K is for Kisses

J is for Jelly

Mint jelly that is.

I is for Immaculate

This blue sky was accompanied with near 60 degree weather and followed 10 degree weather. The birds welcomed this weather with their singing. I concluded while sitting on my front porch reading that such a change was Immaculate.

Forest Park On Sunday

H is for Happy Birthday

These flowers were sent to me by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A very special birthday surprise!

G is for Gazebo

F is for Feet

The Best Present of All

Yesterday I turned 27. It was a wonderful day filled with surprises, treats and relaxation. However, I have to say that these cards from the kids were major highlights

Dear Mommy-

I love her for she's birfday. I love her for I play with her. My favorite to play with her is my princess stuff and my pony stuff. She is beautiful about beautiful things, like she's hair is beautiful, and she's mouth is beautiful, and she's heart is beautiful. She's pasta is yummy, I like yummy jolly's. I love mommy so much! Happy Birfday,

Lucy

ps I like she's watch

Deary Mommy,

I dis! An Dis! A Ba ba ba, ba a ba baba. A gush ummm! Aiesh, A ggi.

Your son,

William Frederick

Actually, following Will's sentences was a very deep poetic translation by his father that I will not include. Such wonderful kids and a wonderful hubby who might have lent a little hand!

E is for Eye

D is for Driving

C is for Commitment

B is for Baking

A is for Apples

ABC

So, I gave myself a little project. As I noted on my blog, I got a great new camera. I decided to play around with it a bit by doing the ABCs. Everyday (I hope) I will post a letter from the ABC's on my blog with a picture. Now, some pics might not be that interesting as that's just how things go, but I thought I'd play around a bit. If anyone else is up for playing the ABC's on your blog that would be very fun! So here we go:

Siblings

Yes, he fell again. Just recovered from his "dented dome" and had to stay true to being a little boy and get another one. The highlight was when the checker at the Asian grocery store started singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Missing

Anyone seen him(her)? Will be rewarded with a bright smile and delighted little girl.

Favorites

It seems the favorites change often, however there are some things that stick around, or at least I see high potential for them lasting. As a parent, one of my biggest goals for my children and their "play" is that it will bring them into another world. It might be into a little home, a different country, out on the construction sight, or 30 years down the road. Whatever it may be I try to foster imagination and creative play as much as possible. I have found it takes some work. These are some of our favorites.

Dress up. Grandma, if you are wondering, this is where your glasses are.
We often make little "monsters" and creatures. A fun project, sure I find remnants of play dough around for the next few days, but I think it's worth it.
By far, more than anything, we throw parties. And boy does Lucy know how to throw a party, Will's not too bad either. We clean the "house" get the food ready, and now thanks to family Christmas presents we play with this great wooden food. They are so fun with Velcro used to connect the toppings and candles. We have sung "happy birthday" many times, set the table with flowers and cleaned up endlessly.
This is Will's big Christmas present- a tool bench. The family bought him all kinds of tools and screws to go with it- a great toy. However, he currently he mostly enjoys drilling his head and using the drill as a weapon.

Zoo

We made a trip to the zoo today. For Christmas we got the kids a new (to us) wagon. It was great fun and the kids loved riding around in it. However, Will seemed more enthrawled with pulling it than sitting in it.

Abby

Last time I saw Abby she was just a little itty bitty baby. I was so excited to see her- she is a such a sweet little girl. Seeing her again was a definite highlight. Oh, and holding a little baby again- the best!

The Girls

 

 

Aren't they cute! Hope these girl cousins grow up being best friends!

B'ham and Bellinghamites

First stop in Bellingham, Avenue Bread of course. Nate's sister has an amazing bakery and we enjoyed the most scrumptious food, dessert and coffee there. Lucy also got to play with her Bellingham cousins up there and we had a really fun dinner at his sister Wendy and John's house.



AB is growing up so much. She is quite a cutie, we loved seeing her and just couldn't get enough of her in that little hat.


Reunion with Trev- a great thing that is. And I had yet another good reunion with Kristen (sorry no pic KK-). It was also great to see a lot of friends from our church Wiser Lake and we had a meeting about the Bellingham church plant. The meeting was encouraging and we're continuing to get more and more excited about being in Bellingham and getting the church started (Lord willing of course).

What trip to Bellingham wouldn't be complete without a stop at Boundary Bay? Nate slowly sipped on his all time favorite IPA and we enjoyed some amazing nachos.

Bridge and Wine

I discovered that bridge and wine are not a great combo. Furthermore I discovered that bridge, wine and Shannon is even a worse combo. After a glass my abilities (which are lacking to begin with)- were down the tube. I don't care so much if I lose a trick, or should have put a different card, which is unfortunate for my partner. I do appreciate the game and will continue to pursue it, however, I guess I'll have to introduce wine after about 20 years of practice.





We owe Granny a thanks for being patient with us. It would not be the same without Granny's continual comments of how it takes me and Nate far too long to play one card.

The Maus

We were thrilled to be part of the Mau's Christmas party again this year. So fun to see all those friends. Lucy was especially excited to play with her friend Lauren. Isn't she adorable!

Old Friends

One morning I got to meet up with some of my high school girlfriends. We met at Tully's for quick updates and stories- so great to catch up!

Beppos

My family ( -Jeremy, we missed you!) went out to a wonderful dinner at Buca di Beppos in Seattle. It was a highlight of the trip and the family style Italian food was amazing.

Maz