Belated Christmas

Just wanted to pop in and say hello and share a few belated Christmas photos.

We had Christmas with  my parents and our children this past weekend. Yep, kinda late
but that is what worked out best. As it turned out our oldest son and his family were sick
with that nasty flu so they didn't get to come and we missed them a lot!

My mom has always had the kids dress up at Christmas time and this year our grands were
the stars. :)

Baby Daniel playing with his drum that we bought for him.  Just look at that big
smile! Too cute!

I think at one time during the day most all the kids played with the drum. I am beginning to think that I should
have gotten a drum for everyone. Wouldn't that have made a great photo!! :)
These photos were taken at my youngest sons home.

Anticipation...

Back to my parents house again...my dad reading the Christmas story with my sister and her hubby
in the background.

So glad I got these photos of my dad...love him to pieces!

Precious memories in the making.

A new year brings new blessings...

...and a renewed hope along with the ability to try new adventures that God has laid out before
 us. We are definitely on that path this year.

I can joyfully report that hubby found a new job and he started today.
Praising God for that wonderful blessing!

Not as much money as he was making before, but the benefits are good and there is a potential for
raises so he could be right back up to what he was making in time.

He will be on first shirt for 60-90 days and then will be going on 2nd shift. This is a little bump in the
 road because he loves to race his RC cars and he will miss that, but he is happy for a job. I told him
 to race every chance he gets before he goes on 2nd. :)  He also drives 45 minutes one way to work, but
 that is only about 15 minutes farther than he was so we are just trusting that God will keep his little
 Ford Ranger running until he can get established in this new job and we can get another vehicle.
This is certainly not what we had planned for the new year, but God often throws a kink in our
 plans doesn't He?  He does know best so we are putting our faith and trust in Him.

In a span of about six weeks my husband lost his father very suddenly , had to tell his 44 year old
 brother that he is adopted and his factory closed with no warning. If that doesn't bring a person closer
 to God, then I don't know what will, but we are humbled and thankful for Gods goodness to us.

Also, my dear father was diagnosed with pneumonia this past week , but he is doing better
so we are thanking God for His healing and watch over him.  Praying that God showers you
 with blessings that overflow in this new year!!

{Note: if you are interested in any of the above candles I sell them for $10 each plus
shipping. Just shoot me an email. }

God is good ....all the time!!

Blessings~

Snow, snow and more snow!

As many of your probably already know, we are set for a big snowstorm today and
frigid temps tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday. Can't change it so might as well
make the best of it right?

Hubby and I took a nice, long walk down our road today before the worst hit and it
was beautiful.  I just came in from taking most of these photos at 2 pm and we have
much more snow already than we had on our walk before lunch.

Looking outside my back door

Pretty berries so maybe the birdies will have something to eat this winter.

Left over apples hanging on the trees

Hubby plowing snow to try and keep ahead of what is coming, but that may not work. lol

Home sweet home...look at the snow coming down!

Another photo taken outside the back door

my fence outside the back door

Our large pine tree looks gorgeous laden with snow

Hubby was taking pictures of me taking pictures on our walk this morning! lol

 Here I am again...lol

This was on our walk earlier today when we didn't have near the snow that we have in the photos above.

It is gorgeous , but the shoveling etc. isn't so fun. ha!

Just praying that everyone stays safe and sound and comes through this winter blast okay.
Blessings~

Christmas Day

Snow, snow and more snow makes for pretty outside decor

It has been several years since our part of Michigan has actually had snow for Christmas.
Oh, we would get a tad bit, but not much at all.
I think this year is changing that.
We got NINE inches a few days ago.

What better time than to snap a few photos around the ole' homestead.
There are pine cones in the olive  basket above...underneath the snow. :)

In lieu of no job and being careful spending money , we trimmed our evergreen trees and
I added a bundle to my bench on the front porch.

I have always loved this little lantern that my daughter gave me several years ago.
Make note of this photo when you see another one later in the post with much more snow
on it. 

Wreaths with berries, pine cones from our own trees, a pretty lady statue, live greenery and an
old picnic basket...

perfect for Christmas.

I even dressed up our outside light with fake pine greenery and a red ribbon.

I didn't purchase one thing this year to decorate. Just pulled from my stash.

My little window house even says
HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Much more snow in this pic...eh? :)

A favorite sled with skates, greenery and ribbon

There are also pine cones in this clay pot...so funny. I hope to get pictures that actually
show the cones before the winter is over.

I was in the process of decorating my back porch so this stuff is not totally where I want
it , but oh well.

I hope you enjoyed your mini tour of my outside winter decor.

I pray that each one of you have a wonderful holiday season and that you will be blessed
many times over!!