High school friends of mine and countryside neighbors of ours had a baby boy on Christmas Day. His name is Gabriel and he weighs one pound. He is at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Please pray that God's will be done and pray for a peace that passes all understanding in the hearts of Gabriel's family. Thank you.
She received an ornament that says: "Grace - Angel of Promise." Look at that face . . .
This morning, DH and I were up before six and sat in front of the fire sipping coffee before the chaos started. DD woke up and opened presents from Santa, Mommy & Daddy & Grammy D. Daddy made her an easel - - she loved it!
Great Gramma G joined in, too.
And my DH "enabled" my photo habit:
And, of course, the girls enjoyed a Christmas treat and want to wish everyone a very clucky Christmas and happy new year!
The bandana started out as a "sling" on DD's arm, which then went up on top of her head with her Swedish maiden buns and craziness ensued . . .
What can you do with a red bandana?
I'm taking a week of vacation to take a 3-credit Human Growth & Development class at Marshalltown Comm College (slowly, but surely, getting a degree of one sort or another). In five days, we'll be covering 16 chapters, seven tests, and countless pages of hand-written notes (my hand is already sore from the 20 pages of notes I took today). This is quite an entre back into college life (it's been 12 years since I stepped into a classroom)! Wish me luck!
We ate lots of yummy food (honey crisp apples, crab rangoons, cheddar popcorn, Dutch letters). Oh my!
Yes, those are pipe cleaners and jingle bells in her hair! We get quite creative with the art supply box.
I've been forbidden to reveal DH's darling 'do (he stated it was grounds for the big D) . . . I'll just let you use your imagination and tell you that I about peed my pants when I found the picture he took of himself!
Hook up the heated water base (duh, I have a plastic waterer and now I need to buy a metal one) 
And take random pictures of the dog. 
Got lots of the ideas for activities from Kiddley and adjusted it to our schedule (and climate). I just printed out the list and cut apart the days.
We've had some really crazy weather here lately - - 64 and sunny on Monday. It was great because the chickens thought they needed to lay eggs again (you go, girls!). Today it's 28 and overcast and wet - - yuck! And, you guessed it, the hens have not laid one egg today! I would love to just get some real snow! You know, "the weather outside is frightful/but the fire inside's delightful/but since we've nowhere to go/let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" kind of snow? Bring it on!
Very sad news today. Our long-time (14+ years) Main Street director passed away after two years battling with cancer. She was well-respected and loved in our little community and I hope you will pray for her family.
The new cornstove is much appreciated. On most nights, you can find us in the den with the tv off, reading, listening to a podcast on the computer, DD plays with her paper dolls, or we just sit in the dark and watch the lovely flame.
Reads! DD is really enjoying learning to read. She has the vintage "Dick/Jane/Sally" book and can read the whole thing. She's sooooo proud!
Eats! DD loves her veggies! We had green beans for dinner tonight and when she asked for seconds, she asked for the "rest of the bowl . . . you don't want any, do you Mom & Dad?"
Spots wildlife! DD pointed out a small group of deer on the edge of town the other day. They stood still until I reached for the camera.
LOVES going to the Festival of Trees with her Grammy! She was enamored with the Subway (sandwich) tree last year - - she talked about it every time a Subway commercial came on tv (now that's great brand identity!). DD stayed with her Grammy D on Saturday night; they went to see "Flicka" and to church together on Sunday. I met up with them Sunday afternoon and we all went to the GC Festival of Trees.
And what a night it was. Denise O'Brien had a substantial lead early on, but then eventually lost by only 2 points. The outcome certainly showed that Iowans are ready for a change in its agricultural policies and practices. Even though Denise didn't win the office of Secretary of Agriculture, I know she will continue to work for safe and healthy food, farms, and families. I'm so proud of what she brought to this race and that she kept her cool, even when she was being attacked and maligned by her opposition. That seemed to be a common practice during this political season and I'm happy to say that it's over.
Last night, our little rural neighborhood came alive with families roaming the countryside in search of treats. Neighbor Laura organizes families with little goblins to go trick or treating to other neighbors without little ones at home. Everyone enjoys themselves, the adults get a chance to visit with each other, the kids get re-acquainted, and it's just a great neighborhood activitiy.
I even got in the spirit by dressing up as a rough & tumble hockey player (yes, that's makeup around the eyes, nose & mouth). My other neighbor Laurie was dressed up as a clumsy lady; seriously, she broke her finger/knuckle after she fell from a step ladder.
DD had so much fun with her cousin J - - they found a donation box filled with old glasses and they proceeded to try on every pair and give us a "fashion show." When it was time to leave, they hugged and vowed to see each other again soon (I hope so, too).
