Too Loved

Christmas was a bit emotional for me.

To start, two very sweet Santas (who happen to bare a striking resemblance to Josiah & Lorinda!) lost their every loving minds and shocked (!!) us with this treat hidden way behind our Christmas tree.  Still at a loss for a proper way to thank them.

The day continued (in a haze of giddiness over the new camera!) with lots and lots of family!  And my only complaint is it was way too short of a day.  We are so blessed to have friends for family, time spent with them is truly precious.  

More than ever I was overwhelmed with the thought and love behind each gift received.  Handmade ornaments of yours truly by our nieces (complete with a "Dude" hat and a feather headband), perfect shakers found by Susannah, a much wanted snow globe (magical!), my great-great grandmother's opal ring passed down to me, and a sweet little necklace with the word of the day, JOY!

We are too loved. 

O Holy Night

Have always loved the hymn, "O Holy Night," but heard the lyrics afresh tonight. (Is afresh a word?)

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manager;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall His break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise us,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

The miraculous Christmas story is worth celebrating!

Holiday Bliss

Bits & pieces of a very merry evening.  Our Moses Lake pals arrived last night.  Too fun!  

Avonlea's "gorgeous sparkly shoes," her adoration for that sweet baby Jesus and Wyatt's 

knack for hilarious poses.  

Christmas break is here indeed! 

Found!

I've lot this darn thing twice now.  Not just misplaced, but lost.  For months at a time.  I found it this morning, on Dustin's nightstand, same place I found it last time.  You'd think I'd wise up.  Or consider cleaning his nightstand every few months or so. 

Merry & Bright

Smitten

A gift, handmade by Sharalee.  Found here, FreeFALLEN.

December 12, 2008

Two of my all time favorite images.  Moments after we exchanged vows.  I was having my hair fixed in the basement of the church, as my veil was removed for the reception.  But he just couldn't let go - and I didn't want him to.  Happy anniversary Dustin.  I love you.

Images via Randy Kepple

Main Street

Main Street - Battle Ground, WA.  You'd never know it's only 4pm and there are big ol' mountains at the end of that street.  It's been a bit gray here.  Feels cozy and fitting for the season.  Just waiting for the snow to arrive.

My Boy

I proudly claim the garage, the Bronco & that cute boy in the red flannel/white tee.  Love him.  

Making Things

Song sheet Christmas trees - inspired by Anthropologie. 

Chalkboard gift tags inspired by Pinterest. 

... and some mason jar woodland snow scenes (also inspired by Anthro), along with a few glittered deer for good measure.  I love those little animals - glittered or not.

Gratitude

Image via A Country Farmhouse

Thankful for my Savior.  Thankful for a best friend/husband, all in one.  Thankful for my family, and his family - and that it really all blends together.  Thankful for friends to share life with.  

And I'm thankful for other things, that don't sound quite as nice and tidy.  Like our warm, dry house.  And my new coat.  And cars that run.  And Pepsi.  And jobs.  And creation, each and every season.  And my laptop (and iPhone).  The list goes on.

Life feels so full of hope when I stop and reflect on all that I'm thankful for.

Uncle Dude

Not much better than being buried in babies. 

Punkins

Some of my favorite punkins came to town and Pa & Grandma treated us all to a trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

At the Zoo

I love everything about this happy little video.  The stars, Wyatt & Avonlea; the song, "At the Zoo," by Simon & Garfunkel; the musician, my best friend; and the memory of a day at the zoo with my family.  Happy is the only way to describe it.



P.S. We missed you Benjamin.

May

Humble start to a garden.  Featuring sedums (?) and french lavender.  Crossing my fingers it will still be here in June.

Oregon Zoo

Wyatt
+ Upon arrival, "Are we at the real live Brass Monkey Zoo?"
+ Observing the bears, "Where is the Wyatt bear?"

Winter Whites

Time Lapse

I wish I may, I wish I might ... see this much snow tonight!

December 2010 Blizzard Timelapse from Michael Black on Vimeo.

Resolution 2011

"To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God."

- Micah 6:8