Spectacular Lights

These WERE the best so far. Michael said it was supposed to be a good night and I was SOOO tired that I wanted to ignore them. Josiah texted from Eagle River and said they were out. Michael got the kids up....their first time to be up with the lights.....and it was worth it!

We had whites, greens, yellows,  and even a bit of reds. The reds moved fast....across the Lazy Mountains and over the face of Mat Peak.....we tried to get some, but,  as fast as they move, and as slow as Michael has to take them.....you lose distinction and it's just a red glow.....

These are unedited - Michael will do that later. I did lighten the ones with the house.....

The blobs at the bottom are some of us

I think that's Nolan - you can see some of the yellows in this one

 

Our house - amazing stars last night 

I am thankful for incredible beauty in the midst of winter - that'll preach.

Gideon's Half Birthday

Gideon Michael D turned 6 months old on 20 Nov! 

His personality has blossomed in the last two weeks. He's full of smiles, giggles, coos, and various other sounds now.  It's a joy to get to know the many sides of Gideon.

He LOVES to kick. His legs are almost constantly in motion. LOL 

Happy Half Birthday, Little Man. 

Snowy, Relaxing Sunday

It snowed during the night - or early morning - and it is beautiful. The snow has covered all the tracks from sledding - ready for another day of sledding on fresh snow.

Catching the tire swing in seasons - think this counts for winter 

Our poor topped trees LOL 

We are working through a series on Christian community at church. I am loving it. Visiting with various ones at church leaves us feeling we may "belong" very soon. LOL

We didn't have a family dinner to prep for today, as we had everyone out yesterday. It was nice not to rush home....we enjoyed visiting at church, ate dinner at Fred Myers Food Court, and then did some shopping. I have GOT to remember to shop early for holidays around here. ::snort::  Winter chores greeted  us at home.

Clearing snow from the driveway

Brining in more wood - so thankful for a stocked woodshed

Clearing the deck and stairs

I booked a ticket to go to OR, talked with Mom, and was melancholy. I am aware this is our first season without Mom G....and Mom T is not doing well.  Of course, melancholy leads to baking - I threw things together and came up with something like scones.

Planning our Thanksgiving meal is fun. I asked all for their favorite dishes. It seems much easier to put effort into things people identify as "favorites" - rather than simply fill the kitchen with traditional dishes.

I keep laughing that Jamin's favorite is "Pigs in a Blanket." WHAT? When did I make those? Evidently, I made them decades ago rather regularly for special events.  He will bring the Pigs in a Blanket, and Josiah will make sure  he doesn't eat them all on the 30 min drive out.

Josiah mentioned cheesy MASHED potatoes. I know I always make garlic/cream cheese potatoes for holidays - but I don't remember cheddar on top. Of course, we've cut out cheddar with Michael's meds and my health......but I suspect he's thinking the garlic potatoes with cheddar on top. I hope.

For Bre Sparkling Cider is essential - and she will bring stuffing.

Michael needs a Chocolate Mousse pie and fresh rolls.

Larissa will bring some of her family favorites - recipes from her grandmas - Cherry Pie and Cheesy Noodles.  Jared didn't mention anything.

Arielle was downstairs trying to rest.

Izaak is bringing sweet potatoes.

Cory is providing a ham as his family always had both turkey and ham. He's also making an Apple Pie.

Mom G always brought the cranberries - so I'm attempting that in her memory.

The younger three said all their favorites were already taken.

And....there will be a plethora of desserts......no one said GREEN BEANS or CORN or SALAD or JELLO.....

It was a lovely Sunday.

Michael's Birthday Celebration

We are blessed! There is a lot of wind in the Matsu Valley. We "lucked" into the one area that is NOT windy....winter seems to "blow away" in town....but we have a nice covering of snow.  We hear the winds can gust to 80 mph on the OTHER side of the mountain! God watched out for us. The sun shining on the snow is beautiful. 

Cory and Bennett came up to visit

Josiah and Jamin came out to celebrate Michael's birthday (so did JaRissa and the ones here).

Stacia made their matching hats

 Stacia had been wanting to sled all week - but the boys weren't of the same mind. Cy and Jamin joined her.....and then the boys came along too. 

Josiah, Stacia, Jamin, Alex

Josiah, Stacia and Jamin 

 Then there was a snowball fight

Stacia, Cy, Jamin, Alex

Nolan 

Michael opened gifts

Jared and Larissa

 Bennett made a debut

Bella meets Bennett

Cory, Bella (BreZaak's), Bennett and Arielle 

After gifts, Arielle went downstairs and we had dinner.....and cake....

L - Jared, Larissa, Nolan, Alex, Stacia, Michael, Bre, Bella, Jamin, Josiah, Bennett & Cory

A funny thing happened last night.....the Four of us just weren't carrying the tune right - according to Michael. When we went to sing tonight Cory said they wondered what we were doing last night....."Are they practicing?" We certainly needed it....we do much better with Bre in the mix...listen in....

This is Michael's first birthday without Mom G. That was hard. 

Michael Has a Birthday

This is Michael's birthday week - and what a week it has been!  Today, however, is the legal, honest-to-God, REAL BIRTH day! Last year Michael and I were traveling the Caribbean Sea. We both spent some time thinking back. This is Michael's first birthday without Mom G. 

In the past year our family has grown, Arielle got married, we have a new home in a state we've dreamed of, we've said goodbye to Mom G, battled cancer with Mom T (who is battling it again)....It's wild that Michael has two new grands since his last birthday!  Here he and Gideon enjoy some recliner time. 

Gramps and Gideon Enjoying each other and Gemma's camera antics

This afternoon this newly minted family came home! 

CoRielle and Bennett

 

What a joy! Another baby to love. 

I took a photo of the kids and Cory and Bennett - but it's not on my phone! 

We headed out when CoRielle arrived home. We thought they'd appreciate a couple of hours of quiet time as they settled in.  On the way to town, we stopped for mail. Lots of cards and even a package from John and Mary in the box! We visited Lowe's and Fred Myers and then came home for dinner.  The kids will be coming over tomorrow to celebrate Michael's birthday but I made a little brownie/cookie/cake for tonight. 

What could cause such hilarity? Our attempt at singing Happy, Happy Birthday to You....Jesus loves you....we'll do better with Bre in the mix tomorrow for his REAL cake. 

Fuzzy - but too good not to keep

 Michael didn't want me to buy 3 boxes of candles.....

We topped the night off watching, "The Emperor's New Groove" on vhs in our bedroom so we didn't blast Bennett out the window.....and playing Dominion. I, decided catching the blog up would yield better results personally than being trounced in another strategy game. ::snort::

Happy Birthday, Michael! You are my adventure, my best story, my best friend and confidant. Thanks for loving us so well.