First touches of winter

When I got home from work Friday night, I wasn't quite able to make it all the way up the hill in the snow.  This picture was taken at 1 in the morning.

This is the trail we normally run on around our property.

Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas.

"It's tradition"

This year we've celebrated our Savior's birthday with an eye on the future.  Thinking about selling our house, moving to Canada, and then to Senegal has blossomed in us a new perspective on our possessions and activities.  We have stopped by Goodwill enough times to know their hours and cleaned out an entire closet of decorations.  Strange to have an entire closet sitting empty.  And we've chatted about what things we will go with us in our adventure.  This Christmas Train recipe made the list because, "It's tradition."

Traditions in a family just happen.  Seven years ago when I had two toddlers, a baby and a little motivated, turned into something we do every year.   This year we had the blessing of having our friends join us.  Thanks friends for making our tradition even sweeter. 

 

Looking Like Christmas

It is always fun digging out the ornaments the kids have made over the years.  They remember so many details about their creations.  What a joy to share in their memories.  At the end of the season we will box up our favorite, favorite, favorite decorations to take with us to French  language school. Next year in Canada, I'm guessing we'll have a white Christmas.

Not quite ready for this

Each year winter sneaks up on me.   I enjoy, cherish, and relish fall, but winter and I have a different relationship.  It is cold and I am grumpy.    These pictures are beautiful, and I enjoy them best from inside by our wood stove.

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Making snowflakes

Each year our entry way becomes a winter wonderland with homemade snowflakes dangling from ceiling.  We usually use only white, but this year I told the kids they could make different colors.  They were very creative with their designs.   Now that the snowflakes are made, all we need to do is hang them.

Another year older

Darin and the kids made my day wonderful yesterday with a surprise party.  Upon returning home after a day of shopping, the house was decorated with purple and pink streamers and yellow balloons.  The kids jumped out from their hiding places and shouted, "Happy Birthday."  It was a surprise.

I received "A Stuffed Animal Story" from Gabby (written and illustrated by Gabby), a picture frame with two pictures from Samuel  (built and painted by Samuel),  long johns from Darin in preparation for Quebec, and a dinner of grilled Salmon, stuffed mushrooms, and chocolate silk pie.  I am very blessed to have a wonderful family make my birthday special.