Dedication

Just a shot to share with you...

This is Shawn headed to work early in the morning during one of our recent snowstorms.

It's a long walk down our driveway, made quite unpleasant I'm sure by the knee deep snow and blowing flakes. 

Here he just returned the snow blower to the garage and was walking down to where he parked his car on the road. 

As he walked through where his headlights shone on the snow I thought it made a cool effect.

Such dedication...while me and the kids stay warm and dry inside.

I'm so grateful for him.

 

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

I'm excited to share with you Hannah's finally-finished bedroom!

It's been a long process...starting with a rotten wall falling out and exposing her room to outside (very cold) air.

There's nothing like an event like that to make you appreciate your hard-working, talented husband!

Anyways, she's thrilled to be back in her cozy bed. 

And of course Celene would love to join her in the "pretty room", if Miles would only let her.  ;) 

The Aftermath

I feel like I don't see my children very much in the days following Christmas.

They are enamored with their plethora of new projects and toys.

Something about that is kind-of nice...it sure is handy in order to get all that extra cleaning and organizing done after the holiday messes.

But I find myself sitting down with them on their levels anyways, 

enjoying their new things with them, 

and coming up with new, more imaginative ways to play with them.

And I'm dreading the days Miles goes back to school. 

Really! 

Even though he only goes to school 3 days a week. 

I do so love having him home.

Snapshots of Christmas 2012

My apologies for some of the bad quality pictures...

Christmas family events are always in the evening (in the north, it is dark outside) 

which creates a challenging environment for my current photographic equipment.

Nevertheless, what little pictures I have (I forgot my camera to most events this season),

I do need to record and share!  :)

How was your Christmas?  

Please feel free to leave your link to your blog or Facebook in the comments...

I'd love to see your pictures!

Grams opening her first laptop, a gift from the family so she can Skype her grandsons in the military.

Nervous and excited. :)

Tobogganing with their cousin Sulli

Group effort to bring it back...it goes such a long way lol!

Creating art with visiting cousins

A good ride-on toy for inside the house...Little Tykes makes this one padded so your toddler can't ding up your door trim and walls.  :)

Playing with cousins in the light of the Christmas tree

Christmas Eve

It's been a whirlwind couple of days...typical for the Christmas season I suppose. 

Yet, there have been moments. 

Moments when time stood still, and a mental snapshot was taken, as to never forget. 

What blessings we are surrounded with every day!

So this post is a mis-mash of the every-day moments we have been enjoying.

We wish you a very merry Christmas this year. 

May your time be filled with the love and fulfillment of family and friends.

* * * *

On Friday I introduced my kids to my own favorite childhood snowy-day activity...sliding down the stairs in sleeping bags! 
They loved it of course.
Below are my failed attempts at recoding the action on a cloudy day inside the house, 
but you get the idea.  ;)

* * * *


 The delightful little birds bring us much happiness every day. 
Having them for dinner so close to our kitchen window is quite the event.
Not to mention, valuable lessons on bird species and anatomy and plenty of ideas for art and imaginative play.

And this is how the kitchen sink looks many mornings, while they debate bird species and simply enjoy their presence.

* * * *

 
AND...can you believe it? Tobogganing!!
Yes, I believe that would fall into an "ultimate country activity" don't you?
Shawn found this old treasure in the rafters of the feed room on the barn.
Wow, does it fly!

 

{devriend photography}

I've been excited to share with you another recent photoshoot. 

These friends were great fun to photograph, energetic, creative, and FUN.

Not to mention, the delightful surroundings, chosen by their artsy mama.

Enjoy!

 

It's HERE

And it's still coming down.

So lovely.

As you can tell by the footprints, the kids have already been up and out playing.

Now THIS is winter!!

 

Squeeee!!!!

What more is there to say today than...

We are so excited for the impending SNOW!!!

Our weather forecaster has us pinned under 16 inches of snow by the end 

of this storm tomorrow afternoon.

We are stoked.

Snowy pictures are sure to come!

Actually, we do have something to share today.

4 little birds greeted me at my kitchen window this morning...

2 sparrows and 2 finches.

With a little extra cash in my wallet we decided to run to the store and pick up some more feeders and birdseed.

The kids helped me pick out the feeders, fill them, and hang them up.

Welcome little birdies...come and fill your bellies before the storm.

Celene and I saved our bacon grease all year and made suet cakes last week. :)

Safflower for the cardinals. It makes the kids' day if they spot one of those lovely creatures.

Down and Out

Hello there.

Sorry it's been a while.

After caring for 3 littles through this flu bug, it was my turn.

This illness has been a kick-in-the-pants for me...every time I thought I was getting better, some new ache or indigestion had me flat on my bed again.

I believe it's safe to get up and get some work done today without fear of relapse!

My heart aches, no, screams and cries, for the agony of those poor children and families over in Connecticut.  
I haven't been able to squeeze and hold and watch my children enough since.  
And think more thoughts about homeschooling, really.

Oh Lord, watch over those mourning families. 

Give them and peace and comfort in the way that You only can do. 

Sweet Christmas

We have been waiting for a day that Miles could be home 

and join in the fun of the annual Christmas Cookie Fest at our house. :)

Today is the day.

The best part of making them is the smiles we receive when we share them!