"Princess of the Dolls"

Lydia took the stage once again on Monday night for a postponed Christmas production due to inclement weather put on by her dance studio. Can you find our little doll? Hint: She chose a blue Christmas dress.

Cowgirl Naph

Gabe and Lydia had a great weekend playing with cousin Naphtali. Doesn't she look like a real Louis L'Amour heroine?

New Birth

Abijah - ə-BIE-jə (English) "my father is YAHWEH"

"Littlest Sis" became "Big Sis."

Flood waters receded, the interstate opened, and Marshal brought me to my sister's door in the hours before Abijah's birth. I thank the Loving Hand who enabled me to witness the final arduous labor and this mom and baby's strength to embrace and ravenously hold on to life. I thank the Loving Hand that hovers, shelters, protects, touches at the right place into our finite flesh, at the right time, directing our steps, even as we plan, according to His plan in His Omniscience and Omnipotence. What a peace to have faith in an All-Knowing, All-Powerful LORD. And what a beautiful baby we have at home suckling on a resting mom!

Toothless Wonder

There is always wonder at the loss of a top front tooth, the wonder of growing up, a new smile, a whistle when you speak, and a wonder at what the tooth fairy will bring!

Snow Monsters

These creations, "snow monsters," were dubbed by Gabe. Last evening's snow is indeed wet, but remarkably there was enough remaining this morning to yet roll into giant balls lickety-split.

January Evening

Yesterday evening, we received 3-4 inches of snow in a few hours. Gabe exclaimed that we'd have six feet in the morning! I had a hunch the forecast was correct for lots of Northwest rain and sloppy mess by morning. Anyway, Gabe and Lydia didn't waste time and took advantage of the perfect crunch and packing consistency for snow balls and men. It was indeed beautiful late last night, everything cloaked in a heavy garment of white stillness under the light of a half moon not yet obscured by heavy rain clouds.

Christmas Snow on the Crabapple

The crabapple tree at the "little house" on the day after Christmas with a streak of warm sunshine and deep powder before the big thaw.

We had Christmas with family. We left early enough to "not outrun" but to blow in with the Northwest blizzard. We were the last to drive the Columbia River Gorge preceding Christmas, passing through the interstate gates 18 minutes before closure. We were able to enjoy literally being snowed in with parents, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and cousins for five days. We woke up before dawn on Christmas morning, creeping around by candlelight, grinding coffee beans in an antique mill because of a power outage. Lights came on mid-morning in time to heat cinnamon rolls and blend orange juliuses. It was a memorable Christmas for all, steeped in traditions.