STARS

I stood beside a hill
Smooth with new laid snow
A single star looked out
From the cold evening glow
There was no other creature
That saw what I could see
I stood and watched the evening star
As long as it watched me

Sara Teasdale

Enjoyed the warm temperatures today while they lasted. We played in the grass, pulled the wagon, and ran around in the rain. Watched the first stars, drank ginger tea with honey, and snuggled in bed for stories and poems while chilly drops iced the windows.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!
Participating in the candlelight service at Wesley United Methodist church was followed by dinner at Celito Lindo's. Genevieve watched intently as hundreds of candles glowed across the sanctuary and spent most of the time looking at her books, clapping with the carols, and eventually being led out by daddy to play in the lobby. She enthusiastically dipped her tortilla chips into the salsa and ate lots of spanish rice.
The smaller boys were up by 6 a.m. Christmas morning after sleeping in the living room by the tree waiting as long as they could for Santa to arrive. Another year goes by without catching him though.
Big breakfast, Christmas stories, poems, songs, gifts, preparing dinner, outside walks, more stories, more sleeping, playing games, dinner, dessert, phone calls, egg nog, sparkling cider, hot chocolate, sweet potato casserole leftovers, special treats for Luna, big fire in the fireplace, and very affectionate goodnights. Everyone was happy.
Genevieve is quite excited now about clothing and plays among all the hung up dresses, skirts, and shoes in her closet and in stores.
She says daddy, mommy, kitty cat, gaw (for dog), diapers, please, more, baby, and knows sign language for please, more, thankyou, all done, eat, drink, milk, baby, dog, cat, elephant (her favorite), monkey, apple, banana, hurt, duck, bird, mommy, daddy, bath, and I love you.

LITTLE BIRDIE

Our little birdie wanted to fly, however, her angel wouldn't let her go and helped her land safely on the ground. We are again reminded of the miracle this little life holds.
Her new words lately are "MOM" as she hears her big brothers calling me throughout the house, "Da Da", "Na na", "Waw" as she brings her hand to her mouth for water. She dances whenever music is played. Her favorite tunes these days are Latin Lullabies and she loves to play peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, and read books about animals with Eric Carle and Elsa Beskow being her current picks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Luke is now EIGHT and mommy is officially one year older today!!
We have had spectacular birthday celebrations, hikes in the woods, and a full week of tree house building in the backyard. Thankyou to Sierra's daddy, Shane, for helping to start our backyard dreams....

NEW KITTEN

We have a new kitten named Luna.
She has a very sweet personality and tolerates Genevieve following after her and picking her up constantly. Seeming to enjoy company, Luna is always curling up to sit next to all of us whenever we have small moments to relax. Our days have been quite full lately, but very fun with a house full of little ones and never ending adventures.
Jerrod had a surprise birthday party last weekend at Busiek Creek State Park which was a success. Rock skipping contests, guitar playing, singing, delicious cake, bonfires, smores, and stargazing.
Luke will be eight on Monday which is also St. George and the Dragon day according to the ancient festival of Michaelmas. This explains a lot about Luke's attraction to wild stories, battles, and living life on the edge. It's always fun to bring in these elements to Luke's special day.

Goodbye hugs

Luke and Ian