Christmas came and went and we had a wonderful weekend after with a shopping trip for our daughter and eagle watching for our son- New Years week was slow, purposefully, a lot of time being at home, quiet, together. We went to a church potluck on New Years Eve and home to watch movies till midnight with the kids- just us four. It was pleasant and nice. New Years Eve my daughter and I made sugar cookies together- her favorite and my son and I made chocolate chip- his favorite. Then hubbie got the baking bite as well and spent the next few days cooking...Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip cookies, home made Vegan Tamales with refried black beans, and banana nut bread. This man can cook, and it was all good stuff! We also tried a new recipe last week of Shrimp Jambalaya too- spicy enough for us adults but not too spicy for kids. The dogs have gotten plenty of outside time- they enjoy seeing me pull our son on the sled while they chase behind him...it gets them rather excited. We had some special time with our big girl Sadie today, just us and her in the yard without the other two pups- she enjoyed eating the snow, running and playing. She's the best listener of them all, the boys just can't be trusted :) But we love them just the same. After our pup play we ventured into Newport, WA, check out the library there for the first time, walk along the main street in town in and out of shops then pick up a few things from the grocery store and headed home. And onto a quiet eve of dinner and a movie and maybe a couple of board games or two before heading to church tomorrow and back into our schedule of school and work on Monday.
One of my goals for the new year...is to really manage my time better. I try my best, every day, every month, each year between homeschooling and working more than full time and home life but at times I feel I come up short. My priority is my children, homeschooling. I'm going to try my best not to let work or a dirty home crowd my precious time with them. So, we begin January with some excellent idea's for schooling, field trips and interests for the kids. I'm excited too, its a new start!
Sharing with our family and far away friends our winter wonderland...the first 'big' snow of the year so far here. We got -my hubbie estimates about 5-6 inches- usually it barely dusts the ground then the rain comes and washes it away. Yesterday into last night and even today still it continues snowing- its beautiful, more than words can express how bright and pretty white everything is here. So packed in fact that we were unable to get out for church this morning and a fellow kind church go-er came to our rescue taking us to and from church today so that we didn't miss service. This afternoon my son and I worked to clear the car so that we may travel to another church families home for dinner this eve. Hubbie will probably have to break some of the ice out from under the tires but then we should be set to go. Even with the extra work of clearing the car or road it still is gorgeous- and well worth the work to live in it here. Perhaps that's just the newness talking of never having lived in the snow too long but we are sure loving it at this point and I hope our appreciation of its glorious beauty continues in many years to come...sharing some winter wonderland pictures...
We are feeling very blessed and thankful for the opportunity to see this kind of beauty every day outside our front door.
Finally the day came for our bird-boy to see the bald eagles - The week long event when the wildlife and fish/game rangers are posted with scopes and information about the eagles has started today, of course you can see the eagles migrate through for several months. Our son got binoculars from Grame and Grandpa and a camera from Momma and Dad specifically for his love of bird watching. So he was truly excited to go out and view them and capture some as well. Heavy snow and fog made it a little hard to view but we have plans to come again on a more clear day to see them again before they finish traveling through the area. What a sight these beautiful birds are. Flying over the water, perching on tree's above. Simply gorgeous. Our son played photographer today, so all the eagle photo's captured below are from him. After our eagle watch we had a family lunch and ventured to Cabela's for the first time for hubbie...definitely a fun place we'll have to come back to...tons of neat fishing, camping supplies and more! A great family day out.
Cabela's pic's especially for Grandpa, we're definitely going to have to take him here when he visits!
Snowed just 'slightly' today! WOW it has not snowed this much since we've moved here. Amazing.
Day after Christmas fun...playing around with new gifts...relaxing at home in the morning then off for a shopping afternoon for our daughter to choose some material for sewing projects she has in mind. A beautiful drive as always as the sun peeked in and out of the clouds and the mountains shone with snow dusted on their tops. Gorgeous. Our daughter, excited to get a scarf from one of her best friends in the mail. Even though she's made new friends, she misses dearly the friends she has left. Warm heart felt packages make it a bit easier. She also choose a few gifts for her friends while out shopping for herself to brighten their day as well.
On a roll with cooking more healthy full of veggie meals and eating at home more, after the move we just had to get back into our rhythm and we've finally found it. Two squash recipes in one week...sharing our Pesto Spaghetti Squash recipe
We made slight changes - spinach instead of kale and a 1 1/2 cups of mushrooms- yumm. Also opted out of the red pepper flakes for the children who don't like spicy.
Side of red garlic oven roasted potatoes and garlic toast.
Let the spirit of Christmas carry with you throughout the year.
Traditions change as life changes but some things still stay the same....our Christmas Eve plans include a 'dinner' of snack items...crackers and cheese, veggies, dips, cookies, olives, pickles that sort of thing...a small early present for the kids to open before bed...Christmas movies, warm cider, fire in the fireplace..phone calls with family, bedtime prayers and Momma and Daddy getting a few quiet moments before playing Santa. An enjoyable eve that would be only sweeter if family were with us.
Our son, learning a song to share with the family tomorrow...Joy to the World. My boys playing video games and my girl engulfed in a book as I bake my mother's recipe for wine cake, a Christmas morning breakfast tradition. The house smells of cinnamon and wood burning- oh so good. Much love to all of our friends and family this holiday season.
Merry Christmas to all, and the best wishes for this New Year. May your families be blessed.
