Dear Blog,

I know you must feel neglected.  I think of you often, but am working on shifting some priorities in my life, and... well... to be blunt, you're not near the top.  I've got a camera full of photos waiting to be put onto the computer and I'm sure, once I take care of that, I'll share some with you.  I really do love you and the outlet that you are for me.  I've just needed some time to try and create some new habits and to break some old ones.  And, quite frankly, you are an encouragement in some of the habits I've been working on breaking.  All this to say, I haven't forgotten about you and I do plan to add more to you, in good time.  Thanks so much for your patience.
Fondly,
Nancy

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

For me, this is what today, and every day for that matter, is all about.  If you've never heard this song, I'd encourage you to click here to hear it.

 In Christ Alone

by

 Stuart Townend, Keith Getty

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Who can guess...

...what we did today?

Sister Like Sister

My sister is so cute and now, SHE HAS A BLOG!  She's the marvelous mom to Erin Jane, Patrick, and Megan.  She and her family annually invite us to their favorite local pumpkin patch.  She also is the maker of the gingerbread houses that we decorate each year.  There is far more to my eldest sister and her spoiling of us and many others.  Why not stop on over and encourage her by leaving her a comment?  Cause ya know, ALL bloggers LOVE comments (hint, hint).  I mean, it's not WHY we blog or anything.  But the thrill of seeing we have a comment is exhilarating!  Any who, this post isn't about me.  It's about Karen!  Check her out at The McDermott Zoo!

Changes

Since it's just about done, I want to share some images of the destruction transformation of our back yard.
I took the first three photos back in December when I noticed the tree cutters a few houses down.  Shortly after the new year, we were asked for our "consent" to remove any and all trees on our property that were taller than and within ten feet of the power lines.  I put that word in quotes because we either had to consent or know that we would be responsible for the cost of any damage that our trees caused to the power lines in the future.  A few people around us are taking that risk.  But it seems that most folks are "consenting." 

 

We only actually had two trees on our property near the lines and only one had to be removed.  This row of hemlocks belonged to our backyard neighbor.  They had planted the trees many years ago.  They made the "forest" in our backyard.

  

They provided a lot of shade and a pleasant illusion of being in a more rural area.  Sort of.

  

In the photo below use the fence and umbrella as a frame of reference.

Really different.

  

  

  

All of the wood piles will be removed in a few weeks, we're told.

  

  

  

Our freighbors have been affected as well.  This is a shot in the direction of their yard.

  

We're trying to remain positive and flexible.  Honestly, I get a sinking feeling in my gut when I look at these pictures.  There has been some talk with our back yard neighbors about what they're planning on doing to replace the missing trees.  I'll be sure to update once the transformation is complete.  

And the biggest bonus?

With more sunlight, we're BOUND to have a better veggie garden than two summers ago, right?

Flashback Friday

I decided to look and see what pictures I took one year ago today.  It looks like I was getting my floors cleaned this time last year.  Those Target squirt bottles have been good for hours and hours of watery fun.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Mermaid Hair

Ya gotta love that smiling face of a little girl that is pleased as punch with herself.

This going-under-the-water thing is new for Miss Vi.

I'm thinking it just may progress further, once we can get some pool time in.

I really try to relish each season while it's here.  But after experiencing a winter that is more brutal that what we're used to in these here parts,

I'M READY FOR SPRING!!

Every Morning...

Duncan finds each one and gives them at least one hug and kiss...

Then he meets them on the other side of the picture window and knocks, throws kisses, and hugs...

And then everyone on this side waits...

 

...to wave to daddy as he leaves!

 

Amelie started this tradition and I think I'll be sad if it ever ends.  There are times, albeit they're rare, if it doesn't happen just right, that Daddy is summoned back, via cell phone.  And he comes.  Gets out of his car.  And knocks again.  Gets back into his car and waves until he's out of sight.

Such a good daddy.

Prom Dress

During high school, I was blessed to travel to Europe twice for spring break.  In 1992, my friend, Diana, and I, along with a group from our high school, traveled to France and Spain.  We created treasured memories on that trip.  There are things that we still laugh at when reminiscing about that adventure.  In 1994, our senior year, we traveled to Italy and Greece.  

Oh.  My.  Word. 

What a blast!

This time two other friends joined Diana and me for this amazing trip.  We had so much fun!  Unanimously, I think, our favorite stop was the Island of Capri.  It was so amazingly beautiful! 

Here are few scanned shots from my 35-mm camera circa 1992ish:

My friends Jill, Diana, Grace, and me with the beautiful water scape behind us.

The most exciting part of the excursion was finding my prom dress in a shop on the island.  Grace and I went in and found dresses after much deliberation and consideration.  We felt so sophisticated!  To have Versace prom dresses that we'd bought in Europe!  Certainly, you can't get anymore exciting that that!  O.K. So, I'd never even heard of Versace and didn't notice the name in the tag until years later.  But still--prom dresses from Italy!

I'm slightly embarrassed by the lack of fabric, but I was 18 and thought myself to be quite glamorous.

We didn't plan the black, white, red theme, but it certainly made for great pictures!

Oh, and where is that dress these days?  

This might give you a clue:

In the dress up box, of course!  A while back, Amelie discovered the dress in my closet.  It was still there, since I couldn't bear to part with something that was attached to such great memories.  (The story of my cluttered life, actually.)  She asked if she could wear it.  I hesitated briefly and then thought better of it.  Why NOT?  Her daddy had already made it clear that NO lady was leaving the house in it.  Ever.  So, why not add it to the dress up box?  She's had so much fun in it.  It makes her feel like a grown-up and it's being put to far better use than just hanging in my closet.  And since her daddy will forbid her from wearing it when it actually fits her, why not now?

Funny for Friday

Duncan has been dying for me to share these on the blog.  They were taken the same evening of this one.  So if you'd like to laugh a little (or a lot in our cases), watch our silly Amelie below.

And you thought she was the reserved one, eh?

Kneading Bread

 A snowstorm activity--






I LOVE that we always have homemade bread!  And I love how patient Duncan is in letting the kids help him.  He's such a fine example to me!

Amelie Muriel Turned Six!

We hit the six year anniversary of becoming parents last Friday.  Our eldest, Miss Amelie Muriel, turned six.  In some ways, it feels like I've been a mommy forever.  In other ways, I feel like this was last week:

  And that this was just yesterday!

But that is not the case.  

We've been blessed to have Amelie for six years so far.  And it's been a wild and fun ride!

This year, when asked what she would like as a birthday gift, she insisted the only thing she wanted was a jar of apple sauce.  So that's what she got!  Initially, at least.  On the jar was a note.  (You can click on the picture to read it.)  She had to follow clues to find each of her five gifts--two from grandparents and three from us.

 

She was tickled by the lone jar of applesauce on the couch where, normally, all of the birthday gifts are placed.

  

The first clue read:  To start with, go & take a look, 

A Ducky gift is where you'd find a chapter book!

She had to bring each one back and read where to go next.

This clue read:  This place used to have lots of puzzles and games.

But now there's a gift from the Birdies which in the mail it came!

  

  

And then:

The next gift is under a gift to you,

On the very birthday that you turned two!

It's painted and used to color or eat.

The present is where you put your feet!

  

The second to last clue said:  

Many things you watch in here.  

On a big rectangle they appear!

Where you sit and snuggle is another gift.

Just give the comfy blankies and lift!

Found it!

  

The last clue was:

The last gift is hidden on the floor.

Where daddy and even mommy snooze and snore.

Get down on your knees to discover a treat.

Under blanket & mattress & even some sheets!

Finally the last gift...

  

All the gifts!

  

I love how Violet's hand is on Amelie's leg in this one.

The doggie that walks, barks, and sniffs its bone.  Definitely a fave.

A dress for Amelie and one that matches for Rebecca!

When determining what kind of party Amelie wanted, she decided that since her birthday is close to his, she wanted an Abe Lincoln party.  This evolved into a Penny Party.  On Friday night, this boiled down to the cake you see below and some chocolate pennies as favors that I found on Amazon.

Here's the birthday girl with her penny cake--not my best work, but Amelie LOVED it!

That night we had some friends and family over for a dinner of breakfast:  eggs, bacon, plattor (Swedish pancakes), melon, and an orange juice punch.

After dinner, Amelie opened her gifts.

Our party photographer needed to add a self portrait.
Everyone, meet our freighbor, Rob.

Grandma and Daddy watched as Amelie opened gifts.

The birthday girl mugs for the photographer.

The photographer didn't want to miss the opportunity of having a self-portrait with Rebecca!

Amelie has always struggled with being sung to on her birthday.  But she did a fabulous job this year.  Still no eye contact, but no freaking out either.  And even a slight smile!  And this was the biggest group since her first birthday!

Amelie also got a new nightgown with one to match for Rebecca.  I think that her smile says it all!  It was a great day!

The next morning was the Penny Party with some of Amelie's school friends.  This party involved penny rubbings, a penny hunt, and a penny toss.

The whole gang!

Opening gifts.

The menu included "penny" pancakes, bacon and applesauce.

Dessert was ice cream adorned with chocolate pennies.
Interestingly, Amelie determined that if she were to have a friend party, she didn't want a cake and she didn't want them to sing "Happy Birthday" to her--one time the night before seemed sufficient!  And you know what?  It was her birthday, so she should be allowed to call the shots about such things, dontcha think?  I did think it was funny, however, that nearly this exact group had sung to her during school the day before!

This beautiful girl is growing and changing by leaps and bounds. 
It's such a joy to witness! 
We love you, Amelie!  We are so thankful to have you in our lives!!

The Cutest Valentines EVER

The first day we received mail after the huge snow dump, some of the best things to get in the mail were delivered--Valentines!  

Allow me to back up a bit.  Our children only have big cousins.  Eleven of them.  They all spoil us and lavish us with attention.  But Megan pulled out all of the stops this time!  She sent three personalized, hand-crafted Valentines.  Granted she too was home from school for days and days, missing that precious time of her sophior year.  (You a junior yet, Megs?)  But still.  She made these ADORABLE valentines for her baby cousins!  How sweet is that?

Here are the receivers of said valentines, showing off their cards.

Linus' with the intricate, self-portrait style.

 

Violet's with the cutest poem I think I've ever read.

(It's normally taped to the sliding glass door upon her insistence.)

And Amelie's with the delicate pop-up feature.

 

And here's a picture of the creator, Miss Megan, on Christmas Day.

 

Thank you, Megan for loving us and doing so many special things with and for us.  We love you!!