Christmas and Stuff!

 This is not a reflection on how our Christmas went!  Well, maybe it is.  If you think about the Charlie Brown Christmas story (my favorite cartoon) Linus reminds the gang what Christmas is all about when he quotes Luke 2.  I love that part.  It makes me tear up every time.  Charlie Brown then takes his spindly tree and decides it is indeed enough, because the tree isn't what Christmas is about anyway.  My tomato is celebrating that as well!  On Christmas Day, one of the only traditions we continued was the reading of Luke 2.  It was a low-key, special day with Mom and Pat!  (I only wish I had more pictures of all the things we did while she was here!)

 While Mom was here, we went "moose-hunting."  The shots we took were of the digital kind opposed to the ballistic variety, but we had lot's of fun with our game!

 We also took time to enjoy the scenery with shimmering mountains and blazing sunsets.

And finally, Pat has discovered the ultimate slipper-warmer.  He is so smart.

November Thankfulness

I'd like to start by being thankful for my scarf.  And my hat.  And hair.  

It was really cold and my breath was condensing on my eyelashes and freezing them shut!

My hair is often frozen on walks.  

Also thankful for my coat, snow pants, snow boots, gloves, and wool!

 Thankful for a church body who has embraced us and invited us to spend Thanksgiving with them.

Thankful for Pat who can play "Race-horse" with little ones!

 Thankful for Pat's art skills!  He uses it to help us and others!

 Thankful for a dog with active reading skills.  

 Thankful for the fact that this bear is not a real representative of our experiences.

Thankful to have seen this baby moose exploring without getting closer!

Thankful for so many experiences that we have had!

It's Winter!

 Upon arriving back home from Kansas, I was greeted with copious amounts of snow.  O.K., that might be dramatic, but it felt rather extreme to me!  I left with no snow on the ground and then there was at least 2 feet with more falling.  Now I think there may have been up to 3 feet that has fallen since my departure, but most has blown all over the place, thanks to a major wind storm we had the last 2 days.  I thought I wasn't in Kansas anymore?  Regardless, I have chosen to look for the beauty of the scenery and try not to focus on the serious chill that it brings!  Especially without power!  I'm even finding the humor in Alaska-sized "snow cones" that are naturally created!!

We are so "weird"

I was recently reminded of how "weird" my family is.  We all love each other, our spouses, and each others kids.  Apparently this is not normal; at least not to the depth of which we love each other!

Spending time in Kansas for 2 weeks is always bitter sweet to me.  I love every minute, and every minute I am reminded of what I miss when I go back home.  There are no pictures of us adults hanging out.  Those moments of talking on a couch or around a table are just not photo-worthy, but they are some of my most cherished memories.  I do think my sister got a few of us on her blog!

I stuck mostly to the kiddos!  I got to see 11 of my N&N's!  (Nieces and Nephews)  I am always amazed at how they have grown.  Not just in size, but in maturity.  

 Watching Cambria and Mia's games was so much fun!  They mostly just ran around and almost got close to the ball a few times!  Actually, they both kicked it a bunch and Mia almost scored!  We were ecstatic!!

 Seriously~who could not love this girl?!

 Halloween was fun with all the pumpkin carving/decorating, costuming, candy, and more candy!

 I spent some quality play time with the youngest N&N's.  This was "nap time."  I love this game.

So, this guy loves to jump!  And he loves to have you watch him! He even revs up!

 "Watch me jump!"

 The alligator and the Indian seemed to be overtaking the football player.  Where's that Egyptian Princess when you need her?!

 Visiting my in-loves was also fun!  Again, growing up so fast!  Hannah read most of her take-home library to me, and then Hud even got to show me some of his reading chops!  Super sweet kids.  Don't worry, though, Josh won't be left behind for anything!!

I did seem to get one adult photo in!  I had the chance to visit with my grandparents!  I discovered how funny Grandma can be!  She cracked me up!  Grandpa is still the huggy one and I was impressed with his dishwashing skills!

All this time with family reminds me what a gift I have.  It is truly a gift, since I had no say where I was to be born.  My sister and I have grown closer in so many ways, as well as my brothers and I.  This is not normal, especially when there is substantial distance!  I guess we are weird.  I'd take it every single day.

Autumn Beauty

Autumn is my most favorite season!  The colors are outstanding and vivid! I couldn't help but share just a "few" of my glimpses of this incredible beauty.