Its Back!!



We had a brief respite from the snow yesterday. We actually had some sunshine! This morning, it is 32.5 degrees and the snow is falling again. At times there is a bit of a breeze and the snow is blowing sideways! Not a good thing, the trees are so heavy laden with snow that occasionally we hear a loud pop and down comes a branch or two. The weatherman assures us that this afternoon it will all turn to rain--but should we trust him?
Santa is about to disappear, and the driveway was bear and clear just yesterday evening. I think we will definitely have a white Christmas! Maybe a little too white?

More Snow? How Much More?





It snowed all day yesterday, and last night. We had no power for a bit last night, but it is all back on today. The snow is over 12" deep--maybe more. We haven't had this much snow for this long of time since 1996. It is beautiful to look at, but terrible to be out in! It is a bit warmer today--all the way up to 32! Stay warm, and safe!



And away it goes! Daniel and Papa clearing the snow off of the drive, again! How long will it stay clear? Who knows!

Sunday Morning



So today we are having a heat wave! It is 30.2 degrees and a light snow is starting to fall again. A big branch broke off of one of the firs in the back, so Daniel and Sherm are out back clearing the snow off of the deck. These pictures were taken this morning at around 6:15. Santa looks a bit cold, don't cha think!
The toy soldiers are slowly disappearing!

Here Comes the SUN!

The snow has ended for now, and a brilliant beautiful sun is up in the sky dancing on the snow and creating a winter wonderland. But, boy is it cold!! At 9am today it is 21.9 degrees. In Kansas that would be a warm winter day, but here in Washington--that is wicked cold! Here are a few shots to show the beauty of a winter's day.






The picutures on the left were taken yesterday, the ones on the right are from this morning. What a difference a day makes! I love the blue of a winter sky. It is the color of hope.
Merry Christmas!!

Papa playing in the snow


Hey Theo--here is Papa playing in the snow. Doesn't it look like fun? Maybe later he can go sledding down the hill!!

It's Snowing!!



Guess what we woke up to this morning? Snow! We have had a few flurries this week, but nothing substantial. We have had about 4 inches so far, and it keeps coming down!!
We keep track of the snow level by how much of our Soldiers are covered! Here is this mornings picture, I'll let you know how deep it gets!
Our backyard is quite the playland for the squirrels and birds. We filled all the feeders so that they could find a good meal in all the snow.
Now I am off to make soup and bake cookies! It is nice to take a little break from all the hustle and bustle of the season. It always passes too quickly for me. I want to slow down the ticking of the clock and enjoy the beauty and grace that God gives us. Blessings to you all!

Getting Ready for Santa

Last weekend (yes, I am almost caught up on my blogging--from summer!) Deryck, Ashley, Jim, Michelle and Papa and I headed to Clear Creek Nursery for our annual (second) visit to the Reindeer. It was a very cold day, and we even got a little snow!
After our deer visit we headed back to the house for building our Gingerbread house, and tree and this year, our Gingerbread People!

Thanksgiving Morning



Why do I forget to take pictures of the Thanksgiving feast? I think it is because it is much more fun to prepare it! Penny is helping me to fix her first pumpking pie (I hope she gets her baking skills from her Mom) and Theo is helping Papa to keep an eye on the turkey. It was a fun relaxed morning and dinner was great! We ate too much, like we always do! But isn't that what the holidays are for? Fun, food, and most of all, Family!

Operation Christmas Child


Each year our church, Adventure of Faith, is a drop-off point for South Kitsap for OCC. This year, our Bible study, Open Door, and the White's Bible study were the packer uppers! We shared in a pot luck lunch, and then got to work.
There were over 950 shoe boxes to pack up for distribution all over the world. Lot's of kids were there to help--it is wonderful to see them helping and learning to give. I love seeing servant hearts growing and caring!

Getting ready for Christmas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! My two favorite holidays are the 4th of July (fireworks junkie) and CHRISTMAS!!! As my children have told me over the years, I have waaaaaaaay too many ornaments, but what fun it is to decorate and remember Christmas' past. Each and everyone of them has a story. I suppose I should write them all down someday, but for now, the memories certainly fill my heart with joy!

Now all we need to add is presents........and some Grandchildren!!

Merry Christmas!!

Ashley, the very Good witch.




Ashley really wanted to be a witch for Halloween, and she was very specific in her desires. It had to be sparkley and it had to be green! And there had to be a pointy hat!!
So, here is the end results. Isn't she a doll?

Penny wants to sew too!




Sarah and the kids came to visit while Andy was off on a camping trip with his students. I was working on Ashley's Halloween costume and Penny wanted to help!

I am in need of an assistant costumer. Maybe she can apply for the job?

l Now, this was the perfect end to the day!

Memaw & Penelope

Recognize those cheeks? Guess who I think Penelope looks like?!?

Cousins

So, here is how cousins like to spend time together! Everyone is playing DS and Gameboys, and Ashley is carefully explaining to Theo how to make everything work. He wants to be just like the big kids, so he is delighted when they let him play too. Poor Penny, she has to just play with all the toys!