Maple Syrup Time!!

The time of the year has come again to tap the trees and hope for sap!!

Last year we barely got anything at all - so I am hoping to have pictures of "the big boil" this year!!!

Snow!

The first big snow of the year! We actually went into it to go out to dinner thinking that we could be back home before it got bad. Wrong decision. While we ate dinner (and we were the only table in the restaurant) at least 4 inches of snow fell and the roads were treacherous! It took us two hours to get home (which normally is a 20 minute drive). Never. Again.

Jacob was happy that some school got cancelled for him!

Transition for Danny

This month (January 12th to be exact) was the last official day that Danny worked at Dustin Construction. He is now home full time, pursuing things that he has never had time to do before. He will eventually pursue a different "venture", possibly with one or more of our sons, and do something that suits his giftings and passions. We don't know now what that is, but are trusting that God will lead him wherever He wants to use Danny next. I personally am excited that he may have the chance to use the talents that God gave him, and be in a situation that is less stressful and more personally fulfilling.

Despite the fact that Danny had been at Dustin Construction for 25 years and was officially "retiring", there was just a simple lunch at a local restaurant with the office staff and the kids and I. I guess this fit in with Danny's always humble demeanor. However, I have to admit I was sad to see that there wasn't more... and I intend to throw a huge party this spring!!

Danny got up and spoke just a few brief words, and was on his way.

I must say that the meal was delicious, and it was nice that the kids and I got to be there.

Re-cap of 2010

The year 2010 was definitely a year for us to remember in so many ways - some good, and some not as good. As I look back it seems that we had many truly significant events happen, and I have to admit that at the end of the year we all breathed a sigh of relief and look forward to 2011 with great hope that it will be a better year.

These are some of the major highlights for the Dustin family:

- We battled lyme disease and health issues for both Danny and Hannah. As of the end of the year, Hannah is not really feeling any better after months of treatment. She often uses a wheelchair to do things that require a lot of walking or standing. Danny had mixed diagnosis and is being treated for both lyme and fibrymalgia.

- Matt moved out into his own apartment and is living away from home during the school year.

- We lost our beloved pet Ginger in October to cancer.

- Grandpa had another cardiac event leading to hospitalization

- Danny had a very stressful year at Dustin Construction as a result of working out the deals of a buyout

- We also lost two other pets - two of Hannah's bunnies

However, there is evidence of God's goodness to us this year too!!

- Danny is finally feeling better and his lyme is slowly improving

- Ryan has made HUGE progress in school and is reading like a champ!

- Through Hannah's illness we met some wonderful people - including Dr. Walsh, Dr. Tedesco and a great physical therapist

- Hannah bred her bunnies and we enjoyed sweet baby bunnies for months

- Grandpa is doing just fine and healthy as ever now

- Matt is studying something he is passionate about (exercise science)

- Jacob is doing awesome at school and is such a blessing to our family with his kindness and servanthood to his sister, and he makes us all laugh.

- Hannah has handled her illness with grace and still has her joy for life and brings sunshine into our home with her enthusiasm and humor!

- Danny has wrapped up his career at Dustin and is walking out the door - he will be able to focus on his health and family, and then eventually pursue a new avenue to use his gifting! I am most grateful for this - I will have my husband home with me!!! YES!!!

Here's to a wonderful, healthy 2011!!!

Hannah's 13th Birthday

I can hardly believe that my little girl turned 13. She has seemed older than her age for a long time, but now it's official - she has entered the teen years! She is no longer a little girl, but a lovely, young woman who is full of compassion, joy, and kindness. She is blossoming into a young lady that I am very proud of.

This year we gave her a camera of her own to use in her photography - and she was absolutely surprised (I think!) and happy!

She was tickled with Jacob's gift and wanted to give him a sisterly hug, but he wanted no part of it. Typical brother... But good for Hannah - she doesn't give up or take no for an answer!

Hannah made her own cake again this year - she is so talented at the decorating. She decorated this cake with an amazing tree full of owls... There is no picture that does it justice - I am so proud of her. It was absolutely stunning.

Danny continued the tradition of a rose for each year. I remember when she was little we used to joke and laugh about the day that she would pass up the one dozen mark and he would have to buy two dozen to give her 13... And yep - he did. I can't believe that day is here already!

One of the owls she sculpted out of fondant... so beautiful.

Happy birthday my sweet, darling girl. I love you more than you will ever fathom. I loved our getaway to the Ritz and the memories we made there! What a special birthday!!

Florida 2010

The highlight of our trip to Florida this year was definitely going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - we spent a day and a half just exploring it - going into the castle, the shops, the rides, eating at the Three Broomsticks... it was all so magical. Definitely want to go back!

This is Ryan's collection of souvenirs, creatively displayed in his room at the house we stayed at. (Danny's parent's home) Among them is pumpkin juice, lemon drops and two wands!

Hannah and Ryan also thoroughly enjoyed pin-trading, which is something they started last year. It really is quite addictive and fun too!

Picture of luggage at Hogwart's Express

Danny and I had a very unique experience this trip. We sat at the Three Broomsticks sipping on butterbeer while all three kids went off on their own (together) to do some rides! It was the first time we have ever felt comfortable with that and let the kids go off - what a weird feeling it was for us. It was sad, really, to realize that the kids were old enough to do that. I actually miss the stroller days... well, kinda...

My oh so handsome Jacob at the pub - I just love this picture of him - he so RARELY lets me take a picture of him. He knew this one was for a frame I had purchased. Thanks Jacob - you need to let me do this more often!!

Hannah in Hogwart's robes with the conductor of the train - what a sweet guy he was - really in character! Asked Hannah if she had permission to be in Hogsmeade!! haha

Jacob enjoying his first butterbeer!! They were absolutely delicious! (non-alcoholic of course)

Hannah feasting on a huge, delicious, turkey leg!

And last, but not least, Ryan sipping on his butterbeer looking oh so dreamy with those big brown eyes looking at me... Ryan enjoyed this drink so much that we actually re-created them when we got home. They weren't exactly the same, but very very close.

The mischief of Ryan

The last couple months have been very busy, and so I haven't posted much at all. And perhaps because of my full schedule, Ryan has been left to himself more than I like. At times his boredom has driven him to do things he might not otherwise do!

Recently I was upstairs working on a project for Hannah's birthday and when I came down to the kitchen, I found that Ryan had opened every single drawer and cupboard in the kitchen and pantry! And the laundry room! It took me by surprise and all I could do was laugh! It did take me a bit to "undo" this mischief...