a very special visit....

The snow has all settled, it looks like winter around here, and I love taking pictures. But, with the snow often comes the cold, and it's been cold... we're not used to it yet!!!

When the winds come down the pasture, it kicks up the snow and make little whirlwinds.. pretty, but you don't want to be outside for that long.. which for me, is sad.. because I am very anxious to pull out a sleigh!!!!

If Christmas wasn't wonderful enough, look who's under our tree again this year. Yes, that Miss Ginger!!! A few days ago, Pastor Jane contacted me and said that she had this Sunday off from preaching. She thought it would be fun to come for a visit and bring Ginger back to church to see everyone. Well, you know how I felt about that!!!!

We went to church, and had a nice long visit afterwards. I doubt I will ever get tired of hearing of the adventures of Ginger. Her ministry work is going above and beyond what Pastor Jane had thought when she first got  Ging.... goes to show that God can work with all kinds of "things" to get his work done. I am just so pleased to know that this beautiful animal will remain a part of my life. We're planning on a visit to their church sometime soon, I can see visits like this going back and forth for many years to come.

Now, yesterday, as I was getting out of work, there was a beautiful light snow falling. Ed had cleared a path from this past week's storm for sleighing, and I couldn't wait to get out there. With the snow, and everything, it was going to be just perfect.

Got my boy all harness up... put the bells on, and went to help Ed pull the sleigh out... so  EXCITING!! until.... I heard Ed coming into the barn. 

I heard a very sad "I'm sorry". Knowing how excited I was to get going, while I was hitching, Ed tried to pull the sleigh and shafts out by himself, to have ready when Duke and I were ready. And in doing so, he tweaked the shafts, and broke the evener off. Which meant.. no sleighing to day.. or when Pastor Jane came. I was very disappointed, but these things do happen. So, it was off to by a new piece which Ed promises to have fixed so we can go sleighing on New Years Day when we have our open house. At least winter is just beginning and there will be plenty of days go... and of course, the visit with Ginger.. made everything ok.                                                  

 

 

a snowy blowy day....

Just as predicted.. the snow arrived first thing this am. A real winter storm, with howling winds and lots of snow. I can't even begin to say how happy I am that all the wood is under cover... my family did an amazing job getting it all done. On the coast, Kass reported that they had rain, but not here.

It was a fine dry snow, that just got into/onto everything. Nice thing, though, it will be easy to move.. bad thing.. there will be lots of snow drifts.

Truth be told, I am still feeling a bit under the weather, but better than the last two days, so, I went with Ed to do barn chores and just get a little breath of fresh air. Hey, it's January, we live in the north... so this is our winter weather!!!!

The barn was all snug when we got there.. I always feel so blessed to have such a nice "home" for our animals....

Annabelle wasn't planning on going anywhere today. She was all snug in her bed and seemed a little upset that we interrupted her nap. Silly kitty, she could join us in the house, but she likes her barn...and we make certain she has all comforts on days like this.

The wind howled across the field. The snow didn't seem too deep in the pasture because it was being blown around so much, but I noticed the "boys" didn't stray too far from the barn... they were pretty happy to stay in and munch hay.

Tonka made a few rounds -- his feet looked like snow shoes, but once breakfast was being served he was right in.

For the most part, the rest of the day was spent inside. I had some sewing projects that I was happy to putter on. Ed and Jesse went out on a few different trips to keep the drive open, fill up the wood furnace.. but all in all, we just stayed put. The dogs had a grand time playing outside. This is Rylie with two guest dogs that we had here over the holiday....

It was hard sometimes to get her in... she really had a good time running and jumping in all that snow... the cockers, however, prefer the couch and the warm fire....

We checked on the barn several time throughout the day. Those drafts don't even know it's snowing ... I love how the snow just lays on their backs, and doesn't even melt.

This is what Tonka looked like when we went to feed supper. Silly boy, he even had snow in his ears!!! Course, one thing this means for sure - all this wonderful snow - sleighing season!!!!!

one late stop....

Well, thanks to Abbie.. Christmas was one day longer around our house. Since she spent Christmas Eve with her Dad and his family, and then Christmas Day with our family..Sadie thought it might be best to do Christmas at home one day later. I thought this was a great idea.. the longer Christmas can be.. the better. Sadly, I wasn't feeling one bit better, so it was nice just to come down stairs, be able to rest, and still enjoy the activities...

The wonders of being three.. Micky and Minnie Mouse, along with Doc McStuffins are the joy of this little one. It was a snap to find just the right gifts...

And I would say, by the look on her face.. it was just what she had been hoping for... smiles like this just make my day...

Showing Mommy all her presents......

And then, just spending quiet time on her own.. Minni Mouse is getting dressed up to go in the carriage (in the background).. don't you just love imagination...

Jesse and Tatter were allowed to play... after Abbie got herself dressed up...I'm glad the morning was like this, we enjoyed not rushing about

And Abbie enjoyed having time for her things... maybe spreading Christmas out over a few days could become a new tradition around here.

 

After we did gifts, we had some breakfast, and then... Ed, Sadie and Jesse headed outside. I was pretty much confined to my chair and keeping an eye on Abbie.. Camille kept an eye on me.

 

 We have a big snowstorm coming in tomorrow. We still have about 8 cord of wood sitting outside, and a woodshed that is ready to store it all. Once wood is buried under snow, it's a real pain to deal with.. so the three decided it would all be under cover by tonite. Ed used the tractor to bring the wood over...

Sadie and Jesse did all the stacking and worked as quickly as Ed could bring it over. And they did it... a very long day of wood stacking, but it's all inside....

And by the looks of the rising moon, it's just in time.

A truly wonderful day.. wonderful couple of days... now, if I can only feel just a bit better....

and so it is Christmas.....

And so, it is here... the magical 24 hours of Christmas, and I am excited and very blessed. Time to be spent with the most important people of my life, memories to make and the joy of it all. I should take a lesson from these two, taking a little snooze, resting up.. waiting... but, I can't, there's too much "to do" and I want
to do it all.....

Christmas eve we went to Kass and Nate's church. It was a nice service, good message, lots of songs... quiet... a perfect way to begin.


 

Rylie went with us, she's an old pro at church, but I thought it would be good for her to attend a "new" church. People hardly knew she was there, and I heard many surprise comments of "oh look, she has a dog".. or "hey kids, there's a helper dog here at church". She was very well behaved.. I was proud of her.









After church, we went to my sister's Becky... all the family met there. She has a cute little place and it was cozy.

Her hubby, Ed, made the most wonderful home made pizza... then there were great desserts to go with it. Everything was going so well...until... I started not feeling too good. I tried not to believe it.. being sick over Christmas.. NOT my idea!!!!








Christmas morning I crawled out of bed.. I seriously thought of climbing right back in, I did not feel well at all. But, I am such a fan of Christmas.. and I wasn't about to miss all that time with my family.. I decided to muddle threw. We packed up our gifts, and went to Kass and Nate's.. (our old home).. I figured I could "go slow" and just enjoy the day.





Kas made a nice breakfast for everyone, which included Deb, Dave and Sean... my Mom and Dad.. Sadie, Jesse and Abbie.. and Ed and I. We exchanged gifts.. laughed, ate and had a wonderful time together.









Rylie seemed to enjoy all the excitement, she sat and watched Abbie open her presents for the longest time. She didn't try to get into anything, just watched... (can you tell what a good puppy she is)









But she was much happier when Abbie left her new things for a bit, and played with with her. They are still the best of buds... Rylie adores Abbie....










Afterwards, we had a few quiet moments.. (I was pretty glad about that).. I even caught my Ed and Cam taking a little quiet time before we headed off to my Mom and Dad's....









I admit, I do miss my little house every so often.. so, it's such a pleasure to be able to come back to it and spend happy times together. It's in good hands and owned by people who love it, like I did....

Puppy face!!!


The afternoon and early evening was spent again with family. My Mom and Dad prepared a great meal... we had fun eating (again) and visiting....









The "kids" table doesn't have any little ones anymore... but next year that will begin to change... baby Reagan will be joining us!!!!











And another beautiful tree.. with it's goodies waiting for us....













And the excitement begins all again......













Abbie and Naomi are so cute together, they're becoming good friends (more than just cousins)... I'm glad that they'll have the chance to grow up together.









Becky, Mom and Amy.....













Presents, of course, are fun.. but truly, there's nothing like having the whole family together. That's where the real treasure lies....










And all too soon, it seems.. the day comes to an end. Tired children (and adults) a farm to get back to, animals to tend.. another wonderful Christmas has come and gone...


and sadly, I am happy to return home.. because... this gal is sick and my bed is calling...


but, to quote.... Merry Christmas to all.. and to all a good night...

day before the day before...

The day before the day before... Dec. 23rd... that "quiet" day before all the excitement and activities of Christmas. We began in church, where Ed, Rylie and I lit the fourth advent candle. Sadie and Abbie were suppose to help, but Abbie was under the weather, and Sadie thought it best for her to lay low... especially where the next few days will be busy. After church.. Ed and I decided to hitch up ol Duke and take a little drive. Since we have no snow, we went in the cart. He was so good, that we got "brave" and decided to drive down the road a bit. It was great fun, we have one busy road that we have to cross, but after that, quiet country roads are endless. We were out for a couple of hours and it was wonderful. (but cold!!!)

When we were done, I gave Rick and Kelli a call... Kelli had been busy all day catching up on her Christmas "work", but thought taking a break for supper would be a good idea. So, we ordered up some Chinese food, went to their house and had a nice evening visiting and enjoying time with our friends. This is their pretty tree.....


And sadly, before I can even think, Christmas will be behind us once again... but right now.. I'm going to enjoy every moment of the next few days.... "Happy day before to one and all".....

shortest day or longest night???

All too soon, our trip (which I had been looking forward to since last September) has come and gone. We're back home and the Christmas holiday is just days away. Today, being the 21st.. is the shortest day of the year -- or the longest night, guess it depends on how you see it....

Today was cookie baking day... I really haven't done any baking for Christmas, with the trip and all.. and it just seemed like a good day to do this. I made my favorites... short bread cookies.

I had some help.. a beautiful little princess in her red Christmas dress (good thing, it's washable)... she loved doing the cutting part - which is fine by me, because I think that's my least favorite.









My Mom always made short bread at Christmas time. As I said, they were always a favorite of mine, and I can remember asking her why we only had them at Christmas. She said something to the effect of "they're just for Christmas".. so that's what I thought. When Ed and I were married, I got a great cookbook as a gift, and when I ever found the recipe for short bread cookies... well... I think the first couple of years, we had short bread cookies all the time... no longer "just Christmas" in my house!!!!

I'm thinking, because they take a little time to do... that is why Mom saved them just for Christmas.. and though I don't make them often... I do enjoy them... especially at Christmas time.

So, tomorrow the days begin to get longer once again.... and even though I don't want to rush Christmas, I must admit, I like days with more daylight......