December

The month was full of all the usual Christmas things. 

Along with a 9th birthday for Lina! My youngest grandchild! 

and volleyball for Arianna. She joined a new league and they won their first tournament!

I have posted about the humdinger before, but since the tradition continues, here is the updated photos of the kids ringing it.  Lina is the only one who still can't reach it.  And Josh...well, he kinda looks down on it now.

The Christmas season almost came and went and I was sure that Arianna had forgotten all about the nativity.  But she didn't let me down. Just in time, she rounded them all up so they could all see Baby Jesus.

Christmas gifts and dinners.  

We had Christmas Eve here and then Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad's. The group was pretty small this year. So many have moved away. It was the first holiday dinner Mom and Dad have made since Cyndi and Dan's accident. I know it was super hard for her, but she powered through it. We were happy to have Josh and Alexis up here on leave from the Marines.

 Gabe and Daniel had plenty of concerts in California.  I sure wish we lived closer to be a part of their performances. They are both doing so well!

When we sorted out Jimmy's house a few years ago, I found this sweet nativity set he had made. I asked him how old it was, but he could not remember. I asked him to sign his name on the back. Sure glad he did, since he was no longer with us. It has become one of my favorite decorations. I love their cute little faces and the real leather donkey ear. 

The girls had school Christmas concerts this year, but Josiah has outgrown them. They don't have them in middle school unless they join choir.

Josiah came all decked out for Christmas and put his own twist on the J-O-Y letters.

I love how the widows triple the lights!

Lindy from Colorado

Matthew, Emily and Beau from Texas

Fall and winter in one frozen shot.

I love hellebores, normally the only flower in my yard that blooms in the winter. 

Remember last month I posted about the daffodils in bloom? Well, that same bunch is still blooming! Even in the springtime they don't stay blooming this long. Very strange.

Winter sunrises are so colorful! I was too lazy to get my camera and go outside for a shot, so this is from the living room window with my cellphone.

My cousin Michele called from Madras and said they wanted to come visit. She and her husband Floyd and her sister (also my cousin), Darla drove on over.  Mom and Dad joined us for lunch. The reason for this unexpected visit was that she had a surprise for me.  A Huge Surprise! She had made me a quilt! I was shocked! Still am! It will be a treasure for always! Thank you so much Chele!!!!