Putting Away Christmas...

I love putting up my Christ-mas tree and nativities every year!

I enjoy them so much- but Char's birthday is so close to Christmas that, in years past, I felt like I had to hurry and put Christmas away so she could have a special day all about herself!

This year, Char was back at her own home for her birthday; so I left Christmas up and enjoyed it longer...

And then February came, and although I could have put it all away, I found things I wanted to do even more with my time- like take a short road trip with Luke, enjoy doing projects around the house, and just life!

So putting away Christmas took a little longer this year. And that was okay. Life is so good!

Happy 60th to us!!!

We made it to 60...

60 months!

I am so blessed! Happy anniversary to us!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my mother's birthday.... I miss her very much. But what a blessing to have such a great mom!

And here is an article about her birth while her father served his country.

Thanks for sharing, Aunt Karen.

Love you Mom!!!

These Turned Out Pretty Well...

Now to see what the Littles think!

Grandma Dee’s Healthier Cookies

Blend:

3 Mashed Bananas (ripe)

1/4-1/3 c maple syrup

1/2 c coconut oil

Add and blend:

2 eggs

2 tsp. Vanilla

Add:

2 c oats

1 1/2  c fine ground whole wheat flour

1 1/2 - 2 tsp. baking soda

1 c Raisins or dark chocolate chips or other chips...

Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 13-15 minutes! Yummy!

A Very Good Anniversary

I am beyond thankful to hear Luke and Jon both express how very glad they both are for this day 2 years ago!

Jon wanted a dad for so many years- and Luke is so grateful to be able to adopt Jon!

It warms my heart to see them together!

So Very Thankful!

  

This picture is typical Luke. He loves us and loves to play!

I am so VERY thankful for Luke! He tries to be the best he can at all times. (and he succeeds so often!) His poor health has been a challenge in so many ways- makes it difficult to get out, stay up late, do many things- but Luke still has his amazing sense of fun and wonderful sense of humor!

I am so thankful for my home, our great abundance of food, clothing, basic necessities, and I am so thankful for a wonderful job with amazing co-worker/friends!

And I am so very thankful for my children and grandchildren! They really are the icing on a delicious cake!

An Abundance of Leaves...

My backyard yesterday morning... Beautiful and horrible all at the same time!

I love my backyard, the trees, the shade in the summer, the birds that flock there, the room to play with my little girls! But this amount of leaves = a lot of work!!!

This is my yard yesterday afternoon- after way too many hours of work...yes, I was exhausted.

But it is worth it!!! All of the work to take care of this yard is well worth the work that goes with it.

Just like life. Luke's illness creates work for us both. Sometimes quite a lot of work, actually. But it is so very worth it to have such a great marriage with such an incredible man!

Teaching is a lot of hard work sometimes- but again, so worth it in all of the great relationships and learning for both my students and myself!

Life is full of that abundance of leaves most days- but it just means that life is also full of the beautiful, tall trees that give shade and attract birds, and give me a place to enjoy my family.

I am so blessed.