January

January was full of many blessings.

The blessing of new beginnings, thoughts turned towards a whole new year ahead of us to fill with adventures and love and hopes and dreams.

The blessing of quiet snow days spent by cozy fires, hands warmed by mugs of tea, reading books cuddled on couches, and of course bundled up experiencing it hands on.

My little snow animal getting her water for the day. :)

 The blessing and honor of a visit from Lindsey-- cherished friend and kindred spirit. We spent long hours visiting at the kitchen table over cups of herbal tea or hot chocolate, building legos with Hannah, reading to both girls, soaking in the fun of story time at the Main Library, and enjoying Lindsey's sweet companionship during our every day routines. Her visit was truly a rich blessing to us all.

One of innumerable moments spent reading to one or another of the girls.

Whee!  Lindsey has such fun ideas (and great patience!)

Both girls thought it great fun to try on Lindsey's shoes!

Enjoying a walk on one of the only rain free/snow free days.
It felt so good to get some fresh air!



Helping Elanor experience the wonders of snow.

A couple days after Lindsey left the girls and I flew up to Nebraska for one last visit before the whole Barnacle world changes with the arrival of baby Tatu. And there we enjoyed the rich blessings of a whole week spent in all kinds of sister companionship.  There is nothing like sharing the joys and trials of parenting and every day life alongside my sister.  It always fills my tank up to overflowing to spend time with her.  God sure knew what he was doing when He gave me a sister!  I pray Hannah and EZB's experience will be the same.

I really enjoyed getting to see Rachel in her last trimester, feeling and seeing Tatu move and sharing in the joy of her successfully making it this far! (Tatu is due any day now!)

We took a trip to the Children's Museum, enjoyed story time at the library, running errands together, cooking, a yummy brunch with Jamie and then getting to go out just Rachel and I for a sister date. As always it was so much fun to witness Hannah and Corban's escapades and continuing friendship.  January's adventures included playing on the snow covered trampoline--running in circles giggling and laughing at every trip, tumble and bounce, taking bubble baths, body painting, wrestle matches with Uncle Bryan, listening to Veggie Tales sound tracks, elaborate pretend play with toy dinosaurs, and having an early celebration of Hannah's fourth birthday.

We flew home February first with the blessings of Hannah's fourth birthday just around the corner and a much anticipated visit from my parents to look forward to.  Hopefully I'll get to post about them soon! :)

Belated Christmas Recap!

Christmas with the Browns is always such a joy!  I remember my first couple of Christmas' with my inlaws feeling lonely, missing my own family traditions, being overwhelmed with theirs but also feeling so loved and welcomed.  Now 16 Christmas' later, nine spent with the Browns, their traditions have long become mine and I feel just as much a part of their family as my own.  What a joy it is to be married not only to my husband but into his family.  No other time of year makes me remember that more than Christmas.  I look forward to our years with them just as much as to the Christmas' spent with my side of the family.

Enjoy the smilebox slide show!  A little Christmas in February never hurt anyone. :)

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