Sunday, December 21, 2008

More of Stella's Georgia Adventures...UPDATED!

Last night, Chris and I attended a Christmas party at the home our of good friends, Beth and Kurt, who live in Suwanee, GA. See how gorgeous their home looked with all the wreaths on each window? We had a such a nice time! There were quite a few couples there that we knew from Chris' former employer (who Kurt works for). We hadn't seen some of them in a few years, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to reconnect with them.

Here's Stella in a shrub outside of their home. Oh, the looks we got from some people walking by! I think they thought Chris and I had some serious problems! A closer look at Stella. Sorry, but I chickened out on taking her inside with us. Trust me, that bunch would have all given me a REALLY hard time!
Stella accompanied us to church this morning. This is the road that that takes us there. It's about 5 miles from our house.
Here's the Baptist church where we attend. It was established back in 1842. In 1911, they had a membership of 170 people. Now, the membership is around 4,000! Isn't that amazing??? Stella BEGGED me to let her go inside with us, poor thing! I convinced her to stay in the car and take a nap, instead. Another view of our church. The worship center is to the right and the Sunday school classes are held in the buildings to the left.
Last, but not least, is Stella hamming it up with a very special "elf". I think she was terrified at the size of those ears!
Who knows what we have planned next for Stella! Stay tuned! Enjoy your day everyone...I'm off to make fudge with my "elf". :)
~UPDATE~After we ate dinner, we decided to hop in the car and go check out some Christmas lights. It's one of our favorite Christmas traditions as a family. This is a house that's in a different neighborhood. Believe me...the picture doesn't do it justice. Their entire yard is loaded with Christmas "stuff", such as carousels, figurines, and even a ferris wheel! It really is a quite a sight. Sorry Stella turned out a little blurry. The homeowners were peering at us from their garage. I'm sure they were wondering why some strangers were stopped in front of their house snapping pictures. Even Chris gave me a few eye rolls. He thinks I've gone a little bonkers. So, needless to say, I had to make it real quick!
This is a beautifully decorated house in our neighborhood. I love the lighted angels.Here's our house. I like how our yard looks like there's snow covering it...not true, unfortunately! Though it has gotten colder today, there's none of that "white stuff" in sight. Wah!!! What I'd give to have a white Christmas, just like many of you!
April
April

Hello, I'm April, welcome to my blog. I look at every day as an adventure and an opportunity to laugh and to learn. You will soon discover that my family and my faith are at the heart of who I am.

23 comments:

Ruby Red Slippers said...

So funny about Stella!!! I love it...
Your church is a big one! We also attend a large one-Baptist background, now non-denominational. We have 8,000 members-
When I am in the service for praise and worship-I imagine what heaven will be like!!!
Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Pam D said...

You know, I think Stella would get along with my bug hunter's Stanley! Stanley went with missionary friends of ours to visit Poland and France, and he's been to Texas, too. He is quite the savvy world traveler. And because of Flat Stanley, I really think that most people "get" Stella and just think she's fabulous and that you're very lucky to have the opportunity to show her around Georgia. "Driving Miss Stella", so to speak! I love reading about her adventures, and I know she loves visiting with you!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi April
I enjoyed seeing Stella outside your church buildings and hanging out with your elf. She looks to be having fun. Your friend's house is so beautiful it almost doesn't look real. I can quite understand you not wanting to take Stella inside. I bet she wasn't pleased about that!!!
Lindsay

michele said...

Your little elf is so cute!! And looks like Stella is having a wonderful Christmas season!

Anonymous said...

I am glad that Stella is still enjoying her visit.

You have a very cute little "elf". :o)

Denise said...

Hello dear one, glad you and Stella are enjoying fun adventures.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

ok. first, i love ur background. second, ur daughter is so cute! third, i am laughing at the look on ur hubs face when u take these pics! so funny!

Debra Kaye said...

April,

Your adventures with Stella have just delighted me! What a great hostess you have been....

Now about that fudge...lol

Happy Sunday, my sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

Your little elf is SO cute : )!

I saw your card when I was visiting Quince yesterday and I was SO thankful! I wish I could take his sadness away. It is good to know that people are praying.

Anonymous said...

Abby makes a great elf! She looks like she could be on her way to a career in entertainment!!! Oh, not just as an elf, no! I've seen her other dress-up shots! She knows how to create a character, by the looks of her...... Your Church looks massive - I guess with such a big congregation it would want to be... How pretty does your friend's house look?!! My goodness, for this Aussie girl, it would be like being on a movie set... And I guess there would have been no bar there for Stella to step up to and strike a pose!!!;) Classic! Have a beautiful day...

Scrapper Mom said...

I love your house. It is so pretty. I can't seem to get hubby on our roof anymore to hang lights so we don't decorate outside, but I love driving by and seeing others. I had to do a double take of that pic of your little elf. That was too cute!!!

Lorrie said...

I love Stella's latest April! Sounds like you had a fun evening at the party. People do give strange looks don't they. I almost photgraphed April on a very fancy sports car, but I was afraid the owner would see me and call the police!

Our church here in NC is about 4000people too. We love it and feel very blessed to be members there.

Jennifer said...

I could actually be jealous of Stella - she is really getting the royal treatment! However, I would have liked to attend church with you....

Your home is beautiful - and so Christmasy...and TRUST ME a warmer Christmas would be a beautiful thing!! Its COLD here - yuck!

Heather said...

ok, first, the elf is adorable! 2nd, i love your house! how pretty!! and third, your church is huge! we only have about 100 people at ours :)
and 4th, the house in your neighborhood with the pillars and 2nd floor porch is soooo pretty! phew, that was a lot to remember!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Very pretty homes..wow! I love wreaths on the windows!!! Right now, we are stuck in OHIO..we are suppose to leave for NC tomorrow morning but I don't think it is happening..I am so bummed!
-sandy toes

Darlene said...

And the adventures with Stella continue on......

Love the Christmas lights....we too enjoy looking at them...so much fun!

Daphine said...

Sounds like Stella is still having fun! Yep, you probably would have gotten a few stares taking her inside at the party! lol! Girl, I nearly fell out of my chair when I read the part about Chris thinking you've gone bonkers! This was hilarious! Dirk would so think the same thing! lol!

Your home looks beautiful and the front lawn totally looks covered in snow. Great picture!

Have a great week ahead!

Anonymous said...

Your house looks so pretty. You might just get snow on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day... doesn't that happen in real life, like it does in the movies???!!! I hope so for you - you seem as though you REALLY want it...:)

Davisix said...

I just love these Stella adventures. :) They're funny and sweet all at the same time! Have a blessed Monday....Ang

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Stella is having way too much fun with you!!!

I loved the photos of the homes! Your home is just beautiful!! I put wreaths on my windows also! I love the way it looks.

Oh no snow here but its like 22 degrees! John & I were supposed to go walk the holiday lights in Hot Springs at Garland Woodland Garden tonight at 5:30 for our Anniversary but with the wind chill at that time it is supposed to feel like 9. So we are passing on that. WAH!! Maybe we should do a drive by like you!?

Neabear said...

You are definitely showing Stella a good time. What fun! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Wow Stella is sure getting to hang out in some classy looking neighborhoods. She's going to have so much to share when she goes back home. Love your home and all those wreaths. Have a Very Merry christmas.

Hugs,
Chris

Sherry said...

I love the red star Stella is wearing! She looks like she is having a great time!

A Stella Stalker
Sherryu