"For Unto Us A Child Is Born...

...a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Tonight we will attend a candelight service in honor of His birth. It is through our Lord Jesus that we have restored fellowship with God, the assurance of eternal life and the reality of transformed hearts and minds. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Merry Christmas to all!

Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even.......

A Mouse!

Our library TA made this candy for us. I can't bear to eat it, it's just too cute. It's made with a cherry (with stem/tail), a Hershey's kiss, almond slices and a single flake of coconut for the whiskers. So clever!

Keeping First Things First

I am wrestling this season, vacillating between panic and joy, all of which is self-imposed! There are cookies to bake for gifts and things to wrap and cards to write and mail. I am at work for 8 1/2 hours every day, have physical therapy appointments after work several days a week and a multitude of holiday events I want to share with The Bearded One. When, oh when, will these things get done? In reality, they may not and I must let go of the angst over this fact. For if I don't, I will miss the whole point of this season, which is the birth of our Savior and Lord. It's hard to keep this in the forefront of my thoughts, when the list of things undone keeps sneaking in the back door! But I persevere!

After the Rain

God's Twinkle Lights

Thanksgiving Day....

What a wonderful day we all had in Des Moines, WA, feasting and visiting and enjoying the blessings of family. Every year we rent the clubhouse that is part of Kris and Paul's condo complex and this year we had a passel of people attend. Somehow Traci and Ian managed to avoid the camera. Just wait till next year, you two! And Noelani (nurse) had to work....again! The very best centerpieces ever!

Kaylie and Mylie

Dave and Cousin Tom

Zander and Wally

Josh, Jessi and Mei Mei

Jeff, Wally and Zander

Steve and Dave

Tom and Paul

Paul and Wayne

Pandora and Terry

Jeff and Kris

Fast Train To Winter Solstice

It's the day before Thanksgiving and although I had to work today, we were "set free" early today because of time we will have to put in later for the seniors' culminating projects. That's a whole other story.

As I left school at high noon, I realized people were driving around town with their headlights on. It's amazing what passes for daylight in this latitude! Granted, it was overcast and there is a rain storm on its way, so the sky was grayer than it might have been otherwise. But, I'm just sayin'......

I confess that I am affected by light, or the lack thereof. I used to rail against the lack of it during winter, but I have since learned to "embrace" it. So I headed home, made myself a cup of good strong REAL English tea and settled down to listen to my very favorite seasonal CD: "Innisfree" by the choral group named Anam Cara.

If you are at all a fan of choral music with little to no accompaniment (I am a BIG fan), you MUST find this CD and listen to their version of "O Magnum Mysterium". It is truly one of the most beautiful and haunting choral pieces I have ever heard, and it never ceases to transport me to a place that is not affected by light or the lack thereof!

"...but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" I John: 1:7

May thanksgiving be a natural outpouring of our hearts because of all He has done and continues to do in our lives. Enjoy this day set aside to spend with family and friends in acknowledgement of His provision!

Felting Frenzy

I have been hooked on felting projects this fall. I love felting, it's such a magical process. Generally your pre-felted project looks like a shapeless blob with no hint of its eventual outcome. It's amazing what a little hot water and agitation will do. Voila....felted pumpkins...just in time for Thanksgiving...and........nesting felted bowls! What does one do with nesting felted bowls? I haven't a clue! But it's a great way to use up leftover yarn!