Recent Updates to Jon and Beth's Gallery

Friday, December 28, 2007


Happy Holidays to all our wonderful family and friends!

We have been so busy over the past few months that we haven't had much time to keeping up with blogging. Elena has been changing from a little baby to a little girl right under our noses.

In September, we started our first semester as PhD students as McMaster Divinity College. We also began our new jobs as teaching/research assistants. Jon and I have been really enjoyed our work. Jon's job has included editing for publication, research, and grading while my position has included more teaching. We both have enjoyed the profs we work for and the classes we have been taking. Our first semester has been a time of great transition as we got back into academic life, but it has been a joy to be reading, writing, and researching again.

Thanksgiving

In October, we travelled to New Brunswick for Thanksgiving and got to spend time with Jon's mom, his brothers, and Jon's new step-dad Rex. Elena loved seeing her family and also loved meeting all the people at the big thanksgiving dinner hosted by Jon's mom. The little kids especially enjoyed playing with her.

Halloween

Beth and Elena both dressed up for Elena's first Halloween. Beth dressed as a purple haired Goth girl and Elena was a pink baby cheetah. Dave and Ovelina surprised Elena with a "first Halloween" gift: a Fisherprice phone that teaches numbers, letters, and songs.




Visiting with Auntie Erin

Elena had the joy of seeing her godmother Erin Morgan (Auntie Erin) two times this semester in October and December. She and her Auntie had a wonderful time playing together and reading books.



Elena's first birthday!! Times 2!!

November 16th Elena turned ONE! We celebrated her birthday twice. On Nov 16, we spent the afternoon at Elena's Great-Grandma Gwen and Great Grandpa Bruce's condo (Jon's maternal grandparents). Jon's mom Debbie and step-dad Rex and Beth's mom and dad travelled out to see Elena on her big day as did Jon's brother David Noah and his girlfriend Chrissy.







We also had a party on November 16th at Dave and Ovelina's (Jon's dad and stepmom) place. Dave, Ovelina, Grandma Beulah, Beth's mom and Dad, Gary (Jon's step-brother), Crystal (Jon's step-sister), David Brophy (Crystal's then fiance now husband), David Noah, and Chrissy all attended. Beth made a monkey cake in honor of the occasion (since we call Elena our "little monkey"). Elena loved both of her wonderful parties very much!




Beth's Parents' Visit

From November 14-November 27, Jon, Beth, and Elena had the joy of seeing Beth's parents. It was a great time to be with the Moskowitz family again!

Elena's Grandpa Steve taught her a funny game where she grabs her head and shakes it back and forth when he says, "Oy Vay!" It's hilarious!

Stovell Family Tree Decorating

Before Christmas, we helped decorate the tree at Dave and Ovelina's house (Jon's dad and step-mom) in a night of family fun and merriment.



Crystal and Dave's Wedding

Jon's step-sister Crystal was married to Dave Brophy on December 8. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was so much fun! Elena was the "baby of honor" and had a little dress that matched the wedding party.






Gingerbread Weekend with David Noah and Chrissy

We visited David Noah and Chrissy's place from December 15-17 and had a gingerbread/Christmas dessert making weekend. Jon and David Noah made a replica of a Stars Wars Star Destroyer. You may recognize it from the opening scene of the "first" Star Wars (New Hope).



Christmas 2007

We had two different Christmas celebrations. First, Jon, Elena, and Beth all had a cozy Christmas at home on Christmas morning. Then later in the day they visited Dave and Ovelina's place for a big family Christmas. (These pictures just represent the early morning, more will be added later).





Note: There are more Christmas pictures on their way soon.