Measuring Up

Last week we measured the kids on the wall, and Danny had an unpleasant sensation. He actually had to reach up to measure Jacob!! (yes this picture is a little bit exaggerated, but makes a point) Jacob has grown so much this year!! This is a year of milestones for him - he will turn 16, finish his first year of high school and get his drivers license!! (YIKES!)

Valentines Day

Valentines Day this year was very sweet. Hannah had it in her mind to be part of blessing us, and she truly did. She helped Danny make dinner for the family, planned the decorations, lit candles, and even had a fire in the fireplace with the table set in front of it. It was so beautiful. Then she surprised even Danny by setting up a table with candles in a different room so that Danny and I could have dessert alone. She lit the candles, had music playing, and had made the most beautiful arrangement of rose petals and candles I have ever seen. All I can say is that whoever gets to marry my girl is going to be blessed all the days of his life! May it be so!

Hannah's dessert arrangement

She and Danny made a wonderful seafood pasta dish - and I must say the presentation was as good as the taste!

The table Hannah set for us all

My beautiful girl who grows more beautiful each day, both inside and out.

She even insisted on getting pictures of us. What a blessing.

Spontaneous Trip

Traditionally for the last 7 or 8 years we have always taken a trip to Williamsburg for a long weekend in February. That was the plan for this year as well. However, my husband has a "travel bug" since he came home and he decided that we should instead take a long weekend and fly back to Disney! We were to leave on Wednesday, February 2nd and come back on Monday.

Then an ice storm was predicted for the east coast (to hit on Wednesday) and started canceling flights. Danny decided (on Monday) that maybe we should fly out on Monday!! He made this decision 90 minutes before we needed to leave for the airport!! And not one thing was packed! I cannot describe the craziness that happened after that. Things were flying, stuff was thrown in suitcases, and we were breathlessly on our way out the door only ten minutes later than planned! A few things were forgotten for sure, but we managed just fine once we got there! Being married to Danny has always been an adventure.

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!!!