Beautiful Spirit

I just wanted to take a moment to honor my sweet girl. She endures so many trials as a result of her lyme disease, from complete insomnia (never falling asleep before 3 or 4 am) to constant pain and fatigue and a whole lot more in between. Yet she almost always has a smile on her face, and is full of spirit and joy. She loves her brothers, honors her parents, enjoys her bunnies, and brings a lot of encouragement to everyone around her. I am so proud of her I could burst. She is the one who makes sacrifices to keep the peace when necessary, she puts other's needs above her own, and when she doesn't feel good she just keeps on loving everyone. May God bless her and use this trial in her life to grow her into a beautiful and strong spirit. I see it happening already...

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.