December 2014

“In Jesus all pain can be transformed into something redemptive. The light of the presence of Jesus is a transforming ray that can radiate cancerous wounds of the soul.” Adele Calhoun

This is such a beautiful concept.His light is a transforming ray - oh the wounds that my soul carries.....burdens that weigh heavy. Come Lord Jesus.

I was telling Peter yesterday how thankful I am that God's theme of redemption continues to melt me. Thinking over this past year I give Him praise for restoring relationships in my own family. New hope, new growth, new grace.

Such a sweet moment: Peter teaching Lucy how to grate sweet potato for some sweet potato hash.

Some of my Thursday ladies - theology in community is still fun. Sharing our lives as we seek to be more like Jesus has blessed me so much this year.

Taking some gifts to the neighbors while the sun came out for a visit.

Goofing off with this girl is pretty great.

Wagons, trees and girls in cowgirl boots.

Cousin time - putting on a performance for my mom's 61st birthday :)

Nov 2014

Peter's trip to Moscow went into November as well. Love the streetlights.

This pic makes me cry with joy and sadness of separation, but mostly joy. We treasure this guy.

Had a sweet visit from my dear cousin. Love him so much.

We took advantage of the little snowfall we had.

Sledding!

I just love playing in the snow :) I always get distracted that in this photo i have a uni-nostril.

Warm up snuggles.

Love my family. Thanksgiving Breakfast 2014

A little Glo Mish Team Uno with Erin.

Daddy sharing treats he brought back from Russia.

Massa and her amazing skill - box-braids. 5 hours!

Fun time with more family - those crazy cousins.

I'll make these kids farm kids one day!Heard a quote from a story on NPR yesterday, "I don't know what it is about rural people, they just have a better connection to the land i think."

Love this. Peter and Jason made the circular base for me. My friend Gary made Mary on the donkey out of a walnut tree. Advent begins.

October 2014

Peter had 2 big trips this month - Moscow and East Asia.
Here was a last goodbye to the kids before his plane took off.

I was entertained by 'band theater'. Lucy on guitar/bass, M on drums and Huds on harmonica.

Annie blessed me by watching Lu at our house so i could volunteer to help with Huds class party.

We had a few days of sun and warm in October!

Pumpkin guts are the best.

Finished pumpkins.

My Princess Lea, what blue eyes you have...

Family dinner self photo.

Fun with my love.

Reunions are so sweet!

September 2014

Hudson started Kindergarten! This was his first day in class. So thankful I was able to join him for a little activity.

The TCBY in Gresham closed :( It was our favorite place for a little treat when they had waffle cone Wednesdays.

We braved the thorns and picked blackberries for our annual Blackberry Pie.

It was a blessing to go hiking with these two lovelies a few weeks ago.

Again, on the backroad. God opens my eyes to His beauty and something struck me about the shine of her braids in the sun with the beautiful trees in the background.

Matea was the 'Star Student' last week. We were able to join her for lunch one day.

Our Star with Buddy Bear.

Playing at Imagination Station is one of the kids favorite things.

So glad I captured this moment. They were waving goodbye to Rye. Seeing them together like this still takes my breath away a bit :)

August 2014

We LOVED doing the Multnomah Library reading program this summer and completed it about mid-way through the month.
I love the library's online system of putting beautiful books on hold - so many great stories out there!

We spent quite a bit of time in the wading pool in our backyard. Snacking on watermelon, apples and peanut butter.

Any chance we got we headed south to the 'Backroad'. This month Hudson decided it was time to take the old training wheels off! So proud of him!

We found a great new farm off Lusted Rd to pick Blueberries. Such a favorite summer treat.

Before some neighbors moved away we had some great time playing in the front yard.

Our evening reading times have become some of my favorite moments of the day. We all pile onto the bed. We finished 'On the Banks of Plum Creek'. The kids call it 'Ma & Pa'.

My mom gave me some beautiful plants to put in my front flower pot.

We've been anticipating our trip to Benchmark for months. I put together a little treasure hunt and decided to use a map as well. We charted the course from our family farm to the cabin :)

Peter's travels continued and one of his favorite trips was STINT Briefing in Chicago where he gathered with about 400 others for training before they headed overseas.

Our fearless MC Nicole

Any chance she gets she's grabbing snap peas and tomatoes off the vines. :)

Here we are on the airstrip at Benchmark. It was a cold trip, but still so beautiful and fun!

Benchmark

These 2 started school! Can't believe how grown-up they are getting. First grade for Matéa and Kindergarten for Hudster. God knew what He was doing when He orchestrated our family. I love that they have each other to go through life with!