{ Looking Back at 2010 }

As this year of 2010 draws to a close, I am thinking back over the months. Tim and I have spent the past couple of days looking back over this year and talking about what we would like to do in this coming year. We are marveling at the growth that has taken place in us as we've faced some very challenging times, along with truly amazing experiences. It is absolutely amazing to realize all that has happened in a year.


Naturally the biggest event of all is the birth of Oliver and our entrance into parenthood. We also celebrated our first year of marriage. We traveled, visited and extended hospitality to many, many friends; collected wood for this winter and next; and insulated our home.

I am so grateful for the friends I have made this year. It was about a year ago now that I was invited to join a local mom's group. They were doing a marriage study at the time, so even though I wasn't a mom then, I fit in as a newlywed. Now because of Oliver, I get to stay! (They tell me they would have let me stay regardless.) I have grown closer to the women at our church as well. I so appreciate their wisdom as mothers.

The first part of this year I was struggling so much with living in a new town and felt lonely. I have learned so much about myself and seen God's provision as both Tim and I looked for ways for me to get established. Not all of our efforts were successful, but I probably learned the most from them.

In the spring we started hosting our "High Street Teas" on Sunday afternoons. It was the right time for us and we diligently sought God's will in it and felt His blessing on it. We had a lot of enthusiastic response to the idea, but hardly any attendees. I was frustrated, as I saw it as an effort to "show myself friendly". After several attempts, I began to feel I had "failed". I had to realize that God is pleased with my effort, and it is His responsibility to grant success. It meant a lot to me that I was able to host the Christmas Tea for the mom's group this Christmas.

Along with my struggle to settle in socially, this year has also been marked with financial struggles, but God's wisdom has brought us through. In truly amazing ways, He has met our needs, and provided us with the resources to experience some truly wonderful places.


In May we went on a "babymoon" to Victoria, B.C. I can't do this trip justice by a paragraph-long description, so I will just say it was amazing! Tim took me to a wonderful French restaurant for our anniversary in September. We had eaten at a french restaurant in Victoria and we were equally pleased with both. We have found a new love in french cuisine, as evidenced by the fact that Tim gave me Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I can't wait to put it to use!



At the close of 2010, I think about all the praying we have done, the petitions for help, for guidance, for thanksgiving, and one principle has rung true throughout this year: asking for wisdom. This verse came to my mind this evening, as I was thinking about this year, and it is what I want most to carry into 2011:

If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally
and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

{ Making Merry }

On Saturday we hosted our annual Christmas Open House. We had a small crowd this year, but we enjoyed being able to visit well with all of our guests.

It was a nice to have several of our neighbors in.

They were all so excited to meet their new neighbor! He was passed around to all the ladies and seemed to enjoy it. See the message on his sleeper from his Auntie B? "On Auntie's Nice List".

{Just have to show another one}

{ Snowman cake brought by one of our guests }

{Long Winter's Nap with Daddy, taking a break from wrapping presents}

{I know, I know! Another picture with Mommy!}

We wish you a MERRY Chirstmas

{ 2011 }

The discovery of this line of calendars and paper products this morning is making my heart sing!
Now how can I possibly choose?

{A Change in Plans}

This weekend was one of changing plans and just going with the flow. It was one of those times when the best laid plans were completely turned upside down, but in the end became a blessing. Tim regularly prays, at the beginning of our day, that God will place our steps. I learned this weekend that too often I live, believing God will direct, but "of course" He will fit it in with the plans we have made for the day. Silly... and presumptuous, I know!

Saturday evening we had a birthday party to go to, but the rest of the day we were spending accomplishing tasks. Tim was going to cut wood. I was going to bake. Somewhere in the preparations, Tim threw out his back. Terribly. He could only limp in to lie on the couch, grimacing in pain.

He called our chiropractor and was able to make an appointment for late afternoon. Our plans quickly transitioned to going to my parent's house, 45 min. away to wait for the appointment and try to get some Christmas shopping done. By the time we made it to the car, however, Tim could barely walk. By the time we made it to my parent's house, shopping was no longer an option. It was quite heart-wrenching to see him in so much pain. All we could do was count the minutes until his appointment.

The blessing of this forced relaxation was that we were able to just visit with my parents uninterrupted. We've wanted to do this for a long time, but it seems like we're always in the middle of a big project or have limited time. It was nice just to sit and visit and let them have Oliver time.

After the adjustment, Tim was only a little improved and the doctor recommended not driving all the way home. He wanted to see him again Sunday afternoon. How thankful we are for a doctor who will see him in an emergency on the weekend! Of course, my parents were elated to have Oliver overnight... and us too!

The only problem was, we weren't prepared for an overnight stay, so while the guys went to Costco, my mom and I drove back home to gather what we needed to stay over. It was just getting dark and by the time we made it up the grade, snow was beginning to fall, with slush accumulating on the roads. We got home, ran around like crazy gathering everything up, fed Oliver, and got back on the road. How thankful I was to have my mom along for company and moral support, especially when we encountered fog on top of winter conditions.

Tim felt a little better by the time we arrived back, so we decided to take advantage of Grandma and Grandpa's generosity and went out on a little date. We visited a new little wine bar downtown and enjoyed some live jazz. Afterward, we walked through the Christmas lights at the park. When we arrived back, we found Grandma and Oliver snuggled up on the couch (he had slept the whole time) and my dad making breakfast for the next morning. He had also made dinner earlier!

Next morning, I visited my old church, my parent's church now, and was blessed to introduce Oliver to all my friends there. My dad, the proud grandpa, held his grandson up for the congregation to see during the service. So sweet!

After the second adjustment that afternoon, Tim felt a lot better, though he is not all the way there yet. It turned out to be a good weekend. We headed home yesterday afternoon to prepare for the dinner party we hosted last evening for the OCF (Officer Christian Fellowship) cadets (and a girlfriend) . We had a great time. It was a blessing to provide them a family-style Christmas dinner. It was encouraging to realize that in spite of the discouraging state of our country at times, God is still calling very high-caliber, committed Christians to service in our military. It gives me hope.

{ The Christmas hat on the right was the best one I've ever seen... it did a song and dance! }

{We even had MacDonalds employees show up to carol for us. I think they were a little
intimidated by the amount of people that filed onto our porch!}

Although it's not the best of circumstances, Tim is taking today off. We are all so happy to be spending a quiet day at home together.

In the past couple of days Oliver has really started smiling! He doesn't do it all the time, but there are those precious moments when I can look into his beautiful, big eyes and see him smile up at me. This morning we had a very sweet rock and sing time. Being his mommy is just so wonderful! Of course, there are incredibly challenging times, when I feel overwhelmed, but those good times make up for it.

{ Going out for a drive to see Christmas lights a few nights ago. This suits
makes Tim think of the bunny suit in "A Christmas Story" }



{ Speaking of "A Christmas Story"! This lamp sits in all it's glory in our parlor }

Fudge and bon bon making was a huge success. The fudge took me no more than 5 min. from start to finish. To think of all the years I've gone without it! And the bon bons, oh my! Delicious!

{Christmas at Our House}

The hustle and bustle of the season is fully upon us. I am so thankful for a few quiet moments to reflect on what I am thankful for as Christmas approaches.

I am thankful for Christmas cards mailed

Peppermint Mochas... they could become a habit

My baby in my arms who brings Christmas so near

A Christmas party with my husband and the opportunity to dress up

My parents who watched Oliver for the evening

{Wonderful friends}

{Our pastor and his wife, our host and hostess}

{Their lovely home}

Saturday morning we headed out to find our Christmas tree. It was the most amazingly beautiful day with clear blue skies and glistening snow. We sang Christmas songs and dreamed about all the years to come as we build traditions and memories with our children. At some point on the drive up, Tim and I were talking about family traditional treats. My family always made cookies: Thumbprint, Russian Teacakes, and Candy Canes. Tim's family had fudge and bon bons. I've always wanted to make fudge. I never have. In the next couple of days I am going to attempt to make both.

{Being Thankful}

Since I last blogged, we have received 8-10 inches of snow. Apart from a little bit of cabin fever, I've been loving it. It started snowing a couple of days after my sister arrived for the week. We felt a little like young girls again, remembering how excited we were about snow while growing up.


We ventured out one afternoon and walked downtown for window shopping and coffee, while Daddy stayed home with our little guy. It was a wonderful week of catching up. I loved seeing Beth as an auntie. She loves her new role, as I'm sure you can tell!

{Just after meeting Oliver for the first time}

{Auntie kisses.... lots of them}

We all enjoyed our Thanksgiving together as a family. It had been several years since Beth was able to spend it with us. We were very sad Tim's parents weren't able to make it, but with the weather the way it has been, it was for the best. We look forward to a later visit, hopefully.

Sunday morning we dedicated Oliver at church. Other than a case of the hiccups he did very well up in front of everyone. It was a blessing to have my family with us.

~ That afternoon the church blessed me and Oliver with a shower. ~

{ I was so surprised and amazed to open this beautiful quilt,
made by the ladies of the church }

{ I can't close without a picture with my precious son }

{Pastimes}

This past week Tim and I decided, on a whim, that it was time to become a little more technologically advanced and join the world of Skyping. We were sitting together a few evenings ago, enjoying our much more rare just -the -two -of -us times, discussing our holidays plans, and Tim decided he should run to Walmart and get a camera for our computer. Yes, our computer is "old" enough not to have one built in.

We were prompted to take this step because we have been so excited for Tim's parents to meet their new little grandson. We are super excited that they are planning to join us for Thanksgiving. With the weather the way it is, though, there is the unfortunate possibility that they will be unable to make the drive. Skype has been a tremendous way to fill the gap. It was so sweet to see Tim's sheer joy as he showed his parents Oliver for the first time. There's just really nothing to top moments like that in life! Oliver has since met two sets of aunts and uncles this way, which was very special as well.

Speaking of aunts, tomorrow Oliver will meet his Auntie B. for the first time. We are super excited to see her! We have been anticipating this visit for a long time now. I am looking forward to sister time for a week. We plan to pull out our projects while Oliver naps. I realized this morning as I was thinking about what I would like to work on, that it has been YEARS since we have had an opportunity to create together. Years!! Growing up it was a daily pleasure. Such fun.



I will be working on Oliver's baby quilt. I have given up hand-quilting it and am resorting to my machine. I want him to be able to use it this winter, if you know what I mean? Beth will no doubt be buried in cards. I know I'm biased, but she is a master in my mind. I was recently tickled pink to receive a "just because" package in the mail of cards she'd made with me in mind. There is always a dilemma with her cards... I want to send them to special people in my life because they're so beautiful, I also want to keep them because they're so beautiful. I usually break down and send them, and am happy I did, but there are a few I've not been able to part with, and I've had them for a couple of years!




My sister has become enamored with owls lately. I thought it was just her, but I've since discovered owls everywhere I go. They are very cute, but I have to ask myself what made them popular all of a sudden? Trends are a great mystery to me! Does someone at the top of the fashion industry keep a hat on their desk with little folded pieces of paper in it? Did they pull out "owls" at the beginning of 2010? Regardless, Oliver and I are going to welcome her with a little owl party tomorrow. I can't wait to surprise her with this cookie project! Which reminds me... I need to get almonds and chocolate chips.



Speaking of grocery stores, I was at WinCo the other day and was getting positively giddy in the bulk section. Christmas candy, nuts, fruit, chocolate is everywhere, not to mention pumpkin filling, cream cheese, sugar, sprinkles, and frosting. I wanted to take it all home with me, turn on Christmas music and bake, and bake, and bake! It didn't help that we woke up to snow yesterday with another skiff this morning. Tim and I already decided this morning that we can't wait until the day after Thanksgiving to start listening to Christmas music. I'll let you in on a little secret... (we already have some of our Christmas bows hung outside).

While I was at WinCo, I restocked our supply of tea. It was such fun. I am hosting the Christmas tea for my mom's group the first week of December! I'm so excited! I had to find a tea that would be perfect. As I was finishing my perusal of the shelves, I found "Constant Comment", a Bigelow blend. With orange and spices it sounds like the perfect Christmas tea and with a name like that I couldn't pass it up for a group of ladies.




Well, I have lots of company to prepare for and my house isn't ready. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!

{Baby Blues and Rainbows}

This week I'm experiencing what I hear is referred to as "baby blues". I mistakenly assumed I was out of danger, as they didn't really seem to hit until now. Maybe they were stalled because I had such wonderful help and company those first two weeks. Oddly enough, the blues like to hit me when I'm nursing. Makes me wonder if they can be linked to a drop in blood sugar. Thankfully there is always a little rainbow that comes out when I look down into the peaceful and beautiful eyes of my little boy. At the morning feeding I have been enjoying spending that time doing my devotions. I have begun reading Matthew and am also enjoying "Meditations for the New Mother" by Helen Good Brenneman. It was loaned to me by the leader of the mom's group I attend and it has blessed me very much already.

I love this prayer at the end of day one:

Dear God, I thank you with all heart for the beautiful experience of
motherhood and for the infant at my side.
Just as you have helped the mothers
of all ages, guide me in my new task, bless my precious baby,
and bless the baby's father in his love and concern for both of us. Amen.

I find it so comforting to remember that I am "joining hands" with the mothers of the ages, that every worry, each sleep-deprived night, all of the questions, concerns, joys, tears, and the entry into a new normal is territory charted before me.

I'm thankful Oliver and I were able to join the mom's group for the first time in three weeks this morning. Now I am dreaming up hostessing the Christmas Tea at my house. It sounds so lovely!



We met a friend for coffee afterward and I was so blessed to get out and have girl time, looking at her wedding pictures and just visiting. I'm so thankful for this friend who has made a point to arrange a visit with me each week since Oliver was born.



Now we look forward to the visit of another very dear friend, newly engaged, who will visit us later this week. We can talk weddings now to our hearts content. I never tire of this, I confess.

I hesitate to end by talking about the weather... it makes one think I don't know what else to say... but I have to because the snow level is dropping to 2500 ft. tonight. Snow excites me! Christmas excites me and snow assures me we're getting really, really close!

{Quiet Afternoon}

This is a quiet Saturday afternoon as I putter around the house, washing laundry, putting things away, thinking about cleaning the bathroom. Cleaning the bathroom is clearly my least favorite chore. It is shameful how long I will procrastinate before doing it.

I am enjoying the company of my little man. He is sleeping sweetly right now, and just seeing him curled up near me melts my heart.

~I took this one a few days ago~




We are waiting expectantly to hear Oliver's daddy on the radio in a few minutes, at the Vandal's halftime. I have officially become a college football fan, apparently. Who would have thought I'd spend a Saturday afternoon alone, listening to football on the radio, or reading the sports page in the newspaper, or making sure our son is wearing football wear on game day? I surprise myself, but I'm okay with it!



I am so overwhelmed by the blessings each day brings as I settle into the fulfillment and dream-come-true of being a mother. Although it is hard, I don't mind getting up for feedings in the middle of the night, or having a messy house, feeling hungry and letting Oliver eat first, or going to the grocery store without my make-up on, because he is so much more important than all of that. I get a little lump in my throat when I reflect on this blessing. It's still a little hard to believe he is here and healthy and growing, a precious responsibility from heaven.

There are so many seasons of life going on around me, just as we are experiencing the change from fall into winter. This is a sweet and precious season for us, and everything is going well right now. God has been lavishing us with blessings.

During our devotions in the morning, Tim has been reading through Job. He is reading through the Bible and was just starting Job when Oliver was born. It has been a very rich and convicting reading. Here was a man with "everything" who was chosen by God to suffer great loss and tragedy following his season of richness. We have been praying that we will react appropriately when our time of challenge comes. We know this present season can't last forever. Life isn't like that. If only we react as Job did, not questioning God's wisdom!

We have also been praying that we respond with wisdom to the seasons in the lives of those near and dear to us. It is easy to rejoice with a dear friend in new-found love. It is much more difficult to walk alongside our other precious friends as they battle cancer with their little son and watch as clouds gather and their skies turn dark. How difficult a season, and yet God is as much of a presence in both. One is just easier to understand.

My little Oliver is stirring and I still need to clean the bathroom! I hope to see my blog less neglected in future, but I won't make any promises!

{Overwhelmed with Love}

Our precious Oliver Forest arrived Sunday evening and has stolen our hearts completely away.




My eyes are never full of seeing him, nor my hands of touching him, nor my ears of hearing him. I am overwhelmed with love.

I am tired, but gaining energy, and there are times when this new responsibility is a bit overwhelming, but I LOVE being a Mommy!



Did I say I LOVE being a mommy?



And here is a sight that is most precious to me of all. How I love the guys I have been blessed with!



Last evening I ventured out for the first time since Oliver was born. Tim and I went downtown for ice cream and then for a drive. It felt so good just to get out and have a change of scenery. Grandma Linda stayed and took care of our Precious One. She is one happy grandma, don't you think?