Captured.

She did it again.



Speechless.

Smiling.

Squeezing each and every inch of this precious little boy of ours every chance we get.

We've looked at each and every picture over, and over, and over, and over.

We know you will too when you visit here: MACK_6mo

5 years ago...

today, I woke up a "MRS."

and.. I wasn't sure why I was getting these for a wedding present from Ian's sisters...



now I know.

These boots are loved.
These boots have many stories to tell.
These boots have walked through lots of junk, have protected me from the stuff that life just throws at ya, have stood tall against all sorts of weather, and still fit perfectly.

My boots & my husband -

I LOVE them more than words can say & I can't imagine life without them!

** and if you missed it last year... these words will always "capture" the life I love! 4 years & counting

The New Tractor

The Best Gift of All

Who couldn't leave their home, their two boys, their three Christmas trees, their boxes of candy and homemade treats from friends, their eggnog, their stack of unopened Christmas cards & not feel guilty?

We could.

&

We did.

... and we all survived!
(not without drama though... hmmm... who would have guessed it?!... our life?!... drama... no way!!... and yes, there was a little guilt.)

Puke, a trip to the Dr. on Christmas Eve, a double ear infection, a case of bronchitis, a shot in the rear, crying, more puking, a pulled calf... do I really need to go on?!

Our boys & my parents were both happy to see us arrive home safe & sound yesterday.
Everyone is on the mend.
The drugs have worked, the calf is healthy, and we're home.

Back to reality.
Back to the day to day adventures that make our life unique.
Back from the greatest get-a-way we could have ever hoped for.
Click here to see where we went! Bonneville Hot Springs

Our money wasn't spent on gifts this year.
That last minute shopping spree wasn't necessary.
Our gifts were the gift of TIME.

We spent TIME with family.
We spent TIME alone.
We spent TIME talking and thinking and dreaming about the future and about how to make TIME a gift we give year round.

and... we agreed... we've never spent so wisely in our lives!

Happy Day after Christmas!

The Year of the Boots

So I used to think that my husband had a problem with buying shoes/boots... but yesterday I realized that this shoe fetish he has is something Mason has acquired as well!

It was a great day.... just ask Mack!



Seriously... doesn't this just make you smile?

Ham, Dutch Babies, Fruit, Cookies, Starbucks boxed coffee, Eggnog, Presents, Pictures, Laughter, Dancing, Presents, Naps, Pirates of the Caribbean ~ At World's End, Tylenol, a Delicious Roast, Mashed Potatoes, See's Candy, Cranberry Salsa, Cougar Gold, & more presents.

Brunch with the Murdocks.

Dinner with the Sundbergs.

Life is good, Presents are great, Time with Family is even better!

... and now, Ian & I are headed out the door (without our boys, or dogs, or cows) and won't be back for a few days. :)

Merry Christmas!!

~ and may your time with family & friends be just as great as ours has been!

You are my Sunshine

Thinking of this verse:

Numbers 6:24-25
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.

Loving the innocence of these pictures:




Looking forward to tomorrow ~ Murdock Christmas Brunch at our house!!

Swedish Pancakes a.k.a. Slinks

As a child, Saturday mornings meant pancakes, or waffles, or omelets, or a Dutch Baby... or Slinks. My dad was the cook and my sister & I loved to help him with whatever we could, but most of the time we just watched & then ate!

I know it's not Saturday morning today, but in our world, vacation is like Saturday EVERY day... and instead of Kirsten or I helping prepare the meal, Mason got to help Papa Gary make Swedish Pancakes aka: Slinks. What a treat!

They're easy.
They're delicious.
They bring memories of Saturday mornings to mind each time I take a bite.

Thanks Dad for sharing this tradition that your grandmother Lydia started (with her pan packed in her suitcase wherever she went) so many, many years ago!





4 eggs.
1 cup of milk.
A pinch of salt.
1 tsp. of baking powder.
1 tsp. of sugar.
1/2 cup of flour.

Pour 1/4 cup into hot buttered pan, flip when golden, enjoy!

Lunch Date

so... I wrapped up a few gifts this morning.... a few of my "favorite" things.

1. A bottle of wine with a cute star & jingle bell ornament tied to the neck.

2. Butterfinger sticks (seriously one of the best candy treats around) and lip gloss from Bath & Body Works with polka-dot ribbon keeping them together.

3. "Apple" photographs taken by yours truly tied with red ribbon.

4. A box of Beer Bread mix from Tastefully Simple tied with cream ribbon.

and

5. An assortment of "thank you" cards tied with holiday ribbon.

After filling a large bag with the gifts and grabbing my camera, I headed out the door, drove approximately 12 miles and had a wonderful lunch date with these great gals at one of my favorite places... The Red Express!

me, Holly, Susan, Shanna, Neely & Tricia

We laughed.
We ate.
We smiled.
We shared.

I love these ladies.
I love that in our own unique & individual ways we connect with each other.
I love that on our first day of vacation... we had a LUNCH DATE!

** and the gifts... well, I made each of them draw a number from a bag and then I randomly chose numbers and they received something from me!
Isn't that just a great way to be Merry & Bright?!

Party Time!

It was crazy.
It was loud.
It was everything our 3 year old little boy could have asked for & more.

As he was falling asleep last night... the last words from his mouth were "Happy Birthday!"

The chaos of having his party at McDonald's was worth it!

Something.

Something happens when that baby is in your arms for the very first time.
Something changes inside you forever when the little hands curl tightly around your fingers.
Something makes your heart swell with emotion & pride.
Something blocks out everything else that's happening in the world.

That baby that needs you.
That little being that relies on you for everything.
That fresh, new life that has just begun...

it's something.

Mason McCrae.
Where has the time gone?
When did the baby we brought home with us just 3 short years ago become such a caring, silly, amazing little boy?
Why can't time stand still? At least for today.

The best stocking stuffer anyone could ever receive.

You.

Mason McCrae.



Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Boy - We Love You!

Speechless.

Got this from my mom & dad tonight in an email.
I'm speechless at the moment.
I'm wiping the tears that are streaming down my face.
I'm so thankful for our Awesome God & the wonderful conversations He has with all of us when we take the time to listen!!
I'm praying that my boys have a similar conversation someday.
I'm praying that listening to this little cowboy, I'm getting a glimpse of the future.

You may want to pause the music on the side so you can hear it.

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3.

The Post That Wasn't.

I've not had 1 minute to spare this week.
I've used every ounce of energy my poor, tired body has allowed.
I've found little time for myself.
I've rushed through each day with my water bottle & box of Kleenex.
I've survived.

I've wanted to share thoughts & pictures & inspirations, but haven't.
I've wanted to finish my decorating, but haven't.
I've wanted to take a picture of Ian's stitched lip, but haven't.
I've wanted to write a note to my Grandma & Papa, but haven't (so I sent them all my December posts instead).
I've wanted to send Becky her package, but haven't.
I've wanted to paint my toenails all week, but haven't.

I have made wiener-wraps.
I have attended my niece's Christmas Concert.
I have had McDonald's for breakfast & dinner this week - more than once.
I have recorded my school's Christmas Concert.
I have opened a new tissue box twice this week.
I have loved receiving holiday cards & letters in the mail.
I have cooked 11 lbs. of hamburger this week.
I have shopped at Wal-Mart 4 times this week.
I have observed some of my peers working their magic with kids this week.
I have met with the superintendent, deputy superintendent, & assistant superintendent.
I have missed one of my favorite holiday parties.
I have helped plan & prepare & put on my staff party.
I have added change to our Christmas Jar.

This post.
This pathetic shout out to say "yes, I am still alive!"... well... it's all your going to get tonight folks. I'm beat & the whisper in my ear is telling me to sleep.

P.S. For those of you who did the Christmas Questions on your blog ... there is someone out there who really does like LOVE Eggnog.
Ian & Mason are Eggnogaholics... and I'm catching up fast.

Breakfast on our "Snow Day"... Eggnog French Toast!

DELICIOUS!

snow, wilkins creek & a chainsaw. (with details)

and the winner is...

well... one of the 4 "winners" we found!

It was a beautiful day spent with the 3 boys I love most!!

and now... at 10:23 p.m ... after 3 long hours at the local ER and 3 stitches later... we're exhausted.

... and no, it wasn't Mason.

Details tomorrow

so... it's 4:43 a.m. and I just made 7 of the greatest phone calls of the day - which isn't much... considering that there are still a lot of hours left in today- but hey... Today is a SNOW day!!!

and now... because I'm wide awake... I'll fill you in with the details of our evening:

So we get back to the Dick Ranch - the great place our cows call home... the wonderful ranch where 100 of our mama cows will give birth to their babies this winter... the ranch located 26.5 minutes from our house. A great place... just wished we lived there.
Anyway... back to the story.
I drive home with the boys (with a short stop at Angela's), slide through two stop signs, literally slide into Short Stop to fuel up, have a great chat with the gas station attendant, which is something that I find intriguing at most gas stations... anyway... I drive home, unpack what I can, fill my arms with coats & boots & hats, go back for load # 2 and am met by my sweet, tall, tough, never-gets-hurt, handsome husband dripping with blood. He removes the towel from his face and says: "I think I better go to the emergency room."
First of all, I'm stunned. The blood is everywhere and it's not from my oldest, most accident prone son. You can revist his accidents here, and here, and here.
Second of all, the words I hear coming from my husband's mouth seem to catch me off guard... "Mr. it will be fine" was hurt & hurt bad enough that we needed (not necessarily wanted) to go to the local ER when we knew most likely it would be BUSY! He had been trying to do something on the semi-truck (in the dark) and the bar strap nailed him right in the face. Stupid bars anyway.

So...

We load back up, drive 15-20 mph into town on terrible roads, slide into a parking place, walk inside with the other 15 people needing to be seen, visit with a nurse, fill out paperwork, and wait. And wait. And wait. Thankfully, my friend Susan rescued the boys and I about 45 minutes into the visit and took us to her house which is just a few blocks away from the hospital for dinner and a warm, cozy, kid-friendly place to wait. And poor, hurt, "it's really not that bad" Ian continued to wait.

3 hours later, 3 stitches, 1 tetanus shot, a big, fat lip/mouth, 2 tired boys, no pain medication, and another 15-20 mph drive back home. The day was finally coming to an end.

There you have it. The details. The moments in my life where I'm so very thankful that it wasn't worse, that we're still alive, and that another chapter in our book of adventures has been written. Day over. God's mercy & grace surrounded us yet again.

My comment as we're driving home: "Well, at least we have accident insurance!"
The response: "Seriously." with 2 rolled eyes.

Happy Saturday

Mason has been sleeping for 2 1/2 hours. Praise God!

Mack and I have been enjoying the afternoon... in peace & quiet!

...well, sort of...





Happy Saturday!!

MORE of Christmas Jars

Seriously - go find this book.

I can't stop thinking about it. The magic. The real message of giving.



Borrow it.

See if it's at your local library.

and... if you're wanting a sneak peek... go here: CHRISTMAS JARS (thanks Ronda)



and I can't wait to buy this:





You can read a bit of it here: The Wednesday Letters

Christmas Jars

I've been waking up earlier than usual this week.
I've had energy.
I've had productive moments & peace.
I've spent my time wisely.
I haven't been rushed.

I have read the most amazing, feel-good, make-you-think, heart-warming book.

I was making my way to the check-out stand in Wal-Mart yesterday morning and the "jar" on the cover caught my eye.

I love jars.
I love the fact that most jars say "Mason" on them.
I love that jars are "home" for so many wonderful things in my life.
Things that bring a smile to my face.
Things that offer comfort.
Things that are protected... preserved for a lifetime... viewed with anticipation and excitement.

Pickles - made by Neely.
Candles - bought at Bellinger Farms.
Freezer Jam - made with strawberries from the garden.
Applesauce - made with apples from our apple trees.
Friendship Tea - made by Ardele.
Buttons.
Crayons.
Spoons.
Change.

The book looked inviting.
The cover sparkled.
The jar looked magical.
I held it in my hand, read the inside cover and placed 2 of them in my cart.

I read most of it last night... and finished the last few chapters this morning.
I gave the other one to a dear friend and am so thankful I did.
Totally worth the $9.97 X 2.
Totally and completely worth the time it took to read it.
I hope she feels the same.

After reading the book, wiping away tears (more than once), and smiling as I stared at my own jar tucked in the corner on top of the fridge... excitement & peace filled my soul.

I'm headed to the shed tonight - to find my giant box of "jars."
I'm going to wash every Mason jar I own.
I'm going to share the magic this book offers.
I'm going to make an honest and sincere effort to make this book real in our life - and in the lives of those we hold dear.
I'm going to pray for the opportunity to share our Christmas Jar with someone who needs it.

If you're wanting to remind yourself about the joy, the magic, and the real reason we "give" at this special time of the year, go to the nearest book store... or even Wal-Mart and spend $9.97.

It's worth it.

A Serious Conversation

You may need to pause the music on the side to "hear" everything.

It's 2 a.m.

and I'm awake.

I fell asleep at 7:30... and just woke up (with the help of Mack)! Love the little guy, but seriously... doesn't he know that I just had a HUGE weekend, full of many great, wonderful, and memorable moments that required a very long night of sleep to be functioning and happy all day Monday??

oh well. guess he knew I needed to post! :)

It all started on Thursday...

• a baby shower for two dear women expecting their second child (both girls)... and oh my, what a ride it will be! The women I found myself surrounded by that evening are ladies who I really don't have the opportunity to see very often, but when I do... what a treasure! We connect. We relate. We appreciate each other. We are real. I love that no matter how much time passes between visits or "play-dates," it's still the same!

Thank you Kriss for putting it all together and for just being you!! I treasure you and hope you know what a gift you are to all of us!

• our first holiday party with the crew of Columbia River Straw. What a blessing it has been to become a part of a business that radiates joy, laughter and love in everything they do and say! We shared stories, great food, art work, photography, more good food, and lots of laughter! It was so awesome to sit back and look at what a wonderful adventure this has been and will be for the rest of our lives!

• Festival of Trees - an event I've been blessed to be a part of for 10 years now... actually 11, in this wonderful community I call HOME. I am in awe every year at the beauty of the trees, the amazing unity of the community and it's people, and how GREAT my friends look "dressed up"!! I took absolutely NO pictures this year... can you believe it?? But... check the blogs listed below out... and you'll get the general idea of what it was all about. Definitely a GREAT way to kick of the month of December~ and even better when Angela and I could really ENJOY the evening without the stress of a basket or tree being auctioned off. Next year huh Ang?? :)
  Amy
  Angela
  Katie
  Misty
  Shannon
  
  ** oh... and we had the best babysitter around... check out her senior pictures here: Alison (taken by the one and only Shannon)

• Family Day. The reason that I do this. The true magic of the whole weekend. Somehow I've found myself co-chairing this day for the past 6 years and I don't see an end in sight... but I don't think I really want to either. Watching the "behind the scenes" or "details" (countless emails, phone calls, trips to craft stores, orders from Oriental Trade Co., getting volunteers, calling the sound guy Dave, buying table cloths, remembering the staplers, getting the chair for Santa... I could go on and on) actually come together makes every minute of stress and anxiety I've had during the past month seem to disappear. The sounds of children making their way around the room and seeing the great crafts actually being made... well... it's AWESOME! Every year, Judy and swear that we're done... but by 4:15 on Sunday, we're ready for next year!! Not sure if I am cut out for the job as Emcee again, but, hey... there are worse things. And seriously... listening to a 5 year old play a duet with her music teacher... makes me want to bring my parents piano here and get Mason signed up tomorrow!!
  Thanks Misty, Amy & Tiff for your GREAT job with Santa too!!
  
  
• Arrived home to a clean house, a happy baby (Thank you Doug & Patty for taking great care of Mack), a smiling 2 year old (15 days away from 3), and a wonderful husband!! Sat around the house just enjoying the things that make our life "ours." Toy tractors & loaders, ropes, Gerber rice cereal, apples & peanut butter, grape juice, a fire in the wood stove, a HUGE tub of Christmas/Holiday books and each other.

Looking forward to a good week, a couple of holiday gatherings, online Christmas shopping, and decorating our home for Christmas. Peace.

Pictures to Treasure.

Republished today ... Bama is now in Heaven.

She will be missed so very, very much ... and our only hope is that her grace, humor, whit & radiant spirit will live on! Love you Bama ~

Originally published 11.29.07

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while.....but our hearts forever.
~Author Unknown

I arrived home from school today with a runny nose, a sore throat, and tired eyes. The snow that covered our world this morning was now completely gone, leaving behind mud and a damp chill. I was ready to collapse on the couch, but had many things to accomplish before the 7:00 baby shower I had committed to attend. I rushed about the house and then noticed that Ian had brought the mail in. Most of it was junk mail. There were a couple of bills, a darling Christmas card from Tanya, a catalog, and some coupons. Quickly tossing the bills onto the counter, I spotted it...

~ the handwriting I've grown to cherish
~ the return address I love to see
~ the signature of Bama (Ian's grandma).

It was a postcard letting us know we were loved.
A postcard thanking us for making an effort to be there for Thanksgiving.
A postcard signed with hope and anticipation of another visit to come.

I hope and pray that at the "young" age of 92...

~ I will be writing notes to my grandchildren
~ I will share my love with those whom I hold dear
~ I will radiate wisdom & grace without saying a word
~ I will hold the hand of my 9th great-grandchild and smile.

"Gerber" (Edited)

His eyes are usually BIG. (wonder where he gets that?)

His cheeks are filling out by the minute.

His hands grab everything in sight.

His expressions are precious and heart-warming.

His laughter is contagious.

His personality is unique.

He's our "Gerber" baby!!

*** Edited Wednesday night after being fed by Mason...

no wonder his eyes are as big as saucers!! ***

He is the Gerber Baby - Look!!

This Book...

I've read it from front to back... and then back to front.

Each quote brings thoughts and memories of the friends in my life - old & new.

Each page holds words that make me reflect & ponder.

The book is protected with words printed on the "jacket" that are so real and alive.

I have to share them with you.

I have to let you read them with me.

Thoughts to Celebrate the Joy of Friendship

"Your first grade teacher may have told you never to write in your books, or to give them away to your friends - but this is a great time to rebel. The very best thing you can do with "You've Got A Friend" is to pick up a pen, write a heart-felt note on the inside cover - and then give it away to someone you treasure.

Your words need not be immortal.

Some of the most cherished and appreciated messages to our friends are also the simplest.

"I care. I remember. I miss you. I'm here for you. I believe in you. I'm pulling for you. I'm proud of you. I appreciate all that you do. Let's go out and play."

An old proverb says that "one friend in a lifetime is much; two are many; and three are hardly possible." Not so! The truth is, starting when we're little kids and continuing to the very end, good friends have a way of materializing in (and out) of our lives at every turn.

First come our childhood friends, then our high school and college friends, and then the friends we work with or raise our families with, or do our community service with, and then come the friends after that, and on it goes. True, maybe just one, two or three of those friends come to stay forever, while the rest come and go. But each and every friendship, however brief, brings a lasting and priceless gift, if we will only stop to look for it.

"It sometimes seems like I am Grand Central Station," wrote author Vickie Girard. "I stay in place as so many pass in and out of my life. We spend special time together during the chaotic interim until they are once again on a train. Yes, sometimes the farewells are sad, but while they are at the station, what a time we've had."

Think of all the wonderful people in your own station in life and be happy for them; honor them. What a time you've had! Don't wait for tomorrow to tell them how you feel. Let them know today, "You've got a friend."

I read that tonight and felt that I was reading something I should have written myself. I've thought those words hundreds of times. I've related to every word - over and over. I have been blessed with so many, many friends who need to know what true "gifts" they are.

We - the busy, tired, worn out, stressed people in today's crazy world - don't tell each other enough how much we appreciate each other.

This book reminded me to make an effort - daily, weekly, yearly - to thank my friends.

It made me get out my box of cards and write a note to someone dear.

This book was just what I needed - especially as I gear up for the crazy hustle & bustle of the holidays.

Those words I copied down for you to read with me... those powerful, true words... they need to be etched in our hearts.

Think about this:

" Who shall explain the extraordinary instinct that tells us, perhaps after a single meeting, that this or that particular person in some mysterious way matters to us? - A.C. Benson

WOW. So true. So totally what makes us as humans - as friends - become the people we are today.

Amy sent this book to me with a hand-written message inside and a quote that has made me really stop and think and give thanks for not only what I've been given (and received)... but what I've given in return.

"We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse."

- Ann-Sophie Swetchine

and tonight... as I write this - the quote of the day is this:

"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift."

-Pierre Corneille

Dear friends - know that you have been long sought, rarely found, and will be forever kept.

My Monday

It's been a Monday.

It's been busy. It's been rushed. It's been mind-boggling.

and then...

the ESD courier guy arrives with his usual Monday delivery.... except this delivery wasn't "usual."

There was something for me.



and it wasn't a contract to sign, or a schedule to look over, or a PDU certificate...

it was a present.

A present for me.



The most amazing book full of my favorite things - QUOTES!!

not just any type of quote book... a friendship quote book.



Amy... you are a gift, a treasure, someone I will hold close to my heart - always.

Thank you!

Hoping your Monday has been as good as my Monday ~

** and then....

I went to check my box in the office and I found two of these from someone in Ione... hmmm... I have a good guess :)

seriously... can my Monday get any better?!