing!

 Carefully custom designed with preferred colors.

 Mawmaw noted that if we found this quilt missing, we would know that she had pilfered it!

 This is the 'log cabin' pattern.

 Morgan Griffin, Sylvia Baughman, Emma and Viola Griffin, and 

Thomas Baughman.

 We made a run to the new Union Coffee House that is a new ministry of the United Methodist Church in Dallas, under the directorship of Mike Baughman. Mike treated us all to the specialties of the house.

 My sweet granddaughters, Mercedes and Viola. A rainbow had appeared while we were at the coffee house, and we had run outside to enjoy it.

 Mawmaw skyping with the Adams family, celebrating Thanksgiving in San Antonio.

 We think Thomas is just THE cutest!

 A few days later we were further blessed to have Kate and her girls come help decorate the tree at our house. Evangeline was doing her part. Love the ballerina skirt!

 Pooter lovin' on her baby doll.

 Mercedes is lookin' so grown up.

 Best buds! GG and Mercedes (she had a grape in her mouth!)

More best buds! Pooter is rather selective about who she graces with her hugs. We have so much to be thankful for, and give thanks to the Father of all blessings.

Stillwater Grands Finale

We were so blessed to get bonus time with Kate and her girls. The cuteness just keeps on and on. Hated to see them go.

 We've always got shots of our babies in their hoody towels after bath time. Evangeline Rose Hopkins.

 Mercedes Noel Hopkins

 Mama Kate is a treasure hunter, and she found a Woody doll for next to nuthin'! Mercedes is happy.

 Sunday after church portrait on the porch. That is one happy Papa Wes surrounded by his gals!

 Kate and her girls.

 An excited Evangeline (Pooter) with her xylophone.

Happy visit, sad goodbyes!

Fun with the Stillwater Grands

It has been a while since Kate and crew have been in Liberty Hill, so we are really enjoying having them for a short stay. Mama gets some well-deserved baby-sitting services, and GG and Papa Wes get what they like the most, porch time with the Grands.

 Mercedes enjoying the playhouse. She is the perfect hostess!

 Always plenty of dress-up gear at GG's. Evangeline trying out the pink slip.

 Why is our yard like heaven? 'Nuff said!

 Sisters playing nicely.

 Mercedes ready to twirl.

 Evangeline loves pushin' the stool.

 A trip to Dahlia for the Friday special was a must. Kate says their Philly cheesesteak is the best anywhere. Oh, and my grands are popular with the staff there!

 Papa Wes answers the question, "Why is my porch like heaven?"

 They love pushin' something.

At the playscape, Evangeline enjoys the swing, and Papa Wes enjoys swingin' her.

 Mercedes demonstrates her fearlessness on the climbing wall, and comes down the slide unassisted.

 My precious grands Mercedes Noel and Evangeline Rose, and me.

 Ride 'em, Cowgirl!

 Yeeeee-haw!

Some play-dough time on the porch.

Well, you can't always get them to look at the camera!