Sometimes The Truth Hurts...

Admitting you need help is sometimes the hardest thing to do!

This is a lesson I have been learning over the course of the last 18 months, and am still learning! During our unemployment journey I felt like I worked my way through levels of humbleness, vulnerability, and the willingness to say..."I need help." Just when I thought I had shed off the last of my pride and learned my lesson, our situation would get worse, and I would have another choice to make! Usually I would choose to struggle for a while, pull up my boot straps, put on a smile, and do my best. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that you should let others solve all your problems while you sit on the sofa and eat bon-bons. It is great to learn your own strength, get creative, and problem solve. But there also comes a time when learning when you need to ask for help from the Lord, your family, your church family, or even the community, will truly save your life.

This lesson was never harder than the day when I realized I didn't have enough food to feed my boys. As a mom, nothing could be more important or foundational than putting food in front of my kids. I was terrified, without any clear ideas on what to do, so I literally just sat down and fell apart. After some good cry time, I pulled myself together and prayed! I called out with all that was in me for a solution, for HELP! I needed free or dirt cheep, quality, food...but where was I going to find that. Then the Lord answered... Three minutes down the road from my house was a community food bank. The people who volunteer their time, at the food bank, to help families in the community are kind, generous, and there to with open arms.

This wonderful food bank has saved our "bacon" a few times now, and I just can't tell you how blessed we feel when driving away with more than enough food to feed my family. The last time I needed to visit them I had to take my boys with me. I struggled keeping the tears back as I tried to explain to my boys where we were going and why. (I wouldn't want them to EVER worry that they wouldn't have food or that we couldn't provide for them.) However, to my surprise they were excited to be part of "our shopping trip," and asked if they could help say thank you to the people who were providing us with food! Their sweet spirit was a total blessing to me, and their helpful attitudes made our visit so much easier. The volunteers at the food bank were kind and very generous with my boys, and they each left saying how much FUN they thought our "shopping trip" was!!! All I could say was, Praise the Lord!!!

The point of this story, I want you to know there is NO shame in needing to ask for help from time to time. Being part of a community, whether a church community or public, is such a blessing! You don't have to do it alone! I know there are many families in this same situation all across the country right now, and I would just encourage you to let go of your fear and pride and reach out...let someone help you! Then when you can, return the favor. My boys and I are adding volunteering at the food bank into our homeschooling curriculum this year. I want our family to give back, and I want my boys to experience the pure joy in helping another!

I hope you are encouraged today!

John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

BTW, Happy First Day of FALL!!! Love this season!!!

The Turning of Seasons

Hello Friends,
Life has taken us on quite a journey during the last 18 months. I wanted to fill in the blanks, give glory where glory is due, and turn the page with the turning of the seasons!

I am so thankful to be standing where I am today. The Lord was ever faithful, He loving provided strength for me daily, and He continues to show that his blessings and mercy are new every morning!

About 18 months ago, my husband's family company began to show stress from the declining economy. We found ourselves facing unsteady income and the fact that a job loss was emanate. We began to look for other work, along with many others across the country, and were faced with the reality that this was going to be a long process. Life, daily, became a game of survival and an ultimate test of faith; in our Provider, our marriage, our communication skills, our ability to persevere while under extreme stress...all the while attempting to keep our home peaceful and steady for our boys!

For me, I was stretched to renew my faith in the Lord, to daily ground myself in His word. I loved seeing scripture around my house, feeling His love through the form of music, and I learned to listen to the silence where I found great insight. I found out that I am actually stronger than I gave myself credit for and learned again how to use the gifts He had placed in me to support my husband through a very challenging time.

I was given the ability to see my husband, for the first time, through His eyes. He created a man with great strength, wisdom, determination, loyalty, perseverance, a servant, and a loving provider. I gained respect for the man He created him to be, and learned that I could trust in Him/him to provide for our family. Our days together weren't always easy, our communication was tested, and we daily struggled to gain some sense of control. But ultimately we found strength in each other, and daily placed our burdens at the feet of Jesus...together!

By April, we officially had no solid income, all our resources had been drained, and we faced the ending of a rental contract before us. As I began to pack our house and transition our boys into the Summer, I had to remind myself not to panic. The Lord remained so faithful, He provided small side jobs, monitory gifts from loved ones and strangers alike...just when we needed them the most, and our daily bread from unexpected, but loving sources. I have never experienced love and generosity from a community, a church family, and loved ones like we did during this time...WE WERE SO BLESSED! Our thanks will never feel like enough for the burden they helped us carry!

The middle of June rolled around and I, on wobbly feet, daily stood on the knowledge that the Lord would take care of my family. The house was packed, the boys were finishing up school, and the future was still unknown. Again, the Lord provided. A family from pre-school provided us with a place to stay during the month of July...A very cute, clean, happy one bedroom apartment on 10 acres complete with mules. I was speechless, and so thankful...my boys were thrilled! A week later my husband was called in for an interview. 4 interviews & 2weeks later he was OFFERED A JOB!!! We were thrilled, humbled yet again, and relieved! The week we moved out of our home, of four years, Glenn started his first week of work! The Lord is good, right?

We spent the Summer, officially "homeless," house hopping. We stayed on the farm for a month and a half...which was such a blessing, lived with my sister, and then my in-laws. We continued to look for a new house which would fulfill our streamed lined and practical list of requirements...this was no easy process. I had truthfully been looking for a new home since January and still hadn't found "the right one!" Our goal was to move into a new situation on labor day weekend, one week before school started! After months of scouring Craigslist, and one week before our moving deadline, I found IT! The Lord yet again, came riding in on His white horse and saved the day! Not only did we find a great house that met our conservative requirements, we found one that exceeded all of our expectations! The Lord totally blessed us!

On labor day weekend, my completely amazing sister, her family, their dog, and their camper parked in our new yard! They spent the weekend helping us schlep boxes, sort and organize, problem solve, and begin the process of restoration of our hearts and our home. I am not sure what I would have done without her that weekend, but I am so thankful she was here. Her act of love and service was a complete blessing and she really did help make my house feel like our NEW HOME! A transformation began through the moving process, we had come full circle, we had remained faithful, and the Lord really did have us in the palm of His hand.

Life has begun to resume a "new" normal. Daddy has a new job with different hours, my oldest son is in Kindergarten, my youngest is in Pre-K..., and I am trying to keep track of them all! No complaints from me though...I am thankful for our steady, crazy, new, and blessed life! I am looking forward to the upcoming year, and plan on writing one heck of a Christmas letter proclaiming all that we have to be thankful for this last year!

Thank you for standing by me, your kind words of encouragement, and prayers. We are so very thankful for where we are standing today, and so happy to be moving forward!

Emily

My Path

This song came thundering into my thoughts from the recesses of my childhood memories. I love how God uses music to speak directly to my heart, just when I need it the most!

This is a little old school, but the words still speak so deeply to my heart, I just had to share!

!

I have been singing this song on and off now for days. I hope it is encouraging to you as well!

This morning, I asked God to reveal himself to me today in a whole new way. I just wanted a reminder of His presence! There were many moments in my day today where I could see his reflection.

My boys gave me a Mommy's day tea party at pre-school today, they sang to ME...and I could see His face.

My sister blessed me today with encouragement and a solution to my worry of the day...and I could see His face.

A very special blogger posted today about God's faithfulness, it was His words through her, I was so encouraged...and I could see His face!

Just another reminder to trust Him, trust that He is working! I am so thankful for His presence in my day today. What is God working on with you today?

I love my blog, each one of you who have committed to reading my ramblings, and the friends I have found in "blog world."

However, as of late I feel I have nothing to contribute to this sunny, creative, inspiring world of bloggers, and so I have remained a silent reader and not posted. I just want you to know I am still here, I miss posting, but just don't have it in me right now.

I am encouraged that this is a time for new growth, re-birth, and change. The Lord is upholding me in His right hand, and I know He has a good and perfect plan for our life. He will provide for us, He will sustain us, and I know He will direct us. He has been so faithful, never left our side, and continues to provide for us in so many ways! I am so thankful for this! So, I am on shaky, weak legs learning and remembering to trust Him.

I am thankful for your posts, love your creativity, your honesty, and find encouragement in your sunny dispositions.

For my family, this too shall pass, and I will be back.

For you, I hope you are having a very happy, sunny, and cheery Spring.

Voting for the Best of the Northwest Getaways!!

Scandinavian Escape

Leavenworth's finest Bed & Breakfast Vote for Scandinavian Escape in King 5's Best of Northwest Escapes!

If you are already a loyal reader of mine, than you know this place is near and dear to my heart! This is where I had the privilege of growing up. It has now been transformed into a very private & luxurious Bed and Breakfast. If you would like to read more about the inn or the inn keepers you can read this post, or visit their website!

I am asking you to please vote for their bed and breakfast in the King 5's Best of the Northwest Escapes! This would be an honor for Scandinavian Escape to win, and great publicity for their Bed and Breakfast!! Their inn has transformed, grown, and been perfected in so many areas in the last ten years! They now offer a place to stay that is so unique and special in Leavenworth's hospitality industry!

If you are looking to visit the Northwest in the near future, I know they would love to see you!Vern and Linny, the inn keepers, love for serving others has only grown and been fine tuned to literally be the icing on what would be your most memorable stay in Leavenworth! Scandinavian Escape is Leavenworth's best kept secret!

Thank you for your vote!

Have a great weekend, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!!!

Much Harder Than I Thought...

I have a whole new respect for my fellow bloggers who continue to post lovely, creative, real, and sincere posts when their lives are difficult or turned upside down.

I know many of you have encountered this in your own blogging experience & we all know others like; Edie who lost her home to fire and experienced great loss, or Sasha who thought she was moving...onto a new adventure, but details fell through, or Jessica who built a lovely house only to have it burn, rebuilt this amazing structure with love, and then endured a flood. I am not sure where they found the energy, strength, or clarity to post through these situations, but I am glad they found blogland a place of reprieve & solace. This cozy place has become a source of inspiration, friendship, and an avenue to see, share, and talk about what we love. I am impressed, encouraged, inspired, and honored that they thought to bring us along for their journey...both in their highs & lows. I am thankful for their REAL posts, and the opportunity they gave me, us, to support them as they moved forward.

My life, currently, is different than what those amazing women have endured, but things have in their own way been very difficult lately. For a while it seemed that I was coping, and each day I mustered the strength to keep going. Looking for the positive as I maneuvered through life's obstacles, became almost like a game. However, it has become harder and harder to daily find the positive. I have allowed myself to become focused on & bogged down by the details of my life. I have forgotten to pan out and See, Experience, and Feel the joy which naturally surrounds me.

Well, NO MORE! No more focusing on the "unpleasantries," as my Dad calls them, of life, I am switching gears. I want to share some of the great, happy, ordinary, fun, and inspirational that has happened while I have been checked out. I am pressing forward, I am moving on, and I am taking my blog with me! Hold on because you have much to look forward to!! I may occasionally share life's challenges, but there is so much more to ME and my life than those challenges! I am taking a note from the inspirational ladies mentioned above. I am focusing on the things I really LOVE, I am going to treasure this life I have been given-pure joy coming your way baby!

Thank you for sticking by me, I am so thankful for your friendship.

Tomorrow, I am posting another chapter in my Jazzercise journey, stay tuned, you won't want to miss out!

Feature Friday... & A Giveaway Winner!

Good Morning Everyone...
I am glad it is Friday, but find myself with a very heavy heart this morning. I can't even imagine the horror of what the people in Japan have experienced in the last 24 hours, and the devastation they will somehow need to cope with. I am so sad for the loss of their family members, loved ones, & children. The pictures and videos are so intense, scary, and completely over whelming. The silly head cold I woke up with this morning seems so trivial, and I am glad to have someone else to focus my energy on today! Japan will be in my prayers and thoughts as I move through out my day today!

In honor of Feature Friday,

I would like to introduce you to a very special ministry!

My family has been involved with, and blessed by, Life Trac Ministries for many years. They are a family owned and operated ministry which believes in healthy, happy, and flourishing families and marriages. They strive to make a positive and influential difference, based on scripture, through their weekend courses including; Marriage Encounter, Pre-Pair For Marriage, Blended Family Success, Gospel-Powered Parenting, & the Love Birds romance weekend! Greg and Candy are an amazing couple who have successfully been married for 39 years! They have raised a amazing family, and since 1983 have helped hundreds of couples succeed in creating their own dreams for a joyful family environment! Greg was a pastor for 12 years prior to creating Life Trac Ministries, and has spent more than 18,000 hours counseling marriage, teen, and family problems! These two are a dynamic duo, and God is using them in incredible ways!

As we speak, they are in the final stages of planning for a Marriage Encounter course this weekend! Their team is made up of 5 couples who devote their time, knowledge, encouragement, and their personal stories. All five couples are present during a marriage encounter weekend and each play a vital and personal role in helping the weekend be successful!

This last week the team was down with many different viral infections. They are coming into this weekend under attack. In total three members have been or are currently sick and one couple is unable to attend this weekend due to a schedule conflict. I am asking for prayer for this very special ministry and amazing team! They work with love, passion, and all they have in them to see marriages succeed, and they need to be healthy and strong! I am also asking for prayer for the couples who have registered and are traveling to the conference! This is an opportunity for them to build, repair, and strengthen their marriage, and they need all the support they can get! This is serious business they are about to embark upon, please pray for them!

If you would like more information or would like to support this non-profit ministry, please visit their website. The Life Trac family is so special to me, and they are doing some incredible work!

Last, but not least, I would like to announce the winner of the Sunshine Giveaway!

Do you know Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia? She is talented, fun, a busy mom of three, and such a sweetie! I have had the privilege of having my wreath business advertised on her blog, she has been easy to work with and so generous with her time! Her blog is amazing! It is full of inspiration, great tips, and fun projects she encourages you to try! I love and feel so honored when Kristin comments on my blog posts, she is always so generous. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Kristin or read her blog, pop over to My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, and say HI!

I am thrilled she has won the giveaway, I know she will love the Sweet and Smooth body scrub! Kristin if you will e-mail me you address I will get this fun package out to you right away!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Enjoy your families, love on them, and please remember those who are struggling with unbearable circumstances in Japan!

It's Not Too Late

Valentine's Day Is Just Around The Corner...

How are you spending your special day?

Most of you know, by now, how much I love Leavenworth! I had the privilege of growing up in "Paradise!" I love what the area provides; surrounded by glorious mountains at all times, rivers for rafting, trails for walking, skiing, hiking, and cycling, plus loads of Bavarian tourist fun! This town holds a very special place in my heart, I know you will agree once you have visited!

This time of the year Leavenworth is covered in snow, making the perfect winter Valentine's getaway! There are many snowy activities for you & your honey to enjoy during your weekend. Are you an avid down hill skier? Leavenworth is 30 min away from three great ski resorts. Or if you prefer cross country skiing, Leavenworth has three groomed trails which wind around through the woods and boasts some of the most amazing mountain and river views! Snow shoeing and snow mobiles are a great way to tap into your adventurous spirit, perfect to see some of the areas dynamic rural scenery!

If you would rather spend your getaway in quiet, peaceful solitude then you might want to try one of the many spas for a couples massage or a facial. After a candle lit diner at one of Leavenworth's four star restaurants, a horse drawn sleigh ride can be a romantic and whimsical way to end your evening.

But wait, where are you going to stay after your day's adventures? I have the perfect place; it is quiet, romantic, peaceful, lavish, and it's features will pamper each of your senses during your weeks stay.

Scandinavian Escape is a lovely Bed and Breakfast tucked into the Cascade mountains, which will surround you in peaceful loveliness during your stay!

Just a few of the luxuries you will experience while at Scandinavian Escape are; warm and sincere hospitality, cozy and inviting rooms, high quality bedding and craftsmanship, breakfasts that are to die for...amazing, private decks with views of the mountains, private baths with soaking tubs, a hot tub surrounded by snow and mountains, and fabulous gift packages to help make your time in Leavenworth extra special! Because Valentine's day is on Monday this year, if you stay with Scandinavian Escape on Sunday/Monday their winter gift packages apply! A sweet deal to make your stay even sweeter!

Vern and Linny love what they do, and it shows in each detail of your stay with them. Both have special giftings they bring into the running of their bed and breakfast, which set them apart from all others in the area. They would LOVE to have you come and stay with them, and I guarantee that you will leave feeling relaxed, pampered, and renewed!

What better way to spend your Valentine's day than to retreat to

A Scandinavian Escape!

http://www.s-escape.com/

photos:Flickr-Lisaluvz,Scandinavian Escape, David Manzi, & Leavenworth Chamber

Juice With Your Coffee?

"Hello Dear Void",

The sun has popped its sunny little face out again today, it is beautiful, crisp, the snow covered mountains are stunning, and yet I still feel like I am in such a FOG!

The "bubonic plague" hit our house about two and half weeks ago... it has transferred from one member of the family to another, and back again! I wonder, now, what this says about my house cleaning abilities...hummm.

I have spent days, and many sleepless nights tending to sick kids; wiping noses, washing sheets and lovies, distributing cough syrups and homeopathics, changing water in humidifiers, and attempting to NOT loose my sanity.

The boys are on the mend, thank goodness, but now the plague has caught up with me! I feel terrible, but as most moms know...the world does not stop spinning just because we are sick. I keep putting one foot in front of the other, hoping I will make sense, and praying I will make it to the end of the day.

Highlights of My Current State of Affairs

*I have gotten a LOT of house cleaning done in the last two weeks while sitting at home with kids.

*Loosing sleep due to my lack of oxygen..., not because anyone else is needing me at the moment, is a major bummer.

*Lots of snuggles, a definite plus!

*Did you know, you can actually fall asleep sitting up? I was waiting for the repair man, watching a little Dora with my three year old...not sure what happened...

*I actually put juice in my coffee this morning instead of cream...sad!

*Sweat was not the only thing dripping off my face at Jazzercise...gross, on the flip side...exercise really did help to clear the fog a bit! Felt good to move!

*Yesterday and today were P.J days at pre-school for the boys, I actually considered dropping off in my P.J's...just to be festive! Instead I put on cute clothes, washed my face, put on make-up, took some Tylenol cold medicine, and made a long overdue coffee date with my friend!

So while I am waiting for the fog to clear, I would like to leave you with a song, that I have been humming all day. Maybe it will be encouraging for you today, and know that if you find yourself in some kind of a fog, or crazy blizzard, there is hope for tomorrow.

God is faithful and his mercies are new every morning!

Thank goodness!

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Setting the Tone...

I did a post a few days ago about my goals for 2011, and how I was hoping that these five words would help define my new year!

Silent, Still, See, Hear, Surrender

Then I saw Lisa Leonard's post about her amazing "New Word of The Year" necklaces. She asked her blog followers to choose ONE word to define how you want to live out your new year. One word, wow, but I chose five...what am I going to do now? Well I did some thinking about my words, and decided that if I had to choose one word which would encapsulate my thoughts, prayers, and ideas for 2011, it would be LISTEN. I want to listen for the Lord and his guidance in my year, I want to go where He takes me, and I am excited to see just how listening can affect my day to day activities, mentalities, and goals.

What is your word??

I want to challenge you to think about how you want to live this new year, think about one word that speaks to you, live with it this next year, and maybe, just maybe...follow where it leads you!

I would love to know what your word is, if you would like to share!

Lastly, here is a little encouragement for the winter blues! I know many of you struggle this time of the year to just get though each day! Here is some great news for you, did you know that orange oil is a natural anti-depressant? Orange oil will naturally help you to feel happy, optimistic, and excited for your day. The Sweet and Smooth is a fabulous way to wake up! Treat yourself to a morning scrub, and literally wash your blues away!

www.mysensaria.com/allnatural

Just A Moment

Life is but a moment, if we don't stop and look, smell, feel, enjoy, anticipate, & hold those dear to us, the moment will pass. Lately parts of my life has been so very stressful, heavy, challenging, and sad, but within these moments God has the ability to do some of His best work.

God is ever faithful, and I love how in times of weakness He brings new light out of His word to encourage and build us back up! He pulls us up out of the muck and mire to see His grace, His love, and His hope.

Tonight I am going to focus on just that, what I have been given, what I love, and what I am so very thankful for!  His Grace is sufficient for me!!!

Tonight I am thankful for:

My Family!

My boys belly laughing

Hot coffee

Holding Glenn's hand

Hugs

Laughter

Fall leaves

Iced tea

My Dad singing in church

Rainbows

My mom's love notes

Slobbery kisses from my youngest

A really good hamburger with onion rings

Singing-using the talent God has given me

The look of excitement in my boys' eyes when I teach them something new

The color RED

Cooking a great meal

The wind blowing in your hair

My amazing sister, who is my best friend too!

The beach-everything about it!

Going home!

A soft, warm scarf wrapped around my neck!

A clean house

My husband

The satisfaction of giving a great gift

Quiet time-journaling

A wagon full of geraniums

LEMONS

My mountains

A blueberry cream cheese danish

Flying upside down

My home-full and happy

And so much more, my heart is brimming full tonight!

What are you thankful for?

I encourage you to take a moment, stop, enjoy, and be thankful for all the blessings in your life!

photos: All Rights Reserved: A Lasting First Impression

The Perfect Snowday!

Today Was the Perfect Blend of The Unexpected, Togetherness & Family, Slow & Cozy, Tradition, Fast & Crazy...

Inside: our home was full of laughter, warm and inviting smells, games, shows, and a whole lot of little boy silliness!

Outside: our world was cold, snowy, and transformed into a winter wonderland fit for some good old fashioned snow day fun!

I love days like this, and our day was made so much better when Daddy decided to stay home and play! After a warm bowl of baked oats, yogurt, and fresh fruit we ventured outside for some chilly sledding in the winter wonderland!

My boys had so much fun whipping down the hills, crashing, pushing the limits, romping through the snow, and spending time with Daddy!

I stood by laughing at their silliness, capturing their adventures, and watching their pure joy! This was the best day we have experienced in so very long and I am so thankful for the blessing of being snowed in!

2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

How did you spend your snow day?

photos: All Rights Reserved: A Lasting First Impression

My Dream Like Weekend

I had the BEST weekend!

It bounced back and forth between dream like and a heart throbbing, full of life intensity! Location of some of my best dreams...HOME, and that is always good!

I celebrated my birthday on Saturday, and when asked what I wanted to do for my birthday celebration, I can think of no better plan than to go home and spend my day with family. When we are all together, we fill the house to the brim...eleven smiling, crying, mischievous, yawning faces, 22 hands getting into anything and everything including dismantling the baseboard heater..., 22 feet scuttling, running, jumping, kicking, chasing, and hiding in every square inch of the house, too many toys to count, 2 dogs...one slow, one really fast, and only four parents and two grandparents attempting to contain the happy chaos!

My trip began on Thursday with a glorious drive over the mountains. Fall was in her glory, bright & intense in colors of vibrant red, sunny yellow, and warm orange. With every twist and turn of the road I exclaimed, praised God for his handy work, and began to breath a little lighter. I love home, and as I approach I can literally feel the weight lifting off my shoulders. I drove with camera in one hand, steering wheel in the other, and eyes constantly wandering. We did make it safe in case you were worried...


We picked up Nini, in one swift move, and drove directly to Daddy who is in the middle of a month working stretch away from our home! He was greeted with the thumping of new rain boots, squeals, hugs, and slobbery pre-schooler kisses! Daddy is working the harvest season for our friends who own a winery. This was a whole new, unexplored, exciting boy paradise...complete with fresh, crunchy apples, tire swings, ponds and rocks, grapes on the vine, a forklift ride, and wine tasting for mom! No better reward for surviving a long week without Daddy!

The weekend continued with a fun & festive football game against the local high school rival! I still think there is nothing better than the feeling of a cold metal bleacher making a frosty impression, while I am wrapped, bundled, tucked, and stuffed under, around, and in a mountain of blankets, scarves, and hats. The smell of the cold Fall air mixing with stadium popcorn, nacho cheese, and fresh cut grass! The boys LOVED the mascots, the rivaling bands competing for airspace, and the fun...usually not allowed, treats!

We took walks, played at the park, rolled down hills, and romped through cow pastures...full of cows. Note: playing in a field full of grazing cows, including a very large bull, is not recommended without proper tools for defending yourself while you are being chased!

The kids loved our visit to the local pumpkin patch and farm, ate our fair share of kettle corn, and purchased all things apple related!

Birthday celebrations were held that evening at a beautiful candle lit table, with Dads amazing food on favorite family china. Pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, made by my creative sis, were amazing!!! Pear martinis, brie, prosciutto, pears, and rosemary crackers fit right into the Fall theme. So fun to be celebrated, I am looking forward to another year of new adventures.

Christmas pictures were taken and just in time might I add...the snow began to fall about an hour after the last picture was snapped. This freakishly early storm set the scene for a very intense, scary, and slippery drive back over the same mountains that just three days earlier were tame and nonthreatening. Slow and steady wins the race, two hours behind schedule, we arrived back home to drop kids and embark on our annual girls only birthday shopping trip. The weekend concluded with a very fun, successful, and wet shopping trip...it was snowing in the mountains which means Noah's ark was floating in the city!!! Tired, newly clothed, and sufficiently soaked I returned home ready to begin a new week!

I am blessed, & so love birthday weekends at home.

How about you, how do you like to spend your birthday?

I meant to post this on Monday, but between re-entry, shopping, and spending time with mom...my post was delayed. Hope that is okay with you....